Dear Friends,
As I write this article (Saturday October 7), I am still wearing shorts even though this morning the air has changed! Ever the optimist and spoiled by this past week’s temperatures, I am awaiting our Indian Summer to arrive some day soon!
This past week we had three parishioners all die on the same day. Paul Del Vecchio, Diane Kober and Donald Udavchak went home to the Lord. Donald’s funeral was in Pennsylvania. Diane’s funeral was this past Tuesday. Paul’s will be on October 23rd. These three lives remind me how precious are our days and that we will all one day be met by the Lord.
Our past three weekends have been strong in vineyard parables. Jesus, as I mentioned in my homily last week, was challenging us, one and all to reflect on our responsibility and commitment to be “bearers of fruit” and folks embracing conversion to build up His Kingdom. He will meet us and we will be accountable. Let us remember that He is with us and hopes we will embrace His invitation to be engaged alongside Him in bringing forth blessed life for all.
Our faith is filled with joy and let us concentrate on this gift for ourselves and all we are called to serve.
Next month, our parishes will remember Don, Diane, Paul and all our loved ones who have died since All Saints/All Souls Day last year. Further information will be coming forth on how each of our parishes will remember our beloved deceased.
Saint Catherine of Siena had its official kick off for the Catholic Ministries Appeal last week and The Church of the Transfiguration will do the same this weekend. The theme “Go Forth With Christ” is poignant in that after reflecting on the previous weeks parables and our own understanding of life, we are indeed blessed to have such a holy one (Jesus) to accompany us in our every moment of life.
Many stewards from our parishes have made a commitment to this year’s CMA. I am hoping you will join these individuals and myself in making your pledge. It is all of us together, who continue to make our parishes, diocese and world a place of blessing.
If you did not receive a letter addressing this year’s appeal, please call our parish offices and we will share one with you. Thank you for all your support!!!
Mendon, Honeoye Falls, Pittsford, Victor and beyond have many connections to the infamous “COTTAGE HOTEL” in the hamlet of Mendon. I know and have heard and experienced so, so many stories about the hotel! Well, in case you didn’t know, a book has been written about its 200 years of history. The author who worked there is Karen Mireau. It looks fascinating and she is having a book signing on October 19th , from 5-7 PM at the “Cottage”!
Unfortunately, I cannot attend, but I know Hilary (she and husband David are the current owners of the Cottage Hotel) and will get a copy of the book.
Be blessed and thank you for your presence to our faith communities,
Father Rob