On August 24th we celebrated the funeral Mass for Elsie Rompala. She had been homebound for 3 or 4 years but attended Mass regularly when she was able. She always had a rosary nearby. She was able to be anointed and to receive the last rites when she was in Hospice Care. May she now be reunited with her husband and all those who have passed on to the kingdom of God.
On Saturday (September 7 ), we held a Memorial Mass for Kathleen Domanski who has been living in Arizona and who passed away on June 13th at the age of 74. In her parish of St. Patrick in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kathleen was a Eucha- ristic Minister and a member of the Art & Environment Committee. She too had a devotion to Mary and to the rosary. She enjoyed being in a Scripture Study for several years and went on a pilgrimage through Israel, including the Sea of Galilee. She also went to Rome where she attended Mass by Pope Benedict. May her life of faith bring her into the joy of heaven.
I am especially saddened by the death of Maria Aponte, who’s Mass of Christian Burial was also this Saturday morning (September 7th). Maria attended daily Mass here and was enthusiastic in her Catholic faith. She made breakfast for us on many Sundays and would frequently bring us food for after morning Mass. Maria had a very large statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in her living room and prayed the rosary devoutly. She was a very kind and holy woman whom I will miss very much along with many other parishioners. As the Church prays at the end of the Funeral Mass, “We look forward to the day when we will see her again and enjoy her friendship.”
Congratulations to the family of Jacob Kropp who is being baptized this Sunday after the 11am Mass. May he know the joy that comes from a life of faith in the God who loves him.
Our congratulations to Brittany Popa and Nicholas Tatoczenko who are being married next Saturday, Septem- ber 14th. May they enjoy many happy years together as husband and wife.
As you can see, once Labor Day has passed, the pace really picks up here at St. Leo’s. Our school is in session and the days get busier. But we need to be thankful for our rest and enjoyment of the summer months and to pray that the busyness of this time of year does not cause us to forget the Lord.
Just a reminder for you to pick up your raffle tickets in the vestibule of the church. Your help in selling them is very much appreciated as it is the largest part of our fundraising activity for the Parish Festival which is just a few weeks away. Maria Aponte, whom I mentioned above, was anxious to make sure we had her raffle tickets, even when she was very ill! I know the Festival Committee has already been hard at work on preparing a good time for all of us. It’s always good to have something to look forward to and there are many things to enjoy during this favorite time of the year. Be sure to enjoy every day of it.