Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.
I have thought often about these words from Dr. Seuss as I wind up my time as Director of the All Saints Parish School of Religion. Yes, I am very sad to have to say goodbye but know in my heart that no one has had a more wonderful career. I can only smile when I think about these past 37 years.
Working with the families in the School of Religion was never work. It was always a joy to see the children skipping into class as happy as they could be to greet their teachers and their friends. Parents were often with them and had only words of gratitude for the work of my catechists. And the catechists arrived week after week some for more than 40 years well prepared and ready for class on either Sunday morning or Monday afternoon. They did this 25 weeks of every year. I never had to beg them to volunteer. They were more than willing and able and always smiling.
In the words of one of my four-year-old Vacation Bible School students when asked if he’d had a good time answered by saying he wished he had a 1000 more days. I, too, wish I had a 1000 more days, but am happy for the days that I had.
Thank you to Fr. Michael and the wonderful office staff at All Saints especially Debbie Straker and Scott Earley. We were a great team and it took a team of wonderful people to make it all happen. Special thanks to Florence Grimes who recommended me to Msgr. Kiernan for this job so long ago and to my son, Scott, who was always my moral support for every event.
I love the All Saints families and look forward to seeing you at Mass. Thank you for your love and support and thank you for my wonderful send off.
– Dozie Bowen