My World of Religion, Politics, Entertainment and Social Issues

Dear Blog Visitors: Whenever I reflect on my past experiences and people I have met, I often think about the evening I met Meryl Streep, which occurred several years ago. The occasion was her being honored at the George Eastman House in Rochester. I had the honor of asking her the first question of the evening, whereby I inquired about her experience of working with Clint Eastwood (my favorite actor and director) on 'Bridges of Madison County.' She liked the manner in which Clint shot scenes quickly, whereby he rarely asked to do anything over-and-over again, which has been the case with some directors Meryl has worked with. One of the many things my wife share in common is our love for Meryl Streep. We have seen all her films, some of which we have seen several times. We also admire her for her ability to balance her family life with her amazing career as an actress. I am delighted that Meryl is receiving one of the Kennedy Center honors this year. It was also a ...

Dear Blog Visitors: In addition to the religious significance of Christmas, I also love the traditional music of the season. Although I have ventured into many areas throughout my life, I am often drawn back to my original ambition, which was to become a symphony orchestra conductor. Despite the fact this ambition never materialized, I am nevertheless thankful for the musical education I received in high school and as an undergraduate student at the Eastman School of Music. As part of my musical training, I had an opportunity on several occasions to conduct Handel's 'Hallelujah Chorus' from 'The Messiah.' As I reflected back, I thought it might be interesting to produce a video in which I conduct the 'Hallelujah Chorus' facing the camera, in such a way that would invite viewers who know individual choral parts to join in the singing. So, with appreciation for all the musical instructors who were part of my life, I offer this video as a thank-you. ...

Dear Blog Visitors: I always take notice when Phyllis Zagano comes out with a new publication. She is one of our country's best scholars on the historical issue of women deacons in the Roman Catholic Church. I had the privilege of meeting Phyllis several years ago at a conference, and she and I have corresponded on a few occasions since then. I am very excited about the latest book authored by Phyllis and her two co-authors, Gary Macy and William T. Ditewig, entitled 'Women Deacons: Past, Present, Future.' Through meticulous scholarship, Phyllis Zagano has been a long-time advocate for women deacons. As her research bears out, women deacons had a long history in the church, and it is encouraging that a few members of the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church have been willing to look at her research on this important matter. In an attempt to get bishops to read 'Women Deacons: Past, Present Future,' there is a 'Books to Bishops' campaign underw...

Dear Blog Visitors: I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. Although it is a national secular holiday, Thanksgiving has nevertheless taken on religious themes as the history of our country evolved. So, it is no surprise that churches and synagogues are filled each year prior to our holiday feasts. Although the Christmas season, inclusive of the long period of Advent, is religious at its heart, it has also encompassed much in the way of secular surroundings. For example, what is known as 'Black Friday' has become the annual secular announcement that Christmas has unofficialy arrived, although December 25 is on the distant horizon. The Christmas season has indeed incorporated both the religious and secular spheres. I tried to highlight this fact with the two photos I have posted above. Despite my light-hearted approach, I will pray that the periods of Advent and Christmas are meaningful for all of you. I also want to wish my Jewish friends and re...

Dear Blog Visitors: It has been a while since my last blog post. So, I thought I would take this opportunity to wish all of you the very best of the Thanksgiving holiday. I have occasionally mentioned my former elementary and high school classmates who continue to be my friends today. It is always a wonderful occasion to gather with them, and this month provided another such opportunity. So, I thought I would offer a message of thanks to them as part of this blog post. In addition to giving thanks to my friends and family members, past and present, I also want to thank all the couples who have asked me to be the officiant at their weddings. They have enriched my life in many ways, and it continues to be a privilege and honor for me to be part of their sacred journey into marriage. I fully realize that Thanksgiving is not always a joyous occasion, especially when there is so much unemployment, poverty, divisiveness and death in our midsts. However, as we gather for our ho...

Dear Blog Visitors: A number of friends have asked me if I have given up my efforts at reforming the Roman Catholic Church. This question arose out of the fact that my blog postings in recent months, in addition to my Facebook and Google+ postings, have focused on other areas of interest. It continues to be my hope that a few reform initiatives will find success in Roman Catholicism. However, as I grow older, I find that I achieve great joy by engaging in my ministries quietly, in addition to filling time with some of my life-long passions, such as classical music, photography, movies, plays, free-lance writing, etc. I have not lost interest in reforming the Catholic Church. However, I have come to realize that the next generation needs to pick up the ball and decide what kind of church it wants. I will say, however, that I am encouraged by the latest statistics concerning American Catholics. The Vatican, at some point in the near future, will need to deal with declining Ma...

Dear Blog Visitors: If you have followed my occasional commentaries related to classical music, you are aware that I was very sad when Christopher Seaman announced he was stepping down as music director of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. However, I was delighted when it was announced he would be named conductor laureate of the RPO, which means he will return to guest-conduct the orchestra once per year. I attended the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra's season-opener last night, with its new maestro, Arild Remmereit, at the podium. The combination of the concert and pre-concert chat gave the audience added confidence that the RPO is in good hands with Remmereit. I applaud Maestro Remmereit for his decision to feature women composers as part of this season's repertoire. He explained this as a risky decision, for this has never been done in the RPO's long history. If last night's concert was any indication, Remmereit's decision has strong approval from...

Dear Blog Visitors: Last night proved to be very nostalgic for me, in that I attended the Rochester Radio Reunion. It gave me an opportunity to chat with persons I knew from the 1970s, when I was known as 'The Wizard of Pun' on radio station WAXC. Rochester radio has a very long history, so I was deeply moved by the attendance at last night's memorable event. I want to thank all who worked very hard at organizing the reunion. By all accounts, it was a huge success. I was touched by the fact that many radio personalities I listened to back in the 1950s are alive and well, and were in attendance at the reunion. The audience was inclusive of announcers from the 1950s to the present era. Videos were made by those in various parts of the country who could not attend, whereby we had an opportunity to see their greetings on a big screen. In addition, a wonderful slide show was presented to honor radio personalities who have died. Don Alhart, emcee for the event, di...

Dear Blog Visitors: During the past few days, I have tried to capture images with my camera that assist in the reflection of the tragedy that occurred ten years ago. In the video above, I have offered a reflection that coincides with the images you will see. I want to thank the Rochester Museum and Science Center for allowing me to take photographs at the 9/11 exhibit they are currently featuring. I used some images I captured at the exhibit, in addition to photos I took at a flag display at Ontario Beach Park, as well as pictures that recall what we saw on our TV screens in 2001. Let us continue to pray for peace in our world. God bless all of you, Ray

Dear Blog Visitors: I got up extra early today, in the hopes of spending some quiet time at Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, New York. What I didn't expect was having the entire park to myself, which is exactly what happened. I have found that although the experience of being close to God can indeed occur in the midst of a faith community, I often find my prayer life is enhanced when I am alone in a nature setting. While I may pray with a community to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I don't think this morning's experience can be replicated, in terms of feeling the presence of God in a quiet place. The primary purpose of my going to Ontario Beach Park this morning was to see the displayed 343 flags, in honor of the 343 firefighters who perished in the twin towers ten years ago. It was a very powerful experience for me to be alone amongst the flags and the surrounding water of Lake Ontario and a dramatic gray sky. I have posted a few photos from this ...

Dear Blog Visitors: Like many persons around the world, I will be engaged in much reflection on September 11, ten years following events we will never forget. At a theological level, I continue to believe that God chose to create us with free will. This free will comes with a price; we can choose good or evil during the course of our daily lives. A few individuals made an evil choice on September 11, 2001 - a decision that left death and destruction in its path. However, despite the huge loss of life, I like to feel that forces of good ultimately triumphed. Losses would have been far greater, had it not been for the courageous first-responders who risked their own lives so that others might live. As I thought back to images that remain fresh in my mind, I tried to recreate my activities of September 11 & 12, 2001 via three photos. Like many around the world, I was glued to my TV set during the first anxious moments of 9/11,as depicted in photo #1. In the second phot...

Dear Blog Visitors: I truly believe the climate is ripe for a major motion picture studio to consider locating some of its operations in Rochester, New York. I first began promoting this idea around thirty years ago via an editorial piece I wrote for a local newspaper. However, in consideration of the fact that Rochester is in great need of an economic boost, and there is plenty of open space for a major enterprise, I feel it is a good time to revisit my proposal of thirty years ago. If you have been following Rochester's recent economic news, you are aware of the Paetec fiasco. Just when it seemed Paetec was going to build its new headquarters in downtown Rochester, Windstream announced it was purchasing Paetec. So, at least as it stands now, once Midtown Plaza is fully demolished, we will have an large empty space where Paetec headquarters was to be built. (Windstream's headquarters is located in Little Rock, Arkansas.) So, in addition to the large downtown space...

Dear Blog Visitors: I find that I am truly enjoying my retirement. In addition to perhaps starting a small faith community, and continuing my ministry as an officiant at weddings, I am looking at ways I can make the most of the musical skills I once had. Many of my high school classmates assumed I would have ended up in the musical profession. In addition, friends who recall I won a competition for young conductors many years ago, culminating in my guest-conducting the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, similarly assumed I was on my way to either a conducting podium or playing trumpet in an orchestra. After two years at the Eastman School of Music as an undergraduate student (1967-1969), I put any musical career ambitions behind me. I found it was a very competitive field, which brought me to the realization that there were many musicians in the world far better than myself. So, I ventured into other career areas instead. Now that I am retired, I have been looking at ways...

Dear Blog Visitors: Anyone who knows me well is aware of my classical music background and my continued love for the classics. However, what you may not know is that I developed friendships with members of rhythm and blues bands that were popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Rochester hosted some great rhythm and blues bands, some of which were The Rustix, The Brass Buttons and Wilmer Alexander and the Dukes. I became particularly friendly with members of The Rustix and The Brass Buttons, some of whom I remain in contact with. It was a pure delight for me to discover that a video exists of one of the Rustix' biggest hits. I want to thank Chuck Brucato, one of the two former lead singers of the group for proving a link to the video. I have posted it above for those who either want to reminisce or for those who simply wish to hear this recording for the first time. Peace to all, Ray

Dear Blog Visitors: With summer drawing to an end in Rochester, I find I am going through my annual ritual of contemplating life elsewhere, especially since winter weather and I don't get along very well. After several days of reflection, I decided to take a local journey with my camera, snapping photos as a means of reminding myself of why I have lived in Rochester my entire life. I then made a list of what I would miss if I were to move to escape Rochester's cold winters. If I were to move, I would certainly miss the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the many walking trails I am used to, Wegmans stores, the George Eastman House, the wonderful interfaith dialogue, the many universities in our area, excellent medical facilities, etc. I would also miss my neighbor's dog, who is my daily companion on walks, and I would miss the many friends I have made after a lifetime in Rochester. In consideration of all this, I have decided that Rochester will remain my home, a...

Dear Blog Visitors: I am continuing to enjoy my retirement from many years of work at Rochester's City Hall. Between my hobbies, wedding ministry and daily walks and runs with an Alaskan Husky, I have not been bored. I have been taking a lot of photos in retirement and posting many of them on my Facebook page. When I search for local locations to snap some images, I am often drawn to areas with a special spiritual connection. One such place is Rochester's Vietnam Memorial. During my last trip to Washington, D.C., I spent some time at the National Vietnam Memorial. I did the same at Rochester's memorial yesterday. I highly recommend a visit by both Rochesterians and visitors to the city. A lot of work, compassion and reverence were devoted by those responsible for the memorial. The Vietnam War was a divisive period in our country. Some supported the war, some protested against it, and others were neutral. Although I was granted an exemption from the war wh...

Dear Blog Visitors: I am writing this on the day we celebrate what would have been the late and great Lucille Ball's 100th birthday. Lucille Ball provided countless hours of laughter for me over a period of many years. While most admirers recognize her for her iconic TV roles in such shows as 'I Love Lucy' and 'The Lucy Show,' it is also important to note that she was one of the hardest working studio executives in the television industry. In this regard, she and her husband, Desi Arnaz, worked countless hours to ensure that TV audiences got the very best in weekly programming. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Lucille Ball's birth, I spent some time in Jamestown, New York, where Lucy spent her formative years. As part of my visit, I went to Lucy's gravesite, where I said a silent prayer of thanks for her life and talents. In the video that follows, I paid tribute to Lucy, inclusive of some photos I took in Jamestown and my playing ...

Dear Blog Visitors: While it is still my intention to write on a variety of topics at this blog, I will continue to offer religious perspectives when issues arise that stir my interest or concern. If you are a Roman Catholic, you are aware that as of November, 2011, the English translation of the Mass will contain multiple changes. While I fully understand and appreciate the fact that U.S. bishops desired an English translation that is more in sync with the Latin, they should have also understood the need for worship language that has an easy flow for the faithful. They should have also taken into consideration the problems that would be encountered if present music does not work with a new translation. However, since the bishops have made up their minds and have voted affirmatively for the new translation, there is little that can be done at this point. Although I minister independently of the Rochester Diocese, I am nevertheless occasionally asked questions about the new E...

Dear Blog Visitors: Having already stated that I will be available for same-sex weddings, in light of New York State's marriage equality legislation that was signed into law, I had new business cards printed. Obviously, I will continue to be an officiant at weddings of heterosexual couples, in addition to my being available for funerals and baptisms. At the same time, I wish to accommodate same-sex couples who wish to have their unions solemnized via a religious wedding ceremony. New York State's same-sex marriage legislation was designed in such a way that it protects religious institutions, whereby they can either approve or reject marriage requests of its members, much in the same way as decisions are made in other areas, which serves to respect the Constitutional separation of church and state. I realize that my decision to officiate at same-sex marriages may cause some disappointment within the ranks of the Roman Catholic hierarchy. However, I like to feel that ...

Dear Blog Visitors: One of the areas being impacted as a result of the shortage of diocesan priests around the country is that of funerals. For example, it has been quite common for a diocesan priest to preside at a funeral Mass, but his unavailability to go the cemetery for the burial rite results in either a trained lay person or deacon handling this responsibility. To be fair, most of the priests in the Rochester Diocese are very compassionate persons and will do whatever they can to accommodate funeral requests. However, there are a few priests who sadly make judgments as to who can have and who cannot have a funeral facilitated by a parish. One such case is addressed in the video posted above. This involved the case of a 35-year-old man who committed suicide. A diocesan priest decided he could not preside at a funeral for him. However, the wife of the deceased was given my name, and I provided whatever compassion I could, although I was not available for the requested ...

Dear Blog Visitors: I am proud that the New York State Senate did the right thing this evening, which was to pass the same-sex marriage bill that had been pending for several days. Three reporters contacted me following the NYS Senate's vote, inquiring as to whether or not I will be an officiant for same-sex weddings. The simple answer is YES. While diocesan priests won't be allowed to officiate at such weddings, I have an independent status as a married priest that will allow me to facilitate. I realize that divisions will be articulated as same-sex weddings move forward. However, as stated many times, I have come to believe that noone seeks to be gay; it is rather a matter of living according to one's created state. Part of God's mysterious plan was to create humans as sexual beings; some are called to heterosexual relationships, some are called to same-sex relationships, and some are called to a life of celibacy. At a time when there is too much hatred ...

Dear Blog Visitors: In the above video, I articulate my support of the marriage equality bill that is currently being debated in New York State. A vote on this bill is expected this week by the New York State Legislature and Senate. If passed, I will be available as a wedding officiant for all couples, whether they be heterosexual or gay. Sadly, the U.S. Catholic Bishops have been actively campaigning against marriage equality in all states. It is my prayer that bishops will come to realize that sexual orientation was part of God's plan. It took me a long time to come to this conclusion. However, after many years of education and listening to the life-stories of members of the gay community, I fully realize that one does not choose to be gay; it is rather an orientation from birth, and therefore, part of God's design. I continue to pray for more inclusivity in our world. I see marriage equality as a major step toward this inclusivity. Peace to all, Ray

Dear Blog Visitors: I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Scott Caton upon his ordination to the priesthood. I appreciate his inviting me to this wonderful and moving event at Rochester's Sacred Heart Cathedral. It was an opportunity for me to gather with old friends I haven't seen in a while, inclusive of church musicians, liturgists, members of the clergy and lay representatives of multiple parishes. Scott will be a spectacular priest and I look forward to his Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Michael's, a beautiful historical church in Rochester. What makes Fr. Caton's ordination rather unique is the fact that he is married with six children. Technically speaking, he is the very first married Roman Catholic priest ordained for the Rochester Diocese. What allowed this to happen was a recent provision that permits ordained Protestant ministers to convert to Catholicism and become Catholic priests after a long period of study and mentoring. In Scott...

Dear Blog Visitors: Having been retired from my full-time position for two weeks, I can honestly say that I made the right choice. I find that I now have the freedom to pursue my passions/interests, and have even begun the process of interviewing for part-time jobs. While I have been home the past couple weeks, I have noticed how often telemarketers and fundraisers call on the phone. It was annoying enough getting calls during the evening hours. However, the frequency of the calls during the day have been more than annoying, to the point of being downright obnoxious. I was inspired to make the video posted above. What I tried to do was give viewers some basic advice on how to both screen and discourage telemarketers and fundraisers. As explained in the video, I fully realize that telemarketers are trying to make an income and fundraisers are trying to solicit funds for worthy causes. However, to the person on the receiving end of the calls, especially when the frequency is unaccep...

Dear Blog Visitors: It has been a while since I posted to my blog. This is because my final few weeks at City Hall were rather busy. Due to budget constraints, I was not replaced, which necessitated the spreading of my duties to several employees in the Accounting Bureau. I am now an officialy retired baby boomer. If you have followed my blog, you are aware that from time-to-time, I articulated my frustrations over the constant race against the clock to push paperwork through in City Hall. I am therefore very pleased that City Hall will have a brand new electronic process in place as of July 1, which will replace much of the cumbersome paperwork that has plagued employees for many years. It was my intention to leave City Hall quietly on my last week. However, that didn't happen. I want to take this opportunity to thank those who were involved in hosting a surprise luncheon for me on May 4. While I was generally on top of everything that happened in my office over the years, ...

Dear Blog Visitors: I am often asked if I am still affiliated with Spiritus Christi Church. I actually left the community several months ago, for two primary reasons: 1.) I find that as I grow older, I will be more comfortable with a small faith community; 2.) Spiritus Christi is located directly across the street from my long-time place of secular employment (City Hall), and I feel it is time to make a geographic break from that location, especially since I am retiring in five weeks. I want to take this opportunity to thank Spiritus Christi Church for their wonderful ministries. While much is made of the fact that they are independent of the Rochester Diocese, what is more important is the dedication of Spiritus Christi to those in need in both the Rochester community and beyond. I continue to wish the community well with all their inspiring work. Many married priests with whom I have developed friendships over the years have told me they have found spiritual fulfillment by linking...

Dear Blog Visitors: In recent months, I have developed a very special friendship with my next-door-neighbors’ Alaskan husky. Her name is Star, and I thought I would take this opportunity to write about the many ways this special friendship has enhanced my life. Ever since I was a young child, I had a special love for animals. Due to my very busy schedule throughout my adulthood, it was not possible to actually have a pet of my own. However, I have always been drawn to movies that feature dogs and I never pass an opportunity to pet a dog or cat when our paths cross. A couple years ago, my neighbors adopted Star, the Alaskan husky who was to become my very special friend. When she first arrived on the scene, it took me a while to introduce myself to her. She was a little shy at first, whereby I allowed her to sniff the back of my hand (time-honored way of introducing yourself to a dog). After Star got used to seeing me in the yard, she gradually allowed me to pet her. I then intr...

Dear Blog Visitors: If you have followed my writings in recent months, you are aware that I not only changed the title of this blog, but I have also ventured into a variety of topics of interest. Since my blog originated as a vehicle for reform in the Roman Catholic Church, I will continue to focus on this area from time-to-time, in addition to writing on such topics as the arts, politics, social issues, etc. As I have grown older, I have come to realize that I need to step back from my reform activities in the Catholic Church and allow the next generation's voices to be heard. At the same time, I want to offer a message of hope to the approximately 120,000 married priests throughout the world. In 2002, married priests came to realize the great injustice they had experienced at the hands of the Roman Catholic hierarchy. This was the year the Boston Globe broke the story of the sexual abuse crisis. This was an especially hurtful time for married priests, for one simple reason. A...

Dear Blog Visitors: Many of you may be aware that a new English Mass translation will be implemented in all American dioceses as of November of this year. For those of you who wish to examine the current language against the new translation, I have provided a link that will allow you to do this (or simply paste the link to your web browser): http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/samples-people.shtml It is not my intention to be political with my criticism of the new translation. In the photo above, I am giving a thumbs down from primarily a musical perspective. In simple terms, current musical settings of the Mass will not work with the new translation. Although composers are racing against time to modify scores in such a way that will allow the words to work, they are running into much difficulty. My guess is that once U.S. bishops receive multiple complaints in November from Catholics who do not like the new translation of the Mass, they will perhaps be receptive to allowing optional ...

Dear Blog Visitors: As an independent married priest, commissioned by the Federation of Christian Ministries, I have a freedom of choices that are not available to diocesan priests. For example, I am often approached by Catholic couples who have opted for an outdoor wedding. Since diocesan priests are not allowed to officiate at weddings outside a church setting, I am delighted to be able to offer my services. In this regard, I am pleased to have a reciprocal arrangement with both diocesan priests and priests with Spiritus Christi Church (independent community). With this reciprocal arrangement, either parish priests will refer couples to me, or I will refer couples to them, depending upon the circumstances. On occasions when I have referred couples to diocean priests, it has usually been because of misunderstandings, whereby couples incorrectly assumed they could not have a diocesan wedding. I always tell couples that my commissioning for ministry comes from the Federation of Chr...

Dear Blog Visitors: As you can see in the above photos, I have been very busy with the process of packing boxes, in preparation for retirement from Rochester's City Hall. Those who know me well are aware of the fact that I often complained about the piles of paperwork I had to deal with in City Hall on a weekly basis, especially at the end of a fiscal year. Looking at the boxes in back of me in the photos will give you an idea of how much paper I accumulated over the years. For those who remain in City Hall, they will find their lives will become much easier, for July 1 is the kick-off date for a new paperless/advanced electronic system that will streamline the manner in which the City does business internally and externally. I only wish this process had been incorporated earlier. As stated in a previous post, I look forward to a very active retirement. Although my income will be reduced, I will nevertheless be engaged in my passions, and I feel that is what is most important. A...