IT’S TIME; after much effort during these last few years, our architect got approval for the drawings and plans for the restoration of the parish house at 7 State Street from The New York Landmarks Commission. She also secured the required three estimates from the contractors to submit to the State of New York. When the choice is approved after vetting of the matching grant guidelines by the state, the work contracts can be signed and the work may begin. The time is very near.
We have half the cost of $1.200.000.00- in pledge and cash. Now we need $ 130.000.00 more in matching funds at the signing. Over the next few weeks, think about how you can contribute and enlist others to do the same.  Our façade, roof and windows in OUR 1792 “Watson House” building need re-pointing, replacement and restoration. The work can only be done with your help. When the flyers and envelopes become available in the next few weeks, plan how you will participate and publicize our very special project.

ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY DOLAN’S VISIT:  On Tuesday July 28 the parish was graced with a visit of the new archbishop to round out our participation of this year’s bicentennial celebrations commemorating Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s founding of the Sisters of Charity and her establishment of the convent at Emmittsburg, Maryland in 1809. The Mass to close the year was in conjunction with Sr. Katy Acoin, SC, her staff and clients of the Foundling’s Seton Pediatric Services and attended by the New York Sisters’ Congregation president, Sr. Dorothy Metz and the council from Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale. Sister Regina Bechtel, SC opened the occasion with an address recalling the remarkable service of the Sisters and the Foundling. She  highlighted its history as a continuing inspiration here at the shrine.  New to New York, the archbishop, when leaving the wonderful reception that followed said he couldn’t have been more impressed – again – with the quality and dedicated service of the sisters and the diocese he has been called to lead. He thanked everyone and asked us for all our prayers in his new task. Keep him in mind and in your own prayers.

NEW RADIATORS: Way back in December ‘08, in the weekend just before Christmas three radiators did not survive the electrical resetting after our 3 day power system failure. This week those 46 year old hot-air- electric fan units in the meeting room and sacristy are being replaced with new steam ones –finally- at a cost of $2100 each.  Your generous gifts from last year’s November Appeal covered the expense. Many thanks. 

“BELL RINGERS” The can- do committee has been working to get our bells to ring again. Carlos Pimentel and Kenneth Charkalis are leading the group.  They have gotten consultations from the bell system company’s rep that visited the shrine last month and are considering their options from his diagnosis of the system. They range from electrical overhaul, to striker repair, to digital and remote upgrading of the system. Stay tuned for the committee’s report and all our possibilities.

FR. NINO RASPANTI:  He will arrive again in our parish on August 16 and be able to stay with us until September 12.  As some of you know his term of office as the Rector of the Pontifical University in Palermo is ending this year. His previous visits have enriched our parish and we are glad to welcome him again.

OVERDUE THANKS: to all of you who made contributions to our 1st Annual 4th July Yard Sale. It realized a profit of $908. for the Historic Preservation Fund. It couldn’t have been done without all your help.  Special thanks go to Rosemary, George and especially Diane for their extra efforts and time on the day itself to make it such a success.

OLD CELL PHONES:  Continue to bring any and all of them to the church office. They are salvaged for parts, recycled and some are outfitted as 911 emergency phones for seniors and shut ins. The parish receives a small rebate for each one returned making it worthwhile all around. Tell your friends!

BAPTISMS: Since our last bulletin there is news of five baptisms.  The new infants on occasion add to our Sunday acapella choir and make what one spiritual commentator said we all should do, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” ( There is still hope for a parish choir.)  We welcome the families of Salvatore DiPietro, Samuel Shottes, Romy Carta, Declan Reilly and Alexis Foley.

YEAR OF THE PRIEST; Tuesday August 4th was the feast of St. John Vianney (The Cure of Ars). The Holy Father, Benedict XVI has designated him as the patron and proclaimed this year “the year of the priest.” As in the past the popes designated other topics in other years viz, The Family, St. Paul, Evangelization, which is to say he invites us all to join in his special intention for the next twelve months.  The prayers we raise can be of gratitude for those we have known, or even  our own parish’s pastors we commemorated with the plaque for our  125th anniversary,  We can keep in mind those priests working in obscure places – as did the Cure of Ars, and those others in remote parts of the world and  those who are troubled, aged and infirm – that they receive the graces they need today. And finally we can pray even for each other – in the priesthood of our own baptism – as we live our lives in  Christ’s love as his daughters and sons for the grace of perseverance in faith that we all need.

E-BAY:  If you are skilled in its workings, contact Fr. Meehan.  He was told that e-bay is the last refuge to his ongoing elusive search for an item we need for the Watson House restrooms. Call or email him anytime in the office.

MASS SCHEDULE:  Weekdays at 8:05 AM; 12:15 PM and 1:05 PM.  Saturdays there are no scheduled services – except weddings and tour events. 

SUNDAY MASS @ 11: 00 AM.  A reminder: this year August 15 ,The Assumption  is celebrated in the calendar but is not a day of obligation because it falls on Saturday. If you live downtown you may wish to join the annual Assumption Feast Day  Procession on Sunday August 9th  beginning at 1:45 PM  in Transfiguration Church at 29 Mott Street.