OUTREACH CELEBRATION

I am writing this column on Tuesday prior to our Outreach celebration which took place this past Friday night. As we approached the date, more than 275 parishioners responded that they would be attending the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Parish Outreach. In addition to commemorating this wonderful parish ministry, we extended our thanks and appreciation to Sr. Margie for her 25 years of ministry here at Holy Name. We began with mass and then proceeded to the auditorium for a dinner and a few presentations. I am sure everything will have gone very well. Mary Sheffield of the Pastoral Council chaired the event and did a great job coordinating all the people and activities. I’ll be able to share more next week.

We all know that Sr. Margie has been a great gift not only to Parish Outreach but to all of Holy Name Parish and to our local community. It is rather unusual at this time in the life of a parish and the church for someone to minister in a parish for 25 years. Sr. Margie has touched so many lives in these 25 years and she still brings a creativity and enthusiasm to all that she does. She loves this parish and the parish loves Sr. Margie. She has been a person of great support and wisdom for me. Our lives have intersected in many ways these past 45 years or so. Our families lived on the same street in West Hempstead, just four houses away; our parents knew one another; I served as an altar server at masses where Mr. Kelly was lector. Sr. Margie’s sister and my cousin were husband and wife; we mourned together his death on September 11, 2001. We have been acquaintances for more than 40 years, and now have ministered together and been good friends these past 8 years. Sr. Margie has been for me an example of what it means to be a pastoral minister in a parish community. I am delighted to share in this special time as we celebrate her 40 years as a Sister of St. Joseph and her 25 years as Director of Parish Outreach. I will be able to share more with you about our celebration.

FATHER ROBERT

Along with all of you, I was surprised last week to learn of Fr. Robert’s appointment as Pastor of St. Isidore parish in Riverhead. Although I would love for Fr. Robert to remain with us for many additional years, I understand that Fr. Robert’s assignment as Pastor is a very positive one for St. Isidore’s and for Fr. Robert. I consider Fr. Rovert a close friend and a great priest. He has offered tremendous support and assistance to me these past five years. He has made my ministry as pastor an easier one not only because of his ministry but also because he has helped to make the rectory a very happy place to live for the priests.

Fr. Robert’s ministry to the parish has been very helpful to so many. He brings a cheerful spirit, a generous giving of self, and a wealth of compassion to all that he does. We have been graced by his priesthood these many years. Many of you have developed a friendship with Robert and you will miss him and his wonderful gifts.

We will have an opportunity to thank Fr. Robert and celebrate his becoming a pastor on Saturday, June 21. Fr. Robert will preside at the 5:00 p.m. mass that day, and we will have an outdoor block and lawn party in his honor immediately after mass. More information is included in the bulletin. Many people will want to express their gratitude and appreciation to Fr. Robert on that day and many volunteers will be needed to help with the party. In addition to the information provided in the bulletin, you may wish to volunteer to help with the party by calling our Family Ministry office at 887-1481. Mrs. Rosemary Pettei will coordinate this volunteer effort. All are welcome to help.

“I PRAY FOR THEM”

Evidently, much is happening in our parish. Next week, we celebrate Pentecost, the sending of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church. It will be my privilege on Pentecost to confirm five parishioners at the 10:30 mass. At the noon and 1:15 masses next Sunday, we will celebrate the First Communion of about a dozen older children. At 3:00, I will baptize several infants. In addition, we will be celebrating Mother’s Day. One of our Mother’s Day traditions is to have a Mother’s Day Novena during which we have the opportunity to pray for all our mothers, both living and deceased. You can include your mom by using one of the envelopes that are available in the church today and placing your envelope in the collection basket this week or next.

In today’s Gospel, I am always struck by this image we are given, “Jesus raised his eyes to heaven.” We are told that Jesus is at prayer. Later during his prayer to the Father, we are told Jesus said, “I pray for them.” We may include ourselves in this group for whom Jesus prayed. And we would do well to include one another in our prayer as we experience these many and holy events that fill our parish calendar this spring. Please include me in your prayers as I include you in my prayer.

Sincerely in Christ,