Dear Friends,
A gift I am appreciative of receiving is to have been with men from both Saint Catherine of Siena and the Church of the Transfiguration this very weekend. Time away in beautiful Canandaigua at Notre Dame Retreat House is a gift to step back from the everyday. It is a blessed opportunity to hear the Lord in a peaceful setting from the usual day to day.
Father Ed Palumbos, who has been a gift in my life since Camp Stella Maris days, I know will have brought all of our men “Good News”!
I have no idea who it is. Someone, very generously, took care of my stipend/fee to be able to attend this retreat. Thank you, whoever you are, for this blessing! I am very grateful to “YOU”!
We continue to pray for one another and particularly for so many dear friends and family members. I shared last weekend the latest update about Deacon Kevin Carges and Anne Gallagher’s, mom, Mary Kate McCarren.
By the time this printed material is before each of you, I hope there is more good news to share.
Kevin is so optimistic and positive. His faith is strong and profound. As you know, I have known Kevin for quite a while. He inspires me with his faith, mission to the vulnerable, and gentleness of bringing the Lord’s Good News before each and every one of us!
Thank you to all attended the mass offered for him on the day of his surgery. Your presence and prayer was substantial and the wonderful gift of music from our two parishes was phenomenal. I am so appreciative of you.
Anne Gallager’s mom, Mary Kate McCarren, is, as of this writing, making good progress. I was fortunate to see her along with Anne and Anne’s husband, Brian, at the hospital. She had a sparkle in her eyes, I’m gratefully reflecting upon her as I write this message.
Kevin came home late Thursday evening and Mary Kate is still in Strong at this moment.
I am sure cards are appreciated by both Kevin and Mary Kate.
Kevin’s address is:
8 Hunters Ridge
Ionia, New York 14475
May I suggest cards for Anne’s mom be sent in care of Anne:
24 Hunters Run
Pittsford, New York 14534
Thank you, for your goodness and prayers.
Finally, you know that I am a person who likes to acknowledge joy in my life. This past week, praying for Kevin and Mary Kate, a friend of mine swimming in her pool, with her young grandson, had a major heart attack. Her grandson realized something was wrong and ran to neighbors for help. I was called to Strong, where it was not the news anyone of us wants to receive.
My friend, Patty, had been without oxygen to her brain for too much time. As we met in a conference room with three doctors to discuss the outcome, one of the doctors began telling the family that Patty’s grandson was a hero. He amazingly did everything to save his grandmother’s life. I was impressed with the care, gentleness and concern this person shared with the family.
Patty died. Love surrounded her.
I was reminded once again how precious life is and how blessed I am. Everyday I acknowledge in morning and night prayer the goodness the Lord has brought before me. It is endless. Both the good and troublesome always seems to work in balance by the unconditional love Jesus has for me. And, it is true for all of us. I pray you know and experience this.
There certainly have been many reminders of late of how blessed I am. Blessed to have family, friends and two wonderful communities of faith to worship with daily.
How blessed I have another day to welcome a new decade into my life!
Love & Blessings,
Father Rob