Bishop Clark Commends TCRM on Silver Anniversary    

In a nostalgic personal visit,  Bishop Matthew Clark of the Diocese of Rochester congratulated the Tioga County Rural Ministry (TCRM) on its silver anniversary of faith-filled service to the community. 

 In May 1983, Bishop Clark spent time in the outlying areas of Tioga County visiting those who were receiving services from the rural ministry sisters and lay volunteers. 

 Bishop Clark reflected on his continuing interest in TCRM as he held and looked at photo albums and scrapbooks of the ministry's history. He commended the staff, multi faith clergy, volunteers and representatives from various organizations for their continuing support. 

 In the Rural Ministry Office on North Avenue and at a fund raising Chicken and Biscuit Dinner that served 300 at the Elks, Bishop Clark continued to thank all the wonderful men and women and teenagers for their volunteer work over the past 25 years to the poor, sick and elderly of Tioga County.

 Bishop Clark heard a progress briefing from TCRM Executive Director Sister Phyllis McGuire including her gratitude for the support and prayers from 20 local churches, volunteers and private donors. She told the Bishop of the need for another Sister of Mercy to help as the demand for services is increasing. 

 Bishop Clark felt the services provided by TCRM is a wonderful outreach program. He was delighted to hear of the many individuals and families who continue to be involved with Tioga County's seniors. He thanked those college students in the past from SUNY-Geneseo, SUNY-Binghamton, Cornell University and most recently those from Ithaca College who were in town to do yard work for those unable. 

 Bishop Clark said, "Our Holy Father celebrated his 25th anniversary in October. Pope John Paul II started when you started. Your ministry is very close to his heart. You espouse the values he speaks about. I'm so glad you are doing this every day. This is well worth your celebrating." 

 Bishop Clark has a special relationship with Pope John Paul II who ordained him Bishop of Rochester on May 27, 1979. 

 Throughout 2003, TCRM has been celebrating its 25th anniversary. 

 The past was observed at an annual Super Bowl Sunday Pancake and Sausage Breakfast. At the Elks, Bishop Clark met and personally congratulated the founders - Dick and Pat Franz of Owego. 

 The present was celebrated by a recognition picnic for the volunteers at the Hickories Park in June. Five Sisters of Mercy who had worked at TCRM over the years returned for the picnic. 

 The future began with the fund-raising Chicken and Biscuit Dinner. TCRM needs more monetary donations from all sources - individual and group, both private and public. The downturn in the economy is causing more needy - many first timers--to seek help from the ministry. Some are employed, yet earn so little they also need help. 

 To find out how you can help, call the Tioga County Rural Ministry at (607) 687-3021, or visit the office at 60 North Avenue, Owego.