Pastor’s Notes
As we spend this summer relaxing we have the opportunity to look forward to the Fall season and its activities. On our website one can review all of the organizations who serve the faith community. Additionally, all of us are aware of non-profit institutions which serve the greater Dutchess County area and Pleasant Valley. It is gratifying to know that so many parishioners are involved in both types of groups.
Last weekend I met with the New York State Council of the Knights of Columbus. It was my privilege to install its officers. During the various meetings conducted ways were discussed as to how members could become more involved in the works of the Order and in the ministries of the Church. Plans were announced for various programs for youth, family, and evangelization. (I was shocked into silence. I know, but it happened. At the instructions of the Supreme Council in New Haven each state was called upon to institute a state award for pro-life. I was humbled to be its first recipient in New York.) Though each council is not strictly speaking a parish entity, poor is the church that does not have a relationship with one. Here at Saint Stanislaus Kostka we have benefited from hundreds of hours of these men reaching out to provide scholarships to our youth, providing fund raisers for the Special Olympics and other charities, and witnessing to our values as Catholics and American citizens. Of course, they are always front and center when called upon to assist this pastor and the parish community. Membership is open to all practicing Catholic males over the age of eighteen. Questions about the mission of the largest lay organization in the world can be addressed to the clergy or the Grand Knight Matt McDonald.
The most recently formed group here at Saint Stanislaus is our prayer shawl ministry. Everyone knows that when we are going through a crisis we appreciate the visits of others. Their companionship makes the day just a little more bearable. However, it is often impossible to be present when the homebound person might be troubled. Or when an individual requires a kind word, it might be late at night. To have a material sign of the support of another and of the spiritual concern of a religious community is a comfort. Women of our parish bound together by love of God and neighbor pray during their work, pray over it when it is finished, and ensure that it is blessed by their priests. No one who receives a shawl can doubt they are in the mind of another who cares for them.
Since the liturgy is the center of our Catholic life it should be no surprise that many of our organizations contribute to its celebration. Our boys and girls are invited to participate in the Eucharist as altar servers. Under the tutelage of Deacon John Dunn those who are third grade and older enhance the sacramental roles of priests and deacons. Our lectors carefully prepare the readings so that they might be proclaimed reverently and effectively. Those who exercise the tasks of Eucharistic ministers do so not only at Sunday Mass but also in home visitations. Also important are those who welcome all as greeters. So many times new parishioners might be joining us or those who have been away from the practice of their faith returning benefit from the open hand and quick smile from those who stand in the rear of the Church or the entrance of the Hall. Assisting us in so many ways are our ushers. They not only take up the collection but ensure that all who might require help in finding a seat do so. Contact the rectory to get in touch with the proper person who is leading that particular phase of liturgical participation.
It is a matter of special pride that our parish is blessed with a gifted music ministry. With Saint Augustine’s words: “He who sings, prays twice” as a reminder they lead each celebration with devotion and talent. At the 5:30 p.m. Mass (as well as 9:00 a.m. in the summer) under the leadership of Dr. Rose Rudnitski our adult choir and cantors present a traditional selection of mass parts and hymns. We are fortunate to have three folk groups: children, junior, and adult. All of our groups are open to receiving new members. Their talents are known not only to us but to the larger community by their appearance on radio, especially during the Joe Daily show on Lite FM. As a celebrant here at Saint Stanislaus it is a joy to have such groups which complement the active congregation.
As in all faith communities our youth is of great significance and their needs a high priority. Our nationally recognized religious education program is staffed by a most dedicated group of men and women who weekly teach by word and example. Each year we look forward to having more parishioners join them. We will be providing the archdiocesan certification program to all who have been teaching as well as those who might do so in the future. The Family Catechesis aspect of religious education has been supported by many volunteers. Additionally, our CYO Teen Club has been able to accomplish much because of very seasoned leaders and youthful counterparts. Many of them are looking forward to representing our church next year in Madrid. The reason our teens have such an allegiance to this aspect of their Catholic lives is that many of them have been nurtured by the Lightning Youth Group and Lightning Bolts. It is never too early to be involved in parish life.
Our community is blessed by so many people involved in the Parish Health Care Ministry, the Garden Club, the Saint Stanislaus Stitchers, the Food Pantry, and not to be forgotten the Senior Exercise Program. We could write so much more about each of these aspects of parochial activity. It must be remembered, however, that many others in quiet ways also contribute to our growth as they beautify and repair our facilities. Communication is so important, for instance. When we need a major change in the website its master Jim Hayes is always there. We even have a computer geek in residence: Joe Gutierrez. He saves us all from destroying accidentally our network of information.
As I run out of space I simply ask each of you to consider how you might be more active in the mission of the Church: “to live not us, but Christ.”
Vivat Jesus
Fr. Brian
