Dear Parishioners:
Christmas is coming! We have a full four weeks of Advent this year with Christmas on a Sunday. Let this be to your advantage. Live the time of anticipation and waiting to the full. Open your heart to the Lord and invite Him to make use of you and your family to reveal His Presence in the world. Take the time to think about the Reason for the Season. Read the accounts of Jesus’ Birth from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke as if you have never heard the Story before. Make plans to enter fully into Christmas next weekend.
Heartfelt thanks to all who participated in last week’s Penance Service. We had a good crop of sinners for the eight priests who worked with them. It was obvious that grace and mercy were flowing. Confession is good for the soul. It clears the spiritual pores and allows baptismal grace to do its work in us. I was truly a proud Pastor as I saw how many came, how many approached the Sacrament, and especially how many stayed to pray with and for their brothers and sisters until the prayer of thanksgiving and the final blessing. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” was sung with gusto.
I have one more favor to ask for the Season: Please fill up all the Masses of Christmas, especially those on Christmas Day. Many have the custom of participating in the first Vigil Mass at 5:00 p.m., and then the number of attendees dwindles as the Mass times go on: 7:00 p.m. Vigil, 10:00 p.m. “Midnight” Mass, and 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Christmas morning. This year, we need the strong voices of our usual weekly Mass-goers to assist our annual guests with the new English responses. If you plan to attend the Vigil Mass, come again to at least one of the other Masses. For Christmas, you are able to receive Holy Communion again at a second Mass.
There are four distinct Masses of Christmas: the Vigil, Midnight, Dawn and Day, each with different prayers and readings. The Incarnation is celebrated by the Church’s Liturgy in high style. It is truly worthwhile to experience all that the Church has to offer at this special time. Let’s join the effort to put Christ and Mass back in Christ-mas.
Entering into our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
You have followed my teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, persecutions that I endured. Yet from all these things the Lord delivered me. In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. (II Timothy 3:10-13)
St. Paul is not afraid to admit the struggles he experiences in his witness to Christ. He recalls them with emotion, but not with self-pity. Rather, he is able to see the action of the Lord in delivering him “from all these things.” He sees clearly, and reminds St. Timothy, that all who want to follow the Lord will have the same experience. There are two ways: the way of those who seek to follow Christ, and the way of the wicked.
Our life as a Parish Family is meant to be a living witness of the “teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance,” that Paul and Timothy put into practice. When we undergo hardships, especially the persecutions and suffering that come from our efforts to put our Faith into practice, we are in good company. We can be sure that we are on the right track when we experience such struggles and we can put our trust in the God Who calls us.
CHRISTMAS MASSES AT ST. TIMOTHY CHURCH, COLUMBUS
Christmas Eve – December 24
5:00 & 7:00 p.m., Vigil Mass: Family Unity
10:00 p.m., Solemn Mass at Night: Light in Darkness
Christmas Day – December 25
8:00 a.m., Christmas Mass at Dawn: Let us go to Bethlehem
10:00 a.m., Christmas Day Mass: The Word Made Flesh
Note: No 12:00 p.m. Mass for Sunday, December 25, 2011
Feast of the Holy Family, Friday, December 30
9:00 a.m., Family Blessing after Mass
Solemnity of Mary, January 1, 2012
Usual weekend Schedule: Saturday, 5:00 p.m.;
Sunday, 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Showing posts with label Advent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Advent. Show all posts
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor December 11
Dear Parishioners:
The readings of Advent are so rich! If we would only allow our hearts to be open to their message and to respond with the kind of Faith that witnesses to the Truth of God-with-us!
Can you hear St. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians as addressed to you personally?
May the God of peace make you perfectly holy
and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,
be preserved blameless for the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The One Who calls you is faithful,
and He will also accomplish it.
(I Thessalonians 5:23-24)
This past week, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which reminds us that God can get to the basic goodness that is in our human nature and allow it to shine forth. This coming week, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which reminds us that Heaven is concerned with our land and the Faith of little ones. Soon we will enter more profoundly into the Mystery of the Incarnation, the wondrous Gift of Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God Who takes our human nature to Himself.
Our Parish will experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week through a Penance Service on Wednesday, December 14. Now is the time to allow the Spirit of God to give you the Peace that only God can give. Will you embrace the holiness that is yours by right through your Baptism? Will you allow Jesus Christ to touch you with His Healing Mercy so that you may entirely, spirit, soul and body, become free from sin by the grace of the Sacramental Absolution available to you through Confession?
God is Faithful. He proves this again and again. He can make us faithful as well, but only if we respond to the invitation to grace. God is faithful to what He promises. He has said it and He will do it. Will you allow Him to do what only He can do?
We will have several priests with very compassionate hearts available to offer you the Mercy of God at the Penance Service on Wednesday. Please come and bring your friends and enemies. Children, bring your parents and grandparents. Promise them you will clean your room if they clean theirs!
Entering into our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
But understand this: there will be terrifying times in the last days. People will be self-centered and lovers of money, proud, haughty, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, irreligious, callous, implacable, slanderous, licentious, brutal, hating what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, as they make a pretense of religion but deny its power. Reject them.
For some of these slip into homes and make captives of women weighed down by sins, led by various desires, always trying to learn but never able to reach a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so they also oppose the truth--people of depraved mind, unqualified in the faith. But they will not make further progress, for their foolishness will be plain to all, as it was with those two. (II Timothy 3:1-9)
The “last days” began with the Incarnation and especially with the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. St. Paul reminds St. Timothy and his community that the struggles in the pagan world and the persecutions they are experiencing are all part of the terror of the last days. But something is more terrible than these outside troubles: sin that comes from a selfish and self-centered heart does more damage to souls than anything else
Paul’s list of attitudes and behaviors present in the last days makes a good “examination of conscience” for all of us: Are we “self-centered and lovers of money, proud, haughty, abusive, disobedient to our parents, ungrateful, irreligious, callous, implacable, slanderous, licentious, brutal, hating what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” and do we “make a pretense of religion but deny its power”? Can we see ourselves in those who opposed Moses, when he came to deliver his people from bondage in Egypt?
Sin is defeated by Faith. Putting Faith in God means being willing to be led to knowledge of Truth. The truth of ourselves as sinners in need of God’s Mercy is the most basic Truth of all.
The readings of Advent are so rich! If we would only allow our hearts to be open to their message and to respond with the kind of Faith that witnesses to the Truth of God-with-us!
Can you hear St. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians as addressed to you personally?
May the God of peace make you perfectly holy
and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,
be preserved blameless for the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The One Who calls you is faithful,
and He will also accomplish it.
(I Thessalonians 5:23-24)
This past week, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which reminds us that God can get to the basic goodness that is in our human nature and allow it to shine forth. This coming week, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which reminds us that Heaven is concerned with our land and the Faith of little ones. Soon we will enter more profoundly into the Mystery of the Incarnation, the wondrous Gift of Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God Who takes our human nature to Himself.
Our Parish will experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week through a Penance Service on Wednesday, December 14. Now is the time to allow the Spirit of God to give you the Peace that only God can give. Will you embrace the holiness that is yours by right through your Baptism? Will you allow Jesus Christ to touch you with His Healing Mercy so that you may entirely, spirit, soul and body, become free from sin by the grace of the Sacramental Absolution available to you through Confession?
God is Faithful. He proves this again and again. He can make us faithful as well, but only if we respond to the invitation to grace. God is faithful to what He promises. He has said it and He will do it. Will you allow Him to do what only He can do?
We will have several priests with very compassionate hearts available to offer you the Mercy of God at the Penance Service on Wednesday. Please come and bring your friends and enemies. Children, bring your parents and grandparents. Promise them you will clean your room if they clean theirs!
Entering into our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
But understand this: there will be terrifying times in the last days. People will be self-centered and lovers of money, proud, haughty, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, irreligious, callous, implacable, slanderous, licentious, brutal, hating what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, as they make a pretense of religion but deny its power. Reject them.
For some of these slip into homes and make captives of women weighed down by sins, led by various desires, always trying to learn but never able to reach a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so they also oppose the truth--people of depraved mind, unqualified in the faith. But they will not make further progress, for their foolishness will be plain to all, as it was with those two. (II Timothy 3:1-9)
The “last days” began with the Incarnation and especially with the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. St. Paul reminds St. Timothy and his community that the struggles in the pagan world and the persecutions they are experiencing are all part of the terror of the last days. But something is more terrible than these outside troubles: sin that comes from a selfish and self-centered heart does more damage to souls than anything else
Paul’s list of attitudes and behaviors present in the last days makes a good “examination of conscience” for all of us: Are we “self-centered and lovers of money, proud, haughty, abusive, disobedient to our parents, ungrateful, irreligious, callous, implacable, slanderous, licentious, brutal, hating what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” and do we “make a pretense of religion but deny its power”? Can we see ourselves in those who opposed Moses, when he came to deliver his people from bondage in Egypt?
Sin is defeated by Faith. Putting Faith in God means being willing to be led to knowledge of Truth. The truth of ourselves as sinners in need of God’s Mercy is the most basic Truth of all.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor December 4
A Word from Your Pastor
Dear Parishioners:
We have arrived! Our Golden Jubilee has been the occasion for many wonderful encounters and announcements. The gathering last weekend was truly an experience that revealed the wonder of what God can do with willing hearts. Thanks go out to all who were part of the celebration and we look forward to all that will go on as the year unfolds.
One of the best bits of news that we were able to share last weekend is the fact that we have completed repayment of our Loan from the Diocesan Parish Aid Fund for our new facility and the upgrades to the church that took place in 2000. The “tearing up of our mortgage” (not a burning because it took place indoors!) allowed us to acknowledge that the Parish no longer owes an outside debt. In our 50th Year, “we owe nothing to anyone except the debt of Love.” The largest amount that we owed the Diocese at any one time was One Million, Nine Hundred, Sixty-Four Thousand, Five Hundred, Ninety One Dollars & 33 cents. As of September 30, 2011, we no longer have a loan from the Diocese.
A Large Check displays the largest amount of our Parish Debt
A Certificate from the Diocese of Columbus, signed by the Bishop
and by the Diocesan Director of Finance, acknowledges we are Paid in Full
The repayment of the debt was made possible this Fall by two major donations, one in the form of a challenge gift, along with the monthly Campaign envelopes, that covered the remaining principal. We still “owe ourselves” the funds that were used from “parish coffers” (the weekly stewardship collection and parish reserves) to cover the interest. So the campaign continues “in house” and the funds still being collected on the pledges made are still needed. As was mentioned, we still have some projects of building improvement that incoming funds will be used for. But the wonderful news we can delight in is that the mortgage is ended and for the second time in our parish history, we are free of outside obligations. Heartfelt thanks to all the benefactors who have made this possible. Special kudos are due to Msgr. John Johnson who saw to the most recent debt retirement efforts. May God bless him and all involved in the Campaign for St. Timothy!
Congratulations are also due to the People of St. Timothy Parish for their transition to the new Roman Missal and the new form of English used in our Liturgy. Bishop Campbell himself went on record in the Columbus Dispatch telling the world that we were well prepared. The enthusiastic “And with your Spirit” that met his Apostolic Greeting “Peace be with you” was a sign that we are where we need to be. In time, we will be as familiar with the new form as we have been with the one we have been using. Blessings to all of you!
Entering into our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
In a large household there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for lofty and others for humble use. If anyone cleanses himself of these things, he will be a vessel for lofty use, dedicated, beneficial to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart. Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels. A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth, and that they may return to their senses out of the devil's snare, where they are entrapped by him, for his will. (II Timothy 2:20-26)
The call to be mature is given to all who seek to grow in Faith. St. Paul addresses Timothy and his community with the charge to set aside youthful ways of acting and to put into practice the virtues that go along with the Life in Christ: righteousness, faith, love, and peace. We are to be among those who call on the Lord in purity of heart. This reminder is fitting for our community as well as we enter into a new phase of our life as a Parish. We are a people of welcome, faithfulness, and service. This can deepen if we set our sights on the Truth that comes from God and the teachings of our Church.
Dear Parishioners:
We have arrived! Our Golden Jubilee has been the occasion for many wonderful encounters and announcements. The gathering last weekend was truly an experience that revealed the wonder of what God can do with willing hearts. Thanks go out to all who were part of the celebration and we look forward to all that will go on as the year unfolds.
One of the best bits of news that we were able to share last weekend is the fact that we have completed repayment of our Loan from the Diocesan Parish Aid Fund for our new facility and the upgrades to the church that took place in 2000. The “tearing up of our mortgage” (not a burning because it took place indoors!) allowed us to acknowledge that the Parish no longer owes an outside debt. In our 50th Year, “we owe nothing to anyone except the debt of Love.” The largest amount that we owed the Diocese at any one time was One Million, Nine Hundred, Sixty-Four Thousand, Five Hundred, Ninety One Dollars & 33 cents. As of September 30, 2011, we no longer have a loan from the Diocese.
A Large Check displays the largest amount of our Parish Debt
A Certificate from the Diocese of Columbus, signed by the Bishop
and by the Diocesan Director of Finance, acknowledges we are Paid in Full
The repayment of the debt was made possible this Fall by two major donations, one in the form of a challenge gift, along with the monthly Campaign envelopes, that covered the remaining principal. We still “owe ourselves” the funds that were used from “parish coffers” (the weekly stewardship collection and parish reserves) to cover the interest. So the campaign continues “in house” and the funds still being collected on the pledges made are still needed. As was mentioned, we still have some projects of building improvement that incoming funds will be used for. But the wonderful news we can delight in is that the mortgage is ended and for the second time in our parish history, we are free of outside obligations. Heartfelt thanks to all the benefactors who have made this possible. Special kudos are due to Msgr. John Johnson who saw to the most recent debt retirement efforts. May God bless him and all involved in the Campaign for St. Timothy!
Congratulations are also due to the People of St. Timothy Parish for their transition to the new Roman Missal and the new form of English used in our Liturgy. Bishop Campbell himself went on record in the Columbus Dispatch telling the world that we were well prepared. The enthusiastic “And with your Spirit” that met his Apostolic Greeting “Peace be with you” was a sign that we are where we need to be. In time, we will be as familiar with the new form as we have been with the one we have been using. Blessings to all of you!
Entering into our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
In a large household there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for lofty and others for humble use. If anyone cleanses himself of these things, he will be a vessel for lofty use, dedicated, beneficial to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart. Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels. A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth, and that they may return to their senses out of the devil's snare, where they are entrapped by him, for his will. (II Timothy 2:20-26)
The call to be mature is given to all who seek to grow in Faith. St. Paul addresses Timothy and his community with the charge to set aside youthful ways of acting and to put into practice the virtues that go along with the Life in Christ: righteousness, faith, love, and peace. We are to be among those who call on the Lord in purity of heart. This reminder is fitting for our community as well as we enter into a new phase of our life as a Parish. We are a people of welcome, faithfulness, and service. This can deepen if we set our sights on the Truth that comes from God and the teachings of our Church.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor November 27
Dear Parishioners:
Happy Golden Jubilee! Happy Advent!
We have reached a truly memorable time for our Parish. From this weekend onward we begin the celebration of 50 years as a community entrusted with the mission of living the Gospel together as a family. We are called to rediscover our roots and to renew our commitment to live as a witness to Jesus Christ in the world today. We welcome Bishop Frederick F. Campbell and all who join us this weekend to share in our joy.
The beginning of Advent invites us to look with joyful Hope toward the Coming of Christ in Glory at the end of the ages. Our celebration of the Rite of Welcome for the Catechumens and Candidates who are part of the R.C.I.A. is a reminder that we are a growing community and that our Faith is meant to be shared.
The start of the use of the English translation according to Third Typical Edition of the Roman Missal calls us to deepen our understanding of the Mass and to pay closer attention to the depth and meaning of the Liturgy we celebrate as the Church.
As we attend to all that this weekend brings, let us renew our commitment to be the Family of Faith we are called to be. It is fitting to call to mind our Parish Mission Statement: “United in the Body of Christ, we strive to promote the greater glory of God through a spirit of welcome and willing service to our brothers and sisters.”
(Adopted by the St. Timothy Parish Pastoral Council February 25, 2010.)
May the years ahead continue to form us as a People open to God’s Love and ready to share it with the world. Blessings on all who have brought us to this day, and blessings to all who will be part of our life in the years to come!
Entering into our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
“Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen. Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation. Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless, and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have deviated from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already taken place and are upsetting the faith of some. Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands, bearing this inscription, ‘The Lord knows those who are his’; and, ‘Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil.’” (II Timothy 2:14-19)
The Lord knows those who belong to Him. St. Paul does not hesitate to name names of those who, at the moment he is writing, are forgetful of their call. We can pray that Hymenaeus and Philetus and others whose names are immortalized as worthy of Paul’s wrath had a conversion of heart. St. Timothy and his community at Ephesus no doubt took to heart the warning and stood solid in their Faith and in they adherence to the teachings they had received.
The foundations upon which the Church is built are solid. As we enter into our Golden Jubilee, we acknowledge the pillars of Faith still among us. We also humbly thank God for the privilege of being members of a community of Faith entrusted with the task of proclaiming God’s invitation to belong to Him. May we always live in awareness of this relationship!
Reflections on the Liturgy:
The Mass is a tremendous gift that is often taken for granted. The change in the English version that we will experience at the beginning of Advent will challenge us to pay close attention to what we say. It is an opportunity to renew our understanding of the depth and meaning of the Liturgy. This effort to understand also serves to call us to a deeper attention to our prayer outside of the Mass.
All the forms of prayer that Christians experience must flow from and prepare for a worthy celebration of the Mass. It is important to realize that Mass is the highest form of prayer, because it is the prayer of Christ Himself. In these last weeks before we begin to make use of the new Roman Missal, we can prepare by looking into the forms of prayer that make up our daily lives.
There are four primary ways of prayer: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication.
Supplication is the most familiar form of prayer. Perhaps the simplest expression of this prayer is one word: “Help!” It is the cry of the heart that knows we cannot accomplish anything without God. We look to our limitations and to God’s overflowing Goodness, and we ask for what we need.
There are two forms of supplication: personal requests for need, wants and desires, and intercessions for the sake of others. Either form puts the prayer in the form of an acknowledgment of some lack that we beg God to fill. Many of the prayers of the Mass are in the form of supplication.
In the presidential prayers (the prayers expressed by the priest who is presiding over the celebration of the Mass), particular graces and mercies are sought on behalf of the assembly. We are present at a certain moment and we express our desire that God be God for us, filling us with the gifts that are identified by the particular readings and prayers of the Mass being celebrated now. The General Intercessions, also called the Prayer of the Faithful, are prayers by the Body of Christ for the Church, the World and the particular community gathered at Mass.
This form of prayer is an exercise of the ministry of the priestly People who have the capacity to lift up the needs of our time and to ask for the salvation Christ won for us.
In our preparation for Mass, it is fitting to bring with us the awareness of the needs of those we live with and work with. Our prayers are the action of Christ on behalf of His People. The Liturgy of the Hours includes such prayers at Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. Personal prayer is often focused on this form of prayer. In the Mass, all such prayer is united to the Heart of Christ, Who gave His Life on the Cross in supplication for humanity.
Happy Golden Jubilee! Happy Advent!
We have reached a truly memorable time for our Parish. From this weekend onward we begin the celebration of 50 years as a community entrusted with the mission of living the Gospel together as a family. We are called to rediscover our roots and to renew our commitment to live as a witness to Jesus Christ in the world today. We welcome Bishop Frederick F. Campbell and all who join us this weekend to share in our joy.
The beginning of Advent invites us to look with joyful Hope toward the Coming of Christ in Glory at the end of the ages. Our celebration of the Rite of Welcome for the Catechumens and Candidates who are part of the R.C.I.A. is a reminder that we are a growing community and that our Faith is meant to be shared.
The start of the use of the English translation according to Third Typical Edition of the Roman Missal calls us to deepen our understanding of the Mass and to pay closer attention to the depth and meaning of the Liturgy we celebrate as the Church.
As we attend to all that this weekend brings, let us renew our commitment to be the Family of Faith we are called to be. It is fitting to call to mind our Parish Mission Statement: “United in the Body of Christ, we strive to promote the greater glory of God through a spirit of welcome and willing service to our brothers and sisters.”
(Adopted by the St. Timothy Parish Pastoral Council February 25, 2010.)
May the years ahead continue to form us as a People open to God’s Love and ready to share it with the world. Blessings on all who have brought us to this day, and blessings to all who will be part of our life in the years to come!
Entering into our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
“Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen. Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation. Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless, and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have deviated from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already taken place and are upsetting the faith of some. Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands, bearing this inscription, ‘The Lord knows those who are his’; and, ‘Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil.’” (II Timothy 2:14-19)
The Lord knows those who belong to Him. St. Paul does not hesitate to name names of those who, at the moment he is writing, are forgetful of their call. We can pray that Hymenaeus and Philetus and others whose names are immortalized as worthy of Paul’s wrath had a conversion of heart. St. Timothy and his community at Ephesus no doubt took to heart the warning and stood solid in their Faith and in they adherence to the teachings they had received.
The foundations upon which the Church is built are solid. As we enter into our Golden Jubilee, we acknowledge the pillars of Faith still among us. We also humbly thank God for the privilege of being members of a community of Faith entrusted with the task of proclaiming God’s invitation to belong to Him. May we always live in awareness of this relationship!
Reflections on the Liturgy:
The Mass is a tremendous gift that is often taken for granted. The change in the English version that we will experience at the beginning of Advent will challenge us to pay close attention to what we say. It is an opportunity to renew our understanding of the depth and meaning of the Liturgy. This effort to understand also serves to call us to a deeper attention to our prayer outside of the Mass.
All the forms of prayer that Christians experience must flow from and prepare for a worthy celebration of the Mass. It is important to realize that Mass is the highest form of prayer, because it is the prayer of Christ Himself. In these last weeks before we begin to make use of the new Roman Missal, we can prepare by looking into the forms of prayer that make up our daily lives.
There are four primary ways of prayer: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication.
Supplication is the most familiar form of prayer. Perhaps the simplest expression of this prayer is one word: “Help!” It is the cry of the heart that knows we cannot accomplish anything without God. We look to our limitations and to God’s overflowing Goodness, and we ask for what we need.
There are two forms of supplication: personal requests for need, wants and desires, and intercessions for the sake of others. Either form puts the prayer in the form of an acknowledgment of some lack that we beg God to fill. Many of the prayers of the Mass are in the form of supplication.
In the presidential prayers (the prayers expressed by the priest who is presiding over the celebration of the Mass), particular graces and mercies are sought on behalf of the assembly. We are present at a certain moment and we express our desire that God be God for us, filling us with the gifts that are identified by the particular readings and prayers of the Mass being celebrated now. The General Intercessions, also called the Prayer of the Faithful, are prayers by the Body of Christ for the Church, the World and the particular community gathered at Mass.
This form of prayer is an exercise of the ministry of the priestly People who have the capacity to lift up the needs of our time and to ask for the salvation Christ won for us.
In our preparation for Mass, it is fitting to bring with us the awareness of the needs of those we live with and work with. Our prayers are the action of Christ on behalf of His People. The Liturgy of the Hours includes such prayers at Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. Personal prayer is often focused on this form of prayer. In the Mass, all such prayer is united to the Heart of Christ, Who gave His Life on the Cross in supplication for humanity.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
A Word from Your Pastor December 19
Dear Parishioners:
I have become a grand-uncle! My niece, my sister’s daughter, Amanda Maurer, has adopted a little girl whom she has cared for since the baby was four days old. So my family has formally and officially welcomed Rebecca Justice Maurer, “Becca” to our clan. She is named for my sister Rebecca Lynn who died at the age of three. It was truly a wonderful family experience to be present for the court hearing on Tuesday, December 14, 2010. At 9:15 a.m., the Magistrate made the formal declaration. Becca was in good form delighting in little gifts presented on the occasion. I think we surprised the lawyer, the magistrate, and the adoption case worker with the support that was offered by all who were there – Becca’s new grandparents, great grandparents, uncle and grand uncles, all sitting quietly in the back of the room as Amanda and the Case worker answered the lawyer’s and the magistrates questions. We all clapped as the decree was made and the new family relationship was legally formed for all time.
It was truly interesting to hear the questions concerning the acceptance of the child “as she is” into a relationship of belonging and responsibility. All who have become parents know that there are always unexpected challenges. The assent which our parents have made on our behalf is a gift, whether we are born into our families or we have been brought into them by civil actions and social conventions.
Becca Justice Maurer
As you have heard me say before – family is what it’s all about. We are all adopted into God’s family, brothers and sisters to Jesus, the Father’s only-begotten Son. As we celebrate the Gift of the Incarnation, let us open our hearts to Christ and to all His family. May Christmas free us to belong to our God and to one another!
We welcome all our guests and friends who come to be with us for the Christmas holidays. Be sure to invite all who come to see you to visit St. Timothy Church too. One of our best gifts is the gift of being a welcoming community. Let’s live up to our claim to fame!
The Year of Prayer: Advent IV Collect
Pour forth thy power, O Lord, and come:
Assist us by that mighty power,
so that by thy grace and merciful kindness
we may swiftly receive the salvation that our sins impede:
Who livest and reignest with thee
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end. Amen.
I have become a grand-uncle! My niece, my sister’s daughter, Amanda Maurer, has adopted a little girl whom she has cared for since the baby was four days old. So my family has formally and officially welcomed Rebecca Justice Maurer, “Becca” to our clan. She is named for my sister Rebecca Lynn who died at the age of three. It was truly a wonderful family experience to be present for the court hearing on Tuesday, December 14, 2010. At 9:15 a.m., the Magistrate made the formal declaration. Becca was in good form delighting in little gifts presented on the occasion. I think we surprised the lawyer, the magistrate, and the adoption case worker with the support that was offered by all who were there – Becca’s new grandparents, great grandparents, uncle and grand uncles, all sitting quietly in the back of the room as Amanda and the Case worker answered the lawyer’s and the magistrates questions. We all clapped as the decree was made and the new family relationship was legally formed for all time.
It was truly interesting to hear the questions concerning the acceptance of the child “as she is” into a relationship of belonging and responsibility. All who have become parents know that there are always unexpected challenges. The assent which our parents have made on our behalf is a gift, whether we are born into our families or we have been brought into them by civil actions and social conventions.
As you have heard me say before – family is what it’s all about. We are all adopted into God’s family, brothers and sisters to Jesus, the Father’s only-begotten Son. As we celebrate the Gift of the Incarnation, let us open our hearts to Christ and to all His family. May Christmas free us to belong to our God and to one another!
We welcome all our guests and friends who come to be with us for the Christmas holidays. Be sure to invite all who come to see you to visit St. Timothy Church too. One of our best gifts is the gift of being a welcoming community. Let’s live up to our claim to fame!
The Year of Prayer: Advent IV Collect
Pour forth thy power, O Lord, and come:
Assist us by that mighty power,
so that by thy grace and merciful kindness
we may swiftly receive the salvation that our sins impede:
Who livest and reignest with thee
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
A Word from Your Pastor December 12
Dear Parishioners:
We are now halfway through Advent. With the third week of Advent, we observe Gaudete Sunday – Rejoice! As I often tell children, this is the moment of a journey (to Grandma’s house, for example) when we realize we are going to make it. Just around the corner is the place of welcome where we can expect wonderful things – cookies in the cookie jar, delicious meals, and desserts (something new and different!) and the kinds of hugs that tell us we are special. We rejoice that God has chosen to come among us in the Person of Jesus Christ. He took on our human nature and forever re-directed the purpose of our very existence even in this world. Who we are is revealed to us in the Baby born in Bethlehem and laid to rest in the manger.
I want to thank all who participated in the Advent Penance Service this week. It is a truly a gift to be able to celebrate God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I hope every member of our parish family has had the opportunity to approach this awesome sign of God’s Living Presence in His Church. If not, recall that every Saturday at 4 p.m. the Sacrament is available. Be sure to give Jesus room to work on you this Christmas by cleaning your inner house! It is a gift to yourself and to the world, because it allows the Lord of Glory to be born anew in your own heart.
We are part of the Birth of Jesus. It is not simply an event of past history; rather, it is an event occurring in our history now. God has become one of us and His embrace of human nature continues the more we cooperate with grace. Don’t allow the current culture to keep you from the spiritual experience of Advent.
The Year of Prayer: Advent III Collect
We beseech thee to listen to our prayers, O Lord,
and by the grace of thy coming enlighten our darkened minds:
Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
May be said while lighting the third advent candle
We are now halfway through Advent. With the third week of Advent, we observe Gaudete Sunday – Rejoice! As I often tell children, this is the moment of a journey (to Grandma’s house, for example) when we realize we are going to make it. Just around the corner is the place of welcome where we can expect wonderful things – cookies in the cookie jar, delicious meals, and desserts (something new and different!) and the kinds of hugs that tell us we are special. We rejoice that God has chosen to come among us in the Person of Jesus Christ. He took on our human nature and forever re-directed the purpose of our very existence even in this world. Who we are is revealed to us in the Baby born in Bethlehem and laid to rest in the manger.
I want to thank all who participated in the Advent Penance Service this week. It is a truly a gift to be able to celebrate God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I hope every member of our parish family has had the opportunity to approach this awesome sign of God’s Living Presence in His Church. If not, recall that every Saturday at 4 p.m. the Sacrament is available. Be sure to give Jesus room to work on you this Christmas by cleaning your inner house! It is a gift to yourself and to the world, because it allows the Lord of Glory to be born anew in your own heart.
We are part of the Birth of Jesus. It is not simply an event of past history; rather, it is an event occurring in our history now. God has become one of us and His embrace of human nature continues the more we cooperate with grace. Don’t allow the current culture to keep you from the spiritual experience of Advent.
The Year of Prayer: Advent III Collect
We beseech thee to listen to our prayers, O Lord,
and by the grace of thy coming enlighten our darkened minds:
Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
May be said while lighting the third advent candle
Sunday, December 5, 2010
A Word from Your Pastor December 5
Dear Parishioners:
As you are aware, I host my family every Thanksgiving. This custom in our family began in 1988, when I realized that the place where I was living was bigger than my family home and would accommodate everyone who would be coming. I volunteered one year, and it has happened every year since except one when I was away for studies. (That year, I heard, “it did not seem like Thanksgiving.”) This year, we had only 28 for the meal, with a few others coming in later in the day. Many ask whether I cook also. Yes, I am happy to say, I cook two turkeys and I stuff them myself. They get started at Midnight the previous night, just the way Grandma used to do it. The whole house has a wonderful smell of baking turkey. Others bring in their specialties. One brother does a deep-fried turkey, another brings gnocchi and roles, Mom and my sister do the potatoes, an aunt does desserts, and others bring in something for all to enjoy. We have a Mass together and then set out the fixings. After the meal, a brother gets the cleaning crew going and then I settle in to make turkey soup while everyone does their thing – watching a ball game, playing cards, visiting and catching up. A cousin who is a chiropractor even brings his table and sets everyone straight for the next year.
It is all family. And I love it. I wish everyone could experience it this way. I share all this just to let you know that it is possible. We are a Parish Family and we can be there for one another at a depth that no one else who has not experienced it can imagine. May we grow in our ability to do this through the Season of Advent and the years ahead.
Please plan to participate in our Advent Penance Service this Thursday evening. We will have many priests present to offer you the healing touch of the Lord’s Mercy and Forgiveness.
The Year of Prayer: Advent II Collect
Stir up our hearts, O Lord,
to prepare the paths of thine Only-begotten Son:
that we may worthily serve thee
with hearts purified by His coming:
Who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end. Amen.
(May be said while lighting the second Advent Candle)
As you are aware, I host my family every Thanksgiving. This custom in our family began in 1988, when I realized that the place where I was living was bigger than my family home and would accommodate everyone who would be coming. I volunteered one year, and it has happened every year since except one when I was away for studies. (That year, I heard, “it did not seem like Thanksgiving.”) This year, we had only 28 for the meal, with a few others coming in later in the day. Many ask whether I cook also. Yes, I am happy to say, I cook two turkeys and I stuff them myself. They get started at Midnight the previous night, just the way Grandma used to do it. The whole house has a wonderful smell of baking turkey. Others bring in their specialties. One brother does a deep-fried turkey, another brings gnocchi and roles, Mom and my sister do the potatoes, an aunt does desserts, and others bring in something for all to enjoy. We have a Mass together and then set out the fixings. After the meal, a brother gets the cleaning crew going and then I settle in to make turkey soup while everyone does their thing – watching a ball game, playing cards, visiting and catching up. A cousin who is a chiropractor even brings his table and sets everyone straight for the next year.
It is all family. And I love it. I wish everyone could experience it this way. I share all this just to let you know that it is possible. We are a Parish Family and we can be there for one another at a depth that no one else who has not experienced it can imagine. May we grow in our ability to do this through the Season of Advent and the years ahead.
Please plan to participate in our Advent Penance Service this Thursday evening. We will have many priests present to offer you the healing touch of the Lord’s Mercy and Forgiveness.
28 at table for Fr. Tim’s Family Thanksgiving
The Year of Prayer: Advent II Collect
Stir up our hearts, O Lord,
to prepare the paths of thine Only-begotten Son:
that we may worthily serve thee
with hearts purified by His coming:
Who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end. Amen.
(May be said while lighting the second Advent Candle)
Sunday, November 28, 2010
A Word from Your Pastor November 28
A Word from Your Pastor
Dear Parishioners:
With the beginning of Advent, we come to a new season in the celebration of our Faith. Christianity rests on two key Mysteries: The Mystery of the Incarnation and the Paschal Mystery. Advent and Christmas celebrate the Incarnation. Lent, Easter, Ascension and Pentecost plunge us into the Paschal Mystery.
If you think about your experience of Faith, I am sure you will find that God has two central messages for you. First, God is with you in your life. Second, God gives you the grace to get through the difficult times and brings you through to something beyond your expectations.
As we enter into Advent in our observance of the “Year of Prayer,” I invite you to consider the meaning of the Incarnation for you personally. How does God reveal His Presence in your life? Are you aware if the fact that God wants you to bring Him to others? How do others come to know of God through you?
During the Season of the Incarnation, we spend time with family in person or in thought and prayers. As you enter into your annual routines of shopping for gifts, sending cards and gathering with family and friends, be sure to look at everything through the eyes of Faith. See the choice of God to be with even those who do not seem to know Him. See the strength and grace that is offered to anyone in need. In your own heart, gather it all in, and bring it with you to the Masses of Christmas.
Do invite all your family and friends to “Come Home for Christmas.” Let them know the many good things that are happening in our Parish Family. In particular, this year as you review your family albums and keepsakes, look for those that help to tell the story of our Parish Family. Next Christmas will be our 50th as a Parish. Let’s start preparing for it now!
A Blessed Advent to all. We especially welcome those who join us as Catechumens and Candidates through the Rite of Welcome at the 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Masses this weekend.
The Year of Prayer: Advent I Collect
Stir up thy power, O Lord, and come,
that by thy protection we may be rescued
from the dangers that beset us through our sins;
and be a Redeemer to deliver us;
Who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end.
(May be said while lighting the first Advent Candle)
Dear Parishioners:
With the beginning of Advent, we come to a new season in the celebration of our Faith. Christianity rests on two key Mysteries: The Mystery of the Incarnation and the Paschal Mystery. Advent and Christmas celebrate the Incarnation. Lent, Easter, Ascension and Pentecost plunge us into the Paschal Mystery.
If you think about your experience of Faith, I am sure you will find that God has two central messages for you. First, God is with you in your life. Second, God gives you the grace to get through the difficult times and brings you through to something beyond your expectations.
As we enter into Advent in our observance of the “Year of Prayer,” I invite you to consider the meaning of the Incarnation for you personally. How does God reveal His Presence in your life? Are you aware if the fact that God wants you to bring Him to others? How do others come to know of God through you?
During the Season of the Incarnation, we spend time with family in person or in thought and prayers. As you enter into your annual routines of shopping for gifts, sending cards and gathering with family and friends, be sure to look at everything through the eyes of Faith. See the choice of God to be with even those who do not seem to know Him. See the strength and grace that is offered to anyone in need. In your own heart, gather it all in, and bring it with you to the Masses of Christmas.
Do invite all your family and friends to “Come Home for Christmas.” Let them know the many good things that are happening in our Parish Family. In particular, this year as you review your family albums and keepsakes, look for those that help to tell the story of our Parish Family. Next Christmas will be our 50th as a Parish. Let’s start preparing for it now!
A Blessed Advent to all. We especially welcome those who join us as Catechumens and Candidates through the Rite of Welcome at the 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Masses this weekend.
The Year of Prayer: Advent I Collect
Stir up thy power, O Lord, and come,
that by thy protection we may be rescued
from the dangers that beset us through our sins;
and be a Redeemer to deliver us;
Who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end.
(May be said while lighting the first Advent Candle)
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