A lesson learned last weekend while enroute to officiating at a
wedding inspired this week's column which I've entitled "Accident Brings Reminder of our Connectedness."
Also below, you'll find the last in our series on The Basics of Islam. I've also attached a Word document which contains the entire series. Each of us can play a part in bringing about peace and understanding among people of Faith. My prayer is that the series will help us in some small way to think a little less stereotypically and work within our communities to build friendships with people who experience God's love differently than ourselves.
Crisp autumn days have arrived and within the next week or so the hills surrounding Corning will be ablaze with color. Praise be to God!
I heard this week from several members of my eighth grade graduation class from St. Charles Borromeo School in Greece (Rochester), New York which a few weeks ago gathered for a 50th anniversary Reunion. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend but have enjoyed seeing photos of the event and touching base with several people that I have not seen in at least 45 years if not 50. Many of them will be receiving this weekly email for the first time. Hope you enjoy.
New and long time recipients are reminded . . . If you'd rather not receive these mailings - which generally include my bulletin article "Sent to Serve", let me know and I'll remove you from my email list (but not my friend list).
I also heard this week from College Newman Club friends Marlene and Bud Stevens who have requested your prayers for Pat Wlos (Cancer), Bud's brother Fred who is having lung surgery this week and another of their friends (Cathy) who is having a rough time with MS.
Have a joyous week.
Deacon Ray
Click image for printable document...
(Adobe PDF file, plugin needed)
Over the years, God has blessed me with many wonderful opportunites to
minister. As a Roman Catholic permanent deacon of the Diocese of
Rochester, New York, (ordained 1982), I have served in a wide variety
of ministries. Whether I am ministering to my parish, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, travel or retreat groups (e.g. Cursillo, Walk
to Emmaus, Koiniania, Pre Cana, Youth) - music has played an important
role in opening doors and hearts.
This website is an
extension of that ministry. Here you'll find the lyrics to many of my
prayer-songs and, if you like, purchase from a collection of CDs I've recorded.
There's also information about tours and pilgrimages that my wife Pat and I
occasionally host and links to web sites I've found interesting.
