Sunday, May 26, 2013

Funeral Mass - Rita F. Kenny

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Rita Kenny on Thursday, May 30 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for Rita and for her family.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a time to remember the many sacrifices offered on our behalf that our nation might be free. We particularly remember all who made the supreme sacrifice. Memorial Day Mass will be offered at 9:00 a.m. Then, we will participate in the Warwick Valley Parade by offering prayers at St. Stephen's cemetery. All of our parish offices will be closed on Monday.

Homily Reflections Trinity Sunday

Here are my - notes - from my homily this weekend:

Pope Francis front page of Times again

Really stirring things up
Benedict a brilliant teacher
Francis a long time pastor

Other day Pope spoke about – how Christians sometimes close doors

1) young couple comes to parish office – tells secretary – we want to get married.
Instead of saying – that’s great – take a seat – you know it will cost – or you are going to need documents instead of rejoicing – wonderful!

2) or single mother comes to parish – want my child baptized - told no – you are not married - and yet, she had great courage – did not end child’s life when it might have been easier to do so closing doors instead of opening doors.

Christian must find ways to open doors, not close doors.

Thinking that the other day – group of Warwick clergy having lunch – talking about common concerns -- realize that we have many differences - but there is also much that unites us - common belief in the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and it challenges us to do good.

Meals on Wheels – Food Pantry – Emergency Fund

On Thursday, Francis suggested that each person has this commandment in their heart – do good and do not do evil.
He was asked – but what about atheists - yes – Christ has redeemed all of us – all are created in the image and likeness of God - we have a duty to do good
But I don’t believe – I am an atheist - but do good – we will meet one another there.

Raises the question – so none believers can go to heaven?
Well – if God wants them to go to heaven – they will go to heaven.
If so, why bother with faith at all??? Why bear the burden of living out our faith?
Why don’t I just follow this easier way of doing good?

Remember parable of the workers in the vineyard?
Took some it first hour – later another groups, and still later another group.
Time to get paid - last group 1 denarius - 1st group 1 denarius
Upset -- we worked hard all day and got the same?

Yet – is it really a burden?
Where would I be if I could not pray?
Sacraments have lifted me up time & again
Faith has been a light in darkness -- given meaning and hope.
And one of greatest – blessing of walking together on this journey
So many - little words – how are you doing? – I’m praying for you – make a difference.

My yoke is easy and my burden light.
Blessing of Trinity
Creating Father - Redeeming Son – and Sanctifying Spirit
Open the Doors!!!!

Monday, May 20, 2013

Wedding - Woglom and Lopez

David T. Woglom and Diana M. Lopez will exchange the vows of Holy Matrimony on Saturday, May 25 at 3:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple as they begin to live the sacrament of Marriage.

Funeral Mass - Elizabeth Slattery

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth Slattery on Friday, May 24 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - Jack Filingeri

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Jack Filingeri on Wednesday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for Jack and for his family.

Welcome To Our Seminarian!

We welcome to our parish Anthony Giacona. Anthony has completed one year of studies at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers. He has been assigned to our parish to "put into practice" what he has learned. He will spend the next two months getting involved in the many aspects of parish life. We are delighted that he is here in Warwick with us. Please pray for him and for all the young men who are studying for the priesthood.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Funeral Mass - Mary Herbert

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Mary Herbert on Friday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for Mary and for her family.

Ascension Thursday

Ascension Thursday is a Holyday of Obligation. Masses will be offered at 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and at 7:30 p.m.

Thanks For Your Prayers!

My "ablation" at NYU Langone went very well. It will take a few more months to determine if I am "cured" of atrial fibulation. Thank you for your support and for all your prayers! I returned to the parish on Monday, May 6. I am still suffering from the effects of the procedure, including reduced energy and "gastro issues" caused by the medicine, but this should all get better in time. Thanks for your patience as I get back up to speed.