I’m glad to welcome to the service of our parish, Deacon K. Greg Osgood, who was ordained for service to the Archdiocese of New York (just as deacon Frank was), and who has moved to our area with his wife, Diane. He has received the permission of our Bishop to minister in our diocese, in particular, in our parish. Deacon Greg will work with Deacon Frank in the area of adult catechesis, especially with the RCIA program that was part of deacon Rusty’s service to us. He will also assist in performing baptisms and will be appointed to the Pastoral Council at its next session in late August. WELCOME!
I wish to thank Amy Sexton and all her associates who helped pull off another successful Summer Bible Camp at the beginning of June. These wonderful volunteers and associates include: Courtney Rowling, Carrie Socha, Dawn Transleau, Katie Fischer, Tracy Nixon, Melissa Barta, Lisa Murphy, Emily Roberts, Heather Hackett, Stephanie Sexton, Frances Sharon, Heidi Guevarra, Jessica Zuraw, Michelle Bylow, Monica Yeschek, Nicole Volinsky, Tina Badame and Lola Swanson-Defalco. May God bless and reward them for all their efforts to guide our youngsters into a deeper appreciation and love of their Catholic Faith!
As part of this week’s reflection, I present The Decalogue of Pope St. John XXIII. It has become famous for its practicality as well as the depth of its spirituality. For those who may not know, a decalogue is another word for a type of 10 commandments or rules. I hope you clip this out and take the time to read it over and over.
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- Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.
- Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance. I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.
- Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.
- Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.
- Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.
- Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.
- Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.
- Only for today, I will make a plan for myself. I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it; and I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.
- Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.
- Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.