His deal was not on the agenda of the three-day meeting, and a deal is a deal only if it helps the buyer. But out of brotherly love and with a bit of curiosity we listened to Fr. Louis' "deal of a lifetime."

Fr. Louis is pastor of the clustered parishes of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Marmora and Sacred Heart of Mary parish in Madoc in the archdiocese of Kingston. The "deal" was buying and selling a recording of special Christmas music. A groan greeted Fr. Louis' offer. But knowing he was a supporter of parish programs, we quieted down and listened.

Fr. Louis had done what many a pastor wished he had done after hearing the choir, after much practice, excel at the Christmas Mass. He taped the special music for this special Mass for the benefit of future generations.

Fr. Louis, a lover of opera with a good baritone voice that breaks out at the least provocation, has two parishes and two choirs. And from them he has formed a choir well in advance of Christmas to prepare, under his own direction and musical orchestration, featuring soloists, one being Fr. Louis, for Christmas Mass.

"It will make a wonderful gift for Christmas, not only for others but your own pleasure," he said, and he held up a CD.

"Now this may look like a CD," he went on, "but is not just ordinary tape. It is one that has arranged, produced by myself and members of the combined choirs."

A muffled groan didn't discourage Fr. Louis.

"No, just wait until I tell you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime offer of Christmas song in Latin, Italian and English that will bring pleasure all year."

To help Fr. Louis and solve a Christmas gift problem give him a call or send a letter with $16.50 to Fr. Louis DeRocco, Box 5995, Madoc, Ont., L0K 2K0.