June is busting out all over, so lets catch up on May happenings before July arrives.

In mid-May, St. Isaac Jogues' Parish welcomed a very special visitor.

The Rev. Dachemy Destine, pastor of St. Anthony the Hermit Church, St. Isaac's sister parish, in Chenot, Haiti spent six days in Baltimore. He was here at the invitation of the Haiti Ministry Committee.

The Haiti Ministry is made up of 10 parishioners who are committed to improving the standard of living in this Caribbean nation plagued by political and social ills for over 200 years.

Members of St. Isaac's committee said they selected St. Anthony's as a sister parish because it is one of the poorest and most isolated of the Haitian parishes.

While the relationship is foremost a spiritual one, secondary goals are feeding school children, supplementing teachers' salaries and providing financial assistance for catechist training.

The only medical care available to the Haitian parish has been from a volunteer nurse, sent by a Swiss Catholic order, who visits St. Anthony's only occasionally to train other volunteers.

"The people have nothing, but they are still happy," says ministry member Frank Bonomo.

So far, the committee has raised more than $17,000 to support feeding programs at the Haitian parish. The committee has also helped pay for much-needed repairs to the parish's Jeep, finishing a new kitchen and strengthening the convent building so that the sisters can return to help run the school.

While here the Rev. Destine helped celebrate Sunday Mass with Rev. Marty Hammond and he shared a pot luck dinner with parishioners.

Several members of the ministry committee, including Sean Hackett, David Micozzi, Larry Melocik and Deacon James Westwater have made three visits to Haiti over the past four years.

"What a wonderful visit we had with this great priest of God and defender of the poor," said Hammond. "He is everything to the people" of Chenot. In addition to being the spiritual leader, Hammond said, "He is mayor, chief of police, head of social services, the hospital and education."

Congratulations to birthday girl Lilly Bonomo, who counted up 90 years of life May 29. Bonomo was serenaded with a "Happy Birthday" chorus at the Parkville Senior Center on that Friday. She blew out the candles on her cake at a family celebration dinner at Friendly Farms, in Upperco, on Sunday.

Congratulations, graduates!

Justin and Patti Palmisano, of Perring Park are pleased to announce the May graduation of their son, Jason, from Stevenson University, where he majored in computer information systems.

Kirsten Wallace, of Perring Park, graduated from Notre Dame Preparatory. She will be attending Salisbury University on a full scholarship.

Colleen Gardina, who also graduated from Notre Dame Prep, has been awarded a Dean's Scholarship and the Meyerhoff Scholarship. She will attend the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Congratulations to anniversary couples.

Joe and Fran Fuller, of Perring Park, who celebrated 50 years of marriage June 13, and enjoyed a dinner party with friends who made up their original wedding party.

user comments (0)