“As a mother comforts her child, so I comfort you.” - The Parish ...

The Gift that Keeps on GivingOur Lady of Lourdes Parish Family and Religious Education willmiss you, Barbara Catuosco!Back in the 1970’s, Barbara Catuosco volunteered in the ReligiousEducation Office, which was simply a closet. She later answered thecall to become a catechist in the Religious Education Program. Sheshared her faith with the children beautifully and passionately for twoyears, but Barbara felt that her gift was to be in the Office rather thanthe classroom. She began as a volunteer and was officially hiredwhen our first secretary, Dorothy Camplone, retired and moved .Since that time, her “job” became her ministry, which has grown and deepened through the years.Barbara was drawn to the Pastoral Formation Institute, which she loved. It expanded the depth ofher spirituality and enhanced her commitment to spreading God’s Word.In the twenty eight years of her ministry, Barbara has seen much growth and development as we allentered the “Computer Age” together. She has brought her enthusiasm to those she touched in ourgrade level programs, Adult Faith Formation and our ministries here at OLL. Before multitaskingbecame the “in thing,” Barbara answered telephones, greeted parents, solved problems, filled outendless forms, kept track of book orders and payments ~ all with her gracious and gentle manner.Her willingness to go the extra mile was always evident, and was certainly much appreciated. Afamiliar phrase spoken by Barbara is “No problem!”Barbara and her husband Joe, have two daughters, who both attended our Religious EducationProgram. Barbara and Joe have five grandchildren. When they visit “Grandma”, they see a womanof faith, with a sense of welcome and hospitality, serving all who come. She lives our OLL mission of“All Are Welcome.”Barbara will be leaving the Religious Education Office, but her joyful and generous heart will remainhere. Barbara, a woman whose presence will always be treasured, a woman loved, a true gift from God!All our love and prayers to you, Barbara.Sister Diane, Sister Nancy, Rita Spera, our Parish Team, Staff, and all your Parish FamilyLiving LiturgyWho’s Who-Our Golf Classic Honorees are...John and Anne DeGuardiDeacon John and Anne have been at the heart andsoul of our parish for many years. They servetogether in our ministry of consolation reaching outto so many who have lost a loved one. Theysupport our stewardship and evangelizationministries which help our parishioners to find aplace of belonging and service in our parish. Agifted artist, Deacon John has brought muchbeauty to our parish -- most recently a newprocessional cross (inspired by eighth graders inthe class of 2009) and a new mural for the entranceto our church to be dedicated this fall.Deacon John has been an active supporter of OurLady of Lourdes school and has been the spiritualguide for many graduating classes.Paul and Diane MunchMany OLL parishioners know Paul as the personwho is most responsible for the beauty of our parishgrounds throughout the year -- Munch Landscapingalways keeps us looking our best! Paul and Dianeare also the first to support important programs hereat OLL. They are good benefactors for our SummerEvening Prayer Program and also our ParishItalian Family Feast. They have helped us with thedesign and building of our Father Joe Gardenincluding the beautiful Christmas tree in his memory.Diane is a very active member of the West Islipcommunity and has been active in many projects ofbeautification for our town. They are true supportersof everything we do and we are happy to honorthem this year.4•Our Lady of Lourdes•#439