Notes from Montauk, January 27

“I’m just a regular guy,” says the Reverend Michael Rieder, who likes to be called “Mike” and was installed as the pastor of St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church on September 27. We had thought that it was time to talk with him about his background and get his perspective of his six-month acquaintance with the parish, and the larger community.

The eighth in a family of nine children, “I just missed being seventh by two minutes after my twin brother,” Father Mike grew up in East Rockaway, Nassau County, and went to Catholic and public schools. After he went to St. John’s University, he discovered he liked philosophy and theology more than accounting. He became a religious teacher at his parish. When a student queried whether he was going to be a priest, he immediately answered, “No!”

Father Mike dropped out of college for a while. He worked with Catholic Charities dealing with kids. He came out of the experience idealistic “but a little bruised from reality” and aware that he had to return to school. At that point he sensed a calling, and on a retreat told a priest, “I think God’s calling me to be a priest and I don’t want to be.” He was told he could be like Jacob and wrestle with God. Laughing, he says, “I thought: Who’s Jacob?” But he became aware that “every place got to be the right place at the right time for me,” as he moved into his life responding to a series of “nudges, rather than to a burning bush.” He explored the struggle in seminary, did an internship for a year at St. Jude’s, and answering God’s call, was ordained in 1994. Though he briefly worked at a Catholic high school, his focus has been on parish work.

Last March Archbishop William F. Murphy asked him to come to Montauk, where he had helped out on occasion and had a good feeling about the parish. He knew about its struggles. “I’m very happy to be here; there’s an incredible generosity toward people here. A need comes up, I tell one person and I find a real network responding,” he said. He cited the wellness outreach program and food pantry. As a sign that St. Therese is witnessing the rite of the feeding of the 5,000, he suggested bringing up wicker baskets of food for the food pantry as an offering at every Mass. They are often too full for the ushers to handle. His expression is of sheer delight as he speaks of it.

The biggest issue the pastor has to deal with is the seasonal cycle. In the winter there are fewer people to assist in the parish. Also, there are a lot of people out of work because Montauk is a seasonal community—a significant concern. He lauds the commitment of those at St. Therese who are working at the Jewish Center of the Hamptons and the East Hampton Methodist Church as part of the Maureen’s Haven program for the homeless. “The ecumenical experience is wonderful. It’s like a mutual admiration society. It’s all about building the City of God: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and taking care of strangers,” he said.

In terms of immigrants in Montauk, he believes that our American heritage says that all are created equal, “not paperwork equal.” Also he feels that in relationships a lot of positive can happen; “I’m pleased to hear from our English speaking community that we have to do more for our Spanish speaking community. What I want to communicate is that we are one parish—not an English parish and a Spanish parish.” What’s important to this dedicated pastor is, “to meet people where they are and invite them to where they could be ... I feel that I’m in the right place at the right time.”

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Sacred Idol, a teen singing contest, will take place on Saturday, January 30, at 7 p.m. at St. Therese church in Montauk. Talented teens from East End high schools will sing humanitarian songs. Judges and audience members will vote to choose the winner. Tickets are $10, or $25 for families. All proceeds will be sent to Haitian earthquake relief. For information, call (631) 668-2200.

Sima Freierman is the proud mother of Homa Hynes, an actress who grew up in Montauk. She is currently appearing in “Red Noir” at The Living Theater at 21 Clinton Street in Manhattan. The show, directed by Judith Malina, runs Wednesday through Saturday nights through the end of February. Admission is “pay what you can.”

Dylan Rabine, the 17-year-old grandson of Joan Levine, has fibrous dysplasia, but is a world-class athlete who is ranked number one in the country and number four in the world for junior wheelchair tennis. He travels alone, representing the United States in wheelchair tennis and basketball, is currently playing in France and will be in Turkey in June. In July, in Paramus, New Jersey, there will be a gala dance fund-raiser for him in which his 15-year-old sister Kylie will be lead interpretive dancer. It will help to defray costs of his training, travel and equipment. He recently lectured at the Harvard Club to support awareness of wheelchair sports. What an amazing young man!

This Thursday night at 7 p.m. the Friends of the Montauk Library free film presentation will be “Memphis Belle,” which stars Matthew Modine. Try to spend some time looking at the fabulous exhibit celebrating the library’s 30th anniversary. It is charming. Much credit goes to archivist Robin Strong for a job well done, and to the library staff, some of whom have been working at this important institution since its inception.

The LTV series on Channel 20, “Keepin’ It Green,” has had as its guests representatives of the East Hampton Trails Preservation Society, including president and Montauk resident Eva Moore as well as Richard Lupoletti and Richard Poveromo. Broadcasting started yesterday and will run: Friday at 9 a.m., Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Check it out and learn more about the organization’s activities on the East End.

We were mistaken about the date of the Montauk Observatory event last week. It is this Friday, January 29, that the group will offer an “observing event” as the Earth passes between Mars and the sun. It will be held at Theodore Roosevelt County Park starting at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, February 14, at 4 p.m., Gurney’s Inn will present a “Renew Your Vows” group ceremony in honor of Valentine’s Day. Retired East Hampton Town Justice James Ketchum will officiate. The search is on for 100 couples to participate. If you are interested, make your reservations by calling 631-668-1737 no later than February 10. It could be a very special experience.