September 7, 2010
Well, we thought that we had a site for the Thrift Shoppe. Everything looked pretty positive unitl last Thursday evening when an offer was made for the purchase of the area. So, it sold.
Obtacles continue to come our way but I am not discouraged. If God wants this to happen it will.
Keep praying.
Tomorrow is the Blessed Mother's Birthday. Happy Birthday, Mother of God.
Pax et Bonum
Msgr. Deliman
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Katrina
Dear friends:
August 29 marks the fifth anniversary of what may very well be the worst natural disaster in United States History, or at least in our memory. As Hurricane Katrina made landfall on that fateful day I had no idea how it would personally impact my own life.
The Church, as she always does, responded by asking for special collections to help those suffering from the devastation. But in the parish where I was serving as pastor, I had people asking me "I will give whatever money is needed, but, Father, how can I help right now?" They were looking for ways to get personally involved. In the immediate aftermath, it was impossible to figure out what to do. Destruction was of catastrophic proportions. Assessments were needed and people's lives needed to be stabilized in some way.
What happened in our parish and to me is where I want to take this reflection. Discussions at Pastoral Council over the next few months led to a decision by St. Agnes Parish in West Chester to "move beyond our comfort zones" - i.e., to go the Gulf and do whatever would be asked of us.
Thirty-eight parishioners, ages 18 through 76, signed on with their pastor to spend a week in the fishing village of Bayou La Batre, Alabama.
Thirty-eight folks went at their own personal expense, shared a piece of a gym floor for a week, prayed together, made new friends and tackled what seemed the impossible. Clean-up, plumbing, roofing, masonry, you name it and our folks did it - uncomplaining, generously, sacrificially!
Each day started with Mass. Out came my trusty Mass Kit. The Liturgies were among the best I ever celebrated. Evenings found us, after showers, some dinner and other clean up, praying together and sharing the events of the day. Five years ago and even to this day, much of the rebuilding was done and is done today by faith-based communities.
I was never a missionary that got to go to a foreign country but the Gulf Coast experience came pretty close. I never did roofing, but I quickly learned. A shower with hot water became a greatly appreciated"event." The gym floor of the Lutheran Church may have been more comfy that what the displaced people had; simple conversation with folks who experienced the worst was a blessing. The people of the Gulf Coast and especially, Bayou La Batre, Alabama are a resilient people. No "woe is me". They were rebuilding long before we arrived and they continue to this day.
I once saw the aftermath of an earthquake in another country. The aftermath of Katrina was personal and the worst that this poor servant ever saw. But, as beat up as the people were, their smiling faces welcomed us with open arms - "Thank you for coming".
God bless the Gulf Coast.
God bless St. Margaret Parish in Bayou La Batre
God bless those 38 Disciples in Mission of St. Agnes Parish.
Pax et Bonum
Dear friends:
August 29 marks the fifth anniversary of what may very well be the worst natural disaster in United States History, or at least in our memory. As Hurricane Katrina made landfall on that fateful day I had no idea how it would personally impact my own life.
The Church, as she always does, responded by asking for special collections to help those suffering from the devastation. But in the parish where I was serving as pastor, I had people asking me "I will give whatever money is needed, but, Father, how can I help right now?" They were looking for ways to get personally involved. In the immediate aftermath, it was impossible to figure out what to do. Destruction was of catastrophic proportions. Assessments were needed and people's lives needed to be stabilized in some way.
What happened in our parish and to me is where I want to take this reflection. Discussions at Pastoral Council over the next few months led to a decision by St. Agnes Parish in West Chester to "move beyond our comfort zones" - i.e., to go the Gulf and do whatever would be asked of us.
Thirty-eight parishioners, ages 18 through 76, signed on with their pastor to spend a week in the fishing village of Bayou La Batre, Alabama.
Thirty-eight folks went at their own personal expense, shared a piece of a gym floor for a week, prayed together, made new friends and tackled what seemed the impossible. Clean-up, plumbing, roofing, masonry, you name it and our folks did it - uncomplaining, generously, sacrificially!
Each day started with Mass. Out came my trusty Mass Kit. The Liturgies were among the best I ever celebrated. Evenings found us, after showers, some dinner and other clean up, praying together and sharing the events of the day. Five years ago and even to this day, much of the rebuilding was done and is done today by faith-based communities.
I was never a missionary that got to go to a foreign country but the Gulf Coast experience came pretty close. I never did roofing, but I quickly learned. A shower with hot water became a greatly appreciated"event." The gym floor of the Lutheran Church may have been more comfy that what the displaced people had; simple conversation with folks who experienced the worst was a blessing. The people of the Gulf Coast and especially, Bayou La Batre, Alabama are a resilient people. No "woe is me". They were rebuilding long before we arrived and they continue to this day.
I once saw the aftermath of an earthquake in another country. The aftermath of Katrina was personal and the worst that this poor servant ever saw. But, as beat up as the people were, their smiling faces welcomed us with open arms - "Thank you for coming".
God bless the Gulf Coast.
God bless St. Margaret Parish in Bayou La Batre
God bless those 38 Disciples in Mission of St. Agnes Parish.
Pax et Bonum
Saturday, July 31, 2010
July 31, 2010
Happy St. Ignatius of Loyola Day.
One thought from the writings of Iggy the Basque Founder of the Jesuits:
He might ask you if you have a made a good Examination of Conscience Today?
How to do that?
1) Give thanks to God for the benefits received
2) Ask for the grace to know your sins and rid yourself of them
3) Give an account of your soul from the time you got up until the moment of the examen
4) Ask for pardon for your faults
5) Resolve, with God's grace, to do better.
...say an Our Father
I had to cut loose the person with whom I was negotiating the possibility of aThift Shoppe. I thought, at first, we had reached an agreement but further waiting and waiting and waiting and...a delay in receiving a copy of the lease just began to give me a bad feeling. Then, because of the wait, a thrift shop opens across the street from our convent. I don't want to be in competition with anyone. Now it's a wait and see game.
Sometimes obstacles are for a purpose and this trial will lead us somewhere, I am certain. In Spanish they say, vamos a ver, i.e., we'll see.
I still need one more volunteer Math teacher. Just asking for one and a half hours weekly for some advanced math work in the eighth grade. One day, morning, one and a half hours. To share with others what God has given to you.
Pax et Bonum!
Happy St. Ignatius of Loyola Day.
One thought from the writings of Iggy the Basque Founder of the Jesuits:
He might ask you if you have a made a good Examination of Conscience Today?
How to do that?
1) Give thanks to God for the benefits received
2) Ask for the grace to know your sins and rid yourself of them
3) Give an account of your soul from the time you got up until the moment of the examen
4) Ask for pardon for your faults
5) Resolve, with God's grace, to do better.
...say an Our Father
I had to cut loose the person with whom I was negotiating the possibility of aThift Shoppe. I thought, at first, we had reached an agreement but further waiting and waiting and waiting and...a delay in receiving a copy of the lease just began to give me a bad feeling. Then, because of the wait, a thrift shop opens across the street from our convent. I don't want to be in competition with anyone. Now it's a wait and see game.
Sometimes obstacles are for a purpose and this trial will lead us somewhere, I am certain. In Spanish they say, vamos a ver, i.e., we'll see.
I still need one more volunteer Math teacher. Just asking for one and a half hours weekly for some advanced math work in the eighth grade. One day, morning, one and a half hours. To share with others what God has given to you.
Pax et Bonum!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July20, 2010
In my 37 years as a priest I have often dealt with the scrupulous conscience, particularly in the Sacrament of Penance. It is a difficult spiritual/psychological issue to deal with. Our seminary directors always gave us clear and precise ways of help the obssessively scupulous individual.
Recently I have been bothered by some thoughts that may be flirting with scrupulosity. Maybe this is so as I grow older and move closer to eternity. That means that sooner or later (and I hope it is later) I am going to die.
Here is what spiked my spiritual concerns. Recently as I was celebrating Mass, I carefully, as I always do, held the Sacred Host at the consecration of the Mass. Suddenly I wondered about the miracle of the Bleeding Host which happened centuries ago. Then I became concerned - have I ever celebrated Mass in a state of serious sin - I hope not!!! But have I!!! And if I did, what did that do to my soul? This is serious stuff, I am thinking. I shuddered at the very thoughts that I was having and how unworthy I am to stand at the altar and celebrate the Eucharist.
Every priest is unworthy. Vessels of clay, men called from among men, and sinful men at that, like the apostles, to celebrate from the rising of the sun to its setting these sacred mysteries.
Just before receiving Holy Comunion at Mass, the priest has a private communion prayer to recite in a low voice. It is his personal preparation. I have been given to also recite an Act of Contrition at that moment as well. My belief - an ancient one of the Church - is that if I have a serious sin my sincere Act of Contrition will deliver me from any perilous spiritual condition.
Priest of God, celebrate this Mass as it were your first Mass, your last Mass, your only Mass.
Pax et Bonum
In my 37 years as a priest I have often dealt with the scrupulous conscience, particularly in the Sacrament of Penance. It is a difficult spiritual/psychological issue to deal with. Our seminary directors always gave us clear and precise ways of help the obssessively scupulous individual.
Recently I have been bothered by some thoughts that may be flirting with scrupulosity. Maybe this is so as I grow older and move closer to eternity. That means that sooner or later (and I hope it is later) I am going to die.
Here is what spiked my spiritual concerns. Recently as I was celebrating Mass, I carefully, as I always do, held the Sacred Host at the consecration of the Mass. Suddenly I wondered about the miracle of the Bleeding Host which happened centuries ago. Then I became concerned - have I ever celebrated Mass in a state of serious sin - I hope not!!! But have I!!! And if I did, what did that do to my soul? This is serious stuff, I am thinking. I shuddered at the very thoughts that I was having and how unworthy I am to stand at the altar and celebrate the Eucharist.
Every priest is unworthy. Vessels of clay, men called from among men, and sinful men at that, like the apostles, to celebrate from the rising of the sun to its setting these sacred mysteries.
Just before receiving Holy Comunion at Mass, the priest has a private communion prayer to recite in a low voice. It is his personal preparation. I have been given to also recite an Act of Contrition at that moment as well. My belief - an ancient one of the Church - is that if I have a serious sin my sincere Act of Contrition will deliver me from any perilous spiritual condition.
Priest of God, celebrate this Mass as it were your first Mass, your last Mass, your only Mass.
Pax et Bonum
Sunday, July 18, 2010
July 18, 2010
It has been a month since my last blog.
On a number of occasions I was to sit down and "blog on", but then I got distracted and...
Well, here is some cautiously good news. The Thrift Shoppe may be, and I say "may be", closer to a reality. The landlady seems willing to come down $300. on the monthly rental fee. If her accountant is in agreement, the real estate office for the archdiocese will review the lease and give us the green light. I am cautiously hopeful. Prayers, please.
One person has stepped forword to volunteer for an advanced math program for our school children. I need another one or two volunteers. We are just looking for 0ne and a half hours a week, during school time, morning. This could benefit our students greatly. We are very heavy on programs for the slower students. We have nothing for an advanced child. And there are no funds to hire more personnel. Think of this as a way of giving back to God what God has given to you.
This is a special week for us at SMT. The Gospel Roads program by the Salesians begins today. These youth workers will be with us all week ministering to the poor, children, the handicapped, homeless, and doing some habitat. Please pray for them that they be safe in their work and their prayer. We are excited. They have dinner each night here at SMT. Stop by and say Hi and bring a dessert. These are really nice kids.
Finally, the men's group faithfully meets every Wednesday in the rectory at 7:15. They end promptly at 9:00. Come on out. Weekly attendance is not required. Just come in at will and join some guys who talk about God. By the way, these men are ordinary men, not overly pious, not wearing their faith on their sleeves. Just men being men in the best possible way. And I am grateful to some of these guys who will help with dinner for the Gospel Roads kids on Tuesday night.
Pray for me please.
Pax et Bonum
It has been a month since my last blog.
On a number of occasions I was to sit down and "blog on", but then I got distracted and...
Well, here is some cautiously good news. The Thrift Shoppe may be, and I say "may be", closer to a reality. The landlady seems willing to come down $300. on the monthly rental fee. If her accountant is in agreement, the real estate office for the archdiocese will review the lease and give us the green light. I am cautiously hopeful. Prayers, please.
One person has stepped forword to volunteer for an advanced math program for our school children. I need another one or two volunteers. We are just looking for 0ne and a half hours a week, during school time, morning. This could benefit our students greatly. We are very heavy on programs for the slower students. We have nothing for an advanced child. And there are no funds to hire more personnel. Think of this as a way of giving back to God what God has given to you.
This is a special week for us at SMT. The Gospel Roads program by the Salesians begins today. These youth workers will be with us all week ministering to the poor, children, the handicapped, homeless, and doing some habitat. Please pray for them that they be safe in their work and their prayer. We are excited. They have dinner each night here at SMT. Stop by and say Hi and bring a dessert. These are really nice kids.
Finally, the men's group faithfully meets every Wednesday in the rectory at 7:15. They end promptly at 9:00. Come on out. Weekly attendance is not required. Just come in at will and join some guys who talk about God. By the way, these men are ordinary men, not overly pious, not wearing their faith on their sleeves. Just men being men in the best possible way. And I am grateful to some of these guys who will help with dinner for the Gospel Roads kids on Tuesday night.
Pray for me please.
Pax et Bonum
Thursday, June 17, 2010
June 17
This weekend is Fathers' Day. As I reflect on the the wonderful memories of my Dad, I am grateful that I had a Dad who was at my side every step of the way. He went the way of all human flesh in January 2003. There is not a day that I don't think of him and I carry within me memories of a man of faith, of strength, a provider. Imperfect as he was (aren't we all?) he tried hard to be the best Dad.
My Dad was a WWII Vet. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. We knew he was wounded twice, but that was about all. Like so many of the "greatest generation", he rarely talked of the War. I wish now that I would have pumped him for more information. Upon his death we found in our attic some letters of commendation and a box of medals. We never knew they existed.
He was a Steel Worker and Pipe-fitter by trade. Never finished school, but he had more common sense than a Harvard Ph.D. He could do anything. I know, we all say that about our dads. That's okay. If you had or have a Dad, it's perfectly acceptable to sing his praises.
Dad was a man of faith - in a simple kind of way. He loved the Church, his parish and the priests. There was nobody, in Dad's book, like our old pastor in Morrisville. They were kind of alike when I think about it. No nonsene. No frills. Shot from the hip. You got what you saw. It was the heart that identified them both. Diamonds in the rough. Yeah, that was dad and that was the man who ran our local parish church.
I once commented to Dad that I had one regret in life and it was that I never served in the military like he did. I still sometime have this regret. Dad's response was: I served enough and saw enough war for all my three sons. One of my bro's did put five years in the Air Force.
As I said, Dad was a strong man. I would never have wanted to tangle with him. One very sad day for me happened near the end of his life. He was in the hospital dying of asbestosis. It might have been about two weeks before his death. He asked to be adjusted in his hospital bed. As I did, I pulled back the covers to hoist him up and I saw that he was in a diaper. I couldn't contain myself. I lost it. My strong, iron-willed Dad, the pillar of my life, the best of all teachers, so dependent on everybody else. He would have been mortified. Outside the hospital room, I cried and prayed to accept God's will. But he surrendered himself into my hands, those of my Mother, my brothers and hospital staff.
Naked we come forth from our mother's womb and naked we return to the earth from whence we come.
Dad, Happy Fathers' Day.
You would be proud of me. Some of your plumber's skills have rubbed off on me. I am no stanger to a pipe wrench. I can take a part a sink trap in no time flat.
Pax et Bonum
This weekend is Fathers' Day. As I reflect on the the wonderful memories of my Dad, I am grateful that I had a Dad who was at my side every step of the way. He went the way of all human flesh in January 2003. There is not a day that I don't think of him and I carry within me memories of a man of faith, of strength, a provider. Imperfect as he was (aren't we all?) he tried hard to be the best Dad.
My Dad was a WWII Vet. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. We knew he was wounded twice, but that was about all. Like so many of the "greatest generation", he rarely talked of the War. I wish now that I would have pumped him for more information. Upon his death we found in our attic some letters of commendation and a box of medals. We never knew they existed.
He was a Steel Worker and Pipe-fitter by trade. Never finished school, but he had more common sense than a Harvard Ph.D. He could do anything. I know, we all say that about our dads. That's okay. If you had or have a Dad, it's perfectly acceptable to sing his praises.
Dad was a man of faith - in a simple kind of way. He loved the Church, his parish and the priests. There was nobody, in Dad's book, like our old pastor in Morrisville. They were kind of alike when I think about it. No nonsene. No frills. Shot from the hip. You got what you saw. It was the heart that identified them both. Diamonds in the rough. Yeah, that was dad and that was the man who ran our local parish church.
I once commented to Dad that I had one regret in life and it was that I never served in the military like he did. I still sometime have this regret. Dad's response was: I served enough and saw enough war for all my three sons. One of my bro's did put five years in the Air Force.
As I said, Dad was a strong man. I would never have wanted to tangle with him. One very sad day for me happened near the end of his life. He was in the hospital dying of asbestosis. It might have been about two weeks before his death. He asked to be adjusted in his hospital bed. As I did, I pulled back the covers to hoist him up and I saw that he was in a diaper. I couldn't contain myself. I lost it. My strong, iron-willed Dad, the pillar of my life, the best of all teachers, so dependent on everybody else. He would have been mortified. Outside the hospital room, I cried and prayed to accept God's will. But he surrendered himself into my hands, those of my Mother, my brothers and hospital staff.
Naked we come forth from our mother's womb and naked we return to the earth from whence we come.
Dad, Happy Fathers' Day.
You would be proud of me. Some of your plumber's skills have rubbed off on me. I am no stanger to a pipe wrench. I can take a part a sink trap in no time flat.
Pax et Bonum
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14, 2010
Flag Day
Silence is golden. It has been a while ... time for me to reflect on many, many things ... too mountainous to share ... the Priests' Convocation in Hershey... a change in our house ... the on-going pain of scandals at home and abroad ... our own clergy re-assignments that have given me some personal agitation ... the coming close of the school year ... and, thank you Jesus, my annual retreat coming next week.
We are losing a good priest here at SMT, Father Joe DiGregorio. He was so welcoming to me when I arrived here some 18 months ago. I will miss his quiet presence and his advice. He more than carried his share of responsibility in the parish and beyond. May God bless him in his new assignment.
As disruptive as these changes may be for a parish, imagine what they cause within the family of a rectory. One of our family is snatched away and the void is felt. So, men as we are with an emotional side to us, please pray for us as we adjust ... for Father Joe and for those of us who remain.
Father will celebrate a Mass of Farewell on Saturday, June 19 at 4:00 P.M. followed by a reception in the parish hall.
We look forward to the Gospel Roads Program that will come to SMT the week of July 17th. Under the auspices of the Salesians of St. John Bosco, young men and women (college, post-college and high school age) will be with us for a week, witnessing to the Lord Jesus and doing outreach work in various ways. You will be seeing a lot of them during that week.
The "giving tree" in June is to provide them with water and small snacks as they perform apostolic works. Any donation toward these good works are appreciated. We are expecting about 32 youth missionaries. Among them will be members of our parish Youth Program.
An update on the Thrift Shoppe: We are not there yet. Two very generous donations have come to help get started, but it is not enough. The realtor requires a month before and a month behind the regular monthly fee. We just have to be cautious that we are not blindsided and hurt the parish. Please pray for the success of this project so close to my heart. It would demonstrate the Church's commitment to the poor.
I may well get my knuckles rapped by my superiors, but we have decided to take on a Salesian Volunteer for at least a year to work with the youth of our parish. There are some very modest financial obligations for us to meet and I just feel, in spite of our $$$ stresses, the Gospel needs to be proclaimed. So be it! Father Cooke has already put down the foundation for a good program. We now have a young man who can take it to another level. Youth have always been a priority for me in assessing parish life. Pope John Paul II reminded us of that constantly during his pontificate. Pray for the success of this effort.
I am asking you to do a lot of praying, aren't I?
I met with the President of a local Catholic University recently. My goal: to ask for an investment on their part in our Parish School. That's a big one and still all over the place. Another prayer intention.
I am looking for:
+ Someone with math skills, who could volunteer one and a half hours per week to help with some advanced math. It is a need which we are unable to afford. Any takers??? We have nice kids who deserve a break!! I will personally cover any "clearances" to work with minors.
Fly the Flag today.
Pray for our intentions.
Pax et Bonum
Flag Day
Silence is golden. It has been a while ... time for me to reflect on many, many things ... too mountainous to share ... the Priests' Convocation in Hershey... a change in our house ... the on-going pain of scandals at home and abroad ... our own clergy re-assignments that have given me some personal agitation ... the coming close of the school year ... and, thank you Jesus, my annual retreat coming next week.
We are losing a good priest here at SMT, Father Joe DiGregorio. He was so welcoming to me when I arrived here some 18 months ago. I will miss his quiet presence and his advice. He more than carried his share of responsibility in the parish and beyond. May God bless him in his new assignment.
As disruptive as these changes may be for a parish, imagine what they cause within the family of a rectory. One of our family is snatched away and the void is felt. So, men as we are with an emotional side to us, please pray for us as we adjust ... for Father Joe and for those of us who remain.
Father will celebrate a Mass of Farewell on Saturday, June 19 at 4:00 P.M. followed by a reception in the parish hall.
We look forward to the Gospel Roads Program that will come to SMT the week of July 17th. Under the auspices of the Salesians of St. John Bosco, young men and women (college, post-college and high school age) will be with us for a week, witnessing to the Lord Jesus and doing outreach work in various ways. You will be seeing a lot of them during that week.
The "giving tree" in June is to provide them with water and small snacks as they perform apostolic works. Any donation toward these good works are appreciated. We are expecting about 32 youth missionaries. Among them will be members of our parish Youth Program.
An update on the Thrift Shoppe: We are not there yet. Two very generous donations have come to help get started, but it is not enough. The realtor requires a month before and a month behind the regular monthly fee. We just have to be cautious that we are not blindsided and hurt the parish. Please pray for the success of this project so close to my heart. It would demonstrate the Church's commitment to the poor.
I may well get my knuckles rapped by my superiors, but we have decided to take on a Salesian Volunteer for at least a year to work with the youth of our parish. There are some very modest financial obligations for us to meet and I just feel, in spite of our $$$ stresses, the Gospel needs to be proclaimed. So be it! Father Cooke has already put down the foundation for a good program. We now have a young man who can take it to another level. Youth have always been a priority for me in assessing parish life. Pope John Paul II reminded us of that constantly during his pontificate. Pray for the success of this effort.
I am asking you to do a lot of praying, aren't I?
I met with the President of a local Catholic University recently. My goal: to ask for an investment on their part in our Parish School. That's a big one and still all over the place. Another prayer intention.
I am looking for:
+ Someone with math skills, who could volunteer one and a half hours per week to help with some advanced math. It is a need which we are unable to afford. Any takers??? We have nice kids who deserve a break!! I will personally cover any "clearances" to work with minors.
Fly the Flag today.
Pray for our intentions.
Pax et Bonum
Saturday, May 15, 2010
May 15, 2010 The Seventh Sunday of Easter
...and Ordination Weekend
I will be ordained a priest for 37 years on Wednesday of next week. Here is a reflection on this Seventh Sunday of Paschal Tide and on ordination weekend here in our diocese. I want to give this brief reflection in the context of this weekend's Holy Scripture and also in the context of the life and death of a priest you probably have never heard of.
First off, the first reading is from Acts and it is the story of the martyrdom of St. Stephen. According to tradition, Stephen was a deacon of the very early Church, of the Church in those years just after the resurrection of Jesus. Stephen was a powerful preacher and some found his words just to hard to bear. He was stoned to death and as he was dying, Scripture says that he used the same words as Jesus used from the cross: "Into your hands, I commend my spirit."
St. Stephen is always pictured as young, vibrant full of life and energy.
The Gospel is a prayer. It is a prayer of Jesus for his new priests as they sit at the Last Supper table. Jesus knew only too well the situations that they and the future priests would face.
That's the Scriptural context. Now I want to give you the context of Father James Coyle. He was shot to death on the front porch of his rectory in August, 1921 in Birmingham, Alabama. Just a few hours earlier Father Coyle had presided at, what we used to call a mixed marriage, i.e., a marriage between a catholic and non-catholic, in this case between a catholic and a methodist.
The father of the methodist was so angry that he shot the priest dead. The shooter was a
methodist minister.
This was a tense time in America. Fear of immigrants gripped our nation (sounds familiar in 21st century America) and this same fear embraced groups of so-called patriots such as the KKK.
Some states enacted laws that allowed for searches of convents, monastaries and catholic hospitals. The Knights of Columbus were accused of stockpiling munitions and plotting a papist takeover of the nation. Father Coyle defended the Church, the rights of immigrants (and he himself was one) and the Knights of Columbus, who stand for Patriotism, Unity Charity and Fraternity.
On Saturday, six men were ordained priests for service in our diocese. Over 400 priests attended a Convocation this past week together with the Cardinal and our auxiliary bishops. We reflected on the sacredness of our vocation and the challenges that we face today due to the scandals and a secular society.
We need the conviction of and the energy of St. Stephen who was filled with the Holy Spirit. Our eyes, like Stephens must be fixed on heaven. Our hearts filled with the Holy Spirit.
I ask for a prayer today. For me, for all priests, for the newly-ordained. "Holy Father, Keep them, keep us in your love.
Pax et bonum.
...and Ordination Weekend
I will be ordained a priest for 37 years on Wednesday of next week. Here is a reflection on this Seventh Sunday of Paschal Tide and on ordination weekend here in our diocese. I want to give this brief reflection in the context of this weekend's Holy Scripture and also in the context of the life and death of a priest you probably have never heard of.
First off, the first reading is from Acts and it is the story of the martyrdom of St. Stephen. According to tradition, Stephen was a deacon of the very early Church, of the Church in those years just after the resurrection of Jesus. Stephen was a powerful preacher and some found his words just to hard to bear. He was stoned to death and as he was dying, Scripture says that he used the same words as Jesus used from the cross: "Into your hands, I commend my spirit."
St. Stephen is always pictured as young, vibrant full of life and energy.
The Gospel is a prayer. It is a prayer of Jesus for his new priests as they sit at the Last Supper table. Jesus knew only too well the situations that they and the future priests would face.
That's the Scriptural context. Now I want to give you the context of Father James Coyle. He was shot to death on the front porch of his rectory in August, 1921 in Birmingham, Alabama. Just a few hours earlier Father Coyle had presided at, what we used to call a mixed marriage, i.e., a marriage between a catholic and non-catholic, in this case between a catholic and a methodist.
The father of the methodist was so angry that he shot the priest dead. The shooter was a
methodist minister.
This was a tense time in America. Fear of immigrants gripped our nation (sounds familiar in 21st century America) and this same fear embraced groups of so-called patriots such as the KKK.
Some states enacted laws that allowed for searches of convents, monastaries and catholic hospitals. The Knights of Columbus were accused of stockpiling munitions and plotting a papist takeover of the nation. Father Coyle defended the Church, the rights of immigrants (and he himself was one) and the Knights of Columbus, who stand for Patriotism, Unity Charity and Fraternity.
On Saturday, six men were ordained priests for service in our diocese. Over 400 priests attended a Convocation this past week together with the Cardinal and our auxiliary bishops. We reflected on the sacredness of our vocation and the challenges that we face today due to the scandals and a secular society.
We need the conviction of and the energy of St. Stephen who was filled with the Holy Spirit. Our eyes, like Stephens must be fixed on heaven. Our hearts filled with the Holy Spirit.
I ask for a prayer today. For me, for all priests, for the newly-ordained. "Holy Father, Keep them, keep us in your love.
Pax et bonum.
Monday, May 3, 2010
May 3, 2010
Catholic Marriage Numbers
Here are some interesting stats that recently caught my attention:
Number of U.S. Catholics: 68,115,001 in 2009
Number of Catholic marriages in U.S. in 2009: 191,265
Now here's the kicker: Despite the fact that there are 20 million more Catholics in the U.S. than there were 35 years ago, the number of Catholic marriages has dropped to less than 200,000 per year. This is about half the number performed in 1975 (when I was two years ordained).
So if you expressed the marriage stats in a the form of a pie, here's what you have:
(2009)
34% - married in church
3 % - married, not in church, but convalidated or blessed.
16 % - married, not in the church nor convalidated.
12 % - divorced
5 % - widowed
4 % - living with a partner
25 % - never married
There are only 14 marriages scheduled for the present calendar year in this parish.
Pax et Bonum
Catholic Marriage Numbers
Here are some interesting stats that recently caught my attention:
Number of U.S. Catholics: 68,115,001 in 2009
Number of Catholic marriages in U.S. in 2009: 191,265
Now here's the kicker: Despite the fact that there are 20 million more Catholics in the U.S. than there were 35 years ago, the number of Catholic marriages has dropped to less than 200,000 per year. This is about half the number performed in 1975 (when I was two years ordained).
So if you expressed the marriage stats in a the form of a pie, here's what you have:
(2009)
34% - married in church
3 % - married, not in church, but convalidated or blessed.
16 % - married, not in the church nor convalidated.
12 % - divorced
5 % - widowed
4 % - living with a partner
25 % - never married
There are only 14 marriages scheduled for the present calendar year in this parish.
Pax et Bonum
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
April 28, 2010
Questions we deal with on booking a marriage?
Cohabitation???
Did you know that until 1970 cohabitation was illegal in the U.S.?
Today, stats from the Census Bureau tell us that 5 million unmarried men and women are living together. This is a 1000% increase in fifty years!!!
More than 50% of newly married couples have lived together prior to the marriage and 14% had lived with a previous partner.
The Church teaches that cohabitation is morally wrong and that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage, marriage is the total giving of each spouse's physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual being without reservation.
...and what about trial marraiges? There can be no "trial" or temporary marriage or marriagelike arrangements.
Couples who live together before marriage run a higher risk of divorce - as much as 85% - so say some studies.
In cohab arrangements there is a higher incidence of domestic violence and abuse, depression and money conflicts.
Just 4% of cohabitating couples remain together for 10 years.
It is no surprise that when a cohabitating couple approaches the Church for the Sacrament that they are urged to live apart and abstain from sexual intimacy.
Living chastely helps couples understand the sacrifices involved in marriage, improves communication skills and opens them to the different dimensions of life and of being married.
Pax et Bonum
...and we received a months rent from a generous benefactor toward the Thrift Shoppe idea. We also have a group of Realtors hoping to help sponsor us for the first six months. Keep praying because "nothing is impossible with God".
Questions we deal with on booking a marriage?
Cohabitation???
Did you know that until 1970 cohabitation was illegal in the U.S.?
Today, stats from the Census Bureau tell us that 5 million unmarried men and women are living together. This is a 1000% increase in fifty years!!!
More than 50% of newly married couples have lived together prior to the marriage and 14% had lived with a previous partner.
The Church teaches that cohabitation is morally wrong and that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage, marriage is the total giving of each spouse's physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual being without reservation.
...and what about trial marraiges? There can be no "trial" or temporary marriage or marriagelike arrangements.
Couples who live together before marriage run a higher risk of divorce - as much as 85% - so say some studies.
In cohab arrangements there is a higher incidence of domestic violence and abuse, depression and money conflicts.
Just 4% of cohabitating couples remain together for 10 years.
It is no surprise that when a cohabitating couple approaches the Church for the Sacrament that they are urged to live apart and abstain from sexual intimacy.
Living chastely helps couples understand the sacrifices involved in marriage, improves communication skills and opens them to the different dimensions of life and of being married.
Pax et Bonum
...and we received a months rent from a generous benefactor toward the Thrift Shoppe idea. We also have a group of Realtors hoping to help sponsor us for the first six months. Keep praying because "nothing is impossible with God".
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
April 21, 2010
I am still intent on opening a Thrift Shop to serve the neighborhood. I need a benefactor or benefactors to help us with the monthly rent. The owner wants $800. a month. A liitle much and to the moment I have been unable to get the person to compromise a bit. The owner is very open to our idea.
We have another nibble for help, but unsure.
Maybe someone would pilot us for six months to see how we do. It would also buy us some time.
Pax et bonum.
I am still intent on opening a Thrift Shop to serve the neighborhood. I need a benefactor or benefactors to help us with the monthly rent. The owner wants $800. a month. A liitle much and to the moment I have been unable to get the person to compromise a bit. The owner is very open to our idea.
We have another nibble for help, but unsure.
Maybe someone would pilot us for six months to see how we do. It would also buy us some time.
Pax et bonum.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Third SUNDAY of Easter - April 18, 2010
I put the word "Sunday" in caps for a reason. It will become evident as you read on.
I struggle somewhat with the Saturday "vigil" Mass. I have moved from being an advocate for this practice (many years ago) to nearly becoming a staunch critic of this time for a Sunday Mass. I become even more agitated as the hour gets advanced. It has moved from 5:00 P.M. in some places to 4:00 and, I am told (and I hope the info is wrong) to even 3:00 P.M. I ask, why not have it at noon? Why not skip the Sunday celebration altogether?
My struggle continues. I was a rather young priest at the time and lunching at the Cathedral where I was stationed with Cardinal John Krol. The Cardinal was questioned about why Philadelphia was almost the last stronghold. Why no Saturday afternoon Mass? His answer has always remained with me. Very politely and very carefully, the aging Churchman said: " My fear is that the Saturday vigil Mass will become "the" weekend Mass in a parish. That it will lead to a lessening of emphasis on Sunday and the importance of Sunday." He went on: " We have already lost so much of Sunday. What makes the day any different from the regular routine of life??
You know, the old man was not far off the mark at all. I am often with priests as we discuss these matters and I am pleasantly surprised to hear other priests say that they have strong feelings about and against the practice that has been in effect since 1983.
The Saturday vigil serves well in areas of our country or other countries where the priest has several mission stations often 100 or more miles apart. Visit the Dakota's, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, to name a few.
I think that some, not all, use the Saturday Vigil to "get it over with". If that is the case, why bother going at all.
If the use of the Vigil is to allow for more servile work on Sunday, then it is a use that is an abuse.
Quite frankly, the practice has just made for more lazy-assed Catholics who often fall into the same category of those who can't even remember to abstain from meat six days a year. And some of you will remember when abstinence was a big part of our tradition.
If I have offended your virgin ears, so be it.
Our Mass here at SMT is on Saturday at 4:00 P.M. But the Holy Spirit is leading me to quickly make a shift. I have made few changes in my sixteen months here. I have not seen the need to make any nor re-invent any wheels. But this is one that bothers my soul.
If the Mass signaling the Sunday is most properly placed, then it should happen at sunset. How would that fit into your schedules at most of the times during the year! The Jews, upon whom we derive much tradition, set the sabbath with the setting of the sun. The bodies of the crucified could not remain on the crosses for the sabbath. So they were hastily removed and dispatched before the beginning of the sabbath.
I may take some criticism for this, so be it. I stand by my beliefs.
As a P.S. - one holy bishop recently referenced the following: all the Christmas Eve Masses and fewer Christmas Day Masses. His observation: The holy day is not Dec. 24. It is the 25th. I've noticed that ads show that some of our non-catholic brethren don't even show a service for Christmas Day. The practice is contagious.
Yes, I am seriously praying over this and talking with my associates about changing the Mass to 5:00 P.M. on Saturday - if we have to have it! And I mean that. If we have to have it!
Pax et Bonum
I put the word "Sunday" in caps for a reason. It will become evident as you read on.
I struggle somewhat with the Saturday "vigil" Mass. I have moved from being an advocate for this practice (many years ago) to nearly becoming a staunch critic of this time for a Sunday Mass. I become even more agitated as the hour gets advanced. It has moved from 5:00 P.M. in some places to 4:00 and, I am told (and I hope the info is wrong) to even 3:00 P.M. I ask, why not have it at noon? Why not skip the Sunday celebration altogether?
My struggle continues. I was a rather young priest at the time and lunching at the Cathedral where I was stationed with Cardinal John Krol. The Cardinal was questioned about why Philadelphia was almost the last stronghold. Why no Saturday afternoon Mass? His answer has always remained with me. Very politely and very carefully, the aging Churchman said: " My fear is that the Saturday vigil Mass will become "the" weekend Mass in a parish. That it will lead to a lessening of emphasis on Sunday and the importance of Sunday." He went on: " We have already lost so much of Sunday. What makes the day any different from the regular routine of life??
You know, the old man was not far off the mark at all. I am often with priests as we discuss these matters and I am pleasantly surprised to hear other priests say that they have strong feelings about and against the practice that has been in effect since 1983.
The Saturday vigil serves well in areas of our country or other countries where the priest has several mission stations often 100 or more miles apart. Visit the Dakota's, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, to name a few.
I think that some, not all, use the Saturday Vigil to "get it over with". If that is the case, why bother going at all.
If the use of the Vigil is to allow for more servile work on Sunday, then it is a use that is an abuse.
Quite frankly, the practice has just made for more lazy-assed Catholics who often fall into the same category of those who can't even remember to abstain from meat six days a year. And some of you will remember when abstinence was a big part of our tradition.
If I have offended your virgin ears, so be it.
Our Mass here at SMT is on Saturday at 4:00 P.M. But the Holy Spirit is leading me to quickly make a shift. I have made few changes in my sixteen months here. I have not seen the need to make any nor re-invent any wheels. But this is one that bothers my soul.
If the Mass signaling the Sunday is most properly placed, then it should happen at sunset. How would that fit into your schedules at most of the times during the year! The Jews, upon whom we derive much tradition, set the sabbath with the setting of the sun. The bodies of the crucified could not remain on the crosses for the sabbath. So they were hastily removed and dispatched before the beginning of the sabbath.
I may take some criticism for this, so be it. I stand by my beliefs.
As a P.S. - one holy bishop recently referenced the following: all the Christmas Eve Masses and fewer Christmas Day Masses. His observation: The holy day is not Dec. 24. It is the 25th. I've noticed that ads show that some of our non-catholic brethren don't even show a service for Christmas Day. The practice is contagious.
Yes, I am seriously praying over this and talking with my associates about changing the Mass to 5:00 P.M. on Saturday - if we have to have it! And I mean that. If we have to have it!
Pax et Bonum
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday - Holy Saturday 2010
"He descended into Hell".
Sometimes referred to as "the harrowing of Hell". "Harrowing" is an Old English word for "robbing". Think of it as Jesus stealing away those souls long awaiting their redemption.
When we repeat these words in the Apostles Creed, what is it that we are professing?
This "hell" is not our Christian concept of eternal damnation. It is the Jewish concept of Hades or Sheol. Jesus went there to liberate the righteous ones who lived for justice and died before Jesus Himself had lived. Jesus rose to free them. The Gospel is preached beyond the limits of space and time.
Greek Orthodox Christianity believes that Christ does not rise alone but as head of all the holy ones, for how could the justice of God be established by exclusive treatment for him rather than by a community with him?
...so, in silence, we wait for the Victory celebration of Easter morn.
Pax et Bonum
"He descended into Hell".
Sometimes referred to as "the harrowing of Hell". "Harrowing" is an Old English word for "robbing". Think of it as Jesus stealing away those souls long awaiting their redemption.
When we repeat these words in the Apostles Creed, what is it that we are professing?
This "hell" is not our Christian concept of eternal damnation. It is the Jewish concept of Hades or Sheol. Jesus went there to liberate the righteous ones who lived for justice and died before Jesus Himself had lived. Jesus rose to free them. The Gospel is preached beyond the limits of space and time.
Greek Orthodox Christianity believes that Christ does not rise alone but as head of all the holy ones, for how could the justice of God be established by exclusive treatment for him rather than by a community with him?
...so, in silence, we wait for the Victory celebration of Easter morn.
Pax et Bonum
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday in Holy Week 2010
Holy Thursday is a special day for a priest. On Holy Thursday morning all priests join with their bishop to celebrate the Chrism Mass. It is at this Mass that the priests renew their commitment for priestly service. It is an awesome moment for the individual priest as well as the entire presbyterate.
This year's observance coincides with some not so happy news in the media. The terrible scandals of sexual abuse by clergy has made the headlines once again. The news from Ireland and Germany, to name a few, has reopened the same deep wounds here on stateside.
This is troubling to the priests who will renew their commitment on Thursday morning.
+ That something of this magnitude could even happen!
+ That the trust of our vocation could be so compromised and violated!
+ That the vessel of clay spoken of by Paul the Apostle could be so scratched and cracked!
Priests are not perfect men. They are penitents as well as confessors. They regularly go to confession as well as hear confessions. Pope John Paul II used to say that a good confessor is a good penitent.
But, no one ever thought that such misbehavior would happen. I certainly never did. I still remain jolted by the whole thing. Just when I think that I have heard it all, I am again surprised and disappointed.
I ask: "Why"?
I am disappointed by my colleagues. And frustration descends and muscles in on my prayer and reflection. I am careful not to condemn but I do not deny the need for penance and retribution.
The news is no better even when one considers that the cases reported are not recent. The fact is that they happened. My prayer is that there are no new cases. That sacrifice, penance, honest admission, holiness has purified the soul of the presbyterate.
Sincerely speaking, I pray for our Church, our damaged credibility. We are truly damaged goods seeking repair, to rebuild in an already sinful world.
Sometimes I hear it said that the Church must put this scandal behind us and move forward. Perhaps better said: we ought to deal with it head on and do so by both the leadership and the priests. Apologies only go so far. Often they have seemed empty and just full of nice words.
Maybe the Church and, also the clergy, became too comfortable within the structure of power. Power can corrupt and that is what we may have experienced. A corruption born out of privilege.
The Gospel calls us to return to a simpler way of life in all ways: for bishops, priests, religious, seminarians. Maybe we all need to be put into the brown robes of St. Francis, be given a cell and, fortified with the Holy Scriptures, "rebuild the Lord's Church."
I make my re-commitment on Thursday a troubled priest. Not because I am about to despair or lose hope but because I feel that we have distanced many of God's people from the message of the Christ of Faith. I am less concerned for the loyal Catholic than I am for the fence-sitter, the questioner, the young, the non-catholic christian, the outsider who wonders about what is happening on the inside.
I love my priesthood and after 37 years and (living through these last ten) my spirit and my zeal are no less en-kindled
+ Celebrating Mass is the high point of my day.
+ Hearing confessions continues to remind me that I am instrument of God's loving mercy.
+ Standing at a bedside with the Holy Oils reminds me that I have a lot to live up to - being an "alter Christus".
Pray for us priests.
Pax et Bonum
My Holy Thursday Thoughts for 2010
Holy Thursday is a special day for a priest. On Holy Thursday morning all priests join with their bishop to celebrate the Chrism Mass. It is at this Mass that the priests renew their commitment for priestly service. It is an awesome moment for the individual priest as well as the entire presbyterate.
This year's observance coincides with some not so happy news in the media. The terrible scandals of sexual abuse by clergy has made the headlines once again. The news from Ireland and Germany, to name a few, has reopened the same deep wounds here on stateside.
This is troubling to the priests who will renew their commitment on Thursday morning.
+ That something of this magnitude could even happen!
+ That the trust of our vocation could be so compromised and violated!
+ That the vessel of clay spoken of by Paul the Apostle could be so scratched and cracked!
Priests are not perfect men. They are penitents as well as confessors. They regularly go to confession as well as hear confessions. Pope John Paul II used to say that a good confessor is a good penitent.
But, no one ever thought that such misbehavior would happen. I certainly never did. I still remain jolted by the whole thing. Just when I think that I have heard it all, I am again surprised and disappointed.
I ask: "Why"?
I am disappointed by my colleagues. And frustration descends and muscles in on my prayer and reflection. I am careful not to condemn but I do not deny the need for penance and retribution.
The news is no better even when one considers that the cases reported are not recent. The fact is that they happened. My prayer is that there are no new cases. That sacrifice, penance, honest admission, holiness has purified the soul of the presbyterate.
Sincerely speaking, I pray for our Church, our damaged credibility. We are truly damaged goods seeking repair, to rebuild in an already sinful world.
Sometimes I hear it said that the Church must put this scandal behind us and move forward. Perhaps better said: we ought to deal with it head on and do so by both the leadership and the priests. Apologies only go so far. Often they have seemed empty and just full of nice words.
Maybe the Church and, also the clergy, became too comfortable within the structure of power. Power can corrupt and that is what we may have experienced. A corruption born out of privilege.
The Gospel calls us to return to a simpler way of life in all ways: for bishops, priests, religious, seminarians. Maybe we all need to be put into the brown robes of St. Francis, be given a cell and, fortified with the Holy Scriptures, "rebuild the Lord's Church."
I make my re-commitment on Thursday a troubled priest. Not because I am about to despair or lose hope but because I feel that we have distanced many of God's people from the message of the Christ of Faith. I am less concerned for the loyal Catholic than I am for the fence-sitter, the questioner, the young, the non-catholic christian, the outsider who wonders about what is happening on the inside.
I love my priesthood and after 37 years and (living through these last ten) my spirit and my zeal are no less en-kindled
+ Celebrating Mass is the high point of my day.
+ Hearing confessions continues to remind me that I am instrument of God's loving mercy.
+ Standing at a bedside with the Holy Oils reminds me that I have a lot to live up to - being an "alter Christus".
Pray for us priests.
Pax et Bonum
My Holy Thursday Thoughts for 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday of Holy Week 2010
More Catholic Holy Week "Word Nerd":
+ On Palm Sunday, the Western Church gives out palm branches. But what about your friends who are Byzantine or Ukrainian Catholics. What do they get?
+ The four Gospels give us four accounts of the Passion. Which do you think was the first written?
+ What name does Wednesday of Holy Week have? Not often used today.
+ At the Easter Vigil, the priest or deacon solemnly intones "Lumen Christi". What does it mean? How many times is it sung?
+ There is a fertility symbol used at the Easter Vigil. Anyone want to take a crack at this one?
+ When is Low Sunday?
I continue to pray for you during this week.
Pax et Bonum
More Catholic Holy Week "Word Nerd":
+ On Palm Sunday, the Western Church gives out palm branches. But what about your friends who are Byzantine or Ukrainian Catholics. What do they get?
+ The four Gospels give us four accounts of the Passion. Which do you think was the first written?
+ What name does Wednesday of Holy Week have? Not often used today.
+ At the Easter Vigil, the priest or deacon solemnly intones "Lumen Christi". What does it mean? How many times is it sung?
+ There is a fertility symbol used at the Easter Vigil. Anyone want to take a crack at this one?
+ When is Low Sunday?
I continue to pray for you during this week.
Pax et Bonum
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Palm Sunday 2010
To borrow a term from the Catholic Radio Network, let's play a little "Catholic Holy Week Word Nerd". You will be coming to church, I hope, during Holy Week. Do you know the meaning of the many symbols that we will use? Here we go:
what is:
+ the respository
+ the ambry
+ humeral veil
+ urn
+ paschal candle
+ grains of incense
+ stylus
+ ciborium
+ ingrediente ???
Why does the priest kiss the altar, at the beginning and the end of Mass?
Is a cross or a crucifix the preferred liturgical symbol on Good friday?
Does the Liturgical directive indicate a number for the Washing of Feet?
Is there a Mass on Good Friday?
What time must the Easter Vigil begin? Not before____?
When does Lent end?
When does the Paschal Triduum begin and end?
What do we mean by the Octave of Easter?
Send in your answers today.
All those who do so will be specially remembered at Masses during the Easter Octave.
To borrow a term from the Catholic Radio Network, let's play a little "Catholic Holy Week Word Nerd". You will be coming to church, I hope, during Holy Week. Do you know the meaning of the many symbols that we will use? Here we go:
what is:
+ the respository
+ the ambry
+ humeral veil
+ urn
+ paschal candle
+ grains of incense
+ stylus
+ ciborium
+ ingrediente ???
Why does the priest kiss the altar, at the beginning and the end of Mass?
Is a cross or a crucifix the preferred liturgical symbol on Good friday?
Does the Liturgical directive indicate a number for the Washing of Feet?
Is there a Mass on Good Friday?
What time must the Easter Vigil begin? Not before____?
When does Lent end?
When does the Paschal Triduum begin and end?
What do we mean by the Octave of Easter?
Send in your answers today.
All those who do so will be specially remembered at Masses during the Easter Octave.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
March 25
The Annunciation (occurring in the Fifth Week of Lent)
I just returned from taking the Sacraments to an elderly parishioner. She made a confession, received Holy Communion and the Anointing of the Sick, but before our Liturgical Rites, we talked. We talked about our parish, the parish that was and the parish that is. For an old person she was remarkably positive about both lives of this venerable parish on the Boulevard. She said: "Good people are moving into SMT Parish."
It was refreshing to hear such positive talk. Too many folks are stuck in the past refusing to recognize the present and all the work that needs to be done now. On this Feast of the Annunciation we are called to reply "yes" as Mary did. A "yes" that will continue to give conception and birth to the presence of Christ in our parish community.
One way that we can do this is by opening a Thrift Shop for those who could use such a service. Please pray that this goal can be realized. We will need some funds to do this and I hope that some generous person will come forth to help us. I am to meet with the owner on Saturday. The owner seems most open to our idea, but as always, it's money that often is the obstacle to getting things done.
I am praying and I am confident that some way, somehow, this will happen.
I petitioned the diocese for permission. We need their blessing as well.
... Get ready - Holy Week is coming! It's a great week. Chill out from your normal routines and participate in the rites of Holy Week.
Begin by coming to Confession on Monday night at 7:00 P.M.
Pax et Bonum
The Annunciation (occurring in the Fifth Week of Lent)
I just returned from taking the Sacraments to an elderly parishioner. She made a confession, received Holy Communion and the Anointing of the Sick, but before our Liturgical Rites, we talked. We talked about our parish, the parish that was and the parish that is. For an old person she was remarkably positive about both lives of this venerable parish on the Boulevard. She said: "Good people are moving into SMT Parish."
It was refreshing to hear such positive talk. Too many folks are stuck in the past refusing to recognize the present and all the work that needs to be done now. On this Feast of the Annunciation we are called to reply "yes" as Mary did. A "yes" that will continue to give conception and birth to the presence of Christ in our parish community.
One way that we can do this is by opening a Thrift Shop for those who could use such a service. Please pray that this goal can be realized. We will need some funds to do this and I hope that some generous person will come forth to help us. I am to meet with the owner on Saturday. The owner seems most open to our idea, but as always, it's money that often is the obstacle to getting things done.
I am praying and I am confident that some way, somehow, this will happen.
I petitioned the diocese for permission. We need their blessing as well.
... Get ready - Holy Week is coming! It's a great week. Chill out from your normal routines and participate in the rites of Holy Week.
Begin by coming to Confession on Monday night at 7:00 P.M.
Pax et Bonum
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
I have the greatest memories of my childhood and early teenage years. I was a kid enjoying the country that Bucks County was at that time. Our homes were surrounded with abundant woods and outdoors, canals, streams for fishing. Everything a boy could wish for. In the summer we ran through corn fields with stalks that towered over us kids. We camped out in the backyards of neighbors and our parents didn't have to worry. We were satisfied entertaining ourselves and just "being kids". Winter was a veritable winter olympics. There was plenty of space to ice skate, play hockey, go sledding and have non-violent snowball fights.
I was a paper boy. Remember that long-lost kid job. Arriving home from school, I changed, counted out my stash for accuracy, loaded up my bike and - off I went. Sometimes I got back home after dark. But, being a paper boy in the 1950's gave one a sense of entrepreneurial independence. There was a healthy competition between me and another neighborhood kid who had a paper route as well. Who could get the next customer? That paper route was passed on to each of my bro's. It was great being a kid back then.
Fast forward fifty years and the scene is quite different.
I am saddened this morning to read about a game that today's kids play called "catch and wreck". Children between ages 9 and 15 surrounding elderly folks in parks and homeless people and beating them. Young people of school age running wild in center city and causing havoc. I am unable to see the fun in all of this. From whence comes all the violence and violent behavior? Where is the fun in beating anyone, not to speak of a senior who loved children?
God help us, is all I can say.
I could go into all the reasons. But I will leave that up to your imagination. Two weeks ago one of our seniors left a parish meeting around 8:00 P.M. only to have his car surrounded by some young tuffs who pounded on his car and most definitely frightened the gentleman - and a gentle man he is.
God help us.
May these Lenten Days lead us to peace. That was the Risen Savior's wish on Easter Night.
Pax et Bonum.
I have the greatest memories of my childhood and early teenage years. I was a kid enjoying the country that Bucks County was at that time. Our homes were surrounded with abundant woods and outdoors, canals, streams for fishing. Everything a boy could wish for. In the summer we ran through corn fields with stalks that towered over us kids. We camped out in the backyards of neighbors and our parents didn't have to worry. We were satisfied entertaining ourselves and just "being kids". Winter was a veritable winter olympics. There was plenty of space to ice skate, play hockey, go sledding and have non-violent snowball fights.
I was a paper boy. Remember that long-lost kid job. Arriving home from school, I changed, counted out my stash for accuracy, loaded up my bike and - off I went. Sometimes I got back home after dark. But, being a paper boy in the 1950's gave one a sense of entrepreneurial independence. There was a healthy competition between me and another neighborhood kid who had a paper route as well. Who could get the next customer? That paper route was passed on to each of my bro's. It was great being a kid back then.
Fast forward fifty years and the scene is quite different.
I am saddened this morning to read about a game that today's kids play called "catch and wreck". Children between ages 9 and 15 surrounding elderly folks in parks and homeless people and beating them. Young people of school age running wild in center city and causing havoc. I am unable to see the fun in all of this. From whence comes all the violence and violent behavior? Where is the fun in beating anyone, not to speak of a senior who loved children?
God help us, is all I can say.
I could go into all the reasons. But I will leave that up to your imagination. Two weeks ago one of our seniors left a parish meeting around 8:00 P.M. only to have his car surrounded by some young tuffs who pounded on his car and most definitely frightened the gentleman - and a gentle man he is.
God help us.
May these Lenten Days lead us to peace. That was the Risen Savior's wish on Easter Night.
Pax et Bonum.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Formerly called: Passion Sunday
We often say that we are a faith of joy. Sometimes the term "Alleluia Christians" is even used. Well here's the thing. You ought to see some of the faces that I see from the altar or that I encounter at the door of the church. They say anything but joy.
Some church faces look positively ugly, uninviting, saying don't come here, why am I here, pain, gas, irregularity. Really, I'm not kidding.
As a celebrant I have the best seat in the house. I see it all. I see the faces. People goofing off in the pews. Reading the bulletin. Scratching areas of their bodies I shouldn't see them scratching. Catholics have never been great evangelists like other religions. You know - inviting people to church. Knocking on doors and telling others just how great it is to be "Catholic".
As we get close to Easter, It might be the time to look at yourself and ask if you are are a joyful Catholic. Does you face invite others to church?
Pax et bonum.
Formerly called: Passion Sunday
We often say that we are a faith of joy. Sometimes the term "Alleluia Christians" is even used. Well here's the thing. You ought to see some of the faces that I see from the altar or that I encounter at the door of the church. They say anything but joy.
Some church faces look positively ugly, uninviting, saying don't come here, why am I here, pain, gas, irregularity. Really, I'm not kidding.
As a celebrant I have the best seat in the house. I see it all. I see the faces. People goofing off in the pews. Reading the bulletin. Scratching areas of their bodies I shouldn't see them scratching. Catholics have never been great evangelists like other religions. You know - inviting people to church. Knocking on doors and telling others just how great it is to be "Catholic".
As we get close to Easter, It might be the time to look at yourself and ask if you are are a joyful Catholic. Does you face invite others to church?
Pax et bonum.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
March 19, 2010
St. Joseph Day
A few years ago a movie came out during the Christmas Holidays entitled "The Nativity". I went to see it and subsequently bought a personal copy in DVD. Since then I have begun a ritual that happens sometime in Advent. I spend a night or two watching the movie.
Naturally, I know the Christmas Story as well as any Christian. But what I like most about this movie is the way that St. Joseph is portrayed. He comes across to me as a man, a younger man, a real protector both of Mary and the Baby Jesus.
I have always imagined St. Joseph much in the way that the movie shows him. He questioned, as any betrothed would, the condition of his wife-to-be. He does so with respect but not without the "human wondering" that had to go with it. He loved his engaged and wanted to protect her when the law of Moses called for stiff punishment. An adulteress was stoned.
The whole situation is worked out when Joseph is notified in a dream that it's okay. Mary is under a divine shadow. The Holy Spirit is at work. We call Joseph a man of faith. His faith is demonstrated as the story of the birth of Jesus is played out.
You see the strong Joseph who confronts danger head on.
One particularly touching scene shows the young husband exhausted at the end of a difficult day. Mary is talking to him as she is gently washing his feet with cool water until she realizes that Joseph is fast asleep - dead tired after the events of the day.
Sounds familiar to any good man doing his job of pater familias.
As we remember Joseph today, we remember and celebrate a model of manhood, of husbandhood, of faith, trust and love.
I strongly suggest the Movie.
Pax et Bonum
March 19, 2010
St. Joseph Day
A few years ago a movie came out during the Christmas Holidays entitled "The Nativity". I went to see it and subsequently bought a personal copy in DVD. Since then I have begun a ritual that happens sometime in Advent. I spend a night or two watching the movie.
Naturally, I know the Christmas Story as well as any Christian. But what I like most about this movie is the way that St. Joseph is portrayed. He comes across to me as a man, a younger man, a real protector both of Mary and the Baby Jesus.
I have always imagined St. Joseph much in the way that the movie shows him. He questioned, as any betrothed would, the condition of his wife-to-be. He does so with respect but not without the "human wondering" that had to go with it. He loved his engaged and wanted to protect her when the law of Moses called for stiff punishment. An adulteress was stoned.
The whole situation is worked out when Joseph is notified in a dream that it's okay. Mary is under a divine shadow. The Holy Spirit is at work. We call Joseph a man of faith. His faith is demonstrated as the story of the birth of Jesus is played out.
You see the strong Joseph who confronts danger head on.
One particularly touching scene shows the young husband exhausted at the end of a difficult day. Mary is talking to him as she is gently washing his feet with cool water until she realizes that Joseph is fast asleep - dead tired after the events of the day.
Sounds familiar to any good man doing his job of pater familias.
As we remember Joseph today, we remember and celebrate a model of manhood, of husbandhood, of faith, trust and love.
I strongly suggest the Movie.
Pax et Bonum
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
St. Patrick's Day
On this Day in honor of a great Saint and the patron of a great nation, I offer the following prayer:
Dear St. Patrick, forgive those who celebrate your day without moderation. Give us the zeal and passion for the Gospel that you had. May the Triune God, Father - Son - and Holy Spirit bless all those who celebrate your life and faith. Bless those of good religious spirit and bless those too filled with liquid spirit who have no idea about why this day is noted.
Dear Saint of the Emerald Isle, pray for us.
Pax et bonum
St. Patrick's Day
On this Day in honor of a great Saint and the patron of a great nation, I offer the following prayer:
Dear St. Patrick, forgive those who celebrate your day without moderation. Give us the zeal and passion for the Gospel that you had. May the Triune God, Father - Son - and Holy Spirit bless all those who celebrate your life and faith. Bless those of good religious spirit and bless those too filled with liquid spirit who have no idea about why this day is noted.
Dear Saint of the Emerald Isle, pray for us.
Pax et bonum
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Here is a quote that comes from today's Office of Readings (Levitucus) chapter 19):
"When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not be so thorough that you reap the field to its very edge, nor shall you glean the stray ears of grain. Likewise, you shall not pick the vineyard bare, nor gather up the grapes that have fallen. These things you shall leave for the poor and the alien. I, the Lord, am your God."
This passage really needs no explanation. It becomes very clear that we must remain mindful of the poor and the downtrodden.
I have a dream. I think something important to the mission of our parish. I would like to open a Thrift Shoppe. It would assist people of lesser means with used clothing, furniture and the like. The poor we always have with us. Their very presence tugs at the heart TO DO SOMETHING. I have my eye on a rental very near our property. I am hoping that the owner will donate the space for "mission". I am hoping that someone may read this blog and say "I can help with the rent and with the care of the poor".
I am praying these days to my patron, St. Rita of Cascia, the patroness of tough cases.
Pax et Bonum
Here is a quote that comes from today's Office of Readings (Levitucus) chapter 19):
"When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not be so thorough that you reap the field to its very edge, nor shall you glean the stray ears of grain. Likewise, you shall not pick the vineyard bare, nor gather up the grapes that have fallen. These things you shall leave for the poor and the alien. I, the Lord, am your God."
This passage really needs no explanation. It becomes very clear that we must remain mindful of the poor and the downtrodden.
I have a dream. I think something important to the mission of our parish. I would like to open a Thrift Shoppe. It would assist people of lesser means with used clothing, furniture and the like. The poor we always have with us. Their very presence tugs at the heart TO DO SOMETHING. I have my eye on a rental very near our property. I am hoping that the owner will donate the space for "mission". I am hoping that someone may read this blog and say "I can help with the rent and with the care of the poor".
I am praying these days to my patron, St. Rita of Cascia, the patroness of tough cases.
Pax et Bonum
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Who is that Angel in the outfield?
+ He became the MVP of the Arizona Fall League.
+ The Oakland A's picked him in the second round of the 2007 amateur draft.
Who is that Angel in the outfield?
+ The only player in the entire minors with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases last season.
He batted .288 with 31 homers, 89 RBI's and 40 steals in 131 games in Stockton last year.
He hit.315 with a league-leading 11 home runs and 27 RBI's in 27 games this past fall.
Who is that Angel in the outfield?
+ The Big West Player of the Year at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo ranked him as Oakland's #8 prospect by Baseball America.
Who is that Angel in the outfield?
He is Grant Desme, who recently announced that he was leaving baseball to enter the seminary and study for the priesthood. He intends to enter a seminary in Silverado, CA in August. His family has backed his decision and his general manager was understanding and supportive.
Says Desme: " I wasn't at peace where I was. It was time to get to the bottom of things." He is a lifelong Catholic and has been thinking of the priesthood for some time now.
He spoke humbly at a news conference.
Could God be calling you?
Pax et Bonum.
Who is that Angel in the outfield?
+ He became the MVP of the Arizona Fall League.
+ The Oakland A's picked him in the second round of the 2007 amateur draft.
Who is that Angel in the outfield?
+ The only player in the entire minors with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases last season.
He batted .288 with 31 homers, 89 RBI's and 40 steals in 131 games in Stockton last year.
He hit.315 with a league-leading 11 home runs and 27 RBI's in 27 games this past fall.
Who is that Angel in the outfield?
+ The Big West Player of the Year at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo ranked him as Oakland's #8 prospect by Baseball America.
Who is that Angel in the outfield?
He is Grant Desme, who recently announced that he was leaving baseball to enter the seminary and study for the priesthood. He intends to enter a seminary in Silverado, CA in August. His family has backed his decision and his general manager was understanding and supportive.
Says Desme: " I wasn't at peace where I was. It was time to get to the bottom of things." He is a lifelong Catholic and has been thinking of the priesthood for some time now.
He spoke humbly at a news conference.
Could God be calling you?
Pax et Bonum.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Laetare Sunday - Rejoice Sunday
...and the week of St. Patrick's Day.
The annual celebration of Ireland's great missionary and saint is nearly upon us. I am not Irish by descent and I am in fear and trembling as I write this blog. But I feel that I must for the sake of my good Irish friends and all Irish Folk of good will.
Dear friends: St. Patrick himself would be be distressed at the manner in which his memory is held...Pub Crawls, Drunken Behavior, being a Public Nuisance, etc. It seems that hoisting a beer, wearing a silly green hat and being loud and frisky have become synonymous with St. Patrick's Day.
Many of my Irish friends are quite put out over this behavior. Those who are old enough will recall a beautiful holy day in Ireland that began with Holy Mass and later in the day brought family together for a holiday meal. They remain puzzled by how the day has become so identified with raucous behavior. One would think that all Irish are drunks and ne'er do wells. I know this is not the case but my Irish friends are beginning to become quite insulted by these allusions.
The Irish, were for many years, the bedrock of Catholicism in our our newly-found nation as well as in the Emerald Isle. Being Irish meant being a hard worker, a believer, a family man/woman, a promoter of justice and fairness. The present celebration of St. Patty's Day (vs. St. Patrick's Day) is an insult to the great Saint and the great Man that he was.
If I were Irish, and I am not, I would not be amused by the manner in which the day is invoked.
May St. Patrick live long in the hearts of the Irish who suffered much for the faith and may he bless the Irish People and all People who are of good will and peace.
St. Patrick, pray for us.
Pax et Bonum
...and the week of St. Patrick's Day.
The annual celebration of Ireland's great missionary and saint is nearly upon us. I am not Irish by descent and I am in fear and trembling as I write this blog. But I feel that I must for the sake of my good Irish friends and all Irish Folk of good will.
Dear friends: St. Patrick himself would be be distressed at the manner in which his memory is held...Pub Crawls, Drunken Behavior, being a Public Nuisance, etc. It seems that hoisting a beer, wearing a silly green hat and being loud and frisky have become synonymous with St. Patrick's Day.
Many of my Irish friends are quite put out over this behavior. Those who are old enough will recall a beautiful holy day in Ireland that began with Holy Mass and later in the day brought family together for a holiday meal. They remain puzzled by how the day has become so identified with raucous behavior. One would think that all Irish are drunks and ne'er do wells. I know this is not the case but my Irish friends are beginning to become quite insulted by these allusions.
The Irish, were for many years, the bedrock of Catholicism in our our newly-found nation as well as in the Emerald Isle. Being Irish meant being a hard worker, a believer, a family man/woman, a promoter of justice and fairness. The present celebration of St. Patty's Day (vs. St. Patrick's Day) is an insult to the great Saint and the great Man that he was.
If I were Irish, and I am not, I would not be amused by the manner in which the day is invoked.
May St. Patrick live long in the hearts of the Irish who suffered much for the faith and may he bless the Irish People and all People who are of good will and peace.
St. Patrick, pray for us.
Pax et Bonum
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Thursday/Friday of the Third Week of Lent
I found a quote this morning as I was reading and praying the Liturgy of the Hours (Office of Readings). It comes from Tertullian:
Prayer cleanses from sin, drives away temptations, stamps out persecutions, comforts the fainthearted, gives new strength to the courageous, brings travelers safely home, calms the waves, confounds robbers, feeds the poor, overrules the rich, lifts up the fallen, supports those who are falling, sustains those who stand firm.
Never stop praying.
Pax et bonum.
I found a quote this morning as I was reading and praying the Liturgy of the Hours (Office of Readings). It comes from Tertullian:
Prayer cleanses from sin, drives away temptations, stamps out persecutions, comforts the fainthearted, gives new strength to the courageous, brings travelers safely home, calms the waves, confounds robbers, feeds the poor, overrules the rich, lifts up the fallen, supports those who are falling, sustains those who stand firm.
Never stop praying.
Pax et bonum.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
Are you a parent, a teacher, a coach, a supervisor, a leader?
if you are, here is some good advice:
1) Never insult an underling personally. Correct the performance, not the person.
2) When handing out praise, do so within earshot of others.
3) Know when to let up.
Pax et Bonum.
Are you a parent, a teacher, a coach, a supervisor, a leader?
if you are, here is some good advice:
1) Never insult an underling personally. Correct the performance, not the person.
2) When handing out praise, do so within earshot of others.
3) Know when to let up.
Pax et Bonum.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Third Sunday of Lent
Monday of the Third Week of Lent
The Gospel today for the "A" cycle, The Woman at the Well, gives us much to think about. I want to offer one thought. Lent invites us to change, to a conversion. We all need to change, myself included. St. John presents us with a scene that calls for change and, indeed, there is change.
The Samaritan Woman encounters Christ at the well. There is a conversation that does not need to be repeated here. But her being with Jesus is what brings about a change, a conversion. The same is true for us. Spend some time with Jesus. Hanging out with Christ means only one thing - we will change. Conversion will happen.
As we begin the Third Week of Lent, the challenge to change, is front and center. It can only happen if you "hang out with Christ". Resolve to take some time to be with JC this week. It can only be a positive experience.
Pax et Bonum
Monday of the Third Week of Lent
The Gospel today for the "A" cycle, The Woman at the Well, gives us much to think about. I want to offer one thought. Lent invites us to change, to a conversion. We all need to change, myself included. St. John presents us with a scene that calls for change and, indeed, there is change.
The Samaritan Woman encounters Christ at the well. There is a conversation that does not need to be repeated here. But her being with Jesus is what brings about a change, a conversion. The same is true for us. Spend some time with Jesus. Hanging out with Christ means only one thing - we will change. Conversion will happen.
As we begin the Third Week of Lent, the challenge to change, is front and center. It can only happen if you "hang out with Christ". Resolve to take some time to be with JC this week. It can only be a positive experience.
Pax et Bonum
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
The Psalm for today: "The Lord is kind and merciful".
Have you ever given thought to that: our God is kind and merciful. He is not out to punish or to beat us down for our irregularities. The Lord is kind, compassionate, merciful. He is a Father with arms outstretched.
On this very sunny day we have a sunny thought. God is life-giving. God never seeks the death of the sinner. God waits patiently for us to say "I'm sorry".
Say the Act of Contrition today with care.
Resolve to return to the old practice of reciting the Act of Contrition at night before getting into bed.
Pax et bonum
The Psalm for today: "The Lord is kind and merciful".
Have you ever given thought to that: our God is kind and merciful. He is not out to punish or to beat us down for our irregularities. The Lord is kind, compassionate, merciful. He is a Father with arms outstretched.
On this very sunny day we have a sunny thought. God is life-giving. God never seeks the death of the sinner. God waits patiently for us to say "I'm sorry".
Say the Act of Contrition today with care.
Resolve to return to the old practice of reciting the Act of Contrition at night before getting into bed.
Pax et bonum
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Thursday/ Friday of the Second Week of Lent
Pope John Paul II once said somewhere that if a priest is a good penitent he will be a good confessor. The priest, a vessel of clay, is equally in need of the mercy and peace of Christ in the Sacrament of Penance. This penitent and confessor has learned over these 37 years that frequent use of the Sacrament of Penance is a sure anti-dote to sin.
We are all in need of forgiveness. The Gospel of the first Sunday of Lent tells of the power of a temptation. To stand tough in the face of evil requires the Grace of this Sacrament.
Confession is good for the soul.
Pax et Bonum
Pope John Paul II once said somewhere that if a priest is a good penitent he will be a good confessor. The priest, a vessel of clay, is equally in need of the mercy and peace of Christ in the Sacrament of Penance. This penitent and confessor has learned over these 37 years that frequent use of the Sacrament of Penance is a sure anti-dote to sin.
We are all in need of forgiveness. The Gospel of the first Sunday of Lent tells of the power of a temptation. To stand tough in the face of evil requires the Grace of this Sacrament.
Confession is good for the soul.
Pax et Bonum
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent
For Philadelphians, today is a special day - it is the Feast of St. Katherine Drexel. This local heiress used her wealth and her talents to Evangelize the People of God, specifically the African Americans and the Native Americans.
Two things for our Lenten Day and Lenten Journey:
1) How well are you evangelizing? Remember that you can do so by word and example. By their works the rest shall know them.
2) Consider a "pilgrimage" for Lent by visiting the Shrine of St. Katherine Drexel in Bensalem, Pa. Exit 95 at Woodhaven Rd. and go north on 13 a short distance.
Pax et Bonum
For Philadelphians, today is a special day - it is the Feast of St. Katherine Drexel. This local heiress used her wealth and her talents to Evangelize the People of God, specifically the African Americans and the Native Americans.
Two things for our Lenten Day and Lenten Journey:
1) How well are you evangelizing? Remember that you can do so by word and example. By their works the rest shall know them.
2) Consider a "pilgrimage" for Lent by visiting the Shrine of St. Katherine Drexel in Bensalem, Pa. Exit 95 at Woodhaven Rd. and go north on 13 a short distance.
Pax et Bonum
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
Read and pray Psalm 50 (51) today.
Then, resolve to go to confession within the next 7 days.
Pax et Bonum.
Read and pray Psalm 50 (51) today.
Then, resolve to go to confession within the next 7 days.
Pax et Bonum.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday of the Second Week of Lent
Something to think about today:
A recent poll by the Knights of Columbus reveals the following about Catholics between the ages of 18 and 29:
+ 82% see morals as "relative"
+ 65% see themselves as more "spiritual" than "religious".
+ 80% see religion as at least "somewhat important" in their lives
+ 65% are very or somewhat interested in learning more about their faith.
The poll shows that there are challenges as well as reasons for hope as we move forward.
By the way Catholics between the ages of 18 and 29 are called MILLENIALS.
Pax et Bonum
Something to think about today:
A recent poll by the Knights of Columbus reveals the following about Catholics between the ages of 18 and 29:
+ 82% see morals as "relative"
+ 65% see themselves as more "spiritual" than "religious".
+ 80% see religion as at least "somewhat important" in their lives
+ 65% are very or somewhat interested in learning more about their faith.
The poll shows that there are challenges as well as reasons for hope as we move forward.
By the way Catholics between the ages of 18 and 29 are called MILLENIALS.
Pax et Bonum
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Second Sunday in Lent
I have heard the Gospel of Luke referred to as "the Gospel of Prayer". Jesus is a man of prayer and Luke focuses on time that Jesus spent in prayer.
+Through prayer, Jesus knew intimately his Father
+Through prayer Jesus understood his mission
+Through prayer Jesus gained the strength needed to embrace his passion and death.
Even on the cross, Jesus prayed. He prayed for his persecutors. "Father, forgive them..."
and again, "My God, My God, why..."
In praying the Psalms, the prayers of his tradition, Jesus gained that inner strength.
Today we have an experience of Jesus in prayer. He goes to the mountain and in prayer he is transfigured.
Lent invites us to know more deeply the Christ of faith and we can only do so in prayer.
Take some time today for private, personal prayer.
Pax et bonum.
I have heard the Gospel of Luke referred to as "the Gospel of Prayer". Jesus is a man of prayer and Luke focuses on time that Jesus spent in prayer.
+Through prayer, Jesus knew intimately his Father
+Through prayer Jesus understood his mission
+Through prayer Jesus gained the strength needed to embrace his passion and death.
Even on the cross, Jesus prayed. He prayed for his persecutors. "Father, forgive them..."
and again, "My God, My God, why..."
In praying the Psalms, the prayers of his tradition, Jesus gained that inner strength.
Today we have an experience of Jesus in prayer. He goes to the mountain and in prayer he is transfigured.
Lent invites us to know more deeply the Christ of faith and we can only do so in prayer.
Take some time today for private, personal prayer.
Pax et bonum.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect. (Today's Gospel).
Herein is the radical message of Jesus Christ. Think about it. Christ sets the bar as high as he could. He calls for perfection. He calls for a new behavior. Love your enemies and those who don't like you. Pray for those who persecute you and talk about you behind your back.
There is THE challenge. Just to bring yourself around to do what Jesus asks.
This Christianity "stuff" is not for the weak of heart.
...a good Lenten examen for each of us.
Pax et bonum.
Be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect. (Today's Gospel).
Herein is the radical message of Jesus Christ. Think about it. Christ sets the bar as high as he could. He calls for perfection. He calls for a new behavior. Love your enemies and those who don't like you. Pray for those who persecute you and talk about you behind your back.
There is THE challenge. Just to bring yourself around to do what Jesus asks.
This Christianity "stuff" is not for the weak of heart.
...a good Lenten examen for each of us.
Pax et bonum.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
THURSDAY OF THE fIRST WEEK OF LENT
Today's Gospel very simply asks us to be kind. Treat others as you would want them to treat you. This is not just a Christian mandate but it is a universally accepted and desired message by all faiths, and all men whether they are believers or not.
We value our personal dignity and identity. We must also see and value the dignity and identity of others.
so, when you are tempted to be unkind, in speech, action or thought, keep in mind the Evangelical message of today: Do to others what you would have them do unto you.
Pax et bonum
Today's Gospel very simply asks us to be kind. Treat others as you would want them to treat you. This is not just a Christian mandate but it is a universally accepted and desired message by all faiths, and all men whether they are believers or not.
We value our personal dignity and identity. We must also see and value the dignity and identity of others.
so, when you are tempted to be unkind, in speech, action or thought, keep in mind the Evangelical message of today: Do to others what you would have them do unto you.
Pax et bonum
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday of the First Week of Lent
As more snow is predicted to visit us again in the next 24 to 36 hours, there comes along with it an unsolicited Lenten Sacrifice.
We may well become inconvenienced once again. Normal routines will be interrupted by postponements and unwelcomed shoveling. And...the temptation to complain will knock loudly at the door of one's consciousness.
May I suggest that you think about the inconveniences of the people in Haiti, the anxiety of parents as they send their children to school in war-ravaged nations, unsettled neighborhoods in the Middle East, even the weather extremes on our own west coast. We think we have it bad.
You can easily get to the market.
The mail will be delivered without any threat of security.
Most of us have transportation of some kind.
Hunger is, at least, not on my doorstep.
So, as you are doing snow removal tomorrow, do so with a sense gratitude for what you do have.
Appreciate the silence of a world hushed by snowy weather.
Pax et Bonum
As more snow is predicted to visit us again in the next 24 to 36 hours, there comes along with it an unsolicited Lenten Sacrifice.
We may well become inconvenienced once again. Normal routines will be interrupted by postponements and unwelcomed shoveling. And...the temptation to complain will knock loudly at the door of one's consciousness.
May I suggest that you think about the inconveniences of the people in Haiti, the anxiety of parents as they send their children to school in war-ravaged nations, unsettled neighborhoods in the Middle East, even the weather extremes on our own west coast. We think we have it bad.
You can easily get to the market.
The mail will be delivered without any threat of security.
Most of us have transportation of some kind.
Hunger is, at least, not on my doorstep.
So, as you are doing snow removal tomorrow, do so with a sense gratitude for what you do have.
Appreciate the silence of a world hushed by snowy weather.
Pax et Bonum
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday of the First Week in Lent
The Gospel today focuses on praying in the right spirit. We are encouraged not to "babble on" and get too wordy, looking for quantity rather than quality.
Often I will remind people that one Hail Mary, one decade of the Rosary recited with a good attitude and with proper attention is more meritorius than an entire Rosary said just to "get it in" .
Take "5" today. Go to a quiet place and raise your mind and heart to God.
Use the Scriptures, a devotional book or just be silent and talk to God in your own words.
Pax et Bonum!
The Gospel today focuses on praying in the right spirit. We are encouraged not to "babble on" and get too wordy, looking for quantity rather than quality.
Often I will remind people that one Hail Mary, one decade of the Rosary recited with a good attitude and with proper attention is more meritorius than an entire Rosary said just to "get it in" .
Take "5" today. Go to a quiet place and raise your mind and heart to God.
Use the Scriptures, a devotional book or just be silent and talk to God in your own words.
Pax et Bonum!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday of the First Week of Lent
It's only a few days since Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. If you made any spiritual promises, I hope that they haven't fallen by the wayside already. You know - the best of intentions.
Before you burden yourself with all kinds of heavy burdens, I suggest that you first look at and review your responsibilities with regard to your state in life. Are you doing what you are supposed to be doing well? Only after you have sharpened the edge of your daily "should do's", ought you take on added pious practices and prayers.
So, Prayer - Fasting - Almsgiving.
1) Did you pray today in some way? Did you check in with the Lord? You don't have time??? What did you do in the car as you were stopped in traffic, etc.?
2) How about one bite less, one drink less, one cigarette less,- you get the gist of the suggestion.
3) The Operation Rice Bowl says it all. Putting a few cents aside (I really did say "cents") can alleviate hunger right here at home.
Pax et Bonum!
It's only a few days since Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. If you made any spiritual promises, I hope that they haven't fallen by the wayside already. You know - the best of intentions.
Before you burden yourself with all kinds of heavy burdens, I suggest that you first look at and review your responsibilities with regard to your state in life. Are you doing what you are supposed to be doing well? Only after you have sharpened the edge of your daily "should do's", ought you take on added pious practices and prayers.
So, Prayer - Fasting - Almsgiving.
1) Did you pray today in some way? Did you check in with the Lord? You don't have time??? What did you do in the car as you were stopped in traffic, etc.?
2) How about one bite less, one drink less, one cigarette less,- you get the gist of the suggestion.
3) The Operation Rice Bowl says it all. Putting a few cents aside (I really did say "cents") can alleviate hunger right here at home.
Pax et Bonum!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The First Sunday of Lent
Each year on the First Sunday of Lent the Church invites us to reflect on the Temptations of Jesus. The dynamic of a "temptation" is an interesting one. It was a dynamic that Jesus himself faced as he prepared for his public ministry.
Going all the way back to the story of Adam and Eve, we can see how a temptation plays out. Satan is good at what he does. He makes temptation look good. Our first parents were told they could not eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Satan told them that if they ate of this tree they would have the knowledge of God. They would be like God. Imagine! Wanting to be in possession of such knowledge, such power.
In the story of the three temptation of Jesus, Satan makes food and power look so enticing.
Remember the old Mickey Mouse cartoons? Mickey was tempted. An angel whispering into his right ear and the devil (complete with red tights and pitch fork) speaking into his left ear. The idea is not far off the mark. A dialogue goes on within our deepest self; should I or shouldn't I??
From whence come your temptations?
The devil knows your weaknesses, be sure of that.
He'll get you in a weak moment - tired, hungry, stressed out etc. The devil knows when to knock on your door.
Christ knew temptation. He also knew how to combat it ...
Through fasting and prayer, making the will disciplined and strong.
These evil spirits will be driven out only through prayer and sacrifice.
Each year on the First Sunday of Lent the Church invites us to reflect on the Temptations of Jesus. The dynamic of a "temptation" is an interesting one. It was a dynamic that Jesus himself faced as he prepared for his public ministry.
Going all the way back to the story of Adam and Eve, we can see how a temptation plays out. Satan is good at what he does. He makes temptation look good. Our first parents were told they could not eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Satan told them that if they ate of this tree they would have the knowledge of God. They would be like God. Imagine! Wanting to be in possession of such knowledge, such power.
In the story of the three temptation of Jesus, Satan makes food and power look so enticing.
Remember the old Mickey Mouse cartoons? Mickey was tempted. An angel whispering into his right ear and the devil (complete with red tights and pitch fork) speaking into his left ear. The idea is not far off the mark. A dialogue goes on within our deepest self; should I or shouldn't I??
From whence come your temptations?
The devil knows your weaknesses, be sure of that.
He'll get you in a weak moment - tired, hungry, stressed out etc. The devil knows when to knock on your door.
Christ knew temptation. He also knew how to combat it ...
Through fasting and prayer, making the will disciplined and strong.
These evil spirits will be driven out only through prayer and sacrifice.
Friday, February 5, 2010
February 5, 2010
Today is the celebration of the last of the "winter Virgin-Martyrs", i.e., St. Agatha. We began in November with St. Cecilia (Nov. 22), St. Lucy (Dec.13), St. Agnes (Jan. 21) and today's St. Agatha (Feb.5). All four were martyrs of the early Church and all four are mentioned in the First Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass. From the earliest times their names have been part of what is known as the Roman Canon.
We have also arrived at the secular vigil of what is perhaps the largest non-religious ritual that we have in the United States - the Super Bowl. It is, if you will, a secular "liturgy" with all kinds of symbols. It is the high priests of this liturgy that I am concerned with at times, the PLAYERS.
While not a player, one athlete emerges at this year's national pig skin festival that can teach all a good lesson in moral values. Watch for the ad with Tim Tebow as we are invited to celebrate LIFE.
It was this very life that was sacred to the Virgin-martyrs. They would not compromise their beliefs. They stood for what they believed in, their values.
Sunday's ad during the Super Bowl will ask you to do the same.
Kick-off: 6:25 P.M.
Today is the celebration of the last of the "winter Virgin-Martyrs", i.e., St. Agatha. We began in November with St. Cecilia (Nov. 22), St. Lucy (Dec.13), St. Agnes (Jan. 21) and today's St. Agatha (Feb.5). All four were martyrs of the early Church and all four are mentioned in the First Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass. From the earliest times their names have been part of what is known as the Roman Canon.
We have also arrived at the secular vigil of what is perhaps the largest non-religious ritual that we have in the United States - the Super Bowl. It is, if you will, a secular "liturgy" with all kinds of symbols. It is the high priests of this liturgy that I am concerned with at times, the PLAYERS.
While not a player, one athlete emerges at this year's national pig skin festival that can teach all a good lesson in moral values. Watch for the ad with Tim Tebow as we are invited to celebrate LIFE.
It was this very life that was sacred to the Virgin-martyrs. They would not compromise their beliefs. They stood for what they believed in, their values.
Sunday's ad during the Super Bowl will ask you to do the same.
Kick-off: 6:25 P.M.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
...I am alive...and well. Yes, I have been silent for a while. Would like to make all kinds of excuses but none really are valid. Then last week I read an article in which Pope Benedict has encouraged priests to BLOG and thus spread the Good News of JC.
I have to say that I have recently been encouraged by some who have said they miss the BLOG. Truth be told, I got a big head, thinking that maybe I have some followers and maybe I have something to say.
A few years ago, in another parish, I wrote about a young football player named Tim Tebow. I offered him as an example of a good Christian young man who happens to play sports but is not consumed by it. Tebow hopes to eventually be a Christian missionary. He, together with his family, is a pro-Life enthusiast and advocate. The Tebows have prepared an ad to air during the Super Bowl. CBS is willing to do so but ...and this is a big but... pro-abortion advocates are getting ugly in trying to change CBS's mind. Encourage CBS to do the right thing.
There is beautiful picture on the Internet of Tebow being hugged by his mom.
So, I am asking you to TELL CBS TO AIR THE TEBOW AD.
G0 to: CatholicVote.org and they will tell you what to do.
It was o.k. a few years ago for a popular singer to grab his crotch during the Super Bowl. Hardly a stink occurred as our children and young people watched this rather low, lewd act.
Speak now for morality and LIFE.
I have to say that I have recently been encouraged by some who have said they miss the BLOG. Truth be told, I got a big head, thinking that maybe I have some followers and maybe I have something to say.
A few years ago, in another parish, I wrote about a young football player named Tim Tebow. I offered him as an example of a good Christian young man who happens to play sports but is not consumed by it. Tebow hopes to eventually be a Christian missionary. He, together with his family, is a pro-Life enthusiast and advocate. The Tebows have prepared an ad to air during the Super Bowl. CBS is willing to do so but ...and this is a big but... pro-abortion advocates are getting ugly in trying to change CBS's mind. Encourage CBS to do the right thing.
There is beautiful picture on the Internet of Tebow being hugged by his mom.
So, I am asking you to TELL CBS TO AIR THE TEBOW AD.
G0 to: CatholicVote.org and they will tell you what to do.
It was o.k. a few years ago for a popular singer to grab his crotch during the Super Bowl. Hardly a stink occurred as our children and young people watched this rather low, lewd act.
Speak now for morality and LIFE.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)