Did you know that on this same weekend last year, we were under the influence (or lack of influence) of Hurricane Isaac. Although ultimately we felt virtually no effects from this storm, there was a massive media frenzy while everyone watched in disbelief as Isaac veered westward. Actually, the media watched in disappointment as Isaac missed Florida entirely. Why am I mentioning this storm that was a non-event? While I was preparing the collection report and comparison to last year, I noticed a huge variance. After checking dates, I realized that Hurricane Isaac was responsible for many parishioners staying home from Mass and thus not contributing that particular weekend. I am also mentioning this because I am in amazement that this tropical season (which was supposed to be very active) has been so docile thus far. Initial forecasts in May suggested as many as 20 named storms this year with as many as 11 reaching hurricane status. That forecast has since been pared down considerably. As a matter of fact, three full months into hurricane season, we have had only six named storms, none of which reached more than tropical storm status. Before you think I am tempting fate, let me remind everyone that there are three full months remaining in hurricane season and it only takes one storm to make a huge difference in the lives of millions. We only have to rewind eight years to Hurricane Wilma which struck in late October and had devastating effects in Southwest Florida.
We finally have internet and Wi-Fi access in the church. You now have the option of joining our wireless network “StJohnGUEST” after agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in our login page. The Wi-Fi signal is a campus wide signal so regardless of which building you visit, you will automatically connect. To connect to our network, choose “settings” on your device or smart phone and locate our “StJohnGUEST” Wi-Fi signal. After choosing to join, you will be automatically directed to our login page which will ask you to confirm that you will abide by our terms and conditions.
The renovation and relocation of the altar servers’ room is now complete. Marty Gauthier did an amazing job of creating a truly
functional space which will house the sacristy and altar servers’ room. He is currently in the process of expanding the Divine Gift Boutique which will now encompass the old altar server’s room. See pictures (to the right) of new altar servers’ room and work in progress during Gift Boutique expansion.
Don’t forget that this coming Monday is Labor Day and the parish office will be closed. We will see you bright and early on Tuesday, September 2.
While on the subject of Labor Day, here are some interesting facts for those interested. While millions will celebrate Labor Day, I would bet that the majority have no idea of the derivation of the holiday.
Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.
Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.*
And now you know – The rest of the story!
*”The History of Labor Day,” Department of Labor Website, 28 August 2013, www.dol.gov.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager