My Dear Parish Family:

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!

Thank you for your prayers as I begin this pro- gram. After being here a few days, I realize even more how important they are for me. So, please keep praying for me!

Niall McDonough, our summer seminarian, has returned to Ireland to see his family, but not before going to retreat in Fatima. I asked him to pray for us and assured him we would remember him in our par- ish prayers as he continues to discern God’s plan for his life. Fr. Taylor will be around the parish until about mid-August. It is good to have him back!

Fr. Taylor completed one degree (he is a Canon Lawyer), but will remain for two more years in Rome to gain a Doctorate Degree in Canon Law. Our prayers remain with him. Fr. Gabriel and David Birkdale (our other seminarian) will remain with us until the end of August.

Next Sunday, after the morning Masses, I will go on vacation to Cape Cod. I will be with my family and will have Teddy and Petite with me. Sebastian, the cat, will remain in the Bronx because I am not sure Cape Cod is ready for him!

Until next week, peace and prayers. St. Benedict, pray for us! Terence Cardinal Cooke, Servant of God pray for us!

Fr. Stephen P. Norton