Kevin's Corner 11-02-08
Written by Fr. Kevin McDonough
TIME TO VOTE ... AND PRAY: Just in case you missed it, this is an Election Year (just kidding!). Election Day is this Tuesday. If you have the franchise, please vote. And whether you can vote or not, pray for our nation, state, and city. May there be peace on earth, and let it begin with each of us.
NEW PARISH MEMBER BREAKFAST: Our quarterly gathering for recently signed-up Clavers will take place at a new time, a Saturday morning. Please join us for continental breakfast (heavy on the doughnuts - pastor's prerogative) and conversation on November 15. We will start promptly at 9:30 AM and have you on the road by 11:00. Call the parish office day or night (651-646-1797) and let us know that you are thinking of attending.
CONGRATULATIONS, PATTY GEORGE: Parish member Patty George is featured on the cover of Saint Paul College's Spring 2009 calendar. An alumna of the College; she opened her own salon about two years ago. Pictured with her is client Laurel Williams Gardner; daughter of Stan and Louverne Williams. Both are looking good!
THINKING OF OPENING A BUSINESS?: One way that people respond to economic downturns is by striking out on their own, as Patty did. If you are considering doing so, please know that we have help in our own neighborhood. The Rondo Community Outreach Library; at the southwest corner of University and Dale Avenues, hosts a Small Business Resource Center. It includes classes, expert consultations, computer workstations; and printed information relevant to business start-up and stability. All services are free! For more information; either call 651-266-7400, or go to www.sppl.org/allocations/rondo-smallbusiness.html. May God bless your initiative!
CONGRATULATIONS, BETSY BUCKLEY: Claver member and 4:00 Mass regular, Betsy Buckley, recently received an award for Distinguished Service to the College from her alma mater, Saint Norbert's College near Green Bay. Betsy, a 1989 graduate of the College, has been a member of the Board of Trustees and helps them with their communications. Her lesser half, (aka husband) Dennis McGrath, has been a colleague in Archdiocesan leadership for many years. Service to education is one of the best things we can offer. Nice work, Betsy!
PAN-AFRICAN SUMMIT: There is a gathering for Africans and African-Americans interested in improved community network building on November 22. It is sponsored by the Center for Families, an effort of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches (GMCC). A frequent Claver visitor and good friend, Reverend Dr. Gary Reierson; is head of the GMCC. He has been a champion of the Center since the idea was first raised almost a decade ago. The event begins with 8:30 registration that Saturday, and concludes by 3:30. Even though a delicious West African lunch will be served, the event is free! For more Information, contact Andrew Tehmeh at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 612-276-1571.
TAPES TO SHARE?: A Claver member asked me last week whether I had a copy of the excellent (and expensive) audio tapes that Father Richard Rohr OFM made a few years ago about the Letters of Saint Paul. Although I had to say no, it struck me that there might be someone in the parish who has a set of those tapes or may know where to find them. If so; let me know. I vouch for the fact that the prospective borrower is trustworthy!
GREETINGS FROM HOLLYWOOD: I am away from the parish this weekend for two reasons. On Saturday evening, I took part in the wedding of Marisa Coughlan. I did so only in part because she is a gorgeous and semi-famous actress (look her up on the internet). My main reason is because her late dad, a good friend of mine, lived with me at Saint Peter Claver for several months during a challenging time in his life. He died four years ago, and I wanted to represent him at his daughter's celebration. By noon on Sunday I will be in Salt Lake City, where brother Jim, his wife, Angie, and their two kids live. Back in town Wednesday night. See you in church next weekend!
HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION: What a wonderful response to the 10K Challenge for our weekly collection. Last weekend; the first since Father Kevin put out the Parish Council's challenge, we received $9,300. That is a most generous start. We also received forty forms back from worshippers, indicting a desire to join the parish, to increase their pledge, and/or to use electronic giving. Please remember to bring back your forms in the next few weeks.
Father Dennis Dease, President of the University of Saint Thomas, recently received the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, presented to outstanding leaders in Catholic education by the National Catholic Education Association. He was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship, for which he could name any Catholic school student in the country. He called Saint Peter Claver School and, at the recommendation of Principal Teresa Mardenborough, he named eighth-grader Trinidad Miller as the recipient. Trinidad's family became so excited by the scholarship award that his father packed Trinidad and two of his three brothers - all Claver students - into the car and drove them to Washington DC for the award ceremony. We are proud of the Millers and our school!