A Word from Your Pastor August 28

Dear Parishioners:

Thanks to all who have sent me greetings and cards on the occasion of my 52nd Birthday! Isn’t it amazing? We all get to receive accolades and good wishes just for the simple fact of existing in the world for another year. These days more people know the day (and even the precise age) due to Facebook and other social media. I have received birthday greetings as if it were Christmas. . . . In a flash, I glance across the whole spectrum of my life since people from every part of it are jumbled together in the messages sent my way.

It has been said that time passes more quickly the older you get. This seems to be true to me. On the other hand, Eternity and time also appear to intermingle more, which gives time a new quality even as it seems to pass by more quickly. Moments become ever more precious. Particular memories stand out with a new quality when they are seen from the perspective of all that has happened since they were created. Recalling childhood in middle age offers a greater enjoyment of the experiences that have made us who we are.



This past week was the beginning of the new school year. I recall with delight how each new year felt when I was in grade school myself. Mom would make sure we were all ready and Dad used to line us up on the front steps of our house for a picture. We would have new clothes and we looked forward to the new adventures and learning each year would bring. There was a sense of accomplishment as we moved to the next grade. I always wondered whether I would be able to keep up, sure that this next grade might be the one that proved too great a challenge.

At least once a year, early on, when I would make a trip to the lavatory, I would find myself walking back into the wrong classroom, going to the one I was in the previous year. The surprised look on the faces of the teacher and all the students of the grade behind me was no doubt mirrored by the look of horror and embarrassment on my face as I sheepishly closed the door and went to the right room, hoping that none of my classmates would hear about it.

The greatest joy that came from the experience of a Catholic education is the love of life-long learning. The unity of Faith and Reason is not just an abstract concept or an ideal. It is truly a reality in the web of relationships created by a Catholic School at every level. I am truly grateful to be part of a parish with a Catholic School and with a PSR program that has such a dynamic staff. May this year unfold all its promise as we return to the classroom and all the activities that are part of the education of our children.

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

Presbyters who preside well deserve double honor, especially those who toil in preaching and teaching. For the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is threshing," and, "A worker deserves his pay." Do not accept an accusation against a presbyter unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. Reprimand publicly those who do sin, so that the rest also will be afraid. I charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to keep these rules without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism. Do not lay hands too readily on anyone, and do not share in another's sins. Keep yourself pure. (I Timothy 5:17-22)

The challenge of leadership has many hazards. In St. Paul’s advice to St. Timothy, we can see that there are two primary struggles: the witness of a poor leader and the negative response of those who do not want to be led. Presbyters, that is the “elders” of the community, now called priests, have these same difficulties in every era of the life of the Church. As the chief shepherd of his community, Timothy is counseled to walk the fine line between these two situations. Affirmation (even with double pay!) of the good shepherds is encouraged in order to promote good preaching and teaching. Reprimand is to be given when there is good reason for the good of the flock. Discernment of the candidates for ordination is called for lest the chief shepherd bear responsibility for an unsuitable co-worker in the vineyard.

When we read these counsels, we can readily see that the Church has always dealt with the fallen world in which we live. Scandals occur and the Church has the means necessary to overcome them, namely living in accord with the rules set down by proper authorities in the name of Jesus Christ. Timothy serves as a model for us all in addressing the problems of our own time. We must keep ourselves pure that our witness may be clear.

Reflections on the Liturgy:

The document that guides the Church in the Latin Rite in the celebration of the Liturgy is called “Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani,” the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. This has been published in three editions. The new Roman Missal which will be promulgated in English this November finds its norms in this Instruction. It will be helpful to offer a few notes on the principles guiding the celebration of the Liturgy as they are given in the G.I.R.M.

The G.I.R.M. is available online on the US Bishops’ website.

http://old.usccb.org/liturgy/current/revmissalisromanien.shtml

A Witness to Unbroken Tradition

6. In setting forth its instructions for the revision of the Order of Mass, the Second Vatican Council, using the same words as did Saint Pius V in the Apostolic Constitution Quo primum, by which the Missal of Trent was promulgated in 1570, also ordered, among other things, that some rites be restored "to the original norm of the holy Fathers." [Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 50.] From the fact that the same words are used it can be seen how both Roman Missals, although separated by four centuries, embrace one and the same tradition. Furthermore, if the inner elements of this tradition are reflected upon, it also becomes clear how outstandingly and felicitously the older Roman Missal is brought to fulfillment in the new.

7. In a difficult period when the Catholic faith on the sacrificial nature of the Mass, the ministerial priesthood, and the real and permanent presence of Christ under the eucharistic species were placed at risk, Saint Pius V was especially concerned with preserving the more recent tradition then unjustly being assailed, introducing only very slight changes into the sacred rite. In fact, the Missal of 1570 differs very little from the very first printed edition of 1474, which in turn faithfully follows the Missal used at the time of Pope Innocent III. Moreover, even though manuscripts in the Vatican Library provided material for the emendation of some expressions, they by no means made it possible to inquire into "ancient and approved authors" farther back than the liturgical commentaries of the Middle Ages.

It is suggested at times that “the changes” that have taken place in our Liturgy in the current era were an innovation that had no precedent in our history. On the contrary, as this passage points out, they represent the ongoing effort of the Church to be faithful to the witness of her whole history. Even the Council of Trent called for study of the earlier centuries of the practices of the Church in order to renew the Liturgy by a restoration of what was lost. Emphasis in the Missal of 1570 was on keeping intact the Liturgy that was being called into question by the leaders of the Protestant Reformation.

The resources needed for the study called for became available only after the passage of time, and so the Church some 400 years later was now in a position to fulfill the mandate given by Trent. Our Church thinks in centuries. The Tradition of the Church is kept intact not by a slavish adherence to forms of the past, but rather by an ever-new embracing of the truth expressed in the experience of celebrating the Mystery. Deeper insight that comes through prayer is meant to influence the life of the Church and is to be found in the Liturgy. Greater knowledge of the writings of the Fathers and of the Church in earlier times allows for an appropriation of the old and the new that enhances the life of Faith as expressed in the Liturgy. The current situation of a new translation of the Latin Liturgy continues the effort to be ever more faithful to the Tradition.

A Word from Your Pastor August 21

Dear Parishioners:

According to a member of the Resurrection Choir who has been keeping count, I have now celebrated 70 funerals at St. Timothy Church. (The Resurrection Choir has sung for 392 funerals since its beginning.) Our recent loss of Martha Ellen “Marty” McLeod was my #70. That is a lot of funerals, given the fact that I have been here only three years! It was rather fitting to have this threshold crossed by someone who lived a life so fully and joyfully. At the age of 91, Marty was as ready as any of us can ever hope to be. Her death was on a Saturday, and the Funeral Mass took place on the day after the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Those who knew her will remember her big smile and it was clear from the celebration that all were truly inspired by her faith and joy in life, and especially by her love for Jesus. I had the privilege of anointing Marty a few times, most recently just before I left for my family reunion and vacation.

It has occurred to me that this moment is a good time to share some thoughts with you about how to prepare for the “call to the Kingdom” that will come for all of us, and to offer a few pointers about the involvement of the Church in meeting the needs of that special time of grace.

“Remote preparation” is simple: do your duty to God and to other human beings. Come to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Go to Confession regularly, at least a few times a year. Live the Sacraments you have received that define your relationship to God and to His Church: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders. Heaven is offered to all who are open to receive it and who are willing to cooperate with the grace won for us by the action of Jesus Christ. The practice of our Faith does not win salvation, as if it were our own actions that get us there. However, the Sacramental life serves to prepare in our hearts the proper dispositions and attitudes for accepting the free gift of Life in Christ.

As you recognize that your time is near, whether through age (Scripture says life is “70 years or 80 for those who are strong”) or through illness, make arrangements to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick as needed. In former times, this Sacrament was called “Extreme Unction” and it is generally what Catholics refer to when they speak of “Last Rites.” If you or a loved one are facing illness that is serious, or surgery, then don’t hesitate to request the Anointing.

There are special rites that are meant to be direct preparation for the journey to the Kingdom. The final Eucharist is very significant and it is called “Viaticum,” that is, “Food for the Journey.” This can be offered by a Priest, a Deacon or an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion who brings Communion to the Sick. The Priest alone may provide what Fr. Bill Faustner calls “the triple-A treatment”: Absolution, Apostolic Pardon, and Anointing. Absolution refers to the last Confession. The Apostolic Pardon is a special prayer that includes a Plenary Indulgence, a privilege offered as death approaches. The Last Anointing has prayers that speak of entrusting the soul about to die to the Creator and a welcome into the Kingdom.

Catholics pray to St. Joseph for a “Happy Death,” that is, a death that takes place with the final blessings of the Church and with loved ones present, as Jesus and Mary were there for the death of Joseph. In order for such a death to come, we need to be vigilant and to stay close to the Church.

If a priest has been called and anointing has taken place, you can be sure that you have done what you need to do for your loved one who has died. It is best to have this attended to at a time when the person facing death is still lucid and with other family members present. Be sure to tell your family that you want to see a priest. Let the Church know whenever you are facing surgery or some illness that may call for the Anointing of the Sick. I have often attended to this Sacrament after a weekend Mass for someone going into the hospital sometime that week. Fr. Bill Faustner does chaplaincy work at Riverside, O.S.U. Hospital and Mt. Carmel West. We are happy to assist you in time of need.

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

Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters with complete purity.

Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let these first learn to perform their religious duty to their own family and to make recompense to their parents, for this is pleasing to God. The real widow, who is all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But the one who is self-indulgent is dead while she lives. Command this, so that they may be irreproachable. And whoever does not provide for relatives and especially family members has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years old, married only once, with a reputation for good works, namely, that she has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the holy ones, helped those in distress, involved herself in every good work. But exclude younger widows, for when their sensuality estranges them from Christ, they want to marry and will incur condemnation for breaking their first pledge. And furthermore, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers but gossips and busybodies as well, talking about things that ought not to be mentioned. So I would like younger widows to marry, have children, and manage a home, so as to give the adversary no pretext for maligning us. For some have already turned away to follow Satan. If any woman believer has widowed relatives, she must assist them; the church is not to be burdened, so that it will be able to help those who are truly widows. (I Timothy 5:1-16)

Often in our day, the Church is accused of not acknowledging the ministry of those beyond the ordained ministry. Paul’s advice to Timothy here shows that there has always been a place for a diversity of ministries in interdependence with each other. Timothy, the Bishop, whose unique role is highlighted throughout the Letter, is advised to relate to elders with an attitude that acknowledges their wisdom. His relationships with people of any age or status are to be appropriate to the person as a brother or sister in Christ.

A special case in the ancient world is that of women who have lost their status in society due to the death of their husbands. In certain areas, these women were bereft of any protection whatsoever. Their standing in relation to the wider society was determined by familial bonds – husband, father or son. When there is no such relationship, they have no rights or privileges, no recourse to meet their needs. The advice Timothy receives is in regard to the Church’s sense of duty to those most in need.

Discernment of real need is the issue in question. At the same time, Paul highlights the responsibility of the parties who have need; they ought to be proactive in finding help before relying on the Church to take care of them. Those whose needs are met by the Church have a duty as well: to “set their hope on God” and to “continue in supplications and prayer night and day.” There is a reciprocal and interdependent responsibility.

Although circumstances and the structure of relationships in society differ in our day, our own community can learn from the principles implicit in Paul’s advice to Timothy. Each person has a place and a role for the good of the whole. When we allow

Reflections on the Liturgy:

The document that guides the Church in the Latin Rite in the celebration of the Liturgy is called “Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani,” the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. This has been published in three editions. The new Roman Missal which will be promulgated in English this November finds its norms in this Instruction. It will be helpful to offer a few notes on the principles guiding the celebration of the Liturgy as they are given in the G.I.R.M.

The G.I.R.M. is available online on the US Bishops’ website.

http://old.usccb.org/liturgy/current/revmissalisromanien.shtml

A Witness to Unchanged Faith (continued)

4. Further, the nature of the ministerial priesthood proper to a Bishop and a priest, who offer the Sacrifice in the person of Christ and who preside over the gathering of the holy people, is evident in the form of the rite itself, by reason of the more prominent place and office of the priest. The meaning of this office is enunciated and explained clearly and at greater length, in the Preface for the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, the day commemorating the institution of the priesthood. The Preface brings to light the conferral of the priestly power accomplished through the laying on of hands; and, by listing the various duties, it describes that power, which is the continuation of the power of Christ the High Priest of the New Testament.

5. In addition, the nature of the ministerial priesthood also puts into its proper light another reality, which must indeed be highly regarded, namely, the royal priesthood of the faithful, whose spiritual sacrifice is brought to completeness through the ministry of the Bishop and the priests in union with the sacrifice of Christ, the one and only Mediator. [Cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests, Presbyterorum ordinis, no. 2.]

For the celebration of the Eucharist is an action of the whole Church, and in it each one should carry out solely but completely that which pertains to him or her, in virtue of the rank of each within the People of God. In this way greater consideration will also be given to some aspects of the celebration that have sometimes been accorded less attention in the course of time. For this people is the People of God, purchased by Christ's Blood, gathered together by the Lord, nourished by his word. It is a people called to bring to God the prayers of the entire human family, a people giving thanks in Christ for the mystery of salvation by offering his Sacrifice. Finally, it is a people made one by sharing in the Communion of Christ's Body and Blood. Though holy in its origin, this people nevertheless grows continually in holiness by its conscious, active, and fruitful participation in the mystery of the Eucharist. [Cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 11.]

Conscious, active and fruitful participation in the Mystery of the Eucharist is the central reason for all the norms and regulations associated with the Mass. Acknowledgement of the actions proper to every participant and respect for the unique contribution of every member of the assembly establishes the unity of heart and mind that is necessary for a true act of worship. Christ the High Priest is present in the ministerial priest (the bishop or priest who celebrates the Mass) and in His People who are one in the royal priesthood that is theirs by Baptism. The Eucharist is the action of the whole Church, Christ in union with the members of His Mystical Body.

When each participant becomes aware of his or her role in the Mass, the celebration becomes far more effective. As the action of Christ Himself, the Mass always achieves it end, the worship of God in Spirit and in Truth, and the making present of the Sacrifice of Calvary, which won our salvation. As the action of His members in union with Christ the Head, the Mass also serves to bring forth the fruit of the Redemption for the whole world, bringing to God “the prayers of the entire human family.”

A Word from Your Pastor August 14

Dear Parishioners:

Being away is often far more difficult than being present. The effort to arrange for all eventualities while we are on vacation, attending to the preparation of details for the times we are not going to be around is not easy. At the moment, I am working on bulletin columns in advance in order to have things set for the time I am away. If all goes well, you should be seeing me back at church “as usual” the weekend this column appears.

For the week of August 7-12, I arranged for a circuit of visiting friends following my Keeley family reunion in St. Augustine. A number of folks I know from different times in my life have settled in central Florida. I chose to take advantage of the opportunity to see them again and have worked out a “plan” for travel just to touch base. Some of these I have not seen in many years. Facebook and the Internet have allowed for contact with friends from past days that I had lost track of. Travel offers the chance to see these folks in person and in the lives they have created for themselves since we last met.

When we connect with people who knew us at an earlier time of our lives, it is a little like an experience of “time travel.” Events and circumstances once shared come to life again in memories. We also carry in ourselves reminders to our friends and family of the truth of who we are. This experience is a taste of our Eternal nature.

Monday will bring the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which reminds us of the certainty of our Eternal destiny. Mary already shares, in anticipation of the rest of the Church, This year, since it falls on a Monday, it is not considered an Obligation Day. It is a Holy Day, indeed, a Solemnity, but the Bishops have dispensed the obligation. This means that when you choose to come, it is a free and special gift to our Heavenly Mother, not something you are doing because you have to…. We will have two Masses at St. Timothy for the Feast. Let your Mother know you care!


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

Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands of the presbyterate. Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you. (I Timothy 4:12-16)

These words of encouragement from Paul to Timothy resonate with anyone who experiences being “in over his head” with tasks and responsibilities that are heavy to bear. Often youth have a wisdom that is beyond their years and just as often those around them who are older have a way of dismissing that wisdom. Of course, the reverse is also true. Brash youth can summarily reject the wisdom of those who came before them, many times to their own doom. A mark of the wise of any age is a capacity to listen to one another, for the ring of truth and the voice of experience. Paul and Timothy represent this mutuality of respect for the Wisdom that comes from God through human hearts. It is the elder Paul, teaching the younger Timothy, who has been appointed to the task of being an authoritative elder in the Christian community.

Paul encourages Timothy to continue his study and to take on the role entrusted to him through the imposition of hands, that is, through his ordination. The charge to attend to himself and to his responsibility is a charge that can be translated easily into any way of life.

Can we open our hearts to receive the wisdom of the generations among us – our elders and the youth and all those in between? Are we attentive to our own growth in knowledge and the exercise of the responsibility entrusted to us?

Reflections on the Liturgy:

The document that guides the Church in the Latin Rite in the celebration of the Liturgy is called “Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani,” the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. This has been published in three editions. The new Roman Missal which will be promulgated in English this November finds its norms in this Instruction. It will be helpful to offer a few notes on the principles guiding the celebration of the Liturgy as they are given in the G.I.R.M.

The G.I.R.M. is available online on the US Bishops’ website.

http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/current/revmissalisromanien.shtml

A Witness to Unchanged Faith (continued)

3. Moreover, the wondrous Mystery of the Lord's Real Presence under the Eucharistic Species, reaffirmed by the Second Vatican Council [1] and other documents of the Church's Magisterium [2] in the same sense and with the same words that the Council of Trent had proposed as a matter of faith [3], is proclaimed in the celebration of Mass not only by means of the very words of consecration, by which Christ becomes present through transubstantiation, but also by that interior disposition and outward expression of supreme reverence and adoration in which the Eucharistic Liturgy is carried out. For the same reason the Christian people is drawn on Holy Thursday of the Lord's Supper, and on the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, to venerate this wonderful Sacrament by a special form of adoration.

[1] Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, nos. 7, 47; Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests, Presbyterorum ordinis, nos. 5, 18.

[2] Cf. Pius XII, Encyclical Letter Humani generis, 12 August 1950: Acta Apostolicae Sedis, Commentarium Officiale (Vatican City; hereafter, AAS), 42 (1950), pp. 570-571; Paul VI, Encyclical Letter Mysterium fidei, On the doctrine and worship of the Eucharist, 3 September 1965 : AAS 57(1965), pp. 762-769; Paul VI, Solemn Profession of Faith, 30 June 1968 , nos. 24-26: AAS 60 (1968), pp. 442-443; Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction Eucharisticum mysterium, On the worship of the Eucharist, 25 May 1967 , nos. 3f, 9: AAS 59 (1967), pp. 543, 547

[3] Cf. Council of Trent, session 13, Decretum de ss. Eucharistia, 11 October 1551

Some wonderful Catholic words that have been filled with meaning through the centuries serve to express the Faith of the Church in the Eucharist.

“Mystery” – that is, “wondrous Mystery” – points to the fact that what we are describing is beyond our understanding.

“Real Presence” reminds us that Eucharist is not a “what” but a “Who” – the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ in His Risen Glorious State. It is not a mere symbol, but a Reality that communicates us through a symbol.

The term “Eucharistic Species” allows for the experience of a symbol that has a deeper reality behind it. We acknowledge that the Eucharist we receive is met by our senses at one level, namely the “accidents” of bread and wine.

The “Consecration” is effected by the Lord’s own words “This is My Body” and “This is the Cup (Chalice) of My Blood.”

“Transubstantiation” is a word coined precisely to describe the Mystery of the Eucharist: there is a transformation at the level of substance. By the action of the Spirit through the instrumentality of the ordained priest of Jesus Christ, what used to be bread and wine now becomes the very Body and Blood of Christ. The Substance present is the Lord Himself, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, the Fullness of the Person of the Word of God. This term is not meant to take away the Mystery, but rather to point to the fact that no human words can ever fully express what occurs.

The “Eucharistic Liturgy” is the locus where the faithful may express their interior disposition of Faith by the very rites and rituals that show “supreme reverence and adoration.” The Mass is the highest expression of our devotion to the Lord and the very means by which we may continue to encounter Him.

As we adapt to new English words in the form of the Mass, we must keep these principles of Faith in mind. Now is a time of deepening our Faith in the Mystery we celebrate.

A Word from Your Pastor August 7

One of the things I enjoy doing when I have “spare time” is to work on my family’s genealogy. It has been a while since I have had a sustained opportunity to work on this project, but through the years, I have managed to discover some interesting details concerning my family history. I have also met relatives literally all over the world and made friends with lots of cousins.

This weekend, I am away for a family reunion on my mother’s side of the family, the Keeley clan, all of whom are descended from one Irish ancestor named Lawrence Keeley. This custom of a family reunion for this clan started when a distant branch decided to send out invitations beyond their own branch. Now, we have a reunion every two or three years in a different part of the country. We started in Illinois, where Lawrence and his first wife settled in the 1860’s. From there, it has gone from coast to coast. We have had gatherings at Virginia Beach, in the state of Washington, at Colorado Springs, and at Gettysburg. One year, I hosted with my family in Newark, Ohio. This year, my brother and sister-in-law who live near Jacksonville, Florida, are hosting in St. Augustine.

As St. Timothy Parish arranges its Jubilee, now is the time to invite the family and friends who have gone out from here back for a visit. Why not make plans for your own clan to have a reunion sometime during our time of Jubilee? Invite them to share Mass with the parish and to have a family blessing. Bring them in for one of the great events of the Parish family – the Festival, the Dinner Auction, the Spaghetti Dinner, or any other event you can think of. So often, families gather only for funerals and comment that they should do this for a happy occasion. Let our Jubilee be your happy occasion.

This weekend, I am happy to welcome (in my absence) Fr. Paul Noble, the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Columbus. He is preaching at all the Masses to invite our younger members and the parish at large to realize that God’s Call is addressed to all of us. In particular, he is inviting St. Timothy Parish to promote awareness of the call to priestly ministry in the Diocese of Columbus. Can we offer him a prospect or two in gratitude for the more than 30 priests who have served our parish in the five decades of our existence?