March 4, 2007

Dear friends in life and in ministry  . . .

This afternoon about 100 people from throughout the Southern Tier of the Diocese of Rochester were greeted by Bishop Clark at Rite of Election ceremonies held at St. Mary's Church in Corning.  At our 9 a.m. Mass, our parish prayed over and "sent to the Bishop" one "Catechumen", Marilyn Hultzman, and David, Joshua, and Stephanie DuBois, Willard Hughes, Paula Gardner and Wayne Patterson ("Candidate"s seeking full communion with the Catholic Church). Now, these folks will continue their Lenten journey with weekly Rites which will reach a glorious conclusion at the Easter Vigil. It was a glorious celebration.

On Wednesday night I was the presenter at our Lenten Spiritual Enrichment Series.  I used a power point presentation to review the scriptural and theological underpinnings of Stewardship as presented in the US Bishops' 1992 Pastoral Letter: Stewardship - A Disciple's Response.  It is difficult being an "expert" when you aren't from at least 50 miles out of town. But the group - that attended (about 40) were polite and receptive. Next Wednesday our series continues with a viewing of "An Inconvenient Truth" and a discussion of our Stewardship of the earth.

My article this weekend may not be of much interest to most of you as it concerns our parish's contractual relationship with the Bath Community Day Care which leases our former school building.

Recommended reading for all is a very inspirational article by Mary Carol Wall, our faith formation and youth ministry coordinator who has just completed her last chemotherapy.

Have a blessed week. Serve one another well.

Deacon Ray

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Bulletin: March 4, 2007