Thought of the Week

[In order to include the voices of your vestry since we have replaced the monthly newsletter with the Weekly Touchstone, each month during the school year a vestry member will write one Thought of the Week.  Much thanks goes to one of our Wardens, Annlee Milani, for being the first.]

Many of Father Josh's "Thoughts" in recent weeks have gloried in the arrival (albeit slowly) of Spring.  After our grueling winter, the relief I've felt lately reminds me of those feelings spring's arrival brought to Chicago, where I lived for 6 years- almost transcendent!

In many ways, it brings to my mind the feelings of re-birth at St. Stephen's that have been shared with me by some of our parishioners.   So from my own heart, and on behalf of our parish, I want to praise God and thank Him for sending us our new Rector, Josh, his lovely wife, Sarah, and even lovelier child, Neil (sorry you two, but I just have to come right out and say that). 

This past Sunday, coming closely on the heels of Easter, the most hope-filled time in our church calendar, was Mother's Day.  In the open, generous way we have come to appreciate, it was also the day of Baptism chosen for Neil Francis Condon.  The flowers were beautiful, the music very special and The Reverend Canon Dietsche's sermon was great as he recounted a baptism recently witnessed of inmates in a Correctional facility.  If you were there, you know that the Baptizee was as good as gold...not an inappropriate word was spoken (only much interest in Father Dietsche's Santa-like beard).

For those women who have grandbabies, or nieces or nephews they haven't seen recently; for those who have little ones; and for those of us who once had "babies" and need to be reminded of how precious and innocent they are when sent here to us, the coinciding of Mother's Day and Neil's baptism made for a special service.  As we agreed to do all in our power to support Neil in his life in Christ,  Father Dietsche reminded us that there will be a time when Neil doesn't understand the gift he has been given through his Baptism (do any of us, fully understand at all times?)  The ceremony reminds us of the role we, as mothers, are given in our own and other's children's lives.  Not just to do all of the things they thank us for (baking their favorite cookies, signing them up for their favorite sports, picking up their clothes!!) - but to be there to remind them of who they are in Christ. 

Thank you Josh and Sarah and Neil for sharing your lives with us.

Annlee Milani