Dear friends,
And now back to the mundane-
-Beginning today, we celebrate CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK. I have already shared with you my recent 50th Anniversary reunion of the graduating class of 1959 from Corpus Christi School, Hasbrouck Heights. We relived so many memories. But what struck me most was how many of my classmates were still people of faith. Whatever else may be said of our experience, it stood us in good stead in our lives of faith. That’s what Catholic education is all about – faith formation that lasts a lifetime. There really is no other purpose for a Catholic School or for the sacrifices we make, personally for those who pay the tuition and collectively for the parish, which subsidizes the school. But it is well worth it. I am convinced that the education/formation offered at the Academy of Our Lady will do the same for the young people who attend. AND it offers an academic education that it every bit as good as the public education system, just take a look at the colleges our graduates attend. I am proud of OUR SCHOOL, and what it offers to the children of our parishioners. I encourage all our families with young children to look into the possibility of being part of this wonderful, loving and caring faith environment. In the bulletin this week you will find a number of activities happening, as part of Catholic Schools Week, to which you are invited. As my Class of 1959 learned and experienced – DIVIDENDS FOR LIFE.
-Speaking of young people and youth, 13 members of our Youth Group recently received certificates of appreciation from Bergen County Executive for their involvement in inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue. Especially in these times of divisions along religious and cultural lines, it’s especially important to come to know one another better, so that mutual respect can grow among peoples of different backgrounds. How impressive it is to see this happening among young people who, then, might prove to be catalysts for their elders. Those recognized from Mount Carmel were the following:
Deirdre Casey
Maeve Coakley
Jason Diaz
Natalie Estrada
Marissa Ferrito
Joseph Giancristofaro
Michael Luansing
Mackenzie Murphy
Nikolas Pardalis
Lalka Rieger
Christina Taylor
Ryan Thurlow
Andina Toscano
Thank you, to these young people and to Glen McCall for his leadership. And speaking of Glen McCall, I am proud to tell you that he has been elected Chairperson of the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders, an association of over 500 youth ministers from across the country. It certainly is recognition of Glen’s knowledge of, dedication to and loving care for the young people in our Catholic Church. It is a cause for us to rejoice with and for him and to be thankful to God that the Lord brought such a gifted, talented and dedicated man to serve our youth here at OLMC. We are truly blessed that his ministry is among us.
-Next weekend, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Be ready and please be open to its message. More in next week’s bulletin.
God Bless,
Fr. Ron
