As many new ministries were introduced
into the parish, our "Parish Stewardship Commitment" took its place, front and center. A
Stewardship Council of parishioners was formed. This Council created an awareness of the principles
behind stewardship through "witness talks" and opportunities to, both, discover, and to participate,
in the many activities operating within the parish. To date, "Stewardship" remains at the heart
and life of our parish.
To cite a few examples, at Thanksgiving,
in the year, 2000, the parish began to sponsor a holiday meal for those who would be eating alone
on that day. And, for those individuals who were homebound, a Thanksgiving meal was prepared,
packaged, and delivered to their doors. This last Thanksgiving, over 60 people were fed in
Fr. Feely Hall or, within their homes.
In addition, during the Advent Season,
the "Giving Tree" is set up in our Church's Narthex. This "tree" enables parishioners to provide
a gift for a needy child, or teenager. Also, Fr. Kevin, and the parish Cultural Committee,
created our first Multi-Cultural Liturgy, as well as an International Food Festival. Both were
celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany. This event has become, for many, a much enjoyed, and
anticipated, annual celebration.
During this same period, the Elizabeth
Ministry [developed by Mrs. Jean Maffia] also came into existence. This was a "like to like"
ministry - i.e. a woman who had experienced a situation such as: a miscarriage, adoption,
infertility, infant crisis or, even, a normal pregnancy "reached out" -- in prayerful support
-- to another woman, undergoing a similar situation. Sister Barbara Buckbee, CSJ, as choir
member, and a resident in our convent, took over a faltering Annual Blood Drive and gave it
the prominence needed to become a truly supportive and effective effort.
Looking to the immediate past, the
time period from 2000 to 2001 was, obviously, a momentous one for the parish. That time frame
offered the opportunity to celebrate the 62nd Anniversary of our school, and the 75th
Anniversary of our parish. From October 2000 to October 2001, there were many events centering
on those two anniversaries. All the school Alumni, and teachers [from 1943 to the present],
were invited to a series of reunions. Each reunion provided food and drinks, raffle prizes,
a crowning of an Alumni "King and Queen", tours of the school, and the opportunity to view a
film recalling the history of R.A. - its teachers, its priests and its people. A dinner-dance
was also held on April 27th for 550 people. On this occasion, Msgr. Joseph Parks, and
Msgr. James Asip, were honored. Notably, each guest, at that dinner, was given a beautiful souvenir journal.
Finally, this year-long celebration
culminated with an anniversary Mass that took place on Sunday, October 28, 2001 at which time
our Bishop, Thomas V. Daily, was the celebrant, and Msgr. Robert Thelen consented to be the "Alumni homilist".
Approximately one month after the above
anniversary Mass, Msgr. Bynon announced that he would be "71 years of age on November 17, 2001"
and, therefore, "eligible for retirement." His official retirement would take place on December 31, 2001.
Prior to this date, Msgr. Bynon celebrated a farewell Mass, followed by a reception on Saturday, December 15th.
In mid-December, Msgr. Vincent F. Fullam
was appointed to succeed Msgr. Bynon as the new pastor of Resurrection-Ascension. He began his
pastorate in January, 2002 and was installed by Bishop Daily on February 4, 2002.
Shortly into the year 2002, Sister Margaret Sweeney,
CSJ announced that she would [at the conclusion of the school year] relinquish her role as Principal,
thereby completing 13 years of Administration at R.A. School. While her departure entails the end of a
long-time tradition of Religious Sisters appointed as administrators, we look forward to the able
leadership, and administration of Mrs. Joanne Heppt, who will, undoubtedly, become a significant
role model for any future lay administrators.
Also, during the Spring, of 2002,
Fr. Kevin Cavalluzzi was appointed pastor of St. Paul's Church in the Coble Hill section of Brooklyn.
He reported to that parish on, or about, June 24th.
With the above series of events and personnel
in mind, many of you are aware that such occasions, and activities, obviously need PEOPLE:
►who -- CARE about their church and school;
►who -- believe that "TOGETHER" wonderful things can be accomplished;
►who -- have IDEAS;
►who -- will COMMIT some of their TIME and TALENT to bring about
an EXTRAORDINARY REUNION of past parishioners and alumni -- as
well as many other WONDERFUL OCCASIONS to celebrate what our parish and school
have done;
►who -- will assist in PLANNING for the FUTURE years.
