Dear friends,

We invite you to an evening of celebration and support for the DeMott-Grady family.

As you may remember, Peter DeMott died this past February while cutting down trees, part-time work he took on, as needed. Peter and Ellen and their four children lived the life of Catholic Workers, committed to the works of justice and the works of mercy, living a lifestyle of simplicity and nonviolent resistance.

A constant nonviolent resister, Peter found his way to those places where power and might rule over others: to the White House; to the Pentagon; to Blackwater headquarters. Show up, take a stand for justice and let the chips fall as they may. Ellen Grady, a second generation Catholic Worker, shared the resistance work with Peter, and took the lead in the recent March to Ft. Drum, a 9-day Walk to support the soldiers who opposed the occupation of Iraq. The children follow in those strong footsteps.

The DeMott-Grady family can use your help and support.

So we invite you to gather with us on Saturday, July 11, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Worker House, 42 South Avenue, here in Rochester, to come together and offer whatever financial support you can to the DeMott-Grady family, to share desserts and drink, and to share words of inspiration: poems and prose that inspire you and keep you keepin’ on. Peter loved the written and spoken word. His Mom began her wonderful remarks at his funeral celebration by reading e e cummings poem “i thank you god,” one of Peter’s favorite. His strong booming voice frequently smoothed over picket lines, sit-ins, and marches.

For more information, give Peg Gefell a call (585-313-6674). If you cannot attend but want to offer support, checks can be made out to the Ithaca Catholic Worker and sent to Peg at 66 Harvard St., Rochester, NY 14607.