SWR News: Little Flower event at St. John the Baptist Church

Linsay and Chris Searles have welcomed a new baby, Maxwell Clifford. In speaking to Thomas Kitz, brother of Clifford Kitz, who is deceased, I discovered Maxwell was named after Cliff. Linsay is Thomas’ niece. From earth to heaven, God bless you, Cliff, and congratulations, Linsay and Chris. Let’s also give a shout-out of congratulations to family member Hayden Kitz, who recently celebrated a birthday.

Wading River Fire Department is currently displaying its purple and black bunting in memory of Wading River resident and WRFD Auxiliary member Johanne Durkin. Johanne recently passed at the age of 73. My path crossed with Johanne’s at St. John the Baptist Church in Wading River, where she served as the parish secretary for many years. She was capable, friendly, professional and dedicated and it was a pleasure to know her. Marilyn Deveny, the president of the auxiliary, shared with me this memory: “Johanne was a kind, gentle and well-respected member of our auxiliary. During her 45 years of service she served in numerous positions on committees and volunteered at many events. She was currently serving as our chaplain. She will be sorely missed.” I will remember you each time I pass your home, Johanne. Wading River’s loss is definitely heaven’s gain. God bless you, Johanne.

Sister Michelle Bremer, CSFN, of the Little Flower community in Wading River, was a guest at the latest L.I.F.T gathering at St. John the Baptist Church. Her eyes lit up as she shared her experiences and insights from her prison ministry as chaplain at the Suffolk County correctional facilities in Riverhead and Yaphank. Involved in prison ministry for 21 years, Sr. Michelle said she’s never been afraid. She radiates joy and compassion for her work. Sr. Michelle says that the inmates see her in her habit and trust her. As chaplain, she feels she is a symbol of presence and hope and does not look at inmates as prisoners but as “people who happen to be in jail.” The evening also included a look-ahead in preparing for the next challenge of replacing the leadership of this productive program. If you are interested in moving in this direction in your spiritual life, call Lin Tuitte, 924-8257, or Linsay at St. John the Baptist Church, 929-4339.

I love to spotlight the dear people of Shoreham and Wading River, so if you have any news/announcements to share, email me at the below address.

Until we meet here again in two weeks, be well, be safe and be grateful.

Contact Elizabeth Taggart at [email protected] or 929-5933.