When we reopened the Church for public masses on the Feast of Pentecost, 5 weeks ago already, I reflected upon how Pentecost meant a new beginning for Jesus’ disciples. The fire of the Holy Spirit descended upon this group, who had just begun to really comprehend the implications of the Lord’s resurrection—what that meant for their future. But they were timid and remained huddled behind locked doors. It was not until the Holy Spirit’s descent upon them that they burst forth from the upper room preaching and performing mighty deeds as signs of Jesus’ victory over sin and death.Pentecost was a new beginning. And celebrating Pentecost is always meant to be a new beginning for us, of allowing God to embolden us and commission us for some new work for the building up of the kingdom.
Well, 5 weeks ago, I had no idea about the new beginning God had in store for us as a parish. As you may have seen on Facebook, on our website, the E-Newsletter I sent out to parishioners, or in the bulletin, Sr. Dianne Piunno this week retired from her position as Pastoral Associate of St. Ignatius of Antioch parish, and her last day was this last Tuesday, the 30th of June.
Sister’s retirement ends a 30 year era. An era in which this very devoted Sister of Notre Dame, poured herself out in so many ways—in pastoral care to families and distraught individuals, offering preparation for the sacraments, assisting the pastors in administration, fundraising, assisting with liturgical celebrations, welcoming alumni back to the parish of their youth, looking after the capital needs of the physical plant of the parish, and so many hidden things and acts of charity and devotion that will only be revealed in eternity. The pastors of this parish relied on Sister for keeping this place going, the parish relied on her, especially in her role in keeping the parish open when it was slated to close 11 years ago.
In the letter of resignation she wrote to me, she said It has been a blessing to minister to the people of the parish and our beloved alumni over the past 30 years. They have given me the privilege of supporting them in joyous and challenging times.” The people and alumni always the focus of her life, even of her letter of resignation.
How can it be a mere coincidence, that as we announce sister’s retirement, our weekend Gospel contains such a powerful promise to those who have labored for the Gospel. “Come to me, all you who labor, and I will give you rest.” We pray that in her retirement, Sister will receive the rest she deserves, the joy of knowing how many lives she touched, and how her service here will echo into eternity.
Sister’s retirement is an end of an era, but also, a new beginning for the parish. Sister held us by the hand as we learned to walk, and now we have to walk, we must take up the yoke. As I mentioned, the pastors relied on sister to keep this place going. Now, your current pastor and this parish need you, the parishioners, to take up the yoke. We’ll need volunteers to assist with liturgical matters, we certainly need new lectors and extraordinary ministers of holy communion, we’ll need volunteers for fundraising efforts, for the gala committee, the golf outing, the clambash, we’ll need help with maintaining relationships with the alumni, we’ll need volunteers to assist with preparing our young people for the sacraments.
If you are willing to help in one or any of these ways, or if you have an idea for some form of ministry that you’d like to take up, please send me a message, write me an email or letter. I have a wonderful staff, but we can’t do it on our own, there is a big hole in the parish that needs to be filled, but I believe that you, the good parishioners of the parish have the time, talent, and treasure to pick up the yoke, to learn from Sister’s good example, and to learn ultimately from the Lord, who says in the Gospel, take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.
Now, my first thought upon receiving sister’s letter was, how in this pandemic are we going to be able to honor her for her service. So, I asked her personally. Could honor her at Mass, and she said, no, in fact, she wanted this announcement to be made after her retirement as she did not want to become the focus of the mass...woops. I then asked if we could do some sort of outdoor reception in the parking lot, and she said no, now is not the right time. We have the parish picnic planned in August, and she said, no, she’s not going to be available for that either. We’ve rescheduled the Gala for next March, and she said no to that too, as she’s already been honored at two Galas. So…we are currently brainstorming how and when we can honor this sweet devoted woman. Please know that it’s coming, hopefully, soon. Again, if you have any ideas let me know.
Lastly, I think we put in the bulletin a PO Box number to which you can send Sister cards if you wish. You can also place them in the parish offertory over the upcoming weeks and we’ll make sure to get them to her.
The end of an era, but the beginning of new one. May the Lord help us to utilize those spiritual gifts he has been cultivating within us. For taking up the yoke, for putting those gifts into practice, is the only way this parish will continue.
You are in our prayers sister, please pray for us, that the good work the Lord has begun in us, good work through which you have been instrumental, may be brought to completion, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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