If you want some insight into the times, read (or re-read) Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged.
I say that, very mindful of the many flaws in her work, including her militant atheism and materialism and her scary elitism.
You don't have to appreciate Rand's qualities as a philosopher in order to appreciate her ability to observe and portray--and mock!--a variety of social and political phenomena.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
'you don't feel much more priestly...'
I'm sitting in the office, doing a few things. My energy is a bit low, as I've been pretty tired lately. Many meetings, long days, plus a head cold that involved some coughing last night. As I tell everyone else, I expect to survive!
I'm waiting for a meeting tonight--actually two. First we will have a joint meeting with both pastoral councils, to get a report from the school board. Given the negative economy, everyone is having to make some cuts, and the school board has done its job and will give the details to all involved. Then one parish will continue with its pastoral council meeting, which I'm sure we all hope will be short.
Here's what I've been up to--besides all that relates to the above information...
Ash Wednesday started with 6:15 am Mass. I don't like getting up early, so I set up almost everything ahead of time. I didn't expect a server--we don't normally have 6:15 am Mass, but rather a communion service, but I offered to have a Mass--so I arranged everything as if, no server. Plus, I was mindful that at that hour, people need to head to work. So...I put the chalice and a covered ciborium on the altar, and the missal, and the water and wine to one side. Then, when Mass began, I was at the altar the whole time, except for when I went to the pulpit or handled the ashes and distributing the Eucharist (one species). No homily, short prayers of the faithful, everything moved along. It still took 29 minutes, which surprised me. No one complained. Since I never sat down, I found myself thinking, this is like a low Mass in the old form, and how easily I could have offered Mass on the other side of the altar--i.e., facing the Lord. But I do not judge the moment to be opportune for that. Too much catechesis is needed on too many things beforehand. About 40 came for this Mass.
Mass again at 9:15 with the schoolchildren--I talked to them about the three tasks of Lent: pray, fast and give alms and gave them suggestions. A full church.
We had Mass again at Noon and 7 pm, but the other priests offered those. I was able to come back and hear confessions from about 5:45-6:45; one of the other priests was there from 5 pm. I would happily have stayed during Mass, but I had a Bible Study at 7pm; maybe next year, I'll cancel it, but I hate to cancel something like that, because regularity is so helpful to getting people to come ("is it on this week? oh, well, I don't want to go if it's not...")
This morning I had to write something up for the bulletin and send it around to various folks for comments, racing the clock as it has to be photocopied early tomorrow so it can be inserted this weekend. Various items came up today and kept me busy for several hours at my desk. A staff meeting at 1 pm, then around 2:15 pm, I drove down to the next town, the county seat, with another parishioner, to visit a prisoner in the county jail. All I was allowed to do was talk to him through the glass, that's how it works. The parishioner came along out of a shared concern--I did not actually know the prisoner--but the parishioner couldn't visit. I could as clergy. (I'm omitting details to protect identities.)
Then I called on other prisoners at a second jail, this out on Highway 25-A, part of the county system. The downtown building I think is more temporary. I've been visiting the county jail for some months, as a result of first one parishioner being there, then another, then another, then word got out and many more wanted to see the priest. So, I made arrangements for a communion service (no Mass because I cannot bring wine into the prison, even if I alone will consume it). I didn't actually expect to have a communion service today, I thought I'd set it up for another time; so, alas, I brought no vestments. My bad, as the saying goes. The room was very drab, just some picnic-type tables and a chair in the corner.
So, when all the prisoners arrived--I think we had about 12--I told them we'd pray, and I'd give holy communion, but I would hear their confessions first. So I began with the sign of the cross, then stepped over to the chair. I explained they'd have to whisper in my ear. I couldn't very well do it anonymously, because while I didn't feel any lack of safety, I didn't think the guards would like it if I turned my back, and I didn't want the guys to get raucous and have the person in charge--who was totally cooperative--decide this had been a bad idea.
Many of the men spoke Spanish. "Mi Espanol is pobre," I told them, "pero, yo tengo los oracciones in Espanol," holding up the book I had. Thanks to the Archbishop, who told me where to get a bi-lingual ritual book for such purposes. I still fumbled with the Spanish, but the men were fine with it.
Well, if I'd been wiser, I'd have had them all say the act of contrition beforehand, which is a legitimate option, it would have kept things moving and we didn't have much time. After every man who wanted to be absolved came forward, we continued with the communion service. It was pretty bare bones--I told you, I didn't expect it to happen today, but I did come prepared to meet individually with whoever I could, and that is bare-bones. I said many of the prayers and readings in both English and Spanish. I gave a homily about how when you receive "el Pan de Vida," you become the "Pan de Vida" por todos los hombres aqui! I talked about how San Pedro, San Pablo y San Maximiliano Kolbe were all thrown into prison, and they brought Christ there.
Then we prayed el Padre Nuestro/Our Father, and then I gave each the Holy Eucharist and a final blessing. They each had things they wanted me to pray for--another mistake, as I could have gathered those petitions beforehand.
I might add, for those thinking about a priestly vocation or wanting to foster it--you don't feel much more priestly than when you brings these sacraments into a jail. I found myself thinking, can I just do this all day? No es posible, que lastima!
Back to the office, for some phone calls, routine work, and that brings me to the present moment. Soon I head over to the meeting, after making a few copies first.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sorry...
...I didn't post my homily for this weekend.
My homily was not written out; we had a survey in the pews for all parishioners, so the homily was shorter. My homily was aimed at preparing for a good Lent, with me highlighting the insert I put in the bulletin with lots of opportunities for prayer, confessions and volunteer service.
I also keyed off the first reading--in the desert, and God is ready to forgive--and the Gospel: the Lord responded to the faith of the friends who brought the man on the mat; and likewise, we should bring someone back to the Lord during Lent. I also mentioned the the second reading: Jesus is always "yes" to us, and we say "amen" to the Father through Jesus--which, I realized as I was sitting there, is fulfilled in elevation of the Eucharist at the "Per Ipsum" and then the people sing, "Amen!" And I talked about the Manna that nourishes us during our time in Lent.
Today, I was down in Dayton at the bookstore, didn't see much of interest, and was going to go see "Slumdog Millionaire," except I suddenly didn't feel so well; so I drove home, and have sat here since. My throat is getting sore and my head and body aches, so that suggests something bad is on its way. Just in time for Ash Wednesday!
I just ate a bunch of fruit and am washing it down with some, er, um, "cough medicine"...from Kentucky...
My homily was not written out; we had a survey in the pews for all parishioners, so the homily was shorter. My homily was aimed at preparing for a good Lent, with me highlighting the insert I put in the bulletin with lots of opportunities for prayer, confessions and volunteer service.
I also keyed off the first reading--in the desert, and God is ready to forgive--and the Gospel: the Lord responded to the faith of the friends who brought the man on the mat; and likewise, we should bring someone back to the Lord during Lent. I also mentioned the the second reading: Jesus is always "yes" to us, and we say "amen" to the Father through Jesus--which, I realized as I was sitting there, is fulfilled in elevation of the Eucharist at the "Per Ipsum" and then the people sing, "Amen!" And I talked about the Manna that nourishes us during our time in Lent.
Today, I was down in Dayton at the bookstore, didn't see much of interest, and was going to go see "Slumdog Millionaire," except I suddenly didn't feel so well; so I drove home, and have sat here since. My throat is getting sore and my head and body aches, so that suggests something bad is on its way. Just in time for Ash Wednesday!
I just ate a bunch of fruit and am washing it down with some, er, um, "cough medicine"...from Kentucky...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Some thoughts on Indulgences
After reading what Rich Leonardi has shared on indulgences, I thought I'd put something in the parish bulletins.
Given a few inches of space in my weekly column and a complex and often misunderstood subject, this is what I came up with. Feel free to discuss, ask questions and suggest changes for the next time.
Plenary Indulgences available: (1) reciting Rosary in church, with family or in a religious community; (2) praying Stations of the Cross, at any time of the year, in church or chapel (or if unable to come, reflect 15 mins. on the suffering and death of Christ); (3) veneration of the cross in Good Friday’s liturgy. You obtain the indulgence by: (a) doing the work; (b) being free of attachment to all sin, by (c) going to confession; (d) going to communion; and (e) praying a Hail Mary and Our Father for the pope’s intentions.
Indulgences are misunderstood. An indulgence is a concrete form of God’s grace, granted through the mediation of the Church. It is not “magic.” We gain this gift only with a conversion of heart—which is their purpose. Also, we have a choice: to gain this grace for ourselves; or to give it away, applying it to souls in purgatory.
They are not for forgiveness of sins—rather, they presuppose we’ve already been forgiven—that’s why confession is included. Rather, they help heal the consequences or effects sin has on us. A mother forgives her child for walking in the house with muddy feet—but the carpet still needs cleaning. In ways we don’t understand, an indulgence applied to souls in purgatory assists them in their final purification. Thus, the custom of indulgences teaches us spiritual solidarity with each other.
Given a few inches of space in my weekly column and a complex and often misunderstood subject, this is what I came up with. Feel free to discuss, ask questions and suggest changes for the next time.
Plenary Indulgences available: (1) reciting Rosary in church, with family or in a religious community; (2) praying Stations of the Cross, at any time of the year, in church or chapel (or if unable to come, reflect 15 mins. on the suffering and death of Christ); (3) veneration of the cross in Good Friday’s liturgy. You obtain the indulgence by: (a) doing the work; (b) being free of attachment to all sin, by (c) going to confession; (d) going to communion; and (e) praying a Hail Mary and Our Father for the pope’s intentions.
Indulgences are misunderstood. An indulgence is a concrete form of God’s grace, granted through the mediation of the Church. It is not “magic.” We gain this gift only with a conversion of heart—which is their purpose. Also, we have a choice: to gain this grace for ourselves; or to give it away, applying it to souls in purgatory.
They are not for forgiveness of sins—rather, they presuppose we’ve already been forgiven—that’s why confession is included. Rather, they help heal the consequences or effects sin has on us. A mother forgives her child for walking in the house with muddy feet—but the carpet still needs cleaning. In ways we don’t understand, an indulgence applied to souls in purgatory assists them in their final purification. Thus, the custom of indulgences teaches us spiritual solidarity with each other.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Spread the Infection (Sunday homily)
Our first reading talked about “scabs and pustules”—
maybe not what you were expecting.
We might wonder,
what this has to do with our relationship with God?
Leprosy was a threat to the community’s physical health.
Shift our focus to the spiritual level:
What if we were just as careful about
hazards to the spiritual well-being of the community?
Father Tim Schehr,
who teaches at our seminary in Cincinnati, points out,
“the Bible includes plenty of examples,”
not of physical epidemics,
but “of spiritual epidemics threatening the lives”
of God’s people.
A “spiritual epidemic”—that’s what sin is.
If I cheat on my homework or an exam,
maybe that “infection” will spread to others at school.
On the other hand…
What if I say, “let’s go volunteer at the Piqua Compassion Network?”
That’s how a good “infection”—
an “infection of virtue”—can spread.
This is something Saint Paul is reminding us of
in the second reading:
how powerfully we can influence others.
We do that, Paul says, by doing everything
for “the glory to God.”
I got a job—thank God!
The tests came back favorably—thank God!
Our family and friends arrived home safely—thank God!
Other people speak of “good luck”—
but as Christians,
we know that it is God’s blessings.
Saint Paul also said, “avoid giving offense.”
That’s harder of course!
But Paul’s point is that our first task is get to heaven;
and second, to bring as many others with us as we can!
So however much we might find
to agree or disagree on about politics or sports,
what matters most is that we tell people about the Lord.
On judgment day, I’d hate to find out
that a disagreement I had with someone
over politics, or money, or anything else,
“gave offense” and kept that person from the Kingdom.
None of those things can compare
to the importance of helping people come to the Lord.
The Gospel tells us an amazing thing:
A leper walked right up to Jesus;
The first reading told them to stay away.
That leper was bold.
Others might need some help coming to Him.
So can you and I be bold about finding people
and bringing them to Jesus?
Lent starts soon—and many people
will be thinking about getting closer to God.
In next week’s bulletin—and in the mail—
you’ll get a list of things we’re doing for Lent:
Times for confessions, Stations of the Cross,
Bible Study, prayer, and so forth.
You may know that I was away
from the Catholic Church for 10 years.
You know one of the things that helped bring me back?
My father said, “let’s go pray the Stations of the Cross.”
And I went.
You know another thing that helped?
A coworker said, “it’s Ash Wednesday—
let’s go get ashes at Mass.” And I went.
What if they hadn’t said anything?
I might not be a Catholic—let alone a priest!
I mentioned before how we can spread a “good infection.”
Every week, over 1,200 people attend Mass in Piqua.
If we all had leprosy—that would be an epidemic.
But what if there were 1,200 lepers in this town,
who said, “Look! Jesus made me clean!”?
maybe not what you were expecting.
We might wonder,
what this has to do with our relationship with God?
Leprosy was a threat to the community’s physical health.
Shift our focus to the spiritual level:
What if we were just as careful about
hazards to the spiritual well-being of the community?
Father Tim Schehr,
who teaches at our seminary in Cincinnati, points out,
“the Bible includes plenty of examples,”
not of physical epidemics,
but “of spiritual epidemics threatening the lives”
of God’s people.
A “spiritual epidemic”—that’s what sin is.
If I cheat on my homework or an exam,
maybe that “infection” will spread to others at school.
On the other hand…
What if I say, “let’s go volunteer at the Piqua Compassion Network?”
That’s how a good “infection”—
an “infection of virtue”—can spread.
This is something Saint Paul is reminding us of
in the second reading:
how powerfully we can influence others.
We do that, Paul says, by doing everything
for “the glory to God.”
I got a job—thank God!
The tests came back favorably—thank God!
Our family and friends arrived home safely—thank God!
Other people speak of “good luck”—
but as Christians,
we know that it is God’s blessings.
Saint Paul also said, “avoid giving offense.”
That’s harder of course!
But Paul’s point is that our first task is get to heaven;
and second, to bring as many others with us as we can!
So however much we might find
to agree or disagree on about politics or sports,
what matters most is that we tell people about the Lord.
On judgment day, I’d hate to find out
that a disagreement I had with someone
over politics, or money, or anything else,
“gave offense” and kept that person from the Kingdom.
None of those things can compare
to the importance of helping people come to the Lord.
The Gospel tells us an amazing thing:
A leper walked right up to Jesus;
The first reading told them to stay away.
That leper was bold.
Others might need some help coming to Him.
So can you and I be bold about finding people
and bringing them to Jesus?
Lent starts soon—and many people
will be thinking about getting closer to God.
In next week’s bulletin—and in the mail—
you’ll get a list of things we’re doing for Lent:
Times for confessions, Stations of the Cross,
Bible Study, prayer, and so forth.
You may know that I was away
from the Catholic Church for 10 years.
You know one of the things that helped bring me back?
My father said, “let’s go pray the Stations of the Cross.”
And I went.
You know another thing that helped?
A coworker said, “it’s Ash Wednesday—
let’s go get ashes at Mass.” And I went.
What if they hadn’t said anything?
I might not be a Catholic—let alone a priest!
I mentioned before how we can spread a “good infection.”
Every week, over 1,200 people attend Mass in Piqua.
If we all had leprosy—that would be an epidemic.
But what if there were 1,200 lepers in this town,
who said, “Look! Jesus made me clean!”?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Ways to Grow in Holiness in Lent--Piqua Edition
One of the things I'm working on today is a flyer we'll mail out to all parishioners next week, and which will also appear in the bulletin next weekend. We've done this a couple of years; it gives all the ways (I can think of) in our parishes, or in the area, to grow in holiness during Lent. (Actually, I can think of more, but the flyer is full, and we have to go to press Monday!)
I can't seem to import the document into this web page, so this will be somewhat a jumble--not as nicely laid out as it is on the actual flyer; sorry about that. But this not only gives you an idea of what's going on, it also serves as your invitation to take part.
Grow in Holiness this Lent
Dear Parishioner:
During Lent, St. Mary and St. Boniface Parishes want to help you in every way to turn to the Lord for mercy and strength, and to grow in faith as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter
—Father Martin Fox
Ash Wednesday: Confession, Ashes & Mass:
Mass 6:15 am St. Clare Chapel
Mass w/school 9:15 am St. Mary
Mass 12:10 pm St. Boniface
Confessions 5-6:30 pm St. Boniface
Mass 7 pm St. Boniface
Regular Confession Times:
Tuesday: 7-8:30 pm St. Mary
Wednesday: 5-5:45 pm St. Clare Chapel
Saturday: 9-10 am St. Boniface
3:30-4:30 pm St. Mary
4-4:30 pm St. Teresa, Covington
Also by appointment—always welcome!
Weekday Communion Service:
St. Clare Chapel 6:30 am Mon-Sat
(but not on Thu/Fri/Sat of Holy Week)
Sunday & Daily Masses:
Saturday: 4 pm St. Boniface 5 pm St. Mary
Sunday: 7 am St. Boniface 9 am St. Mary
10:30 am St. Boniface Noon St. Mary
Monday: 8 am St. Mary
Tuesday: 8:45 am St. Boniface (chapel if no school)
Wednesday: 8 am St. Mary 6 pm St. Clare
Thursday: 8 am St. Clare
Friday: 8:45 am St. Mary
Saturday morning: 8 am St. Mary
More suggestions for ways to Make Lent more meaningful:
> Fast from some food, from TV or entertainment, or downer conversations.
> Give something away; or give yourself to someone in service.
> Visit Jesus in the Eucharist at the St. Clare 24-hour Adoration Chapel at St. Boniface.
> Visit Jesus in parishioners who are shut-in or in nursing homes.
> Serve Jesus in the poor at Bethany Center: contact Wilma Earls, 615-9762.
> Volunteer at a Fish Fry at St. Mary Church: contact parish office, 773-1327.
> Volunteer at Bingo at St. Boniface: contact Linda Vogann, 773-1656.
> Help with funeral dinners: contact parish offices.
Communal Penance Services w/confessions; followed by regular confession times:
Immaculate Conception (Botkins) Mon March 16 7 pm; Sat 4-5 pm
St. Patrick (Troy) Mon March 16 7 pm; Sat 4-4:30 pm
Holy Angels (Sidney) Mon March 23 7 pm; Sat 4-5 pm
Sacred Heart (McCartyville) Mon March 23 7 pm; Thu 6-6:45 pm; Sat. 4-4:30 pm
St. Boniface (St. Mary & St. Teresa) Tue March 24 7 pm
St. Remy (Russia) none; Thu 3-3:30 pm; 7:30-8:30 pm; Sat 9:15-10 am; 3:30-4:30 pm
Holy Redeemer (New Bremen) Mon March 30 7 pm; Thu 6:30-6:45 pm; Sat 4-4:30 pm
Transfiguration (West Milton) Tue March 31 7 pm; Thu 6:15-6:45 pm; Sat 3:45-4:30pm
St. Augustine (Minster) Tue March 31; 7:30 pm Sat 4-4:30 pm
St. Christopher (Vandalia) Tue March 31; 7 pm Sat 4:15-4:45 pm
St. John the Baptist (Tipp City) Tue March 31; 7 pm Sat 4-4:30 pm
SS.Peter and Paul (Newport) Wed April 1; 7:30 pm Tue 5-5:30 pm
St. Michael (Ft. Loramie) Thu April 2; 7:30 pm Sat 4-4:30 pm
Sunday Scripture Reflections:
St. B: 10 am—meet in breezeway to parish offices.
St. M: 8:30 am—in Meeting Room 1
Reflect on Sunday’s 2nd Reading.
Learn our Catholic Faith (RCIA) Monday:
Feb. 23: The meaning of Lent
Mar. 2: Reflection on being chosen for Christ
Mar. 9: Sacrament of Penance (SB)
Mar. 16: The Nicene Creed
Mar. 23: God’s Saving Grace
Apr. 6: Understanding the Triduum
Schedule for Holy Week:
Palm Sunday: 9 & 10:30 am Masses include procession with palms both churches
‘Spy Wednesday’: Confessions 5-6:30 pm St. Boniface
Mass 7 pm St. Boniface
Holy Thursday: Mass 7 pm St. Boniface
Good Friday: 9 am Morning Prayer St. Mary
10-11:30 am Confessions St. Mary
Noon Stations of the Cross St. Mary
1 pm ‘Seven Last Words’—Rev. Dale Ritts St. Mary
2 pm Solemn Liturgy St. Mary
3 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet St. Mary
5-6:30 pm Confessions St. Boniface
7 pm Liturgy of the Passion St. Boniface
Holy Saturday: 9-10 am Confessions St. Boniface
10 am Morning Prayer with those entering Church St. Mary
3:30-5 pm Confessions St. Mary
5-9pm Church open for prayer St. Mary
9 pm Great Vigil of Easter begins with Bonfire St. Mary
Easter Sunday: Masses according to regular Sunday Schedule—see other side.
I can't seem to import the document into this web page, so this will be somewhat a jumble--not as nicely laid out as it is on the actual flyer; sorry about that. But this not only gives you an idea of what's going on, it also serves as your invitation to take part.
Grow in Holiness this Lent
Dear Parishioner:
During Lent, St. Mary and St. Boniface Parishes want to help you in every way to turn to the Lord for mercy and strength, and to grow in faith as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter
—Father Martin Fox
Ash Wednesday: Confession, Ashes & Mass:
Mass 6:15 am St. Clare Chapel
Mass w/school 9:15 am St. Mary
Mass 12:10 pm St. Boniface
Confessions 5-6:30 pm St. Boniface
Mass 7 pm St. Boniface
Regular Confession Times:
Tuesday: 7-8:30 pm St. Mary
Wednesday: 5-5:45 pm St. Clare Chapel
Saturday: 9-10 am St. Boniface
3:30-4:30 pm St. Mary
4-4:30 pm St. Teresa, Covington
Also by appointment—always welcome!
Weekday Communion Service:
St. Clare Chapel 6:30 am Mon-Sat
(but not on Thu/Fri/Sat of Holy Week)
Sunday & Daily Masses:
Saturday: 4 pm St. Boniface 5 pm St. Mary
Sunday: 7 am St. Boniface 9 am St. Mary
10:30 am St. Boniface Noon St. Mary
Monday: 8 am St. Mary
Tuesday: 8:45 am St. Boniface (chapel if no school)
Wednesday: 8 am St. Mary 6 pm St. Clare
Thursday: 8 am St. Clare
Friday: 8:45 am St. Mary
Saturday morning: 8 am St. Mary
Stations of the Cross
Thu—
Fri—
Bible Study:
‘Acts of the Apostles’ with Fr. Martin every Wed.
St. Boniface Meeting Room
in the
Morning Prayer
Daily—7:45 am—St. Clare
Rosary
30 mins before weekend Masses & after daily Mass
More suggestions for ways to Make Lent more meaningful:
> Fast from some food, from TV or entertainment, or downer conversations.
> Give something away; or give yourself to someone in service.
> Visit Jesus in the Eucharist at the St. Clare 24-hour Adoration Chapel at St. Boniface.
> Visit Jesus in parishioners who are shut-in or in nursing homes.
> Serve Jesus in the poor at Bethany Center: contact Wilma Earls, 615-9762.
> Volunteer at a Fish Fry at St. Mary Church: contact parish office, 773-1327.
> Volunteer at Bingo at St. Boniface: contact Linda Vogann, 773-1656.
> Help with funeral dinners: contact parish offices.
Communal Penance Services w/confessions; followed by regular confession times:
Immaculate Conception (Botkins) Mon March 16 7 pm; Sat 4-5 pm
St. Patrick (Troy) Mon March 16 7 pm; Sat 4-4:30 pm
Holy Angels (Sidney) Mon March 23 7 pm; Sat 4-5 pm
Sacred Heart (McCartyville) Mon March 23 7 pm; Thu 6-6:45 pm; Sat. 4-4:30 pm
St. Boniface (St. Mary & St. Teresa) Tue March 24 7 pm
St. Remy (Russia) none; Thu 3-3:30 pm; 7:30-8:30 pm; Sat 9:15-10 am; 3:30-4:30 pm
Holy Redeemer (New Bremen) Mon March 30 7 pm; Thu 6:30-6:45 pm; Sat 4-4:30 pm
Transfiguration (West Milton) Tue March 31 7 pm; Thu 6:15-6:45 pm; Sat 3:45-4:30pm
St. Augustine (Minster) Tue March 31; 7:30 pm Sat 4-4:30 pm
St. Christopher (Vandalia) Tue March 31; 7 pm Sat 4:15-4:45 pm
St. John the Baptist (Tipp City) Tue March 31; 7 pm Sat 4-4:30 pm
SS.Peter and Paul (Newport) Wed April 1; 7:30 pm Tue 5-5:30 pm
St. Michael (Ft. Loramie) Thu April 2; 7:30 pm Sat 4-4:30 pm
Sunday Scripture Reflections:
St. B: 10 am—meet in breezeway to parish offices.
St. M: 8:30 am—in Meeting Room 1
Reflect on Sunday’s 2nd Reading.
Learn our Catholic Faith (RCIA) Monday:
Feb. 23: The meaning of Lent
Mar. 2: Reflection on being chosen for Christ
Mar. 9: Sacrament of Penance (SB)
Mar. 16: The Nicene Creed
Mar. 23: God’s Saving Grace
Apr. 6: Understanding the Triduum
- Dynamic message of hope from the Apostolate for Family Consecration.
- For all ages
- How to grow in Christ and stay close to Him.
- Practical—family oriented.
- Time for Adoration of the Eucharist and Confessions and Prayer
- Materials to help you will be available.
Schedule for Holy Week:
Palm Sunday: 9 & 10:30 am Masses include procession with palms both churches
‘Spy Wednesday’: Confessions 5-6:30 pm St. Boniface
Mass 7 pm St. Boniface
Holy Thursday: Mass 7 pm St. Boniface
Good Friday: 9 am Morning Prayer St. Mary
10-11:30 am Confessions St. Mary
Noon Stations of the Cross St. Mary
1 pm ‘Seven Last Words’—Rev. Dale Ritts St. Mary
2 pm Solemn Liturgy St. Mary
3 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet St. Mary
5-6:30 pm Confessions St. Boniface
7 pm Liturgy of the Passion St. Boniface
Holy Saturday: 9-10 am Confessions St. Boniface
10 am Morning Prayer with those entering Church St. Mary
3:30-5 pm Confessions St. Mary
5-9pm Church open for prayer St. Mary
9 pm Great Vigil of Easter begins with Bonfire St. Mary
Easter Sunday: Masses according to regular Sunday Schedule—see other side.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Now is the time to oppose the 'Stimulus' Bill
I am only a little taken by surprise by the difficulties President Obama is having with his massive spending "stimulus" bill. Only a little, I say, because I was confident that, if he won, even with Democratic majorities, that he would not find he could pass anything he likes--contrary to the militant assertions of so many during the campaign.
Of course, he may get this bill; but if you were concerned about what a President Obama-cum-Democratic Congress would mean, you should be very encouraged by this. The President is about three weeks in, and one wonders how much of his agenda has he had to trade away in order to marshall votes for this bill? And it hasn't passed yet.
Today or tomorrow, the Senate is supposed to vote on the "compromise" made possible by weak-sister Republican members who can always be counted on to be by their phones, ready for blandishments sufficient to bring them oh-so-reluctantly before the cameras, to declare their noble intention to "bridge the gap" and "move us forward" blah, blah, blah. I really wonder if some of these characters don't get a little nervous, thinking about the terrible possibility it won't be them who gets to play the hero this time round, because that rat So-and-so will sell out for just a bit cheaper!
But don't get too worried. The bill appears to be tanking in public opinion polls, which is terrible news for Mr. Obama and the Democrats. They are increasingly pinning all their hopes on this one bill. That's a huge gamble.
Also, a wonderful feature of our Constitution is that both houses of Congress must pass identical legislation. What the Senate seems poised to endorse is different from the House bill; so either the Senate bill must be passed -- unchanged -- by the House; or else competing bills must be reconciled in a House-Senate conference--and then that "conference report" must come back to both houses for another vote. If the latter happens, that means another opportunity for a few Senators, who didn't get enough preening time before the cameras, to discover some noble reason to balk on the bill.
But, okay, what if this turkey passes? It's a bad bill, laden with huge increases in spending and special-interest "tax cuts"--but it's not really all that different from what was passed last fall, or has been passed before. Just a more concentrated dose of the same.
So far, the new Obama Administration is looking a lot like the old Bush Administration. The big spending, and interventions in the private sector, were the gift of our former president, which Obama is happily continuing. The difference is that now, the GOP shows some signs of life. There is actually someone in Congress standing up against all this. That's a change that came with the new administration, and wow is it welcome! And this is only three weeks in.
This bill has weak support; now is the time to contact your Senators especially and tell them to vote no!
Am I saying Congress shouldn't do anything about the terrible economy? No; I can think of many things Congress could do, both for short-term relief of suffering, and long-term growth. But this stampede--again, so reminiscent of what President Bush did last fall with his bank bailout--is so ridiculous. "Act now or the world will end!" Gimme a break! Yes, it may take awhile, and we may go through some hard times, but the economy will recover.
And if the economy is really as bad as President Obama says (and one must ask if his negative talk has made things worse), who thinks spending a mere trillion dollars is all it takes to turn it around? I say "mere" not because it isn't a whole lot of money--of course it is--but because it's a mere fraction of the worldwide economy. And either the government has to take that money out of the economy first, through taxes or borrowing; or else it has to invent that money out of thin air--and that's inflation. If I take $5 from Joe, and I go to the copier, and run off several copies, which I hand back to Sally and Joe, while I keep some for myself, why should any of us feel richer as a result of that exercise? And yet, that is precisely the logic of this sort of "stimulus."
I don't mean to seem too cheerful; but one reason I'm not more dolorous is that I believe things really are beginning to turn, ever so slightly, in the right direction. If this terrible bill passes (and it's possible it won't, at least without being whittled down a lot more), those who passed it will have to pray very hard that they don't face terrible problems in the next Congressional elections. The Obama White House is having to exhaust itself -- so says the President -- to marshall votes for this, then what will become of so much else he wants, that will be even more controversial? (Big spending per se, for all the problems, isn't terribly controversial, as the last administration's sorry record shows. That's part of what I find encouraging: at last, it looks like big spending is becoming a political liability; that is "change we can believe in!")
Yes, we are going to be getting some bad policy for the next few years; but we've been getting a whole lot of the same bad policy for many years up to now; what's changed is that the GOP is no longer a full-on collaborator, and instead, actually raising a protest; and the political alignment is gradually shifting, such that politicians are beginning to sense they face real consequences. A lot of Democrats are already nervous about 2010.
Of course, he may get this bill; but if you were concerned about what a President Obama-cum-Democratic Congress would mean, you should be very encouraged by this. The President is about three weeks in, and one wonders how much of his agenda has he had to trade away in order to marshall votes for this bill? And it hasn't passed yet.
Today or tomorrow, the Senate is supposed to vote on the "compromise" made possible by weak-sister Republican members who can always be counted on to be by their phones, ready for blandishments sufficient to bring them oh-so-reluctantly before the cameras, to declare their noble intention to "bridge the gap" and "move us forward" blah, blah, blah. I really wonder if some of these characters don't get a little nervous, thinking about the terrible possibility it won't be them who gets to play the hero this time round, because that rat So-and-so will sell out for just a bit cheaper!
But don't get too worried. The bill appears to be tanking in public opinion polls, which is terrible news for Mr. Obama and the Democrats. They are increasingly pinning all their hopes on this one bill. That's a huge gamble.
Also, a wonderful feature of our Constitution is that both houses of Congress must pass identical legislation. What the Senate seems poised to endorse is different from the House bill; so either the Senate bill must be passed -- unchanged -- by the House; or else competing bills must be reconciled in a House-Senate conference--and then that "conference report" must come back to both houses for another vote. If the latter happens, that means another opportunity for a few Senators, who didn't get enough preening time before the cameras, to discover some noble reason to balk on the bill.
But, okay, what if this turkey passes? It's a bad bill, laden with huge increases in spending and special-interest "tax cuts"--but it's not really all that different from what was passed last fall, or has been passed before. Just a more concentrated dose of the same.
So far, the new Obama Administration is looking a lot like the old Bush Administration. The big spending, and interventions in the private sector, were the gift of our former president, which Obama is happily continuing. The difference is that now, the GOP shows some signs of life. There is actually someone in Congress standing up against all this. That's a change that came with the new administration, and wow is it welcome! And this is only three weeks in.
This bill has weak support; now is the time to contact your Senators especially and tell them to vote no!
Am I saying Congress shouldn't do anything about the terrible economy? No; I can think of many things Congress could do, both for short-term relief of suffering, and long-term growth. But this stampede--again, so reminiscent of what President Bush did last fall with his bank bailout--is so ridiculous. "Act now or the world will end!" Gimme a break! Yes, it may take awhile, and we may go through some hard times, but the economy will recover.
And if the economy is really as bad as President Obama says (and one must ask if his negative talk has made things worse), who thinks spending a mere trillion dollars is all it takes to turn it around? I say "mere" not because it isn't a whole lot of money--of course it is--but because it's a mere fraction of the worldwide economy. And either the government has to take that money out of the economy first, through taxes or borrowing; or else it has to invent that money out of thin air--and that's inflation. If I take $5 from Joe, and I go to the copier, and run off several copies, which I hand back to Sally and Joe, while I keep some for myself, why should any of us feel richer as a result of that exercise? And yet, that is precisely the logic of this sort of "stimulus."
I don't mean to seem too cheerful; but one reason I'm not more dolorous is that I believe things really are beginning to turn, ever so slightly, in the right direction. If this terrible bill passes (and it's possible it won't, at least without being whittled down a lot more), those who passed it will have to pray very hard that they don't face terrible problems in the next Congressional elections. The Obama White House is having to exhaust itself -- so says the President -- to marshall votes for this, then what will become of so much else he wants, that will be even more controversial? (Big spending per se, for all the problems, isn't terribly controversial, as the last administration's sorry record shows. That's part of what I find encouraging: at last, it looks like big spending is becoming a political liability; that is "change we can believe in!")
Yes, we are going to be getting some bad policy for the next few years; but we've been getting a whole lot of the same bad policy for many years up to now; what's changed is that the GOP is no longer a full-on collaborator, and instead, actually raising a protest; and the political alignment is gradually shifting, such that politicians are beginning to sense they face real consequences. A lot of Democrats are already nervous about 2010.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Our Word of Healing: Jesus Christ! (Sunday homily)
In our first reading, miserable Job calls
“man’s life on earth a drudgery”—
“I shall not see happiness again,” he mourns.
Job needed a word of healing.
And, like Job, so do we.
For many, life is a drudgery;
many struggle from paycheck to paycheck;
others would just be to have a paycheck.
Many are afflicted with by the “demon” of addiction.
Almost every week, we read about someone whose whole life is ruined…
because of someplace they went on the Internet.
Same with alcohol or drugs and many other addictions.
We can’t heal ourselves; we stay in the same cycle.
The answer has to come from outside:
We need a Savior.
The Gospel of Mark tells the story of Jesus,
The Son of God who indeed came from “outside”—
And who quickly starts making things happen.
Last week we heard how astonished everyone was,
because he “spoke with authority”—
they couldn’t explain it,
but they knew they had experienced some awesome power:
he spoke—and it was so;
he spoke—and people were healed;
he spoke—and demons fled!
Jesus, the Son of God, from outside, from heaven,
came inside—he became human;
Jesus is our Savior.
He speaks with authority,
To bring healing and cast out evil.
In the second reading, Saint Paul talks about
the privilege of sharing this Word of healing—
sharing Jesus Christ—with others.
He calls it a “stewardship” entrusted to him.
It is also entrusted to each of us.
We are talking more about “stewardship” these days—
the idea is this: God has given us awesome gifts,
especially our Faith, our parishes, our Catholic schools;
above all, he has given us one another!
Each of us is given so many gifts—and when we share them,
this is what makes our Catholic community
a place of life and nourishment and growth.
Think about all those folks who came to Jesus,
whom he fed, or cast demons out of, or he healed.
Why didn’t that fix everything?
You’d think that would be enough.
Yet, where were they when Jesus got arrested?
What was missing?
They needed one more thing:
they needed Jesus at the center of their lives!
This is what we are as a Catholic community:
A place and a people where Jesus is the center:
what you see in the physical arrangement of our churches
is what people need to see in us:
Jesus at the center.
That is our healing.
No, it doesn’t change our bodies, so we never get sick;
and it doesn’t change our wills so we never make mistakes;
but when Jesus is at the center,
He changes us—so we’re not afraid;
He changes us—so we need not be slaves to the world,
slaves to the past, slaves to sin.
He fills us—so we are no longer empty inside;
He fills us—so we have a center of gravity,
a Rock, that cannot be moved even in the worst of storms!
Jesus fills us with Himself: He is the Word of healing,
He is the Life that can never be taken away;
that’s healing that never fades;
that’s power that cannot be conquered;
that’s confidence; that’s peace.
Many ask, how can we grow as a parish?
This is how: as people experience us
as Jesus-centered people, that will draw them!
Saint Thomas Aquinas, the great scholar,
had just completed one of his writings on the Eucharist.
He was praying one day,
and he heard the Lord speak to him from the crucifix.
“Thomas,” the Lord said,
“you have written well concerning me—
what reward would you have?”
What might Thomas have asked for?
With money, he could have founded universities;
with more wisdom, or just time,
he could have written even more.
He could have requested physical healing, or political power…
He could have asked for any number of good things.
He answered:
“Nothing, Lord—only You.”
“man’s life on earth a drudgery”—
“I shall not see happiness again,” he mourns.
Job needed a word of healing.
And, like Job, so do we.
For many, life is a drudgery;
many struggle from paycheck to paycheck;
others would just be to have a paycheck.
Many are afflicted with by the “demon” of addiction.
Almost every week, we read about someone whose whole life is ruined…
because of someplace they went on the Internet.
Same with alcohol or drugs and many other addictions.
We can’t heal ourselves; we stay in the same cycle.
The answer has to come from outside:
We need a Savior.
The Gospel of Mark tells the story of Jesus,
The Son of God who indeed came from “outside”—
And who quickly starts making things happen.
Last week we heard how astonished everyone was,
because he “spoke with authority”—
they couldn’t explain it,
but they knew they had experienced some awesome power:
he spoke—and it was so;
he spoke—and people were healed;
he spoke—and demons fled!
Jesus, the Son of God, from outside, from heaven,
came inside—he became human;
Jesus is our Savior.
He speaks with authority,
To bring healing and cast out evil.
In the second reading, Saint Paul talks about
the privilege of sharing this Word of healing—
sharing Jesus Christ—with others.
He calls it a “stewardship” entrusted to him.
It is also entrusted to each of us.
We are talking more about “stewardship” these days—
the idea is this: God has given us awesome gifts,
especially our Faith, our parishes, our Catholic schools;
above all, he has given us one another!
Each of us is given so many gifts—and when we share them,
this is what makes our Catholic community
a place of life and nourishment and growth.
Think about all those folks who came to Jesus,
whom he fed, or cast demons out of, or he healed.
Why didn’t that fix everything?
You’d think that would be enough.
Yet, where were they when Jesus got arrested?
What was missing?
They needed one more thing:
they needed Jesus at the center of their lives!
This is what we are as a Catholic community:
A place and a people where Jesus is the center:
what you see in the physical arrangement of our churches
is what people need to see in us:
Jesus at the center.
That is our healing.
No, it doesn’t change our bodies, so we never get sick;
and it doesn’t change our wills so we never make mistakes;
but when Jesus is at the center,
He changes us—so we’re not afraid;
He changes us—so we need not be slaves to the world,
slaves to the past, slaves to sin.
He fills us—so we are no longer empty inside;
He fills us—so we have a center of gravity,
a Rock, that cannot be moved even in the worst of storms!
Jesus fills us with Himself: He is the Word of healing,
He is the Life that can never be taken away;
that’s healing that never fades;
that’s power that cannot be conquered;
that’s confidence; that’s peace.
Many ask, how can we grow as a parish?
This is how: as people experience us
as Jesus-centered people, that will draw them!
Saint Thomas Aquinas, the great scholar,
had just completed one of his writings on the Eucharist.
He was praying one day,
and he heard the Lord speak to him from the crucifix.
“Thomas,” the Lord said,
“you have written well concerning me—
what reward would you have?”
What might Thomas have asked for?
With money, he could have founded universities;
with more wisdom, or just time,
he could have written even more.
He could have requested physical healing, or political power…
He could have asked for any number of good things.
He answered:
“Nothing, Lord—only You.”
What's going on...
Some of you enjoy reading my "day in the life of" accounts, so here goes...
It's been crazy-busy lately. For a variety of reasons, we've got several good projects and initiatives going on in both parishes, as well as several necessary ones.
> We all know the economy is bad--result is budget problems for the parishes and the school. Result: meetings and discussions on what to do.
> I recruited a Stewardship Commission some time back, to promote engagement and involvement, with a view to re-evangelizing our inactive Catholics as well as our larger community. The Stewardship Commission is filled with great folks, making things happen. We're going to have a parish survey; some work to do on that.
> One of our pastoral councils, responding to the various needs of the parish, including the budget crunch, is preparing for some planning sessions in a couple of weeks. Lots of work! Lot's of emails, meetings, etc. Others are doing 95% of all that; I am involved in about 5% of it, but that 5% takes some time and effort.
> Will it surprise you that, as I'm here longer, more feel comfortable in approaching me with personal problems? I find I'm scheduling those meetings a little more often--why I can only surmise.
> A parish is a business to some degree: so for example, I had to prepare a memo on timecards; had to get it right; had to get input and get it out to the appropriate employees. Takes time.
> A parish gets A LOT OF MAIL! (If President Obama proposed a tax on unwanted mail, I'd think about it...) Two parishes get duplicates! All for me, I'm so lucky!
> As you know, I took a fall about 10 days ago. I'm still aching, but not so badly. I've been to see the doctor, nothing serious, I just have to let it work itself out.
> Last night, I got together with priests from the neighboring parish, for some dinner and some beers and conversation. Their zeal is impressive and puts me a little to shame! Their parishioners are blessed!
> Today I had confessions 9 to 10; then to see the doctor for a few minutes; then breakfast, then an appointment at 11:30; then worked on my homily, and got some office work done, including some phone calls, set up some appointments, went through some mail, and now I'm writing this as a "breather" before heading over for 4 pm Mass. After Mass, a break, till I head to Lehman High School for its Foundation Dinner, I expect I'll be back home by 10 pm, maybe a little earlier.
> Tomorrow I have one Mass; I just checked my calendar, and see nothing else; but I don't believe it. I suspect I forgot to write something down. But if it bears out, I will consider that unexpected gift of some free time to be mine to enjoy!
Well, about time to head to church.
It's been crazy-busy lately. For a variety of reasons, we've got several good projects and initiatives going on in both parishes, as well as several necessary ones.
> We all know the economy is bad--result is budget problems for the parishes and the school. Result: meetings and discussions on what to do.
> I recruited a Stewardship Commission some time back, to promote engagement and involvement, with a view to re-evangelizing our inactive Catholics as well as our larger community. The Stewardship Commission is filled with great folks, making things happen. We're going to have a parish survey; some work to do on that.
> One of our pastoral councils, responding to the various needs of the parish, including the budget crunch, is preparing for some planning sessions in a couple of weeks. Lots of work! Lot's of emails, meetings, etc. Others are doing 95% of all that; I am involved in about 5% of it, but that 5% takes some time and effort.
> Will it surprise you that, as I'm here longer, more feel comfortable in approaching me with personal problems? I find I'm scheduling those meetings a little more often--why I can only surmise.
> A parish is a business to some degree: so for example, I had to prepare a memo on timecards; had to get it right; had to get input and get it out to the appropriate employees. Takes time.
> A parish gets A LOT OF MAIL! (If President Obama proposed a tax on unwanted mail, I'd think about it...) Two parishes get duplicates! All for me, I'm so lucky!
> As you know, I took a fall about 10 days ago. I'm still aching, but not so badly. I've been to see the doctor, nothing serious, I just have to let it work itself out.
> Last night, I got together with priests from the neighboring parish, for some dinner and some beers and conversation. Their zeal is impressive and puts me a little to shame! Their parishioners are blessed!
> Today I had confessions 9 to 10; then to see the doctor for a few minutes; then breakfast, then an appointment at 11:30; then worked on my homily, and got some office work done, including some phone calls, set up some appointments, went through some mail, and now I'm writing this as a "breather" before heading over for 4 pm Mass. After Mass, a break, till I head to Lehman High School for its Foundation Dinner, I expect I'll be back home by 10 pm, maybe a little earlier.
> Tomorrow I have one Mass; I just checked my calendar, and see nothing else; but I don't believe it. I suspect I forgot to write something down. But if it bears out, I will consider that unexpected gift of some free time to be mine to enjoy!
Well, about time to head to church.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Condolences for Amy Welborn & family
on the sudden, untimely death of her husband, Michael Dubruiel.
I have not met Amy, but I have enjoyed her blog for several years, and she has been kind to me many times. I was looking forward to meeting her and her family, if ever the opportunity arose.
May God receive gather Michael to himself, and be strength and consolation for his family.
I have not met Amy, but I have enjoyed her blog for several years, and she has been kind to me many times. I was looking forward to meeting her and her family, if ever the opportunity arose.
May God receive gather Michael to himself, and be strength and consolation for his family.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The prophet's choice (Sunday homily)
The people reflected in the readings wanted a prophet—
someone who would speak with authority for God—
and maybe we might like to have a prophet in our time as well?
You realize we actually do have such a prophet?
The Church has the role of prophet in our world today.
Our Lord himself founded the Church,
and poured out his Holy Spirit
to guide the Church with assurance—
even, as needed, with “infallibility”—
meaning, the Church cannot, and will not, err,
when teaching about Christ and how to live for Christ.
So the Church, as a whole—all of us—is prophet to the world.
Each of us, by our baptism has a share in this prophetic role.
This is why it matters that you and I are spiritually active:
why be faithful in going to confession and Mass?
Why continually seek to grow in our faith?
This is why our Catholic schools are worth sacrificing for.
This is why our religious education program is not an “extra.”
We are prophets: Christ is counting on each of us!
Within the Church, the prophetic role
belongs in a special way to the “teaching office” of the Church—
that is, her bishops, led by the pope,
and assisted by deacons and priests.
Now, you might look to your pastor, or our bishop, or our pope,
and you might shake your head! But it’s always been that way.
We’ve always been men with feet of clay,
with our heads in the sand and our finger in the air.
God could have sent us angels to lead the Church;
instead, he personally chose Twelve, with all their flaws.
Maybe he did that was so it would be clear, from day one,
that the success of the Church was the work of the Holy Spirit.
The story goes that Napoleon threatened to crush the Church—
and a Cardinal [Consalvi] replied,
“If in 1,800 years we clergy have failed to destroy the Church,
do you really think that you'll be able to do it?”
If there are times the Church says things we don’t want to hear,
or are hard to follow—well, that is part of what a prophet does.
It is been a bone of contention, for some,
that I am “too conservative” about teaching the Faith,
or celebrating the Mass.
Now, I admit I am prone to my own biases and flaws, as are we all.
If you are here 50 or 100 years from now,
no pastor will follow me who will be any different.
So, the one thing that can correct for that is
that I submit myself, as much as possible,
to wisdom and authority greater than myself:
the pope, the bishops, the Second Vatican Council,
and the longstanding Tradition of the Church.
But not just me, as your pastor—but all of us.
Our common ground can only be what the Church actually teaches,
and the accumulated wisdom of our whole Tradition.
At times I will cite Vatican II, and someone will say,
“wait, that’s not what I was told.”
Many understandably think it was all settled years ago.
In fact, there are a lot of open questions—
and, yes, some rethinking going on.
If you’ve heard about these four bishops,
who are at odds with the Church,
but who the pope is trying to bring back into the fold:
that’s a big part of what that’s about.
Our pope—who took part in the Council—
has written at length about how best to understand
the Second Vatican Council in the light of our ancient tradition.
Many think—many were told—that the purpose of the Council
was to set aside what was handed down:
“Out with the old, in with the new.”
That’s a misunderstanding,
but it really is what a lot of people were told, or experienced;
and because it is a wrong understanding, it needs to be corrected.
If you want to know what Pope Benedict is about—there it is.
If you want to know what I’m trying to do—there it is.
One of the trials of any prophet
is that she sees what others do not;
He tells others what no one else says.
It happens when the pope teaches us about contraception,
capital punishment, or remembering the poor;
it happens when you and I speak up for Christ in our daily lives.
To be a member of the Body of Christ is—and always has been—
to be “out of sync” with the world around us.
That’s why they fed us to the lions,
why they chucked us into concentration camps,
and why people shake their heads and say,
“your values don’t fit in our world!”
They are right!
Because the world is passing away, but Christ is eternal!
Every culture and every generation thinks it has all the answers;
followed immediately by another culture or generation
that knows better!
This is where we find ourselves, day by day,
This is the choice, at each moment:
The culture or Christ?
someone who would speak with authority for God—
and maybe we might like to have a prophet in our time as well?
You realize we actually do have such a prophet?
The Church has the role of prophet in our world today.
Our Lord himself founded the Church,
and poured out his Holy Spirit
to guide the Church with assurance—
even, as needed, with “infallibility”—
meaning, the Church cannot, and will not, err,
when teaching about Christ and how to live for Christ.
So the Church, as a whole—all of us—is prophet to the world.
Each of us, by our baptism has a share in this prophetic role.
This is why it matters that you and I are spiritually active:
why be faithful in going to confession and Mass?
Why continually seek to grow in our faith?
This is why our Catholic schools are worth sacrificing for.
This is why our religious education program is not an “extra.”
We are prophets: Christ is counting on each of us!
Within the Church, the prophetic role
belongs in a special way to the “teaching office” of the Church—
that is, her bishops, led by the pope,
and assisted by deacons and priests.
Now, you might look to your pastor, or our bishop, or our pope,
and you might shake your head! But it’s always been that way.
We’ve always been men with feet of clay,
with our heads in the sand and our finger in the air.
God could have sent us angels to lead the Church;
instead, he personally chose Twelve, with all their flaws.
Maybe he did that was so it would be clear, from day one,
that the success of the Church was the work of the Holy Spirit.
The story goes that Napoleon threatened to crush the Church—
and a Cardinal [Consalvi] replied,
“If in 1,800 years we clergy have failed to destroy the Church,
do you really think that you'll be able to do it?”
If there are times the Church says things we don’t want to hear,
or are hard to follow—well, that is part of what a prophet does.
It is been a bone of contention, for some,
that I am “too conservative” about teaching the Faith,
or celebrating the Mass.
Now, I admit I am prone to my own biases and flaws, as are we all.
If you are here 50 or 100 years from now,
no pastor will follow me who will be any different.
So, the one thing that can correct for that is
that I submit myself, as much as possible,
to wisdom and authority greater than myself:
the pope, the bishops, the Second Vatican Council,
and the longstanding Tradition of the Church.
But not just me, as your pastor—but all of us.
Our common ground can only be what the Church actually teaches,
and the accumulated wisdom of our whole Tradition.
At times I will cite Vatican II, and someone will say,
“wait, that’s not what I was told.”
Many understandably think it was all settled years ago.
In fact, there are a lot of open questions—
and, yes, some rethinking going on.
If you’ve heard about these four bishops,
who are at odds with the Church,
but who the pope is trying to bring back into the fold:
that’s a big part of what that’s about.
Our pope—who took part in the Council—
has written at length about how best to understand
the Second Vatican Council in the light of our ancient tradition.
Many think—many were told—that the purpose of the Council
was to set aside what was handed down:
“Out with the old, in with the new.”
That’s a misunderstanding,
but it really is what a lot of people were told, or experienced;
and because it is a wrong understanding, it needs to be corrected.
If you want to know what Pope Benedict is about—there it is.
If you want to know what I’m trying to do—there it is.
One of the trials of any prophet
is that she sees what others do not;
He tells others what no one else says.
It happens when the pope teaches us about contraception,
capital punishment, or remembering the poor;
it happens when you and I speak up for Christ in our daily lives.
To be a member of the Body of Christ is—and always has been—
to be “out of sync” with the world around us.
That’s why they fed us to the lions,
why they chucked us into concentration camps,
and why people shake their heads and say,
“your values don’t fit in our world!”
They are right!
Because the world is passing away, but Christ is eternal!
Every culture and every generation thinks it has all the answers;
followed immediately by another culture or generation
that knows better!
This is where we find ourselves, day by day,
This is the choice, at each moment:
The culture or Christ?
Friday, January 30, 2009
The wonders of rice, heat and vicodin
Yesterday I walked over to have lunch with the schoolchildren; unfortunately, I stepped on a wet spot on the floor, my feet came out from under me and I landed squarely on my...prosperity. Ow!
God bless the kids, a bunch came over, "are you all right, Father?" Well, at the moment, I didn't feel like talking much! I just nodded and caught my breath; a couple of the fathers--it being "Catholic Schools Week," parents were having lunch with the children this week--came over and helped me up. I was pretty sore, and after working a couple more hours, I went home and tried some ice on my back. That helped; I had a Pastoral Council meeting that evening, and I made it to that; then headed home again. I remembered I had some vicodin, so I popped one of those. That helped, but it wore off about 3 am...unnh!
But by then I'd realized I hadn't broken anything, it was just soreness; putting on socks, boy was that an adventure! I was in the office a bit today, but am back home now. My secretary reminded me about the "rice pack" she'd given me awhile back--do you know what those are? It's just a bunch of rice, sewn up in a cloth bag. What you do is microwave it for 2-4 minutes, and it's nice and hot...ahhhh!
Of course everyone heard about it, and someone said, oh that much have been embarrassing; well, I suppose, but at the moment, I really didn't think about that! Just as well, I guess.
Anyway, I expect I'll be sore for a few days, but Deo volente, nothing more to worry about.
God bless the kids, a bunch came over, "are you all right, Father?" Well, at the moment, I didn't feel like talking much! I just nodded and caught my breath; a couple of the fathers--it being "Catholic Schools Week," parents were having lunch with the children this week--came over and helped me up. I was pretty sore, and after working a couple more hours, I went home and tried some ice on my back. That helped; I had a Pastoral Council meeting that evening, and I made it to that; then headed home again. I remembered I had some vicodin, so I popped one of those. That helped, but it wore off about 3 am...unnh!
But by then I'd realized I hadn't broken anything, it was just soreness; putting on socks, boy was that an adventure! I was in the office a bit today, but am back home now. My secretary reminded me about the "rice pack" she'd given me awhile back--do you know what those are? It's just a bunch of rice, sewn up in a cloth bag. What you do is microwave it for 2-4 minutes, and it's nice and hot...ahhhh!
Of course everyone heard about it, and someone said, oh that much have been embarrassing; well, I suppose, but at the moment, I really didn't think about that! Just as well, I guess.
Anyway, I expect I'll be sore for a few days, but Deo volente, nothing more to worry about.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Conversion of Saint Paul in Piqua
Here's how we did things here, today...
> I had the 7 am and 10:30 am Masses this morning; I was a little slow getting over to the first Mass, so alas I started two minutes late.
> We arranged to have postcards in the pews, which the bishops had provided to parishes, as part of an effort to oppose the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act." The other priests and I explained the postcard effort, and assisted everyone in filling them out during the homily time.
My own preference is not to do this sort of thiinig in a homily, but to present a homily--but I deferred to the bishops on this one, and it is obviously a good cause.
> My homily was about conversion, keying off the readings of course, talking about how each of us experiences conversion, a bit about baptism, a bit about my own conversion experience, and how we all continue to experience conversion; and I talked about being agents of conversion--particularly for our society (lead in to the postcard effort).
> After 10:30 am Mass, Father Tom and I had brunch with the catechists who serve our religious education program, to kick off a time of prayer and reflection for them. The original plan was to have the time of reflection, followed by dinner, but we had to rearrange that. Following the meal, we headed back to St. Mary, where I led a study of Acts 22 (our first reading at Mass), to see what insights we could draw from Paul's conversion, for ourselves. Some nice connections. From there, we went over to church, for a period of exposition and prayer; I invited the catechists to reflect on anything we discussed, but perhaps especially on how God might be at work in their lives for ongoing conversion--and how they might make conversion meaningful for the children we're serving. Then back to the meeting room for a talk by Father Tom, on some of the things St. Paul teaches us that make an impact on us today. We finished up around 4 pm.
> Next up: the Life Teen youth group's "BBQ in the Snow"--this year we actually have snow for it (boo!)--that starts around 6:30 pm, and I'll stop by for that.
> After that, I hope to get together with the artist who is headed into town to work on the windows at St. Boniface--he's driving in from Wisconsin, and is due around 7 pm.
> I had the 7 am and 10:30 am Masses this morning; I was a little slow getting over to the first Mass, so alas I started two minutes late.
> We arranged to have postcards in the pews, which the bishops had provided to parishes, as part of an effort to oppose the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act." The other priests and I explained the postcard effort, and assisted everyone in filling them out during the homily time.
My own preference is not to do this sort of thiinig in a homily, but to present a homily--but I deferred to the bishops on this one, and it is obviously a good cause.
> My homily was about conversion, keying off the readings of course, talking about how each of us experiences conversion, a bit about baptism, a bit about my own conversion experience, and how we all continue to experience conversion; and I talked about being agents of conversion--particularly for our society (lead in to the postcard effort).
> After 10:30 am Mass, Father Tom and I had brunch with the catechists who serve our religious education program, to kick off a time of prayer and reflection for them. The original plan was to have the time of reflection, followed by dinner, but we had to rearrange that. Following the meal, we headed back to St. Mary, where I led a study of Acts 22 (our first reading at Mass), to see what insights we could draw from Paul's conversion, for ourselves. Some nice connections. From there, we went over to church, for a period of exposition and prayer; I invited the catechists to reflect on anything we discussed, but perhaps especially on how God might be at work in their lives for ongoing conversion--and how they might make conversion meaningful for the children we're serving. Then back to the meeting room for a talk by Father Tom, on some of the things St. Paul teaches us that make an impact on us today. We finished up around 4 pm.
> Next up: the Life Teen youth group's "BBQ in the Snow"--this year we actually have snow for it (boo!)--that starts around 6:30 pm, and I'll stop by for that.
> After that, I hope to get together with the artist who is headed into town to work on the windows at St. Boniface--he's driving in from Wisconsin, and is due around 7 pm.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Back from the March for Life
My whirlwind trip to the nation's capital is over. Left right after Mass Wednesday morning, hit DC around 5, dinner with my nephew, his wife and their son, then met up with a couple of Cincinnati priests downtown. Up for Mass at the Verizon Center with Archbishop Wuerl and everyone else--that's a combination "youth rally" plus Mass--then the seminarians from Cincinnati and I had lunch on the way to the march, then I found the Lehman Catholic group and we hung out a bit until we got marching. Started the Rosary, prayed all 20 decades, with help from Fathers Earl Fernandes and James Reutter--Father Jason Bedel was going to lead some of the mysteries, but he got way ahead of us, so that didn't work out. We ran out of mysteries before the march ended, so I'm thinking about five or ten new mysteries to suggest to Pope Benedict (next time I see him!).
Our parishes' coordinator of religious education and youth ministry drove back with me--he came up on the Lehman bus, all night. We decided to get something to eat before we left around 6 pm, and because it took forever to get out of DC at that hour--traffic was gummed up all the way up I-270 until it met I-70, in Frederick, Maryland!--we didn't get home until 3 am.
After sleeping a little later, I feel just fine, back in the office, and thankfully, not too much stuff piled on my desk.
The March is the same every year, except its numbers rise and fall; they were higher, I'm sure--I have a hard time gauging the crowd from my vantage-point--because of the election results. I was glad that very little of the signage or chanting was antagonistic to our new president--I think that is counterproductive, especially on his second day in office. I'm not saying there can't be the normal rough-and-tumble of politics, but I do not want to see President Obama "paid back" with a vitriole similar to what was visited on President George Bush. And it's practical--how does alienating tens of millions of African-Americans, who otherwise agree with us, help our cause?
A small matter: I noticed that the Obama White House waited until after the march--judging by press reports--to raise the spectre of changes in executive orders on abortion. Everyone knew it was coming; it might have happened the day he was inaugurated, which--if memory serves--is what President Bill Clinton did. Instead, the Obama folks chose to wait just a little bit, and not grind prolifers' noses into it. (CORRECTION: I just read, via a link at Rich Leonardi's "Ten Reasons," that President Obama signed an abortion-related order on Thursday, sorry I'd missed that report.)
Another matter--I read at the Washington Post today that "Federal regulators have approved the first experiment testing human embryonic stem cells on people, officials announced today." Connected to President Obama? Well, the article adds, "While the timing of the FDA approval led some to speculate that the two moves were related, Geron's work had not been restricted by the ban. The cells being used by the company were derived from leftover embryos at fertility clinics before the ban was implemented in 2001."
I realize a lot of prolifers are very negative about the near-term prospects, but I believe things are starting to get better and will continue to get better as we go forward. Prolife activism is going to continue to swell, affecting not only marches in D.C. and federal policy, but policy at the state and local level as well.
This weekend, millions of Mass-goers will be asked to sign postcards to Congress, opposing the so-called "Freedom of Choice" Act; and every indication I have is that while the abortion lobby wants it and will demand it, the White House and Congress know it's becoming more and more politically radioactive. Actually, you and I want a recorded vote on that, because a vote for that extreme legislation will be a huge, political liability for anyone not running in a super-safe seat--especially in the U.S. Senate. We have to do the work--we have to write the letters and sign the petitions--but I'm convinced we can stop that legislation, and just waging the battle will mobilize prolifers, and make us stronger than before.
What I saw at the March tells me we have a lot going for us.
Our parishes' coordinator of religious education and youth ministry drove back with me--he came up on the Lehman bus, all night. We decided to get something to eat before we left around 6 pm, and because it took forever to get out of DC at that hour--traffic was gummed up all the way up I-270 until it met I-70, in Frederick, Maryland!--we didn't get home until 3 am.
After sleeping a little later, I feel just fine, back in the office, and thankfully, not too much stuff piled on my desk.
The March is the same every year, except its numbers rise and fall; they were higher, I'm sure--I have a hard time gauging the crowd from my vantage-point--because of the election results. I was glad that very little of the signage or chanting was antagonistic to our new president--I think that is counterproductive, especially on his second day in office. I'm not saying there can't be the normal rough-and-tumble of politics, but I do not want to see President Obama "paid back" with a vitriole similar to what was visited on President George Bush. And it's practical--how does alienating tens of millions of African-Americans, who otherwise agree with us, help our cause?
A small matter: I noticed that the Obama White House waited until after the march--judging by press reports--to raise the spectre of changes in executive orders on abortion. Everyone knew it was coming; it might have happened the day he was inaugurated, which--if memory serves--is what President Bill Clinton did. Instead, the Obama folks chose to wait just a little bit, and not grind prolifers' noses into it. (CORRECTION: I just read, via a link at Rich Leonardi's "Ten Reasons," that President Obama signed an abortion-related order on Thursday, sorry I'd missed that report.)
Another matter--I read at the Washington Post today that "Federal regulators have approved the first experiment testing human embryonic stem cells on people, officials announced today." Connected to President Obama? Well, the article adds, "While the timing of the FDA approval led some to speculate that the two moves were related, Geron's work had not been restricted by the ban. The cells being used by the company were derived from leftover embryos at fertility clinics before the ban was implemented in 2001."
I realize a lot of prolifers are very negative about the near-term prospects, but I believe things are starting to get better and will continue to get better as we go forward. Prolife activism is going to continue to swell, affecting not only marches in D.C. and federal policy, but policy at the state and local level as well.
This weekend, millions of Mass-goers will be asked to sign postcards to Congress, opposing the so-called "Freedom of Choice" Act; and every indication I have is that while the abortion lobby wants it and will demand it, the White House and Congress know it's becoming more and more politically radioactive. Actually, you and I want a recorded vote on that, because a vote for that extreme legislation will be a huge, political liability for anyone not running in a super-safe seat--especially in the U.S. Senate. We have to do the work--we have to write the letters and sign the petitions--but I'm convinced we can stop that legislation, and just waging the battle will mobilize prolifers, and make us stronger than before.
What I saw at the March tells me we have a lot going for us.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Congratulations Mr. President
A few minutes before Noon, the staff gathered in the office kitchen to watch President Obama take his oath, and then deliver his speech. I am glad I didn't see the tacky way some people received President Bush when he arrived--I think I had just turned on the TV. I hope those on my side, who are not fans of President Obama, do not treat him the same way. Low class.
I was thinking last night about how easily this might not have happened: Hilary Clinton might very easily have won the nomination--to my mind, she really "should" have, in the sense that she had every advantage, and if she'd simply done a few things differently, things she could have foreseen, she'd have won the nomination--and she might well be president today. I think that, had the Iraq War not happened, or if President Bush had come up with the "surge" strategy sooner, Senator Obama might well not have had had the war as an issue, to win the nomination. And of couse, one wonders if McCain might have won, had a thing or two turned out differently.
But here he is, and I, for one, wish him well, even though I will oppose him on so many things he advocates. I am happy for him, as he dances with his wife, enjoying his day; I am very happy that the whole world witnesses something that would not happen in so many places: the barriers and bigotry of the past has been so swiftly swept aside. Not too many years ago, people said it would not happen, and if a black man became president, it would occcasion terrible reactions. In fact, we've all taken it in stride, both white and black. Many of the nations that criticize us--for all things--of not being inclusive and tolerant, surely know that what happened here would never happen in their country; and that includes many of our democratic, enlightened, allies.
Tomorrow morning, after Mass, I'll drive to DC for the March for Life on Thursday. I expect a great turnout as prolifers nationwide get up and get even more active than usual; this weekend, our parishes here will take our part in a nationwide effort to send postcards to Congress opposing the so-called "Freedom of Choice" Act, which is the most extreme pro-abortion legislation you could imagine, which we must now prevent from passing. I think we'll do it: yes, we can!
Meanwhile, let's pray for our new president, to have a change of mind and heart--that he may see that all his good words about lifting people up, and setting people free, should include the unborn.
I was thinking last night about how easily this might not have happened: Hilary Clinton might very easily have won the nomination--to my mind, she really "should" have, in the sense that she had every advantage, and if she'd simply done a few things differently, things she could have foreseen, she'd have won the nomination--and she might well be president today. I think that, had the Iraq War not happened, or if President Bush had come up with the "surge" strategy sooner, Senator Obama might well not have had had the war as an issue, to win the nomination. And of couse, one wonders if McCain might have won, had a thing or two turned out differently.
But here he is, and I, for one, wish him well, even though I will oppose him on so many things he advocates. I am happy for him, as he dances with his wife, enjoying his day; I am very happy that the whole world witnesses something that would not happen in so many places: the barriers and bigotry of the past has been so swiftly swept aside. Not too many years ago, people said it would not happen, and if a black man became president, it would occcasion terrible reactions. In fact, we've all taken it in stride, both white and black. Many of the nations that criticize us--for all things--of not being inclusive and tolerant, surely know that what happened here would never happen in their country; and that includes many of our democratic, enlightened, allies.
Tomorrow morning, after Mass, I'll drive to DC for the March for Life on Thursday. I expect a great turnout as prolifers nationwide get up and get even more active than usual; this weekend, our parishes here will take our part in a nationwide effort to send postcards to Congress opposing the so-called "Freedom of Choice" Act, which is the most extreme pro-abortion legislation you could imagine, which we must now prevent from passing. I think we'll do it: yes, we can!
Meanwhile, let's pray for our new president, to have a change of mind and heart--that he may see that all his good words about lifting people up, and setting people free, should include the unborn.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
'You're called to be a "caller"'(Sunday homily)
This past week has been “Vocations Awareness Week.”
These readings today are perfect—
we hear about how God called Samuel,
and how God chose Peter and Andrew.
This past week, I had a visit from a parishioner,
Who wanted to talk about how can do more to promote the deacon program,
as well as lay pastoral ministry.
Perfect timing!
I admitted to her, I’ve done less on these things than I’d like,
so I was glad she brought it up to me.
She had some ideas, and she’s going to get back to me, but—
here’s what I would say to everyone here:
> We have a Vocation Committee,
but it’s small and needs more people.
There are a lot of good things, good resources,
I wish I had more time to work on this,
I’m just swamped these days!
But if you are interested, please give me a call!
My point is, with some more help, I think we can,
this year, start doing a lot more.
> For those thinking about being a deacon—come see me.
I see a lot of men here who would make great deacons.
But I realize it’s a hard call to answer,
with jobs and family concerns.
Each situation is unique, let’s talk about how to do it.
> If you’re specifically interested in promoting
lay pastoral ministry, I think the parishioner
who came to see me, would be interested
in hearing about that. Let me know!
We want to do some things.
In the first reading, did you notice where Samuel was,
when he was called?
He was in the House of the Lord;
yes, sleeping! But still, in God’s House.
When Andrew followed Jesus,
the first thing he did was simply spend time with him.
That means prayer, and confession and the sacraments,
but it also means giving each day to him.
Good for all of us to hear his call.
Now, when we talk about “vocations,” a lot of us are saying,
I’m not going to be a sister or brother or a priest.
I’ve got two things to say to that:
First: I said that too!
Many times I said, “oh no, not for me!”
I spent many years away from the Church,
and was certain I’d never come back to being Catholic.
But God has his way of calling you, “Samuel, Samuel!”
He called me back to our Faith,
and in time, he led me to be a priest, and your pastor.
Not once did He force me.
Not once have I regretted answering the call to be a priest!
So, parents: sometimes you wonder if your sons or daughters
will be happy and fulfilled, in answering this call.
The answer is, if this is for them, then nothing else will!
Parents, please be generous in your encouragement.
But a second point, for those who say you’re not called
to the priesthood, or religious life, is…
OK, but you still called to support that calling in others.
You are still called to help us, as a Church, to draw others.
If we want more priests and deacons and religious,
we must pray for them;
we must support that calling; that is a responsibility for all of us.
In other words, you are called to be a "caller."
That’s why I’ve asked everyone to add, to your grace at meals,
a simple prayer: “please send us more holy priests.”
I ask you to bring this to your holy hours and daily prayers.
Sunday night, we have an opportunity.
At St. Mary, 6-8:30 pm, we’ll have the “Call to the King” Conference—a chance to pray for more vocations,
And to consider if your “calling” is not to be a priest,
but to be a prayer-warrior for others to answer the call.
I ask you to consider two times, in our recent experience,
where we stormed heaven—and heaven answered:
1. Father Tom was a death’s door. You remember?
We prayed, and prayed and prayed. Look at what happened!
2. Every week, St. Boniface prayed for the “Rebuild St. Boniface Fund Drive.”
That thermometer sign in the vestibule didn’t move very much.
Go check it out—it’s moving a lot faster!
We’re going to complete that fund soon!
So there’s a calling to be religious and priests—
but there’s also a calling
to be the one who prays and sacrifices for these things.
I ask that everyone of us answer that call.
“Here am I Lord—I come to do your will.”
These readings today are perfect—
we hear about how God called Samuel,
and how God chose Peter and Andrew.
This past week, I had a visit from a parishioner,
Who wanted to talk about how can do more to promote the deacon program,
as well as lay pastoral ministry.
Perfect timing!
I admitted to her, I’ve done less on these things than I’d like,
so I was glad she brought it up to me.
She had some ideas, and she’s going to get back to me, but—
here’s what I would say to everyone here:
> We have a Vocation Committee,
but it’s small and needs more people.
There are a lot of good things, good resources,
I wish I had more time to work on this,
I’m just swamped these days!
But if you are interested, please give me a call!
My point is, with some more help, I think we can,
this year, start doing a lot more.
> For those thinking about being a deacon—come see me.
I see a lot of men here who would make great deacons.
But I realize it’s a hard call to answer,
with jobs and family concerns.
Each situation is unique, let’s talk about how to do it.
> If you’re specifically interested in promoting
lay pastoral ministry, I think the parishioner
who came to see me, would be interested
in hearing about that. Let me know!
We want to do some things.
In the first reading, did you notice where Samuel was,
when he was called?
He was in the House of the Lord;
yes, sleeping! But still, in God’s House.
When Andrew followed Jesus,
the first thing he did was simply spend time with him.
That means prayer, and confession and the sacraments,
but it also means giving each day to him.
Good for all of us to hear his call.
Now, when we talk about “vocations,” a lot of us are saying,
I’m not going to be a sister or brother or a priest.
I’ve got two things to say to that:
First: I said that too!
Many times I said, “oh no, not for me!”
I spent many years away from the Church,
and was certain I’d never come back to being Catholic.
But God has his way of calling you, “Samuel, Samuel!”
He called me back to our Faith,
and in time, he led me to be a priest, and your pastor.
Not once did He force me.
Not once have I regretted answering the call to be a priest!
So, parents: sometimes you wonder if your sons or daughters
will be happy and fulfilled, in answering this call.
The answer is, if this is for them, then nothing else will!
Parents, please be generous in your encouragement.
But a second point, for those who say you’re not called
to the priesthood, or religious life, is…
OK, but you still called to support that calling in others.
You are still called to help us, as a Church, to draw others.
If we want more priests and deacons and religious,
we must pray for them;
we must support that calling; that is a responsibility for all of us.
In other words, you are called to be a "caller."
That’s why I’ve asked everyone to add, to your grace at meals,
a simple prayer: “please send us more holy priests.”
I ask you to bring this to your holy hours and daily prayers.
Sunday night, we have an opportunity.
At St. Mary, 6-8:30 pm, we’ll have the “Call to the King” Conference—a chance to pray for more vocations,
And to consider if your “calling” is not to be a priest,
but to be a prayer-warrior for others to answer the call.
I ask you to consider two times, in our recent experience,
where we stormed heaven—and heaven answered:
1. Father Tom was a death’s door. You remember?
We prayed, and prayed and prayed. Look at what happened!
2. Every week, St. Boniface prayed for the “Rebuild St. Boniface Fund Drive.”
That thermometer sign in the vestibule didn’t move very much.
Go check it out—it’s moving a lot faster!
We’re going to complete that fund soon!
So there’s a calling to be religious and priests—
but there’s also a calling
to be the one who prays and sacrifices for these things.
I ask that everyone of us answer that call.
“Here am I Lord—I come to do your will.”
Friday, January 16, 2009
The King Calls You to Piqua (bumped)
...Sunday, January 18, AD 2009...
'Call of the King Conference'...
Right here in Piqua, at Saint Mary Church
Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 6-6:45 pm, led by Father Kyle Schnippel, Vocation Director for the Archdiocese, assisted by other area clergy.
Talks by:
Rev. Earl Fernandes, professor of moral theology at Mount Saint Mary Seminary, and a dynamic young priest...
Rev. Jason Bedel, newly minted priest, will tell his story and how your prayers made a difference...
and Andrew Cordonnier, a fine young seminarian, on his journey.
Refreshments follow at 8:30 pm...
And yours truly will be there as well!
Who should come?
All who want to pray for priestly vocations and for our priests
Anyone thinking about a vocation to the priesthood
See you there!
'Call of the King Conference'...
Right here in Piqua, at Saint Mary Church
Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 6-6:45 pm, led by Father Kyle Schnippel, Vocation Director for the Archdiocese, assisted by other area clergy.
Talks by:
Rev. Earl Fernandes, professor of moral theology at Mount Saint Mary Seminary, and a dynamic young priest...
Rev. Jason Bedel, newly minted priest, will tell his story and how your prayers made a difference...
and Andrew Cordonnier, a fine young seminarian, on his journey.
Refreshments follow at 8:30 pm...
And yours truly will be there as well!
Who should come?
All who want to pray for priestly vocations and for our priests
Anyone thinking about a vocation to the priesthood
See you there!
Sorry I'm typing so slowly...
But, boy, is it cold here!
It was more than 20 degrees below zero hereabouts last night, according to some folks in the office; we found some pipes frozen at the office, and it was a little nippy in St. Mary Church at Mass this morning. And yet a hardy 10-15 folks showed up for Mass, and in my homily, I told them it was edifying to Father Tom (who was concelebrating) and me to see them there when nothing obliged them.
My day started with a finance committee meeting at 7 am--we went over a monthly budget report, and talked about the disposition of some nice donations received before the end of the year. Based on what the donors themselves said, the finance committee feels strongly the funds should be put to building fund needs--either those pending or future.
As some of you know, St. Boniface has had a "Rebuild St. Boniface Fund" drive for about 2 years, aimed at dealing a variety of needs in the school and church. We've accomplished some of them, but we have many more to go. In December, we had a fundraiser "roast and toast" in honor of our 90-year old Father Caserta, and wow, was that successful! We raised over $80,000 from the event, between ticket sales or other gifts and pledges! We said we'd use the proceeds to restore St. Boniface's 107-year-old stained-glass windows, and then, we got a gift of $50,000 toward the project, so all of a sudden, we are in a position to begin the work.
So, this week, I've been working on that, and the project will begin next week.
Down the road, we want to replace windows in the school, replace the pews, deal with weather-caused cracks and deterioration of the church and office exterior, and a number of other things.
It's exciting and it's been something I've been working on for at least two years.
Also today, I went back to the hospital, to bring the Eucharist to someone I visited yesterday--but with a twist: I brought the Precious Blood.
This is unusual, but it is allowed, for those who cannot receive the Eucharist in the form of bread; in this case, the patient had a tracheotomy and could not swallow. So I explained to her, and her family, I could bring the Precious Blood, and put just a tiny amount in her mouth, so that there'd be no issue of swallowing or choking. She was eager to have it.
Here's the thing--one has to plan for it, because it is not allowed to reserve the Precious Blood except for a short time, in anticipation of this situation. So I consecrated a small amount of wine in a eye-dropper, which I keep in the sacristy for this purpose. I realize an eye-dropper doesn't seem very dignified, and I agree, but it's all I've found so far for this purpose. (If anyone knows of something different, let me know.) I chose to use the Mass prayers for a Votive Mass of the Precious Blood, and I explained the whole thing in my homily, both so people would know what I was doing, and also to help spread the word about this: it concerns me that some people mistakenly think they can't receive the Eucharist, because they can't swallow something solid.
So, this afternoon, I headed down to the hospital, and visited the patient, and explained how I'd administer the Eucharist, and assured her that, although it would be a tiny amount, it was Our Lord all the same.
Well, there were a few other routine items, but those were the highlights. It was a light day.
It was more than 20 degrees below zero hereabouts last night, according to some folks in the office; we found some pipes frozen at the office, and it was a little nippy in St. Mary Church at Mass this morning. And yet a hardy 10-15 folks showed up for Mass, and in my homily, I told them it was edifying to Father Tom (who was concelebrating) and me to see them there when nothing obliged them.
My day started with a finance committee meeting at 7 am--we went over a monthly budget report, and talked about the disposition of some nice donations received before the end of the year. Based on what the donors themselves said, the finance committee feels strongly the funds should be put to building fund needs--either those pending or future.
As some of you know, St. Boniface has had a "Rebuild St. Boniface Fund" drive for about 2 years, aimed at dealing a variety of needs in the school and church. We've accomplished some of them, but we have many more to go. In December, we had a fundraiser "roast and toast" in honor of our 90-year old Father Caserta, and wow, was that successful! We raised over $80,000 from the event, between ticket sales or other gifts and pledges! We said we'd use the proceeds to restore St. Boniface's 107-year-old stained-glass windows, and then, we got a gift of $50,000 toward the project, so all of a sudden, we are in a position to begin the work.
So, this week, I've been working on that, and the project will begin next week.
Down the road, we want to replace windows in the school, replace the pews, deal with weather-caused cracks and deterioration of the church and office exterior, and a number of other things.
It's exciting and it's been something I've been working on for at least two years.
Also today, I went back to the hospital, to bring the Eucharist to someone I visited yesterday--but with a twist: I brought the Precious Blood.
This is unusual, but it is allowed, for those who cannot receive the Eucharist in the form of bread; in this case, the patient had a tracheotomy and could not swallow. So I explained to her, and her family, I could bring the Precious Blood, and put just a tiny amount in her mouth, so that there'd be no issue of swallowing or choking. She was eager to have it.
Here's the thing--one has to plan for it, because it is not allowed to reserve the Precious Blood except for a short time, in anticipation of this situation. So I consecrated a small amount of wine in a eye-dropper, which I keep in the sacristy for this purpose. I realize an eye-dropper doesn't seem very dignified, and I agree, but it's all I've found so far for this purpose. (If anyone knows of something different, let me know.) I chose to use the Mass prayers for a Votive Mass of the Precious Blood, and I explained the whole thing in my homily, both so people would know what I was doing, and also to help spread the word about this: it concerns me that some people mistakenly think they can't receive the Eucharist, because they can't swallow something solid.
So, this afternoon, I headed down to the hospital, and visited the patient, and explained how I'd administer the Eucharist, and assured her that, although it would be a tiny amount, it was Our Lord all the same.
Well, there were a few other routine items, but those were the highlights. It was a light day.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Another day in a pastor's life...
Some events from today...
Hit the office around 9 am--since I don't come in on Mondays, I had plenty waiting for me. A lot of mail to open and then direct to various folks.
I had to meet a family to prepare for a funeral--the man who died Saturday night--but I had to get some things done in the office first. I usually don't meet with the families myself, although I like doing it; but in anticipation of the day, perhaps not far away, when I will be the only priest here, I decided to recruit and train some parishioners who could do this. But this time, I did it. So I got my list of music suggestions, which I had the music director prepare some time back, and headed over the family home.
We spent about an hour, going over readings, and I explained the way the funeral would go. We went over possible music choices; the family didn't ask for too many things, I explained the meaning of the In Paradisum which is the normative hymn for the procession with the body to the cemetery, so they chose that; they also liked the idea of the Sanctus and Agnus Dei in Latin, and they chose black vestments, after I explained the meaning of the options of purple, white and black. Then I asked them to tell me about the man who died, as I didn't know him well, but I explained that the homily is mainly about our Faith, and how Christ acted in the life of the one who died.
Back to the office around Noon, I think, and back to my desk. I got a few things together for the penance service tonight, for the children receiving the sacrament the first time (in preparation for first reception of the Eucharist), and I answered various emails, took a number of calls, signed checks, and opened mail. I had a big pile on my desk and worked on it somewhat. I had a meeting at 2:30 pm with the chairman of our stewardship commission--the purpose of which is to encourage involvement and inculcate a mindset in the parishes that fosters gratitude and a sense of mission, among other things. We were planning a survey we will provide for all parishioners, we hope in February.
I left that meeting around 4:30, and was on my way to the funeral home for the prayers, and I was thinking about my homily at the penance service. I remembered the Gospel was Luke 15, about the lost sheep; and the next parable is the lost coin (and then the lost son, aka the "prodigal" son); so I had an idea for my homily, and turned around and headed to the bank, where I bought ten gold, dollar coins.
Then to the funeral home, where I talked briefly with those who would bring the gifts forward, and the reader, then prayed the prayers with the family. Then I headed home to prepare my homily; at which point, I re-discovered that the coins in Luke 15 weren't gold, but were drachmae, which were silver! Ah well, no one else would know that!
As I'm waiting in the sacristy for the other priests, the coordinator of religious education advised me our retired priest was on his way to Columbus, to visit someone very sick. Oops, I bet he won't make it--five priests scheduled, now four. I explained to the other priests how things would go, and we began the service at 7 on the dot.
Simple service, using one of those Haugen settings of the 23rd psalm--which isn't appropriate for use as the responsorial psalm because it's not a proper translation--as the opening hymn. Seems like a good use to put them to, particularly at a Penance Service. Readings, Gospel, homily. In my homily I talked about the value of the sheep, the value of a coin--about a day's wages--and the most valuable thing is what Jesus goes looking for, us. "This sacrament doesn't make sense if we've never had the experience of being lost, if we've never felt our sins put distance between us and God; but for the rest of us who have been lost, Jesus has found us, right here!" Jesus comes to us, I explained, in the person of the priest. I also recalled baptism, and--keying off Psalm 51, which was our psalm response--the joy given us in the Holy Spirit, and this is restored in this sacrament.
One of the catechists led us in an examination of conscience, then I told everyone where the priest's would be. By that point, the retired priest had shown up! Deo gratias! FYI, every child had the option of confessing anonymously, and all the adults were encouraged to come, which is why five priests was important--they might hold back otherwise.
It was about 8 when I brought things to a close, at which point I blessed the rosaries each of the children had been given, and I greeted everyone I could afterward. Back here by about 8:30 pm, had my dinner, and now I'm writing this post.
Hit the office around 9 am--since I don't come in on Mondays, I had plenty waiting for me. A lot of mail to open and then direct to various folks.
I had to meet a family to prepare for a funeral--the man who died Saturday night--but I had to get some things done in the office first. I usually don't meet with the families myself, although I like doing it; but in anticipation of the day, perhaps not far away, when I will be the only priest here, I decided to recruit and train some parishioners who could do this. But this time, I did it. So I got my list of music suggestions, which I had the music director prepare some time back, and headed over the family home.
We spent about an hour, going over readings, and I explained the way the funeral would go. We went over possible music choices; the family didn't ask for too many things, I explained the meaning of the In Paradisum which is the normative hymn for the procession with the body to the cemetery, so they chose that; they also liked the idea of the Sanctus and Agnus Dei in Latin, and they chose black vestments, after I explained the meaning of the options of purple, white and black. Then I asked them to tell me about the man who died, as I didn't know him well, but I explained that the homily is mainly about our Faith, and how Christ acted in the life of the one who died.
Back to the office around Noon, I think, and back to my desk. I got a few things together for the penance service tonight, for the children receiving the sacrament the first time (in preparation for first reception of the Eucharist), and I answered various emails, took a number of calls, signed checks, and opened mail. I had a big pile on my desk and worked on it somewhat. I had a meeting at 2:30 pm with the chairman of our stewardship commission--the purpose of which is to encourage involvement and inculcate a mindset in the parishes that fosters gratitude and a sense of mission, among other things. We were planning a survey we will provide for all parishioners, we hope in February.
I left that meeting around 4:30, and was on my way to the funeral home for the prayers, and I was thinking about my homily at the penance service. I remembered the Gospel was Luke 15, about the lost sheep; and the next parable is the lost coin (and then the lost son, aka the "prodigal" son); so I had an idea for my homily, and turned around and headed to the bank, where I bought ten gold, dollar coins.
Then to the funeral home, where I talked briefly with those who would bring the gifts forward, and the reader, then prayed the prayers with the family. Then I headed home to prepare my homily; at which point, I re-discovered that the coins in Luke 15 weren't gold, but were drachmae, which were silver! Ah well, no one else would know that!
As I'm waiting in the sacristy for the other priests, the coordinator of religious education advised me our retired priest was on his way to Columbus, to visit someone very sick. Oops, I bet he won't make it--five priests scheduled, now four. I explained to the other priests how things would go, and we began the service at 7 on the dot.
Simple service, using one of those Haugen settings of the 23rd psalm--which isn't appropriate for use as the responsorial psalm because it's not a proper translation--as the opening hymn. Seems like a good use to put them to, particularly at a Penance Service. Readings, Gospel, homily. In my homily I talked about the value of the sheep, the value of a coin--about a day's wages--and the most valuable thing is what Jesus goes looking for, us. "This sacrament doesn't make sense if we've never had the experience of being lost, if we've never felt our sins put distance between us and God; but for the rest of us who have been lost, Jesus has found us, right here!" Jesus comes to us, I explained, in the person of the priest. I also recalled baptism, and--keying off Psalm 51, which was our psalm response--the joy given us in the Holy Spirit, and this is restored in this sacrament.
One of the catechists led us in an examination of conscience, then I told everyone where the priest's would be. By that point, the retired priest had shown up! Deo gratias! FYI, every child had the option of confessing anonymously, and all the adults were encouraged to come, which is why five priests was important--they might hold back otherwise.
It was about 8 when I brought things to a close, at which point I blessed the rosaries each of the children had been given, and I greeted everyone I could afterward. Back here by about 8:30 pm, had my dinner, and now I'm writing this post.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
It's all good...
It's been a tiring week.
Monday I went into the office, surprising my staff; but I'd been out of the office a lot the prior two weeks, and I needed to catch up--which I did, to some degree.
One of the reasons I try to plough through the mess on my desk and keep it somewhat manageable, is because so many things come to me unexpectedly. Such as the last week or so--Saint Boniface received some unexpected gifts that will really help; and as a result, I was able to move ahead on restoring our stained-glass windows, which are over 100 years old, and deteriorating. Thanks to some generous donations, we will be able to bring them back to pristine shape over the next two years or so. So this week, part of my time was spent finalizing the plans for that, advising Pastoral Council since it involves a significant expenditure, and getting things in motion.
One of the tasks was to call all the couples planning weddings this year, to let them know this was going to happen, in case they wanted to shift their wedding to St. Mary.
Friday, I spent part of the day at the store, buying supplies for a dinner party Saturday evening; I have dinner for the parish staff every year at this time; this year, I didn't have the funds to take them out as before, so I prepared dinner for them. For those interested, the menu was:
With drinks, for appetizers we had:
Shrimp cocktail (okay, I mean I had a tray of shrimp with cocktail sauce)
Crudites (cut up vegetables)
Asagio cheese with pepperoni (and crackers)
Chips & dip
Then dinner:
Tossed salad
Roast Beef
Lasagna
Homemade mashed potatoes
Green Beans Piqua Style (hereabouts they make them with stewed tomatoes, very tasty)
Rolls and butter
For dessert:
Cheesecake with assorted toppings
Cut up fresh fruit
Coffee
In case you are wondering what I actually made, I made the lasagna, but not the sauce; I mashed the potatoes, using both red and Idaho potatoes and leaving the skins on; I did not cut up the vegetables or the fruit, I let Kroger do that; the sisters prepared the green beans; I got the cheesecake also at Kroger.
Everything turned out fairly well--but I started things too early, and the lasagna and roast were finished way ahead of time; so everything had to be kept warm. Thankfully, it wasn't overdone.
Well, then, after all that, I was still up around midnight, and was about to head to bed, when the phone rang. It was the police dispatcher; the police had been called to a home and a priest was needed. No details, other than that someone had died. The dispatcher gave me a number; I called; it was busy. So for almost the next hour or so, I kept calling; it was busy. Finally, I got through; yes, they wanted me to come.
Well, I was wondering what the situation would prove to be; as it turned out--without going into details--it was relatively straightforward and I was able to pray with the family and for the deceased. But it was about 2 am when I got back; then up this morning for 7 am Mass.
At 9 am Mass, we welcomed five catechumens and had a ritual as part of Mass for them, signing them with the sign of the cross, and presenting them with crucifixes. The feast day was well suited for this, as I spoke about baptism. Sorry I don't have a text; I had some ideas I worked with, it's just been that way lately.
Monday I went into the office, surprising my staff; but I'd been out of the office a lot the prior two weeks, and I needed to catch up--which I did, to some degree.
One of the reasons I try to plough through the mess on my desk and keep it somewhat manageable, is because so many things come to me unexpectedly. Such as the last week or so--Saint Boniface received some unexpected gifts that will really help; and as a result, I was able to move ahead on restoring our stained-glass windows, which are over 100 years old, and deteriorating. Thanks to some generous donations, we will be able to bring them back to pristine shape over the next two years or so. So this week, part of my time was spent finalizing the plans for that, advising Pastoral Council since it involves a significant expenditure, and getting things in motion.
One of the tasks was to call all the couples planning weddings this year, to let them know this was going to happen, in case they wanted to shift their wedding to St. Mary.
Friday, I spent part of the day at the store, buying supplies for a dinner party Saturday evening; I have dinner for the parish staff every year at this time; this year, I didn't have the funds to take them out as before, so I prepared dinner for them. For those interested, the menu was:
With drinks, for appetizers we had:
Shrimp cocktail (okay, I mean I had a tray of shrimp with cocktail sauce)
Crudites (cut up vegetables)
Asagio cheese with pepperoni (and crackers)
Chips & dip
Then dinner:
Tossed salad
Roast Beef
Lasagna
Homemade mashed potatoes
Green Beans Piqua Style (hereabouts they make them with stewed tomatoes, very tasty)
Rolls and butter
For dessert:
Cheesecake with assorted toppings
Cut up fresh fruit
Coffee
In case you are wondering what I actually made, I made the lasagna, but not the sauce; I mashed the potatoes, using both red and Idaho potatoes and leaving the skins on; I did not cut up the vegetables or the fruit, I let Kroger do that; the sisters prepared the green beans; I got the cheesecake also at Kroger.
Everything turned out fairly well--but I started things too early, and the lasagna and roast were finished way ahead of time; so everything had to be kept warm. Thankfully, it wasn't overdone.
Well, then, after all that, I was still up around midnight, and was about to head to bed, when the phone rang. It was the police dispatcher; the police had been called to a home and a priest was needed. No details, other than that someone had died. The dispatcher gave me a number; I called; it was busy. So for almost the next hour or so, I kept calling; it was busy. Finally, I got through; yes, they wanted me to come.
Well, I was wondering what the situation would prove to be; as it turned out--without going into details--it was relatively straightforward and I was able to pray with the family and for the deceased. But it was about 2 am when I got back; then up this morning for 7 am Mass.
At 9 am Mass, we welcomed five catechumens and had a ritual as part of Mass for them, signing them with the sign of the cross, and presenting them with crucifixes. The feast day was well suited for this, as I spoke about baptism. Sorry I don't have a text; I had some ideas I worked with, it's just been that way lately.
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