September 2, 2007

Dear friends in life and in ministry  . . .

It was a gorgeous weekend for a wedding. Yesterday (Saturday) at noon, as church bells rang from the bell tower at St. Gabriel's, Hammondsport, my daughter Annie and her fiance Jason Goodreau stepped into the church. About twenty family members greeted the couple who, following scripture readings from the Song of Songs, Sirach, the Letter to the Corinthians and John's Gospel, and a brief homily by her deacon father, pledged their desire to "love and honor each other as husband and wife for the rest of their lives."  Following prayers for the couple and the nuptial blessing, Jack joined the couple as all present extended a final blessing on the new family. The families gathered at the home of Jason's motherand step-father for a casual reception. Annie's brother Chris offered the couple a newly composed song ("Crazy in the Best Way") while her sister Monica and her significant other Nate met the members of Jason's family. It was a day of
great joy and blessing for both families and especially for this new family. God is so good.

Our parish young people and some very, very dedicated parents and supportive adults worked day and night this weekend at the Youth Group's annual Rummage Sale.  The sale raises money to help underwrite the groups November trip to the National Catholic Youth Convention in Columbus.

My column this week salutes Karen Grimmer who has recently left our staff. I'm also attaching part two of a series on Islam.

Have a blessed Labor Day.

Deacon Ray

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Bulletin: September 2nd, 2007