Behind-the-scenes people keep parish humming

Anyone who has ever been involved in a play knows how much work goes on behind-the-scenes to ensure the success of a show.

Just as costumes, props, scenery and spotlights serve to enhance theatrical productions, so are vestments, altar cloths, floral arrangements and lighting key to "setting the stage" for liturgical celebrations.

The backbone of every parish includes those who polish pews, launder linens, fuss with fuses and rescue missing missals from beneath kneelers before the ushers begin smoothing the seating process at weekend Masses.

Behind the scenes

Working quietly behind the scenes at St. Joseph's Church in Troy, which is marking its sesquicentennial this year, are several such individuals -- most of whom show up at the historic church like clockwork every Wednesday morning.

After joining one another in prayer at the 8 a.m. service, Helen Cotch, Eleanor Doody and Joan O'Connor roll up their sleeves to tackle a myriad of cleaning tasks, ranging from sweeping and mopping floors to dusting and vacuuming.

Not far away is Norma Vazzana, who more than likely has her hands full with a sewing or laundry project involving altar cloths or vestments.

Rounding out the volunteer force are Lea Cramer, who assists staff member Bernadette Donahue with secretarial duties in the priory while her husband Jim gives Bill Roehr and Ed Madden a hand with maintenance and repair jobs.

Almost always within shouting distance are Rev. Romeaus Cooney, O. Carm., pastor, who prepares the church's floral arrangements; Jane White, who wants to know how many will be staying for lunch; and Brother Timothy Ennis, a Carmelite intern who helps keep the coffee and conversation flowing while helping out with assorted assignments behind-the-scenes.

'Happy family'

Each member of the St. Joseph team admitted that the real incentive to keep coming back week after week is the cast of characters with whom they get to rub elbow grease.

"We're one big happy family," laughed Helen Cotch, whose ability to delegate chores has earned her the nickname "The Task Master."

"Oh yes," she smiled, "I'm good at putting other people to work." In addition to making sure St. Joseph's remains spic'n'span between services, she also assists with laundry, cooking, church garage sales and Bingo.

Busy site

Jane White, who has been employed as the "chief cook, bottle washer and grocery shopper" for over 20 years, said Mrs. Cotch and the other volunteers help to keep things stirred up in the kitchen.

"I call this place The Do-Drop Inn because I never know from day-to-day how many places to set at the table," quipped Mrs. White, adding that unexpected luncheon guests give her "a good excuse to use up the leftovers."

When that fails to suffice, Mrs. White, who doesn't believe in following recipes, has learned to simply "throw another potato in the pot." At times, she said, "it's like the Miracle of the Loaves and the Fishes around here."

Sew-and-sew

When not in use for meals by priory residents and guests, the 10'x4' dining room table doubles as a sewing counter for Norma Vazzana.

"It's perfect for measuring and cutting altar cloths and vestments that require yards and yards of fabric," noted Mrs. Vazzana, who does most of the sewing at home.

Although she has a machine, the self-taught seamstress prefers to put love into most stitches using the old-fashioned hand-held needle-and-thread technique.

Flower priest

Making sure the altar is colorfully decorated for services is Father Cooney, who stocks a basement workshop with vases of freshly cut flowers, ribbons, bows and other accessories one would expect to find inside a professional florist's shop. He has been arranging flowers "ever since I can remember -- forever."

Designing wreaths, bouquets and other floral displays to grace the altar is something Father Cooney describes as "fun." It is but one of the quiet ways he gives glory to God in between weekend services.

Another is to painstakingly craft statues of Our Lord, the Blessed Mother and other biblical figures by recycling materials ranging from old vestments and altar cloths to ragged dungarees.

Corporate ladder

Taking turns on a ladder to reach ceiling fixtures and lighting in need of attention on the day of The Evangelist's visit were Jim Cramer and Bill Roehr. The retired railroad employees are usually joined by parishioner Ed Madden, whom they affectionately refer to as "The Grand Pooh-Bah" of the "preventative maintenance" crew.

When not tinkering with the electricity, plumbing and heating, the trio is on call to help Father Cooney with a variety of other odd jobs that requiring a "Tool Time" touch.

"We don't come here every single Wednesday," explained Mr. Roehr. "But when Father calls, we come and do whatever needs doing or fix whatever needs fixing. It keeps us out of trouble."

(07-03-97) [[In-content Ad]]