A false alarm! A week ago this past Friday was our annual Trunk or Treat Tailgate Party. This was something Sr. Carol started, and she had an absolute blast preparing for with her infamous Parish Life Committee (or as we on staff called it: “The Party Planning Committee”). There was no doubt Sr. Carol loved her parties!
This year we had fewer cars in the lot but more people participating. The night is always a great event. We determined that there were fewer cars, mostly because we made a big deal that cars couldn’t leave the school lot until the event was over. This meant that if you ran out of candy or things to hand out, you had to remain in the lot until 8:30 p.m. or until we made the announcement the event was over. We do this only out of concern for the safety of all the kids running around in that lot. We talked about creating a section next year where people who didn’t want to park in the lot could bring chairs and tables and still pass out things. This way, that group could pack up their tables and chairs and leave whenever they wanted since their cars would be in other lots.
Anytime we have a large gathering of children, we can always be guaranteed a few will “wander” over to the playscape or in front of the gym. Well, this is when Detective Monsignor Mike comes in handy. Sure, he walks around. But he, like some of the other parents, will frequently meander over to the gym and playscape and help corral the kids and move them back over to the parking lot. The gym steps often become the gathering place for the older kids once the candy has been passed out. At this point, the older kids are bored; their younger siblings are probably still dancing to the music of our own DJ Hope, and people are just waiting for the 8:30 “all clear” signal. As I would make my rounds, I would run into, well, let’s just say for the sake of this story his first name is Kevin, and his last name is … well, maybe Nosek. He took watch over the north side of the school building while I was focused on the south side (including the gym and playscape). I was armed with my small and mighty LED flashlight. As kids would try to fly by me as I stealthily stood next to the school sign, I would hit the switch on my flashlight. The intense beam of light often got them to stop dead in their tracks. It was funny to watch their reaction when they knew it was ME who caught them. Talk about looking like “deer in headlights.” It’s one thing being caught, but another to be caught by the pastor who happens to tower 6 foot 7 inches and is armed with a high powered flashlight. At one point, I was met by another parent. Let’s just say for the sake of this story her name is … well … maybe Mrs. Blair Gaines. We were chatting away when we heard all this commotion over near the gym. Mrs. Gaines, that is, “Mrs. Mom,” and “Detective Monsignor” took off on foot like two “Mall Cops” on an emergency mission to rid the world of suspicious activity (too bad we didn’t have Segways with lights and sirens like in the movie). I must admit that I think Mrs. Gaines was picking up more steam as we barreled down the sidewalk together. Watch out kids, “Mrs. Mom” and “Detective Mike” were on their way. We. Were. Ready. As we neared the gym steps, we could see about 30 kids parked on the cement. “OH, my kid better not be there,” I heard “Mrs. Mom” clearly announce as we continued on our focused and determined emergency mission. But then we were stopped in our tracks by the sight of a parent with the kids. WAIT A MINUTE! A parent? This wasn’t supposed to happen! A parent was actually taking a group picture of kids on the front steps of the gym. The kids were behaving! A parent was there! Mrs. Gaines looked up at me and declared (as we both tried to catch our breath): “Okay, I guess we can lower our blood pressure now.” The “Mall Cops” made an about-face, left in peace, and went back to the party in the main lot. It was a false alarm!
The Relic of Blessed Solanus Casey: It was such a grace to host the relic of Blessed Father Solanus Casey at our parish last week. I’m truly grateful to Mary Cal, who initiated the idea of hosting the relic at our parish, and to Father John and his team of “Guardians of the Relic” who flawlessly carried out the various plans to host the relic here. It was such a phenomenal opportunity! The whole experience was much more than I expected!
It’s obvious that Blessed Solanus has a special place in so many of our hearts. I was amazed how many people approached me over the few days we had the relic and conveyed they either met Father Solanus at some point in their life, or their parents or relatives had some connection or encounter with this great and holy man. It was also grace-filled to hear the many stories of encounters with Blessed Solanus or healings that were received. Then to watch people, young or old, approach the relic and take the time to offer a prayer or touch religious articles to the relic with such profoundness was powerful to watch.
So, we thank God ahead of time for the graces and favors he will grant as a result of our beautiful few days with the relic of his humble servant and priest Blessed Solanus Casey. Blessed be God in all of His designs.
SJA’s Annual Memorial Mass: Our parish’s annual memorial mass for those whose funeral was celebrated at our parish this past year, will take place on Wednesday, November 6, at 7:00 p.m. Through a moving presentation and the lighting of memorial candles, we will remember by name each of the people whose funeral was celebrated at our parish during the past year. A light reception and an opportunity for fellowship will follow the mass in the Sr. Carol Center. Everyone is invited to attend this beautiful and moving liturgy. I hope you will be able to join us!
Elsewhere in the bulletin, you will find a page where you can add to the names of those we will remember not only at the memorial mass but throughout November. If you would like us to remember your relatives or friends who have died, please complete the form and return it either to the basket found on the altar of St. Joseph, drop it off at the Parish Center, or scan it and send it to [email protected] (an electronic version of the form can be found by following the link on the homepage of our parish website).