October 30, 2005
Dear friends in life and in ministry,
The weather is beautiful this weekend!
If you want to experience a "joyful noise" attend the 2007 National Catholic Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio. After returning Sunday afternoon with our delegation of 21 parish teens and adults, I can testify to it being an awesome experience of God's powerful love for both teens and their adult chaperones. This year's NCYC - held in Atlanta's Georgia Dome and Georgia Convention Center featured keynotes by truly inspiring and talented people, well choreographed music and liturgical dance. About 10 television cameras and production techniques that we've grown to expect at football games - captured the faces and spirit of both the speakers and enthusiastic audience and projected it to a giant screen behind the speaker.
The two hour closing Eucharistic liturgy was so prayerful and uplifting - that not one of the 20,000 young members of the congregation even thought of leaving early. Bishop Wilton Gregory concelebrated this closing Mass along with our own Bishop Clark and about ten other Bishops and hundreds of priests and just enough deacons to proclaim the Gospel and assist in the distribution of Communion.
I'll no doubt be writing more on the NCYC in next week's Sent to Serve column, but my enthusiasm remains high as I write this on Monday evening.
Later this week (November 4) I'll hit what used to be Social Security age (62). Unfortunately, that age is creeping up every year so It'll be 2009 till I'll be eligible for full benefits. Say a quick prayer for me on Friday.
Today's column contains some thoughts on All Saints and All Souls plus some parish updates.
Blessings to all . . .
October 30, 2005
THE FEASTS OF ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS
This week we celebrate the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls. This year All Saint’s Day is a Holy Day of Obligation for Roman Catholics. While not an obligatory Holy Day, the Feast of All Souls is of special importance to Catholics — especially those who have lost loved ones over the past year.
The Feast of All Saints - Tuesday, November 1st
The Feast of All Saints is the celebration of our relationship with those in the triumphant church - those who have preceded us into heaven. It began with local festivals in the early church. Ever since there were Christian martyrs, local churches have honored their martyrs. Lists were kept locally and feast days were held locally.
Of course there were martyrs who were not recorded for various reasons. In the sixth century, Pope Boniface IV proclaimed the Feast of All Holy Martyrs to honor all martyrs not listed in local records. In 835, Pope Gregory IV changed the name to the Feast of All Saints. This change probably became about because there was a change in the customs regarding who was listed as a "Saint." In the early years of the Church, only martyrs were given that title, but after the Roman persecutions ended the title was given to others who had led meritorious lives and who were credited with miraculous intercession.
The Feast of All Souls - Wednesday, November 2nd
While the Feast of All Saints remembers the glories of Heaven and those there, the Feast of All Souls (November 2) reminds us of our obligations to live holy lives and that there will be purification of the souls of those destined for Heaven - in this life or in purgatory.
The Feast of All Souls owes its beginning to seventh century monks who offered Mass on the day after Pentecost for their deceased community members. In the late tenth century, other monasteries chose to move their Mass for their dead to November 2, the day after the Feast of All Saints. This custom spread and in the thirteenth century, Rome put the feast on the calendar of the entire Church. The date remained November 2 so that all in the Communion of the Saints might be celebrated together.
ALL SOULS DAY - MASS OF REMEMBRANCE - 7:00 P.M.
At this special Mass of Remembrance, we will read the names of parishioners and loved ones who have gone to the Lord over the past year. Family members have been invited to light a candle and the Bell choir and Choir will provide special music. This is an especially significant service as it calls to mind the souls who have touched our lives through their love and care for us.
Special Blessings From Atlanta
As mentioned last week, 22 parish teens and adults including Mary Carol Wall and I left Wednesday for Atlanta this weekend for Winds of Change - the National Catholic Youth Convention. We join over 20,000 young Catholics from around the country including about 700 from the Diocese of Rochester, which is again this year boasts the largest delegation. Bishop Matthew Clark, who until recently chaired the US Council of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Youth Ministry is also in attendance. Our Bishop’s love of young people and comfort in being in their presence has endeared him to not only our delegation but young people from other diocese as well.
Sunday afternoon when we return, I’m sure I’ll be in dire need of sleep but also blessed by my experiences with our teens and chaperones. My fondest hope is that our young pilgrims will not only enjoy this special event, but come away with a renewed understanding of their own power to minister to each other and the many young people who need to hear the Good News of God’s love for them. All of us who have journeyed to Atlanta are grateful for your prayers and support.
Year of The Eucharist Ends
This weekend we conclude our parish celebration of the Year of the Eucharist proclaimed by the late John Paul II. As we end our monthly First Friday adorations, I want to express the parish’s gratitude to Kathy Donnelly who organized this effort, Deacon Ed Wight and the many faithful parishioners who prayed before the Blessed Sacrament.
Thanks Carol. You’ll Be Missed.
While I have been away, Carol Hall worked her last day as our Bulletin/Calendar Secretary — a position she has held for over six years. Carol is a gracious and talented person of great faith and love for St. Mary’s. She has also been a trusted member of our parish staff. I will miss her wonderful sense of humor (frequently at my expense) and generous caring spirit. She will not miss my compulsive tweaking of our parish bulletin and any other printed material I lay my hands on. Thanks Carol. You are loved.
Father John Wydeven Arrives
As Carol was clearing her desk, Fr. John Wydeven was moving into St. Mary’s Rectory. Fr. John recently retired as a military chaplain in Texas and has been hired as the new Roman Catholic Chaplain at the Bath VA. I am delighted to have Fr. Wydeven in our community and residing in our Rectory.
Asking for Money is No Fun - So Thanks
I am grateful for those of you who responded so positively and generously last weekend to both the World Mission Sunday envelope and my request for your participation in the Diocesan Ministry Appeal. As you may recall, our parish goal and quota for this annual appeal is $27,244. Last year we fell about $10,000 short of that goal and in June I was required to write a check from parish funds to cover the shortfall. This fiscal year began July 1st and, thanks to you, for three straight months our revenues have equaled or slightly exceeded our expenses. (This happened only rarely last year.) It is very difficult for me to have to ask again for money since I recognize that these are not the best financial times for any of us. I truly appreciate your generosity, patience and personal sacrifices.
Have a good week. Serve one another well.
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