On June 21, I had the pleasure of meeting with almost two hundred of our Ministers of Hospitality, Eucharistic Ministers, and Lectors. Along with Fr. Steve, Cathy Sinopoli and minister coordinators Rich Casler, Judy Baldino, Ray Colanduoni, and Larry Hritz, we prayed, sang, and prepared to begin serving the thousands of visitors and parishioners that will be worshiping at our four churches this summer. It truly is an exhilarating experience to witness the commitment these people have made. Fr. Steve reminded everyone that they have all been called by God...and then he gave them a task...that each of them should find one more person to answer the call to ministry. We have a tremendous need at all the masses, but especially at the later masses on Sunday. The 11:15 am mass sometimes has only one or two people serving in each of the ministries. I’m sure you know where this is leading! We are all called to minister in one way or another. I have yet to speak to a minister who doesn’t get great satisfaction and joy from serving God by serving their brothers and sisters. If you are attending one of the 11:15 am masses {or any mass} why not think and pray about becoming involved. What a wonderful opportunity for individuals, as well as entire families, to serve. Parents with their children, aunts or uncles with their nieces and nephews, could serve as Ministers of Hospitality/Ushers. I am sure you will find that ministry is a special gift... a gift to those who are served... and a gift to those who are serving.

    This weekend, we join with all people who are part of our American society in celebrating Independence Day. We are grateful to God for this beautiful land of ours... for the glorious freedoms and the prosperity we enjoy, for the men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much to preserve and protect our democracy. We pray that we will always strive to honor the natural resources given to us by God, to never rest until justice is the birthright of every man and woman, and to be a beacon of peace to all nations of the world. God bless America and God bless our world.

                                                                    JoAnne Reeder
                                                                    Worship Coordinator