To the editor:
Ecumenism ranks high in the village of Hammondsport!
Just two weeks ago, the five churches of Hammondsport — St. Gabriel’s Catholic, St. James Episcopal, the First Presbyterian, the Pleasant Valley Mennonite, and the United Methodist — sponsored their annual progressive dinner with the proceeds going to the Greater Steuben Red Cross Area Disaster Relief Fund. Over $1,600 was raised. The hors d’oeuvres were served at the Mennonite Church; the salads at the Episcopal Church; the main meal at St. Gabriel’s where members of both the Presbyterian and Catholic churches prepared and served the dinner. Dessert was served at the Methodist Church. Several people from out of town love to come to this dinner.
For the past eight years, Father Sebastian Falcone has conducted Bible sessions during Lent for all churchgoers in the Hammondsport area. He is sponsored by St. James Episcopal Church and St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Hammondsport and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bath.
Father Falcone, a professor at St. Bernard’s, not only brings the Bible to life but also gives rare academic insight into its many challenges. He has chosen different themes for each year, this past year exploring the many names of Jesus.
Hammondsport is also enriched during Lent with its many ecumenical Lenten services where Sister Anne Michelle McGill, pastoral administrator of St. Gabriel’s, along with the other four Hammondsport ministers lead services, followed by luncheons of Christian fellowship. Again many people from nearby towns attend these meetings.
There is no doubt that the ecumenical spirit in Hammondsport has been truly inspiring!
Betty White
West Lake Road
Hammondsport
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