Beginnings. Edward Galluzzi

theological wisdom and Canon Law. Jim was the caring seminarian with a kind and inviting smile for anybody from anywhere. Joe had the most angelic voice whose singing did more for one’s peace of mind than Prozac ever could. Gris— well, we spent so much time together because of our duties and friendship. I was closest to Gris in age and deeply miss those times we had together. Yet, all these men generously shared their friendship and their guidance at a formative time in my young life.

      During the years, we saw a number of parish priests come and go from the rectory. Some went because priests were reassigned generally about every five years. Some went because they chose a different path and abandoned their chosen vocation—some to marry. Some went because they were assigned only temporarily to the parish to ‘dry out’ from the alcoholic demons that devoured them.

      We also developed relationships with the good sisters of the parish who lived in the nearby convent. Parishes did not have coed dorms that housed both priests and nuns. These relationships, beyond our peer relationships, were highly treasured ones. It was difficult to see them go after being such a big part of our young lives. It was during this period that I could remember first experiencing personal feelings of loss.

      Graduating from grade school was another one of those beginnings of the end that most of us commonly share. It was a time when you first gained awareness that you are not just kids anymore. Playtime neither reigned supreme nor could you get away with just playing all the time even if you wanted to do so. This thought was reflected in the address to our graduating class of 1965: “Now you must enter high school, a time only half as long as grade school. This is your preparation for tomorrow that will be here much sooner than you think. Your parents spent the last eight years begging you to study and will probably continue for another four years... The tomorrow has arrived. You soon will be on your way to a career. The years will seem to pass quicker now so enjoy them as you progress through this fine part of your life...” Responsibilities came to the forefront and thoughts about life, life’s goals, and careers became more defined—truly, a beginning of the end