“This writer was saddened and disturbed by a propensisty which manifested itself in the many meetings, side discussions, and qualitative survey comments.  This tendency could be best described as an extension of NIMBY (Not In MY Back Yard) mentality so prevalent in secular society today.  The reasoning goes like this: ‘Yes, I understand that we have fewer priests, and yes I understand that some churches have to close as a result, BUT NOT MY CHURCH!’  It is so sad to see this operative in the Church, since it betrays a complete lack of understanding and commitment to the self sacrifice which Christ demonstrated in his life and to which he calls us as his followers.  Therefore, it would appear that some very well thought out catechesis should precede the next entry into the pastoral planning process.” Dr. Richard J. McCorry Dancing with Change: A Spiritual Response to Changes in the Church   It is a sad note that after we merged our two parishes and created a dynamic new manifestation of the Incarnate Jesus, at least half of our parishioners did not come on the Journey.  In retrospect, Dr. McCorry’s words are painfully prophetic.  I pray the lost sheep return. Deacon Warren                                                               LINKS   Saint Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church Check out the web site of our host parish.   Holy Cross Family Ministries A wonderful family site maintained by the Congregation of the Holy Cross. Be sure to click on “Prayer” on the top line of the Home Page, and then click on “Weekly Homily” for a current homily by Fr. Bob Deleone from St. Joseph’s in Valatie, N.Y. Resources for Catholic Living Topics include: news and tools concerning the Church and its teachings; publications for parents, spouses, and children; resources for prayer, thought, and inspiration about the moral life; Catholic history, witnessing to God in the workplace; and, business ethics.   Catholic.net A Catholic resource page providing access to leading Catholic magazines and newspapers, papal encyclicals, Church documents, helpful devotional services - all in a new, smartly-designed and streamlined format.   Catholic On-Line Access to a wealth of information about Catholicism.  This is where we obtained the photo and biography of our patron saint.   United States Conference of Catholic Bishops The official site of the U.S. Catholic Bishops which contains an on-line version of the New American Bible, the Catechism, information about bishops and dioceses, and a wealth of other information.   New Advent Access to the Catholic Encyclopedia, writings of the Church Fathers, Summa Theologica, and much, much more.   Creighton University Daily Reflections Inspirational reflections based upon the daily readings.  Be sure to check out the other great links on the site.   Sound Of Life Radio Listen to contemporary Christian music serving the Hudson Valley at 91.1 FM or on line via this link.   Pyramid Life Center The best kept secret in the Diocese of Albany , the Pyramid Life Center is a camp on 800 acres of land in the Adirondack Mountains near Ticonderoga , New York .  It sets on a pristine lake surrounded by State Land two miles off the main road.  Family camping at reasonable prices in a rustic setting.  Feel free to ask Deacon Warren about PLC.   Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. Contemplative Outreach is a spiritual network of individuals and small faith communities committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday life through the practice of Centering Prayer.  A local contact is Bruce Gardiner, brucegardiner@yahoo.com Taize’ For information about Taize’, check out this web site.  Local contact for info on monthly Taize prayer services: Steve Wildermuth (remnant4@verizon.net) or Melinda Gardiner (harp@taconic.net). Bethany Ministries (http://www.midtel.net/~bethmin/) The web site of our good friends, Fr. Peter Chepaitis, OFM and Sr. Anna Tantsits, IHM.   Albany Diocese Recommended Links Check out more great links on the Albany Diocese Web Page.