All are Welcome

September 14, 2025

When I was recovering in the hospital, I made a promise not to get angry at the homeless people on the sidewalk. I have done pretty well at keeping that promise.

When I was visiting my brother up in Ottawa, there was a homeless lady outside his church. She looked ill. I bought her a sandwich and coffee. My brother reprimanded me! He said the homeless will expect the priests to do it and the homeless can become violent of they say no. I learned a lesson.

How can we temper our desire to help those in need with prudence? It is not easy. There was a lady on the sidewalk outside the Shrine and she asked me to give her a room for the night. I said I cannot do that. Then, when the 5:30 Mass ended she held up a sign asking for money for her grandchildren. I hope the people were not intimidated. When do we know how to help those less fortunate and when to show prudence?

Prudence is one of the cardinal virtues. Besides prudence, the other three cardinal virtues are justice, fortitude, and temperance. These are often referred to as the four cardinal virtues because all other virtues are seen as hinging on them: 

          Prudence: The ability to govern oneself by reason 

          Justice: Giving to each person what is their due

          Fortitude: Courage in the face of adversity or fear

     Temperance: Moderation and restraint in actions and desires

During this September, the month of Our Lady of Sorrows, we ask Mary to help us lead virtuous lives. It is not easy, but Our Lady will help us.

Hope does not disappoint! 

I remember you at Mass. 

I pray for you, you pray for me. 

Congratulations to Hank Golec as the 2025 recipient of the Saint Joseph Christian Worker Recognition Award

For 25 years, Hank was a history teacher, coach, and vice principal at Dracut High School.  From a young age, Hank knew he wanted to be an educator. 

He had  a passion for history that made him a popular teacher among students--even students who did not enjoy history enjoyed Hank’s class.  For many students,  it takes just one teacher’s class to help them get through the day and for many Hank was that teacher.    But what really made him a special teacher was how he also worked with students outside of the classroom.  For most of his career at Dracut High School he was the varsity baseball coach and an assistant football coach.  He helped students not only develop their academic skills in the classroom  but helped teach them on the field responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance.  

Over the years, he wrote numerous college recommendations and worked to support the annual Dracut Scholarship Foundation Telethon which provides scholarships to graduating seniors each year.  He also served as vice principal of Dracut High School for several years.  In that role, he helped to create the master schedule for the building, assisted in discipline, and helped students who struggled with attendance.  

After retiring from Dracut High School, Hank served as principal of Saint Patrick’s School in Pelham, NH.  At Saint Patrick’s, Hank was able to use his many years of experience in education, and his deep faith, to lead Saint Patrick’s.  He formed strong bonds with staff, students, and families and was an excellent Catholic role model for the students in grades k-8.

After leaving Saint Patrick’s,  Hank has continued to remain active and continues to give back to the community.  He is an active parishioner at Saint Francis in Dracut, MA and on the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army. He still works as a substitute teacher for the Lowell Public Schools.  

The award was presented at the 4 o'clock Mass on Saturday, September 13th. Photo shows Hank with his family and Father Amesse.

Join with us in congratulating Hank!