Fr. Andrew M. Greeley, Catholic Priest, Author, Researcher, Social Iconoclast and Philanthropist Dies at 85

Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Greeley
1928-2013

Fr. Andrew M. Greeley was born in Oak Park, IL in 1928 and died Wednesday, May 29, 2013 quietly at his home in Chicago at 85 after being a victim of strokes resulting from an accident leaving a taxi a few years ago. 

His life's work as a parish priest, scholar, researcher, author of books, best selling novels, journalist, sociologist, philanthropist and at times as an iconoclastic critic social critic made him somewhat of a dissenter in the Church, particularly with those in hierarchical places.

Nonetheless, he is widely acclaimed for his significant influence in America, including by Catholics, as a uniquely vocal spokesman for social justice. A self-described "loud-mouthed Irish priest", Greeley once quipped, "May they carve it on my gravestone!" 

Obituaries in magazines and journals across the country today illustrate the different views of this maverick in the church.  An excerpt from the Jesuit weekly magazine, "America", reads as follows: The Rev. Andrew M. Greeley, who died on May 29, was a prolific writer and researcher who published his first article in  America in 1957. He wrote dozens of articles for the magazine over the years, and was presented with the Campion Award by America in 2006. Former editor Thomas J. Reese, S.J., shared this story with us: "When Thurston Davis, S.J., was editor of America, he received a call in the early 1960’s from Jack Egan, an influential Chicago priest, telling him about a young parish priest who just finished his doctorate in sociology. 'You should encourage him to write,' said Egan. Neither recognized that they were opening a floodgate of prose and fiction that would have such a profound impact on the church."

Here's the NYTimesGreeleyStoryToday.

Born in a large Irish-Catholic family in a a suburb of Chicago, the life journey and words of Fr. Andrew M. Greeley have traveled to many places far from his native home. May he R.I.P. 

"Authentic Power is Service" - Pope Francis

“Let us never forget that authentic power is service, and that the Pope too, when exercising power, must enter ever more fully into that service which has its radiant culmination on the Cross.” – Pope Francis

Pope Francis - His smile is love.

Mustard Seeds - Thought of the day!

This gentle and strong Pope is able to make everyone around him smile ... that is love.

God bless,

Fr Simon

Seniors Play Major Role in Paving the Way for Future Generations

As published in the Southington (CT) Citizen, Friday, May 24, 2013

By E. Richard Fortunato

Foreword

Calendar House Senior Center, Southington, CT.

The members of Southington's Calendar House Senior Center are real people, who are active, staying fit, learning and teaching others more about their own life experiences. They enjoy social interaction, travel, recreation and time to have fun,too. This is a special time in their lives.

Here's their story.

At the May 14th meeting of the Senior Advisory Commission, Town Manager Garry Brumback congratulated the commission  and the seniors who have worked together to forge viable new directions for the Calendar House Senior Center in the past nine months.

Brumback said: “The revitalization of our center is impressive. The enthusiasm of the member citizens and their willingness to volunteer their diverse life experience and skills have been a huge factor in the development of a new road to the future. They have defined specific areas to study and established concrete goals.”

Add captioC. Mark White at Calendar House 

Research gathered by C. Mark White, a Senior Advisory Commissioner and V.P. of Calendar House Membership Association is a part of the view of the term. “The 2010 census reported 13,364 people aged 55+ in Southington, 31% of the total population. Today, in 2013, it’s up to 33% of the town population who now eligible for Calendar House membership”.

Demographic forecasts show that “baby-boomers” will push senior population to 17,470 by end of 2027, or 41% of the town. This means seniors would outnumber parents of the town’s school children! White said: “The coming senior generation is of a different culture, and as it grows, it’s predictable that they will be vocal and have expectations of service as strong as current school parents.”

Peter Freeman, President of
Calendar House Membership Assn.

Peter Freeman, President of CHMA and member of the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission, said: “We’ve made great strides in past months working with the commission since it became an advisory body to Calendar House. A huge benefit is the formation of a Dial-A-Ride Bus Audit Team of Ed Pocock, Jr, Mark White and me. Scheduling transportation for seniors to appointments is more efficient. Office staff does the scheduling rather than bus drivers, freeing them to do what they do best: drive buses. Overtime is reduced and work allocated equitably. Since last August the team continues to meet every six weeks.”

Dial-A-Ride Bus

White added, “We’ve set up an electronic data system combining records of members and bus riders which will enable us to efficiently manage the service. GPS loggers now track bus operations, which will provide invaluable routing data.”

A tour with Secretary Cynthia Gilbert presents the recent updating of the facility’s interior, freshly re-painted with enhanced wall décor, upgrades in restrooms and kitchen and the addition of a warmly decorated new mini-lounge. There are two Internet-accessed computers for the use of seniors and a new electronic bulletin board displayed on a large monitor in the foyer. “Volunteers did the work; material was donated or purchased at deep discounts with minimal costs covered by budget.” Gilbert said, adding that another committee of volunteers has been working with her and Executive Director, Bob Verderame for a few months with an outside vendor on a newly design lively format for the center’s new monthly newsletter. First edition will reach all Southington residences and businesses very soon.

Cliff Snow, a commissioner and CHMA Board member drafted an updated set of by-laws for the Advisory Commission. Program Coordinator, Sharyn Murphy is working with volunteers researching newer ideas for activities and places to go for seniors who like taking such trips.

A most exciting undertaking, proposed by Brumback last fall, is a long term needs study. “We must have a vision that assesses the services and uses of our senior center today along with research that explores projections 5 to 10 years forward and a strategy for getting there and how to fund it. The staff, seeing that they are being held accountable, has stepped up their energy, enthusiasm and productivity in a positive spirit of cooperation with seniors and the commission.”

As the Town Council addresses the status of the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission next week, it is imperative that they understand and consider the outstanding achievements at next Tuesday's council meeting. In collaboration with Calendar House management, staff and the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission, Senior members themselves have energetically contributed to major changes in the past nine months. The results deserve nothing less than their sincere thanks and unanimous and swift action to empower the coalition continue to forge the way for future generations of the 55+ age group without delay!

An SOS on How to Help Tornado Victims of Moore, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Needs Help!

Just in ... article on Southington.Patch this morning... how social action groups, organizations and individuals can help support the folks in Oklahoma damaged by the devastating tornadoes.

Yes, we can help  ...

Click on the following link ...
how-to-help-the-tornado-victims-of-moore-oklahoma

A Vintage Doll House is Magically Transformed to a Sparkling New Doll House for a Little Girl Soon to Receive it as a Gift

Touching the lives of many people in a suburban Connecticut community is a heart-warming true story of a decades old, but much treasured, doll house that had been aging idly without a little girl's care for years. The late Cliff Smith of Pompton Plains, NJ, had designed and constructed the two and a-half story doll house with meticulous care some 40 years ago. His wife, Doris Smith, furnished it and they presented it to their daughter who later passed it on to her daughter.

Eight years ago, Mrs. Smith, now 85, moved from her life-long home in New Jersey to her present home in Highland Hill Condominiums in Plantsville, a friendly village within the Town of Southington, CT. where the doll house continued to age in the solitude of the attic until a few months ago when she was with her neighbor, close friend and companion. Doris told Grace she had taken the doll house down to the garage but get herself to commit it to the trash but instead wondered how it might be cleaned up and given to a little girl who might not be likely to receive a doll house.

Through her neighbor, Janet Mellon, Director of Southington Community Services, was told the story and immediately loved the idea which was taken to local artist Mary DeCroce who was equally excited about redecorating and saving the house from a worse doom. DeCroce came up with another idea of offering it as an art project to the Art Club of Saint Dominic School where she is the art teacher. Principal Patricia M. Tiezzi enthusiastically endorsed the plan as did the 17 students in the Art Club. The doll house had some fixing up to do which was done by Mike Hodgins assisted by Dennis at the Calendar House Senior Center and given to DeCroce so that the refurbishing might be complete.

Five weeks later, on May 14, 2013, the Art Club of St. Dominic School and their art teacher, presented the almost magically transformed vintage doll house to Mellon.

The photo shows the students surrounding the new Magic Doll House with (L. to R.), Mellon and DeCroce standing on the left in the back. On the left, behind the kids are: (L. to R.), Tiezzi, Grace Fortunato and Doris Smith.

Magic Doll House Refurbished by the Art Club of
St. Dominic School
Photography courtesy of Paul Dinnean

The Art Club students listed by grade are:  3rd Grade—Anthony Penisse,  Olivia Textiera, Maddie Napierski, Grinffin Prushinski, Charlene Weavwer and Joshua Zatulski. 4th Grade:  Allison Rembish, Julia Panerella, Katie LaCluyze, Rachel Carbone and Sarah Sisto. 5th Grade: Olivia Bates, Isa Miani, Katie D’Agostino, Kate Hardy and Theresa Cusson.

At the presentation, the children proudly recited the story of the rebirth of the Magic Doll House from start to finish to Mellon and all gathered.

Mellon thanked the children and told them that their gift will be part of a special items auction following the Unique Boutique sale and Dinner on Monday evening, May 20th at the Aqua Turf. All proceeds of the event will be used to help the Southington Food Pantry buy food for our local hungry.

Doris felt joy to see her fairy tale wish come true and she brings a ray of sunshine as a volunteer worker at First Congregational Church, Bread for Life, Church Women United and Calendar House. She also visits shut-ins regularly and is the official Sunshine Lady at Highland Hill Condominiums.

Thanks to photographer Paul Dinnean who volunteered his services for the photos of the event.

Now, can you imagine the look on the face of the little girl who receives this sparkling new Magic Doll House, a gift of so many hearts.

“Love is the Lesson, Life is the School” - A Connecticut Bumper Sticker.

Busy and sometimes stressful times in the lives of parents and kids may open our eyes to the wise lesson of this essay right out of the family book of life.



Deadlines to meet, spring cleaning, change of seasonal wardrobes, school, sports, final exams, projects due, graduations, never ending laundry , meal preparation, messy kitchens, spring allergies and job pressures, the continuing spiral can tax the limits of coping.

Fr. Simon Devereaux,
Legion of Christ
Cheshire, CT

Taking another look, however, it's actually a great time of year to turn these challenges into an opportunity to practice how to love. -Think about it ... "we have one life to get it down!"

Presented today on The Quest for Common Ground with sincere thanks for these thoughts to the"Mustard Seeds" and blessings of Fr Simon Devereaux, Legion of Christ, Cheshire, CT.

A New Presence in the Southington Faith Community: Rev. Sharon Holt

For the past several years, the First Baptist Church of Southington has been without a permanent  pastor since the retirement of Rev. David Strohsahl who had served and inspired the congregation as its pastor for more than twenty years. Interim Pastor, The Rev.Jerrie Matney led the congregation for the next three years.

A few days after Easter Sunday this year, arriving on the scene as the new pastor of the First Baptist Church of Southington, was Rev. Sharon Holt who received a very warm welcome by the members of her new congregation, many of whom have expressed their joy to have her in their midst as their spiritual leader. Longstanding members of the congregation Shirley Mason, Bev Tooley, Robin Michel and Darlene Steele echoed the praises of many who were pleased to say that their new pastor had quickly won their hearts.

Sharon Holt was born in Boston, grew up in Westood, MA and is the youngest of three children. At age 13, she found her way to an American Baptist Church and became active in their Baptist Youth Fellowship. Her journey in faith led her to a commitment to Christ as her Lord and Savior, and her public proclamation of faith through the baptism of believers.

At the young age of 14, Holt received God's call to pastoral ministry and led her to the pre-seminary program at Gordon College, Wenham, MA. Her major study in Philosophy included electives in theology, church history and biblical Greek language. Post graduation, Holt took a position at Harvard College to help repay her student loans. Working in Admissions and Financial Aid, Holt later became an Administrator in a Harvard undergraduate house where she recalls many happy years working with students.

While at Harvard, she was accepted in a university graduate program and earned a Master's in Counseling and Consulting Psychology. She was also active in a variety of leadership positions in several American Baptist Churches in Massachusetts. Sharon Holt was ordained at the North Taunton Baptist Church in 1999. There she served as an Associate Pastor and later at the First Baptist Church of Hingham, later answering God's call to full-time ministry. In 2003, Holt was recognized as an ordained minister by The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts and of the United States. From April 2004 through March 2013 Holt was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Methuen, MA.

With a heart for mission, both domestic and international; Holt has co-directed a faith based homeless shelter in N. Taunton, served at the University Lutheran Shelter in Cambridge, MA, worked in urban area soup kitchens and has been on mission trips to Honduras. Pastor Sharon Holt now lives in Southington with her two cats, Bathsheba & Henry David. She enjoys reading, theater, movies and travel and is a lively conversationalist on a range of topics.

Though Holt's education is sound and she is a structured thinker, her approach to basic life questions seems to be grounded in simplicity rather than philosophically complicated meanderings. For example, asked how she might answer someone who feels disconnected with God and wants to know how to pray, Holt said: "Well, I start my prayer by saying 'Lord,"and then I tell him what is my mind and I end the conversation with "Amen". How would you tell people how to know if God is answering? "God always answers, (in what follows), generally you might say there are four kinds of answers to listen for: 'Yes', 'No', 'Not now, maybe later', or 'I have a better idea!'" Amen to that.

Rev. Sharon Holt eagerly looks forward to working in her new congregation.

Five Fathers

The following story came to me from a family member about a mission of compassion, mercy and love of five fathers who have been friends since high school. It's a moving story and paradigm for all fathers of what young fathers can do in times of serious family crisis. I thought there was a touch of irony in that it came to me on the heals of my own post yesterday, "My Mother My Life". Without further introduction, here's Kevin Skirde's story of "Five Fathers" which includes links to their website photos, personal stories and contact information.

Are you Lucky?

Today, I can say I am very lucky. I have two healthy little children, a great family and amazing friends.

Approximately two years ago, one of my dear friends, Anthony Lenza met a crisis in his life. His son, Anthony, was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 2. (http://fivefathers.org/one-fathers-journey/) What a fighter this little champ has been. He is finishing up his chemo this summer and today he is looking stronger than ever!

Since June 2011, my friends, Nick, Jay, Mark and I have each asked a very similar question…”How can we help?”, “What can we do?”, “Is there anything you need?” We probably all felt a little helpless watching one of our closest friends go through such a very difficult time. The one thing that I will never forget is Anthony’s focus on the many children at the hospital who were in such dire need. He always spoke about the many children who had it worse. In recognizing this during such a difficult time, Anthony inspired me.

The answer to our question was the formation of Five Fathers. A few months back, Anthony had the idea to start a new nonprofit organization to help Children in need. I realized quickly that this is how I can help! Today I introduce to you, our organization, Five Fathers Children’s Charity.

Our goal is simple:

· Provide support for children and their families who are in need of a helping hand…financial, physical or emotional

· Create a movement and a platform for all people, including fathers, to raise their hands, act and help children in need.

I ask for your support as we embark on our journey> Here are a few ways you can help:

1. Spread the word – your network can be our network! Send this to other people, especially those with whom you are close. Word of mouth is a very powerful tool to help us establish our network.

2. Come visit us Memorial Day Weekend on Monday, May 27 for the 33rd Memorial Day Run. This is a perfect place to launch our organization and journey – the place where we all met, became friends and grew up! Feel free to run, donate money or just cheer us on!!

3. Donate your time – we are in the process of coordinating with our first families to support and I know there will be many projects to come. Contact us on our website (http://www.fivefathers.org/) if you would like to join this movement, (perhaps with other fathers you know.).

4. Pledge a gift to Five Fathers and make a donation. Donations can be made on our site. Or you can mail me a check.

I am personally donating to Five Fathers and will continue to do so each year. In addition, our operating expenses will be covered by the board for 2013 so we are striving to keep our costs and overhead extremely low.

Please help us: Donate, volunteer and make a difference!

I would like to personally thank you for taking time to read this and hear our story. Your contribution will help many little children like Anthony.

As I close, I would like to ask you one final question. Are you lucky?

With Warm Regards,

Kevin E. Skirde

Vice President of Development, Director

Five Fathers Children’s Charity

Kevin@fivefathers.org

My Mother, My Life

It is Mother's Day -

Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise. - Ephesians 6:1 -

I remember my mother’s prayers; they have always followed me. The have clung to me all my life. – Abraham Lincoln

My mother carried me into this world. I cannot remember a time during my years of growing up when she was not the central person of my world.

She and my father were my providers, protectors, nurturers, educators and the source of my faith. It was their encouragement and inspiration that prepared me to meet adulthood and responsibility as a husband, father, productive citizen, patriot and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

Whatever your faith and beliefs, your mother, with your father, is by definition, the source of you are! I know that God, by whatever name humans may refer to him, chose Mothers as his instrument in carrying on the labor of His creation. To this day I am forever grateful for the mother he chose for me.

The memory of my mother is forever etched in my spirit as the precious essence of beauty, love and hope.

I love you, mom.

"Touch a Fire Truck" - Magic Words for Kids

When I was a boy I loved fire trucks.  I figured all kids liked fire trucks.  Didn't you?  I remember, through the years, how many kids received a toy fire truck on Christmas or a birthday. But it wasn't just fire trucks that captured the young minds of kids, awakening them to fantasies and unimaginable possibilities.  I think I was five years old on a Christmas morning when I received my first, (then, state-of-the-art), Buck Rogers Rocket Ship. Wish I could remember the journeys into space and things I imagined playing with that little toy. 

Growing up, of course, we learned that we had to make way for fire trucks, ambulances and police chase vehicles because their mission was always a vital matter where every moment counted in the protection of life and property. Their loud blaring horns and wailing sirens alert us that brave rescuers are on their way to fight danger.

Next Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 10 am to 3 pm, we have an exciting opportunity for kids of all ages to attend the 11th Annual "Touch-A-Truck" event which will take place in the parking area behind the Derynoski Elementary School, entrance off of Eden Avenue. (Rain Date: Sunday, May 19th).

Not only will there be fire trucks to inspect, but an array of vehicles and equipment such as, military trucks, an Army helicopter, rescue vehicles, fire engines, police vehicles, an animal control car, school bus, operation life saver, (railroad crossing), cement mixer, motorcycles, garbage truck, mail truck, tree truck, Channel 8 mobile weather station vehicle and many more!  

To enliven the ambiance, there'll be music, colorful characters roaming through the crowds,  face painting, free items offered to kids and raffle prizes.  Food and drink will be available.

“Come for an hour or two or better still, spend the day!”, says Auxiliary volunteer Sherri Valentin, “and enjoy this eye-filling display for only $3.00 per child. Kids under 2 are free and $1.00 for adults. 

Sponsoring the event are the American Legion Auxiliary, Kiltonic Post 72 and Southington's Park and Recreation Department. 

The entire proceeds will go to help fund Children and Youth programs in our community.  

It promises to be a wonder-filled family day where children will be permitted to climb on dozens of intriguing vehicles to explore, pretend and dream. I'll be there enjoying the carnival of sights, sounds and looks on the children's faces. See you there.

In Sickness and Healing, Time to Think!

I just looked at my blog and saw that this is my first post in over a month.

There's nothing like a series of bouts with one's health, in this case, issues of the digestive tract, to slow one  down to a near halt.  At my age or any age, I suppose, it's something that abruptly interrupts the steady stream of even our most routine day-to-day activities. I've considered that it may be especially challenging for the type "A" person within so many of us, those of us who need to have all our ducks in a row and be on top of things.  This leads me to wonder if there's an elementary force known as The Law of Inertia that prevents us from "stopping the world, I want to get off", and then the same law that tells us to stop fighting and just rest. Or maybe that is another Natural Law at work, the "instinct to survive" telling us to listen to our body's signals. At that point your brain takes over and compels you to accept what is happening and that you need to shut out all other concerns.  In obeying the commands of my body, my mind took over and gave me a lot of time to think about what is most important.  I think of that spiritual process as prayer and trust me I was calling on God to help get me through. That old Devil Pain comes along and reminds you that while it like the devil, it's but another one of God's Laws of Nature demanding you through your body to stop and pay attention to what is going on.

So, I tried hard to be a good patient and did exactly as I was told and awaited the medical cavalry to take charge of my rescue.  I was very fortunate, from the moment I entered the emergency room at Bradley Hospital, with an extremely caring and competent doctor, nurses and technicians to make it to the Intermediate Care Unit where I was officially "admitted" to the hospital in the wee hours.

After almost a week in a regular hospital room surrounded by efficient doctors, nurses and aides who genuinely won my respect and trust, I was up to having my wife take me home to rest and continue the therapy of medication, diet and a modified daily regime.  Gave me time to read, think and pray some more, all of which gradually re-opened my cerebral processes.

I considered how good my family and friends were with their visits, phone calls, cards, flowers and various expressions of caring. One thing I didn't let go of but held on tight to is my faith.  So, I thank God.  I thank Him for the great lady who is my devoted wife and nurse at home and in the hospital, my children and grandchildren, good friends and associates and especially the staff at Bradley Memorial Hospital in Southington for getting me through for another day of writing.

Next time you're feeling that your're indispensable, maybe you'll think of this story.

Good health and Godspeed.


Sincere thanks to:

Vince, Karen, Rich, Debbie, Allison, Lindsey, Rob, Greg, Ann Marie and Bill, Joe, Maggie, Mike, MaryAnne, Leeanne, Jackie, Doris Smith, Donna Toce, Rev. Jim Debner, Rev. Sandy Koenig, Rev. Fr. Henry Frascadore, Bob and Cathy, Fr. Simon Devereaux and the Mustard Seed, Mikki, Gen & Will, Dennis Kelly, Paul Sirois, John  DiSantis and the Knights of Columbus, Robin Michel, Ruth Heering, Joy Irish, Carol Newton, Eldon Hafford, Mary DeCroce and St. Dominic Parish.

Finally, please join me in appreciating the continued presence of Bradley Memorial Hospital in our midst.  I salute their staff especially, Emergency Room Dr. Contanstine "Tine" Mesologites and his night staff; Hospitalist Dr. Brian Beaulieu, and those always there for me Nurses Denise, Carrington, Meghan Brennan, Pina, Skila, Justyna, Rennette, and two housekeepers who did their work with cheerful greetings each time they entered my room. Of course, there are others whose names I was no doubt too out of touch at times to remember.