Dear Parishioners:
We welcome Bishop Campbell to St. Timothy Church this weekend to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for 44 8th Graders in our School and PSR. Whenever the Bishop comes among us, we experience a taste of what it means to be the Church in her fullness. The primary locus for the experience of Church in relation to the world is the Diocese, that is, the Bishop, together with the Clergy, Religious and Laity, who are the local expression of the Body of Christ. As Church, we are called to witness to the truth of the Faith and to invite others to know Christ through Word and Sacrament.
Family life is the Domestic Church, that is the Church at Home. The experience of Faith in the family is the primary locus for the first knowledge of the Gospel. When families live with Christ at their center, their members are able to live their witness with a strong foundation.
The Parish celebration of Confirmation is a privileged moment which serves to remind all of us of our call. As the confirmands, their sponsors and their families and all who teach them gather with the Parish Community to welcome our local apostle, it is time for every member of the Parish Family to be renewed in zeal for the Faith. Let us commit to share Christ with the world, and let us ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to worship of the Father through His Word.
We offer our thanks to Bishop Campbell for the Gift of the Spirit and to all who have brought our 8th Graders to this joyful day.
The Year of Prayer: Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe that You are One God in Three Divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe that Your Divine Son became man, and died for our sins and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches because You have revealed them, Who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
On many occasions, St. Paul the Apostle made an apostle also of St. Timothy by sending him on missions on behalf of the Gospel.
The Acts of the Apostles tells us that Paul “sent to Macedonia two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, while he himself stayed for a while in the province of Asia.” (Acts 19:22) Paul tells the Thessalonians that he “sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” (I Thessalonians 3:2) To the Corinthians, he writes “For this reason I am sending you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord; he will remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach them everywhere in every church.” (I Corinthians 4:17)
The Philippians are given word of Paul’s hope “in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be heartened by hearing news of you.” (Philippians 2:19)
The role of Timothy on these occasions was to promote the work of the Gospel by carrying a word of encouragement or by discovering the situation and needs of the communities to whom he was sent. He served as a connecting link between St. Paul and the communities he had founded. Paul rejoices after Timothy’s mission to the Thessalonians that “just now Timothy has returned to us from you, bringing us the good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us and long to see us
as we long to see you.” (I Thessalonians 3:6)
The task of building up the community of believers is a shared mission. Our patron Timothy shows us how to respond to this call in the Lord Jesus.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
The Church has always recognized that how she prays assists her to know the Faith. Lex orandi, lex credendi: the law of praying is the law of believing. For this reason, the language and form of the Liturgy is studied, purified, at times corrected, and always held to the norms and rubrics that the Church supplies. When all do what the Liturgy calls for, we become truly who we are as the Body of Christ and our prayer in common is the very worship of the Angels and Saints in glory. The current move to a revised translation of the Mass (which will take place on the First Sunday of Advent this year) is to be understood in this light. The Church is always being called to growth. As we pray and study the new form in the months ahead, let us ask the Spirit to help us to understand ever more profoundly the Mystery we celebrate.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor February 20
Dear Parishioners:
One of the joys of being a Pastor is the gift of being in touch with many people who are excited and eager. When I am stretched beyond my personal limits, I am renewed by those who can take up the charge with their zeal. In a parish like St. Timothy, folks are always available to keep things moving, some would say, even stirred-up at times! The number of announcements and requests for opportunity to connect with the congregation after weekend Masses grows throughout the year. At times, the Pastor has to serve as a “traffic cop” in order to allow for an orderly departure into the parking lot.
The same is true regarding the use of space throughout the week. We have three persons who work closely together to oversee the building and grounds and to keep us all informed concerning the space. George Mosholder, our principal, sees to the use of the School spaces, including classrooms, library and other areas. Mary Pat Boulware , our Cafeteria Manager, oversees use of the Gym/Parish Center and the Kitchen. Lucy Hickey, Parish Office Manager, takes care of the use of the Cafeteria (outside School time), the Teachers’ Lounge, the Multipurpose Room, and the Church. These three meet weekly to coordinate the requests and keep the maintenance staff and others informed of expected use. It becomes a challenge when multiple requests come for the same times. It is even more of a challenge when groups show up that have not contacted one of these three about the use of the particular area…. I am in awe of how few real problems we have had given the busy-ness of our schedule. I am also grateful to those who approach any difficulties with understanding.
Kudos are due to George, Mary Pat and Lucy, and to our maintenance crew, Nelson Flinders, Tamika Gilmore, Sue Hatfield and Sharon and Phil Hall for all they do to keep things moving along happily. I ask that you give them a word of thanks and full cooperation as we plan for the use of our facilities.
This week, please keep the priests of the Diocese of Columbus in your prayers. We will be gathering for a Convocation to learn more about the upcoming changes in the language of the Mass. Stay tuned for more information as the time for this transition approaches.
Next weekend, we will welcome Bishop Campbell to St. Timothy for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Keep our Confirmands in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Year of Prayer: Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit O Spirit of Wisdom,
preside over all my thoughts, words and actions,
from this hour until the moment of my death.
Spirit of Understanding, enlighten and teach me.
Spirit of Counsel, direct my inexperience.
Spirit of Fortitude, strengthen my weakness.
Spirit of Knowledge, instruct my ignorance.
Spirit of Piety, make me fervent in good works.
Heavenly Spirit, make me persevere in the service of God,
and enable me to act on all occasions
with goodness and kindness, charity and joy,
with long-suffering, mildness and fidelity.
Let the heavenly virtues of modesty, continency and chastity,
adorn the temple you have chosen for your abode.
Spirit of Holiness, by your all powerful grace,
preserve me from the misfortune of sin. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
St. Timothy came to know Jesus through the preaching of the generations of Christians that preceded him. From St. Paul (second generation) and the other Apostles (first generation), he no doubt learned the stories of Jesus’ life and ministry and of the growth of the Church that led to unity among Jews and Gentiles. Since his own family had already experienced something of that unity (his mother was Jewish and his father was Greek), it was up to Timothy to continue to preach and teach the unity that is ours in Christ.
St. Paul saw Timothy as a true co-worker in Christ, sending him to various communities in his stead as a “brother and co-worker for God in the gospel of Christ” (I Thessalonians 3:2), acknowledging that he was “doing the work of the Lord just as I am.” (I Corinthians 16:10) Indeed, he felt like a father to Timothy, pointing out “how as a child with a father he served along with me in the cause of the gospel.” (Philippians 2:22)
Reflections on the Liturgy: The Church is hierarchical. Unfortunately, this word has been greatly misunderstood in our times. Hierarchy is a “holy ordering.” It is a structure that allows for coordination and cooperation among all members, each contributing the gifts that belong to each for the good of the whole community. The Church is most present when all the members are gathered together in communion with the local representative of the hierarchy – the Bishop. When Bishop and People worship God together, the purpose of the hierarchy is most evident. When the Sacraments are celebrated and the Holy Trinity is invoked, the Church is cooperating with the economy of grace that flows through the hierarchical structure. As one bumper sticker puts it: “Clergy generate high praise.” The hierarchy of the Church is in service of unity in praise and worship of the Living God. Christ is the Head of the Church and we are His members. The hierarchy serves to manifest this in worship and in all the actions performed in the Name of Christ as Church in the world.
One of the joys of being a Pastor is the gift of being in touch with many people who are excited and eager. When I am stretched beyond my personal limits, I am renewed by those who can take up the charge with their zeal. In a parish like St. Timothy, folks are always available to keep things moving, some would say, even stirred-up at times! The number of announcements and requests for opportunity to connect with the congregation after weekend Masses grows throughout the year. At times, the Pastor has to serve as a “traffic cop” in order to allow for an orderly departure into the parking lot.
The same is true regarding the use of space throughout the week. We have three persons who work closely together to oversee the building and grounds and to keep us all informed concerning the space. George Mosholder, our principal, sees to the use of the School spaces, including classrooms, library and other areas. Mary Pat Boulware , our Cafeteria Manager, oversees use of the Gym/Parish Center and the Kitchen. Lucy Hickey, Parish Office Manager, takes care of the use of the Cafeteria (outside School time), the Teachers’ Lounge, the Multipurpose Room, and the Church. These three meet weekly to coordinate the requests and keep the maintenance staff and others informed of expected use. It becomes a challenge when multiple requests come for the same times. It is even more of a challenge when groups show up that have not contacted one of these three about the use of the particular area…. I am in awe of how few real problems we have had given the busy-ness of our schedule. I am also grateful to those who approach any difficulties with understanding.
Kudos are due to George, Mary Pat and Lucy, and to our maintenance crew, Nelson Flinders, Tamika Gilmore, Sue Hatfield and Sharon and Phil Hall for all they do to keep things moving along happily. I ask that you give them a word of thanks and full cooperation as we plan for the use of our facilities.
This week, please keep the priests of the Diocese of Columbus in your prayers. We will be gathering for a Convocation to learn more about the upcoming changes in the language of the Mass. Stay tuned for more information as the time for this transition approaches.
Next weekend, we will welcome Bishop Campbell to St. Timothy for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Keep our Confirmands in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Year of Prayer: Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit O Spirit of Wisdom,
preside over all my thoughts, words and actions,
from this hour until the moment of my death.
Spirit of Understanding, enlighten and teach me.
Spirit of Counsel, direct my inexperience.
Spirit of Fortitude, strengthen my weakness.
Spirit of Knowledge, instruct my ignorance.
Spirit of Piety, make me fervent in good works.
Heavenly Spirit, make me persevere in the service of God,
and enable me to act on all occasions
with goodness and kindness, charity and joy,
with long-suffering, mildness and fidelity.
Let the heavenly virtues of modesty, continency and chastity,
adorn the temple you have chosen for your abode.
Spirit of Holiness, by your all powerful grace,
preserve me from the misfortune of sin. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
St. Timothy came to know Jesus through the preaching of the generations of Christians that preceded him. From St. Paul (second generation) and the other Apostles (first generation), he no doubt learned the stories of Jesus’ life and ministry and of the growth of the Church that led to unity among Jews and Gentiles. Since his own family had already experienced something of that unity (his mother was Jewish and his father was Greek), it was up to Timothy to continue to preach and teach the unity that is ours in Christ.
St. Paul saw Timothy as a true co-worker in Christ, sending him to various communities in his stead as a “brother and co-worker for God in the gospel of Christ” (I Thessalonians 3:2), acknowledging that he was “doing the work of the Lord just as I am.” (I Corinthians 16:10) Indeed, he felt like a father to Timothy, pointing out “how as a child with a father he served along with me in the cause of the gospel.” (Philippians 2:22)
Reflections on the Liturgy: The Church is hierarchical. Unfortunately, this word has been greatly misunderstood in our times. Hierarchy is a “holy ordering.” It is a structure that allows for coordination and cooperation among all members, each contributing the gifts that belong to each for the good of the whole community. The Church is most present when all the members are gathered together in communion with the local representative of the hierarchy – the Bishop. When Bishop and People worship God together, the purpose of the hierarchy is most evident. When the Sacraments are celebrated and the Holy Trinity is invoked, the Church is cooperating with the economy of grace that flows through the hierarchical structure. As one bumper sticker puts it: “Clergy generate high praise.” The hierarchy of the Church is in service of unity in praise and worship of the Living God. Christ is the Head of the Church and we are His members. The hierarchy serves to manifest this in worship and in all the actions performed in the Name of Christ as Church in the world.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor February 13
Dear Parishioners:
February often brings doldrums. How wonderful for us that this month is a month that will bring Sacramental encounters and many community-building events instead!
Our 8th Grade class is in the final stages of preparation for their celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Campbell February 27. They are also gearing up for their trip to our nation’s capital by selling donuts and St. Timothy magnets. This Sunday the RCIA class will experience Anointing of the Catechumens in preparation for their final steps of the journey toward initiation in the Catholic Church. They are studying about the Sacraments that guide and shape our lives as Catholics.
We will also experience many events that will serve to build up our parish and school family. Plans for the annual Spaghetti Dinner are in full swing. Seniors on the Go are ready to make plans for some old vintage fun. The Women of St. Timothy will gather for a prayer breakfast to learn more about how to bring peace into the world.
Members of the parish are meeting monthly for a Webinar to learn about Stewardship, the response to God’s generosity and the call to share who we are and all we are with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. The Spring gala dinner auction is being organized. Festival teams are being set in motion. Alumni are working to form a network of connection with friends through the years. And plans for our Golden Jubilee in November are beginning to take shape.
The Rosary Prayer Garden will add a wonderful spiritual atmosphere outside the church. The idea of an outdoor path in the woods with Stations of the Cross has been mentioned even as our Scouts make it passable.
What are your thoughts about our community life? How are you and your family involved in things that build you up spiritually?
The Year of Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful.
--And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created.
--And you will renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit, You have taught the hearts of Your faithful. In the same Spirit, help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in Your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
We have noted that St. Paul points out details about St. Timothy’s family – his mother and grandmother being women of faith, his father being a Greek. In various letters and the Acts of the Apostles, we also learn about many of the friends and companions that were part of Timothy’s life in service of the Gospel.
Among these were Silas (Acts 17:14-15; 18:5) who was also called Silvanus (I Thessalonians 1:1, II Thessalonians 1:1), Erastus (Acts 19:22), Sopater, the son of Pyrrhus, from Beroea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia (Acts 20:4).
St. Paul shared his companionship with Timothy with members of his own family: “Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my relatives.” (Romans 16:21) Many texts point to the fact that St. Paul considered Timothy as his “beloved and faithful son in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 4:17; I Timothy 1:2; II Timothy 1:2)
These references point to the wonderful capacity that belongs to followers of Christ to share family values and relationships through the gift of Faith. Just as Timothy become a companion and brother, a son in the Lord to Paul, so we become members of one another’s family. Faith crosses generations and all other boundaries.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
Rites that accompany the journey of Faith are a part of the Liturgy that have always been present in the life of the Church but are often unfamiliar to those who have grown up Catholic. In the Baptism of Infants, these rites are present, but can go unnoticed, such as the anointing with the oil of Catechumens and the exorcisms. For adults, they take place either at Mass or in the RCIA classes at specified times along the way. It is helpful to experience these rites and to reflect on their meaning because they open up for us the riches of the Faith that we share. The anointing of catechumens recalls the need for strength and perseverance as we approach the Sacraments of Initiation.
February often brings doldrums. How wonderful for us that this month is a month that will bring Sacramental encounters and many community-building events instead!
Our 8th Grade class is in the final stages of preparation for their celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Campbell February 27. They are also gearing up for their trip to our nation’s capital by selling donuts and St. Timothy magnets. This Sunday the RCIA class will experience Anointing of the Catechumens in preparation for their final steps of the journey toward initiation in the Catholic Church. They are studying about the Sacraments that guide and shape our lives as Catholics.
We will also experience many events that will serve to build up our parish and school family. Plans for the annual Spaghetti Dinner are in full swing. Seniors on the Go are ready to make plans for some old vintage fun. The Women of St. Timothy will gather for a prayer breakfast to learn more about how to bring peace into the world.
Members of the parish are meeting monthly for a Webinar to learn about Stewardship, the response to God’s generosity and the call to share who we are and all we are with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. The Spring gala dinner auction is being organized. Festival teams are being set in motion. Alumni are working to form a network of connection with friends through the years. And plans for our Golden Jubilee in November are beginning to take shape.
The Rosary Prayer Garden will add a wonderful spiritual atmosphere outside the church. The idea of an outdoor path in the woods with Stations of the Cross has been mentioned even as our Scouts make it passable.
What are your thoughts about our community life? How are you and your family involved in things that build you up spiritually?
The Year of Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful.
--And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created.
--And you will renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit, You have taught the hearts of Your faithful. In the same Spirit, help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in Your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
We have noted that St. Paul points out details about St. Timothy’s family – his mother and grandmother being women of faith, his father being a Greek. In various letters and the Acts of the Apostles, we also learn about many of the friends and companions that were part of Timothy’s life in service of the Gospel.
Among these were Silas (Acts 17:14-15; 18:5) who was also called Silvanus (I Thessalonians 1:1, II Thessalonians 1:1), Erastus (Acts 19:22), Sopater, the son of Pyrrhus, from Beroea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia (Acts 20:4).
St. Paul shared his companionship with Timothy with members of his own family: “Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my relatives.” (Romans 16:21) Many texts point to the fact that St. Paul considered Timothy as his “beloved and faithful son in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 4:17; I Timothy 1:2; II Timothy 1:2)
These references point to the wonderful capacity that belongs to followers of Christ to share family values and relationships through the gift of Faith. Just as Timothy become a companion and brother, a son in the Lord to Paul, so we become members of one another’s family. Faith crosses generations and all other boundaries.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
Rites that accompany the journey of Faith are a part of the Liturgy that have always been present in the life of the Church but are often unfamiliar to those who have grown up Catholic. In the Baptism of Infants, these rites are present, but can go unnoticed, such as the anointing with the oil of Catechumens and the exorcisms. For adults, they take place either at Mass or in the RCIA classes at specified times along the way. It is helpful to experience these rites and to reflect on their meaning because they open up for us the riches of the Faith that we share. The anointing of catechumens recalls the need for strength and perseverance as we approach the Sacraments of Initiation.
Monday, February 7, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor February 6, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor
Dear Parishioners:
The weather outside is a reminder of the weather inside. At times, we can become cold and indifferent to our Faith. The Word of God comes to us and we have hearts hardened by sin and selfishness. It takes God’s faithfulness to us and His persistence in calling us to bring us back.
The Feast of the Presentation, which took place this past week (February 2), reminds us that God works with all kinds of prayer. Simeon, the old man, came upon Jesus, Mary and Joseph because he was prompted by the Holy Spirit and he responded. Anna, a widow of 84, came upon the scene because she was always there. Simeon and Anna waited patiently for the Lord to fulfill His promises, and then they shared the news of salvation with everyone.
When we have days away from School, or when the lights are out, as they were for some of our parishioners, we are reminded that our plans do not shape the environment around us. May we also learn that the Word of God can come to us in every circumstance. And may we come to see Christ our Light.
The Year of Prayer: The Nunc Dimitis
Simeon’s Prophecy to Mary, the Mother of Jesus is used in Night Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours.
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
Your word has been fulfilled.
My eyes have seen the salvation
You have prepared in the sight of every people,
A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people, Israel
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
The Scriptures that include our Patron give us wonderful details about his life. He was from Lystra and his father was Greek (Acts 16:1). His Grandmother was named Lois and his mother was Eunice, and these were Jewish women of faith (2 Timothy 1:5). Paul had Timothy practice the usual Jewish practices of faith so that he would be free to assist in the proclamation of the Gospel among Jews (Acts 16:3).
From these tidbits we can learn that the Gospel is accessible to people of diverse traditions and backgrounds. Faith grows across the generations when it is lived with a consistent witness. Sacrifices that our culture calls for can serve as a means to promote Christ.
Dear Parishioners:
The weather outside is a reminder of the weather inside. At times, we can become cold and indifferent to our Faith. The Word of God comes to us and we have hearts hardened by sin and selfishness. It takes God’s faithfulness to us and His persistence in calling us to bring us back.
The Feast of the Presentation, which took place this past week (February 2), reminds us that God works with all kinds of prayer. Simeon, the old man, came upon Jesus, Mary and Joseph because he was prompted by the Holy Spirit and he responded. Anna, a widow of 84, came upon the scene because she was always there. Simeon and Anna waited patiently for the Lord to fulfill His promises, and then they shared the news of salvation with everyone.
When we have days away from School, or when the lights are out, as they were for some of our parishioners, we are reminded that our plans do not shape the environment around us. May we also learn that the Word of God can come to us in every circumstance. And may we come to see Christ our Light.
The Year of Prayer: The Nunc Dimitis
Simeon’s Prophecy to Mary, the Mother of Jesus is used in Night Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours.
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
Your word has been fulfilled.
My eyes have seen the salvation
You have prepared in the sight of every people,
A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people, Israel
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
The Scriptures that include our Patron give us wonderful details about his life. He was from Lystra and his father was Greek (Acts 16:1). His Grandmother was named Lois and his mother was Eunice, and these were Jewish women of faith (2 Timothy 1:5). Paul had Timothy practice the usual Jewish practices of faith so that he would be free to assist in the proclamation of the Gospel among Jews (Acts 16:3).
From these tidbits we can learn that the Gospel is accessible to people of diverse traditions and backgrounds. Faith grows across the generations when it is lived with a consistent witness. Sacrifices that our culture calls for can serve as a means to promote Christ.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor January 30
Dear Parishioners:
Ever since the beginning of my priestly ministry, I have had the opportunity to teach as well as to serve in pastoral ministry. My first Pastor as priest, Msgr. William Dunn, had been my High School Latin and Homeroom teacher at St. Charles. When I arrived newly ordained at St. Mary in Lancaster, he introduced me to the custom of visiting the classrooms at our elementary school. Since I remembered such visits from my own grade school pastor, Fr. Bill Patterson, it made sense to do so myself. I have never left the practice. In every parish I have served, I have visited the children in the School and/or in the PSR (formerly CCD) classes. My current custom is to start with grade 8 and to work my way down to K and to repeat the cycle a couple of times each year. I have also taught high school students, at Fisher Catholic in Lancaster and worked with some classes at Newark Catholic when I was at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. From time to time, the Diocese has asked me to teach in adult ed programs. Several years back, I taught in the Lay Ministry Program, and I have regularly taught our Permanent Deacon classes.
The Josephinum Seminary has invited me to teach a few times too, so I have worked with seminarians in preparation for the priesthood to invite them into an enthusiasm for Scripture. This year, I taught in our Deacon School, and just after I finished working with the deacon candidates of the Diocese of Columbus and Steubenville, the Rector of the Josephinum asked if I could assist them while they experience a transition in their Scripture faculty. So, much to my surprise, I am now teaching on Wednesday and Friday afternoons from January to May. My reason for agreeing to do this is, in part, simply “enlightened self-interest.” I want to be sure that there are priests to assist us in pastoral ministry in the years ahead and to fill the role of pastor in the parishes I serve when it is time for me to move to a new ministry. No doubt you will have such an interest too.
There is an advantage that follows this effort to teach. I am immersed in the Scriptures and that enriches my own understanding of God’s Word as I prepare homilies and participate in our Bible Study and other forms of adult education in the parish. I must admit that it does require some real effort at time management and the cooperation of many others to continue to get things done. I thank those who make it possible for me to be where God calls me to be in the role of teacher.
The Year of Prayer: A Prayer before reading Scripture
Let Your Scriptures be my chaste delight…
O Lord, perfect me, and reveal those pages to me!
See, Your voice is my joy… Give me what I love…
May the inner secrets of Your Word
be opened to me when I knock.
This I beg, by our Lord Jesus Christ,
in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
These are the treasures I seek in Your books.
-- St. Augustine, The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 2, Nos. 2-4
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy
There are a number of Scriptures that make mention of St. Timothy throughout the New Testament. The most accessible are the two letters to Timothy by St. Paul. But did you know that Timothy is also mentioned in other letters and in the Acts of the Apostles?
Acts tells us of Paul’s meeting Timothy in his hometown and of taking him as a companion on several of his apostolic journeys.
The greetings of several letters of St. Paul include St. Timothy in the opening address, so that he is considered an author along with St. Paul in I & II Thessalonians, II Corinthians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon. This is why St. Timothy is depicted holding a book in the statue outside our church. Paul speaks of a special mission (“a sending”) of Timothy in I Thessalonians, I Corinthians and Philippians. He is also mentioned at the end of Romans and Hebrews. So Timothy was a very active young man traveling in the same circles as St. Paul.
According to tradition, St. Timothy was Bishop of Ephesus, and it was there that he suffered martyrdom.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
The Scriptures are full of signs that Liturgy has been part of the experience of the People of God through the centuries. In Exodus, God tells Moses to build a Dwelling, the Tent of Meeting, that will accompany the People in their desert journey. Priests and Levites are given responsibilities concerning this place of encounter with God. The Temple continues this tradition when they come into the Promised Land and establish the Kingdom under David and Solomon. After the return from Exile, right up to the time of Jesus, the Temple is the place for worship. The Psalms and other Scriptures are the fruit of Israel’s worship. When there is no Temple, the People still find a way to express their relationship with God through liturgical actions: the Book of Lamentations, the gathering with Ezra at the Water Gate, and the synagogue as a place to pray and enter more deeply into Scripture all point to this truth.
For Catholics, it is important to learn to recognize the connection between Liturgy and Scripture. The very words of our prayers and the actions we perform in the Liturgies we celebrate are lived Scripture. As we learn again the words of familiar prayers, we will also seek to discover that they are to be found in the sacred texts. We know our Bible very well because we put the Bible into action every time we gather as the People of God assembled for worship.
Ever since the beginning of my priestly ministry, I have had the opportunity to teach as well as to serve in pastoral ministry. My first Pastor as priest, Msgr. William Dunn, had been my High School Latin and Homeroom teacher at St. Charles. When I arrived newly ordained at St. Mary in Lancaster, he introduced me to the custom of visiting the classrooms at our elementary school. Since I remembered such visits from my own grade school pastor, Fr. Bill Patterson, it made sense to do so myself. I have never left the practice. In every parish I have served, I have visited the children in the School and/or in the PSR (formerly CCD) classes. My current custom is to start with grade 8 and to work my way down to K and to repeat the cycle a couple of times each year. I have also taught high school students, at Fisher Catholic in Lancaster and worked with some classes at Newark Catholic when I was at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. From time to time, the Diocese has asked me to teach in adult ed programs. Several years back, I taught in the Lay Ministry Program, and I have regularly taught our Permanent Deacon classes.
The Josephinum Seminary has invited me to teach a few times too, so I have worked with seminarians in preparation for the priesthood to invite them into an enthusiasm for Scripture. This year, I taught in our Deacon School, and just after I finished working with the deacon candidates of the Diocese of Columbus and Steubenville, the Rector of the Josephinum asked if I could assist them while they experience a transition in their Scripture faculty. So, much to my surprise, I am now teaching on Wednesday and Friday afternoons from January to May. My reason for agreeing to do this is, in part, simply “enlightened self-interest.” I want to be sure that there are priests to assist us in pastoral ministry in the years ahead and to fill the role of pastor in the parishes I serve when it is time for me to move to a new ministry. No doubt you will have such an interest too.
There is an advantage that follows this effort to teach. I am immersed in the Scriptures and that enriches my own understanding of God’s Word as I prepare homilies and participate in our Bible Study and other forms of adult education in the parish. I must admit that it does require some real effort at time management and the cooperation of many others to continue to get things done. I thank those who make it possible for me to be where God calls me to be in the role of teacher.
The Year of Prayer: A Prayer before reading Scripture
Let Your Scriptures be my chaste delight…
O Lord, perfect me, and reveal those pages to me!
See, Your voice is my joy… Give me what I love…
May the inner secrets of Your Word
be opened to me when I knock.
This I beg, by our Lord Jesus Christ,
in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
These are the treasures I seek in Your books.
-- St. Augustine, The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 2, Nos. 2-4
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy
There are a number of Scriptures that make mention of St. Timothy throughout the New Testament. The most accessible are the two letters to Timothy by St. Paul. But did you know that Timothy is also mentioned in other letters and in the Acts of the Apostles?
Acts tells us of Paul’s meeting Timothy in his hometown and of taking him as a companion on several of his apostolic journeys.
The greetings of several letters of St. Paul include St. Timothy in the opening address, so that he is considered an author along with St. Paul in I & II Thessalonians, II Corinthians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon. This is why St. Timothy is depicted holding a book in the statue outside our church. Paul speaks of a special mission (“a sending”) of Timothy in I Thessalonians, I Corinthians and Philippians. He is also mentioned at the end of Romans and Hebrews. So Timothy was a very active young man traveling in the same circles as St. Paul.
According to tradition, St. Timothy was Bishop of Ephesus, and it was there that he suffered martyrdom.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
The Scriptures are full of signs that Liturgy has been part of the experience of the People of God through the centuries. In Exodus, God tells Moses to build a Dwelling, the Tent of Meeting, that will accompany the People in their desert journey. Priests and Levites are given responsibilities concerning this place of encounter with God. The Temple continues this tradition when they come into the Promised Land and establish the Kingdom under David and Solomon. After the return from Exile, right up to the time of Jesus, the Temple is the place for worship. The Psalms and other Scriptures are the fruit of Israel’s worship. When there is no Temple, the People still find a way to express their relationship with God through liturgical actions: the Book of Lamentations, the gathering with Ezra at the Water Gate, and the synagogue as a place to pray and enter more deeply into Scripture all point to this truth.
For Catholics, it is important to learn to recognize the connection between Liturgy and Scripture. The very words of our prayers and the actions we perform in the Liturgies we celebrate are lived Scripture. As we learn again the words of familiar prayers, we will also seek to discover that they are to be found in the sacred texts. We know our Bible very well because we put the Bible into action every time we gather as the People of God assembled for worship.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor January 23
Dear Parishioners:
As most of you have heard, we experienced a near disaster on Friday, January 14, with a fire in the heating system of the School Cafeteria. The experts suggest that it was actually caused by a dust ball catching fire. Who would have thought dust bunnies could be dangerous? In the end, mercifully, it was more smoke than flame. The Fire Department responded and took care of the matter rather quickly. They had been alerted by our alarm system. Thanks be to God!
Some of our Ski Club students and their families were in front of the School and the “Executive Committee” of the Men’s Club were in the Teachers’ Lounge. No one was hurt. The worst is the smell of smoke and the debris of ash that lingered on. Professionals have worked on that and time and use of the kitchen will eventually bring back the normal Cafeteria smells. We are most grateful to all who responded so quickly including Peg Crossin, Phil Hall, Mary Pat Boulware, George Cleary and George Mosholder, who were all on the scene along with all the Fire Personnel and Trucks. It was an adventure we hope never to repeat.
Your Pastor noted that we have been visited by three of the traditional Four Elements in the recent past: Air (the wind storm that took down several trees), Water (heavy rains, snow, ice and the various leaks), and now Fire (the smoky Cafeteria). All that remains is Earth (let us know if you hear a rumble or feel the ground move). We have been able to withstand all of these with the help of all our friends.
This Week, on Wednesday, January 26th, we will observe the Feast of our Patron Saint Timothy. All are welcome to join the children for the All School Mass. This year, we will begin an observance of “The Year of Saint Timothy” from the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus until our celebration of the same feast in our 50th Jubilee year. For a time, we will have both “The Year of Prayer” and “The Year of Saint Timothy” – just as Pope Benedict had a “Year for Priests” and “The Year of Saint Paul.” This will serve to lead us to a deeper knowledge of our Patron and our capacity to give witness to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in the world today. Let us pray with and for one another and for all God’s Family.
The Year of Prayer - Collect for the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus:
God our Father, You gave Your Saints Timothy and Titus the courage and wisdom of the apostles: may their prayers help us to live holy lives and lead us to heaven, our true home. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
As we prepare to celebrate St. Timothy Parish’s 50th Jubilee, watch the bulletin for details and suggestions. Our first effort will be to make sure we all know something about our Parish Patron, St. Timothy. Share this information with your family. Be ready to respond to questions about our patron at a moment’s notice.
Who was Saint Timothy?
St. Timothy was a companion of St. Paul who represents the third generation of Christians after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He lived in the first century A.D. He was born in the city of Lystra in Asia Minor.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
The goal of every “reform of the Liturgy” is to lead all of us to a deeper understanding of our Faith. The Church believes as she prays and prays as she believes. “Lex orandi, lex credendi.” When we are asked to pray in a certain form, the reason can always be traced to a need to assist the faithful to understand and practice a truth that has been neglected or misunderstood. The call is always to grow in faith and in understanding and practice of what we believe. In modern times, the first efforts at reform were to invite the faithful to pray together. Public prayer in common seemed to have become the privilege of a few or of only members of religious orders or those in ecclesial roles. Popes and others called for the faithful to come to a knowledge of the Liturgy and to pray together with an awareness of the meaning of the actions being performed.
As most of you have heard, we experienced a near disaster on Friday, January 14, with a fire in the heating system of the School Cafeteria. The experts suggest that it was actually caused by a dust ball catching fire. Who would have thought dust bunnies could be dangerous? In the end, mercifully, it was more smoke than flame. The Fire Department responded and took care of the matter rather quickly. They had been alerted by our alarm system. Thanks be to God!
Some of our Ski Club students and their families were in front of the School and the “Executive Committee” of the Men’s Club were in the Teachers’ Lounge. No one was hurt. The worst is the smell of smoke and the debris of ash that lingered on. Professionals have worked on that and time and use of the kitchen will eventually bring back the normal Cafeteria smells. We are most grateful to all who responded so quickly including Peg Crossin, Phil Hall, Mary Pat Boulware, George Cleary and George Mosholder, who were all on the scene along with all the Fire Personnel and Trucks. It was an adventure we hope never to repeat.
Your Pastor noted that we have been visited by three of the traditional Four Elements in the recent past: Air (the wind storm that took down several trees), Water (heavy rains, snow, ice and the various leaks), and now Fire (the smoky Cafeteria). All that remains is Earth (let us know if you hear a rumble or feel the ground move). We have been able to withstand all of these with the help of all our friends.
This Week, on Wednesday, January 26th, we will observe the Feast of our Patron Saint Timothy. All are welcome to join the children for the All School Mass. This year, we will begin an observance of “The Year of Saint Timothy” from the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus until our celebration of the same feast in our 50th Jubilee year. For a time, we will have both “The Year of Prayer” and “The Year of Saint Timothy” – just as Pope Benedict had a “Year for Priests” and “The Year of Saint Paul.” This will serve to lead us to a deeper knowledge of our Patron and our capacity to give witness to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in the world today. Let us pray with and for one another and for all God’s Family.
The Year of Prayer - Collect for the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus:
God our Father, You gave Your Saints Timothy and Titus the courage and wisdom of the apostles: may their prayers help us to live holy lives and lead us to heaven, our true home. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
As we prepare to celebrate St. Timothy Parish’s 50th Jubilee, watch the bulletin for details and suggestions. Our first effort will be to make sure we all know something about our Parish Patron, St. Timothy. Share this information with your family. Be ready to respond to questions about our patron at a moment’s notice.
Who was Saint Timothy?
St. Timothy was a companion of St. Paul who represents the third generation of Christians after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He lived in the first century A.D. He was born in the city of Lystra in Asia Minor.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
The goal of every “reform of the Liturgy” is to lead all of us to a deeper understanding of our Faith. The Church believes as she prays and prays as she believes. “Lex orandi, lex credendi.” When we are asked to pray in a certain form, the reason can always be traced to a need to assist the faithful to understand and practice a truth that has been neglected or misunderstood. The call is always to grow in faith and in understanding and practice of what we believe. In modern times, the first efforts at reform were to invite the faithful to pray together. Public prayer in common seemed to have become the privilege of a few or of only members of religious orders or those in ecclesial roles. Popes and others called for the faithful to come to a knowledge of the Liturgy and to pray together with an awareness of the meaning of the actions being performed.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor January 16
Dear Parishioners:
I want to remind all that we are continuing our “Year of Prayer” in St. Timothy Church (in preparation for our Jubilee) until the Feast of Divine Mercy, which falls on May 1 this year. Every member of the parish and every family is encouraged to pray for our Parish and to grow in the life of prayer in these days.
Do you have a favorite prayer you would like others to share? As you have noticed, our parish bulletin has often included prayers for you to use, especially since we have been observing this Year of Prayer. The Church has particular prayers that it encourages all members to learn. The Saints have prayers that become part of the “treasury of gifts” given to those who seek to imitate them. Each of us has our own personal prayers and our own favorites.
Parents: Be sure to help your children memorize prayers. Renew your own memorized collection of prayers by helping them and by saying them every day. Every Catholic should have a great familiarity with the Apostles Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, and an Act of Contrition. For good measure, throw in the Memorare and the Hail Holy Queen. Grace before Meals, the Guardian Angel Prayer and the Bedtime Prayer also ought to be daily friends. If your parents and grandparents had prayers they knew by heart – even prayers in languages other than English – why not pass that on as part of your family’s spiritual heritage? It is never too late to start. Pray a Family Rosary and you’ll find that your family forms a deep bond that will last.
As a priest, I have found again and again that the ability to say the prayers that are memorized and prayed through a lifetime is a great consolation when life comes to its close. Sometimes elders who do not speak to say anything else will be able to say these prayers. We need to pray them now in order to have them available to us “at the hour of our death.” Amen!
January 22 is a special day of prayer set aside by the U.S. Bishops to beg God for a change of heart in our culture on behalf of the most vulnerable – our unborn children, those facing the end of life, and all whose value is ignored by our society. We are invited to pray and fast in order to bring about the respect for life that our Faith call us to show to every human being, each unique and unrepeatable gift of God.
The Year of Prayer: The prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
The Mass is the source and summit of our life together as Catholics. The expectation for Catholics to participate in Mass every Sunday and on all Holy Days of Obligation is not a “man-made law.” God thought enough of it to put it into His “Top Ten.” The Third Commandment is “Keep Holy the Sabbath.” From the beginning of the life of the Church, this has been recognized as the responsibility to pray as the Church prays with the Community of Believers—that is to be present at the assembly for Eucharist. Even the New Testament comments on the situation of some believers who “skip Mass” for spurious reasons: “We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25) Participation in the life of the shared prayer of the Community of Believers is a necessary and indispensable part of the Christian Life. Private prayer is also necessary, but it does not substitute for Communal Prayer.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee:
When we celebrate our heritage, there are several motivations at work. First, it is an expression of our gratitude to those who came before us, who have made it possible for us to have what we have and to be who we are today. Telling the story of our beginnings helps to put in perspective the shape our community has. Every family knows that those who came before made some decisions and charted directions that still affect us in the present. A second reason is to gain wisdom. When we discover anew how our predecessors made their choices and the principles that guided them, we learn something about how to live.
The primary reason to acknowledge and highlight our past is our hope for the future. Knowing the struggles and hardships overcome by our parents and grandparents, we are better equipped to face our own difficulties. We can be confident that we will reach our goals, because others who are like us did so in the past.
So what are the stories that you know that ought to be told? What are the questions you have that might be answered by a look to the pathways of old? What are your dreams for our Parish Family and who inspires you to make them come true?
I want to remind all that we are continuing our “Year of Prayer” in St. Timothy Church (in preparation for our Jubilee) until the Feast of Divine Mercy, which falls on May 1 this year. Every member of the parish and every family is encouraged to pray for our Parish and to grow in the life of prayer in these days.
Do you have a favorite prayer you would like others to share? As you have noticed, our parish bulletin has often included prayers for you to use, especially since we have been observing this Year of Prayer. The Church has particular prayers that it encourages all members to learn. The Saints have prayers that become part of the “treasury of gifts” given to those who seek to imitate them. Each of us has our own personal prayers and our own favorites.
Parents: Be sure to help your children memorize prayers. Renew your own memorized collection of prayers by helping them and by saying them every day. Every Catholic should have a great familiarity with the Apostles Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, and an Act of Contrition. For good measure, throw in the Memorare and the Hail Holy Queen. Grace before Meals, the Guardian Angel Prayer and the Bedtime Prayer also ought to be daily friends. If your parents and grandparents had prayers they knew by heart – even prayers in languages other than English – why not pass that on as part of your family’s spiritual heritage? It is never too late to start. Pray a Family Rosary and you’ll find that your family forms a deep bond that will last.
As a priest, I have found again and again that the ability to say the prayers that are memorized and prayed through a lifetime is a great consolation when life comes to its close. Sometimes elders who do not speak to say anything else will be able to say these prayers. We need to pray them now in order to have them available to us “at the hour of our death.” Amen!
January 22 is a special day of prayer set aside by the U.S. Bishops to beg God for a change of heart in our culture on behalf of the most vulnerable – our unborn children, those facing the end of life, and all whose value is ignored by our society. We are invited to pray and fast in order to bring about the respect for life that our Faith call us to show to every human being, each unique and unrepeatable gift of God.
The Year of Prayer: The prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
The Mass is the source and summit of our life together as Catholics. The expectation for Catholics to participate in Mass every Sunday and on all Holy Days of Obligation is not a “man-made law.” God thought enough of it to put it into His “Top Ten.” The Third Commandment is “Keep Holy the Sabbath.” From the beginning of the life of the Church, this has been recognized as the responsibility to pray as the Church prays with the Community of Believers—that is to be present at the assembly for Eucharist. Even the New Testament comments on the situation of some believers who “skip Mass” for spurious reasons: “We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25) Participation in the life of the shared prayer of the Community of Believers is a necessary and indispensable part of the Christian Life. Private prayer is also necessary, but it does not substitute for Communal Prayer.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee:
When we celebrate our heritage, there are several motivations at work. First, it is an expression of our gratitude to those who came before us, who have made it possible for us to have what we have and to be who we are today. Telling the story of our beginnings helps to put in perspective the shape our community has. Every family knows that those who came before made some decisions and charted directions that still affect us in the present. A second reason is to gain wisdom. When we discover anew how our predecessors made their choices and the principles that guided them, we learn something about how to live.
The primary reason to acknowledge and highlight our past is our hope for the future. Knowing the struggles and hardships overcome by our parents and grandparents, we are better equipped to face our own difficulties. We can be confident that we will reach our goals, because others who are like us did so in the past.
So what are the stories that you know that ought to be told? What are the questions you have that might be answered by a look to the pathways of old? What are your dreams for our Parish Family and who inspires you to make them come true?
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