Message from the Pastor

August is the eighth month, renamed by the Romans to honor their emperor Augustus, as they named July for Julius.  Even though other emperors wanted months named after them, theirs never stuck.

August is the height of the summer time, the longest days of the year are passed, but the hot days remain.  In the northern regions and mountains, cool nights and early frosts let one know that the summer is about to come to an end.  The birds are already planning to fly south for the winter.  The insects are noisier and more numerous than in any other month.  This is perhaps the busiest month for businesses, since most people take their vacations in August.

Yet, somehow it seems that August is a “lost” month.  Families are heading out on vacation and returning prior to the start of school.  Young people are preparing to go off to college, perhaps for the first time.  Those not going out of town are headed toward the beach, or somewhere cool.  It’s a time when our normal routine is forgotten before we resume the hectic pace of the rest of the year.

Although our typical activities may have ceased this month, there are many things going on in our parishes.  For the first couple of weeks, the parish is alive each weekday morning with Eastchester’s young children attending Camp Rainbow in our school, lower Church, and on our ball fields.  The children have already been here for most of July.  It is our tradition to share our facilities with all those in our community.

As Camp Rainbow ends, our own Vacation Bible Camp swings into action.  For one whole week (August 16 through August 20) Lisa Cartolano, Lisa Flamio, and their team of young volunteers offer a fun program that includes arts and crafts, singing and dancing, with all the activities promoting Gospel values.  On the last day, the children put on a performance that is truly incredible.  And all in just one week!

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls in August – this year on a Sunday!  We will be having a Novena at Assumption Church after the first Mass of the day starting this Friday, August 6 through Saturday, August 14.  Weekday Mass at Assumption is at 7:30 AM.  What better way to start the day than honoring the patroness of our parish?

Of course, parishioners of Assumption have been busy preparing for the annual Assumption celebration.  It will take place after the 7:30 PM Vigil Mass on Saturday, August 14.  Following the Mass will be a great party!  The evening ends with the drawing of the winner of the $10,000 raffle.  Raffle tickets have been selling well – so be sure to get one (or a few) before they sell out.

In the spirit of taking a break from the summer heat, the HOPE (Help Other People Eat) volunteers are not cooking in August.  Instead, they are collecting $10 from anyone wishing to donate.  Of course, other amounts are always welcome.  The money will be used to buy pizza and everything else needed for a nourishing summertime meal.  If you are interested, bring your donation to the rectory in an envelope marked “HOPE Donation.”  Or put it in the collection basket.

Perhaps August isn’t such “lost” month after all – but rather a time to recharge and engage with different activities!

Father Raaser