With the coming of Fall the Church turns her attention to her past and celebrates her saints and remembers the faithful in purgatory. Each of us......
With the coming of Fall the Church turns her attention to her past and celebrates her saints and remembers the faithful in purgatory. Each of us is cognizant of the holy people who entered our lives, encouraged us, and have passed beyond our sight. Though they might never be formally canonized we have the moral certainty that they stand before the throne of God. In addition to my parents, who of course had the most formative influence on me, there have been many people who have taught me the nature of faith and the call of discipleship.
Mr. & Mrs. Henry were devoted parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. Though they had no children they were very concerned about young people. In fact, Mr. Henry taught in Regis High School. My mom told me one day that his wife had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. As they were good friends she was upset. Our family was somewhat surprised when we received an invitation from this beloved couple to attend a party at their home. It stated that the evening would begin with Mass. Father Connally asked me to serve. After his short homily, (at least short for him), this wonderful priest administered the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. It was the first time I had seen the rite. After the Eucharist was concluded our dying friend joyfully entertained us and fed us with a meal she had spent the whole day preparing. Her positive attitude remained with her until she experienced the healing of eternity. The memories she created for all of us, especially her husband, comforted us as we said farewell.
As a newly ordained priest I had asked the Personnel Board to send me back to Dutchess County where I had served as a deacon in Wappingers Falls. Cardinal Cooke announced that I was being assigned to Sacred Heart Church in Staten Island. My pastor was Msgr. Quinn, a former Tribunal judge and at that time, the Episcopal vicar. One of my mentors advised me: “he is a good priest.” My predecessors had lasted only an average of six months. Needless to say, I approached the door of the rectory with fear and trepidation. There are many stories that could be told about this faithful priest who served the Archdiocese for seventy years. I will recall just two virtues. He loved to study and read. The first time I visited his room he had a copy of Introduction to Christianity by Joseph Ratzinger which had recently been published on his coffee table. His homilies were instructive and always prepared. Ever conscious of the needs of his people, he walked to the hospital at least twice a week. Long after his retirement he was still consulted and gave “only his best” to all.
This year we celebrate 200 years of service by the daughters of Elizabeth Anne Seton, the Sisters of Charity. Certainly many of them having served the sick, poor, and the young are with her today in the Kingdom. Sister Regina was the beloved counselor of seniors at Saint Joseph by the Sea High School. For over a year she had been ill but she would not give in to her disease. She advised her students and advocated for them with college admission officers. When she was hospitalized she was surrounded by her confreres and family. She asked all to pray that she would not die on Graduation Day because she did not want “her girls” to remember that she passed on their day. She had gone into a coma when I made my last visit. As I was leaving I raised my hand in blessing, she opened her eyes, made the Sign of the Cross, and said: “May that blessing be on me and all priests who die alone.” Those were her last words as she re-entered her coma. To the last she thought only of others. (By the way, she died at 12:15 a.m., the day after graduation.)
The saints among us did not reach perfection here on earth but strove for it as they sought grace in prayer and work. In so many varied ways they reached out to serve Christ in others fulfilling the Matthew mandate to clothe the naked, visit the sick, and feed the hungry. With remembrances of those who entered our lives and touched our souls this weekend we contemplate how we can do the same through reviewing the volunteer opportunities available and the number of parish activities here at Saint Stanislaus Kostka. No matter what age you are your faith community needs you. At our liturgical celebrations the assistance of the laity contributes to our parochial spirituality. Our greeters bring a warm welcome to all whether they are longtime parishioners or visitors seeking solace. Our altar servers are very special young people. They enhance the efforts of the celebrant by their attention to detail. What can one say about our music ministry! The various choirs always stand ready to welcome new members. As pastor I rejoice in having the opportunity to listening to God’s Word proclaimed by our lectors. Our Eucharistic Ministers are prominent not only in Sunday Masses but in their willingness to visit the homebound. In bringing the Lord to those who cannot be with us they also bring a sense of belonging to those who are isolated because of age and/or infirmity. Every Wednesday Sister Mary assists the priests of the parish at the Lutheran Care Center. She and the cadre of volunteers bring the residents to Mass. Because of the numbers of residents we need more assistance. Involved in social service are the members of the Health Care Ministry as well as the Samaritans of Saint Stanislaus. With our neighbors, parishioners have a history of working with the Pleasant Valley Food Pantry. Our young people need the constant witness of the adult community in the nursery school, religious education program, and youth ministry. Our Garden Club needs a few more hands to expand their efforts to beautify our grounds. Think about what you might contribute in terms of time and talent. Remember the ministers of today are the saints of tomorrow.
Vivat Jesus
Fr. Brian
