Kay C. Gordon, a parishioner for four years, recalled that Father Zenkel called her a little more than a year ago because he had heard she played the piano. I said yes. Thus Gordon, who has a degree in performance from Eastman School of Music, became music and choir director. Such leadership empowers people, Belmont said. A lot of people are just sitting back waiting to be asked.
Empowerment can do wonderful things.
Belmont, who retired as Richmond Town supervisor in 1992, serves the parish as a eucharistic minister, greeter and cemetery committeeman. He also is a former chairman of the finance council and former parish council member. At Saturday evening Mass, he takes one door and his wife takes the other, to greet their fellow parishioners. Though dating back to 1868 in what used to be known as Honeoye Flats, St. Mary's has a largely newer congregation. Few parishioners have been with the parish 30 years or more, Father Zenkel said.