Each time I write this column I try never to be anything other than encouraging by sharing special events of the parish or to give you some Catholic teaching. I do not believe that I have ever been “political” in this column not even during election time...

I have been away most of this week beginning my studies in Preaching at Aquinas Institute in St. Louis, MO. It has been a full and intense week of studies. As you read this column you will notice that I am back in the parish for Sunday Masses. How- ever, I am writing this column from the hot and sticky mid-west and look forward to returning to the hot and humid weather of New York!...

Believe it or not it is mid-July already and the sum- mer is moving fast. Hot and humid days are still on the way, so try to stay cool!...

It is summertime and the living is easy! Summer means a little slower pace for all of us and time for us to enjoy relaxing at home or barbequing with family and friends. Perhaps a trip to the beach or time away is in your summer plans, but whatever your activities are this summer, please do not forget God!...

“It was the worst of times; it was the best of times.” This is the opening lines to the classic novel, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (I highly recommend it for your summer reading list)...