New Year's plans: Bells, birds, Asia

Ray Whalen, a parishioner of St. Cecilia's Church in Warrensburg, will hear church bells ringing at midnight, a suggestion he made to Christian denominations in town as a way to ring in the new millennium.

For five minutes, the bells of St. Cecilia's and other churches will simultaneously chime to focus attention on the religious significance of 2000.

Spiritual emphasis

In previous years, the Whalens have thrown New Year's Eve parties with 100 guests, but they're focusing on the spirituality of a new millennium this New Year's Eve.

One way for parishioners of St. Cecilia's to do the same is by coming to the church for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 10 a.m. to midnight New Year's Eve, with vigil prayer at 11:30 p.m.

Family time

"Usually, my husband and I go out on New Year's Eve, but because it's the year 2000, we're going to celebrate with our children," she said. That means spending part of the evening at a party, but getting home before midnight to ring in the new millennium as family.

"Every other year, the two of us have gone out for New Year's Eve, but this is a significant year," she said.

With friends

"I don't really like to go out any place on New Year's Eve and worry about traveling, but this is a block away, so we'll walk," she said.

Her neighbors have thrown New Year's Eve parties in previous years, and the hostess always seems to have everything under control. "She goes to Mass at 4 p.m., and everything's still ready for the party," Mrs. McGuire said. "She does all of the cooking and is a very organized person."

Off to Asia

"We're leaving for Thailand in a couple of days," he said. "We'll celebrate Christmas together in Bangkok, then go to Ko Samui, a small resort island on the gulf of Thailand. Then, it's on to Singapore for the new millennium. My wife is Singaporean, and her family resides in Singapore."

Mr. De Groat works in New Delhi, India, but has ties to Sacred Heart Church in Stamford. He received Baptism, first Eucharist and Confirmation there, and Rev. Joseph Cebula, pastor, witnessed his marriage last year.

The new millennium won't be the only thing Mr. De Groat will celebrate in Singapore with his wife's family. "They are also Muslim, so we will celebrate Hari Raya, the holiday at the end of the Muslim fasting month in early January," he said. "It's part of my family tradition, no different than a non-American being invited to a Thanksgiving dinner. You merely have to bring your manners and a healthy appetite."

Bird-watching

"I'll see my sister, Patti, and probably go bird watching with her in Cape May, New Jersey," he said.

He'll also see his nephew, Matthew, for the first time. "The visit will be special for me because I will meet my sister Christine's son Matthew," he said. "She gave birth to him in September. I didn't get a chance to see the baby yet due to being in seminary, but I will be looking forward to seeing him."

(12-23-99) [[In-content Ad]]