It has been another beautiful but very active weekend.

This morning we celebrated Mass in our parish's Pavilion, a large covered picnic area near the back of our church grounds. About 150 people joined
us for Mass and a Parish Picnic celebrating the WE ARE FAMILY. One of the
highlights for me was the involvement of many young people ages 5 to 17. The carried original banners and an altar-cloth, read readings and prayers and acted out the Gospel and my homily on how the "Corporal Works of Mercy are lived through the ministries of our Parish Family. The high schoolers were especially creative in acting our scenarios and challenging the congregation to figure out which "Corporal Work of Mercy" they were performing.

Earlier this week 5 prospective RCIA candidates attended an Inquiry session on the process of preparing for baptism and or full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Knowing that at least two or possibly three more people have expressed interest has filled me with enthusiasm for the wonderful process of conversion.

Saturday our parish bid farewell to Helen Baird (age 92) who was a long-time active parishioner of St. Mary's and whose daughter Betsy Carisetti who, along with husband Dominec and children Michael and Maria, is among our most faithful stewards of the Faith.

Saturday evening I joined Pat in Rochester for a surprise birthday party for my sister Linda who a few days earlier had surpassed the big 60. Linda is among my very favorite people. Congratulations to her husband Bob for pulling off the surprise. It was great fun.

Blessings to all . . .

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September 25, 2005

Parish Kicks off Celebration of the Year of the Family

Last weekend we kicked off our Catechetical Year
and this week we celebrate our intention to make this year at St. Mary’s - The Year of the Family.
FAMILY is a generous word in that it includes relationships ranging from the small nuclear family, to the Family of Mankind. Our year-long celebration will run the gamut.

We’ll celebrate both our Parish Family and the nuclear
families and individuals that make up our Parish Family. Because becoming welcoming and “Family Friendly” is integral to our parish vision, we’ll offer welcome and special activities for both young adults and families with young children. And work extra hard to invite and welcome them into our Parish Family.

We’ll encourage the many wonderful baptized Christians
who join us for Mass each week with their Roman Catholic spouse - to take the next step and join us as full members
of the Church. This process need not be burdensome and we’ll strive to make it also “user friendly.”

We’ll welcome un-baptized people to join
us through an expanded Inquiry and RCIA process and, if they choose, “elect” them as membership of our Church in early Lent
and Sacramentally initiate them at our Easter Vigil with Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
And we’ll continue to celebrate, cherish and involve in ministry and Parish Life the wonderful, caring, people of all ages who make up our St. Mary’s Parish Family.

Today’s FAMILY MASS begins St. Mary’s Year
of the Family. I pray that your family will embrace these efforts and invite friends and family members to participate in our parish life.

Congratulations and Condolences

Last Saturday I had the great privilege of officiating at the marriage of Suzanne
Fagan and Jim Kennedy. Many of you know Suzanne as a Bath native and part of the Fagan’s
Funeral Home and Furniture businesses. Jim is the parishioner who looks even more like Santa
Claus than I do. The joyous wedding featured music by St. Mary’s Choir.

Condolences to the Fagan Family on the death of their matriarch Sally Fagan and to Betsy Carisetti and her
family on the death of her mother Helen Baird.

Have a good week. Serve one another well.

I pray that you will enjoy this visit, and if you like,
                                          E-Mail me with your comments

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