2/1/2024 Joseph O'Connor
2/1/2024 Isabella Rena DeSanto1930 - 2024Funeral Liturgy
Friday, February 2 11:00 am Padre Serra Parish Mortuary New York Dear Padre Serra Community, Growing up, I had a habit of finding long forgotten boxes in the garage and rummaging through them to discover lost treasures. Lovingly called “fishing trips” by my father, I still enjoy this pastime especially when visiting my parents – although now I know to ask permission first! On one such excursion recently, I found a photo of my brother, two sisters, and me in our uniforms ready for the first day of school at St. Gregory the Great. Dated September 1991, it marked the first day that all four of us were at the same school together. It was not lost on me that I’ll be able to take a similar picture next August as my youngest will start transitional kindergarten at St. Mary Magdalen. As we celebrate National Catholic Schools’ Week this week, I am grateful for the impact Catholic education has played in my life and am thankful that Melissa and I can share that gift with our three children. Over the coming days, we can also reflect on the unique and enriching journey of faith, knowledge, and community that defines our Catholic schools. This week is a special time to recognize the profound impact of Catholic education on the hearts and minds of our students. At. St. Mary Magdalen School, we strive to nurture not only academic excellence but more importantly, values rooted in our faith. Together, we create a vibrant community where love, compassion, and service are woven into the fabric of everyday learning. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom, shaping young men and women who are not only well-prepared academically but also grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to express gratitude for the dedication of our educators, the enthusiasm of our students, and the unwavering support of our families. It's a time to celebrate the unique bond that unites us in our shared journey of faith and education. ![]() Siempre Adelante! Michael Ronan Michael Ronan Principal P.S. If you have school aged children and are interested in sending them to St. Mary Magdalen or just want to visit our school, I’d love to invite you for a personal tour of our campus home. Also, note that we are currently accepting applications for the 2024 – 2025 school year for all grades. More information is available on our website www.smmschool.net 1/18/2024 PrayingPraying A Reflection from Michelle Vivirito “Lord, I’m not going to keep praying. You see the obstacles in my path. If you want me in church, then you must help. That's all I’ll say. Amen.” When I'm alone, as I often am, and watching a funny movie or reading a humorous book, I seldom laugh out loud. Humor is best when it is shared. But this passage from Abraham Verghese’s The Covenant of Water evoked a rueful snicker because it struck close to home. In Catholic high school, I was taught the different types of prayer. I recall at least four types: prayers of worship, intercession, thanksgiving, and petition. There are probably more, probably seven since there seems to be seven of everything. But it’s those prayers of petition that are the problem. Faith isn’t easy for me. I am one of God’s willful children. I’m seldom very sinful, at least not anymore, but certainly willful. I've been disappointed by prayer. Who hasn’t been? When people say, “God always answers prayers; sometimes the answer is no,” I want to have a tantrum. A willful child wants the answer to be, “Yes, my darling. Of course, my dear.” This is why I do not ask for specific outcomes anymore. Instead, I pray for specific people. For their happiness, courage, and comfort but not with words. I close my eyes and conjure up the face of someone I know and love. I linger over the arch of an eyebrow, the smooth or lined forehead, the pout of a mouth. And I hold that image in my head — no, that’s not right — I hold the image in my heart. And I just stay with it as I feel holiness surround me with happiness, courage, and comfort. ![]() Michelle is a longtime parishioner of Padre Serra and a member of our Writers Group. |
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