Dear Friends,
Years ago, a popular song encouraged us to "Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer..." For many of us, summer means a slower pace, a time to catch up on books we've been dying to read, perhaps the chance to travel. But for others, migrant farm workers, for example, summer means long hours of grueling work. In the fertile black soil of Orange County, New York, it means growing, tending, and harvesting crops under the blazing sun. We reap the fruits of their laborsfresh lettuce, celery, and onionswithout ever seeing the workers.
Fortunately, there are some folks who do see these workers and have responded. Mustard Seed Migrant Ministry in Goshen, New York is a bustling year-round haven of hospitality for the farm workers' children and all who pass through its welcoming space. Two Sisters of the Divine Compassion open their doors and their hearts to the area migrants assisted by high school student and teacher volunteers from nearby Catholic schools. Summertime is especially busy with a full-time activity program.
Mustard Seed Migrant Ministry is a model of hope and compassion, brimming with stories of success and tragedy. As we enjoy these "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer...," let's not forget those less fortunate. Through prayer and dialogue, may each of us discover new and creative ways of reaching out with compassion to alleviate the sufferings of others.
All
of us at Sadlier pray that this summer season may be a time of spiritual
renewal for you and your families. As always, I look forward to hearing
from you. E-mail me at
sjane@sadlier.com.
Sincerely,
Sr.
Jane Keegan, RDC
Senior Internet Editor
www.sadlier.com/main.htm
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William H. Sadlier, Inc.
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