Hancock's signature: Linking school, parish

* It is located where three dioceses meet an archdiocese -- Albany, Syracuse and Scranton touch the Archdiocese of New York City,

* A priest from the Diocese of Rockville Centre (Long Island) is the administrator, and

* He has connected the parish to a special school to benefit both.

Busy priest

The Family Foundation School is a private boarding school that provides guidance to students who have suffered from such difficulties as eating disorders, drug and alcohol addiction, psychological problems, sexual promiscuity, self-mutilation, and legal problems.

The school accommodates more than 250 students of high school and college age.

Effect on students

"Father Steve is so easy to talk to," said Diane, a 17-year-old senior at the school. "When you have a problem and go to him, he listens to you. He makes you feel as if he is a real part of your life. Father Steve has helped me discover who I am. I've learned how to pray, and prayer helps me get through the days."

Will, another student, appreciates Father Morris for a different reason.

"He makes me want to become a better Catholic," said the 15-year-old from Vermont. "When I go to confession with Father Steve, I can be free to really express how I feel about things without worrying that he won't understand. When I am with him, I feel as if I am in the presence of truth and honesty. Father Steve and I are basically on the same page. He relates to me. He relates to all of us."

On retreat

He holds them a few miles away on a property called Christ of the Hills, a site deeded to him by a Scarsdale couple who had built their home in a secluded wooded area that is frequented by white-tailed deer, black bears and even a bobcat or two. The couple was looking for a way to make a donation to the school as a thank-you for the work they have done with troubled teens for the past 25 years.

The two-story brick home has been converted into a dormitory-type retreat facility that includes a chapel, a living room for informal group conversation, a dining room that seats up to 15 people and sleeping accommodations for 12. The structure provides a country haven with a tranquil atmosphere that gives visitors a sense of peace and harmony with nature.

Parish and school

"We have volunteers from the parish that clean the house before and after each retreat. They even do the laundry for us. I have a wonderful cook who makes us delicious meals. Everyone at St. Paul's has been very supportive and helpful."

He added that he deeply appreciates the flexibility of parishioners as he juggles his busy schedule at the parish and the school.

Religious icons

In addition, there are statues of Mary, St. Anthony, St. Joseph and St. Francis of Assisi, as well as a reproduction of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

"I felt it was important that these young people become acquainted with the imagery of the Mother of God," said Father Morris. "It provides them with a wonderful opportunity for prayer and meditation. Many of these kids, particularly the boys, come from backgrounds where women have been abused; where, in fact, they have abused their own mothers, sisters, grandmothers; or where they have been witness to such abuse and lack of respect in their families.

"I wanted them to know that the retreats they make can be opportunities for them to pray, meditate and feel safe. This house is a safe place for them to develop a relationship with God, with Jesus and with His mother. We talk a lot about Mary here. It gives them a sense of home and safety."

Time for silence

"Living in a dormitory situation, as they do at the school, can get noisy," he said. "When they come [to the retreat house], they appreciate the silence. It also gives them the chance to spend quiet time at prayer, something that is difficult to do when surrounded by a large group. They come to experience the stillness that the house provides. It helps them get in touch with God and with themselves."

Thanks to the generosity of several people, a chapel has been built next to the retreat house. Constructed of knotty pine in order to blend with the landscape, it will be dedicated in December to the Immaculate Conception.

Ecumenical style

According to Rita Michelle Argiros, vice president of the school, the policy of the school is to have the students remain in the religion of their parents. Services are provided for Protestants, Jews, Catholics and Muslims.

She told The Evangelist that Father Morris and the retreat house have made a big difference for the students in their spiritual journey.

"Father Morris is doing a wonderful job," she said. "I don't know what we would do without him."

Back at parish

"He's been great," said Mrs. Dirig. "Not only does he minister to the students up at the school but also here to all of our parishioners."

He celebrates three weekend Masses as well as all the other sacraments as needed, hears confessions each week and officiates at all parish functions. Mrs. Antidormi indicated that the parish is currently searching for a full-time parish life director to relieve Father Morris from many of his administrative obligations and "free him up" to return to his original, full-time position at the school. However, he will remain at St. Paul's as the sacramental minister.

Each week, students in the award-winning choir at the Family School attend one of the Sunday Masses at St. Paul's, providing musical support during the service.

"The students of the Family School are a big part of our Sunday celebrations," said Mrs. Dirig. "We love to have them at Mass. We love to hear them sing."

(11-15-01) [[In-content Ad]]