October 29, 2006

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

Its late on Sunday evening bug I want to get this our before hitting the sack.

Yesterday I had the joyful privilege of officiating at the marriage of Emily Rosenbloom and Erik Kushto at Norton Chapel of Keuka College. It was my 5th Catholic/Jewish wedding since being ordained 24 years ago. But this was the first I've done without a rabbi being present. The couple put together a beautiful ceremony that celebrated both faith traditions. My script included at least one line of Hebrew. Fortunately no-one laughed at what I'm sure was a gross mispronunciation.

There is one more wedding on my docket this year and that one is next Friday when Erin Lanahan and Patrick Dugan share vows at St. Michael's Church in Penn Yan, NY. I really enjoy officiating at marriages and look forward to celebrating with the Lanahan and Dugan families who I have known for many years.

Today at Mass we celebrated World Youth Sunday with a joyful entrance procession of children waving colorful streamers. After Communion, we distributed the Hands of Christ Award to several High School Seniors who actively live their faith. One, Christina Cardona, gave a very inspirational witness about her journey of faith. Then Fr. peter blessed the young people and their parents. It was a great liturgy. God is good!

Ray

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Bulletin: October 29, 2006

October 29, 2006

Defining Stewardship & Discovering Stewards at Saint Mary’s Among the words we’ve been using more and more is Stewardship.

Most jump to the conclusion that when we mention Stewardship—we are really talking about money.   It may surprise you to know that our Stewardship Committee guided by Jim Gallagher of the Parish Council has met monthly for about five months to create a “Stewardship Plan” - and has yet to discuss money.

What we have discussed is the underlying concept of Christian stewardship put forth in a little book on the subject by the late Bishop of Saginaw Michigan, Ken Untener. Here is the concept: All people are God’s stewards because everything that exists belongs to God.

Laws about ownership may help to keep good order in society. But legal “ownership” can be deceptive. A person “owns” something in the sense that other human beings can’t claim it for themselves. For example, to take another persons car is auto theft.   But in relation to God, no one ultimately owns anything. God is the owner of everything that exists. God created it, and it is God who continually keeps it in existence.  So the fundamental concept of stewardship is that everything belongs to God.

At our meetings we have discussed with great appreciation the great number of St. Mary’s parishioners seem to understand and live by that definition of stewardship. Between now and Lent, we’ve decided to ask some of these parishioners to share with you how they are putting their love for this parish and its mission into action. Each weekend at Mass, we’ll pray for a specific parish or community based ministry and invite a parishioner engaged in the ministry to tell us about it.  Our hope is that people who are not currently involved in at least one ministry (the second class ticket holders mentioned in last weekend’s homily) - will be enticed to get involved.

This weekend, as part of our celebration of World Youth Sunday. Christina Cardona will speak of the ministry that she is involved in with other teens. During November, we’ll hear from parishioners who steward ministries that feed the hungry in our community and parish, bring communion and fellowship to our nursing home parishioners and comfort the dying. All giving back to God - the gifts of time and talent that they have been given.   Each demonstrating their stewardship of gifts that ultimately belong to God.

RCIA Sessions Begin

On Wednesday night we held our first RCIA session.  If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith there is still plenty of time to join the process. Our next session is on November 15th.

Have a good week. Serve one another well.
Deacon Ray