My World of Religion, Politics, Entertainment and Social Issues

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...

Dear Blog Visitors: As we celebrate Black History Month, I fondly recall a man who was a huge influence in my life. I am referring to the late Dr. Calvin O. Dash, who lived from 1924-2005. Calvin Dash excelled at a time when it was often very difficult for African Americans to pursue their chosen fields. In his case, the chosen field was operatic music. Although the world could have been his stage, he chose teaching instead, and I was honored to be one of his students. Calvin received his doctorate from the Juilliard School of Music. Although he had hoped to teach at the Eastman School of Music, he instead taught magnificently at Franklin High School in Rochester, New York and later ran his own music school for many years in the Washington, DC area. I was very privileged indeed to have Dr. Dash as my high school choir director, in addition to taking private voice lessons from him and singing in his church choir while I was in college. Calvin had a very strict demeanor, because he ...

Dear Blog Visitors: In the photo above, you see me surrounded by the 36 boxes I packed in preparation for my retirement from Rochester's City Hall on May 6. In actuality, I still have many more boxes to pack for the City's archives, which serves as a reminder of how many documents I have processed as supervisor of the City's accounts payable unit. My past few years in City Hall have been especially busy, because in addition to my duties as supervisor of the accounts payable operations, I was also responsible for all documents relating to the City's professional service agreements (processing and filing), thus the multitudes of boxes I am packing. As I went about the process of emptying file drawers, I couldn't help thinking about the many trees that were destroyed to create the paper for the documents I worked on. Therefore, I am delighted that the City of Rochester will be moving toward a paperless process for both payable operations and professional service agr...

Dear Blog Visitors: Since I don’t meet the residency requirements for the mayoral race in Rochester, I am not a declared candidate. However, this is not to say that I don’t have ideas on how the City of Rochester should be run. After all, I have spent 23 years of my life in City Hall, and in the process of my assorted positions, I have certainly seen the ‘good, the bad and the ugly.’ As I near retirement on May 6 as a Civil Service employee with the City of Rochester, I would probably be entering my name amongst the several persons running in the special election for Mayor if I were a City resident. While I did in fact spend most of my years within city limits, I am currently a resident of the Town of Henrietta (south of Rochester), which disqualifies me from the current mayoral contest. Since the mayoral election is only a few weeks away (March 29), the media has correctly stated that candidates need to state their positions very clearly and SOON! Although I am not a mayoral candid...

Dear Blog Visitors: Ever since the recent tragedy in Tucson, we have been saturated with commentaries about the need for more civility in American politics. In this regard, I have been thinking of role models, past and present, who had a special gift of generating friendship with those they either agreed or disagreed with on social or political issues. I am writing this on what would have been Ronald Reagan's 100th birthday. Since I have already posted a couple tributes to him during the past week, I won't be repeating myself today. However, I will simply restate that I respected his ability to be a brilliant communicator, in addition to his ability to reach across the aisle, in a spirit of friendship, to those who didn't always share his viewpoints. Throughout much of my life, I have been immersed in a variety of political arenas. In a traditional sense, I had my day in the sun with both Democratic and Republican politics. Later in life, I became embroiled in the poli...

Dear Blog Visitors: A few months ago, I articulated my reasons for opposing the canonization of Pope Pius XII. However, in the case of John Paul II, I find that I am favor of his canonization process, which seems to be on the fast track. I was recently asked to sign a petition being circulated by a variety of Catholic reform organizations that are opposed to the canonization of John Paul II. While initially tempted to sign, I ultimately decided not to. It is quite obvious that I was in disagreement with John Paul II's fierce defense of mandatory celibacy for priests. However, I found this was not a good reason to sign a petition in opposition to his canonization. When a person is nominated for sainthood, his or her entire life needs to be taken to account. I did this in the case of John Paul II. I admired what he did as a young man in Poland. During this horrible period, he worked in the underground against the Nazi regime. Later in life, he supported the solidarity movement...

Dear Blog Visitors: I was both fascinated and delighted with the cover photo on the latest edition of Time Magazine. It depicts former President Reagan and current President Obama standing together in a friendly pose. If Ronald Reagan were alive today, my sense is that he would have eagerly posed for such a photo with our current president. As mentioned in a prior blog post, I have become somewhat of a centrist in my politics, whereby I tend to favor conservative fiscal policies and liberal social policies. When I ran for public office in 1983, I was endorsed by both the local Republican and Conservative parties. Since then, I have become a Democrat, but still hold onto conservative fiscal principles. I wonder how much of what recently occurred in Arizona was fueled by the lack of civility in our public discourse. When we turn on our television set, we are bombarded with what amounts to hate speech and vicious verbal attacks from the left and right of the political spectrum. In thi...

Dear Blog Visitors: As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ronald Reagan, I find that all my memories of him are indeed positive. He was a genius concerning his ability to bring opposing sides together toward a common cause or goal. During the period of Reagan's presidency, I was an active Republican, which included running against Rochester's popular Democratic mayor in 1983. After Reagan left office, I switched my enrollment to the Democratic Party. If I were to describe my political philosophy today, it would be fair to say that I am a fiscal conservative and a social liberal, which places me somewhere in the middle of the political spectrum. Many with similar leanings were often referred to as 'Reagan Democrats.' I thought I would share a few Reagan mementos with you. Most noteworthy is the personal letter I received from him, following my writing a song in his honor. It is pictured above. (You will need to click on it for an enlargement.) Many...