June 15, 2008

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

Just a short note this weekend to keep in touch. Unfortunately I have temporarily lost the network server files which typically reside on my laptop. So this update will not include either my Sent to Serve column or a link to my bulletin. Next Friday or so, when my files are restored, I'll pass it along to you.

Following a joyous Sunday Mass and breakfast at which we celebrated the accomplishments of our parish's graduating seniors, Pat and I left for Chautauqua. Pat will begin her nine week stint as House Manager of Catholic House - a beautiful Victorian Home in the center of the Chautauqua Institution. Each week she will welcome twelve guests and two priest chaplains.

I'm here through Thursday to experience a retreat day with the Catholic Community here and help Pat get things ready for the first guests. During the remainder of the Summer, I'll spend a few days each week at Catholic House and the remainder at the parish office in Bath or home in Corning.

Monday was a day of losses.

As mentioned earlier, I managed to lose 90% of the files in my laptop. Since I typically work on both my parish bulletin and this weekly note via an internet link with the office, this loss was both frustrating and time consuming. I also spent 6 hours in the WCA Hospital ER in Jamestown where I eventually lost a kidney stone. What an adventure. But I'm feeling about 1000% better than I was for days before this "loss".

But now, with the relatively small stone safely stored in a plastic cup awaiting examination by my doctor in Corning, and next week's bulletin finally sent to the printer, I'm ready to actually enjoy a few days of relaxation in this beautiful setting.

Have a good week. Serve one another well.

Deacon Ray

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Bulletin: June 15th, 2008