20. June 2008 by admin.

From the Notre Dame Learning Center
Volunteer tutors honored:
Seven area residents were honored for long-term service at the Notre Dame Learning Center’s 3d annual Appreciation Dinner Wed., May 21. They are:  The husband and wife team of Joanne and Russ Cordaro, from Holy Ghost Church, Gates; Jack Fawkes, Rochester; Maria Infantino, Greece; Jim Nobes, Penfield; Joe Ragusa, Webster; and Larry Steehler, Irondequoit.

About the Notre Dame Learning Center:
The Center, a free after school tutoring program for city students, was begun in 2004 by three retired School Sisters of Notre Dame. It depends on some 60 volunteers per year to provide one-on-one assistance in reading or math.

Students range from kindergarteners to eighth graders. They are referred by public, Catholic or charter schools in the city. Since its beginning the Center has served more than 300 children.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the July or August sessions, or to refer a student, may call Sr. Lorraine Burns at the Center at 254-5110 or visit www.ndlcenter.org.

Posted in Social Ministry, News about parishioners | Print | No Comments »

12. June 2008 by admin.

Fr. Tom wanted to pass along this important information about the current topic.  He encourages you to log in and register your opinions about Stem Cell Usage.

The EMPIRE STATE STEM CELL BOARD has been created to guide the allocation process for stem cell research funding in New York State.  Bishop Clark and other Catholic leaders have voiced concern about the ethical standards being used in the proposed research initiatives.  There is a web site that can be used to access all this information and to register your opinion about the issues.  Your response must be registered before this Friday, June 20 to have any weight with the Board.

Procedure:

Go to www.stemcell.ny.gov;

Locate “Program Updates” on the right side of the screen;

Click on “ESSCB Strategic Plan”;

Scroll down;

Click on “Click here to submit brief comments electronically”;

Fill our the form, type in comments;

Click on “Submit” at the bottom of the page.

 Yours in Christ,

Fr. Tom

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

5. June 2008 by admin.

I enjoyed the wonderful opportunity to direct the women’s choir at the recent ecumenical concert, something I will treasure as part of my memories of working with Holy Ghost.  It was a bit of a stretch for me to work with such a large group, but it was a pleasure to hear all of those women singing so strongly together.

Thank you to all of you who helped support the Westside Coalition of Churches on Sunday May 18th.  The WCCC concert on Sunday will provide a donation of $2140 ($1605 concert donation plus $535 Thrivent matching funds) to St. Francis House Ministries.  The St. Francis House Ministries, a not-for-profit charitable organization was started by Deacon Angelo Coccia in 1988 to assist those in need.  The ministry is run totally by volunteers who give of their time and talent freely.  Every cent received by St. Francis House from donations to fundraisers is used to support those in need, those who “fall between the cracks.”  The needy are not just those who struggle in poverty but those who can be in need through emergency situations such as a tragedy, fire, loss of employment, etc.  Six times a year we buy, prepare, and serve dinners in a poverty level neighborhood.  A total of 100 food baskets are distributed at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.  Furniture/household items are given to those in need whether through poverty or an emergency.  Individuals who have heard of our ministry or have requested help through their church have received our assistance.  We also offer financial support in times of emergency.

Yours in Christ,

Colleen Vogt

Posted in News of the Parish, Music Ministry, News about parishioners | Print | No Comments »