Rochester's Transformations in 2014

 

Dear Blog Visitors:

 

2014 will be a major year for transformations in Rochester. At the secular level, we will have a new mayor and administrators in City Hall. At the religious level, we will have a new Roman Catholic Bishop.

Concerning City Hall, I spent 23 years there, retiring in 2011 as supervisor of the City's accounts payable operations. I got to see much, in terms of day-to-day operations. My initial hope was that incoming mayor Lovely Warren would retain at least some of the talente...d department heads that were put into place by her immediate predecessors. While some positions were retained, there were multiple replacements as well. In retrospect, Lovely Warren had a good transition team, and I am impressed with choices she made. At the same time, I hope those not retained will be able to find employment soon, since they are extremely talented individuals.

I was happy to see that Charles Benincasa is being elevated from his position as City Treasurer to Finance Director. I worked closely with Charlie, and he will do a fantastic job in his new position. I am also pleased that Tassie Demps will keep her job as director of Human Resources. I worked closely with her when she and I were in the Purchasing Bureau, and her move to Human Resources a few years ago proved to be wise and beneficial to City employees.

Since I have worn two hats in recent years (my role in City Hall and my role as a married priest), I feel I must make a comment about the upcoming installation of Salvatore Matano as Rochester's new bishop. I wish him well, and I hope he will take a cue from Pope Francis, and work toward more inclusivity. I am not sure Matano's installation is the right way to begin in that direction, since the only persons invited are priests and deacons, which essentially excludes the women religious (nuns) and laity.

I will approach 2014 with an open mind and hope for the best of all possibilities.

 

Peace to all,

Ray

Pope Francis Named Person of the Year

 

 

Dear Blog Visitors:

 

When I was ordained a married priest by a married archbishop in 2006, it was in recognition of the fact that I had the same graduate theological degrees as my celibate counterparts, and that sex and gender restrictions sadly prevented many qualified individuals from entering a vocation they were called to.

I was very pleased to learn that Pope Francis has been named Time Magazine's person of the year. He has the potential to make the Roman Catholic Church a more welcoming and inclusive institution than what was experienced under his immediate predecessors.

It is my hope that in light of the shortage of celibate priests, Pope Francis will authorize the inclusion of women and married men at the altar. Since the imposition of mandatory celibacy in 1139, there have been many scandals in the church, inclusive of the sexual abuse crisis that peaked in 2002.

Women and married priests who have found the means to become ordained have found ways to minister independently of the institutional church. In my case, I continue to preside at weddings. Pope Francis has the means to bring these highly qualified persons into the wider Roman Catholic community with the simple stroke of a pen. Let us hope this happens.

 

Peace to all,

Ray

My Election as President of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra

Dear Blog Visitors:

I was deeply honored and humbled to be elected as the new president of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra.  I am also very pleased that outgoing president and friend, Tom Paul, will be remaining on the board and continuing his longtime role as artistic administrator/advisor for the orchestra.

For me, my new role is a return to my musical roots.  It was my original career ambition to become a symphony orchestra conductor.  Having studied trumpet, violin, piano and voice, conducting seemed to be a logical next step.  However, during my sophomore year at the Eastman School of Music, I decided that music was not going to be my career path.  Since those days, I ventured into other areas, inclusive broadcasting, banking and 23 years in Rochester's City Hall.  I have also earned varied degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts from Empire State College and a Master of Arts in Theology and Master of Divinity from St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry, culminating in my being ordained a married priest in 2006.

The past few months have been a period of musical renewal for me.  I have renewed friendships within the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra's framework, inclusive of musicians and administrators.  In addition, my being a board member of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra has allowed me to participate in a field I truly love.

If you would like to keep posted on concerts being performed by the RCO, please visit the orchestra's website regularly at www.rcho.org.   The orchestra also has a Facebook page.

Peace to all,
Ray

Remembering President Kennedy

Dear Blog Visitors:

I have spent considerable time this week reflecting back on the events of President Kennedy's presidency and tragic assassination. This has been inclusive of watching documentaries and looking at documents that were classified until recently.

While historians continue to debate whether or not JFK was a great president, the fact remains that he kept us out of a nuclear war via careful diplomacy and a televised speech that proved to be the catalyst for what can perhaps be described as the former Soviet Union backing down under pressure.

By today's standards, it is hard to imagine nuclear missiles pointed at the U.S. only 90 miles from Florida's shore. However, this was the case, and the U.S. and the Soviet Union were ready to push the buttons if necessary. On October 22, 1962, President Kennedy proved himself to be a communicator extraordinaire, by delivering a televised speech like none other since. I am providing a photo taken during that memorable speech.

 

Peace to all,

Ray

 

 

 

RAPA Now Running Kodak Theater

Dear Blog Visitors:

I want to congratulate Jim Vollertsen, president of RAPA (Rochester Association of Performing Arts), for his hard work that has led to the lease of what used to be the Theater on the Ridge. (It is being renamed the Kodak Center for the Performing Arts.) This morning's Democrat and Chronicle ran a nice feature that highlights upcoming plans/events for the theater.

It was a pleasure for me to take part in testing the acoustics in the theater. As I roamed the theater and listened to musical instruments playing from several sections of the stage, I was very impressed with the sound. This will be a perfect location to stage broadway type shows and concerts, in addition to hosting other entertainment venues.

This theater has many memories for me. I will never forget the annual variety shows that were put on for Kodak workers, their families and the general public during the fifties and sixties, with a large orchestra in the pit conducted by Len Hawley.

Eastman Kodak renovated the seats in the theater a few years ago, anticipating continued use. RAPA will indeed be putting the theater to good use.
Peace,
Ray

  

 

Maintaining Diversity in Rochester's City Hall

Dear Blog Visitors:

Having served under several mayors (Ryan, Johnson, Duffy, Richards) before I retired, I am proud of the fact that each mayor worked hard toward achieving diversity in Rochester's City Hall. I am confident that Mayor-elect Lovely Warren will follow in the footsteps of her predecessors in this regard.

It is reasonable to assume that Mayor Tom Richards will be asking for resignations from his top appointees, who in turn will have an opportunity to reapply for their jobs via Lovely Warren's transition team. My hope is that Ms. Warren will recognize the excellent pool of talent that worked for Tom Richards, whereby there will be an opportunity to keep at least some of these persons who are dedicated to the best interests of the city, inclusive of the level of diversity that has worked well in City Hall.

I came across a photo that was taken 25 years ago in City Hall. At that time, I was proud to be asked to serve on a panel that looked into diversity issues. (I am to the far left in the photo.)

Peace to all,
Ray

Rochester Gets New Bishop

Dear Blog Visitors:

 

I want to congratulate Salvatore Matano upon his appointment as Rochester's 9th bishop.  This appointment by Pope Francis became official this morning at a press conference held by the Diocese of Rochester.

It was my great privilege to experience the friendship of Bishop Matthew Clark over the course of many years. Bishop Matano has big shoes to fill. However, I wish him well and I want to welcome him to Rochester.

Bishop Clark made great strides in terms of setting inclusive policies for the Diocese of Rochester, in spite of Vatican restrictions. However, it is very encouraging that our current pontiff has given us hope for a church that embraces diversity, as opposed to the top-down model we are used to seeing.

Salvatore Matano was born in 1946, which means he won't be a long-term bishop of Rochester. (Bishops are required to submit resignation papers to the Vatican at age 75.) However, even as a transitional bishop, he can have an impact on the future of our diocese.

As a married priest, independent of Rome, I continue to hope for the day when women priests and married priests can stand at the altar alongside celibate priests. There is little Bishop Matano can do about that dream, but I hope he will at least follow the example of inclusivity set by his predecessor, Bishop Matthew Clark.

 

It is not my intention to get involved in any of the politics surrounding the appointment of Rochester's new bishop.  I simply wish Bishop Matano good luck, and may the Holy Spirit guide him toward a path of humbleness and pastoral leadership in ways that serve the Diocese of Rochester well.

 

Peace to all,

Ray

Congratulations to Lovely Warren

Dear Blog Visitors:

 

I want to extend sincere congratulations to Lovely Warren upon her election as Rochester's new mayor.

Although I worked on the last-minute campaign for Tom Richards, I nevertheless rejoice in the historic moment we are celebrating, which is the election of Rochester's very first female mayor, and Rochester's second African American mayor.

As president of Rochester's City Council, Lovely Warren got to know the City's department heads. So, I hope she will at least consider retaining those who have consistently done a stellar job. For example, I worked for the City's current finance director, Brian Roulin. He has followed in the footsteps of his predecessor, Vince Carfagna, by establishing high levels of financial reporting, resulting in multiple national recognitions.

There are many department heads I could recommend as persons Lovely Warren should retain. However, she needs to create an environment that she feels best serves the current interests of the city, and this will hopefully include keeping persons who want nothing more than to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.

I like to feel that Susan B. Anthony is smiling today. My thanks to Tom Richards for being a superb mayor under challenging circumstances, and my best wishes to Lovely Warren on her historic election.

 

Peace to all,

Ray

Tribute to C. Benjamin Scammell

Dear Blog Visitors:

One of my friends from my high school days asked me if I still have an article I wrote in 1996 in tribute to a former music teacher, C. Benjamin Scammell.  I found the text and am pleased to post the article here.  Since writing the article, Ben Scammell has died.  However, I am pleased to report that up to the day of his passing, he and I stayed in contact, and it was a delight for him to read my article in 1996.

The article, in its present form, is edited/updated to include Ben's passing.

TRIBUTE TO C. BENJAMIN SCAMMELL

One of my favorite films is MR. HOLLAND’S OPUS. (Richard Dreyfuss portrays a high school music teacher.)  I recommend this movie to anyone who needs insight into the impact a teacher can have on students, and I hope viewers who watch this inspirational story on DVD might be inspired to write any overdue letters to teachers who inspired them.

The Mr. Holland in my life was the late C. Benjamin Scammell, an instrumental music teacher at Franklin High School in Rochester for more than 30 years, from the 1940s through the 1970s.  In addition to his duties as director of Franklin’s band and orchestra, he gave private music lessons and taught at elementary school #s 8, 22 and 50 for the Rochester City School District.

I first met Ben Scammell in 1958, when I was a fourth-grader at School #8.  Fascinated with music, I told Ben I wanted to play an instrument.  He somehow sensed that the trumpet might be a good fit for me and he got me started with lessons.  By the time I graduated from elementary school in 1962, I was proficient enough to play in an ensemble.

It was a delight for me to retain Ben Scammell as my music teacher during my high school years at Franklin.  Other than my parents and grandparents, he was the most influential person in my life.

I was not a very good academic student at Franklin, but Mr. Scammell recognized my musical gifts and worked on building my self-esteem.  In fact, knowing that I had a desire to pursue music as a career, he worked with me in his spare time, teaching me to play several instruments.

During my junior and senior years, I let loose, often getting myself into hot water with the principal.  However, Ben Scammell often intervened and made sure I abided by the school rules. (I should mention that some of my misbehavior erupted during band rehearsals, when I pulled pranks such as spraying the clarinet players in front of me with a squirt gun.  Needless to say, occasional stern warnings from Ben Scammell straightened me out.)

I will never forget the many hours of extra time Ben spent with me, teaching me how to conduct and preparing me for a conducting competition.  When I won, I got a chance to guest-conduct the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in 1965 in the Eastman Theatre.

Ben also spent time helping me to compose a piece for band which I conducted during my senior year in 1967.

That same year, I auditioned for the Eastman School of Music.  I was told my musical skills were fine, but my academic record did not meet Eastman standards.  However, Mr. Scammell wrote a recommendation to Eastman, voicing his confidence in my ability to do well in college.  I was then accepted to Eastman.

As it turned out, I left Eastman after two years and later completed a bachelors degree at another college, in addition to earning two graduate theological degrees.  While I never pursued music as a career, it has been part of my life ever since my first music lessons with Mr. Scammell.

After attending my 20th high school reunion in 1987, I realized that I never took the time to thank Ben Scammell for being such an inspiration in my life.  So, after learning where he retired, I made a decision to write to him.  He not only responded, but we got together when he visited Rochester.  It was one of the most emotional experiences of my life.  Our discussion helped me to realize how many hundreds of people have been inspired by this wonderful man through his teaching and compassion.

Some of Ben’s students have indeed gone on to prosperous careers in music.  For example, some are playing in notable symphony orchestras.  Perhaps most notably, legendary Chuck Mangione was one of Ben’s former pupils.

My letter to Ben Scammell was just the beginning of a very long reunion.  We stayed in touch regularly until the sad day I received a phone call from his daughter, notifying me of his death in New Mexico.  I can say without reservation that I owe much of what I am today to the inspiration and insight of this wonderful man.

If you have been moved by the film, MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS, as I was, please take the time to write that long overdue letter to a teacher who inspired you.  I am sure it will be much appreciated, and just maybe that person you knew in a classroom will become your lifelong friend.

Peace to all,
Ray

Concerning the Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

Dear Blog Visitors:

The announcement that Pope Benedict XVI is resigning did not come as a total surprise to me.  It had been speculated that he would retire upon his 85^th birthday.  When this did not occur, I had assumed it would just be a matter of time before there would be an official announcement.

For several million independent Catholics, such as myself (separated from Rome), the election of a new pontiff will have very little impact, unless of course, there were to be a few innovations that could signal a more inclusive church.  In the past twenty years, multiple issues have created a mass exodus from the institutional church (sexual abuse scandal, Vatican bank scandal, women treated as second-class members, ordination policies, outdated mandatory celibacy rule for priests, etc.).

When I was ordained a married priest in 2006, the Vatican ruled the ordination to be valid, but illicit.  In simple terms, it means that since I was ordained by a validly consecrated archbishop, my priesthood was valid.  However, since the archbishop was married, following many years of his being in the required celibate state, the Vatican also ruled my priesthood to be illicit, which simply means I am not allowed to function as a diocesan priest, especially considering my married state.  So, in my current status, I minister independently of Rome, via my certification/commissioning from the Federation of Christian Ministries (www.federationofchristianministries.org).

Who will the next pontiff be?  It is anyone’s guess.  If I were a betting person (I am not), I would venture to guess that New York’s Archbishop Timothy Dolan is a prime candidate.  If elected, he would be the first American pope.  Although conservative, he has a reputation for being a good listener, and there is good reason to believe he would convene a much-needed Vatican III council.  It has been fifty years since Vatican II, and much has changed in the church and throughout the world since 1963.

If Timothy Dolan is not elected pontiff, it is reasonable to assume that a choice could be made from Italy, Latin America or Africa.  Whoever is elected will have multiple complex issues to deal with.

In terms of the papacy, it does not seem unreasonable to begin thinking outside the box.   In this regard, it is good to recall that Jesus was only 33 when he died.  So, perhaps the church hierarchy should ask themselves if there is a young prophet in its midst, who can carry the institution into the next few decades with a healthy, vibrant, and faith-filled vision.  Jesus welcomed everyone into his fold, whereby exclusionary tactics, such as excommunication, were non-existent.

On behalf of the many married priests and women priests throughout the world, I wish Pope Benedict XVI well, as he prepares for retirement.  He was not by any means my favorite pontiff.  However, he tried as best he could to navigate the challenging waters that raged before him.  His resignation will require a pontiff with a new vision to restore credibility to a Vatican that has been tarnished by recent scandals and controversies.

Peace to all,
Ray