Church Offices Remodeled by Staff
By Deacon Sal Lema
Most workers do their jobs well and leave for the day. But not St. Elizabeth Seton’s staff. No, they go above and beyond anyone’s expectations. Witness their latest team effort; remodeling their own offices.
At the request of Joseph Pergolizzi, our Parish Manager, the group came together and showed what team work means. The pictures attached are of the remodeled and painted office entrance complete with wainscotting, new blinds, and painted trim and walls. Joseph at his own expense painted and decorated his own office and everyone pitched in to do Fr. Kilian’s office. His request was to stay within the southwest décor, as pictured below. The team also painted the hallways and they plan to finish the entire office area before too long. I wish we could have been there to get the pictures of the painters while the work was going on, but alas, the time and date of the work was kept a secret.
So the next time you visit the parish office, thank those who work there for their time, talent and dedication, not only to their jobs, but to the St. Elizabeth Seton Community, all of us, and all that make up our parish.
Phoenix Diocese Diaconate Celebrates 50 years of Ministry – While Honoring Deacon Tom Phelan of the First Class
By Deacon Sal Lema
May 29, 2022 was a Golden day for St. Elizabeth Seton, The Diocese of Phoenix, The Office of the Diaconate and Deacon Tom Phalen, for all were here to celebrate 50 years of diaconal service within the diocese. At a gathering of Deacon Tom’s closest friends, here in our parish hall, more than 60 gathered in an atmosphere adorned with gold; from the silverware to the Gold wrapped chocolate, it was a top shelf celebration.
Many of the leaders of the diocese were guests, beginning with our bishop and auxiliary bishop, Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmstead, Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix, and Most Rev. Eduardo Nevares, Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix, Deacon James Trant, the Director of Diaconate Formation, as well as several priests and deacons from around diocese. Of course, all of the deacons from our parish were there as well to celebrate their brother deacon.
It was a true Irish celebration, featuring an Italian dinner of lasagna, ravioli, sausage and meatballs, and tossed salad. And the deserts were favorites, cannoli and tiramisu.
While the food was fantastic, almost the best part was the roasting of our dear brother Deacon Tom. But prior to that Deacon Tom got up and after thanking everyone for coming, stated that the celebration was really for the start of the diaconate in the West, and for his classmates, now all resting in heaven, as he is now the only one left from that first class. With such a tribute to the diocese and his class mates, no one had the heart to say anything but praise and thanksgiving for his many years of service.
So, congratulations to all, Deacon Tom Phalen, The diocese of Phoenix and the Office of the Diaconate.
Well done, good and faithful servants!
No More COVID, No More Masks, We Celebrate Memorial Day Together as Family
By Deacon Sal Lema
Monday, May 30th was no ordinary day or even no normal holiday, for it was the liberation day from all that the pandemic confinement did. Safe and healthy, we are free to mingle, laugh, talk; dare I even say, hug or shake hands in complete freedom from the fear of this disease! Memorial Day, the day we honor those who have given up their lives so that we can remain free, was the day we honored that freedom by truly being able to enjoy those liberties.
It was a wonderful May Day, almost Spring like as summer weather had held off for a few more days. The SES parish hall was the scene for our celebration, air conditioned with tables throughout to come together with friends and SES family. All that was asked was that we bring a dish to share. Well, many, many did. The staff had to get more tables to put all the food in all on. There were ribs, meat balls, pork, salads, fruit, pasta and vegetable dishes, eggs, and a whole table full of deserts. You couldn’t eat a sample of every dish if you tried, as there was so much.
As the attached pictures show, both young and old came out to celebrate. Fr. Kilian started the party off with grace and then invited all the women to start the line first. After all had eaten, there was a call to come up for seconds and thirds if you wish.
It was a real fun day to laugh, talk, and enjoy life together again.
What great articles. While I do miss St Elizabeth’s, I love Wisconsin… I’m sure I will be stopping in there one day when I visit my sis.
Loved all the informative articles! Thanks for your dedication in giving us this great on-line enjoyment!!
Great job to Deacon Sal and all of his staff! This is such a wonderful, get to know our Parish and members publication.
Thank you!