Dear Friends,
For me, a blessed way to begin Father’s Day last weekend was to spend some time with our young people making a retreat at Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua!
These young people, enthusiastic, joyful, fun and prayerful, touched my heart and inner soul. It was a gift to be with them, share a meal, and to celebrate the Eucharist!
Anne Gallagher, our wonderful Director of Disciple Formation and Sarah Gargano, one of our wonderful Youth Representatives on the Parish Pastoral Council, led this retreat.
Several of those attending made another retreat last year called “Search”. The theme was “Finding God.”
Building upon that time last weekend welcomed those who made “Search” and those who were coming together for the first time. The theme was “Discovery – Finding God.”
Between Anne and Sarah, and the beautiful setting of Notre Dame overlooking Canandaigua Lake, and the Holy Spirit present, it would not be too difficult to “discover and find God”! The time our retreatants shared explored seeing God in all things, seeing God in the Eucharist, seeing God in each other, and seeing God in what’s next. I know I saw God in all who participated in this retreat!!! Anne, Sarah and our young people are a vibrant witness to Jesus Christ who is in our midst.
I always name “joys” in my life with the grace of God and this was certainly a time of joy! A friend gifted me one Christmas a garden sign saying, “CHOOSE JOY!”
Wow, isn’t it phenomenal that our young people “Choose Joy” and seek in the life of our great community of faith.
On a side note, Notre Dame Retreat House has just built a walkway to a statue of our Blessed Mother, Mary.
It is lovely! If and when you visit, notice on the walkway the acknowledgement of the donations Saint Catherine of Siena and the Church of the Transfiguration made supporting its creation. The location of our recognition caught me by surprise. Of course, the Lord often surprises me.
And finally, as we celebrate all our loved ones who are graduating this year, I want to thank Sarah Gargano, graduating from Sutherland and soon heading to Vermont, a most heartfelt blessing for all Sarah has given to our parishes this year and always! God bless you, my friend! Your joy and prayerfulness enriches me every day!
Congratulations!!!!
Blessings, Joys and the Lord’s love,
Father Rob