Beloved Family:
While nowadays I strictly limit my intake of any secular news, I would need to be living under a rock to be oblivious to the ongoing accounts of suffering, violence, war and discord that continuously flood the headlines within our nation and within our world, at least for a time. So often, a crisis is ongoing long after it has disappeared from coverage. The ongoing assault on life in the womb is an example, I believe. As September is the month designated for Our Mother of Sorrows, we as Catholics have a perfect opportunity to emulate Mary’s steadfast position near the tortured body of her Son…At the cross her station keeping…it is a hymn not limited to Lent in providing a meditation for disciples of Christ. We are called to enter into deep solidarity with the suffering and the broken, whether their situation is the product of their own choices, or circumstances completely beyond their control. Our Lady of Sorrows: pray for us!
On Tuesday of this week, I along with many other members of the local Wooster community will be gathered at Greystone Event Center on the North End. The occasion: The 40th Anniversary Friends for Life Banquet sponsored by the Pregnancy Care Center of Wayne County. Just this past Tuesday, I had the honor of receiving a tour, led by Karen Noe, Director of Development. It is a testimony of a love for life that goes beyond words and slogans, producing fruit in action in the form of extensive services for expectant moms and dads and other persons in situations of vulnerability—these include (pulled directly from PCC’s website (supportpccwayneoh.org) :
Healthy Choices / Abstinence classes – In a teaching-style presentation, young people in middle schools are educated about healthy relationships between the opposite sex with an emphasis on abstinence before marriage;
Women of Hope (WOH) Parenting Classes – WOH team members go into the Wayne County Justice Center and Women’s Residential Rehabilitation Center to teach classes about parenting, relationships and life skills; and
Men of Honor (MOH) Ministries – Helping men to be all they are designed to be throughout life’s challenges. Individual and group parenting classes are offered, as well as an International’s Group. MOH staff work hand in hand with men and Wayne County Children Services when working to complete a case plan. Assistance is also offered to help dads fulfill court appointed requirements.
Also this week, I had two experiences pointing to the importance of agriculture and the stewardship of earth’s resources. On Sunday, a Wayne County farm Mass was held at the Besancon farm “compound” (my personal term). About 150 worshippers celebrated with Bishop Martin Amos, who will be joining us at Saint Mary one week from now, for the celebration of Confirmation. Then on Tuesday, I had the delight of stopping out at West View Pawpaw Farm, owned by parishioner Dr. Loren Kirchner and his bride, Mable. If you have not had the pleasure of tasting pawpaw, seek it out (although the season is at its sunset). The farm is one of the stops on the 2024 Wayne County Farm Tour, next Saturday and Sunday.
