Sunday, October 7, 2012

A Word from Your Pastor October 7


Dear Parishioners:

Involvement in the Church and relationship with Jesus are not two separate realities. 

Our current culture is attempting to construct a world without God, a secular reality.  In the face of this, it can seem that we can have within the spiritual realm a world that is similarly distinct: the Church and my personal relationship with God.  It is common in and out of the Church nowadays to say “the Church does not have the right to dictate this behavior; that is between me and my God or me and my conscience.” 

First, it must be noted, that contrary to what the world makes it seem, the Church has far fewer “rules” than most of the clubs and neighborhoods to which we belong.  For an institution that has lasted more than 2000 years, isn’t it amazing that the Latin Code of Canon Law has only 1752 canons, not even one for each year of the Church’s existence!

The last canon highlights the purpose of the whole body of law: “The salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law in the Church, is to be kept before one’s eyes.  The “613 precepts of the Law,” from the Old Testament, as interpreted through the two great Commandments of the New Testament, Love of God and Love of Neighbor, are the backbone of this law of the Church.

Second, even the secular enterprise is bound to fail.  They start with the world of which God is the Creator.  (When  a modern scientist said he could create human beings just like God did, he started to take up some mud to do so, and God said, “Get your own dirt.”)  To establish a world without the Author and Architect involved is simply not possible.

Jesus and the Church, His Bride, are inseparable.  Just as husband and wife cannot act independently of one another without creating problems for the world around them, near and far, nor can we stay close to Jesus without staying close to His Bride, the Church.

Keep this in mind when you read the news of the situation in Germany.  There are individuals telling the government they no longer belong to the Church (and so being freed of responsibility for “taxes” that go to upkeep of the institutional Church), but still claiming to belong to the Church….  You cannot deny Jesus and His Bride in a public way and still be true to the responsibility that is yours to live the Faith.  The German Bishops are asking Pastors to write a letter to those who make such a claim to let them know that the Church is taking them at their word….  Membership has its privileges and responsibilities!

COMMUNION PRAYER

My Lord Jesus Christ, I firmly believe that I am about to receive, in Communion, Your Body, Your Blood, Your Soul and Your divinity. I believe it because You have said it, and I am ready to give my life to maintain this truth.

Celebrating our Golden Jubilee:  Getting to know Saint Timothy’s Community of Faith.

Up to now, we have concentrated our study on the Scriptures associated with Ephesus, since that was the diocese of which our Patron St. Timothy was the first Bishop.  We are now considering another Letter associated with that community, this time from one of the early bishops of the Church named Ignatius of Antioch.

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians, CHAPTER XI.--AN EXHORTATION TO FEAR GOD, ETC.

The last times are come upon us. Let us therefore be of a reverent spirit, and fear the long-suffering of God, that it tend not to our condemnation. For let us either stand in awe of the wrath to come, or show regard for the grace which is at present displayed--one of two things. Only [in one way or another] let us be found in Christ Jesus unto the true life. Apart from Him, let nothing attract you, for whom I bear about these bonds, these spiritual jewels, by which may I arise through your prayers, of which I entreat I may always be a partaker, that I may be found in the lot of the Christians of Ephesus, who have always been of the same mind with the apostles through the power of Jesus Christ.

St. Ignatius is close to the Apostolic generation and he continues to acknowledge the sense of imminence of the “last times.”  Since this letter is being written as Ignatius is on his way to martyrdom, he is looking clearly at his own situation. He seeks the prayers of the Ephesians for himself and he exhorts them to live in accord with the life and teachings of the Apostles.

The attitude of Ignatius is fitting for our own days as well.  We may not have the sense of the first generations of Christianity of the imminence of the End of Times, but we are called to have Eternity in our view even as we live day by day.  As we come to the close of our own Year of Jubilee and move into the Year of Faith, prayer and perseverance in the witness we give the world ought to be our guiding principles. 

This Week in Our History:  October 7-14

1963:   We want to thank Mr. Hugh Dorrian, Jr., who arranged it, and the Knights of Columbus Council 4180, for the very generous donation of the beautiful classroom flags to our school.

During the month of October, the Bishop directs that a count be taken in all the churches of the Diocese of those attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion.   Last Sunday 1175 attended Mass and 399 received Holy Communion.

The collection last Sunday came to $1,717.00.  This is one of the finest collections we have had.  Thank you very much.

The organization of the school library is about completed.  The librarians have put in a great deal of time to have it ready for use for the children.  We consider the library a most important part of our instruction program.  In order to acquaint the parish with the library and to give parishioners an opportunity to help stock it, we will hold a Book Fair on Sunday, November 3. 

  In the not too distant future:  Establishment of a parish library shelf in the library.

1966:    ROSARY AND BENEDICTION WILL BE HELD AT 7:15 THIS EVENING FOR FR. WINKLER.

Report from Mount Carmel Hospital at 6:45 this morning – Father Winkler remains in critical condition.  Progress is satisfactory with Doctors for this stage – Responds intermittently – He cannot be considered out of danger for perhaps another week – Report from night supervisor also indicated he rested quite comfortably during the night.

During this past week Father Tumeo was assigned as Assistant Pastor of St. Mary Church, Portsmouth, Ohio.  Reverend John D. Burkhart has been appointed as our new Assistant Pastor.  We take this opportunity to welcome him to St. Timothy.

1967:   Book Review Club will meet…at the home of Betty Bohn.  Pat Albert will review the writings of Graham Greene.  Anyone interested in good, informal discussions is invited to attend.

1969:   Women’s Club News:   A big THANK YOU to all the women who worked so hard on the census.  4858 homes were contacted and the results show that our parishioners number 1214, either families or individuals.

1972:  The following received the Sacrament of Baptism last Sunday:  David Allan, son of M/M David Agee; Reno James, son of M/M Reno Menapace; Marina Regina, daughter of M/M Philip Sbrochi.

1974:   Marriage announcements:  John Ochenas and Arlene Bursik; John Salimbene and Allana Schaad.  Both weddings will be Saturday, October 19.

1975:   Monday, 2:00 p.m. Bicentennial Day – Since this is our country’s 200th Birthday year and many events are planned, we feel that Columbus Day would be a good day to begin our celebration.  The glee club and each class under the direction of Sunny Murtha will present its salute to our country.  All of you are invited to attend.

Our collections have been the highest in history; while our attendance at Mass is the lowest in history:  The count was 989 last Sunday, a little over half what it was 10 years ago when our income was the lowest over what it is today.  We are grateful for the financial commitment of our loyal parishioners, but, pass along the word:  we are a community that worships together, not just one that pays bills.

We congratulate JoAnne Hooks and Joseph Keenan; and Pamela Baker and Robert Tournoux, who will be married here at St. Timothy next Saturday.

1976:   YOU ARE IN TROUBLE!  That is, if you haven’t yet thought about what kind of costume you are going to wear to the Men’s Club Halloween Dance on October 30.  (By the way, you don’t have to wear a costume, but you won’t be admitted without something on.)  Tickets available from Tim Pond, John Sosnowski, and Bob DuMont.


1977:  Communion in the Hand.

Next week Catholics have the option of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue or in the hand.  If you choose the latter option this is what you should do:

1.         Place one open palm on top of the other.  (If you are right-handed, the right hand should be on the bottom; if you are left-handed, the left hand should be on the bottom.)
2.         After you have replied “Amen” to “The Body of Christ,” the minister will place the Host in your open hand.
3.         Step aside to make room for the next communicant.
4.         With your lower hand, take the Host and place it in your mouth.

1980:   On Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, the members of St. Timothy Parish are invited to a special Open House at our newest Diocesan Cemetery.

  Resurrection Cemetery is located on Route 23North: just 2-1/2 miles above the 1-270 interchange.

1981:   Thanks to the Women’s Club.  Fathers Hanley and Virginia, and Deacon Pat Rogers extend a warm and hearty “thank you” to all the ladies or the wonderful Rectory Shower.  Our linen closets and kitchen shelves are now well-stocked.  The kitchen has all the necessary appliances and life is much more comfortable.  Thanks; thanks…and ever thanks! 

1983:   Mural Dedication.  After the 10:00 Mass next Sunday, the 16th, the beautiful mural in the vestibule will be blessed.  At that time, a title-description plaque will be hung next to the mural.

1985:   Mary Elizabeth Blaire of St. Timothy will marry Robert Paul Ulliman of Immaculate Conception Church on Saturday, October 19 in St. Timothy Church.

1990:  Weddings:  Beth Shary and Scott Wilson.

1995:   For security reasons, all entrances to the school building will be locked during the school day once the 9:00 a.m. Mass is over.  Please use the East entrance to the building on the lower level if you need access to the school or church.  A sign directing visitors to the appropriate entrance will soon be in place.

1997:   Welcome to the Parish:  Mark/Donna Bentele, Ben, Chris; Al/Swancy Fazio; Sally James; Ron Corbitt; Victor/Joanne O’Brien, Joe, Cooper; Richard/Darlene DeRoberts; Frank/Michelle Boscarillo, Megan, Amy, Frankie; Dave/ Judy O’Neil, Tim, Josh, Abby; Karry/Ann Sparks, Amanda, Kyle; Betty Dittoe; Ann Berroteran; Marjorie Dittoe; James/Patricia Sagester; Chad DeVillers

1999:    Congratulations to Angela Chickey and Jin Kruez who will be married Saturday, October 16th.

2002:   Holy Communion.  Beginning on the weekend of October 26/27, we will be offering the Holy Eucharist under both forms of the Bread and the consecrated Wine at all Masses.   This has become a regular practice at Catholic parishes.  Though not required that the cup be received also, it is a fuller expression of receiving the Holy Eucharist which is so central to the Catholic Faith.

2006:    From the Pastor’s Desk

For reasons that should become clearer over the next few months, and after candid discussions with the Finance Board, I realized how important it is that the parish as a whole come to a better understanding of our financial situation….This weekend, I’d like to look at the “big picture’ – how much it costs to operate the parish…It doesn’t take and Einstein to realize that the parish cannot pay more than $14,000 worth of weekly bills with a weekly income of $11,000.  I do not mention this to complain, much less to blame anybody.  This is a very generous and responsible community.  I am trying to share as much information as possible because the better everybody understands our situation, the better everybody will be able to help.

                                                                                              Fr. John

We Welcome

The Newly Baptized:  Grace Ann Hoffman, daughter of Duane and Lori; William Keith Putnam, son of Aaron and Amanda.

New Parishioners:  Aaron/Colleen Adkins; Eugene/Lucille Klein; John/Theresa Klein; Jennifer Oddi; Tom/Erin Lacey; Patrick/Hope Cooper; Ken/Mary Lou Guillory; Matt/Gina Studer; Suzanne Grant; James/ Inez Bras Estopinal; Kathryn Kumler; Ronald /Rebecca Ruppersburg; Jeff/Rebecca Ward

 

Please remember in your prayers Byron Edgington.  Our sympathy to his family and may he rest in peace.

2007:   Welcome into the Parish the Newly Baptized:  Fagan Olivia Jenkins, daughter of Doug and Marylyn; Connor Maxwell Dawson, son of Sean and Sarah.

2008:   Congratulations to Mark Hauenstein and Mary Ann Arend,who will be married on Saturday.

2009:   A Word from Your Pastor

October is a month that highlights many important aspects of the life of the Church.  It is Respect Life Month, a time when we are reminded of our responsibility to understand and promote the Church’s constant teaching on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death….

  October is also the month of the Rosary.  We are called on to use this wonderful form of prayer that involves our whole person, body, mind, and spirit.  Families ought to pray the Rosary together at least weekly, if not daily.  Most Catholics have a rosary or two which have been received as gifts.  How often do we use the gift?  It is not a form of jewelry only to be placed in the hands of the deceased in their caskets.  It is meant to be put to use.

2010:   Journey to the Lands of the Bible in 2011.

There will be a meeting on Sunday October 10th, following the noon Mass to introduce the forthcoming pilgrimage “In the Footsteps of St. Timothy!”  This is a most unusual pilgrimage which has been suggested by Fr. Hayes to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Timothy Parish, which begins in November of 2011.

  The itinerary is designed to include all the many places which St. Timothy visited as he traveled with St. Paul, which will include Greece and Turkey with a cruise between the two countries plus a few other important religious sites in the area.   Our Pastor, Fr. Timothy Hayes, and Fr. Paul Hrezo, Spiritual Director at the Josephinum, will be spiritual guides on the journey.

(A lengthy letter from Holy Land pilgrim Mary Zeehandelar described the plight of the Christian population in the Holy Land, and presented a proposal to sponsor a Christian student in a Terra Santa school run by the Franciscan Fathers in the Holy Land.  Parish Council supported the proposal with a donation from St. Timothy Parish for $500, the cost of one year’s support of an elementary student.  Sponsorship of a student is a 7-year commitment, supporting the student through high school.  Donations are requested – if every family gave $5, there would be enough collected to sponsor a child for all seven years.  It is hoped that the St. Timothy schoolchildren will become involved in this mission.)

2011:   Celebrate the Life of Dominic Gregory:  Thursday, October 13, St. Timothy Rosary Garden, 7:00 p.m.   Bring your rosary and a friend.  All are welcome!

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