Parish Office and Adoration Chapel

Parish Office

Monday, December 31 - Open 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

Tuesday, January 1 - Closed

Adoration Chapel

Closed Monday, December 31 & Tuesday, January 1

Happy New Year!

Mary, Mother of God - Holy Day of Obligation

Tuesday is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Here is our Mass Schedule:

Monday, December 31 - Mass at 5:30 pm
Tuesday, January 1 - Masses at 8:00 am, 10:00 am & 12:00 noon.

Happy New Year!

Holy Family

We have been working our way through the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

-          Annunciation     (Immaculate Conception)

-          Visitation     (4^th Sunday of Advent)

-          Birth of Jesus  (Christmas)

-          Presentation of Jesus  -  Jan 1

-          Today - Finding of Jesus in the Temple.

The Temple is long gone – Build by the son of King David – Solomon. It was a place of prayer and sacrifice. The Ark of the Covenant was kept in the Holy of Holies.

Destroyed by the Romans in Year 70

All that is left   so called Western Wall or Wailing Wall  built by King Herod.  Check it out 24 hour live web cam.

It continues to be a holy place:

Place of Prayer:  150 psalms each day.

Of Ceremonies:  bar & bat Mizpah

And Great discussions and teachings    can you picture Jesus being there?

Were his parents neglectful? How could he have been left behind?

Funny age – 12   turning boy to man

Up to 12 – raised by mother and women.

Around 12 – passed over to the men – which was a hard transition for many.

Men & women always traveled separately

So Mary thought – he’s with Joseph     Joseph thought – he’s with Mary

Go searching – found Him in the Temple.

“Did you not know I had to be in my father’s house?”

In other words – why didn’t you check here first?

1)      Raised him centered on God

Hopes for children – happy and healthy. Should also include: holy

They brought him to temple  -   you are our son, and you are also a child of God.

Raised him with religious traditions  -   they lived it out.

2)      A reminder that there is no guarantee things will work out the way we plan.

Do our best – and then hand it over to God.   Especially true when we have tried to pass on faith and they no longer practice – keep the faith! Live it by great example.

3)      Child was obedient to them. His parents tried to fulfill their responsibilities – They listened to Him, nurtured him, educated him, cared for him, tried to keep him safe. This is the true Mission of the family, and when this is done, the world is a better place! In turn, boys and girls should trust that their parents know what they are doing – have your best interests in mind -  would not hurt to say YES more often!

So today we celebrate the Holy Family. And we pray for all of our families:

O God, you have created us in love and saved us in mercy, and through the bond of marriage you have established the family and willed that it should become a sign of Christ’s love for his Church. 

Shower your blessings on these families gathered here in your name. Enable those who are joined by one love to support one another by their fervor of spirit and devotion to prayer. Make them responsive to the needs of others and witnesses to the faith in all they say or do.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Parish Office & Adoration Chapel

Parish Office

December 24 - Open 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
December 25 - Closed
December 26 - Closed

Adoration Chapel

December 24 - Closed
December 25 - Closed
December 26 - Closed

Christmas Masses

Christmas Eve
4:00 pm in Church
4:00 pm in School
6:00 pm
Midnight

Christmas Day
8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
12:00 noon

Merry Christmas!

Ark of the Covenant

They called it the Exodus  --  journey from slavery to freedom

In the course of the journey, Moses was invited by God to climb a mountain - Mount Sinai       There he spent 40 days with God.

On that mountain he received what we call the Decalogue – the 10 Commandments – laws for living – to keep the community together.

The people treasured this gift from God and eventually people built a container for them   “Ark of the Covenant”

Placed inside:  two tablets -  and later: jar of manna – staff of Moses

They carried it everywhere – when they stopped, they put it under a tent called   Tabernacle

Glory of God would descend upon it   “Shekinah”

During the reign of King David – he decided to take the Ark up to Jerusalem

During this grand procession, the Bible describes David   “dancing before the Lord”   “skirtao”

Later, his son, Solomon, would build a temple, and the Ark would be placed in the    “Holy of Holies”

586 BC   Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem

2 Maccabees suggests that Jeremiah hid the ark in the mountains.

Everyone looking for the ark since them – including Indiana Jones.

Many years later, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to a young woman of Nazareth

Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you!   -   the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you!          “shekinah   same word!

Mary said - I am the handmaid of the Lord – let it be done to me according to thy word.

Moment of the Incarnation.

She becomes the dwelling place of God.    The ark in human form!!!

Mary – arose -  “anistemi”   same word for resurrection.   Came across the hill country – to a town outside Jerusalem.  Ein Kerin

She greeted Elizabeth – and Elizabeth said - Blessed are you among woman, and blessed is the fruit of your womb – as she said this, she felt her son John dance within her  -“skirtao” - like David dancing before the ark 

Mary was given a title 325 Ephesus - Theotokos  -  God bearer  - she brings God’s light, God’s joy!!!

Jewish Tradition – Ark in each Synagogue – Torah scrolls

Catholic Tradition - Tabernacle  -  Eucharist  - True presence of Jesus

But both limited by place

Receive HC  -   we become Arks as it were

With opportunity to bring Jesus wherever we go.

Imagine what would happen if:

We bring Jesus to school, business, home, shopping

We have purpose – God’s needs us to bring Jesus there!!!

We are God bearers!!!  Like Mary, may we bring Jesus to a waiting world!

Reconciliation Monday

Churches in the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn will be open for Confessions on Monday, December 17 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass - Kathleen Eisenberg

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Kathleen Eisenberg on Thursday, December 20 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Prepare The Way of the Lord

6 Miles east of Jericho – is the Jordan River. At that location, many believe:

-          John the Baptist Baptized Jesus

-          Joshua led the people of Israel across the Jordan after the Exodus

-          Elijah returned bodily to heaven.

Sadly – for the last 50 years it has blocked by land mines. By this time next year, they hope to have it cleared and open again.

The Jordan River. Out in the desert.

This is where we meet that unusual figure – John the Baptist – born of Eliz & Zach

Most consider him the last and greatest of the OT prophets.

Jesus took him very seriously “among those born of women none greater than JB”

Church celebrates 3 birthdays

-          Jesus – Dec 25           Mary – Sept 8      JB – June 24

He spent a great deal of time in desert – why? - no distractions – so he can listen to God.  Every now and then – put aside phone, turn off TV & computer - just be with God

Here is fruit of his desert time:

1)      He learned about Humility

“I am not worthy to untie his sandals” & “he must increase and I must decrease.”

Humility – this is not putting oneself down. Rather – realizing all is gift. It is putting oneself in right relationship with God. God is at the center, not me!

Realize – I am not in control!   I Need a Savior - I need Eucharist  -  I need prayer  -   I need God! 

2)      He learned about Repentance

Our students have been telling me about Elf on the shelf – a scout sent by Santa from the North Pole – helps Santa manage his naughty and nice list – goes to NP each night to make his report about what you were doing.

A tough one – I would not stand a chance  -  you see: Baptist knows I will sin, but I also can be forgiven – Baptist: turn back to God!

Nothing like a good confession!!!  Reconciliation this Monday from 4-8

3) He learned about Integrity

He was a person of principle & conviction – told the truth – even challenged the King!    People respected him.

Soldiers – nonbelievers – do not practice extortion, do not accuse anyone falsely.

Tax collectors - believers but not practicing – stop collecting more than prescribed

Faithful ones – whoever has 2 cloaks should share with the person who has none. Whoever has food should do likewise.

Walk the walk -   be the same person at church, in school, at home & work.

On our way to Bethlehem – need to stop at the Jordan River.

John will be waiting for us

To teach us about humility -  repentance  -  integrity.

To help us prepare the way for the Lord.

Wedding - Morgan & Bitting

April Morgan and Robert Bitting will exchange the Sacred Vows of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony on Friday, December 14 at 3:30 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

No 12 Noon Weekday Mass Dec 10

There will be no 12:00 noon weekday Mass on Monday, December 10. Instead, we will offer a 12:00 noon Funeral Mass for Fernando Carozza. 

Funeral Mass - Fernando Carozza

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Fernando Carozza on Monday, December 10 at 12:00 noon. Please pray for him and for his family.

Prepare the Way of the Lord

Think of Christmas – Baby Jesus, Santa, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph

2^nd Sunday of Advent – Meet unusual figure of John the Baptist

Sure can’t find him in Walmart!

But he says -  Prepare the way of the Lord.

You  are very involved in preparing - Presents – cards – decorating

Putting up the Christmas Tree

Think about – strange thing – cutting down a tree – bring it inside – hang stuff on it

Jesus – very connected with trees  -  carpenter – manger – boat - cross

Christmas Trees thanks to our German friends

Something about evergreen – stays green in winter – sign of eternal life.

One day, Martin Luther walking through woods – sees star light through trees – idea of candles – sure it did not go over big with fire departments   better with electric

Put angel or star on top

Angel – Glory to God   Star – star of Bethlehem

For a long while a Prot thing  -  Took a while for Catholics to embrace it -  John Paul II brought Christmas tree to Vatican 1982

The Largest Christmas tree in the world - Gubbio

Popes have blessed the tree.  3 Wishes:

1)     Looking at tree – not just look at bottom - not look just to material things  -  but causes us to gaze up – toward heaven – toward God

Wish that this Christmas   – look upward to God

Remember Baptist  -   he must increase – I must decreased  - I am not worthy to untie his sandals.

2) A light shown on the shepherds  - we too need that light – a light to show us the path of light amid darkness, fears and worries      who is our light?  – baby born is a stable – John the Baptist said -   Look, the Lamb of God.

3) Tree is made up of many lights -  Would look strange to see just 1 light   Wish is that we step out of selfishness makes us think only of ourselves  to  become lights for others 

JB  light of truth, justice & love

God of all creation,

we praise you for our Christmas trees

which brings beauty and memories and the

promise of life to our homes.

May your blessing be upon all who gather

around our trees,

all who keep the Christmas festival by its lights.

We wait for the coming of the Christ,

the days of everlasting justice and peace.

You are our God, living and reigning, for ever

and ever.

Advent

I see the English have discovered Black Friday. Police called out all over the country. Assaults, broken bones, arrests. You think they would know better.

Different way to prepare for Christmas – Church invites us to consider Advent!

Adventus – “coming”   who is Coming? - Christ

3 Comings

in Bethlehem – history

each day – mystery

end of time – majesty

1)     History

Emperor Hadrian very famous for building 126 AD the Pantheon in Rome– also in 135 built a Temple in Bethlehem – for this we are grateful = marked the spot of the birth of Christ! – Constantine 327 - Church of Nativity- present church 6^th century   oldest surviving church in holy land

Used to have huge door – made small because would ride horses in  -  have to bow. Then you go down steps – see the making on floor – and there you are

Believe that Messiah was born here  -  changed the history of the human race – why we celebrate Christmas

2)     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: Eucharist, words of forgiveness, pouring with water, anointing with oil  -  3) distressing disguise of the poor.

Pay attention  to the Presence of Christ

3)     Majesty

“As we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our savior”

When – 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?

History – Mystery – Majesty  -

The coming of Christ.

Let us use this Advent well -  to prepare our hearts!

Christ The King

George Orwell  -Animal Farm & 1984 -  “I thought of a rather cruel trick I once played on a wasp. He was sucking jam on my plate, and I cut him in half. He paid no attention, merely went on with his meal, while a tiny stream of jam trickled out of his severed esophagus. Only when he tried to fly away did he grasp the dreadful thing that had happened to him. It is the same with modern man. The thing that has been cut away is his soul, and there was a period - during which he did not notice it."

A man who lost his soul.

Pontius Pilate – 5^th Roman Governor of Judea.  Appointed by Tiberius to serve from 26 to 36.

His job - Keep law & order and send taxes to Rome.

Along comes this Jesus – whom some are calling the king of the Jews.

In time he realizes he is no threat to Rome – after all, he said - my kingdom is not of this world.

But he is torn. What to do with this man?

One hand – wife had a dream – have nothing to do with this innocent man.

Other – what was politically correct thing to do, to keep the peace?

1)      He washes his hands. How often have we done that – should have said something, done something, but did nothing?  Should have spoken – did not

A German theologian, Martin Niemoller, reflected on what happened in WWII:

 They came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew, so I did not object

Then they came for the trade unionists, but I was not a trade unionist so I did not object.

Then they came for the Poles, but I was not a Pole, so I did not object.

Then they came for me. And there was no one left to object.

2)      Sent Jesus to his death to satisfy constituents.  What was politically correct?

Politician – I am personally opposed but  .   the polls say.

No longer interested in the truth.

Famous – Man for all Seasons

St. Thomas More vs. King Henry VIII

Henry – How is it you cannot see. Everyone else does.

More – They why does thy grace need my poor support.

Henry – Because you are honest. What’s more to the purpose, you’re known to be honest . . . there are those like Norfolk who follow me because I wear a crown, and there are those like Master Cromwell who follow me because they are jackals with sharp teeth and I am their lion, and there is a mass that follows me because it follows anything that moves – and there is you.

In the last moments of his life – he uttered those famous words – I am the good king’s servant – but God’s first!

What profit to gain whole world and lose soul.

All kingdoms have come and gone.

One kingdom has lasted forever.  Our King and Our Lord, Jesus Christ

Thanksgiving

Eucharist means Thanksgiving! Join us for Thanksgiving Day Mass at 8:00 a.m. We wish all of our parishioners a Happy Thanksgiving!

Note - On Thursday & Friday our offices will be closed and the Adoration Chapel will be closed.

Behold, I Stand At The Gates

Kurt Vonnegut called it  the greatest American short story  of all time – An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge.

Peyton has been sentenced to death by Union soldiers. A board has been placed on the bridge and the condemned man is made to walk out over the water. His thoughts are of his wife and children, then he hears the ticking of a watch, his watch.  A rope is placed around his neck and, he waits.

A command is given and Peyton plunges down. But the rope breaks and he lands in the water. He begins to swim for his life. He notices a branch in the water and the beauty of the leaves. He sees a spider spinning a web and he is amazed by the intricacy. He feels the wetness of the water and sees the blue of the sky. It  never felt so beautiful.

Suddenly he hears gun fire and he swims and swims. He lands on shore and sees a flower. He smells it.  Then, he starts running – he comes to the house with the white fence and his wife comes running out to greet him.

Just as they embrace – the scene shifts back to Owl Creek Bridge – and there he is - dead.  The escape didn’t happen at all. He imagined that he had got a second chance at life – a life he saw in a new way with new eyes.  

Life – such a precious gift   “How Long Have  I been alive for?”

I have been alive for 23,325 days – 559,814 hours – over 2 billion seconds.

I don’t remember most of them. But the time will come when they will end – and I will have to stand before Christ and account for them.  For every moment, for everything I have done or failed to do, for every decision or indecision, for every choice for and against love, for every opportunity taken or missed  – I will have to give an account – without excuses.

I am afraid that at my judgment, I will see that, far too often, I settled for something less. I know that Christ is merciful, but, at this point in my life, I must take the opportunities given to me.

1)      Recommit to living out my faith as a child of God – pray, fast from sin, and serve others.

2)      Keep asking for the grace to remove anything from my life that is unworthy of my Christian dignity.

3)      Must re-order my life around the commandments to love God and love my neighbor

The gospel today  reminds us – the moment will come when we meet Jesus at the end of life. Unlike the man at Owl Creek Bridge, we have a second chance to prepare – right now.   Will I finally begin to love as Jesus loved. Will I finally begin to serve as Jesus served?

Veteran's Day (Observed)

Monday, November 12 is Veteran's Day (observed). Morning Mass is at 7:00 a.m. Our parish offices will be closed and the Adoration Chapel will be closed. May God bless all of our Veteran's!

The Widow's Mite!

Nov 11, 1918 – 100 years ago tomorrow (today) – WWI ended – the ‘war to end all wars.”  Our President, Woodrow Wilson, hoped to prevent another war by creating a “League of Nations.” He had to get the backing of the American people, so he set out on a train trip across the country.

One day the train stopped at Billings Montana. Two little boys got through security and stood right in front of the President & Mrs. Wilson. One boy was waving a flag, and presented it to the President. The other  boy realized he had no gift to give, so he reached into his pocket and pulled out a dime (a lot of money). The president thanked him warmly.

Five years later, after the President died, Mrs. Wilson opened up his wallet. Tucked inside, neatly wrapped, was the dime. He never forgot the generosity of a young boy!

Today we meet a widow -  word means “unable to speak”

In that culture the husband always spoke for wife -  husband dies, she has 2 choices – to marry his brother or to go back to her father’s home -   often neither wanted her – then she was on her own.

Remember – no welfare system, no social security -  she had nothing but charitable support.

She approaches the temple -  “Court of Women”

Thirteen containers   shape of trumpets   little signs

She drops in 2 copper coins – hear a clang -   and Jesus noticed.

Reactions of Jesus:

1)      There might have been Anger –  is this widow being taken advantage of?  God help anyone who takes advantage of our elderly. Would often see my dad with a stack of requests for donations. – but no – he would always want to help others and so did she.

2)      She had forgiven God – her husband was gone, but she was grateful for the time she had with him. She realized each day was a blessing – and you can’t count on tomorrow.

3)      ) Amazed at generosity  -   poor widow had very little – gave her all.

He was about to give his “all”  on the cross.  This is Love!

Someone has enumerated four different types of giving.

1)      Grudge giving. I hate to part with this twenty dollar bill but I will.

2)      Shame giving. I must match whatever the others are giving.

3)      Calculated giving. We part with our money with what is called, a "lively sense of favors to come." Bingos, Las Vegas nights, and raffle tickets fit in very nicely in this category.

4)      Thanksgiving. I share my funds precisely because God has been generous to me. I realize that all I am and all I have is ultimately a gift – what return can I make to the Lord???   To live in that Spirit of Thanksgiving changes how we look and life and how we behave toward others.

Another President - Lincoln

A young lawyer – approached by a man – I want to retain you – a man owes me $2.50  a lot of money at the time – my retainer fee is $10.00  -  OK  -   Lincoln receives the $10.00  -   goes to the other man, gives him $5.00   now go repay what you owe.

What we do with money tells much about us and what we value!

PARISH MISSION

Our Parish Mission will be held November 5-6-7 - Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday. Our Preacher is Father Tom Garrott of the Dominican Order.

Our Schedule:

Morning Mission Mass at 9:00 a.m,
Mission Rosary at 7:10 p.m.
Parish Mission at 7:30 p.m.

All Welcome!!!

Note - Adoration Chapel will close each evening at 7:00 p.m.

All Souls Day

November 2 is All Souls Day. While not a Holy Day of Obligation, it is an opportunity to pray in a special way for our beloved departed. Masses will be offered on November 2 at 7:00 a.m., 12:00 noon and at 7:30 p.m.

All Saints Day

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

37th Anniversary of Ordination

Pastors get letters – some – not so good – others – wonderful. Here’s one:

Preface – we invited Father Tom Berg from Dunwoodie to speak to our parishioners about what has been happening in the church.

“I attended the talk with Father Berg the other night and while it was painful to hear about all that has happened in the church, I commend you and the parish council for providing a venue for people to vent their frustration and pain. 

At the very end, I raised my hand, not to ask a question but just to say that as horrible as all of this is, I’m still proud to be a Catholic.  Of course, I’m appalled by the scandals but I’m deliberately choosing to focus on the goodness of Christ that continues to manifest itself in the church and which has done so continuously for 2000 years!  I see that goodness daily in you, Father Connolly, Monsignor Thompson and the wonderful nuns that serve our parish, as well as in all who continue to come to church, my fellow parishioners. 

My prayer is that I can be a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem.  By praying for the Pope, praying for the Bishops, and praying for the healing of all victims, most especially those directly affected, but equally important to pray for those who have fallen away from the church because of this, those who are in the seminary, and for the good Priests like yourself who have remained faithful to their vows and yet at times have to suffer the cloud of suspicion surrounding all clergy.  Not by all but by some and I'm sorry for all good Priests that have to endure that. 

I guess it's a small thing but whenever I see a veteran, or a first responder, I thank them for their service, and the Lord has put it on my heart to say the same to Priests...Thank you for the gift and sacrifices of your Priesthood and for remaining faithful to your vows. “

I know that this is one of the reasons I remain a priest – the faith community – the support and love of so many people – how we journey together in the midst of all the brokenness – and all the baptisms, funerals, weddings, anointings, first communions, confirmations - because we have our eyes fixed on Jesus – who took it all, who continues to take it all upon himself.

I remain a priest because – when the towers were hit in NYC – and people were running out – the firefighters were running IN – despite all her brokenness I love the church because that is where Christ is.

I remain a priest – because someone must continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. There seems to be so much hopelessness – never have I done more funerals from drug overdoses and suicides. Who will bring the light of Christ into a darkened world?

I remain a priest – because somehow, despite my own imperfections and sinfulness – Christ wants to use me to make himself present – This Is My Body, this is my blood.

I remain a priest – because there is nothing like the ability to say – I absolve you from your sins – your are really and truly forgiven. It is such a joy to extend God’s mercy.

I remain a priest – because I have been called – and I remember the words of my mother – you took a Sacrament. That God will give me all the grace I need.

Dominican Priest - Lacordaire

To live in the midst of the world
without wishing its pleasures;
To be a member of each family,
yet belonging to none;
To share all suffering;
to penetrate all secrets;
To heal all wounds;
to go from men to God
and offer Him their prayers;
To return from God to men
to bring pardon and hope;
To have a heart of fire for Charity,
and a heart of bronze for Chastity
To teach and to pardon,
console and bless always.
My God, what a life;
and it is yours,
O priest of Jesus Christ.

Thanks for coming to share this moment with my class as we celebrate 37 years of priesthood – pray for us!

To Be A Servant

The boy has been coming home late from school

He has no good reason, and no discussion seems to help.

Finally, his  Father sat him down

Next time you are late  -  you are getting bread and water for dinner & nothing else!

Do you understand? Boy said he understood.

This lasted, of course, a few days, but it happened – he was late.

His Mother met him at the door – she said nothing.

His Father came home, said nothing.

They sat down at table and There it was:

One slice of bread – one glass of water.

And here He was – very hungry.

His Father waited for the impact to settle in.

Then, took his boy’s plate and put it in front of himself.

He took his own plate and put it in front of the boy.

You see – the Father took upon himself the punishment of the boy. Isn’t that what Jesus did for us?

The Boy said: “All my life I’ve known what God is like - by what my father did that night.”

God did this for us –the apostles are arguing about who is the greatest – who sits and the right & left of Jesus.   No – instead – thank God – live in Thanksgiving.

Funeral Mass - Victoria Casale

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Victoria Casale on Saturday, October 20 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - Vikki Grencer

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Vikki Grencer on Monday, October 15 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

What Must I Do To Inherit Eternal Life?

Michael Buble has announced he is quitting the music industry. His son’s cancer battle has given him a new perspective on life. “How stupid I’ve been to worry about these unimportant things. I was embarrassed by my ego.”  “I will never read a review again and never use social media again.” Wow. You wonder if something similar happened to this man who ran up to Jesus: – good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? What a question! He is asking a very important question – a serious question. He is really thinking about the important things in life!!!

Jesus said - how about the commandments? Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth. For this we can thank his family and especially his parents.

I’m sure his parents did not begin with reciting the commandments – but rather, teaching him Virtues.

Virtues: Inner and consistent disposition toward the good.

And how do we develop Virtues – habits!

Example:

My dad loved baseball, and he wanted me to enjoy it too. He brought me a mitt and a ball, and we would play catch. Then, to a baseball field – a gorgeous field. Here’s a bat – let me show you how to hit. And he would pitch and pitch to me.   Now, you have to learn how to field.    After all that – now here is how you play the game. . . rules

I learned – I could not play any way I wanted.  Had to really learn to hit, field and throw.  And I had to work at it. Lots of practice. It became a habit.

Just as with life. My parents wanted me to love God, to live rightly, to seek the good.   To respect others, to speak correctly, to be willing to help as needed. And I had to practice these virtues. In time, they became habits. It helped that they tried to live them, and they pointed me to good examples, especially the saints.

Young man – I have kept all these commandments since my youth – Jesus looked upon him with love – could see his potential – the possibilities for his future.

One more thing – let go of all these material things. They are becoming your focus. You are forgetting about what is most important.

Part of the process is accepting correction. Listening to Aaron Boone, Yankee manager. He went through a list of ways his team needs to do to improve. Can they accept correction? Are they willing to change?  

This, of course, is an important role of parents – to lovingly, yet firmly, correct children. No correction, no growth in children.

Sadly, the young man would not accept correction. And, he went away sad.

What about us? Are we asking the rights questions? What must I do to inherit eternal life? Am I on the right path? Do I have good habits? Am I developing bad habits. Do I need to change? Am I willing to change?  The answer could mean Eternal Life!

Funeral Mass - Mark Trabakino

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Mark Trabakino (brother of Sharon Senno, our 2nd grade teacher) on Tuesday, October 9 at 10:00 a.m. Please  pray for him and for his family.

The Four Loves

Jesus caught in debate about marriage.

Genesis said – “let no one separate what God has joined” but Moses saw certain circumstances where divorce should be allowed.

Their understanding of divorce was much different then ours.

-          A very male oriented society. A woman could not seek a divorce

-          Some leaders – only when wife is unfaithful

-          Others – any reason, including a poorly cooked meal!

Jesus does not take the bait – he wants to point them back to the ideals of marriage taught in Genesis.

God – “It is not good for the man to be alone.” We are meant to be together. And so God gave us the gift of love. Paul – faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love. Love is at the heart of Jesus teachings.

But Dictionary – love is - “an intense feeling of deep affection.”  Really?

Now, we are limited by the English word love – love you, love my dog, love work, love Alaska – all have different meanings.

Ancient Greeks had 4 words for love:

Storge  (stor-gay) – familial love – the bong we have in our families, with persons and even with animals. A love that is constant, a love that is often taken for granted. Took a ride with my brother – loves to ride with open Jeep – just  great to be with him & talk.

Philia – love or friends or relationships often based on compatibility and mutual interests. Often get together with priests, people I went to school with, or friends I  golf with.

Eros – a passionate love, which includes wonder, appreciation and desire for beauty. Summer I explored a lake – I saw no one else, just beauty of nature – mountains, beavers, egrets and eagles.

Agape  - this is the emptying out  of self in the service of the other, with no expectation of a reward.  Jesus – “love one another as I love you.”   And how did he love?   Crucifix.  Poured out. The meaning of true love “willing the good of the other” STA.

God put man into deep sleep – took out rib. Point is co-equality with Adam – bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh. They become ONE.  Seems to me this ideal marriage has all 4 at work.

Storge - Family love, especially for children,  Philia – friends, share many things together,  Eros – a passion for one another,  and Agape     No longer about me – but about you and our children.

Health Update

Dear Parishioners,
Thanks for all your prayers! I am recovering from foot surgery. The pathology report from Vassar Hospital indicates that a 2nd neuroma has been removed from my foot. Is this the final step? - only time will tell. The wound is healing nicely and the stitches will be taken out on October 2. Beginning on Tuesday, September 25, I will be allowed to begin to put weight on the foot. In time, I hope to gradually increase my physical activity. Depending on how it feels, I may offer public Mass the weekend of September 30 - we will see. Thanks for your patience!
Father Michael

From Cardinal Dolan - About the Abuse Crisis

From Father Michael - Make sure to click his link! It details specifics about Archdiocesan initiatives.

September 20, 2018

by Cardinal Timothy Dolan

September 20, 2018

Dear Family of the Archdiocese of New York:

Over this difficult summer, I’ve done a lot of listening. Many of you have told me that you are upset, angry, bewildered, and frustrated about the ongoing crisis of sexual abuse in the Church. I am not afraid to say that so am I. This has been a painful period for all Catholics. Some of you may have heard me talk about my own mother, now 90 years old and in assisted living, telling me that she’s embarrassed, as a Catholic, to go into the dining room with her fellow residents.

Most stinging, though, is hearing, “Cardinal Dolan, we are beginning to lose trust in you bishops.” And without that trust, I don’t have a lot left.

Yes, since 2002, the Church has made great strides in combating the crime and sin of sexual abuse of minors, especially by “zero tolerance” of any guilty priest, deacon, or bishop, and by reaching out to victim-survivors, who must remain our first concern. I will be announcing some new initiatives today on how to enhance our efforts to protect children as well as vulnerable adults. I will be putting my statement on my blog at  www.cardinaldolan.org, and I hope you take the time to learn about what we’re doing, and that this becomes a good first step in strengthening that trust. But this brief letter is not meant to defend our record or provide a comprehensive list of programs and abuse prevention efforts. There will be time for that later.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that, as your archbishop, I am with you, and I am committed to  transparency, accountability, and action. That’s what I’ve heard you request.

Last week, I had the sad duty of celebrating the funeral Mass of a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, who died way-too-soon at the age of 49. There were several dozen priests present, and, as you would probably expect, the Church’s current crisis was a major topic of discussion.

As the procession made its way down the center aisle at the start of Mass, I was moved and inspired by the huge number of people who were there to pray for the repose of the soul of a man they knew to be a good and faithful priest, and to thank God for the gift of his priesthood. The congregation even stood in a prolonged ovation for him at the end of Mass. “Cardinal Dolan,” the pastor said to me, “The people here loved Father Charlie. They love their faith and their priests. They just want to know that the bishops understand the problem and are acting correctly.”

A good reminder.

Might I ask for your prayers -- first and foremost for the victim-survivors of abuse, but also for all of our good and faithful priests and deacons who are suffering, and, finally, for me as your archbishop that the Holy Spirit will guide me as, together, we face this current crisis.
 

Faithfully in Christ,

+Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan
Archbishop of New York

Funeral Mass - Grace Geremino

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Grace Geremino on Saturday, September 22 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Wedding - Christopher Butting & Kimberly Foutain

The Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony will be exchanged by Christopher Butting and Kimberly Foutain on Friday, September 21 at 4:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Wedding - Joseph Chiappalone & Victoria White

The Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony will be exchanged by Joseph Chiappalone and Victoria White on Sunday, September 16 at 3:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Wedding - Christopher Hayes & Karen Narewski

The Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony will be exchanged by Christopher Hayes and Karen Narewski on Saturday, September 15 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Kateri (due to Community Day). Please pray for this couple about to be married.