Sometimes it’s a week to praise the good that
people have done. Joe Schauber was buried this past Monday, one of
our founding members who helped out energetically from day one, in
October 1964, till age and illness slowed him 5 or 6 years ago.
Among many things Joe was active in was the
renewal of the liturgy which began in 1964 during the Second
Vatican Council. He was one of our songleaders for decades,
and took a prominent role in the design of our church
building. Joe was faithful in many things. His
sixty-nine years of marriage with Erma are a shining witness to
that sacrament for our younger members. The joy at his
funeral witnessed to a life well-lived, and love freely shared.
* * *
I want to add to what I said last week about our
"Over Fifty-Five" Club. Fran Casarino has been a tireless
worker behind the scenes, coordinating things for our active
seniors. We thank her for her public spirit. If we ever get to take
a parish trip to the Holy Land and Siena, Fran, I want you at the
center of it.
* * *
And a quick word of congratulations to two of
our young men, Derek Waring and Rory McLoughlin, who for the second
straight summer helped out for a week building shelter for the
elderly. They will enter senior year at Sallies this fall. Later we’ll
get a report from our junior youth members who did the same for a
week at Lockport, NY.
* * *
As we celebrated Dick Peischel’s funeral Mass
this past Monday morning, I couldn’t help noticing how many of
you were there, and this made me glad. Dick and Esther and most of
you belong to that founding generation of our Parish, who were
raising small children back in the 50’s and 60’s. You
have stayed close to the parish, to each other and to God.
To give credit where credit is due, the Over
Fifty-Five Club has been a big help to maintaining this
community spirit. We are especially indebted to Jim and Albie
Grieco for keeping the Club vital and active. Thanks, Jim and
Albie. You do wonderful service to our parish in so many ways,
including Emmanuel Dining Room and, just lately, the Palm
Sunday Bake Sale. May you keep on doing good—it’s a
gift and an example to the generations after you.
