Mary, Mother of God

Reminder - Mary, Mother of God, January 1st IS NOT A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION THIS YEAR. Join us for Morning Mass at 9:00 a.m. All parish offices will be closed. The Adoration Chapel will be closed. Happy New Year!

Holy Family

Recently, a couple traveled the world to receive advice – keys to have a happy marriage

USA – laughter and sense of humor

Israel – Self care

Denmark – put marriage first (put your phone away at meals)

Tanzania – support from friends and family

Mexico – communicate – listen

India – show gratitude

If you are like me – good answers, but something is missing?

A couple, after a number of years, realized their marriage was in trouble. One partner felt it was worth saving, but how?

They were both imperfect but realized he could not change other but he could change himself.

He felt it came down to one simple question – “How can I make your day better?” Must ask sincerely with willingness to do what was needed.

He tried it “How can I make your day better?”  Clean the kitchen – and he did.

Next day – “How can I make your day better?” Clean the garage, and he did.

Next day – “How can I make your day better?” Nothing. He asked for the next two weeks – nothing.

Then she said – I should be asking you!

Now they begin each day – “How can I make your day better?”

Now, we are getting closer! 

Expression in Italian  “Ti Voglio Bene”   Could mean – I love you.  

But a closer translation is  “I want good for you!”

Love is willing the good of the other. By asking – how can I make your day better – how can I love you even more??!!!    And if God is love, when love grows, God grows!

Now we are very close to the key – how to be a Holy Family – to be holy is to do God’s will in everything – to love as God loves.

Pray as a family

Works of mercy together

Meals together

Bless one another

Practice what you preach.

Prayer for Families by Mother Theresa

Heavenly Father,
you have given us the model of life
in the Holy Family of Nazareth.
Help us, O Loving Father,
to make our family another Nazareth
where love, peace and joy reign.
May it be deeply contemplative,
intensely eucharistic,
revived with joy.

Help us to stay together in joy
and sorrow in family prayer.
Teach us to see Jesus in the members of our families,
especially in their distressing disguise.
May the eucharistic heart of Jesus 
make our hearts humble like his
and help us to carry out our family duties
in a holy way.
May we love one another
as God loves each one of us,
more and more each day,
and forgive each other's faults
as you forgive our sins.
Help us, O Loving Father,
to take whatever you give
and give whatever you take with a big smile.

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
cause of our joy, pray for us.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Holy Guardian Angels,
be always with us,
guide and protect us.

Amen

Wedding - Michael Ginexi & Suzanne Konunchuk

The Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony will be exchanged by Michael Ginexi and Suzanne Konunchuk on Saturday, December 30 at 1:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Funeral Mass - Carmela Sacco

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Carmela Sacco on Saturday, December 30 at 11:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - Catherine DiGiacomo

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Catherine DiGiacomo on Thursday, December 28 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - Mazia Gibb

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Mazie Gibb on Wednesday, December 27 at 11:30 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - Janice D'Antoni

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Janice D'Antoni on Wednesday, December 27 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

CHRISTMAS EVE

Masses at 4:00 p.m. in Church & School, 6:00 p.m. & Midnight

CHRISTMAS DAY

Masses at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon

ST. STEPHEN DAY - Dec 26

Mass at 8:00 a.m.  Offices Closed

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Funeral Mass - Michael McCauley

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Michael McCauley on Friday, December 22 at 10:30 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Funeral Mass - Mary Egan

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Mary Egan on Friday, December 22 at 9:30 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Joyce Ciachin on Monday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Wedding - Peter Leon and Laura Epifano

Peter Leon and Laura Epifano will exchange the Sacred Vows of Holy Matrimony on Saturday, December 16 at 3:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Funeral Mass - Lillian Lobas

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Lillian Lobas on Thursday, December 14 at 10:30 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - Edward Donohue

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Edward Donohue on Tuesday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Immaculate Conception

Friday, December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be offered on Thursday, December 7 at 5:30 pm and on Friday, December 8 at 7:00 am, 10:00 am and at 7:30 pm.

Funeral Mass - Fred Palmieri

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Fred Palmieri on Monday, December 4 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Adventus

Right before Christmas – 1192 - Richard the Lionheart was captured near Vienna as he returned from the Crusades. Normally any Crusader is guaranteed safe passage home, but Richard had made a number of enemies. His captors demanded a huge ransom – and they kept him in prison over 2 years until it was paid.

He would understand our Advent hymn very well – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and ranson captive Israel! Set us free Lord. We await you!

Advent -       Adventus – “coming”   who is Coming? - Christ

3 Comings

In Bethlehem – history

Each day – mystery

End of time – majesty

1)      Came in History

Emperor Hadrian very famous for building 126 AD the Pantheon in Rome– also in 135 built a Temple in Bethlehem = on spot where early Christians built a shrine marking the spot of the birth of Christ! He marked the spot forever! – Constantine 327 built Church of Nativity- present church 6^th century   oldest surviving church in Holy Land

Used to have huge door – but enemies would ride horses in  - so they made it very small -  have to bow. Then you go down steps – see the star on the floor – and there you are!

Believe that Messiah was born here  - Word Became Flesh! changed the history of the human race – why we celebrate Christmas -  Mass of Christ

2)      Comes in Mystery

Tragedy of first Christmas – so few recognized what happened.  

Even today – so few recognize that Jesus is STILL with us.

1)      Word  -  2) Sacrament: words of forgiveness, pouring with water, anointing with oil, exchange of vows, and most especially: The Eucharist    - 3) Community (Church) 2 or 3        4) distressing disguise of the poor.        Pay attention  to the Presence of Christ

3)      Will Come In Majesty

“As we await the Blessed hope and the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ”

When will He come? – we don’t know, stopped trying to figure that out a long time ago.

 But – he will come   -   be ready

“Sub specie aeternitatis”

“View everything under the aspect of eternity”

-          is this action going to help me get to heaven, or is it going to hurt my chances?

-          How will this appear on the day of judgment?

-          Good time for Sacrament of Penance!

History – Mystery – Majesty  -          The 3 comings of Christ.

There are many ways to prepare for Christmas. The Church offers us a special way!     Let us use this Advent well -  to prepare for the Coming of the Lord!

Funeral Mass - Alba Escobar

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Alba Escobar on Saturday, December 2 at 11:30 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - Mark Leis

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Mark Leis on Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

We Will Be Judged By Our Love

Holiday season is here – sometime during the next month, you may travel you to NYC – perhaps to see the tree at the Met or the Tree at Rockefeller Center. Might I suggest _ walk up 5^th Avenue – Stop for a moment on 5^th Avenue across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral – see the giant statue of Atlas – holding the weight of the world in his hands.  The world is too heavy for him, and he is breaking under it, like a child trying to carry something all alone, without any help or grace or faith in God.  Some think it has been put there deliberately as a rejection of God – there is no God – we have no need of God - we have the whole world in our hands. It is ours.

Then, I invite you to walk across the street and go into the Cathedral. Enjoy how beautiful it looks after the recent repairs. You will probably want to go up and see the nativity scene which includes the dog “Lexington.”  Then walk to the back to the Lady Chapel. Turn and face the front door of the Cathedral. Notice a statue, very small, almost insignificant. Christ as a child – about 8 or 9 years old. Holding the world in his hand. He’s got the whole world in His hands! No breaking or straining. It is his. He shared in its creation – and now he shares it with us, as a gift.  A gift, not a possession. To be shared.

Now we can understand Jesus teaching today as he speaks of the end of that world. What we have received as a gift – have we given as a gift?

So many love St. Francis of Assisi and rightly so. But he did some very hard things. Coming back from a night of partying as he rode his horse, he saw a leper upon the road. He got off his horse and gave the man the money in his pocket. Then, he took the leper’s hand and kissed it. Then he hugged the leper. Later Francis would say it was the first time he experienced true inner peace.  What he received, he gave as a gift.

Ah, there are so many. Mother Teresa would say – I don’t look at everyone as my responsibility. I look at the individual. I can only love 1 person at a time.  So, you begin with one.

So, we do our best – one by one – as we feed families through St. Vincent de Paul and grow vegetables for them in our garden, as we listen to an elderly person or bring them to the doctor or to church through Ministry of Care, as we build Bunk Beds so every child has a bed, as we chat with someone on Midnight Run, as we make Rosaries for our Troops, as we take a gift tag today from the Giving Tree, as we all do so many other good things.

Because, in the end, we know we will not be judged by the people that we know or the cars that we own or the house we live in or the money in our bank account or the people that we know or the power that we possess.

As St. John of the Cross said – “In the evening of our lives – we will be judged by our love!”  Whatever you did for a brother or a sister – you did for me!

Funeral Mass - Benedict Caccavale

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Benedict Caccavale on Tuesday, November 28 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Funeral Mass - Alice Rutigliano

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Alice Rutigliano on Monday, November 27 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - Ann Miceli

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Ann Miceli on Saturday, November 25 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Thanksgiving

School Mass of Thanksgiving on Tuesday, November 21 at 10:00 a.m.

Hopewell Junction Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m. here at St. Columba

Parish Mass of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24 at 8:00 a.m.

Note - November 24 & 25 - Parish Offices Closed and Adoration Chapel Closed. Happy Thanksgiving! 

Funeral Mass - Rocco LoBreglio

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Rocco LoBreglio on Tuesday, November 21 at 1:00 p.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Funeral Mass - Harold Barrett

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Harold Barrett on Tuesday, November 21 at 11:30 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Doorkeeper

Yesterday – 70,000 people were at Ford Filed in Detroit. They were not watching the Lions. Rather, they attended a special Mass at which – Barney Casey - Bernard Francis Casey – later known as Father Solanus – was beatified – this is the final step before being declared a saint.

Born in 1870 in Wisconsin – one of 16 children – parents taught him to pray every day and at night the family prayed the rosary together.

Barney was raised on a farm. As he grew older, he had other jobs: cutting trees, working in hospital, driving a street car.

In time, he thought that God might want him to be a priest. He tried to study, but classes were taught in German and Latin. He could not get it. So, he joined a religious order in Detroit called the Capuchins – a branch of the Franciscans – they run CYFM in Garrison.  He struggled, but he was very holy. So, they ordained him a priest – but would not allow him to hear confessions or preach at Mass. Gave him the name – Solanus, perhaps because but St. Solanus and Barney loved the violin.

Off to Yonkers – Sacred Heart Church – they gave him a job that he would hold for most of his priesthood – door keeper.

Movie “Frozen” – Princess Anna and Prince Hans meet. They sing:   “All my life has been a series of doors in my face. And then suddenly I bump into you!  Title – “Love Is An Open Door.”

Love is An Open Door. In time, the Capuchins unlocked the front door because so many people came to see Father Solanus. He listened to them , he prayed with them, he cared for them, he loved. He would encourage people – “Do something to please the Dear Lord.”    “Be faithful to the present moment or we will frustrate the plan of God for our lives.”   “Thank God ahead of time – His plans for you are always the best.”   He had an Attitude of Gratitude “Thanks Be to God.”

After 20 years in New York, he was sent back to Detroit.  When he was walking on the streets, he was always giving his food away to those in need. See – his 2 great loves were the sick and the poor. Father Solanus, don’t do that! You are too skinny! He kept doing it – he and another friar began the Capuchin Soup Kitchen – today it is the largest private charity in the state of Michigan.

How appropriate – 2^nd Collection today is for Catholic Charities Collection – and on the day we are feeding 151 families for Thanksgiving.

I am always moved by the life of Father Solanus Casey – Barney – in the world’s eyes, he had  no great talents – but in God’s eyes???

What talent do I have?  What is God’s plan for me?  Only a door keeper – ONLY  - we are all door keepers – Painting in London’s St. Paul’s Church. “The Light of the World”   Behold I stand knocking at the door -  but he cannot come in – no door knob – the door keeper has to open the door.     Let him in!!!   Because  Love Is An Open Door!!!

Two Matters of Importance

I wish to speak to you regarding 2 matters of importance:

First, In light of recent events in Texas and in other parts of the country, I believe we need to discuss the security of our church during Mass. I have asked Amery Bernhardt to chair a new Parish Safety Committee. Sgt. Bernhardt is a Westchester County Police Officer with 15 years experienced. He is a Certified Instructor through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Program. Our First Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30 pm in the church rectory. Chief Kevin Keefe from the Town of East Fishkill will attend. I now wish to invite to this meeting any parishioner who works in law enforcement. Your presence would be truly beneficial. Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30 pm.

Second, About a year ago, the Archdiocese informed us about the Renew and Rebuild Capital Campaign for all parishes. Each parish has been asked to develop a list of capital projects. One project that came immediately to mind was to replace all the 50 year old school windows. Our next thoughts were of our church. I invited parishioners to be part of a committee to study the church. Many responded. We choose Eric Winogradoff to chair the committee. Some things came out of our study:

-         We noticed brown marks coming through the paint on the ceiling. We realized we needed to paint the church.

-         We saw how the carpet is deteriorating. We thought this was a good opportunity to replace all the carpet with tile, just as you see at St. Denis & St. Kateri. Maintenance is minimal and it will last for generations.

-         The kneelers are shot and need to be replaced.

-         We realized that the choir area needs to be reimagined.

-         We learned that the sanctuary area is not to code. The middle step is too narrow with an overhang. Also, there are awkward steps into the work sacristies, and there is a big drop off near Mary where one priest broke his leg. We have a temporary rail there.

-         We have a rolling wooden baptismal font while most parishes have a fixed, permanent and beautiful font.

-         There was an attempt to add marble to the altar. Some feel this attempt did not significantly beautify the altar.

-         The old baptism font that used to be in the narthex serves as the table for the Tabernacle. Nothing in the sanctuary matches.

-         Significant money can be saved by installing LED lights.

I asked to committee to dream of an even more beautiful church. Many of their thoughts have been on display in the narthex.  It is a work in progress. You are welcome to share your own thoughts as indicated in the bulletin. The committee hopes to present a final proposal for your review by February.  At that time, we will hold some parish meetings.

I just wanted you to understand the process that has been taking place because, soon, you will be asked to support the Renew and Revive Campaign. This will help you to understand how your donation will be used.

Thanks for listening!

Be Prepared!

Sinking of Titanic

Woman about to get in lifeboat – forgot something, let me go back

Ran to her room – pushed aside her diamond rings and necklaces

Reached above bed for 3 oranges

A few hours before you could not have given her a crate of oranges for her smallest diamond. But now everything had changed -  priceless things became worthless. Worthless things became priceless.

Bridesmaids could care less about oil. But the bridegroom was late. Now they were running out. Getting oil, any oil, was most important thing. Some were ready and some were not.

Jesus tells this parable – be ready for the coming of the Son of Man. Some thoughts:

1)    Some things in life cannot be borrowed.  We can help each other with so many things, but at some point, we are on our own.   We can encourage, can pray, in the end, we have no power. That person must decide to change. Watched mom & dad pass from this life – not a thing I could do – Ultimately, they had to face it themselves.

2) We often think there is more time. But some things in life cannot be put off until the last moment – Superstorm Sandy – when the hurricane was forecast, it was already too late to do some things.  So, we try to prepare now!

3) If we are not prepared, can miss great opportunities   Watchfulness a daily thing!

Parents go to movie with 13 year old.

Sign says children under 12 $8.00   Adults $12.00

They tell themselves, my child is not an adult – ask for child’s ticket.

Suddenly, a great opportunity is lost to teach responsibility

They could have taught child that honesty is more important than money.

Before the iceberg – diamonds were all that mattered.

Now it’s oranges.

We know not the day or hour – are we prepared?

Veteran's Day

Friday, November 10 is Veteran's Day (Observed). Morning Mass will be at 7:00 a.m. Parish Offices will be closed and the Adoration Chapel will be closed. We are grateful for all our Veteran's and pray God's blessings upon them!

Funeral Mass - Angelo LaVecchia

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Angelo LaVecchia on Thursday, November 9 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

A Servant Leader

He was ordained a priest in 1945 after seven years of study. After his ordination and First Mass, he went back to the seminary for a final retreat before going to his first parish.  That first night he could not sleep, so he decided to take a loop around the seminary.

On his walk he met Mike, the night watchman, who would walk from building to building, making sure everyone was safe.  They chatted about the lovely weather and some other small talk. Of course, he had a brogue. That’s how it was in 1945. After a few minutes, he told Mike “I better get back to my room and try to get some sleep.”  Mike tipped his hat and said – “Well, good night, Father.”  The priest said later – “For 50 years, I’ve been trying to live up to that tip of the hat.”

This good priest understood that he had received this title – Father – not for himself – but for the good of others. He was called to be a servant!  If only that was true of all of us who have received titles and responsibilities – that we are not to be served, but to serve!

Our gospel is very uncomfortable today – Jesus criticizes the leaders:

They preach but they do not practice. The word often used is hypocrite – that word comes from the Greek - it means “play actors” who wore masks for their roles. Their public faces do not match their inner truth. This is a great challenge for us – to be who we say that we are – to be the same person – at work, at school, at home, on vacation, at the store, when I am alone. We have the opportunity to be a great example for others. Are we?

They give heavy burdens to carry, but do not lift a finger to move them. Jesus does not say – do not give heavy burdens – speak the truth – BUT - Cardinal George of Chicago used to tell his seminarians – do not dump truth on people and walk away – walk with them!  Sometimes we priests must tell people - they cannot be a godparent because they are not confirmed or married in the church. But then, we try to help them – would you like to prepare for Confirmation? – would you like to have your marriage blessed in church? – we blessed 7 marriages last year!

They love symbols of power and importance. They seek their own glory instead of the Glory of God! What Jesus asks for instead is humility.  And, what is humility?   It is not putting oneself down, saying I am no good.  Humility recognizes that all I am and all I have is a gift from God. So then – what return can I make to the Lord for all that has been done for me?  It is a call to compassion.  “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!”

So then here’s the challenge:

See the stained glass window? A saint lets God’s light shine through. God’s light!

All Souls Day

Thursday, November 2 is the Solemnity of All Souls. While not a Holy Day of Obligation, it is an important opportunity to remember and to pray for our beloved departed. All Souls Masses will be offered at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. All Souls Day also marks the beginning of a Novena of Masses for our Departed. May they rest in peace.

All Saints Day

Wednesday, November 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be offered on Tuesday, October 31 at 5:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (school Mass) and 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass - Madeline Wagner

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Madeline Wagner on Monday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family. 

25th Anniversary of St. Columba Parish

Welcome all – and thank you for being here on this magnificent night.

The story began in 1904 – just around when Msgr. Thompson began his service as a priest. It continued in 1960 when a Hall was built for Mass and in 1965 when a new school was opened.  In 1988 a new church was opened and then, in 1992 – probably around the time Father James was born, there was another birth as the Parish of St. Denis gave birth to the Parish of St. Columba. St Columba in turn would give birth to St. Kateri Mission in 1998, becoming a full Parish in 2002.

So today, as we celebrate the 25 years of St. Columba Parish and the 113 years that the good News has been proclaimed by this faith community, it is truly a time to give thanks for the wonders that God has accomplished! 

Let us pray!

Eternal and loving God, today we give thanks to You for Your goodness through all the years of prayer, witness and service in this Parish of St. Columba. We give You thanks for Your grace in calling us to be Your people, for Your love revealed to us in Christ Your Son, for Your gift of the Spirit and the joy of salvation.

For the Church universal, of which our parish is a visible symbol, together, we say - We thank you, Lord.

For your presence whenever two or three have gathered in your name, We thank you, Lord.

For our parish church where we may be still and know that you are God, We thank you, Lord.

For our school and religious education program where so many children have been taught our Faith, We thank you, Lord.

For the fulfilling of our desires and petitions as you see best for us, We thank you, Lord.

For our past and a vision of the future that lies ahead, We thank you, Lord.

For the gift of the Holy Spirit and new life in baptism, We thank you, Lord.

For the pardon of our sins when we have fallen short of your glory, We thank you, Lord.

For the Holy Eucharist in which we have a foretaste of your eternal kingdom, We thank you, Lord.

For the blessing of our Marriage Vows and the crowning of our years with your goodness, We thank you, Lord.

For the gift of so many priests, deacons and religious sisters who have served us, We thank you O Lord

For the faith of those who have gone before us and for our encouragement by their perseverance, We thank you, Lord.

For all the benefactors of our parish who have died in the peace of Christ and are at rest, We thank you, Lord.

For the fellowship of all your saints, and especially St. Columba, our patron, We thank you, Lord.

O God, from living and chosen stones you prepare an everlasting dwelling place for your majesty. Grant that in the power of the Holy Spirit those who serve you at the parish of St. Columba may always be kept within your presence. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Bless us, O Lord  . . . 

Wedding - Jonathan Pai & Kimberly Levine

The Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony will be exchanged by Kimberly Levine and Jonathan Pai on Saturday, October 21 at 1:00 pm. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Funeral Mass - Frank Giancaspro

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Frank Giancaspro on Friday, October 20 at 10:30 am. Please pray for him and for his family.

An Invitation

Once Winston Churchill received an invitation from George Bernard Shaw to one of his opening plays back in the early 1900s. The note read, "Enclosed are two tickets to the performance of a play of mine. Bring a friend - if you have one." Churchill sent back this reply: "Dear GBS, I thank you very much for the invitation and tickets. Unfortunately, I am engaged on that night, but could I have tickets for the second night? - if there is one."

The king has sent invitations – come to the wedding banquet – the king! And yet - some say no – how do you say no to the king? – but some do.

There are reasons:

-       Just too busy. God gets crowded out. Sunday is sleep in day or football day. If there is a soccer game on Sunday morning, soccer will most often win. Dad = put God first.

-       I am not good enough – I don’t belong – I still have doubts – I am a sinner. Of course, we are not worthy – but the king wants us – He gave His life for us!

-       I’m good enough. I don’t need it. I’m better than most of those people at church. It’s not how good we are compared to others, but compared to God?

-       Too many hypocrites. Mozart is no less a composer when someone plays his music less than perfectly. It’s not Mozart, it’s us. And so is God. We are not here because we are perfect. It is because we need God.

What’s happening more and more – people are ignoring the invitation. Reminded – after President Trump was elected – not my President – not my God – or – there is no God.

— “Because I grew up realized it was a story like a fairy tale.” Based on true, historical evidence. Discover the truth about God and Christianity.

— “As I learn more about the world around me and understand things that I once did not, I find that the thought of an all-powerful being to be less and less believable.”  Where did we come from? Where did universe come from – scientists more and more believe universe had a beginning – what or who brought it into existence???

— “I realized that religion is in complete contradiction with the rational and scientific world, and to continue to subscribe to a religion would be hypocritical.”  I will not follow a faith that is not rational. It has to make sense – and not all knowledge is scientific. There are other ways of knowing.

A small boy was consistently late coming home from school. His parents warned him one day that he must be home on time that afternoon, but nevertheless, he arrived later than ever. His mother met him at the door and said nothing. His father met him in the living room and said nothing.

At dinner that night, the boy looked at his plate. There was a slice of bread and a glass of water. He looked at his father's full plate and then at his father, but his father remained silent. The boy was crushed. The father waited for the full impact to sink in, then quietly took the boy's plate and placed it in front of himself. He took his own plate of meat and potatoes, put it in front of the boy, and smiled at his son. When that boy grew up, he said, "All my life I've known what God is like by what my father did that night." Come to the wedding feast!

Funeral Mass - Helen Phelan

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Helen Phelan on Monday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - John Sievers

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of John Sievers on Saturday, October 14 at 11:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Wedding - Stephanie Sullivan and Christian Narewski

The Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony will be exchanged by Stephanie Sullivan and Christian Narewski on Saturday, October 7 at 3:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Wedding -Carolyn Cassidy and Rinaldo Lopez

The Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony will be exchanged by Carolyn Cassidy and Rinaldo Lopez on Saturday, October 7 at 1:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Funeral Mass - Bernabella Hu

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in Spanish for the repose of the soul of Bernabella Hu on Wednesday, October 4 at 9:30 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Jesus Emptied Himself and Became Obedient

Two sisters were babysitters. A young couple hired one of them. When they got home, the home was a mess, the kids looked tired and the babysitter was half asleep on the couch. The next day, however, the kids said their babysitter was a lot of fun. She helped them do their chores and homework and said their prayers with them. But this did not change their decision – never again.

The next time they hired the other sister. When they got home, the home was tidy and the kids were asleep. The sitter said – they were like angels – so they gave her an extra tip. The next day, the kids complained. She yelled at them, called her boyfriend instead of helping them and forced them to go to bed early.

So, you’re the parent – which one will you hire the next time?

Jesus speaks of a man who had two sons.  Told one – go out to the vineyard today. No – but thought about it and then he went. Then told the other one – you go too – and he said yes – but never went.

Some thoughts:

1)     Important to do what we say we are going to do.   A young widow was left with 2 children. During the wake for her husband, many came up to her and told her they would be there for her. As the year went on – some were but some were not – not even call or visit.   CS Lewis fought in WW1. His buddy told him – if anything happened to him, please look after his wife and daughter.  Something did – and Lewis kept his word. Sometimes the woman was ungrateful, rude and arrogant. But he made a promise, and he kept it.  Just like so many here!

2)     A key to a successful life is to be a promise keeper. Before he went into politics, Abraham Lincoln and a partner owned a store. Eventually the store went under and the partner died. He had a pile of debt. I will repay everyone. It took him 15 years, but he repaid every last cent. Not surprising he became a great President.

3)     We want to be known as someone who does the right thing. Oskar Shindler was baptized a Catholic, but when Hitler came to power, he became a Nazi. He drank too much. He gambled too much. He was not faithful in marriage. And he tried to make money by using Jewish slave labor. But then, he began to see – human beings. He tried to put to work as many as possible to keep them out of the gas chambers.  He saved thousands. Today there is one Nazi buried on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.   

-          Do what we say we are going to do.

-          Be a promise keeper.

-          Be known as someone who always does the right thing.

The son said no to God, but finally he said yes! And so can we!

St. Francis Blessing of Animals

In honor of St. Francis, we will offer our traditional Blessing of Animals on Saturday, September 30 at 1:00 p.m. Please assemble on the church lawn along Route 82. All God's creatures, great or small, are welcome.

Funeral Mass - Patricia Dwyer

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Patricia Dwyer on Friday, September 29 at 10:30 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Wedding - Kieran Bastian-Hamilton and Amanda Martorano

The Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony will be exchanged by Kieran Bastian-Hamilton and Amanda Martorano on Sunday, September 24 at 3:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Wedding - Andrew Race and Erin Dennehy

The Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony will be exchanged by Andrew Race and Erin Dennehy on Saturday, September 23 at 3:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Wedding - James Murphy and Virginia Kurlander

The Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony will be exchanged by James Murphy and Virginia Kurlander on Saturday, September 23 at 1:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Wedding - Scott Devecchio and Eileen Carey

The Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony will be exchanged by Scott Devecchio and Eileen Carey on Friday, September 22 at 3:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Funeral Mass - Richard Gione

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Richard Gione on Friday, September 15 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Funeral Mass - Christine Heinrich

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Christine Heinrich on Tuesday, September 5 at 11:30 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

"The Grunt Padre"

Delighted so see EWTN recently aired a film on the life of Father Vincent Capodanno, the Grunt Padre. Tomorrow marks the 50^th anniversary of his death in Vietnam.

His dad emigrated from Italy and met his mom in Brooklyn. They married, and later, they moved to Staten Island.  They were a wonderful Italian family – center was family and faith. On Vincent’s 10^th birthday, his dad suddenly died, and his mom had 9 children to care for. All pitched in. As Vincent grew older, he began to think on the priesthood – as a missionary. He entered Maryknoll in Ossining and was ordained in 1958. He was sent to Taiwan for 6 years, and then to Hong Kong. But he was not settled. He wanted to go where he was really needed. He asked permission to enter the Chaplains Corps. In April 1966, he was sent as chaplain to the Marines in Da Nang, Vietnam.

There he became the best known and most sought after Chaplain. They called him the Grunt Padre because he was one of them, with them everywhere. While serving his Marines, they noticed his deep respect for the Vietnamese people. He never picked up a gun, but he was engaged in warfare – for the souls of all he met.

On this day, today, 50 years ago, he offered 3 Masses for his marines. Then he went with them to battle. They were vastly outnumbered that day. It was said that if you received 3 purple hearts, you would be sent home. First, Father Vincent was wounded in the hand. Later, the shoulder, Finally, while trying to help a corpsmans, he was shot 27 times.  He was sent home. Later, for trying to save so many lives that day, he would receive our nation’s highest honor – The Medal of Honor.

Peter said – no crosses – Jesus says, sometimes you must pick up your cross and follow me.

So many crosses – so many that we all carry – sickness, money, care for elderly, children, work. 

We continue on – we pick up our crosses and keep going!

Sixteen years ago, a Franciscan priest preached a homily to a group of firefighters, men and women who see and carry the cross each day.

He said: “That’s the way it is. Good days. And bad days. Up days. And down days. Sad days. Happy days. But never a boring day on this job. You do what God has called you to do. You show up. You put one foot in front of another. You get on the rig and you go out and do your job – which is a mystery. And a surprise. You have no idea when you get on that rig.  No matter how big the call. No matter how small. You have no idea what God is calling you to. But He needs you. He needs me. He needs all of us.    Father Mychal Judge, first casualty 9/11. His last homily – 9/10 2001.

Jesus told Peter – get behind me – we get behind Him – we get behind Jesus as we carry our crosses  – for we know that this is the way that leads to the kingdom.

Funeral Mass - Robert Speckman

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Robert Speckman on Monday, September 4 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Labor Day

Monday, September 4 is Labor Day, a National Holiday. Morning Mass will be at 8:00 a.m. Our Parish Offices will be closed and the Adoration Chapel will be closed. 

Funeral Mass - Gerard Docherty

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Gerard Docherty on Tuesday, September 5 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Wedding - Anthony Romano and Candace Bryson

Anthony Romano and Candace Bryson will exchange the vows of Holy Matrimony on Sunday, September 3 at 3:30 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Funeral Mass - Edward Golden

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Edward Golden on Saturday, September 2 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

No Room For Hate

Opening – Stem cell researchers discovered that mothers retain in their bodies cells that belong to their children. The cells have all the kid’s DNA, not just mom’s half. They somehow migrate during pregnancy. Mary has Jesus cells in her body. If he rose, why wouldn’t she?

Three great moments in Mary’s life

1)     Annunciation – Mary says Yes. The angel called her Full of Grace – Mary, the new Eve, has been born free from Original Sin. Creation begins anew in her.

2)     Incarnation – Through Mary, the Word become flesh – God becomes one of us!

3)     Assumption – One of the effects of sin is death as we know it. Mary instead gently returns to the Father. Where she has gone, we hope to follow.

All this points to the love God has for His people – if only we were to have the same love for one another!

Last Spring there was a gathering of almost 200 people in the chapel of Georgetown University – they were united in a common bond – back in 1838, 272 of their ancestors were sold as slaves to finance the college.  Sandra Thomas spoke for them – “Their pain is unparalleled. Their pain is still here. It burns in the soul of every person of African American origin in the US.”

Thankfully, Georgetown initiated this gathering and is taking many steps to rectify this wrong. But the question is still – Why? How could this have happened – a Church that is supposed to see through Jesus and Mary the sanctity of all human life!

It continues of course – the events in Charlottesville have been awful. Might we say it again: Racism and Christianity are not compatible. If you are a racist, you are not a Christian. There is no place in America for hate. Hatred is not welcome here. That is not who we are!

Nice religious feast – Assumption – but with profound implications. We are children of Jesus and Mary – we are all children of God.  

Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady

Tuesday, August 15 is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be offered on Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. and on Tuesday at 7:00 a.m., 12:00 noon and at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass - Linda P. Gallery

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Linda Gallery on Wednesday, August 16 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

The Lost Art of Walking on Water

Mark Twain was visiting Holy Land. He wanted to go on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. How much do you charge? – they saw his white suit – a rich Texan - $25.00 -  Twain said - no wonder Jesus walked!

There was a plaque on desk of President Kennedy. Admiral Rickover would give it to submarine captains. In the Spring of 1963 he gave one to President Kennedy. “O God, Thy Sea is so great & my boat is so small.”  Some attribute the quote to St. Brendan the Navigator.

In our Gospel, Jesus had just been told of the death of his cousin, John the Baptist. He has fed the 5,000 with the loaves and fish.  Now he goes off to a mountain to pray while he send his disciples across the lake in a boat.

Goes to the mountain to pray.  Mountains are high – closest to heaven. A place of encounter with God.  He had to do like Elijah  -  tiny whispering sound.  Had to be still and listen – really listen    Poet Noel Crowell    “Hold up your cup, dear child, for God to fill. He only asks today that you be still.”

Jesus goes to pray – because he wants to be with his Father -  he needs strength, love, hope.  But, prayer also connects him even more deeply to his disciples – Jesus brought to prayer all their cares and worries.  People always ask me - Pray for me – be assured that I do – I carry your prayers in my heart & I put you on the altar each day.

That day, prayer caused him to leave the mountain & go to His disciples.

As Jesus came walking across the water, his disciples were no longer afraid of the storm – they were afraid of Him!     He said: Take courage -  It is I  (ego emi – Moses at the bush) Do not be afraid  (70 times in NT)

Peter asks – can I come to you?  “Come!”  And for a while, one of us, Peter, is walking on water!  But what happened?  What was his mistake?  He began to look around.  Like when I am climbing a height – do not look down!!!   He looked and saw what was actually going on. He took his eyes OFF Jesus.  Then he began to sink.   Save Me!!!    Jesus reached out His hand  - why did you falter?

St. John Vianny the Cure of Ars saw a farmer sitting in church – what are you doing?  I look at Him – He looks at  me.

Calmest place in a hurricane – the eye – keep our eye on him!

“O God, Thy sea is so great and my boat is so small!”

Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus!  With all worries about finance, children, jobs, health, elderly parents, marriage, world conflicts  - Keep our eyes on Jesus – and we might find ourselves walking on water, too!!!

Transfiguration

Thanks for being here today. Interesting how our journeys have brought us together here at this time and at this place. Is this an accident?

Jesus and his disciples are also on a journey – to Jerusalem. A few days before, Jesus asked them – who do people say that I am?  Some say the Baptist, Elijah, one of the prophets. Now – who do you say I am? – Peter said – you are the Christ – the Anointed One.  Now they were ready, but be prepared – I am going to be rejected.

So, it is with mixed emotions that they are traveling south through the Galillee to Jerusalem – excitement and fear. Jesus now decides to take them up a mountain – Mount Tabor – it stands alone – very steep – tour buses cannot go up it even today – crazy taxi drivers.  Up a mountain – close to God – see things in a new way.

Transfigured – turned inside out – see Jesus as he truly is – remember this now as you face the cross. It is also a reminder who we are and what we will one day become!!!

Moses and Elijah are with him – Law and Prophets – which points to reality of eternal life!

Put up tents say Peter – can we stay?  Would like to!  Like honeymoon period of marriage – cannot stay – must go down the mountain – but remember this!

Cloud = shekinah – the glory of God -  led people Israel –

My beloved Son – listen to Him – best advice possible – listen to Jesus – follow his way – they are afraid – Do Not Be Afraid.

So, our journeys have brought us together today – for a brief time up the mountain with him:

-         To remember who He is

-         To remember who we are

-         As we face the challenges of the week – don’t be afraid!!!    

Wedding - Anthony Arce and Linda LeBron

Anthong Arce and Linda LeBron will exchange the Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony on Sunday, July 23 at 3:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Wedding - Andrea Miele and Donn Shaver

Andrea Miele and Donn Shaver will exchange the Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony on Saturday, July 22 at 1:00 p.m. at the Marist College Chapel. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Sowing Seeds

I want to start a garden – he told the owner of the garden center – but my yard is a problem. I get blazing sun in the afternoon for two hours, but otherwise it’s all shade. How about the soil? – Hard clay, lots of rocks. What do you recommend I plant?  Why don’t you check out aisle 2 – we have a new supply of Birdbaths and flag poles!

Passing on the faith is just like planting – sometimes there are many obstacles. Unlike modern farming, where seeds are put in nice straight rows, the farmers of Jesus time just tossed the seed. It landed in all sorts of places:

Some fell on hard soil. Saw on “CBS This Morning” New on line grocer called “Brandless.” Sell about 200 products – everything is $3.00. They sell directly to consumers, saving people money.  Owners say 78% of customers are millennials born between 1981-1997 or so.  They:

-          Don’t want to buy products they grew up with

-          Don’t want their parents government

-          Don’t want their parents institutions

-          Don’t want to go with brands.

Soil is hard!!!

Some fell on rocky ground – no roots

Was a time we valued things like motherhood, fatherhood, fraternity, civic involvement, church involvement – this has given way to SAT scores and future earning power.   Marriage and religious participation is being replaced by striving for money, power, prestige.

Instead of bringing happiness – has led to great loss of meaning and hope. Since the 1980’s loneliness among adults in USA increased from 20% to 40 %.   Social isolation is now a major public health crisis – on par with cancer & heart disease.  Life expectancy of Americans is decreasing for first time since 1930’s.  I don’t have to tell you – drugs, suicide is now 2^nd leading cause of death among teens and young adults.    NO ROOTS!

Some fell among briars & choked it. Two brothers were Christians – Clarence & Robert. Clarence involved with civil rights &Robert was a lawyer. Once Clarence asked Robert for legal help – no, it could hurt my career. I thought you were a follower of Christ?  -  only to a point, I am not following him onto the cross.  Robert, you are not a follower of Christ, only an admirer.  Faith choked!

Some found good soil – we realize the difference faith can make –   

Beautiful Vacation Bible School – Sister Marie teaching Catechists about their faith – collecting clothing & food for homeless for Midnight Run – St. Joseph’s Men’s group delivering beds to the poor – and our own garden out back – delicious vegetables for the food pantry

So – we keep throwing the seed – and we don’t give up - because we have something here – a light in the darkness – THE way to experience peace, fulfillment and joy!