And It Begins

Dear Editor:

Another beautiful Mass at St. Camillus on Sunday! Bishop Brennan celebrated the Mass along with our new Administrator Fr. Kuroly, Fr. Chuck and Deacon Mike.

While Bishop Brennan said many inspiring words, his reference to the construction of the first church struck me. How the construction only survives if the timber and stone all meshes together to support the structure. I believe he was relating this image to the survival of the St. Camillus-St. Virgilius Parish. To move forward successfully, we need to all mesh together, help and support one another while loving each other as God loves us. To make the commitment to do our best, in order to have a strong Parish. We will have to do things differently. Not repeat the same mistakes. Think creatively. Think new. As a child, I remember reciting a children’s rhyme while using my hands and fingers. It goes “here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the door and here’s the people.” We need the people! We need us to really show up!

Then looking down the road, the Bishop touched on the future of the Catholic community on the Rockaway peninsula and Broad Channel, hoping we would evolve into a model, an example that could be followed in the Diocese by other Parishes. Parishes collaborating and sharing resources with each other with faith and trust in the Lord for all future generations. Fr. Kuroly ended the Mass with sharing a mindset we should adopt as we move forward together. He quoted St. Camillus, “Think well, speak well and do well.” I looked up this quote to understand its meaning a little better. It emphasizes a holistic approach to a virtuous life—focusing on pure thoughts, charitable words, and positive actions. Sounds like a great formula for a successful life and our work ahead.  Amen.

As we welcome Fr. Kuroly, we look forward to hearing his initial vision on how we can start to rebuild the Parish on May 17. We need to also thank Fr. Rodriguez for his time and support through the Parish’s transition. Last but not least, thank you Bishop Brennan for having faith in us by giving us a second chance

Thank you to Shannon’s Florist & Nursery for donating the flowers for the church. They were beautiful. A big thank you to the Hospitality volunteers who did another great job of creating a beautiful reception. And thank you to the individuals and families who joined the fellowship over cake and coffee. Let’s keep strengthening this connection and faithful community going!

Faith in Action,

Barbara Buffolino