We extend a note of congratulations to the eight people who will graduate from the Shrine’s Spiritual DirectionTraining Program this weekend: Genevieve Baudin, Mary Michael Leahy, Joanne Leary, Rachelle Linner, DonnaMacoul, James Morris, Barbara Murray, and Thomas Sepeck. They have completed a two-year program of study. Carol Mitchell, the Director of this program, does great work for the Shrine in this area. Thank you, Carol!
The Shrine’s schedule during the last week of May has some footnotes. On Monday, May 27, Memorial Day, the Shrine will be completely closed all day. On Wednesday, May 29, at the 5:15 pm Mass, we will celebrate the VigilMass for Ascension Thursday. This Mass will be in English, as is our current custom for the Wednesday 5:15 pm Mass. The Mass schedule for Ascension Thursday will follow the usual Thursday Mass schedule: 6 am, 7 am, 11:45 am,12:30 am, and 5:15 pm. Ascension Thursday is a Holy Day of Obligation.
The release date for the Arch Street Band’s new CD is July 1. We will have more information about this big event at a later time. We extend a warm thank-you to Mark Emery and the talented musicians of the band for enlivening our worship together.
We congratulate Mayor Marty Walsh on being the recipient of the Tenth Annual Jim O’Connell Award given by Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. In forums throughout the City, Mayor Walsh regularly raises awareness of the dignity and inherent worth of every homeless person. He enthusiastically promotes programs and encourages partnerships of social services agencies serving the homeless. The Shrine’s successful medical clinic for homeless women, a partnership between the Shrine and Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, is but one example of such a partnership. We are grateful for the Mayor’s leadership in this area.
On Sunday, May 19, at 10:30 am, Fr. Ron celebrates his final Mass as a resident here at the Shrine. He is retiring to Florida soon. Fr. Ron’s retirement is well-deserved and the Shrine’s friars, staff, and worshiping community all wish him well. Many of us, though, is feeling very sad about this milestone. For me personally, Fr. Ron has been a magnificent informal mentor. For every new situation, he always found the right mix of common sense, kindness, church law, and good management. I have benefited from his wisdom and delighted in his self-deprecating humor. I am very grateful for our time together here at the Shrine. Enjoy Florida, Fr. Ron!
Fr. Thomas Conway, OFM
Executive Director