September 3, 2006

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

Someone recently stated that "the first day of the new year isn't really January 1st. For most people its the Tuesday following Labor Day." This is the last weekend of those "lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer." Our parish youth group and their wonderful parents have been hard at work for weeks preparing for their major fundraiser - a giant yard sale. Friday was a simply perfect kick-off day for such an event but today's rain made things difficult. Last night anything that might not already be undercover of several tents was moved to our pavilion.

In spite of the rain - spirits and sales have been very good.

On the cover of this week's bulletin, I've reproduced an edited version of a wonderful editorial that appeared in this week's America magazine concerning the Minimum Wage. I hope that you'll open the bulletin attachment to read this editorial as part of your Labor Day reflection. Or check out the America website: www.americamagazine.org

Have a good week. Serve each other well.

Ray

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Bulletin: September 3, 2006

September 3 , 2006

My second full week of vacation at Chautauqua was an enjoyable one filled with interesting lectures by Washington Post political writer David Broder and singer, dancer, actress Rita Moreno, the stress relieving comedy of Loretta LaRoche and music by the Chautauqua Symphony, the Beach Boys, Gary Puckett and B. J. Thomas.  I was acutely aware that the audience for the Beach Boys was, by in large, grey haired and slightly paunchy.  At first I was uncomfortable being in the presence of so many old people who shared my taste in music. Then I realized that many were younger than me.  Another life lesson begrudgingly learned.  I’m older than many old people.

Regrettably, our long scheduled vacation plans did not allow me to join Fr. Peter, Maureen O’Neil, Fr. O’Connor and about 30 other committed souls who attended second CSCP Mass and Picnic at a rain soaked Mossy Bank Park.  Two years ago we cut our vacation short to get back in time for this gathering—but suggesting such a move this year would have put me in the dog-house with someone that I dearly love and have been married to for 39 years. Special thanks to Al Hanning and Paul Wolfe who represent us on the Central Steuben Catholic Parishes’ Implementation Committee. They do great work throughout the year on our behalf and we are blest to have them in our corner.

Speaking of Al and Paul, I returned from vacation to find  this dedicated duo, (along with our custodian George Hoffman) hard at work cleaning and painting the great arch in the front of our Church.  Al was on a twenty foot scaffold demonstrating that he is not afraid of heights. He received help from Freida and Mamma Rosa Fiordo and Gen Kashmer. While Freida and Gen held the ladder and passed up buckets of sudsy water to Al, Mama Rosa kept busy wringing out the washrags and towels. Thanks to Al for spearheading this project and for all who have or will help with this project. You are true stewards of our church and a treasure to our parish. Now, Al would like to take on the side walls of the church, but will need even more help.  If you can spare a few hours, give Al a call.

The weeks leading up to Labor Day have brought forth many generous laborers to assist our Youth Group with this weekend’s Rummage Sale. I’ve recognized Amy and Elton Badeau, John and Nancy Cardona, John and Vivian (Strache) Pronko, Bill and Penny McNamara, Don and Erin Young, Melissa Adams and Fr. Peter to name a few.   I’ll let Mary Carol take care of additional acknowledgements in a future bulletin.

On this Labor Day I also want to recognize our dedicated pastoral and support   staff who bless us with their ministry and special talents.  You don’t make a lot of money by laboring in the Lord’s vineyard but the rewards are Divine.

Have a great Labor Day weekend. Serve on another well!