The next five years [1985-1990] were
quite "satisfying and exciting" To begin with; the parish opened a "Winter Shelter for Homeless
Men" in 1985. This "humanitarian" service was located within the rectory and encompassed the
space (ordinarily used as the Rectory Meeting Room) and the suite of rooms (bath, bedroom,
sitting room) normally used by visiting priests. This shelter -- coordinated in a quiet and
responsible manner by Deacon Frank Ott, and his wife, Eileen -- had been capably staffed by
volunteers [exclusively] while successfully, remaining in operation for eleven winters. However,
as citywide services increased, our facility was becoming underutilized. Consequently, there
appeared to be no further need to provide this service (within our parish), which [officially] closed in 1997.
In the meantime, another departure (regrettably)
ensued, in 1985, when our second Deacon, Patrick Cline moved to New Jersey. He was well-known --
and highly respected -for serving this parish [since 1978] as the coordinator of our Pre-Cana Marriage
Preparation Program. Notably, however, during the following year, 1986, the parish "reveled" in the
joy of celebrating its 60th year of life. And, what a celebration it was! Strictly speaking, the jubilee
comprised three major events: the Special Journal, a magnificent Dinner-Dance, and an overwhelmingly
enjoyable "Family Picnic" in Juniper Valley Park.
Then, with the following year, 1987, Fr. John
Fagan
designated our rectory facilities as a highly suitable place to "house" a half-dozen "boarder babies"
for the duration of four months. It is noteworthy that due to such warmth -- and "open-heartedness"
[on the part of the parish] to provide sensitive and loving care to babies deprived of a "familial
human touch" -- these infants were now receiving the crucial human contact and psychological need
which often promotes healthy human development. As a result, Fr. Fagan was fully able to take advantage
of the necessary -- as well as valuable -- time required in order to "seek out" a permanent settlement
for such "boarder babies" through foster care, or adoption.
At the same time, in the Fall of 1987, our
Marian Shrine -- located in the middle yard -- was officially blessed. Subsequently, as many present-day
parishioners can readily attest, this Shrine has always remained a special place of prayer-and quietude
for parishioners and visitors alike.
However, experience also reminds us that not all
occurrences in parish life were as "happy", or jubilant, as the two events described above. For example,
in 1988, the parish engaged in a cooperative effort with our "Diocesan Catholic Charities" as they attempted
to "seek out" properties which came be developed into low-income, senior citizens' housing. One such possibility,
or site, was our own Fr. Weber Yard. Within a short period of time, such "housing" [which became quite volatile
for many people] resulted in parish withdrawal of our endorsement, as well as a total abandonment of the project.
Despite the turmoil and pain of the above failed
proposal, this parish [fortunately] surged forward as attention NOW focused on a "timely" and "upbeat"
project to celebrate the 50th Anniversary -- commemorating the existence of R.A. School. On this special
occasion, a jubilee Mass was celebrated for all school alumni -- coupled with a "school open house" that
reunited, socially, both teachers and fellow alumni. Notably, teachers and students heightened the joy of
this occasion as they "reminisced", and shared stories about their past experiences. For example, on a
somewhat humorous level, although many students attempted; apparently, very few could STILL sit behind
their old school desks! At any rate, this momentous occasion culminated with a dinner-dance at Terrace on the Park,
in Flushing Meadow Park. Astonishingly, approximately seven hundred people attended. Without a doubt, this
festivity resulted in a truly a nostalgic, and pivotal, evening - one not to be forgotten for a very long time to come.
However, even in the midst of such joyous events,
there may, inevitably, come a time -- as experienced in previous years -- for tears as well. To begin
with, in June, 1989, the Sisters of Charity [Halifax] announced that they were unable to supply administrative,
and teaching personnel, for our school. But, God's Divine providence smiled on "dear old" R.A. School. The
Sisters of St. Joseph (Brentwood) consented to staff our school by designating Sister Margaret Sweeney, CSJ
to be the new principal in September, 1989. As many of you may well know, Sr. Margaret remained our competent
-- and amiable -Principal until the end of the 2002 school year.
During that same year (1989), this "upbeat" feeling
gained momentum as it carried over into a very successful campaign -- organized and designed -- to raise money
for the renovation of our church. The project was completed on Christmas Eve, 1989. To this day, many refer
to this accomplishment as one having superb and, profoundly meaningful, timing - "a NEW CHURCH was BORN to
welcome the birth of the Christ Child"!!!
