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It was in the fall of 1981, that Father Leo Polselli, CSC, invited my mother and me for coffee in the rectory, after a Nine O'Clock Mass. Curious over his motive, I soon learned there had been a Family Life meeting the previous evening. It was determined that our parish needed some kind of newsletter to inform parishioners of our numerous ministries and services. "We thought that you were the perfect choice. Will you do it?" The challenge led to the first publication of Parish Times in December, 1981, with eight original staff members. The Times was prepared in my home, on an IBM Variable Space typewriter, with one typist, plus myself. It was all cut and paste, with graphics clipped from newspaper ads, etc. It was "homemade" and self-supporting, with ads from local businesses. It was so until my last issue, in March, 1985. This year, on November 14th, at the Mass of Resurrection for Mary Merrill, I learned of Mary's touch from Father Pat's homily. It seems that Fr. Jim Doherty, in one of his discussions with Mary, had mentioned that the Parish Times would soon cease, for it had become too expensive. Mary would not hear of it. She has been the silent sponsor for the last few years. I first met Mary in the early '60s. I was more than a little in awe of her, when we met at various Diocesan functions in which Joe was involved. She was so well educated and well-read that I tended to say little. for the past ten years, I had been the busy mother of four. We remained distant until the advent of the Holy Cross Fathers in 1973. Now, we had more in common. Joe and I experienced her gracious hospitality when she hosted several home Masses. It was such an exciting, spirit-led time! Vatican II was empowering the People of God! Mary had a prestigious background, and was the granddaughter of the late Maine Governor John F. Hill. Mary once was at home in the main house of what is now St. Paul's Center in Augusta. Imagine those tapestry walls and wide, winding staircases! In 1959, she became a resident of Saco, with many acres on the banks of the Saco River, and had an interest in land conservation. She raised thoroughbred horses, and rode them until her mid-70s when she was injured. Arthritis set in, and Mary became stooped and walked with a cane. Nevertheless, she remained a Lector at the Sunday 10:30 Mass, insisting on being assigned the First Reading. This meant that she had to make her way to the ambo a second time, for the Prayer of the Faithful. Although this seemed to be painful for her, Mary had her way, and the congregation respectfully waited. Mary had an impressive public life, serving many institutions and on various commissions, leaving her mark wherever she trod. She was very devoted to Most Holy Trinity and the Congregation of the Holy Cross. Here, her memory lives on tenderly. While her body lay in rest before the altar, following Mass, many came forward to pay their respects, One young woman came forward as I did. I gave her a hug, and was surprised when she clung to me, as her tears flowed. "Did you know Mary well?" She shook her head, "No." "She made an impression on you? She touched you?" "Yes!" |
