Dolan Meets Carmel Flock

Archbishop Dolan (right) and St. James pastor Father Anthony Sorgie exit the church. (Below) Members of the Knights of Columbus lead a procession to the church. Archbishop Timothy Dolan turned on his Irish charm and scores of Putnam residents fell in love with the gregarious high priest.

The archbishop, who earlier this year replaced Edward Cardinal Egan upon his retirement, visited St. James Church Saturday, where he presided over a Mass before blessing four classrooms damaged in May when fire ravaged the parochial school on Carmel's main thoroughfare.

When he was introduced by Rev. Anthony Sorgie, pastor of St. James Church, Archbishop Dolan received a thunderous ovation from the more than 1,500 worshippers who crowded into the sanctuary.

"I feel at home already, and I just arrived. All I really wanted was a cold beer and a sausage and pepper wedge. When I called Father Sorgie the morning after the fire and asked how I could help, he responded: 'Come to our St. James Feast in July.' Well, I'm here. What a welcome for some refreshments," he said with a broad grin as the audience erupted into laughter and applause.

Eric Gross The archbishop praised the Carmel Fire Department, many of whom were in attendance, for its dedicated service to the community: "I'm told you are all volunteers—volunteers who act and serve like professional paid firefighters. You are all to be commended for your efforts on that May evening that averted a calamity at our school."

Archbishop Dolan talked about slowing the exodus of Catholics from the church as well as attracting new members to weekly worship services.

Following the mass, the cardinal, accompanied by Father Sorgie, walked through the crowds of well-wishers to the school, where faculty, students, and parents anxiously waited.

Kate Crawford welcomed the priest: "We had a fire in May. Thank God no one was hurt. We ask that you bless our school candle and each classroom."

Archbishop Dolan expressed pleasure: "I'd be honored. The Blessed Mother will watch over this school forever."

The archbishop was also presented with a special cap and t-shirt. As Archbishop Dolan held up the light blue garment, Father Sorgie said, "You are now part of the St. James maintenance department," since stenciled across its back was the word "Custodian."

Archbishop Dolan says a prayer. Eric Gross The archbishop admired the shirt. "It's a size medium," he said with a hearty laugh. The Archbishop is a giant of a man, standing well over 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 225 pounds.

Archbishop Dolan called his ability to bless the school an "inspiration and sign of God's resilience. We re-dedicate this school building to the education of youth as well as the progress of learning. We pray that this building will become a center of learning, where students and faculty will search for the wisdom that guides Christian life."

Following the blessing, Archbishop Dolan spent a few minutes with the Courier in an exclusive interview.

The high priest said one important message was learned from the fire: "Never give up, even at the darkest hour. Children and education are our noblest cause. The St. James story is a great example of resilience and perseverance."

Archbishop Dolan was also asked about his love for his fellow man. "My job is one of the most difficult in the world—leading more than 2.5 million Catholics in seven counties as well as three boroughs in New York City," he observed. "I love people and love preaching the principles of my faith."

Reaction to the archbishop was totally supportive. "The man was sent from heaven. He is wonderful. Look at him. Meeting people of all ages and from walks of life with such sincerity," said Catherine Curtis, who was in the first confirmation class at St. James Church more than half a century ago.

Raymond Marshall described the archbishop as a "very outgoing person. He will be a great leader and may very well convince young people to enter the church."

Erik Greer said the new archbishop was "less lofty" than his predecessor and more like the late John Cardinal O'Connor, who often visited Putnam County.

Greer remembered meeting Cardinal O'Connor at St. John's Church in Mahopac: "He was so outgoing and was a real 'people person' like Archbishop Dolan appears to be here in Carmel. I am most impressed."