Funeral Mass - Paula Minara

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Paula Minara on Wednesday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Baptism of the Lord

Last weekend was a “once in a lifetime” moment for our parish. Not only did we welcome Bishop Colacicco home, but we also blessed our ambo, our baptismal font and our altar

-          The ambo is clearly seen as a place set apart to read and reflect upon God’s word. Jesus continues to speak to us and teach us His truth, His way of holiness.

-          The baptismal font will welcome 100’s and 1,000’s of children into our faith, sharing in the life of Christ and the Church.

-          Altar has been set apart for divine worship – the meeting point between heaven and earth – where God becomes one of us that we might become like God.

As we worked our way through the ritual of consecration, I noticed how similar it was to the Rite of Baptism:

1)     The Altar was sprinkled with Holy Water – immersed in the death and resurrection of Jesus as we are.

2)     The Litany of the Saints was sung, and the Relics were placed in our Altar – Denis – Columba – Dominic – Anthony – Therese – John Neumann -    We are part of something much bigger than ourselves - the family of the church down through the ages.  Inspired by the example of many good and holy men and women we have met on the way.

3)     Prayer of Dedication – Altar set apart just as we are set apart – set apart for God.  What is our purpose?  To know, love and serve God in this life and so to be happy with him forever in the next.

4)     Anointed with Chrism – 5 crosses and then whole altar. We were signed with a cross at baptism – marked as his followers.

5)     Altar receives a garment – we are clothed with a white garment – outward sign of our Christian dignity. We belong to God.

6)     Lighting of the candles – in a world filled with darkness, Jesus is the Light of world – and we are called to bring that light.

It is so important to remember these things – yes, Baptism was a past event – but reminds us who we are. There is an emptiness in the heart of so many Americans. Among some, mortality rates are rising – not from heart disease or diabetes – but from the taking of one’s life, and from substance abuse and overdoses. There is a growing disconnect from God and faith.

There is a purpose, there is meaning, and we come together at this altar every week to strengthen our selves and one another in that belief.

Mary, Mother of God

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Holy Day of Obligation

Tuesday, December 31
5:30 pm

Wednesday, January 1
8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 noon

A Hidden Life

This year marked the 75^th anniversary of D-Day – the Liberation of Europe. The FDR Library in Hyde Park has a special exhibit examining D-Day – and the relationship between President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.

The question was – What to do about Hitler and the Nazi’s? Leaders before Churchill tried to negotiate with him. Churchill famously said you don’t negotiate with the tiger when your head is in his mouth! Churchill understood exactly right the threat of Hitler and that Britain and the free world had to be defended at all costs. His challenge was to convince FDR and the Americans of the threat.

But what about those who lived under Hitler’s rule? That’s the subject of Terrence Malik’s new film – A Hidden Life. Based on a true story, Franz Jagenstatter and his wife Fanny live in Austria in the Alps. War has come, and Franz serves in the army until France is defeated. Farmers are sent home until needed again. But now he learns that all soldiers must swear an oath of allegiance to Hitler. Everyone in the village is prepared to do so, but not Franz. He cannot, in conscience, swear an oath to a man who is an invader of countries, who destroys life.

The film shows how this decision affects Franz, his village and his family. He most certainly will die if he does not change his decision. His sacrifice will change nothing. The war will go on. No one will follow his example. His family will be without him.

And yet, he cannot change his decision. He is a man of deep faith. He knows the truth. He must follow his conscience. Equally heroic is his wife. She stands by her husband while knowing the cost to her. She too understands that the hidden life, the moral life of a person, the inner integrity of a person, the sacredness of free will, is everything.

It is a very disturbing film. After 3 hours, no one moved at the end. It really made you think – about how Franz – a man who has been declared Blessed by the Catholic Church - stood for the truth at great cost. And what about me?

The church is in great need of cleansing and renewal, and it must begin with me. Corners cannot be cut. Life must be lived authentically. No one else may know – but God knows, and I know. I must strive to be the priest God has called me to be.

The same is true with our families. We need to become the best dads and best moms, the best husbands and the best wives possible. To love our spouses completely and totally. To be faithful to the teachings of Jesus. To live the hidden life in the light of God’s truth. St. Joseph knew what must be done. He had to protect his family at all costs. And he did so with great personal sacrifice. Mary and Joseph always asked – what does God want of us? And they tried to do it – no compromise – just the Truth.

Franz is told if he just changes his mind and swears loyalty to Hitler, he will be set free. He replies, “But I am free.” As George Eliot wrote – “The growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts, and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number of people who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.”  Have faith – we will make a difference!

Funeral Mass - Frances Gurski

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Frances Gurski on Saturday, January 4 at 10:00 am. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - Loretta Menchen

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Loretta Menchen on Monday, December 30 at 11:15 am. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - Thomas Albanese

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Thomas Albanese on Monday, December 30 at 10:00 am. Please pray for him and for his family.