june 2021

larry bartley The only obligation The Eyes and Hands of Christ you have is to By Lisa Rodier him away. Such was the case when Meet long-time he learned he’d been nominated to love one another. Christ the King receive the lofty parishioner Larry for his service to Jamestown Troop 1 romans 13:8 Bartley and you’ll Boy Scouts. The nationally recognized encounter a quiet, Silver Beaver award is the highest humble man. Start and most prestigious honor awarded to talk with him and you’ll realize that to a volunteer by a local his humility and gentle countenance council and has been awarded by the mask a man of many talents, who since the 1930s. doesn’t stand still long enough to let His active role as the liaison the grass grow under his feet! between Troop 1 and its charter In our me-centric society, meeting organization, the Jamestown Rotary someone like Larry is a refreshing Club, was the catalyst for the award. change. Now retired from his day (See “Boy Scouts award Rotarian job as a social worker for DCYF, with highest recognition” in Larry, 72, spends his time in service the Jamestown Press.) “It was very to his hometown of Jamestown, and unexpected, and I’m still trying to Christ the King Parish. He’s one of grasp that I’m worthy of the award. those individuals who thinks he can It’s the highest volunteer award in fly under the radar by staying out of scouting. I assumed that to earn it, the limelight and deferring accolades to others, but his work ethic gives (Continued on the next page)

This is not a John Deere ad. also in this issue: No, it’s just another Friday ff The Mugwa Family’s odyssey continues (page 3). morning when parishioners such as Ken Sousa mow the lawns of ff Brian McGuiness sees hope after a long year (page 4). Christ the King Parish (page 5). ff Confirmation students report theirrandom acts of kindness (page 8). stewardship impacts lives

(Larry Bartley, continued) I would’ve had to have been a myself, which I wasn’t.” In conjunction with the Rotary, Larry is also involved in fundraising, supporting the local food pantry, and other projects. He’s also part of Friends of Jamestown Seniors, an advocacy group that runs the senior center there. And when the COVID-19 vaccine was being offered to individuals 75 years and up in late winter/early spring at South Road in South Kingstown, Larry was part of the team helping to greet individuals and safely get them into and out of the building for their vaccines. Larry is also often behind the wheel of a Jamestown Fire Department ambulance. A volunteer driver for the EMS Division for almost 17 years, he is the guy whose job it is to get the people in the back – the EMTs and their patient – safely and comfortably to the hospital. Pulling 12-hour shifts, Larry credits his social work background with helping him stay calm and focused during emergencies. A Christ the King parishioner since the late ‘80s, Larry and his late wife, Kathleen, have always been involved with the parish. Larry volunteers his time with the Stephen Ministry, helping with initial assessments, talking Larry Bartley is a clear example of the stewardship with individuals, and making referrals out to additional message posted to his left at Christ the King: resources. During the pandemic, the group found things “As Christian Stewards, we receive God’s gifts to be a little quiet, as all face-to-face meetings were gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them in cancelled. He observed that most calls were coming from loving justice with others, and return them folks faced with the social isolation that came along with with increase to the Lord.” the COVID-19 shutdown; the Stephen Ministry worked closely with the Friendly Visitor ministry to facilitate 15 years, and with his brother-in-law, Bill Babcock, is one much-needed social contact. of eight volunteers that keep the parish lawn mowed and Larry admits that throughout the pandemic, he, too, looking good. In his down time, he’s often at the South missed in-person contact. “I missed being able to see County YMCA, working out, or walking at Beavertail, someone’s face, to shake hands, and to give hugs. The noting, “It’s a great way to deal with anxiety!” social worker in me makes me glad that we’re getting back Despite all the regular hands-on in which Larry to normal communication patterns, like seeing someone’s participates, he shares that his two most inspirational face when they’re talking. I didn’t realize how important Christ the King experiences were weeklong mission trips, that was until I couldn’t do it.” first to Nicaragua in 2016, constructing a residential The main reason that Larry remains involved with building for orphans who had developmental disabilities, Christ the King ministries is that “it feels good to be and then to Maine in 2018, painting homes for low- involved.” And he likes to think that he’s helping maintain income families. “Being part of these efforts with 15 to 18 and grow the parish. fellow parishioners gave very powerful examples of living Larry has also been a Eucharistic minister for about out what we profess as ‘the Eyes and Hands of Christ!’”

mustard seed • june 2021 • 2 stewardship impacts lives

the journey continues All Good News from the Mugwa Family

Motema and Mapendo Editors’ Note and family have moved to A big thank you to parishioner Mary Freeman for contacting Kentucky! While attending a funeral in Mustard Seed and sharing this wonderful update about the Mugwa Lexington, Kentucky of a friend from Family. their days in the refugee camp, they You may remember the Mugwas, connected with other friends from a refugee family from the Republic the camp who told them of the job of Congo, whom Christ the King opportunities and the lower cost of living sponsored through the Diocesan available there. So, they returned to Rhode Office of Immigrants and Refugees. Island, packed up their belongings and moved. (Mustard Seed, December 2017 and April 2018). Much has happened They both found jobs. to them since we first reported on Motema works for a company their coming to and, that makes glass for Toyota, which happily, it’s all good news! has a plant in Kentucky. He reports enjoying the job, especially the Motema and the three Mugwa opportunity for a good deal of children: big sister Rhema, soon- overtime. Mapendo also works full to-be-two Esther, and Zachariah time. standing tall Motema and Mapendo studying for their citizenship test. welcomed another child. They will be eligible to take it next Baby Esther joined big brother year when they will have been in the Zachariah, 9, and big sister Rhema, U.S. for five years. Both are looking 4, a year and a half ago. Mapendo forward to being proud United States was three-months pregnant when citizens. the whole family made the non-stop Christ the King Parish journey to move to Kentucky! contributed to this success story with They bought a house. personal contact and support as well Two months ago, they were able to as financial assistance. In return, the The pandemic has not slowed purchase a three-bedroom house, in which Mugwas gave us a wonderful example down Mapendo and Motema as they will be living by the time you read of survival, determination, and a they have found a new home and this. Zachariah thought it was time he had strong faith in God. We wish the jobs, expanded the family and are a room of his own. Mugwas every success in their future on the path to citizenship. endeavors and thank them for the Next goal: U.S. citizenship! opportunity they gave us to be “the Both Motema and Mapendo are eyes and hands of Christ.”

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brian mcguiness Turning the Corner after A Long Year

By Beth Leconte and his team would be faced with the 2020. The administration and staff South Kingstown COVID-19 pandemic and all of the were forced to act quickly, making Nursing and stressful situations that came with it. changes for the protection of all. Rehabilitation Brian recalled, “Pre-pandemic, Daily routines stopped short of the Center is a lovely this facility was bustling with daily familiar. State and Federal mandates facility overlooking activity. Even nearly a year in, I evolved day to day requiring the staff Barber’s Pond along the South couldn’t get over how many people to constantly pivot and follow new County Trail in West Kingston. flowed in and out every day between protocols which seemed to change South Kingstown houses 96 beds, families visiting, vendors, consultants, within hours. The lockdown was a providing long-term care including caregivers; and then all of the group “shock” for everyone. specialized memory care as well as activities, events and parties that were Stress and uncertainty mounted short-term rehabilitation services in held.” Life and operations changed as the once bustling community a 14-bed sub-acute unit. Many of instantly and dramatically when the staff members have worked there the pandemic arrived in March of (Continued on the next page) for decades; some for 30 or 40 years! Their team works together to provide care and compassion to their residents and even their friendly rescue cat “Moe” brings joy and comfort to everyone. Brian McGuinness has been the Administrator at South Kingstown for just over two years. He began his employment working with older adults as a dietary aide in a nursing home when he was only seventeen. Upon graduating from Rhode Island College with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Brian began his formal career working for the Rhode Island Department of Health primarily inspecting nursing homes across the state. During his time there, he became interested in returning to the provider side of the industry and worked to obtain his Nursing Home Brian McGuiness was in his rookie year as Administrator of the South Administrator license. Little did he Kingstown Nursing & Rehabilitation Center when the pandemic hit. He know that less than a year into his credits the energy and dedication of the staff and generous community first position as an administrator, he support for enabling the center to make it through.

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virtual (and later in-person) visits (Brian McGuiness, continued) with families. was mandated to keep everyone Community Support CTK Lawn Crew out except for staff and a select few “This has been a taxing year essential workers such as x-ray and for us all to say the least, but I am lab technicians. This meant that extremely grateful for my staff and many residents and families were all of the community support during suddenly cut off from the routine that time which took us pleasantly contact with each other that they by surprise” stated Brian. Families of were so accustomed to. Any activities the residents gladly donated all kinds involving in-person gatherings of things from meals for the whole including communal dining and staff to tablet computers to assist religious services were also restricted, with virtual family/resident visitation. making for even more difficult Local families not even associated changes for the residents. with the facility delivered things such as handmade cards for the residents “I am extremely grateful to help keep their spirits up. Local for my staff and all of the businesses also donated meals for staff Each Friday during the spring community support during and even flowers to give to residents and decorate the facility. and summer, two members of that time which took us Support from the community the Lawn Crew mow the grass in pleasantly by surprise.” notwithstanding, this past year has front of the church and in the lots been difficult for everyone on so on the north side. The teams are many levels. But as the pandemic Ed Folgo (above) and Ken Souza The lockdown also meant that seems to be winding down and (driving the Deere on page 1 and the facility staff lacked much of the state restrictions are becoming more below), Larry Bartley and Bill additional outside support when it relaxed, the facility is feeling closer to Babcock, Doug Paquin and J.B. was needed most. So many things the home everyone remembers. While Paquette, and Steve Rush and that were once automatic became screening procedures, mask wearing, Marc Sevigny. additional tasks for the facility staff. and other precautionary measures Deliveries were now dropped in remain in place for now due to caring the parking lot for staff to carry for a vulnerable population, families inside, mail and packages needed and others are able to come for walk- to be individually wiped down and in visitation and group activities are quarantined, all entrants needed to be able to resume. The good news is screened and documented, even some that the facility is well staffed and mortician services were assumed by can begin to see and appreciate the the nursing department as the funeral positive road ahead. Step by step, home staff were not permitted into and with caution, South Kingstown the facility. The efficiency of engaging Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is with residents in groups and allowing beginning to see the joy of a vibrant visitors in any time was replaced with community once again. the need to engage residents only one-on-one and to schedule/facilitate

mustard seed • june 2021 • 5 parishioners inspire us

did you know? Celebrating Parishioners’ Good Deeds and Successes

Bill Babcock Carolina Roy Jim Crothers Bill Babcock’s most recent “15 On Sunday, April 11, Carolina Jim Crothers has officially retired minutes of fame” came in two Roy received the St. Timothy Award from the South County Museum after installments: last spring when he from the Diocese of Providence. This a 14-year stint as Associate Director was slated to receive an honorary award is the highest recognition from and then Executive Director and degree from URI at its 2020 the National Federation for Catholic resident blacksmith (see coverage Commencement (delayed because Youth Ministry that a diocese can in the Independent). Jim, whose of COVID-19) and this spring confer on a junior or senior high first careers were teaching at S.K. when he was awarded the Doctor school youth. It is given to a young High School and in the URI Theater of Humane Letters degree. Bill is a person who “lives as a disciple of Department, took another assignment retired U.S. Army colonel, whose Christ, sets a positive example for as the museum named him Museum deployments include Vietnam, Iraq others, witnesses to their faith by Storyteller and Historian. and Afghanistan. Bill is active in the exhibiting Catholic morals and Christ the King Veterans Committee integrity.” Carolina was nominated Still Giving and is coordinator of the Veteran by Assistant Music Director Heather Retired nurses Dee Bates, Mentors at the Rhode Island Veterans Skidds. Carolina is the daughter of Mimi Woolf and Cindy Carr came Treatment Court. Craig and Jen Roy. She graduated out of retirement to volunteer their from North Kingstown High School services during the COVID-19 and will attend Duquesne University crisis. They helped out at testing in September. You may remember sites and, later, lent their time and seeing Carolina playing her cello at skills giving vaccination shots. the 10 o’clock mass most Sundays. Not retired, but still wanting to give even more help, was nurse Marianne Hurley.

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On May 21, members of the Christ the King Garden Crew turned their attention to the Mary Garden on the north side of the church grounds, pulled weeds from the walk way and the beds, trimmed the shrubs and the trees, and put down a layer of mulch. The crew gathers at the church most Friday mornings and tends to the many flower beds and shrubs around the church.

Those working on the Mary Garden were (from left to right) Pat Davis, Mary Sullivan, Ann Ferrante, Carol Brock, Jackey Davies, Carol Warner, Stan Barszcz, Mary Mason, Joyce Doyon.

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acts of kindness Adapting Confirmation Service Projects

By Marie White RORY ENNIS Due to the pandemic, the Confirmation Class of 2020 needed to be a little Rory Ennis wrote: “My Random creative in doing their service projects. Act of Kindness this month was Enter “Random Acts of Kindness.” to make cupcakes for my parents Director of Confirmation and Youth and brothers. Here is a picture of Ministry Eva-Marie Mancuso asked each student to do my youngest brother Sean [right] acts of kindness for someone they knew or someone in having one.” their community. Once the acts were completed, students were to send her a picture and a description of what JACK WEBBER they had done. Below are examples of what some of the “I helped my brother with his math homework,” said students reported. Jack Webber, “and I also shoveled my neighbor’s driveway.”

JACKSON HOPKINS Jackson reported: “My family is a part of an organization called Lasagna Mamas. We adopt needy families at least two to three times a month and cook them an entire dinner. We also deliver the meals.” He also wrote: “Before Christmas, my brother and I pretended to be Santa and answered Dear Santa letters. Our family adopted two kids from Operation Santa at the Post Office, answered their letters, and sent them their gifts.” Jack Webber (left) helping his brother with math Mustard Seed Mustard Seed is a quarterly newsletter of Christ the King Parish in Kingston, R.I. Its mission is to celebrate the good stewards in our midst and to inspire others to deepen their commitment to stewardship. Co-editors: Kathy Pesta, Marie White Production Editor: David Smith Contributors: Mary Freeman, Beth Leconte Lisa Rodier, Marie White We need your help in finding Jackson Hopkins (left) making a pie for Lasagna all the people in the parish who do so many great things. Mamas and answering Dear Santa letters with his Please contact us at any time: brother (foreground) Kathy Pesta at [email protected], or Marie White at [email protected]

mustard seed • june 2021 • 8 our community of faith

To everything there is a season and a time for everything under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:11

A Time to Love: New Parishioners Sloane Abby, daughter of Corey and Kayla Benton Louis & Valerie Villucci Eloise Grace, daughter of Matthew and Alexandra Harnois Steven & Paula Campbell Kathleen Maryann, daughter of Derek and Erin Lanz Andrew & Julia Murphy and family A Time to Die: Deaths Barbara DiSanto Latterina Grello Ann Devine Patrick McGovern Daniel & Jennifer Salvatore and family Charles Beck Paul & Jennifer Ahlijanian and family Raymond Bessette Bryan & Julie LeBeau and family Ernest Fagnant Dana Gilles and family L. Eleanor King Matthew & Alexandra Harnois and family Alfred Allard Jack & Patricia Mellor and family Patricia St. Germain Bryan & Elizabeth Leese and family Joan St. Germain Damian & Alicia Nash and family Jacqueline Martineau A Time to be Born: Baptisms Thomas Grigalunas Amelia Rose, daughter of John and Kelly Draper Jean Serpa Harper Catherine, daughter of Christopher and Deliah Richmond Samantha Straight Virginia Moran Brayden, son of Brian and Susan Woods Michele Boisvert John, son of Lloyd and Elizabeth Daigneau Richard Ferreira Ruth, daughter of John and Janet Daigneau Spencer Martin Lillian Ciara, daughter of Wayne and Megan McCarthy Andrew Jennings Brooke Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Jennifer Salvatore

180 Old North Road Kingston, RI 02881