A Word from Your Pastor January 23

Dear Parishioners:

As most of you have heard, we experienced a near disaster on Friday, January 14, with a fire in the heating system of the School Cafeteria. The experts suggest that it was actually caused by a dust ball catching fire. Who would have thought dust bunnies could be dangerous? In the end, mercifully, it was more smoke than flame. The Fire Department responded and took care of the matter rather quickly. They had been alerted by our alarm system. Thanks be to God!

Some of our Ski Club students and their families were in front of the School and the “Executive Committee” of the Men’s Club were in the Teachers’ Lounge. No one was hurt. The worst is the smell of smoke and the debris of ash that lingered on. Professionals have worked on that and time and use of the kitchen will eventually bring back the normal Cafeteria smells. We are most grateful to all who responded so quickly including Peg Crossin, Phil Hall, Mary Pat Boulware, George Cleary and George Mosholder, who were all on the scene along with all the Fire Personnel and Trucks. It was an adventure we hope never to repeat.

Your Pastor noted that we have been visited by three of the traditional Four Elements in the recent past: Air (the wind storm that took down several trees), Water (heavy rains, snow, ice and the various leaks), and now Fire (the smoky Cafeteria). All that remains is Earth (let us know if you hear a rumble or feel the ground move). We have been able to withstand all of these with the help of all our friends.

This Week, on Wednesday, January 26th, we will observe the Feast of our Patron Saint Timothy. All are welcome to join the children for the All School Mass. This year, we will begin an observance of “The Year of Saint Timothy” from the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus until our celebration of the same feast in our 50th Jubilee year. For a time, we will have both “The Year of Prayer” and “The Year of Saint Timothy” – just as Pope Benedict had a “Year for Priests” and “The Year of Saint Paul.” This will serve to lead us to a deeper knowledge of our Patron and our capacity to give witness to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in the world today. Let us pray with and for one another and for all God’s Family.

The Year of Prayer - Collect for the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus:

God our Father, You gave Your Saints Timothy and Titus the courage and wisdom of the apostles: may their prayers help us to live holy lives and lead us to heaven, our true home. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.

As we prepare to celebrate St. Timothy Parish’s 50th Jubilee, watch the bulletin for details and suggestions. Our first effort will be to make sure we all know something about our Parish Patron, St. Timothy. Share this information with your family. Be ready to respond to questions about our patron at a moment’s notice.

Who was Saint Timothy?

St. Timothy was a companion of St. Paul who represents the third generation of Christians after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He lived in the first century A.D. He was born in the city of Lystra in Asia Minor.

Reflections on the Liturgy:

The goal of every “reform of the Liturgy” is to lead all of us to a deeper understanding of our Faith. The Church believes as she prays and prays as she believes. “Lex orandi, lex credendi.” When we are asked to pray in a certain form, the reason can always be traced to a need to assist the faithful to understand and practice a truth that has been neglected or misunderstood. The call is always to grow in faith and in understanding and practice of what we believe. In modern times, the first efforts at reform were to invite the faithful to pray together. Public prayer in common seemed to have become the privilege of a few or of only members of religious orders or those in ecclesial roles. Popes and others called for the faithful to come to a knowledge of the Liturgy and to pray together with an awareness of the meaning of the actions being performed.