This morning we brought our week long Vacation Bible School for the parishes of Saint Agnes and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton to a close in a wonderful way. The program used this year was The Serengeti, focusing upon Africa, lions and giraffes and zebras (the three groups of children), and the Faith that is ours and is shared by so many on that continent.
The youngsters looked at four plus saints: a mother/son team of Monica (a woman who lived her Faith amid disdain) and her son, Augustine, both from Northern Africa (Augustine was bishop of Hippo and a great champion of the Faith) ... a brave young catechist from Uganda named Charles Lwanga and his companions who were martyred for the Faith in the late 1800's ... and Josephine Bakhita, a slave from the Sudan who became the ward of an Italian diplomat and was brought to Italy, to the Catholic Faith, and who entered Religious life. She died the year I was born - 1947 - and was canonized in 2000 by Pope John Paul II (I was honored to be present for the canonization).
The kids enjoyed learning about Faith, about Saints, making crafts, sharing snacks and learning great songs and skits with which they serenaded us this morning in a closing program. There were about eighty kids up through grade five, with almost an equal number of adults and older kids as helpers. Their closing program was outstanding, and all involved with the week deserve great credit.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Witnessing
Here are three examples of the witness to Faith that conveys truth and inspires people from my perspective.
Yesterday was the Feast of Corpus Christi in most of the world. I watched the liturgical celebration from Rome of Mass, Eucharistic Procession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament led by our Holy Father on EWTN. The procession from Saint John Lateran where Mass was celebrated to Saint Mary Major where the closing took place, was along a normally very busy street, set aside for this occasion by the Roman authorities, and was particularly beautiful. To see thousands upon thousands of the faithful lining the streets and in the procession itself with the Blessed Sacrament, in reverent and prayerful attitude, witnessed to the power of faith and the presence of Church in a very large and secular city. It was moving and edifying.
Last Saturday I went to see a new movie entitled "For Greater Glory" directed by Dean Wright. Starring Andy Garcia, Eva Longoria and Peter O'Toole among a large cast, it is an historical drama of dark days in the Mexican Republic in the early 1920, days of persecution for the poor, for farmers and for the Catholic Church in particular. The denial of basic rights, including freedom of religion, were fought against in often violent ways in an armed conflict known as the Cristeros War and by a group called the Cristeros. Their rallying cry was "Viva, Christo Rey!" - "Long live, Christ the King". The story centers on a retired general of little faith who is enlisted to lead the Cristeros and who comes to deep faith and a young boy in his teens who stands up for his faith even under torture and with the threat of death hanging over him, and who eventually is put to death for not denying Christ even to save his own life. Pope Benedict has declared this young man, Jose, a blessed of the church. He was played in a remarkable way by Mauricio Kuri.
The critics panned the movie as being too Catholic in scope, too boring in presentation, too preachy in tone. Yet I found it at first a little slow moving, but eventually very inspiring. It was in 10th place at the box office with $1.9 million brought in this week, but it is showing in only 757 theatres. Of the 354 fan reviews that I saw on Fandango today, 14 said that they'll pass or told us not see it, but the vast majority found it inspiring and definitely worth while. One shared an observation that I had experienced at the screening on Saturday. With a sizable crowd present, nearly everyone stayed for all of the credits (and they had not fallen asleep). The Knights of Columbus is promoting the film since they have a mention in it. Many of the Cristeros were K of C members.
This is true witnessing ... not in easy times but in the most challenging of times. We need the example of such witnessing ... not to violence but to strength and conviction of spirit. After being tortured, young Jose was brought to his empty grave where his family were standing and told to renounce the Cristeros. His mother pleaded with him "Just say the words!" He looked at her with tears in his eyes, told her he loved her, then said "Viva, Christo Rey!" He was then stabbed, shot in the head, and kicked into his grave. And this was not just Hollywood ... this actually happened. Talk about witness.
And yesterday I came across another kind of witness to the grace and mercy of God. It is a book entitled "A Lost Shepherd" An ex-priest's Journey from Sin to Salvation by Michael Ripple, a friend of mine. Since I know Mike, I'll let the comments from the cover by Father Larry Richards speak for the book. "Come and walk with a man on his journey from faith, to sin, to redemption. It is the story of the power of grace and the love of our Father and how he calls each of us home no matter how far we might have strayed. Read this book and believe in Christ's mercy and redemption and you will be touched!" The book is published by New Hope Press.
I give Mike great credit. I can't imagine writing about my life in such detail. It takes courage and since God is given the glory and his Mother, Mary, the acknowledgement of guidance, it, too, gives witness to Faith.
Yesterday was the Feast of Corpus Christi in most of the world. I watched the liturgical celebration from Rome of Mass, Eucharistic Procession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament led by our Holy Father on EWTN. The procession from Saint John Lateran where Mass was celebrated to Saint Mary Major where the closing took place, was along a normally very busy street, set aside for this occasion by the Roman authorities, and was particularly beautiful. To see thousands upon thousands of the faithful lining the streets and in the procession itself with the Blessed Sacrament, in reverent and prayerful attitude, witnessed to the power of faith and the presence of Church in a very large and secular city. It was moving and edifying.
Last Saturday I went to see a new movie entitled "For Greater Glory" directed by Dean Wright. Starring Andy Garcia, Eva Longoria and Peter O'Toole among a large cast, it is an historical drama of dark days in the Mexican Republic in the early 1920, days of persecution for the poor, for farmers and for the Catholic Church in particular. The denial of basic rights, including freedom of religion, were fought against in often violent ways in an armed conflict known as the Cristeros War and by a group called the Cristeros. Their rallying cry was "Viva, Christo Rey!" - "Long live, Christ the King". The story centers on a retired general of little faith who is enlisted to lead the Cristeros and who comes to deep faith and a young boy in his teens who stands up for his faith even under torture and with the threat of death hanging over him, and who eventually is put to death for not denying Christ even to save his own life. Pope Benedict has declared this young man, Jose, a blessed of the church. He was played in a remarkable way by Mauricio Kuri.
The critics panned the movie as being too Catholic in scope, too boring in presentation, too preachy in tone. Yet I found it at first a little slow moving, but eventually very inspiring. It was in 10th place at the box office with $1.9 million brought in this week, but it is showing in only 757 theatres. Of the 354 fan reviews that I saw on Fandango today, 14 said that they'll pass or told us not see it, but the vast majority found it inspiring and definitely worth while. One shared an observation that I had experienced at the screening on Saturday. With a sizable crowd present, nearly everyone stayed for all of the credits (and they had not fallen asleep). The Knights of Columbus is promoting the film since they have a mention in it. Many of the Cristeros were K of C members.
This is true witnessing ... not in easy times but in the most challenging of times. We need the example of such witnessing ... not to violence but to strength and conviction of spirit. After being tortured, young Jose was brought to his empty grave where his family were standing and told to renounce the Cristeros. His mother pleaded with him "Just say the words!" He looked at her with tears in his eyes, told her he loved her, then said "Viva, Christo Rey!" He was then stabbed, shot in the head, and kicked into his grave. And this was not just Hollywood ... this actually happened. Talk about witness.
And yesterday I came across another kind of witness to the grace and mercy of God. It is a book entitled "A Lost Shepherd" An ex-priest's Journey from Sin to Salvation by Michael Ripple, a friend of mine. Since I know Mike, I'll let the comments from the cover by Father Larry Richards speak for the book. "Come and walk with a man on his journey from faith, to sin, to redemption. It is the story of the power of grace and the love of our Father and how he calls each of us home no matter how far we might have strayed. Read this book and believe in Christ's mercy and redemption and you will be touched!" The book is published by New Hope Press.
I give Mike great credit. I can't imagine writing about my life in such detail. It takes courage and since God is given the glory and his Mother, Mary, the acknowledgement of guidance, it, too, gives witness to Faith.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Remembering ... with gratitude
There are times when as we remember something or someone our hearts are filled with gratitude. Today is one of those days for these reasons.
Sixty eight years ago today a tremendous military force stormed the beaches of Normandy during a terrible struggle that encompassed the world. It was known as D-Day, and over 73,000 Americans along with countless other allies fought for a stronghold that would begin the overthrow of evil forces. My dad was one of those brave young men, many of whom lost their lives that day and many more still carried their wounds with them through life. For their sacrifice for the cause of freedom and peace, we remember this D-Day anniversary, and are grateful.
Today is the feast of Saint Norbert, who was a bishop, a scholar, a great preacher and evangelizer. It brings to my mind another Norbert that I knew - the late Bishop Norbert F. Gaughan of Gary, Indiana. Before going to Gary, Norbert Gaughan was our Auxiliary Bishop in Greensburg, before that the Vicar General, and in his early priesthood Assistant Pastor at my home parish of Saint Joseph in Uniontown during my early school days. Norbert was a bright man, a gifted preacher, an opinionated and outspoken man, a man who often ruffled feathers. Many of our priests have stories that revolve around him. For many years he would come to a small parish in Export, PA, to celebrate one Mass on a Sunday, have dinner, and then depart. This parish often had seminarians or transitional deacons assigned there, and Norbert would have them preach at his Mass. Often there were stories told of how, when the homily was done, he would proceed to tell the people what the deacon meant to or should have said, while the poor guy was still present with the congregation.
I too was stationed a summer in Export, and I too preached for Norbert. But I feel very grateful that he never interrupted or explained my homilies to the people. Not that I was that good. He had a respect and a regard for me that probably went back to his and my early days at Saint Joe's. He was a bit of an artist and a photographer, and after my ordination he presented me with a number of photos that he had taken. On this feast of Saint Norbert, the bishop, I remember with gratitude the bishop Norbert that I knew.
Today I attended the funeral of a parishioner from Saint John the Baptist in Scottdale that I have known for many years - Thomas Grabiak. I have been involved with his family over these years, and they had asked me to preach, which I was honored to do. He and his wife, June, were married for 64 years, and they have five children - a daughter, Kathy and four sons, Barry, Rick, Wayne and Randy. They are a musical family, with many of them in the church choir.
I mention this because the boys did a tribute/eulogy for their dad that was very different. They sang. Their dad loved to sing the old spirituals, the old religious hymns, and so the four of them joined voices to honor and remember their dad with great gratitude for the love and grace that he and their mom gave to them. It was beautiful and brought tears to the eyes. A fitting tribute. I was honored to be there.
Sixty eight years ago today a tremendous military force stormed the beaches of Normandy during a terrible struggle that encompassed the world. It was known as D-Day, and over 73,000 Americans along with countless other allies fought for a stronghold that would begin the overthrow of evil forces. My dad was one of those brave young men, many of whom lost their lives that day and many more still carried their wounds with them through life. For their sacrifice for the cause of freedom and peace, we remember this D-Day anniversary, and are grateful.
Today is the feast of Saint Norbert, who was a bishop, a scholar, a great preacher and evangelizer. It brings to my mind another Norbert that I knew - the late Bishop Norbert F. Gaughan of Gary, Indiana. Before going to Gary, Norbert Gaughan was our Auxiliary Bishop in Greensburg, before that the Vicar General, and in his early priesthood Assistant Pastor at my home parish of Saint Joseph in Uniontown during my early school days. Norbert was a bright man, a gifted preacher, an opinionated and outspoken man, a man who often ruffled feathers. Many of our priests have stories that revolve around him. For many years he would come to a small parish in Export, PA, to celebrate one Mass on a Sunday, have dinner, and then depart. This parish often had seminarians or transitional deacons assigned there, and Norbert would have them preach at his Mass. Often there were stories told of how, when the homily was done, he would proceed to tell the people what the deacon meant to or should have said, while the poor guy was still present with the congregation.
I too was stationed a summer in Export, and I too preached for Norbert. But I feel very grateful that he never interrupted or explained my homilies to the people. Not that I was that good. He had a respect and a regard for me that probably went back to his and my early days at Saint Joe's. He was a bit of an artist and a photographer, and after my ordination he presented me with a number of photos that he had taken. On this feast of Saint Norbert, the bishop, I remember with gratitude the bishop Norbert that I knew.
Today I attended the funeral of a parishioner from Saint John the Baptist in Scottdale that I have known for many years - Thomas Grabiak. I have been involved with his family over these years, and they had asked me to preach, which I was honored to do. He and his wife, June, were married for 64 years, and they have five children - a daughter, Kathy and four sons, Barry, Rick, Wayne and Randy. They are a musical family, with many of them in the church choir.
I mention this because the boys did a tribute/eulogy for their dad that was very different. They sang. Their dad loved to sing the old spirituals, the old religious hymns, and so the four of them joined voices to honor and remember their dad with great gratitude for the love and grace that he and their mom gave to them. It was beautiful and brought tears to the eyes. A fitting tribute. I was honored to be there.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Dedicated Service
This afternoon the priests from the Diocese of Greensburg and the Benedictine Community of Saint Vincent Archabbey gather at the Bishop Connare Center in Greensburg to celebrate Priests' Jubilee Day. This annual event recognizes the men who are celebrating significant milestones in their lives. We will gather for Mass, followed by refreshments and a great dinner.
This year we recognize eleven priests whose combined years of service total 500 years of priesthood.
Topping the list is Father Demetrius Dumm, O.S.B., former rector of the seminary at Saint Vincent and renowned scripture scholar who celebrates sixty-five years of priesthood. We honor our retired bishop, Bishop Anthony G. Bosco, who celebrates sixty years, and who served as our bishop from 1987 until 2004. His list of accomplishments is extensive, and he continues to be active. Next on the list is Father Al Pleban at fifty-five years and who just recently retired from active ministry, having served for sixteen years as pastor of my home parish - a real gentleman and good priest.
There are three men celebrating fifty years as priests: Father Mike Bucci, retired pastor of Saint Rita in Connellsville, and Fathers Gilbert Burke and Vernon Holtz of Saint Vincent. Father Gilbert has been involved in parish ministry and alumni activities for many years and Father Vernon has taught and coached soccer at Saint Vincent (Father Vernon taught there when I was in high school).
At forty years are three diocesan priests: Fathers John Butler, Pat Mandock and Bryan Summers. John is pastor of one of my former pastorates, All Saints in Masontown ... Pat is a retired military chaplain who served as chaplain from 1977 to the year 2000 ... and Bryan is pastor of Prince of Peace parish in Ford City. He was incardinated (officially accepted) into the Greensburg Diocese in 2009, having come to us in 2006 from the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri where he served in the Pittsburgh area. He is a great asset to our diocesan church.
Celebrating twenty-five years are Father John Moineau, my neighbor at Immaculate Conception in Irwin and Father Dominic Petroy of Saint Vincent where he presently serves in a number of chaplaincy roles.
And listed among this year's jubilarians is Franciscan Brother Damien Merkley who is from the diocese (Yukon) and who is retired and resides at Saint Antony Friary in Uniontown. Brother Damien served for thirty plus years in hospital ministry
The lists of accomplishments, assignments and personal achievements is awesome for these men. Yet that pales in comparison to the gifts that they have given to God's people. They would be the first to acknowledge that they are the ones that were gifted by the prayers and support of the people they served. But they are a gift, and we are grateful for them and their service. AD MULTOS ANNOS!
This year we recognize eleven priests whose combined years of service total 500 years of priesthood.
Topping the list is Father Demetrius Dumm, O.S.B., former rector of the seminary at Saint Vincent and renowned scripture scholar who celebrates sixty-five years of priesthood. We honor our retired bishop, Bishop Anthony G. Bosco, who celebrates sixty years, and who served as our bishop from 1987 until 2004. His list of accomplishments is extensive, and he continues to be active. Next on the list is Father Al Pleban at fifty-five years and who just recently retired from active ministry, having served for sixteen years as pastor of my home parish - a real gentleman and good priest.
There are three men celebrating fifty years as priests: Father Mike Bucci, retired pastor of Saint Rita in Connellsville, and Fathers Gilbert Burke and Vernon Holtz of Saint Vincent. Father Gilbert has been involved in parish ministry and alumni activities for many years and Father Vernon has taught and coached soccer at Saint Vincent (Father Vernon taught there when I was in high school).
At forty years are three diocesan priests: Fathers John Butler, Pat Mandock and Bryan Summers. John is pastor of one of my former pastorates, All Saints in Masontown ... Pat is a retired military chaplain who served as chaplain from 1977 to the year 2000 ... and Bryan is pastor of Prince of Peace parish in Ford City. He was incardinated (officially accepted) into the Greensburg Diocese in 2009, having come to us in 2006 from the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri where he served in the Pittsburgh area. He is a great asset to our diocesan church.
Celebrating twenty-five years are Father John Moineau, my neighbor at Immaculate Conception in Irwin and Father Dominic Petroy of Saint Vincent where he presently serves in a number of chaplaincy roles.
And listed among this year's jubilarians is Franciscan Brother Damien Merkley who is from the diocese (Yukon) and who is retired and resides at Saint Antony Friary in Uniontown. Brother Damien served for thirty plus years in hospital ministry
The lists of accomplishments, assignments and personal achievements is awesome for these men. Yet that pales in comparison to the gifts that they have given to God's people. They would be the first to acknowledge that they are the ones that were gifted by the prayers and support of the people they served. But they are a gift, and we are grateful for them and their service. AD MULTOS ANNOS!
Monday, June 4, 2012
150 years
Yesterday, the Feast of the Holy Trinity, saw a very special celebration in our local community of Irwin, Pennsylvania. Immaculate Conception parish formally celebrated the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of the first Mass said for the small Catholic community of immigrants back in 1862. Mass was said from a boxcar at a siding of the railroad tracks, just on the other side of the tracks from the town of Irwin. This was the common gathering place for a time until a small church could be built on the lower end of town. The priest would come by train from Greensburg or the Archabbey at Saint Vincent in Latrobe. The Irish and German Catholic laborers were often considered outsiders and suspect by the largely Protestant community (and thus they built in the lower section of town, near the creek and the railroad tracks, in the section of town that had most of the hotels and bars and entertainment).
That small original group was established as a parish in its own right a few years later, and went on, through the spiritual leadership of many pastors and countless priests, to being at one time the largest parish in the Diocese of Greensburg. It still ranks in the top five. Not only the priests, but the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill who established a school, and most importantly good, hardworking, committed Catholic people built a vibrant parish community that today is a vital force in the Irwin community. Father John Moineau serves as pastor, and is deeply loved. He celebrates his twenty-fifth anniversary of ordination this year.
Yesterday's celebration was grand. A Mass was held at 2:00 pm in the Church with Father John as celebrant (the bishop was scheduled, but has had a surgery that prevented him from attending.) The music was awesome, the priests and Sisters who joined in the celebration, most of whom had served at IC, were made very welcomed, and the reception at a local establishment was well organized, delicious, and a truly family affair. Over 700 attended the dinner.
I began my priesthood at Immaculate Conception in June of 1973. I served there for only two years, but they were very formative and a true blessing. I have many good memories, as well as a few others, and many good friends that are still around. In fact, it continues to amaze me that people were so touched by my ministry. I even received credit from the MC at the dinner, Pat LaValle, for encouraging him to become a lector some 38 or so years ago, which led him to the choir, to cantoring and to a host of other involvements. I was thinking of all the things that even over these years I fondly remember. I'll spare you the walk down memory lane, but be assured that my priesthood was built upon a wonderful foundation.
That small original group was established as a parish in its own right a few years later, and went on, through the spiritual leadership of many pastors and countless priests, to being at one time the largest parish in the Diocese of Greensburg. It still ranks in the top five. Not only the priests, but the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill who established a school, and most importantly good, hardworking, committed Catholic people built a vibrant parish community that today is a vital force in the Irwin community. Father John Moineau serves as pastor, and is deeply loved. He celebrates his twenty-fifth anniversary of ordination this year.
Yesterday's celebration was grand. A Mass was held at 2:00 pm in the Church with Father John as celebrant (the bishop was scheduled, but has had a surgery that prevented him from attending.) The music was awesome, the priests and Sisters who joined in the celebration, most of whom had served at IC, were made very welcomed, and the reception at a local establishment was well organized, delicious, and a truly family affair. Over 700 attended the dinner.
I began my priesthood at Immaculate Conception in June of 1973. I served there for only two years, but they were very formative and a true blessing. I have many good memories, as well as a few others, and many good friends that are still around. In fact, it continues to amaze me that people were so touched by my ministry. I even received credit from the MC at the dinner, Pat LaValle, for encouraging him to become a lector some 38 or so years ago, which led him to the choir, to cantoring and to a host of other involvements. I was thinking of all the things that even over these years I fondly remember. I'll spare you the walk down memory lane, but be assured that my priesthood was built upon a wonderful foundation.
May the parish community
of Immaculate Conception Parish
continue to be blessed by the Lord
and protected by Mary, our Mother.
Trinity
Within the Catholic family, the two Sundays that follow the great Feast of Pentecost celebrate two solemnities of the Lord. The second of those will be this coming Sunday as we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, or Corpus Christi. In many parts of the world this feast is celebrated this Thursday, but in the U.S. it is moved to Sunday. The other feast was that of the Most Holy Trinity yesterday - celebrating the Oneness of the Godhead as it is expressed in Three Distinct Persons ... Father and Son and Holy Spirit.
We are a Trinitarian people. All of our belief in the One God is summed up in that revelation of God to us. We were baptized in the Name of the Trinity. We begin and end every prayer with that expression of faith. Our worship is rooted in that belief, our Faith is expressed in Trinitarian Creeds. We are children of the heavenly Father, sisters and brothers with the Lord Jesus, and sharers in the life giving Spirit of God.
Before the Saturday evening Mass, I mentioned to a few people that my homily may be brief. I said that, in fact, it could be as simple as stating the obvious "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." But I assured them that it probably would be a little longer. One of the ladies then said that I could add an "Amen" to the end of the sermon, making it that much longer. However, it was longer than either of those expressions of Trinity.
The uniqueness of believing in only one God flows from a revelation by a higher power than ourselves, a Supreme Being, revealed to the descendants of Abraham ... first to the Hebrew people, then to the followers of Jesus in the new covenant, and even to the followers of Mohamed. The manifestation of that one God is seen in the role of life-giver, creator God, Covenant maker, Father ... in the person of Jesus, the Christ (the Anointed One) whom the Father sent to us to be His Word of life, to redeem what was lost by sin, to show us the way to the Father, to help us understand that we can now call God "Abba", Father, daddy, and to restore us through his death and resurrection ... and to be sustained, empowered, strengthened, renewed, sent forth with and in their Spirit, the Paraclete, the Advocate, the Sanctifier. This is who we are. This is who God is in relationship to us. This is our Faith, and we proud to profess it in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
We are a Trinitarian people. All of our belief in the One God is summed up in that revelation of God to us. We were baptized in the Name of the Trinity. We begin and end every prayer with that expression of faith. Our worship is rooted in that belief, our Faith is expressed in Trinitarian Creeds. We are children of the heavenly Father, sisters and brothers with the Lord Jesus, and sharers in the life giving Spirit of God.
Before the Saturday evening Mass, I mentioned to a few people that my homily may be brief. I said that, in fact, it could be as simple as stating the obvious "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." But I assured them that it probably would be a little longer. One of the ladies then said that I could add an "Amen" to the end of the sermon, making it that much longer. However, it was longer than either of those expressions of Trinity.
The uniqueness of believing in only one God flows from a revelation by a higher power than ourselves, a Supreme Being, revealed to the descendants of Abraham ... first to the Hebrew people, then to the followers of Jesus in the new covenant, and even to the followers of Mohamed. The manifestation of that one God is seen in the role of life-giver, creator God, Covenant maker, Father ... in the person of Jesus, the Christ (the Anointed One) whom the Father sent to us to be His Word of life, to redeem what was lost by sin, to show us the way to the Father, to help us understand that we can now call God "Abba", Father, daddy, and to restore us through his death and resurrection ... and to be sustained, empowered, strengthened, renewed, sent forth with and in their Spirit, the Paraclete, the Advocate, the Sanctifier. This is who we are. This is who God is in relationship to us. This is our Faith, and we proud to profess it in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
School's out for summer
Yesterday we celebrated the last day of school for this school year at Queen of Angels. Three of the four priests were able to concelebrate the closing Mass, with good messages being shared by the two Father Johns - Fathers John Moineau and John Harrold. The outgoing second grade were recognized for this very important and outstanding sacramental year, and the outgoing seventh grade was recognized for their leadership and contribution to the school family. It is great to see the change in the youngsters as they grow and develop even within the course of a school year.
After the kids were dismissed, the faculty and staff gathered for a luncheon, where I had the opportunity once again of thanking them for their dedicated commitment to Catholic education and to the youngsters at Queen of Angels. This was, as I mentioned before, the 20th year of our existence as a Regional Catholic School, and while the challenges are always there, the results are as well, and we are proud.
So, with school out, please be extra careful in your driving as we watch out for the safety of the kids. Relax and enjoy the summer, which goes by all too quickly. Summer is a time for recreation, which means "re-creation". Be re-created, be refreshed and be renewed.
******************
Later that day I went to the movies to see "Snow White and the Huntsman". It is definitely not the Snow White of children's lore nor that of Disney, but it was entertaining and fairly good, although very dark and adult in nature, with great special effects. I think the ratings in the paper gave it two and a half stars out of four. I would agree ... not outstanding but good nonetheless. What ever happened to the fairy tales of our youth?
After the kids were dismissed, the faculty and staff gathered for a luncheon, where I had the opportunity once again of thanking them for their dedicated commitment to Catholic education and to the youngsters at Queen of Angels. This was, as I mentioned before, the 20th year of our existence as a Regional Catholic School, and while the challenges are always there, the results are as well, and we are proud.
So, with school out, please be extra careful in your driving as we watch out for the safety of the kids. Relax and enjoy the summer, which goes by all too quickly. Summer is a time for recreation, which means "re-creation". Be re-created, be refreshed and be renewed.
******************
Later that day I went to the movies to see "Snow White and the Huntsman". It is definitely not the Snow White of children's lore nor that of Disney, but it was entertaining and fairly good, although very dark and adult in nature, with great special effects. I think the ratings in the paper gave it two and a half stars out of four. I would agree ... not outstanding but good nonetheless. What ever happened to the fairy tales of our youth?
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