March 2, 2007

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

As I get older, I am becoming more aware of how fast time moves on. Today is the first day of March. Snow fell last night in the Southern tier of New York State but, if the adage is still accurate, in thirty days or so the wintery lion will show signs of becoming a spring lamb.

Today (Saturday) about 100 people from throughout the five parishes in our diocesan planning group will meet for lunch and presentations concerning our regional 5-year plan. While we don't know what the future will bring, meetings like this set a tone of cooperation that will become more and more essential in years to come.

Already in our diocese, most parishes are involved in some form of consolidation of pastoral leadership and services. The parishes of our regional planning group remain independent, but three share a single pastor and my parish (St. Mary's) and neighboring St. Gabriel's Hammondsport share Fr. Peter Anglaaere of Ghana as our sacramental minister.

Ten to fifteen years ago no one would have imagined how parish leadership and make-up would so rapidly change. Yet change is inevitable and, while sometimes difficult - in God's providence - change can also be a great blessing. I thank God for the changes in our Church that have so blessed my life and given me many opportunities to use my gifts in service to God, the Church and community.

God's blessings to you and those you love!

Today we begin the fourth week of Lent. I wonder how your time in the desert is going? Again this Lent, I am trying to make more time for both prayer and exercise. Typically, my life is filled with noise and activity and I find it very challenging to be still and allow God to whisper to me in the quiet of my heart. I also find it challenging to get myself to HealthWorks fitness center in Painted Post where I’ve been a member for years but sporadic in my visits. Fortunately, I’ve also pledged to be gentle on myself when I fail to meet these challenges.

Lenten Series features Ecumenical Taizé Prayer

I’ve sensed a much more relaxed atmosphere at this year’s Lenten Dinner and Discussion Series. But perhaps the really relaxed one is me. In past years, great amounts of time and energy was put into recruiting speakers for our Wednesday night programs. This year, we have instead utilized the gift of DVD technology to present, reflect on and discuss the Sunday Lenten Gospels. For the last two week’s we’ve been using a DVD by gifted singer, storyteller and Christian educator ValLamar Jansen. Attendance has averaged about 36 people, nearly the same as last year and participation in our small group discussions has been very good.

This week’s program will feature a brief explanation of Taizé Prayer by Roxanne Gaylord, music minister at St. Thomas Episcopal Church followed by a hour of beautiful, reflective and very sing-able Taizé music. An added blessing will be the presence of friends from several local churches who will join us in prayer. Please make this evening a Lenten priority and bring the family.

Shining Light on Governor Spitzer’s Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act This week I have become more aware of a call to a responsibility that we all share. There is proposed legislation moving into the state government that I have serious concerns about. Governor Elliot Spitzer is pushing the RHAPP – The Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act. While it has an innocent and positive sounding title, it contains some very difficult and challenging provisions for people (like us) who believe in the sanctity of life.

Kathleen Gallagher, the spokesperson for the Bishops of New York State on Pro-Life issues, has produced an excellent 9-minute video overview of this proposed legislation which does not reflect our Catholic conviction that life is sacred at all stages of human development. You can check it out on the New York Catholic Bishop’s website:
http://www.nyscatholic.org/pages/home/home.asp

After you see this video, take action by contacting Senator George Winner and Assemblyman Jim Bacalles to voice your dissatisfaction with what the Governor proposes. You can easily do this by clicking on the “Take Action Now” button and indicate your opposition to this proposed legislation. All you have to do is sign your name and an email will be sent to these state legislators in your name. While I am not personally acquainted with Senator Winner, I consider Jim Bacalles a friend and am sure that he will appreciate hearing from you and others concerned with RHAPP. Please consider doing this. It is a great way to put your faith into action during this Lenten Season.

Throughout Lent, our bulletin will offer information about this proposed legislation and its potential effect on our community. The Lighthouse logo is a reminder that we are called by Baptism to be a light in this world illuminating the way to the Lord by the way we live, love and stand up for what we believe.

The pillars of our Lenten tradition are prayer, fasting and the giving of alms. Just as there are many forms of prayer, there are also many types of almsgiving. We give of our resources and we choose to life more simply so that other may simply life. “Operation Rice Bowl” is one such opportunity in which we can share our resources with others. This project of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has a long tradition and we are happy to be part of it. You can pick up one of these Lenten reminders to give alms to the poor at a table near the entrance of the church. Some folks use these as a way to educate their children as to the plight of the poor of our world and of our responsibility towards them. Do consider raising your awareness in this way.

Have a great fourth week of Lent. Serve one another well.

Deacon Ray

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Bulletin: March 2nd, 2008