September 3, 2023
The very first question I was asked upon arriving here at Immaculate Conception back at the end of June was the following: “Father, do you golf?” To which I replied: “Does miniature-golf count?” Sadly, unlike many of my clergy confreres, I am not skilled on the fairway, unless it involves a little windmill and AstroTurf greens. And even then, my game is still a little sketchy.
However, I have many incredible memories of time with friends playing the sport that so many love: the frustrations and competition; the victory of playing under par; just being outside in the fresh air. And then, there was always this: the food afterwards. With golf came burgers and milkshakes – and lots of laughter and great conversation -- at a local restaurant near the Putt-Putt location of choice that week.
Fresh air. Friends. Food. Fun. Frustration: the five “F’s” of golf!
If you haven’t done so yet, please consider joining us for our upcoming 13th Annual Golf Classic on Monday, September 18th at Deerfield Country Club in nearby Newark. (Registration must be submitted by Tuesday, September 12.) And truly, if you are like me and don’t golf (or golf well), then please come and share a meal with us later in the day. Ultimately, it’s about building community and supporting the many parish ministries that Immaculate Conception offers not only to our own parishioners but to the countless families who rely on us to show them the compassion and love of Jesus Christ every day.
On a separate note, may I also offer a word of thanks this Labor Day weekend to all workers, especially those who make this parish complex such an incredible place to worship and to serve. Mr. Joe Bench, our director of maintenance, deserves our gratitude and an extra prayer or two for all the hidden things he does to ensure our buildings and grounds are cared for. To Joan and Peg, who answer phones and doors and whatever else is asked of them at any given moment, your work here is a true blessing to anyone who reaches out to us. There are many others to be thanked, of course, for making Immaculate Conception the home that it is for all and know that I am grateful for all you do for preaching the Gospel by the way you serve others through your work.
As Pope Francis shared in 2013: “Work means dignity; work means love.” Have a safe holiday weekend.