Journey Thoughts

The Church Militant

2012-02-22T21:56:00.000-05:00

     I remember learning that there is a Church Triumphant (the saints in glory) and a Church Militant (those of us here on earth). I was reminded of this as I prayed the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which sounded like a call to action in the war that wages around us. The prayer talks of a campaign that we are embarking on, a campaign of Christian service. We are used to hearing of or participating in campaigns - to raise funds, to get elected to office, and in war times we call our various drives and pushes in battles campaigns. As a Civil War buff, I recall the Peninsula Campaign, the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, and Sherman's march to the sea, among others. This kind of a campaign means that you have studied and evaluated the need, the resources, the opportunities and the goal. And ready ... you set out.

     This campaign that we are called to be a part of begins with holy fasting. It is rooted in service in the name of Christ. It requires us to arm ourselves with restraint, self-restraint, rather than reckless abandon. And it is a battle against spiritual evils - not child's play.

     I have a good friend, Michael Ripple, who in his blog Pray-lium often reminds us of this daily battle with the subtle and not so subtle forces of evil. His recent post on fasting is to the heart of the matter.

     The Prayer over the People today says:

Pour out a spirit of compunction, O God,

on those who bow before your majesty,

and by your mercy

may they merit the rewards you promisePray-lium

to those who do penance.

May we bow before the majesty of God, do penance for our failings, and merit the rewards that he promises. And may our Lent be a powerful experience of God.

Mardi Gras

2012-02-21T10:40:00.000-05:00

HAPPY MARDI GRAS

Today is Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday,

the day before we begin Lent.

For those that don't know me, I am a large person.

In that context I bristle a little

at the "Fat Tuesday" name for this day.

It brings to mind the old joke that has the lector

introduce the heavyset pastor by saying:

"Let us begin our celebration of God's mercy

by standing and greeting our celebrant

with the hymn

"There is a wideness in God's mercy".

Seriously, enjoy the day

and prepare for the great Fast of Lent.

As you prepare your celebration

think of New Orleans or Rio,

and embrace

MODERATION!

Letting Go

2012-02-20T15:17:00.002-05:00

     What follows are a few thoughts that I shared yesterday on the Scriptures for the Seventh Sunday in Winter Ordinary Time.

     As we prepare this Wednesday to hear the admonition "Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel" at the beginning of the great season of Lent, we hear words on this Sunday that remind us of the reality of sin in our lives, our frailty and the limitations that our fallen nature places upon us. We are reminded that it is too easy to be overburdened with the weight of our failures, to be stuck in the muck and the mire of our guilt. But we are also reminded that we have been set free, lifted up, freed of the weight and cleansed of the mud that sucks us in. That freedom has been won for us on the tree of the cross, with a sacrifice that is beyond measure. We have been washed clean through the blood of the lamb. And we are called to "let go".

     That seems to be the hardest part of the process of reconciliation, of trusting that our sins can and will be completely forgiven by God when in true sorrow we come to him and his church for forgiveness. All too often I hear people say that they know that God forgives them, but can he ever forget, ever let go of the feelings of betrayal that my sins have brought about? God forgives ... but does he really forgive. Will my sin come back to haunt me as I stand before the "pearly gates"?

     We all know the experience of hurting someone or of being hurt. Even when we are reconciled and our relationship is patched up, there is still that lingering doubt, that deep seated hurt that plagues us. Some can never get beyond that point.

    Probably the hardest person to forgive is oneself. There have been countless times when in the sacrament someone will say - I know that I am forgiven, but I can never forgive myself! They hold on to guilt and it eats away at them and holds them bound.

     Realizing that we have been set free, that our sins have been forgiven without reservation, that no residual effect remains, is vital to our living the life of grace that we are called to. In the reading from Isaiah the prophet this Sunday we hear what I think is a remarkable line from God, unbelievable, really. In listening to his people whine about their lot, in rehashing their failures, in questioning the willingness of God to make something new, God tell his people a truth - they have been set free. In speaking to his people, God says "It is I, I, who wipe out, for my own sake, your offenses; your sins I remember no more." What more wonderful reminder that we must "let go" and "let God fill the void".

Giving thanks

2012-02-18T21:31:00.000-05:00

     Saying "thank you" is so easy, and when it comes from the heart, so powerful. Giving thanks should be second nature to people of faith, for the central act of our worship is Eucharist - giving thanks. Expressing gratitude to someone or for something is to acknowledge our awareness of the blessing that has touched our lives.

     I mention this today as I return from a parish appreciation dinner/dance of our neighboring parish of Saint Agnes. They gathered at our hall for the annual celebration. And it was a great party! The priests and staff, the organizations and committees, the people of the parish show their gratitude for the ministry and service of countless parishioners through this event.

     I mention this today as I bring to a close a project of mine to personally say thank you and sign the contribution statements of our parishioners (all 1,000+ families or individuals). From the smallest amount to the greatest, I want them to know of my gratitude and that of the parish family for their stewardship. Many priests can't or choose not to take the time to do this, except for those requesting the statement, but I feel that it is important.

     I usually thank those attending Mass for being present, never assuming that just because it is their responsibility to be present that they should be there. Likewise, I try to express my gratitude whenever I can for whatever comes my way. I feel that it is very important that people not be taken for granite.

     Giving thanks is essential to living out the Christian message of love, flowing from our initial reason to give thanks - the love of Christ in our lives. And with that in mind, I am very grateful to God for this ministry and your interest in Journey Thoughts. God bless you!

A great day remembered

2012-02-17T16:31:00.001-05:00

Sixty-six years ago on this date the weather was much like it is here today - mostly sunny, brisk (in the mid forty's) and beautiful. Sixty-six years ago this afternoon Frances Louise Lenard married William Vincent Stoviak at Saint Mary of the Nativity Church in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, thus marking the beginning of our family. Dad belonged to Saint Joseph (Polish) church and Mom, along with Grandma, belonged to Saint Mary (Slovak). Grandpap belonged to Saint Joseph (he was, after all, from Poland).

I celebrated Mass for them this morning in gratitude for the love and faith that they shared with each other and gave to Janie and me. This year will be ten years since Dad passed and seven years for Mom. They are still very much a part of our lives. Janie and I got together for lunch to celebrate their anniversary.

On another personal note - a prayer request. Mom's only surviving sibling, my Aunt Margaret Venick, fell last week and broke her hip. She resides in a nursing home, and is back there at the present time. She is in failing health, and your prayers would be greatly appreciated. Aunt Margaret was Mom's Maid of Honor.

Togetherness

2012-02-17T11:14:00.000-05:00

     I know that I am overwhelmingly dating myself, but there is an old song that goes: "Love and marriage, love and marriage, goes together like a horse and carriage. You belong to me." Today the scriptures give us another example of "togetherness" that expresses unity - faith and good works.   James reminds us that these two go together, cannot stand separate, if they are to unite us to Christ, bring life and be effective.

    The Church has had its struggles with this reality. There have been and probably still are those who see the world and the things and needs of the world as being a distraction from what is "important". Wouldn't it be wonderful to set aside the ugliness of the ungodly and dwell only in the beauty of the godly? Yet the beauty that we have been graced with and entrusted with needs to be received and then shared. We are called to bring the light into the darkness, to transform the ugly with the love of Christ, to bring fullness into the emptiness of hearts. It is not enough for us to simple receive, to "take", to be content with what we possess. It is incumbent upon us, so blest, to share the blessing, to spread the good news, by word AND action. Another song comes to mind: "Reach out and touch, some body's hand, make this world a better place, if you can."

     The flip side of that coin, though, is to become the activist, the doer, the accomplisher of many things, all the while missing the reason that should propel us into action. We are not called to be "do gooders", but to be Christ for others. Doing good is great, but doing good because of our oneness with Jesus Christ, because he has taught us the why of our actions, is awesome. The Church at times in history has given the impression that you could buy or earn your way into heaven. When that idea surfaces, we have confusion.

     It is not a question of either/or ... it is a both/and situation. If I truly have faith, then the natural response that gives proof of that faith lies in my living it out in action. If I claim that I do good works, those good works, if done in Christ, will give evidence not only of good intentions and a kind heart, but also of my unity with Christ and my gratitude for his grace.

     James tells us "For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."   Our life in God the Father, with Christ Jesus his Son through the Holy Spirit is one of Faith and Good Works together. What a great gift.

Seeing clearly

2012-02-15T09:56:00.000-05:00

     There is a strange experience of healing found in the Gospel of Mark today (Mk.8:22-26). Jesus has to make a second attempt to heal the blind man who was brought before him. The first attempt brought vision, but it was somewhat distorted. The second laying on of hands brought clarity of sight. Why? What happened? A moment of weakness?

     I believe that the progression of the healing process rested with the one receiving the prayers and the laying on of hands. He wanted to see. But to see clearly and distinctly he needed to focus not on the sensation, not on the healing, but upon the source of his blessing. Only then could he "see clearly", could he understand and appreciate and accept the great gift given him. He could then see with the eyes of faith.

     James reminds us that we must not only be hearers of the word, but progress to be doers of the word. Hearing can inspire and bring some insight (seeing but not clearly), but only when we bring that insight into action, only when we record that word on our hearts and in our lives, will we find contentment and blessing. James reminds us that "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world". Actions speak louder than words is an old phrase that is appropriate here. There is another "Seeing is believing" that is better understood if reversed - "Believing is seeing" the truth of God's love and his call. If we truly believe, and understand, and respond, then we SEE CLEARLY.

All good gifts

2012-02-14T14:32:00.001-05:00

    Today the Church celebrates a wonderful feast day - not Saint Valentine of Hallmark fame - but rather the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Apostles to the Slavic Peoples. Just so you know, this has been a longstanding feast on February 14th, and was not the result of having a Polish Pope. But in honor of Valentine's Day, I am doing the post in red.

     In the letter of James this morning we heard that "all good giving and every perfect gift is from above" and that the Father of lights "willed to give us birth by the word of truth". Recently we heard a part of the struggles of Job, and wondered why God would do this to Job. We often hear people lament that God is testing them, tempting them, to see if they are strong. I've heard people say "Why has God done this to me?" "Why am I being punished?" "Doesn't God love me?"

     Temptations will always come our way, the author of James reminds us, because there is an evil outside of us, a darkness that pervades our hearts, a vacancy within the human condition that allows those forces who deny God to work their charms. I seem to remember a line of Banquo's from Macbeth that goes something like this ... "But 'tis strange, and oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence." [Thanks, Father Bryant, for making us memorize Shakespeare.] James tells us that God is not tempted to tempt or to do evil. It is not within his nature to do harm. "Rather, each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his desire. Then desire conceives and brings forth sin, and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death."

     Temptations are very real, but the do not come from God. They flow from the darkness that exists apart from God, and attack our human condition, when separated from the Divine, luring us away from all that is life giving. There are forces that seek to bring us down. The world often tells us to pay attention to those forces, for they make perfect sense. But we should not be deceived, for we have been gifted with light and life, and "all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights." It is he that gives us the strength to resist temptation and to live life fully in Christ.

Unclean!

2012-02-13T11:39:00.000-05:00

    Let me share a few thoughts that I shared in my homily yesterday.

     It is never fun to preach about leprosy, but that is what we were faced with yesterday in the Scriptures. Leprosy was a terrible, dreaded disease that created fear within society and within those faced to confront the ones afflicted. Leprosy eats away at the body. It disfigures and maims before bringing on death. It is contagious and ugly. Those who contracted leprosy were considered one of the living dead. They were cut off from the living, denied the comfort of home, the love of family, friends and society, basic human necessities, and even the dignity and respect of a human being. They were non-entities. We hear of it in Leviticus, we see it in the ministry of Jesus in Mark, we know of it in the story of "Ben Hur" (remember the movie), of Saint Francis in his encounter in the 1200's, in the inspiration of Father Damien and Mother Mary Ann Cope in Molokai in the 1800's.

     Jesus does will that the man with leprosy be healed ... but not at a distance. He does the unbelievable - he touches him with compassion and love. Saint Francis, after running away from the leper, encounters him again, face to face, and see, not the disfigured source of contagion, but Christ - and embraces him with compassion and love. Father Damien and Joseph Dutton and Mother Mary Ann went where no one would go and dealt with the leper colony's abandonment with compassion and love. Even in our own time we have the example of Mother Theresa of Calcutta and her followers who bring love and compassion to the dregs of society. There is so much to be learned here.

     But the leprosy of our time, of all times, is that of sin. We do not have to go far to see it, to experience it, to deal with it. It cuts us off from the source of life, from the land of the living. Christ, through the ministry of the Church, brings to these "living dead" healing and forgiveness with compassion and love. Again, there is SO MUCH HERE to be learned ... and experienced ... as we come in our sinfulness to be healed and restored to life. Lent is approaching, and it a wonderful time to say to the Lord "If you wish, you can make me whole" and then hear him say "I do will it, be made clean!"

A busy day ... and snow

2012-02-12T19:16:00.000-05:00

    Yesterday was one of those more active days, beginning in the morning with a meeting of our parish finance council. We meet every other month, of at all times on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am (their choice). The discussion was good and the information reviewed was informative. Following the meeting I headed to the church for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was also the local Saint Vincent de Paul Food Bank distribution morning in our social hall. All of this in a steady and persistent snowfall, with cold temps and wind. I hate to even mention the snow, since our winter has been so mild compared to some places.

    In the afternoon we celebrated Sunday Eucharist. The intention was my Mom, who died about seven years ago. It would have been her 93rd birthday. My sister, Janie, came for Mass and stayed overnight. The Mass was of course for the Sixth Sunday in Winter Ordinary Time, but it was also the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and thus the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. While we always remember those struggling with illness, we prayed in a special way for all of the sick. Following Mass our Seton Men's Group sponsored a Pasta Bar Dinner for the parish, serving penne, rigatoni or spaghetti with meat, marinara or alfredo sauce. All who ate enjoyed the evening and I think they served nearly 150 dinners. All this in the midst of more snow squalls and dicey roads. But all got home safely.

     Today were the two morning Masses, a baptism following the 11 am (Lucca William Kendro - who was adorable), and then another Mass for our regional Junior and Senior Youth Ministries and their families for the Teen Hope Mass. This is held monthly at the Bishop Bosco Center, our regional Catholic center and home of Queen of Angels School. These Sunday evenings are a part of our Religious Formation program for SEAS (us), Saint Agnes and Immaculate Conception parishes. Now something to eat, and probably the Grammy's.

The Benedictine Sisters

2012-02-10T14:50:00.000-05:00

The feast of Saint Scholastica, the twin sister of Saint Benedict, the monk, the father of Western monasticism and patron of Europe, is celebrated today. She and Benedict were of one mind and heart in their love of the Lord and their commitment to each other. On this, her feast, we pray for all of the women religious who follow the Rule of Benedict in the spirit and charism of Scolastica.

In my life, I have come to know two groups of Benedictine Sisters. The first are the Benedictine Sisters that cooked for the Saint Vincent Community in Latrobe during my high school years (now taken over by a food service). Originally from Germany, the Sisters now have a retreat center, book store and gift shop, bed and breakfast and of course their monastery at Saint Emma in Greensburg, under the leadership of Mother Mary Ann Knoll. The second are the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh who helped at both the school and the parish ministries at Saint John the Baptist in Scottdale. I have been to their monastery in Pittsburgh and experienced their gracious hospitality. I have been blest in knowing these women of Faith.

HAPPY FEAST OF SAINT SCHOLASTICA!

Division

2012-02-10T12:22:00.000-05:00

     Sunday marks the birthday of a great leader of this nation who served during a time of division and strife in the early 1860's - Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln is generally regarded as a simple man thrust into a conflict that brought out qualities that are recognized by most historians as great. And his legacy continues.

     But during his tenure, the nation was divided politically, economically and socially. There was the struggle of the North and the South, the prosperous industrial North and the struggling agricultural South, the slave states and those free of slavery, division regarding states rights vs federal government. The issues were complex and numerous. A war was fought - brother against brother - the hurtful remnants of which still exist.

     This morning's reading from the Hebrew Scriptures tells us of the division that came upon God's Kingdom during the reign of Jeroboam, the son of Solomon. The reasons were also complex and numerous. Rebellion against the central authority (of God) was at the heart of things. There would now be two kingdoms - North and South - Judah and Israel - ten tribes in one, two in the other, brother against brother. The split would never be breached. But neither would there be an abandonment of his people by God because of the greatness of another leader, David. He is a benchmark among leaders of Israel, despite his failings and transgressions. Thus, the Lord did not abandon his broken people, as he did not abandon this nation in her time of rebellion and trial.

     We find ourselves often divided in our loyalties between the God who loves us and calls us to his life verses our own desires and sinfulness that leads us to death. It would seem that the choice is so clear, that there would not be a question as to where we go. But, for some reason, we tend to split our loyalties and come up short. When that happens, there is only one answer - unity (with God), sorrow (for our arrogance), and a humble spirit with each other and with the Lord. That leaves room for restoration and unity and life.

Almost

2012-02-09T18:23:00.001-05:00

     In a post yesterday on the Archdiocese of Washington's blog, Msgr. Charles Pope entitles his entry "To What Political Party Does the Catholic Church Belong?" He had some thoughts that I would like to share with you, and what those thoughts led me to reflect upon.

     He says that ultimately we are called to be "simply Catholic" first and foremost. NOTHING stands as more important than our Faith, for ultimately it is our Faith by which we will be held accountable. True Catholicism will be vigorously pro-life and clear on sexual and life issues, working to strengthen family and marriage, advocating for the poor and immigrants, being aware of all social issues facing us by knowing the why and wherefore of our social teachings, fully embracing subsidiarity, solidarity and justice, standing against the violence that permeates our culture, being merciful and forgiving, and being willing to work with those who advocate Catholic principles. It is a tricky balancing act. We live in a diverse culture, in a nation that thinks that it is perfect, under a representative form of government, and in changing and challenging times.

     Like Solomon in today's reading, we are tempted to make alliances, to garner or lament our political strengths and weaknesses, to compromise and maybe even give in to prevailing thought or feeling, to be less than what we are called to be by ignoring or forgetting the power and richness of the Covenant that the Lord has made with us. When that happens we are unsure of our footing, uncertain of our standing as citizens, and timid in standing up for what we believe is a teaching that, while human, flows from the divine.

     All of the turmoil regarding the recent HHS mandate regarding health care coverage has left me tired and somewhat resigned to whatever happens in the politics of things. I was almost at that point ... listening to too many and not listening to my heart and the solid foundation upon which the Body of Christ is established. Like Solomon, I was almost ready to accept what is in order to fit in. The right to follow our conscience is a God given right, even before being given by our Constitution. The responsibility to do what is right rests in following the Law of God first, then in the law of the state (which, if truly wise and just, would be rooted in the higher law). I almost forgot ... I almost gave in. Thanks, Solomon, for the wrong choices that lost you the favor of God that was yours. They reminded me of how I need be vigilant. For a few brief seconds I was tempted to take the easier way out, and forgot my Covenant with the Lord.

Josephine Bakhita

2012-02-08T20:01:00.000-05:00

    A few months before I was born in 1947 an elderly African/Italian Religious Sister died near Vicenza, Italy. She was a member of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, and lived a quiet, simple, holy life. Her name was Josephine Bakhita.

     In the year 2000, our paths crossed somewhat in that I was visiting in Rome and had the honor of being present when Blessed John Paul II declared this woman a saint of the church (along with Mother Katherine Drexel and two others). In Saint Peter's Square with thousands of others I learned of the extraordinary journey of Josephine Bakhita, and came to appreciate her story and admire her faith. Today, along with Saint Jerome Emiliani, she is honored by the Universal Church.

     She was born in the Sudan around 1869, kidnapped as a child, and was repeatedly sold in the slave trade market until rescued by the family of the Italian consulate. She served this family in a number of capacities in their home in Italy, including as governess for their children. She was accepted by the family and she came to accept the Catholic Faith as her own. Eventually called to religious life, she entered the community and served the Lord in her own way. So dramatic and yet so simple was this story, that her cause for canonization was pressed, and resulted in that glorious afternoon in Saint Peter's Square, with her portrait hanging from the Basilica.

     It was a glorious day, a wonderful experience for me, and a cherished memory.

A lovely dwelling place

2012-02-07T19:24:00.000-05:00

     The psalm response at liturgy today is from Psalm 84: "How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!" The psalm sings the praises of the courts of the Lord. "I had rather one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere ..." says the psalmist. To dwell with the Lord in his house is to experience beauty.

     Solomon built a magnificent temple for the Lord in Jerusalem. It was a temple for the Ark that contained the Tablets of the Law which came from God. It was, for God's people, a sign of his presence and of his choosing of them as his very own people. Even though much more permanent, the temple was still a transitional home, like the tent that covered the Ark. God could not be contained, and yet God chose to be present.

     God chose to dwell within us, in our hearts, within our spirits. It is not the Tent or the Temple or the building that really matters, but rather the receptivity of our hearts to the presence and love of God. It is not so much the external, but rather the internal that matters, as Jesus told the people. We are the temples of God's Spirit.

     The use of incense is often captured in the media when there is a "church story". It seems like the only thing we do ... it seems mysterious. Even as Catholics we are often confused as to why we use incense. At funerals, when I incense the body, if I get those confused looks or the coughing, I'll sometimes tell the people that incense has been used since ancient times to honor that which is set apart for the gods ... and that we use it here to reverence the body of the person that has for these many years been the temple of the Holy Spirit. God has dwelt and still dwells within, and how lovely is his dwelling place!

************************

     I had the school Mass at Queen of Angels this afternoon. Always a great experience.

Give me a break ...

2012-02-05T14:46:00.000-05:00

     Job is a wonderful story that tells of Job's trust in God's love. In today's readings we experience Job at his worst, nearing his lowest moments, touching on despair and recounting the darkness that envelopes him. I can almost hear his say "Give me a break!"

     Paul tells the Corinthians that he has been compelled to share the gospel message in season and out, whether convenient or inconvenient. He has emptied himself so that he can be all things to all people. This is so unlike the "old" Saul of Taursus. Everything about the "new" Paul must be sacrificed so that the gospel can be proclaimed. I can almost hear him say "Give me a break".

    Jesus experiences the endless and consistent needs of the people - for hope and healing and deliverance and love. There is no rest. The whole town turns out ... they follow him wherever he goes ... and he goes to every town and village to fulfill his mission. The people are relentless, the needs overwhelming, and his compassion without end. And yet he says "I need a break", and takes a brief one.

    Like Job, when we reach the bottom, when all seems lost and darkest, when there is no where to go but up, then the promise and the love of God surrounds us and gives us hope. Then we can say, like Job, I don't understand the why or wherefore of my circumstances, but I know that God loves me, and that is enough. Like Paul, when it seems that we have given everything and emptied ourselves of self, then Christ lives in me, and I am filled with gospel joy and the good news, and my life is rich. Like Jesus and his disciples, the more people need and demand, the more we become Christ to them, the more we minister to them, the more we bring the saving message.

     But there is the need for that "break" that we long for. May that break be an immersion into the peace and love of Christ's presence, a strengthening of who we are through prayer, and a nourishment for the journey through the Eucharist. Let us take time to become, to be renewed, to be "all things to all people".

***********************************

     Today, February 5th, would have been my Dad's 92nd birthday. His birthday celebration has a cute story to it. For the first 62 years of his life, he celebrated his birthday on February 5th. When he went to retire, be got his birth certificate from the Commonwealth, and was surprised to learn that his date of birth was actually February 9th. For the next twenty years, till his death, we had cake on both dates!

Father Mack

2012-02-04T19:30:00.000-05:00

     The special intention at our 4:00 pm liturgy today was Father Mack. Father Mack is Father Richard Mackiewicz, the founding pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. Father Mack, who had retired because of health, died two years ago yesterday. He was deeply loved.

     As a young priest, Father Mack was chosen in 1978 by Bishop William Connare to establish a parish on the western edge of the diocese that would be named after a recently canonized saint, Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton. This parish would be formed from members of IC and Saint Agnes parishes. Mack took up the challenge of bringing people together, establishing the framework of a parish, inspiring people to invest in the new entity, and planning and building a church/hall/rectory. It was a daunting task, especially for Mack who wanted to please everyone. I would not want the challenge.

     He is remembered and loved. His legacy continues on in the parish family. And today, in a special way, he is in our prayers.

A good PR man

2012-02-03T21:20:00.000-05:00

     Sorry for the lack of a post yesterday, but I found myself settling into a bit of a depression and found it difficult to post. The depression occurred because of an event that morning. For those not from Western Pennsylvania, there is a certain groundhog named Phil who hibernates in a small Central Pennsylvania town named Punxsutawney, and who on February 2nd is taken from his place of hibernation to meet the world. If he does not see his shadow, Spring is near. If he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of Winter.
Well, Phil saw his shadow! Little wonder, what with all of the lights from the TV cameras. And I dislike Winter intensely... thus the depression! However, if the next six weeks are like the Winter so far, it won't be bad.

     Today's reading from the Hebrew Scriptures is from Sirach. We have been reading about David the King from the Book of Samuel, viewing the whole picture, with all of his successes and failures. We have seen his greatness despite his human frailties. Today, though, we have a great press release from Sirach, who gives us an overview of David's life and accomplishments with an emphasis on his greatness. There is a brief mention of sin, but no elaboration. I was struck by the positive spin that the author placed upon the man. If only we all had such a good PR person telling our story! It is refreshing, though, given the tremendous efforts to be negative and destructive about the people before our eyes.

     I concelebrated the funeral of a parishioner today - Tom McAraw - who died at the age of 82. Tom and his wife, Mary, are good parishioners who usually attended the 8:30 am Mass on Sunday. Tom was an usher, along with his brother-in-law, Jim, at that Mass. I said concelebrate, because there are two priests nephews in the family from the Pittsburgh Diocese, Fathers David Schorr (a seminary classmate of mine) and John McKenna. One of Tom and Mary's sons is in the Diaconate program for the Erie Diocese, and a number of his classmates travelled to be with the family. It was a great celebration of life. Tom served family, community, country and church with quiet grace and a constant smile. May he rest in peace.

     Today was also the feast of Saint Blase, a early bishop and martyr for the faith that the world knows as an intercessor for ailments of the throat. The traditional Blessings of Throats took place at the morning Mass, and at the request of the McAraw family, also during the funeral liturgy. We had more than usual at morning Mass, for I find that people love the sacramentals of the church.

     And finally, Catholic Schools Week at Queen of Angels came to a conclusion with a volleyball game this afternoon between the Middle School Students and the Faculty and Administration, including Father John Moineau, one of the pastors. I sat this one out by necessity, and joined in the cheering (for both sides).

We are rightfully proud

2012-02-01T20:06:00.000-05:00

     This afternoon I stopped by our Regional Catholic School - Queen of Angels. This is the mid point of our celebration of Catholic Schools Week, and the level of activity was high. I saw parents and grandparents as well as other interested individuals touring the school, visiting classrooms and the office, and viewing the countless displays throughout the school during the Open House part of the school day, and I am sure this evening's Open House will also exhibit interest.

     I spoke with our Principal and a few of the office staff, I visited a classroom where the teacher had gathered her class around her for a lively discussion of the upcoming school Mass for next week (of which I am the presider). A reminisced with a parent and her second grade daughter about the "old days" in second grade as we viewed the second grade display. The kids are always excited when they see me in the hall or classrooms, and a group of little ones (probably K or PK) who were on their way out made a point of waving to me.

     Queen of Angels is a great environment for education rooted in a faith based program. Our administration fulfills a wonderful ministry in the difficult circumstances of these economic times. Our faculty is outstanding, certified and dedicated and our support staff loves the kids. Our parents have chosen the school for their children and sacrifice much to do the best for their children. Our parishes may not always be aware of it, but their prayer and financial support is invaluable. But most of all, our youngsters are great - they are the reason that we are committed to Queen of Angels - they are the future of this nation, but more importantly of the Church. I've included a picture of the school family in front of the school that was sent as a Christmas card, so that you can see what I'm talking about.

We are proud!

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CATHOLIC SCHOOL MEMORY

We often speak of the education, the teachers, the wonderful experiences of our formative years. I would like to share a memory today that is not politically correct or health conscious, but is important to me.

Across a small street from Saint Joseph School in Uniontown where I attended from K through 8 was a small "mom & pop" candy store run by Mrs. Krysiak, a dear lady, the grandmother of a school mate, who had the patience of Job. In her front room she sold "penny candy" to us at lunchtime, always treating each of us with respect and patience as we tried to decide whether we wanted the Tootsie Rolls or the licorice records or the miniature wax bottles of pop. Today we know that this is not the most healthy thing, but in our day, it was part of our experience, almost of our curriculum. Even the crossing of the street was done with permission and supervision. Thanks, Mrs. Krysiak, for the memories.

+++++++++++

Today word was received of the death of

Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua,

the Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia,

who died last evening at the age of 88.

May he rest in peace.

Struggles

2012-01-31T18:13:00.000-05:00

     David was chosen by God. He was champion of his people and best friend of his king. At the instigation of the Lord, he led a rebellion against his rightful king and friend, Saul. He replaced Saul as leader, and served as a great king. He built the temple - a house for the Ark of the Covenant and danced before the Lord at its dedication. From his line would come the promise of a messiah and savior. And yet David's personal sin was awful, as we described before. In his sincere repentance came forgiveness from the Lord. And then his beloved son, Absalom, took up arms against his father and with his troops became his mortal enemy. Today we hear of Absalom's tragic death, and of David's lament for his son. David's life was filled with struggles - of God's making, of his own making, and of forces beyond himself.

     Our struggles may be very different from those of David, but no less real. Remembering that we have been anointed as God's chosen - that we are sinners, repentant and forgiven - and that we are not always the master of our fate, we embrace the struggles with confident assurance of the love of God for us, and with the knowledge that our name, like David's, is written in the Book of Life. Be confident ... be strong.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK REFLECTION
     I have had many outstanding teachers in my years in Catholic School. The men who taught me scripture in theology at Saint Francis - particularly TOR Fathers Roland and Austin as well as Father Tony Wei, were inspiring. They gave me a love of the scriptures.

A great gift

2012-01-30T16:57:00.000-05:00

     As I have mentioned, we have entered into Catholic Schools Week in our diocese and in the nation. It is a time of showcasing the work of this part of our mission as a Church. Within our local area, we are a contributing part of Queen of Angels Regional Catholic School located in Irwin/North Huntingdon.

     At the outset of CSW, I want to share what I shared yesterday with the congregation - namely the fact that I was the grateful recipient of a Catholic School education ... from Kindergarten through theological grad school. Except for a few supplemental summer courses at Penn State University / Fayette Campus, my entire academic experience was in Catholic schools.

     From Kindergarten through grade eight I attended our parish elementary school and was taught by the Sisters of the Holy Ghost whose congregation is in Pittsburgh. We had four lay teachers in addition to the Religious who taught us. The school closed many years ago. For high school I entered the minor seminary for the diocese of Greensburg, and was sent to Saint Vincent Prep School in Latrobe, run by the Benedictine monks. There were a number of lay teachers who also shared in the teaching responsibilities. For three of those years we lived at Saint Joseph Hall minor seminary residence, and travelled by bus to Saint Vincent. The prep, which opened around 1847, closed its doors in the early 1970's.

     For the first part of my college years, the diocese sent me to Saint Pius X Seminary in Erlanger, Kentucky (near Cincinnati). There we had the benefit of fine diocesan priests, as well as laity and Religious as part of the teaching and formation staff. It was my first experience of being at a distance from home, but it was a rewarding time. Pius closed a number of years later. Then I was sent to Saint Francis Seminary in Loretto, PA, where I finished college and stayed on for my four years of theology. Saint Francis is run by the Third Order Regular Franciscans (TOR). The college now has university status and is doing fine (thank God, given my track record with schools), but the major seminary, after many years of preparing countless fine priests for many dioceses, is now closed and the building is, in fact, a maximum security prison (talk about irony). My twenty years of Catholic schools were a gift to me from the Church and from those who cared about me. Those years involved great sacrifices, but they were sacrifices that brought to me a great gift - and I am eternally grateful. As I mentioned to the people yesterday, from Sister Veronica who taught me in Kindergarten (and my dad in first grade!) to the last professor of theology, all of these men and women - outstanding teachers and inspirations to many - have my profound gratitude.

A new teaching with authority ...

2012-01-29T20:14:00.000-05:00

     FAITH! ACADEMICS! SERVICE!   This is the theme of CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK for 2012 which begins today. It is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the accomplishments of Catholic School education today and throughout the years. A longstanding mission of the Church in the United States and throughout the world, sharing the knowledge of the truth and inspiring service to others within the framework of the source of truth, Jesus Christ, is an integral part of the Call that we have received.

     We encounter Christ, the Divine Teacher, in Mark's gospel today. He came to teach in the synagogue, and people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught with authority and not as the scribes. A good teacher does more than hand on facts, or follow the curriculum or parrot what he or she was taught. A good teacher shares the facts from their immersion in the science or the experience of history or the personal encounters that have touched their lives. They bring their enthusiasm and inspiration with them. They bring an understanding of not just what has been or even is, but of what could be if we but invest ourselves in the future. They call to serve, to challenge their students to build a better world, to reach out and touch lives, to, having been inspired, to inspire a future generation.
We lift the mastery of academics and the desire to serve to a higher level when we bring in the element of FAITH.

     The ancient teachers and philosophers gathered their students around them. They referred to their schools as temples of learning (in fact even today the University of Pittsburgh has a "Cathedral of Learning"). They knew that knowledge is power, knowledge is life itself, knowledge lifts us toward the divine. It is an upward progression that originated in man's desire.

     Coming at it from the perspective of people of Faith, we know that it is God's invitation to us to share in the divine wisdom that prompts us to learn, to grow, to excel. We are called to KNOW HIM, and in that knowledge and experience to LOVE HIM. It is in that love that we are inspired to SERVE HIM (and those whom he cherishes) with all of our hearts and minds.

     At the beginning of this CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK, we celebrate in the mission entrusted to us, and we rejoice in the wonderful students, committed parents and guardians, outstanding faculty and administration and staffs that serve our schools. May the week be blest!

Setting the stage

2012-01-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

     Catholic Schools Week, in which we showcase the Catholic school educational mission of the Church, begins this Sunday. I will share thoughts on this as the week progresses. But almost as a prelude to the week we have the feast of two saints who valued the importance of education within the framework of Faith.

     Yesterday we honored Angela Merici from Lombardy, who was a Third Order Franciscan. She set up a school to instruct girls in Christianity and good works, and in 1535 she founded the Ursulines to continue her mission, especially for poor girls.

    Today we honor a giant of a man, supposedly literally as well as figuratively. Thomas Aquinas was born in 1225 of a noble family in southern Italy, studied with the Benedictines, and became a follower of Saint Dominic. He studied in Paris and Cologne under the philosopher Saint Albert the Great, and delved into the pagan philosopher Aristotle. He used a simple, common sense approach to philosophy and theology and wrote extensively. He also wrote many of our beautiful eucharistic hymns. He is considered a Doctor of the Church.

     Both of these individuals exemplified the theme of Catholic Schools Week in 2012: "Faith, Academics, Service". They join the students, faculties and administrations of our Catholic Schools in fleshing out this theme.

Falling Short

2012-01-27T17:54:00.000-05:00

     The drama continues to unfold in 2 Samuel today. The one chosen as champion and king of Israel, David, finds himself tempted by his desire for a beautiful woman named Bathsheba. He called her and took her, and had relations with her.  The woman then conceived and was with child.

     David fell short of the mark. Kings usually took or did whatever or whoever they wanted. But David was not just any king, he was the Lord's anointed.  And it gets worse, for Bathsheba was a married woman, and her husband was Uriah, the Hittite armor bearer of David's captain, Joab. David had Uriah brought home, told him to go home and relax, a little R & R. Presumably he would sleep with his wife, and the pregnancy would be explained. But Uriah was a good soldier, and slept at the entrance to the palace with the other soldiers. David tried again, and Uriah did not take the bait.

     Then things got really bad, and David slid even further from grace as he had Uriah sent back to battle, this time to be put in harms way in the front lines so that he would surely be killed, which is indeed what happened.

     Now lets see: David was lustful, sexually controlling, lying and deceptive, and resorted to murder - all to get what he wanted. After all, he was king. How he fell short of the mark!

     Our reading today ends there, but we know that David saw the error of his ways, saw his sin, repented and was confronted with the mercy and continued trust of God - which made David's sin stand out even more. Despite all that transpired, David was the anointed of the Lord ... and flawed though he was, he was still the great king that would lead God's people and from whose house and lineage would come the promised Messiah.

     Who among us has not fallen short of the mark in some way? Who among us has never sinned? And yet, confronted with our sin, repentant of our thoughts and actions, and loved in mercy by God, we are called to rise and move forward in a freedom that God's love brings us and in a knowledge of how, unworthy though we are, we are called to life in Christ. It is he that has made this possible, and we call it redemption.

An anniversary missed

2012-01-26T10:38:00.000-05:00

     Twenty years ago on January 22nd I arrived at the Church of Saint Paul in Greensburg to begin my sixth assignment as priest and my third as pastor. I was coming from All Saints in Masontown, a small parish of 600 families in a small town where I had spent five years - to Saint Paul, a parish of about 1,700 families in the outskirts of Greensburg - one of four Catholic parishes in the city. I spent eight and a half years there, made many friends, and experienced the grace of God in so many ways.

     But the day of my arrival was bitterly cold. The wind was whipping and the snow flying. I arrived with the last of my stuff in the early afternoon and found things to be even colder. The dinner for my family and invited priests before the installation Mass scheduled for that evening, promised by the priest administrator who was leaving, was not a reality. I had come into a situation where the previous pastor was moved by the diocese, and people were angry. The administrator of three months did nothing to calm the waters. Then he, and the assistant were moved, and Father Stephen West and I arrived, to mixed emotions and an uncertain welcome.

     After arranging for dinner out, I was welcomed by the parish council and choir and liturgical ministers and many of the parishioners at the Installation Mass and reception which was beautiful. Then began the process of "getting to know you" between the parishioners and the priests. It seemed to me to take longer than usual to win over the trust of the people. But during that time, I had parishioners who were supportive and who befriended me in my move and ministry in Greensburg. One couple, Bill and Mary Ann Newhouse, even sent me a note of welcome and prayerful support as soon as the announcement was made, and I was able to bring that with me. We have remained great friends. My staff, even with change-overs, was always there for me. Once the trust with the parish family was established, we were able to do great things ... and for that I am grateful. The coldness of the first days gave way to the warmth of love and respect.

     So, January 22nd, 1992 was a transitional moment for me ... and hopefully for the Church of Saint Paul. Twenty years - where has time gone?

The former Saul of Taursus

2012-01-25T16:01:00.000-05:00

Two posts in one day ...

   Little did Saul know what awaited him on his trip to Damascus. A man on a mission, strong and sure of himself, committed and dedicated to persecute all who opposed the Faith of his fathers, he was on his way to lay into those followers of the man Jesus. He carried papers of authorization as well as the conviction of his heart and mind. This was his life.

     And then came that unexpected encounter. The strong Saul was humbled, cast to the ground. The independent Saul was humbled and embarrassed, blinded and led by the hand. The proud Saul was further humbled by being brought to a "nobody" to be healed. The old Saul was lost.

     But from that old Saul came the new Paul. The champion of Israel and persecutor of the followers of Jesus became the champion of Jesus and a leader of the new way. The proud one came to experience the "thorn in the flesh" and realize that who he was and what he accomplished was done by the grace of God. The world, like Saul, would never be the same after that encounter with Jesus.

Welcome them into the light of your face

2012-01-25T10:36:00.000-05:00

     These words are found in Eucharistic Prayer II as we remember the dead. It is an unusual wording, and yet a beautiful one. We speak of the beatific vision as seeing God "face to face" and being caught up into the overwhelming light of Christ. What better prayer for those whom we love than a "welcome into the light of God's face". Another one of those little gems for teaching found in the new translation.

     I bring this up because within the last few days I have either become aware of people that I have known who have died or whom I shared a funeral liturgy with that I include in that prayer from Eucharistic Prayer II.   Let me share a few thoughts on each.

     On the 19th of January Archbishop Giovanni De Andrea, a retired Vatican diplomat and officer of the Holy See, died in Rome. I met him a few times and visited his apartment in Rome and had dinner with him. The reason that I know him is that he is the brother of one of our priests who went on to also join the Vatican Diplomatic Corp - retired Archbishop Giuseppe "Joe" De Andrea. How Father Joe came to Greensburg fro Italy in the late '50's is unknown to me, but he was a good and friendly brother priest before returning to Italy and the Vatican. John and Joe served the Vatican in some really interesting places - John as Apostolic Delegate to Angola, Pro-Nuncio to Iran, Algeria and Tunisia and Delegate to Libya (all between 1975 - 1989) before being appointed as Vice-President of the Labour Office of the Holy See ... and Joe as Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen and Qatar before retiring.  John was 83+ years old, a priest for nearly 61 years, and a bishop for almost 37 years. Like his brother Joe, he was a kind, friendly and generous man. May he rest in peace.

     On the 21st, on an icy morning, I buried Mary Ann Madden from our church. While a member of Corpus Christi parish in the neighboring town of McKeesport, she attended here regularly and many of her family belong here. I remember her as a lovely woman, just a few years older than myself. Despite the cold outside, there was great warmth in that family.

     Monday evening at a blessing service at the funeral home I buried a man two years younger than myself - Daniel J. Chakey. He had no regular church that he called home, so I was asked to lead the prayer. Again, his brothers David and Dennis shared their love of their brother with those gathered to remember him.

     Yesterday I returned to my former parish in Scottdale for the funeral of Paul Haas, 94. He and his wife Thelma have been married for over 72 years! They were a good team - Paul, a little gruff at times and very outspoken and Thelma, sweet and carefree. She will miss him.

     And this week the loss of two Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill that I knew well - Sister Barbara Koval (originally of Saint John the Baptist in Scottdale) who was buried today and Sister Francis de Sales Joyce, who served in this Diocese in the Office of Education and who I knew also through my involvement in the Charismatic Renewal. Both are great women of Faith. We offer prayers for them and their Religious Family at Seton Hill.

Lord, welcome them all into the light of your face!

A great communicator

2012-01-24T16:06:00.000-05:00

     On this feast of the patron of writers and journalists, I feel compelled to post. Saint Francis de Sales is that patron, and his entire life was dedicated to communicating the love of Christ. He is and could be a great model for the New Evangelization that we are addressing in the Church. As I mentioned in a post last week, our priests gathered to begin discussions on this topic. The New Evangelization has a focus on those who have heard the message of the gospel but who have forgotten or strayed or given up or been otherwise occupied - thus a great number who profess Christianity but not Christ.

     Francis de Sales made it his mission to re-evangelize the people of his home district who had gone over to Calvinism. His preaching was dynamic and effective, but more importantly his message was given in love and respect. He taught that whoever we are and whatever our station in life, we can become holy by being more ourselves, reflecting upon the gift of God in our lives and using those gifts well and celebrating that Call to the best of our ability. You don't have to be a priest or monk or Religious to be holy ... it is the universal Call that flows from Baptism. His preaching to those who had embraced Calvinism was not to win converts, but in the most loving and supportive way to share the truth of the gospel and the necessity of the catholic family with those that he genuinely loved. I saw a quote of a Calvinist minister of the time who had said that if there ever was a "saint" it was Francis, whose holiness was rooted in his love of Christ and his fellow man.

     One of the things that I strive to do in Journey Thoughts is to speak in love and affirmation, to call to holiness and inspire a trust in the mercy of God. The world needs that message desperately.

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     From October of 1986 through January of 2000 I served as pastor of All Saints Church in Masontown and its mission church of Saint Francis de Sales in McClellandtown. It was a great assignment. Saint Francis mission was about five miles down the road, a small frame church of about 60 families with one Mass on a Sunday morning. They were dedicated to their little church, and hardworking people. They had never celebrated their feast, and I remember starting a cover dish dinner at the local fire hall near the feast day - to great success and enjoyment.

     As things go, Saint Francis de Sales Church became a "chapel of convenience" for awhile, before being suppressed and the parishioners brought into All Saints. The little church building, which served as a home to the parishioners, is now a home to a family in the area, and I understand was creatively adapted into a residence. Many good memories.

A Day of Sadness - A Cause of Right

2012-01-22T10:05:00.000-05:00

Today's post is another sharing of something that I wrote for our parish bulletin.

Today marks the 39th anniversary of a Supreme Court decision in the United States that legalized abortion in this country. It has become a political issue ever since, and various sides and positions are taken. We have held consistently, along with a long tradition in the medical profession, that human life begins from the moment of conception, and that the developing fetus is indeed a God given life. Since our very nation preserves the right "to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", we challenge this court decision, and all that have come from it. It is not a matter of choice or freedom when it denies the choice and freedom of another human being. It is a tragedy and a moral evil upon this society. 39 years ... the same old/same old ... we have become complacent ... it is routine. But it is death ... death of over a million each of those years, death of potential citizens and neighbors, death of who knows what talents, abilities and creativity. The key word is complacent ... how can we be complacent in the face of such evil and moral emptiness? It is a question that we must ask ourselves and our society.

How do you see it?

2012-01-21T19:20:00.000-05:00

     For my post today I would like to share something that I wrote for our diocesan web page as a scripture reflection for this Third Sunday in Winter Ordinary Time. If you would like to mark this website, it is at www.dioceseofgreensburg.org.

     Is the glass half empty ... or half full? The way we approach that question speaks volumes as to where we are in life and the wisdom that we possess. It determines whether we have a sense of frantic urgency about us or whether we live in complacent hope. Into which extreme do we root our lives?

     There is a sense of urgency in the scriptures for this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. In fact, it is the urgency that we find at the beginning of Lent, an urgency that we find as any deadline approaches. In beginning his public ministry Jesus said "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." Paul in writing to the Church in Corinth says that "time is running out". Jonah announced the destruction of Nineveh because of their sinfulness and called for immediate repentance.

     Does this sense of urgency bring about panic or quiet assurance in us? How do we see the glass of our lives?

     Some would tend to see the glass as empty, expecting nothing. When they realize that the glass is half full, they relax, because they must have done something right and things are looking brighter, fuller, more blest. They take it in stride - after all, things could only get better. There is nothing to do but soak it in.

     We are called to see that the glass is meant to be full, filled with the life giving waters of grace, abundant in the richness of God's love and favor. As followers of Jesus Christ, anything less than a full glass is deprivation. Like the people of Nineveh, who did not have the benefit of a knowledge or experience of God's love prior to Jonah's visit, we need to be wise and realize that anything less than full is not good. It requires of us urgent action, not out of fear but out of need and a response to God's love. It requires of us repentance, fasting, sackcloth, a change of heart, a turning away from emptiness and darkness and an embracing of the gospel.

     If you find your glass half full, then leave all behind and renew your commitment to follow Jesus, as did James and John, as did Simon Peter and his brother Andrew. Fill that glass with the love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. For when the world "in its present form" passes away, we will have the security of his grace and mercy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Today, the 21st of January, is the feast of Saint Agnes, the patron of one of our neighboring parishes. We wish the priests and families of Saint Agnes in North Huntingdon the very best.
Happy feast day!

Generosity

2012-01-20T11:39:00.000-05:00

     The story of Saul, the chosen King of Israel and David, the champion of Israel whom God chose and had Samuel anoint as leader of the people, continues today with intrigue, bitterness, and emotion. After David's rise in popularity, Saul saw him as an enemy, and sought him out to kill him. Their armies fought each other at every opportunity.

     In today's passage, the Lord delivered Saul into David's hands. David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but instead, because of his respect for the fact that Saul was God's anointed, he took a tassel from his cloak without him knowing, but did not harm him. He confronted Saul, showed him the tassel and pointed out that he could have killed him if he wanted, and then told Saul that he intended to take no action against him.

     In that confrontation Saul wept aloud and said "You are in the right rather than I; you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm. Great is the generosity you showed me today, when the Lord delivered me into your grasp and you did not kill me ... May the Lord reward you generously for what you have done this day." And in a prophetic word he acknowledged that David would surely be king and that sovereignty would come into his possession.

     The blessing of God's call does not always lead to peaceful coexistence, to a natural long life, to comfort and security in this world. It was not found in Saul or David, both called by God. It was not found in the twelve, mentioned by name in the Gospel of the day, all of whom died a martyr's death except John. It was not found in the lives of Fabian, an early pope, and Sebastian, a Roman soldier who in embracing Christ renounced the sword - both of whom experienced a martyr's death. It may not be found in our lives either ... but in responding to the call with trust and faith, we will know a closeness to the source of all good that will sustain us. That is a generous response on the part of God, and we are grateful.

Good News

2012-01-19T19:51:00.000-05:00

     This afternoon the priests of the Greensburg Diocese gathered for a presentation and discussion of evangelization efforts in the Diocese. This was one of the first steps that will address this important element of our strategic plan, and in light of the call for a New Evangelization called for by Pope Benedict XVI. A general presentation was made by Bishop Brandt, and then a series of questions were presented for discussion.

     Much was said regarding the staggering statistics regarding those who have left the Catholic Church or who hold it to be at the perifery of their lives. We probed the whys and the wherefores for reasons, and proposed many solutions and ideas. In the end, it involves living the Faith with joy and conviction in the Lordship of Jesus Christ and in the knowledge of our place within his Kingdom. It involves inviting our family home, making them feel welcome, and helping them to understand the need to be fed at the table of the Lord.   This New Evangelization, while always open to those who have never heard the Good News, is really meant for those who have had a memory lapse and forgotten who they are, or who have chosen a fast food diet rather than the banquet of the Lord. I am sure that there will be more on this topic in the days ahead.

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     Good news for our neighbors today ... after a long wait, the Holy Father has appointed Bishop William C. Skurla, the Reuthenian Byzantine Bishop of Passaic, New Jersey, as the metropolitan archbishop of Pittsburgh of the Byzantines. The archeparchy of Pittsburgh has 58,763 Catholics, 64 priests, 17 deacons and 88 religious. We have a neighboring parish of Saint Stephen's here in North Huntingdon, and in almost all of my assignments, as well as in by growing up years in Uniontown, I have been acquainted with the priests and the parishes and the wonderful traditions of our Eastern friends. Congratulations to Archbishop elect Skurla and to the Byzantine Church of Pittsburgh.

Christian Unity Week

2012-01-18T17:27:00.000-05:00

       Today begins a week of prayer for Christian Unity. This annual observance began in 1908 in Graymoor, New York, by Father Paul Wattson, an Anglican Graymoor Friar of the Atonement, who persuaded the Anglican and Catholic bishops to support the efforts to pray that the division within the Church may begin to be addressed. It was set in January, beginning on what was then celebrated on the 18th of January as the Feast of the Chair of Peter and ending on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul on the 25th.

     Father Wattson and others from his community became Catholic the following year. The annual observance spread, with Benedict XV extending observance to the entire Catholic community in 1916. The World Council of Churches joined with the Vatican in promoting this effort since at least 1966. Today it is celebrated through prayer and services of prayerful unity in many places, and in other places not at all.

     Why this week set aside for prayer? The answer is found in the fact that Christ established the Church to be his body, strong and vibrant, the source of unity and of strength. Through the frailty of human nature and a limited understanding of God's grace, we are a divided body, disabled by our disunity from witnessing as is needed in the world to the power of Christ. That disability and limitation makes the work of the proclaiming and living the gospel much more difficult. Jesus prayed for the Church that we may be one as he is one with the Father.

      There are many reasons for our disunity, but there are few excuses that really matter for that disunity to continue. We need to work together, to pray together, to respect each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, and give concrete witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Pray this week for that unity. Pray for a mutual understanding and respect for each other. Pray that "we may be one" in Christ.

What does he see?

2012-01-17T09:22:00.000-05:00

     When I reflect upon my vocation as a priest, I am struck by how unworthy I am, how inadequate to the task, how lacking in abilities and dynamism and talents. I have always been hard on myself, always insecure in who I am and what I have to offer. That has been one of my struggles.

     When I reflect upon my vocation as a priest, though, I am in awe of how God uses me despite those limitations. The shy kid, the mediocre student, the insecure person has touched the lives of countless people over these thirty nine years of ministry in ways that defy logic. The only reason that I can offer is that the Lord has chosen me and anointed me, he has set me on course and guided my way, he has entrusted me with his message of salvation. For that, I am grateful.

     I remember a time in high school seminary when the rector called in my parents, and in my presence told them that I was a mediocre student and that I would never be ordained. Talk about affirmation! It may be that he was trying to "motivate" me, but I doubt it. I ended up being stationed with the man in my early priesthood. Maybe a bit of revenge? I remember an assignment where my pastor would periodically let in to me, demeaning the work that I was doing and belittling me as a person. Those were dark days. I can recount numerous times when I know that I let people down, when I failed to live up to their expectations or needs, and while sorry, understand that the realization led me to work harder.

     By the way, it is dark and dreary, pouring rain and cold outside, which may be one of the reasons for this reflection.

     However, I have also had tremendous support and encouragement, prayers and love given me over the years by family and friends and parishioners from every parish. My positive stories way outnumber the negative, and they remain deeply embedded in who I am as a priest. They are the reason that I am a priest ... along with the fact that God has chosen me. Like David in today's reading from Samuel (1 Sam 16:1-13), God saw something in me that I did not see and others may not have recognized. For better or worse, he has set me on course and graced my journey. As the Lord told Samuel "Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart." Thank you for looking into my heart, Lord.

Called by Name

2012-01-15T14:35:00.000-05:00

     The other day we had the same reading from 1st Samuel that we heard this morning - of the call of Samuel. We also heard today of the call of Andrew and his brother Simon. I reflected upon "the Call" at that time.

     But key to the call is the NAME that is spoken. We are called by name. Unless we know our name, who we are, we can not be sure who it is that the Lord is calling.

     From our earliest moments of encounter with the Lord in baptism, we are asked our name, or our parents are asked what name they have given us. It is that name, which the Lord has known us by from our mother's womb, by which we have our identity. Names are meant to identify us and to describe us, describing who we are and what we are about. When Jesus changed the name of Simon to Cephas, he did so because Cephas (Peter, as it is rendered) also means ROCK ... and upon this rock Jesus would build his Church. The angel Gabriel gave the name Jesus to Mary for her child, a name that describes who he is and what he is to do ... to save his people.

     I am reading the fantasy novel "Inheritance" by Christopher Paolini. Within the past few days, two references regarding names came to light. A warrior, Roran, and his wife, Katrina were saying their good-bye's before he left for battle. She was with child. He made her promise, that if he did not return, she would give the child, whether boy or girl, a strong name - for in the difficult world in which they lived, a strong name would be a gift for the child. In another instance, Eragon, the main character and a dragon rider, and his dragon, Saphira, in order to find the only way to defeat the enemy before them, needed to reflect and soul search and delve deep within their beings to find their "real names" - that which describes them. It was no easy task, but when accomplished, they knew who they were and that power gave them the edge in their struggle. Examples in literature that describe the importance of NAME.

     In real life, knowing your name, knowing yourself (as the Greek philosopher encouraged) is a power that opens you to the marvels placed before you by God. The Call of God to whatever vocation in life that he has in store for you, comes with a name, a grace, a mission, and an abiding love. When we hear that Call, given to us by Name, and when we say YES, great things are bound to happen.

Pronunciation hurdles

2012-01-14T20:25:00.000-05:00

I was not going to post today (a quiet day) until this evening's Liturgy. Our second reading from Paul contains one of those terrible hurdles to any lector - the word that can easily trip you up. We all know a few of the famous ones: the Hebrew Scriptures describing the "flaming brazier" that comes out a "flaming brassiere" ... or Paul's letter to the Philippians that is read as the letter to the Philippines ... or in this neck of the woods the letter to the Galatians coming out as the letter to the Gallatins (Albert Gallatin was the first Secretary of the Treasury for the U.S. who lived in SW PA - we had banks & school districts named Gallatin). Tonight was the reminder that the body was not made for immorality ... which came out "not made for immortality". A big difference!

Our lector tonight caught it the second time around in the reading, and smiled. It happens to the best. And the thing is, you can't alert the lector to what might happen, because that is when it actually does. God has a great sense of humor.

Fitting in

2012-01-13T20:57:00.000-05:00

     Samuel's story continues. After years of faithfulness to his people, the Lord, who had been their only king, was told that it was not enough. The people realized the unique relationship that they had with their God, and they were grateful, but they were not satisfied. They wanted to keep up with the Jones' ... they wanted to fit in with their neighbors.

     They came to Samuel in his old age and asked him to appoint a king over them, as other nations had, to judge them. Samuel was displeased and angry, but the Lord told him to appoint a king - for they were rejecting the Lordship of Yahweh and not Samuel's leadership. If they wanted to fit in, fine, they could have their king.

     But Samuel reminded them of the flaws of earthy kings, the self centeredness, the allegiances, the demands that they would have to put up with. He reminded them that their life as they had known it would be over, and that when they realized what they had lost they would come to God to complain. "On that day the LORD will not answer you." They were of one heart and mind, and it was not with the Lord. A king was appointed. Over the years, some were good and some were bad, but things were never the same. In order to "fit in" they gave up so much - the Lordship of God in their lives.

     How much do we give up to fit in? What have we lost?  Is there a way to regain that precious grace? God's mercy is beyond all bounds ... but it requires a personal, intimate relationship with only one king - the Lord of Life, Jesus Christ.

Open the Doors

2012-01-12T16:17:00.000-05:00

     When the late Blessed John Paul II began his pontificate, he said "Open, indeed, open wide the doors for Christ." This was a constant theme of his many years of leadership and a continued thread of his teaching. Accompanying that admonition was an encouragement - "Be not afraid!". Good solid words that are still as necessary as they were in the late 70's.

     What brings this to mind was the necessity of having new garage door openers installed today. For a week, we have been having troubles, and while our doors do not open wide but rather up and down, they have needed encouragement to open or they have developed a mind of their own, and after all of these years, when the neighbors came and went, our openers randomly decided to work on my house. It was confusing, and a bit of a concern. But all is well now (I hope).

     Sometimes life is the same way. We want to have control of when and why, for whom and how the doors of our heart open, but that is not always the case. There are moments when an outside source interferes and we need to take action, there are times when we need an overhaul of the mechanism if that is possible, and there are times when we just need to be renewed in Christ.

     I hate to say this so soon after Christmas, but with Lent approaching, it may be a good time to take stock of the condition of the mechanism that opens our heart wide to Christ, so that nothing stands in the way or delays our journey to him.

The Call

2012-01-11T15:25:00.000-05:00

     Our Hebrew Scripture today is from the 1st Book of Samuel. Samuel recounts how, asleep in his usual place in the temple of the Lord, he heard someone call him - once, twice, three times - each time thinking it was his teacher Eli and each time answering "Here I am." His teacher discerned that it was the LORD calling, and counselled him to reply "Speak, for your servant is listening." Thus began a stage of his journey that saw the LORD dwelling with Samuel, not allowing any word of his to be without effect.

     Samuel had been set aside for God as a youth, had been entrusted with a vocation at the temple, had grown and matured in the Lord over the years, had been guided and had sought the discernment of those he trusted, and became the voice and minister of God. That his Samuel's vocation call and story.

     We are at the mid point of National Vocation Awareness Week in the U.S. As I reflect upon my call, it is a wonderful journey of awakening. I've never known a time when I did not want to be a priest. From Kindergarten on, that was my desire, my hope. I was blessed with good priests who were an inspiration, a loving and faith filled family, support from school (the Sisters and teachers) and from the parish. Those days were different and the image of priesthood was exalted. I must admit that when I entered the seminary at thirteen, my reasons for wanting to be a priest were very different from those when I was ordained. But that is what seminary is all about, growing, maturing, being challenged, discerning. It was during that time that I heard the Call of God, not specifically in the same way as Samuel, but no less a Call to serve. At ordination, when my name was called by the community and by God, I said "Here am I Lord!"

     Over thirty-eight years later, the journey continues, and the grace of God continues to lead me on as I say "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening". I thank God for my priesthood, and all of those who have brought me to this moment in time.

     Pray for priests ... pray for vocations ... pray for those involved in seminary work ... and pray for those who promote and encourage a response to THE CALL.

A misnomer

2012-01-10T21:52:00.000-05:00

     The Church today enters a time that she calls Ordinary, comprising over thirty weeks during the calendar and the Church year. Ordinary Time are those days NOT included in the special liturgical feasts and seasons. Most commonly they are noted by the wearing of green as the the liturgical color. But they are anything but "ordinary".

     Through this period the Church journeys - in the Scriptures, in her Worship, and in her daily life to draw closer to the Lord. Every step along the way, whether ordinary and routine or filled with extraordinary grace, are steps that define who we are and unveil our goals, that inspire us to invest in God's grace and propel us to become Christ for others. These are ordinary days only if allow them to be ordinary. They are meant to be the steps of our journey of a lifetime.

      There are two options for the Gospel reading today, both from Mark. In one Jesus proclaims that "This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel." Then he gathers followers around him and sets out. In the other he teaches, for he is the divine teacher, but much to the peoples' astonishment, with authority. His fame spread. No ordinary message and no ordinary hope given to the world.

The name Ordinary Time is truly a misnomer!

Baptism of the Lord

2012-01-09T11:08:00.000-05:00

     I begin my 275th post just two days shy of ten months of blogging and having just reached - literally - 10,000 page views. I am, as I said before, humbled and in awe at those numbers. To those who are simply searching the blogoshere and to loyal friends and fans, thank you.

     The Christmas season officially ends today, with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. We move from remembering to doing. On this day Jesus is acknowledged by the Father as his Beloved Son, affirmed by the Father with the assurance that the Father was "well pleased", and sent on mission to bring the Good News of Salvation to the world by being the Good News. The alternate Collect for the feast prays that "we may be inwardly transformed through him who we recognize as outwardly like ourselves". Our oneness with him is our joy and our salvation. That oneness comes to us through the waters of baptism.

     I watched the Holy Father baptize a number of babies yesterday at Mass. In the solemnity of a papal liturgy, it was great to see the simple beauty of a child being a child. The Holy Father had two assisting bishops helping with the rites. Both seemed into it, but one in particular had a look of great joy and delight on his face. Like him, I enjoy sharing the gift of baptism.

Epiphany

2012-01-08T18:13:00.000-05:00

     I have been pastor at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton for just over three years. In that time, the Feast of the Epiphany has become very special to me for a variety of reasons. I always liked the feast - the Three Kings, the Magi, the Wise Men - the carol "We Three Kings" is one of my favorites. The traditions of blessing homes (we prepared "kits" for our people to do themselves) and writing on the doorposts 20+C+M+B+12 [ two thousand - Casper+Melchior+Balthazar-twelve ... or as I remember being told in High School at Saint Vincent (in humor) - 20 Cases of Monastary Beer at $0.12 a case (a real bargain)].

     But on my fourth Epiphany here at SEAS I remember the following: being installed as pastor by Bishop Lawrence Brandt at the 11 am Mass four years ago (also appropriately the feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton - January 4th); missing a step the following year while bringing the Eucharist from the tabernacle and going down before the multitude (none too gracefully) ... surprised people, concerned parishioners, bruised shoulder, great embarrassment; an uneventful day last year; and today, still under the weather, feeling uncertain health wise, I decided to try the "fall thing" again - this time in the garage at the house between Masses - nothing broken, just sore all over.   I think I may have to consider by passing this great feast ... or work at being less of a klutz. Or, another thought, going somewhere warm and sunny on vacation at this time of the year!

     I made it through the 11am today by doing a lot of sitting (as I was getting stiffer), but I had to cancel a visit this afternoon to Redstone Highlands, a local senior residence run by the Presbyterians, where I was to have my first visit for a chapel service.

     I pray that your Epiphany was a wonderful experience of the manifestation of our loving God. Peace to all.

Stewardship of God's grace

2012-01-07T21:01:00.000-05:00

When he writes the Ephesians, Paul reminds them that he has been chosen a steward by God. He has been entrusted with a wondrous treasure - a revelation of God, unknown in previous ages and generations, but now revealed by the Spirit to the holy apostles and prophets. This revelation is mind boggling - that a promise made to a specific people at a specific time would now be opened to and experienced by any and all who desired what the promise foretold - salvation. This is the thrust of today's (the Epiphany's) second reading. The Gentiles are coheirs, along with the Children of the Promise, members of the same body, co partners in the promise fulfilled by Christ. When Casper, Melchior and Balthazar found their way to the house and paid homage to the child Jesus, they brought their gifts, their hungers, their hopes and us with them. They went home, not with a token of thanks or some souvenir of their trip, but with peace in their hearts and hope in their spirits. They went home transformed by the Good News of this child and what he could or would mean. And Paul wants us to remember that, for it is God's grace.

Traditional Epiphany

2012-01-06T15:08:00.000-05:00

      Today, the 6th of January, is the 12th day of Christmas - the traditional feast of the Epiphany. We in the U.S., of course, celebrate it this Sunday. It is the celebration of the manifestation of the Christ to those who seek him, expanding the promise of salvation beyond the Children of Abraham. It is the feast of the Magi, the Wise Men, the Three Kings. I will share on this more on Sunday.

     I have been under the weather since yesterday afternoon ... a touch of the flu maybe. Feeling very blah and uncertain with what I eat. That is why I did not post yesterday. In fact, I did something that I rarely do - I canceled Mass this morning - and on a First Friday (my apologies to the regular Mass goers). I know why I got sick, though. The night before last I watched a recent movie called "Contagion", about a mysterious epidemic that spread like wildfire. I knew that I would touch something that I should not have, and thus become infected. I'll watch what I watch from now on!

     I always keep track of Church news through Rocco in Whispers in the Loggia. In the last day and a half much has happened, beginning with our Holy Father announcing a list of new Cardinal-designates that will be given the red hat in February. I think that there were twenty-two, with two of those being from the United States: Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York and Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, the Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. We congratulate them.

     The other big news from Rocco is that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is undergoing a major restructuring of the Diocesan schools to be announced today, a day after the feast of Saint John Neumann, the fourth bishop of Philly, who was instrumental in establishing the Catholic School System in the U.S. Any of us that have had to undergo restructuring know the importance of offering Philly our prayers and support.

A Saint for our time

2012-01-04T16:15:00.000-05:00

The late Terence Cardinal Cooke of New York, at the time of the canonization of Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton in 1975, said this:

"In Elizabeth Ann Seton, we have a saint for our times.

In Elizabeth Ann Seton, we have a woman of faith,

for a time of doubt and uncertainty ...

a woman of love for a time of coldness and division ...

a woman of hope for a time of crisis and discouragement.

Thanks be to God for this saintly daughter of New York,

for this valiant woman of God's Church."

Today is the feast of our parish patron - Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton - canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1975. Born in New York City on August 28, 1774, she was a child of the American Revolution and the first native born saint from the United States. Educated, well to do, and having ties through her mother's side with prominent leaders (the presidents Roosevelt) and Archbishop of Baltimore, James Roosevelt Bayley, she was raised an Episcopalian and attended Trinity Church in New York.

She married William Magee Seton on January 25, 1794, he a partner in a merchant shipping firm, and they had a number of children. Business became complicated, as did William's health, when they moved to Leghorn, Italy, for health reasons, and lived with the Filicchi family, who were business associates. William died in Italy. Elizabeth stayed on for a time with the Filicchi's. They were devote Catholics, and Elizabeth began to admire their devotion and become very interested in the Eucharist.

Upon return to New York, she continued her interest in the Church, which caused great tension among her family and friends. When Father William O'Brien received her into the Catholic Church on March 14, 1805, she paid dearly for her actions. The school that she ran to support her children was boycotted by many. She left New York and moved to Baltimore, where again she opened a school. Others joined her in this ministry, and she and her community moved to Emmittsburg, Maryland, where they establish a Religious Congregation of Women - the Sisters of Charity, the first in the United States. Much of the rest is history. She died on January 2, 1821, at the age of 47.

The Collect at today's Mass says:

"O God, who crowned with the gift of true faith

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton's burning zeal to find you,

grant by her intercession and example

that we may always seek you with diligent love

and find you in daily service with sincere faith."

When the parish was formed in 1978, the late Bishop William G. Connare placed us under her patronage ... and we are grateful and blessed.

What's in a name

2012-01-03T09:25:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrate a Name! Not just any name, but the Most Holy Name of Jesus. In the season celebrating his birth, we remember that before he was conceived, the angel gave him this name - JESUS - a name which means "God saves his people". In the Collect of today's Mass we pray for mercy, "so that all may know there is no other name to be invoked but the Name of your Only Begotten Son." Saint Bernadine of Siena promoted this devotion to the Most Holy Name of Jesus, reminding us that at the Name of Jesus, "every knee must bend, in the heavens and on the earth and under the earth, and every voice proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord."

I remember out West encountering a group of Religious whose name was that of the Most Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. I also remember a time in the Church when the men's group would usually be a Holy Name Society, and they took a pledge to honor that Name. I remember a time in a parish when a dedicated parish member confronted a Holy Name man who ran a newsstand that also carried less than inspiring printed materials - it was an interesting moment of witness. I remember a time when his NAME was honored and respected. May those days NOT be a thing of the past. The Prayer after Communion says that "we may come to rejoice that our names, too, are written in heaven." What's in a name? Everything!

Deception - beware

2012-01-02T16:54:00.000-05:00

     I hope that your celebration of the New Year was a great one. Mine was quiet, although in the afternoon yesterday a tradition was upheld that brought together a few of our priests for a New Year's Party. We have been gathering since the mid eighties on New Year's Day to share a meal and some great fellowship. Yesterday we gathered at Saint Anne's in Rostraver Township to join with our host and cook, Father Vince Gigliotti, for a wonderful meal and the Steeler game. Joining with Vince was Fathers Tony Ditto, John Harrold, Rick Kosisko, Mike Matusak, Chet Raimer and myself.

     The Church celebrates today Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzen, Doctors of the Church and early bishops who sought truth and wisdom and battled the heresies and fads of the day. Today's first reading from the 1st letter of John begins the year by warning us to be aware of the liar, to beware of those who deny the Christ, and to be firmly rooted in "what we have heard from the beginning" about him. It is a good and necessary warning on the first days of the new year - for there are those that seek to bring us down with lies, but even more frightening are those that lead us astray by their novel teaching, their theories, their lack of depth in matters that are most important and life giving.

     Yesterday, leaving Church, I was asked by a parishioner if we studied in the seminary about these apocryphal gospels, these writings that continue to surface and are intriguing or entertaining? He had watched something on the Discovery Channel or one of those channels.   I assured him that the four years of theological study were taken up with learning and understanding the truth of the Faith ... there was no time for serious study of that which is less than essential in regard to Christ. Another parishioner shared a booklet entitled "American History you never learned" that puts forth the idea that Mary was behind everything in history, and in a particular way was instrumental in the founding of America and the establishment of the United States. Weaving together dubious historical "facts" (which I have never encountered), provide a sometimes interesting story that faith filled people might want to cling to but which are not part of the fabric of our Faith or recognizable history.

     The Church has always had to interpret and define fact from fiction, truth from the dubious. Basil and Gregory did so, and today, more than ever, as people seek the novel and accept as Truth anything presented as truth, we need to be more vigilant. We do have an adversary whose goal is lead us away from Christ Jesus. Whether in blatant or in subtle ways, we must resist, and remain in Christ.

The Eighth Day

2012-01-01T12:50:00.000-05:00

     On the eighth day they brought him to the temple to become a child of Abraham and to be named. The previous days were spent enjoying and rejoicing in the blessings of God upon this family. Now it was time to begin the adventure, the journey of Faith, enriched by the blessings of God.

     Today is the eighth day of Christmas. The Church in celebrating Easter and Christmas celebrates for an Octave, or eight days - each day being as the feast itself. The reason is to bring the celebration to its completion, to celebrate the wholeness of God's blessings, and to journey forth renewed and rekindled, enriched by the blessings of God.

     This eighth day falls on a Sunday this year, which is an eighth day in itself. The week consists of seven days, the seventh being fulfillment, the Lord's Day, the Sabbath, Saturday. Christ rose on the first day of the week, Sunday, and transformed that first day - a day of leaving last week behind and starting over fresh, forgetting the days gone by - into an eighth day, a day of new beginnings rooted in the blessings and experiences of God that went before. We do not start out with an empty slate ... we carry the experience of God with us into the new day, the new week, the new year.

     So many people last night celebrated into oblivion, trying to forget the past. As followers of the one named Jesus on that day, we celebrate with life renewed, heart set on fire, confident assurance and great hope. Our journey is not into darkness, but rather into the Light. We journey having been blessed by God and called now to be a blessing. Happy New Year to all!

A BLESSING

2011-12-31T19:08:00.000-05:00

A large crowd at our 4:00 liturgy ... getting ready for the festivities. My evening will, as usual, be quiet. As I told the people, I have to work in the morning.

On this New Year's Eve, I would like to share the blessing that the LORD told Moses to have Aaron and his sons pray over the people:

"The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let his face shine upon

you, and be gracious to you!

The LORD look upon you kindly

and give you peace!"

BE SAFE!

A end of the year reflection

2011-12-30T09:32:00.000-05:00

     All too often I encounter parents who are agonizing over the decisions of their adult children, especially when it comes to matters of the Faith. They wonder where they went wrong, or what they could or should have done differently. Or they wonder why one child turns out okay while the other takes a very different path. I reassure them that if they have laid a solid foundation, when the lost child gets hungry enough, they'll know how to find their way home.

     In my reflection today, at the close of the year, I'm having my doubts about that assessment. I still believe, but I see a tremendous challenge ahead of us. Of course, I am referring to us as Church, the Family of God, especially within the Catholic family. Here is what I mean.

     In the waning days of 2011, I have received two complaining missives from parishioners, one Wednesday evening by email and one the week before in the collection. Wednesday's was signed, but the previous one (my guess, by an older lady) was not. Usually I do not respond to unsigned letters. Both had the same kind of theme. Now, as a priest, it is not unusual to receive such complaints periodically, but in the reflective mood of the season, I began thinking. The Holy Father is talking about a new thrust toward evangelization in the new year. I believe our Diocese is soon laying out a plan action. Where are our people? Why have they left the Church? Why does Faith seem unimportant? Why do they go elsewhere?

     I am not sure we want to hear the answers to those and other pertinent questions. In Wednesday's note the individual spoke of being tempted to leave the Church, as did his son recently. There may be deeper reasons, but the discontent voiced, by him and by the other letter, are over peripheral things: hymnals too heavy to hold, church too hot, always badgered about money, the sex abuse cases involving priests, the new translations and changes in general, the color of the Advent candles, etc., etc., etc. Important to them at the moment, but in the grand scheme of things, unimportant.

     Like those parents that came to me, I wonder if we have failed to pass on the Faith adequately. Do people understand the primacy of our relationship to Jesus Christ and to his Church? Do they know what church is, who church is, how the two mesh? It is often said that we have an entire generation that does not know the Faith, has not been catechized. My experience says yes to that ... BUT, it also holds true to the generations (like mine) who we assume were taught well. These are the ones often caught up in the externals of Church being paramount to belief.

     In this New Evangelization, we have our work cut out for us. The Sound of Music was on TV over the holidays, and in the one song they sing "Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start ..." . Our work is before us in 2012. God help us do it well.

A savvy shopper

2011-12-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

I dislike shopping, as I have told you before. And yet, yesterday I entered into the fray of post Christmas shopping, and being the savvy shopper that I am, I came across a bargain that I could not pass up. A friend of mine had an unusual item for sale and was willing to part with it for half price. It was a great deal, so, on impulse, I told him to hold it for me. Before checking on local ordinances, or where we would put the item, for 50% off of the going rate, I bought ... a camel! I wanted a donkey as well, but it went before I could get there. Luckily this camel is a small version that will not eat me out of house and home. It will be much appreciated by the Magi that have had to trek to Bethlehem these past few years by foot or by hitch hiking, which we know can be dangerous. Besides, they look tired.

The camel will, of course, just about complete our creche scene in the church (except for the donkey). My friend who called is Tom Merhaut, whose family owns a Religious Goods Store on Route 8 in Allison Park - www.merhaut.com. They have a great selection at their store and in their catalogue, and are always eager to help. Tom and the family have been friends for years.

So, now I have joined the impulsive shoppers league, seeking the savvy shopper recognition, and have become the proud owner of a camel. What more could I ask?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Today the church remembers Saint Thomas Becket,

the Archbishop of Canterbury during the reign

of Henry II of England.

Becket is a champion of the rights of the Church

over the State. His story is fascinating, and is told

in the story "Murder in the Cathedral" by T.S. Eliot

and in the play by Jean Anouilh "Becket"

which was made into a movie most recently in 1964

with Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole.

When I was in the seminary we put on the

Jean Anouilh production (I was a French knight).

Read the play, watch the movie, get the Cliff Notes ...

it is a great story.

The Holy Innocents

2011-12-28T13:27:00.000-05:00

     Herod, threatened by the news of a new born king and an ancient prophecy, seeking to hedge his bets in an act of cruelty, an inhuman act of savegry, orders all male children, two years of age and younger in and around the environs of Bethlehem, slaughtered. This is what we remember on this 28th day of December. The feast is that of the Holy Innocents, who are listed as martyrs. As the Collect for the day says, the Holy Innocents confessed and proclaimed the glory of God in the birth of his Son, "not by speaking but by dying". Their martyrdom was not a conscious decision to die for Christ, but their deaths still bore witness to him. The Collect continues: "that the faith in you which we confess with our lips may also speak through our manner of life." Great words, which if put into practice, could transform the world.

     The Holy Innocents remind us of the countless children, brought into this world without love and those denied birth, who face "man's inhumanity to man" because of fear, hatred, greed, anger. They are the millions lost to abortion, the countless numbers who are starving, or beaten, or sold into slavery, or abused in any and every way. They comprise children of every nation and of every culture of the world. They are the future of the world, and they are being lost.

     If we truly believe in Jesus Christ, and profess his Name, and live his life, and follow his way, it will take more than the confessing with our lips ... we must also speak through our manner of life. These Holy Innocents were "crowned with heavenly grace on account of his birth" ... may we be crowned through the experience of his and our death and resurrection.

John speaks of fellowship

2011-12-27T20:45:00.000-05:00

     There is a church in Grove City in the Erie Diocese called the Church of the Beloved Disciple. It is not a likely name for a Catholic Parish, but it is a beautiful name. Today the Church celebrates the Beloved Disciple, the feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist.

     John was the beloved disciple because Jesus took him under his wing and protected and cherished and loved him, probably more than the others. The reason was simple, John was the youngest, probably just in his teens, and in need of guidance and acceptance. John is the one who rested his head on the chest of Jesus at the Last Supper. John was the one at the foot of the cross. John was the one that Jesus entrusted Mary to, and whom he entrusted to Mary. John was the one who ran to the tomb with Peter, outdistancing Peter but showing his respect in waiting until Peter entered first. John was the only one of the Twelve that lived a full life and died a natural death. John was the one who gave us a "theology" in his gospel, a vision of fellowship. John is the one, with his disciples, who gave us a greater vision in the Book of Revelation.

     The Gospel for the Christmas Mass during the day is the beginning of the Gospel of John (for those of us old enough to remember - the "last gospel" at Mass). "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" - a wonderful expression of Faith. One of my favorites. The first reading today from the first letter of John reminds us that what was from the beginning, what has been seen and heard and touched concerns the "Word of life", and has been given us, proclaimed by John and countless others throughout time, so that we may have fellowship, "for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ". Knowing this completes our joy.

     That fellowship was celebrated by those who came to acknowledge his birth in Bethlehem of Judea that first Christmas, and to celebrate his entrance into our lives this Christmas. Here at Elizabeth Ann Seton we celebrated a Vigil Mass at 6:00 pm, Mass at Midnight, and Masses at 8:30 & 11:00 am. Only the 6:00 was standing room only, but all were great celebrations of God's faithful.

A sad remembrance

2011-12-26T10:18:00.000-05:00

     I hope that your Christmas celebrations have gotten off to a great start, with a reminder that Christmas began yesterday, and continues as a feast for the eight day octave, as a celebration for twelve days (as the carol goes), and as a liturgical season until the Baptism of the Lord. Don't take the tree down yet, and don't lose the spirit.

     Today the first martyr, Stephen, is celebrated. It has nothing to do with Christmas, but rather with the first witnessing to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Others gave their lives for the Christ, but Stephen was the proto-martyr, the first to decide to lay all on the line for Jesus. It is on this feast that the good king Wenceslaus looked out.

     Today marks another event within the life of the parish that I serve - Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. On this date in 1992 a fire destroyed the rectory which was attached to the Church. The Church building itself was saved. Devastating as the fire was, the true sadness came in the death by heart failure during the fire of the second pastor of this parish, Father Bill McGuire. His great love of the parish, of the people, of Christmas (he loved to decorate) only compounded the shock and sadness. I remember attending the funeral here and witnessing the emotions. On this day we remember with sadness the passing of Father Bill McGuire. He died just shy of his 25th anniversary of ordination. May he rest in peace, and may he always be aware of our love and gratitude.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     I will share in future posts some of the highlights of Christmas in these parts, but for now I want to share a picture of the church interior with our modest (by Father McGuire standards) decorations.

My Christmas Prayer

2011-12-24T11:59:00.000-05:00

As we stand on the threshold of this most holy night, may the Risen Savior, the Lord of Life, born in Bethlehem of Judea long ago, give joy and peace to your hearts, comfort and blessing to your lives.

To all of those who read these pages, a Merry Christmas!

The uncertainty of age

2011-12-23T17:53:00.000-05:00

     I still consider myself a relatively young priest, even though the years keep adding up and the ability and stamina to do things is diminishing. The physical challenges are increasing, but so is the grace of God in my life. I am blessed.

     That is why I am so concerned about myself this Christmas. Despite it being the day before the day before, I am resigned to let that which is not accomplished not be a worry. What is done is done, and the rest can wait. I am focusing my energies and time on preparing and resting for the liturgical celebrations. I am NOT running around like a headless chicken attempting to do the impossible.

     This worries me, for it so out of character! But, hey, I'm enjoying it tremendously. I did do a little shopping today at Target (tea pot, paper towels, christmas wrap, a few cards - last of the big spenders) and couldn't wait to get back to the car ... and Giant Eagle (bread, cheese, celery, gift cards - but I forgot the milk). Then I had a good dinner and now home to "veg out"..

     The Church looks great, all seems ready, bring on the Birthday Celebrations! For those who may be concerned at the undertone of this post ... it is indeed "tongue in cheek". All is fine and I am looking forward to Christmas (and finding out how many do not know that we have a new translation!). I attribute this change in my methods to "the uncertainty of age".

     Nothing tomorrow until out Christmas Eve Vigil at 6:00 pm (the children's gathering), the Mass at Midnight, and on Sunday, Christmas day, the regular Sunday schedule of 8:30 & 11:00 am. Then later, dinner and quality time with Janie (my sister) and Sammy (the pup).

     Take time tonight and tomorrow to rest, relax and prepare your hearts.

Darkness and Light

2011-12-21T15:01:00.000-05:00

     The controversies that arise at this time of the year regarding the celebration of Christmas as a secular or religious holiday, or of Hanukkah or of Kwanzaa or of the Winter Solstice are frightening and tiring. We live in a pluralistic society built upon respect of others as well as pride in our traditions. All of this squabbling negates the reason for the season.

     In our world, in our "neck of the woods", the winter solstice which occurs tomorrow morning, brings us the shortest day of the year. The time of daylight, of productivity, of warmth have been diminishing. But at this time the reality in nature changes. The days begin to get longer (too slowly for me) and we begin to leave the darkness behind. It is a time of rejoicing, especially for all agricultural societies. This has been happening since the beginning of creation. We believe that God has set this in motion.

     It so happens for those of us who believe in Jesus as the Christ, the dispeller of darkness and the source of all light and life, celebrate his birth at this time of the year. I hope no one is shocked to find out that we do not know the precise date of his birth in Bethlehem, and that the Church chose the 25th day of December for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is its place at the beginning of the spread of light in the world. The Light brings us light, and with it, growth and life. That celebration of his birth is called Christmas [Christ Mass] and for a long time was a secondary feast to the Epiphany when he was revealed to the nations. Traditions were established that brought us Santa Claus [Saint Nicholas, the bishop] as well as other traditions of food and decorations and music and gift giving. It is a celebration of life.

     Among our Jewish brothers and sisters, this time of the year sees the celebration of Hanukkah (which began yesterday), an eight day celebration of light provided by God for those in darkness. Representing the reestablishment of the Temple and the restoration of God's people, it is a time filled with traditions and is a celebration of life.

     Other traditions and celebrations also occur around this time.

     So we celebrate the holidays [short for "holy days"] and we celebrate the light that guides our ways and warms our hearts. How sad when these days are caught up in controversies and law suits and disrespect of one another.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Yesterday I mentioned the Sabbatical newsletter from my time at SAT in Berkeley. We've had another addition, a note from Sister Helen Carroll from England ... and I mentioned Romy but forgot to mention his full name - Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo, the bishop of San Jose de Antigue in the Philippines. Good friends, all.

A good day

2011-12-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

     This has been a busy but good day - filled with busy things and rewarding experiences and good news. The day began as it usually does with Mass, a good way to start. Then to the office to take care of a variety of things like bulletin news, mass scheduling, phone messages, mail, and even receiving some early Christmas gifts - a box of chocolate candies for the staff, cashews, homemade cookies from a former parishioner in Scottdale, something that sounded liquid beneath its wrappings, and lots of cards.

     This evening after a good dinner, eleven priests heard, by my guess, at least three to four hundred confessions at the last of our Regional Penance Services held tonight at Immaculate Conception in Irwin. It was, as always, very moving.

     Coming home I found a nice surprise - the annual December newsletter from members of my Sabbatical Class at the School of Applied Theology (SAT) at Berkeley, California. I attended the Fall term back in 1996. There were some fifty-six people on the Sabbatical from all over the world, of all ages, mostly Religious women and men and priests and deacons, and some laity.

     Tom Crawford from Sacramento pulls it together. This year we heard from ten of the group: Tom and myself, Sisters Tricia Nugent and Maree Haggerty of Australia, Cora Richardson from South Africa, Catherine Ryan in Scottland, and Fathers Louis Richard of Broussard, Louisiana, Jesuit Joe Kappes of Wisconsin, Jack Brockman from Brazil (Indiana) and Romy, who has become a bishop in the Philippines. Our paths crossed for a brief four months, but our respect and love for each other continues. These newsletters are devoured thoroughly. Much is happening in the world, and this reminds me of how universal the Church really is.

     And before beginning this post I read online that the Pope has approved a miracle of a young boy in our West attributed to Blessed Kateri Kekakwitha, clearing the way for her canonization, along with Mother Marianne Cope who was approved recently. The Lily of the Mohawk will be a welcome addition to the Saints of the United States, as will Mother Marianne from Syracuse, New York, who ministered at Molokai with Saint Damien de Vesteur.

     All in all, a good day.

Samson and John

2011-12-19T11:56:00.001-05:00

     Three births announced by angels of God. Two were great men who championed the cause and prepared the way of the Lord. One was the one whom they prepared the way for. They were of differing times and circumstances, but both had the hand of God placed upon them. Of Samson the scriptures say that "The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him; the Spirit of the LORD stirred him." Of John the Baptizer the Scripture says that "He will go ... in the spirit and power of Elijah ... to prepare a people fit for the Lord."

     The one they announced is the one whose birthday we prepare to celebrate, the one who is Lord of our lives and sender of the Spirit, bringer of the Father's love, the one who will come again to establish the reign of God in fullness - Jesus, born in Bethlehem of Judea.

     The second Preface for Advent says: "It is by his gift (of life, love and salvation) that already we rejoice at the mystery of his Nativity, so that he may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise."

++++++++++++++++++++

Tonight is the Advent Penance Service at our parish. The local priests: Fathers John Herald, John Moineau, Paul Fitzmaurice and Joseph Armamento as well as four monks from Saint Vincent Archabbey will be here. My theme, referring to John, is "What did go out to see?"

     The only problem that I foresee tonight is that it is a Steelers game night (Monday night football). But the game does not begin until after 8:00 pm. If the game is close, we made find ourselves overly busy tomorrow night.

Last evening we were at Saint Edward Church in Herminie and the healing power of God for his people was evident ... tomorrow at IC in Irwin.

A day off

2011-12-18T16:17:00.000-05:00

     I took yesterday off - sort of. There has been a tradition here at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton that on the Saturday before Christmas we arrange a bus trip to Pittsburgh for a show and dinner to celebrate the holidays. Yesterday we took two motor coaches to Heinz Hall to see Marvin Hamlisch direct the renown Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in Holiday Pops. Marvin Hamlisch is the Principal Pops Conductor. The Orchestra was joined by the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh as well as eight Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School members, vocalists Jodi Benson, who among other accomplishments is the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid; Gary Mauer, who has been the Phantom on Broadway; and featuring local Pittsburgh native and Detective for the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Ricky Manning, who dedicated his performance to men and women in uniform. And most importantly, the big guy himself - Santa. It was a great show of Christmas and holiday music, and the audience was very appreciative. In addition to those in our group, I saw a few other people that I knew.

     Following the matinee, we travelled to Mount Washington (overlooking the city) for dinner at The Lamont Restaurant for an evening of fine dining with probably one of the greatest views around, that of the City of Pittsburgh and the Three Rivers at the Point bedecked with Christmas lights. We had a great dinner, served by the staff with efficiency and graciousness, despite the fact that we were a "bus tour" on a Saturday night before Christmas.

     Before leaving for home we drove past the Pittsburgh Creche in the city, an exact replica of the creche in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican. It is beautiful. Then our driver dealt with suddenly icy roads (black ice) as we passed many accidents. But we got home safe and all had a great time. I am most grateful to Father James Bump, one of our fine retired guys, for filling in and leading our community in prayer.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

     Today so far we celebrated the 8:30 and 11:00 Masses, with the Adult Choir at the first and the Young Voices Choir at 11. They followed with a little celebration ... and another group came to begin decorating the church with trees and lights and wreaths - part one of our decorations. Tonight we have "Light Up Night" at the Church for the outside lights and creche scene, preceded by an Advent Presentation by the Young Voices Choir and children from the parish, followed by food and a visit from "the big guy" in red. I'll miss Santa, for I'll be heading to a Regional Penance Service in a neighboring parish. It is good to be busy!      'Tis the season.

Cardinal Foley

2011-12-17T11:30:00.000-05:00

     Last evening I watched the funeral Mass for John Patrick Cardinal Foley which took place at the Cathedral in Philadelphia, his home town. Cardinal Foley had been Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre before retirement because of health. Prior to that he had been head of the Vatican's Social Communications Office, and as I mentioned in an earlier post, was the voice of the English transmission of the Pope's Christmas Mass. I had never met Cardinal Foley, but as is evident from every one's comments, he was a simple, humble, generous person who loved his God and all of God's people.

     The funeral, which I taped from EWTN, was a beautiful celebration of his life and of his love of Philly. Archbishop Dolan's homily was moving. I'm glad I watched.

     On a personal note, I did spot among the bishops present our own Bishop Lawrence Brandt as well as Archbishop Giuseppe "Joe" De Andrea from the Vatican who is involved in the Order. Archbishop De Andrea is (was) one of our priests for many years before moving to the Diplomatic Corps of the Vatican. He too is a great guy, who, along with his brother, John, is a retired Archbishop in Rome. And also to see three other local boys who made good - Cardinals Donald Wherl and Daniel Dinardo and (I think I saw) Adam Maida, all Pittsburgh priests who serve the Church well.

     God grant Cardinal Foley gentle peace and wonderful joy for eternity.

Always be there

2011-12-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

     I was struck by a phrase in the Collect for the Friday of the Third Week of Advent today: "May your grace, almighty God, always go before us and follow after ..." We always desire the grace of God to be with us ... but to phrase it as "going before" and "coming after" spoke to my heart in a refreshing way. It is so all encompassing.

     After Mass I spent a large part of the morning at a meeting of the Board of Trust Administrators [BOTA] (the pastors responsible for our school) and the School Advisory Council (SAC) (a lay group of parent advisers) discussing the future of our Junior High level at Queen of Angels. At this time of the year we always struggle with the enrollment question at that level, as numbers drop off. Last year the Diocese opened a Junior High level school as part of the Catholic High School in Greensburg. In some places there is a tremendous support of parents for Catholic School Education. In our area we have some great public school systems that provide an excellent alternative. So we struggle. The meeting was open and frank, and productive in our early planning stages. The parents on SAC are really dedicated.

     This afternoon I went to the movies to see the new Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Junior and Jude Law. I enjoyed this one almost as much as I enjoyed the first. Downey and Law have great chemistry (although I did not like the Moriarty actor). Interesting, but violent. I've always liked the Sherlock Holmes movies, whether with Basil Rathbone or this series or the public television series with a young modern Holmes or even House, which is a take off of Holmes (although I've lost interest in that one). It was a good afternoon.

     And lastly I was told by our Pastoral Associate of a priest friend from Pittsburgh who checked out the blog and responded well to it - Father Tom Miller. Thanks, Tom, and I hope no one thinks less of you for checking out Journey Thoughts.

We have begun

2011-12-15T20:52:00.000-05:00

     In our regional parishes we have begun our Advent Communal Penance Services this evening. We gathered at Saint Agnes Church for dinner and Reconciliation. The dinner was (and always are) great, which is one of the best (and worse) parts of our gathering. I know - no one is forcing us to eat - but if it is offered ... well.

     I have said this before. It is an awesome experience of trust and faith lived and expressed by those seeking reconciliation - faith in the healing mercy and love of God and trust in the Church's unworthy ministers. I come away exhausted, but truly blest.

     We have three more evenings, with Monday being at our place. I have already shared in four other penitential services (for First Penance) - here for our youngsters, twice at Saint Agnes, our neighbor, and once at Saint Pius in Mt.. Pleasant.

     May the Lord continue to guide us toward reconciliation with him and with the Church.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      I celebrated the funeral of a good parishioner, Mary Ann Germuska, this morning. She was much loved and respected, and the numbers in church demonstrated that fact.

     A translation observation: I used the prayers of Form B for Outside Easter Time, and found this strange wording in the Collect "give, we pray, to your servant N., for whom we perform the fraternal offices of burial". There are many beautiful thoughts expressed in the collects, like in the alternate Collect for that Mass "O God, who have set a limit to this present life, so as to open up an entry into eternity" ... "you may command the name of N. to be inscribed in the book of life", but there are some strange ones as well.

     May the Lord grant Mary Ann eternal rest.

A story remembered

2011-12-14T15:33:00.000-05:00

     Let me tell you a little story. Over Pentecost weekend back in 1975, a group of us from the Pittsburgh area joined ten thousand others in Rome for the International Catholic Charismatic Conference during the Holy Year. It was a wonderful experience (my first time in Rome) that I shared with my sister and friends from Irwin where I was an Assistant. Two of those people were Bob and Louise Stecik.

     During our tour of Saint Peter's Basilica, as we were leaving the famous bronze statue of Saint Peter on the right side about mid way up the center aisle, we were separated. Louise, a small lady in stature, unfortunately got caught up in the maneuvering of a large group of little, Italian nuns, who were moving toward the statue, arms linked, with great determination and focus. Swept along with them, she cried out for help, for she was going with the flow of traffic. It took Father (later Archabbot) Leopold Krul, myself and another larger guy to "come to the rescue" and save Louise. I never forgot the experience, and I use the story to warn Rome travellers of the determination of Italian Religious Sisters.

     I mention this today because Louise was buried this morning in her home parish of Immaculate Conception in Irwin (her husband, Bob, died a number of years ago). I had planned on concelebrating until my digestive system acted up, but I keep her and her family in prayer. She was a good lady. May she rest in peace.

************************

     Today is also the feast of Saint John of the Cross, who together with Teresa of Avila reformed the Carmelite Order in the mid 1,500's. He was misunderstood, hated, and mistreated, even by his own friars. He was intense in his love of Christ. He was a poet, and is considered by many to be one of the great poets of the Spanish language. His images are beautiful, and his language is that of passionate love. I share a quote from his writings:

"Take God for your spouse and friend

and walk with him continually,

and you will not sin

and will learn love,

and the things you must do

will work out prosperously for you."

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2011-12-12T17:03:00.000-05:00

     Before I begin, I have a correction to make. Yesterday I mentioned two people who spearheaded our Christmas Dinner Totes effort - Lori Anselmino and Joanne Mastalerz. Joanne emailed me to say that she was not on the leadership of that project. I apologize to her, but acknowledge the other great things she does around the parish.

     December 9th, 1531 is remembered today. The other day I spoke of Saint Juan Diego on his feast. He is the indigenous convert that Mary appeared to on that day on a hill outside of Mexico City. Her appearance sparked a massive evangelization of the native peoples of the Americas.

     Mary appeared as a young girl who was not Spanish in background but rather dark skinned with features of young women of Juan Diego's ancestry. She was dressed in simple clothes, rather than a fine Spanish gown and mantle. Her one leg is noticeably bent forward, as she comes toward the people. She wears a sash that is a sign of pregnancy, and she has a slight bulge in her midsection indicating that she is with child. She comes with simplicity and gentle love as one that we can relate to and one that we can be inspired by.

     To a culture that extolled death and human sacrifice she demonstrated the beauty of life. To a culture that saw Christ in the Spanish conquerors, she brought an image that they could identify with, one that would be their own. To a people who were displaced and oppressed, she brought hope.

     She IS the patroness of the Americas and of Mexico. She has been embraced by the Pro-Life movement for obvious reasons. She is loved by millions. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

Outstanding

2011-12-11T19:55:00.000-05:00

     People are remarkable. They continue to astound me in so many ways. Let me give you three examples.

     This morning at the 11:00 Mass, as we were preparing to begin, the back row was nearly filled (imagine that in a Catholic Church!). We had some visitors with us. The usher kindly asked those in that row to move over for a mother and her daughter who has a physical challenge that makes it hard to walk, and definitely not without a cane or the arm of her mother. The people moved over one space, and when asked again, did not move further, making the young lady have to struggle to the end of the next pew. I caught what was happening, and was distracted the entire Mass. When I get that way, it is better that nothing be said, if you know what I mean.

     On a much more positive note, on Saturday the local food bank sponsored by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which is distributed from our church, had their December pick-up. For the second year in a row, the December distribution was supplemented by our parishioners with a "Christmas Tote" going to each family. The totes contained all of the fixins for a Christmas dinner for the family - canned veggies, boxed potatoes, bread, stuffing, treats, etc  Many of our families adopted a family less fortunate to provide them a dinner. To supplement the totes, the parish charity account purchased Giant Eagle gift cards for those perishable items. Two of our parishioners, Lori Anselmino and Joanne Mastalerz spearheaded this years effort. Nearly 200 totes were distributed. OUTSTANDING! I thanked Lori and Joanne, and their comment was that this was "easy" because of the generous spirit of the people of God.

     And thirdly, we participate in an Angel Tree, with gifts going to kids of needy families. A whole bunch of requested items were on the tree a few weeks ago, and within the first weekend they were picked up. Now those gifts are coming in to be distributed before Christmas to the kids. Some of the items requested raised my eyebrows (especially the electronics), but our people did not hesitate to respond. Again, how proud I am of this wonderful, generous spirit which is rooted in Christ.

     May all of those who are Christ for others find joy and blessing at His birthday. And my thanks to these last two groups for helping me deal with the first example.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I read in "Whispers" of the death of

John Cardinal Foley

a Philadelphia native who served the Church well

for forty nine years.

Many would know his voice, for many years

the voice of the Vatican at the pope's

Midnight Mass.

Rocco gives him a great tribute

in Whispers in the Loggia.

May he rest in peace.

Rejoice!

2011-12-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

     The entrance antiphon says: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near." In our ADVENT journey we are invited to rejoice, to sing the praises of God, to rest in the assurance of the presence of the Lord God in our midst. This Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday. The color of the mass vestments is violet or rose (thus the color of the print). I have never worn rose. Most parish vestments are more pink, and while there may be some who "look pretty in pink", I'm not one of them.

     The scriptures from Paul and the prophet Isaiah remind us to embrace the call that we have received in our baptism. Isaiah's passage: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me ... " was probably on my ordination invitation, as it was on so many in my day. It was a reminder to us that God is at work in us, that he calls us to speak for him a word of comfort, to witness to truth, to reach out and touch those in need, to right the wronged. When the oils were fresh, it was easy to be optimistic, to be visionary, to be on fire. As the oils have dried, we have had to rely on the "oil of gladness" to keep us going. As the burdens of everyday life and routine, and the struggles with sin, and the darkness of scandal (it was on the news today that a priest in Pittsburgh is in trouble - and I know the man, a good man) it becomes more of a challenge to keep the fire burning in our hearts. With the uncertainty of what the future holds for the world community, for this nation, for the Church herself, it takes courage to have and express a vision.

     So, the Church today says "have courage", be "stouthearted", "be strong and wise", "REJOICE!". The Lord has won the victory for us. He has come to set the world right. He is in our midst. And he will come again in love to judge the living and the dead. REJOICE!

     The collect of this Sunday says "...enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing." Lord, help us to be firm in faith, joyful in hope and active in charity as we run this race.

Juan Diego

2011-12-09T17:52:00.000-05:00

     On this day in 1531 a simple indigenous peasant convert to the Faith in what is now Mexico, had a vision of a young woman on a hill called Tepeyac near Mexico City. He was told to build a church on that spot. He went to the local bishop and told him of the vision, whereupon the bishop asked for some proof. This young man, Juan Diego, went back to the spot and had another vision. This time the lady told him to pick some roses from the nearby bush (even though it was winter and beyond the growing season). Filling his cloak, or tilma, he went to the bishop and went to pour them out before him, but instead, there was an image of the young lady of his vision - not Spanish in features but native. She had revealed herself as "the one who crushes the serpent" as is described in the 12th chapter of Revelation.

     This icon on the tilma of Juan Diego is on display at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, one of the most visited Catholic shrines in the world. She bears the title "Queen of Mexico" and "Empress of the Americas" and "Patroness of the Americas".

     Today the Church celebrates Saint John Diego Cuauhtlantoatzin. He was declared "venerable" in 1987, a "blessed" in 1990, and canonized a saint in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. In the Collect for his Mass it reads:

O God, who by means of Saint Juan Diego

showed the love of the most holy Virgin Mary

for your people,

grant, through his intercession,

that, by following the counsels

our Mother gave at Guadalupe,

we may be ever constant in fulfilling your will.

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is this coming Monday, December 12th. Saint Juan Diego, pray for us and for the people of the Americas.

A glimpse of what should be

2011-12-08T16:47:00.000-05:00

     Storytelling often uses the concept of a dream or a vision or an experience of what could have been, what might have been, what should have been if things had taken a different path or we made a different decision in life. Look at George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life" who saw what a positive impact his existence made on others and regretted his despair in life. Or look at Phil, the anchorperson in the movie "Groundhog Day" who comes to realize that he can do something about the empty lifestyle that he leads, and strives over and over again to make a positive impact on his existence. Or look at the regret of the main character (Nicholas Cage) in the movie "The Family Man" who is given a glimpse of what could have been if he had made better decisions and prompts him to made amends.

     This feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the womb of her mother, Anne, involves God intervening in the act of love between Joachim and Anne and at that moment of conception, keeping Mary free from the stain and the effect of the original sin of Adam and Eve. We know that the first rejection of God led to a weakness in our spiritual human DNA that makes us prone to subsequent failures. That original sin kept us on a merry-go-round that we found ourselves helpless to exit, leading to frustration and darkness.

     That original sin that led to darkness and death was dealt with through the ultimate sacrifice of love in Jesus embracing the tree of the cross for us ... in order to break the chains of sin and death, to bring us into the light, to make possible what was meant to be from the beginning, what should be in our lives, that we live lives that are holy, lives that are at one with God, lives that restore what was lost in our friendship with our creator.

     The glimpse of what should be, what is meant to be, is found in this feast of Mary. She was not given something beyond us, but was given (before hand) what her son would win for us - freedom and life, holiness and grace. What she possessed in her life, the grace to not be tempted but rather to resist all temptation, is what we should embrace. The reason is simple ... it was won for us at a great price and given to us through baptism. It is our destiny, our hope, our very life.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

     Today marks the anniversary of the death of the first bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg - Bishop Hugh L. Lamb. He died on December 8th in 1958. I remember the day, but find myself a little fuzzy on when I heard - either at school and then telling my grandma Lenard who lived a few doors down when I got home ... or hearing when I got to grandma's house that afternoon. I had met Bishop Lamb once, at my Confirmation. God grant him rest.

What a guy!

2011-12-07T15:56:00.000-05:00

     Milan in 374 needed a new bishop. There were two factions fighting for their platform and their candidate for this important See - the heretical group called the Arians and those of the traditional Catholic Church. Into the fray stepped Ambrose, an educated Roman who served as Prefect of Liguia and Emilia, whose capital was Milan. He was a layman, not yet baptized but accepted as a catechumen, and interested in the Faith. He was prevailed upon by the people of Milan and encouraged by the emperor to accept the office of bishop of the city. He was baptized, ordained and installed as bishop of Milan on December 7th, 374, all within a weeks time. Talk about an accelerated timetable!

     He then embraced the task, accepted the challenged, and began to learn theology and develop his spiritual life. He became a true shepherd and teacher of his people. His preaching became a thing of legend. Before his death on Holy Saturday in 397, he had converted Augustine to the Catholic Faith - Augustine, who would later become Bishop of Hippo in Northern Africa and another great champion of the Church. Augustine had heard him preach in Milan, and sought him out.

     Ambrose is one of those wonderful companions that the Lord gives us for inspiration and guidance in our journey of life, someone of whom we might say: "What a guy!"

*********************

     We must remember the lives lost on December 7th, 1941 (seventy years ago today) in the attack at Pearl Harbor. It was indeed a day that would live in infamy. May they rest in peace, as well as all who gave their lives in the war that followed.

************************

This afternoon I joined with four other classmates and Saint Francis Seminary Alumni for our pre-Christmas lunch. Fathers Joe Mele, David Schorr, Albie Schemp and Chet Raimer met for lunch in the Bloomfield section of Pittsburgh to share a meal and fellowship. Unlike Ambrose with Augustine, none of them were responsible for my conversion, but they each are a part of my vocation to priesthood - and for that and for their friendship I am grateful.

A lesson learned

2011-12-06T09:24:00.000-05:00

     Last evening at our parish we gathered to celebrate the First Reconciliation of our second grade youngsters - about thirty in number this year. This experience of First Confession can be a frightening experience, as I remember in the dark confessional box of years ago, but I strive to reassure the youngsters that it is anything but scary.   Rather it is an experience of the wonderful love of God for us in Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd. In fact, that was the theme of the service - Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

     Sister Charlene and the catechists had the image of the Good Shepherd in front of the altar, and after each child received the sacrament they were to place a small lamb, representing themselves, around the Good Shepherd. A great image.

     I was busy "hearing" confessions, so I did not get to survey the scene until this morning at Mass. All of the little lambs are of white felt. Coming to the altar I noticed that one had silver and gold spots on it ... another looked somewhat like a Dalmatian with spots ... and one was very different with shades of blue and pink? I smiled. The readings this morning echoed the readings from last evening - the Good Shepherd. They fell on the feast of a good shepherd - Nicholas - who served as a loving bishop long ago and as an inspiration even today. I was reminded of something I read or heard recently that the Good Shepherd is shepherd of ALL the sheep, the good and the bad, the white and the black sheep. Seeing the varied colored "sheep" gather around the image of the Good Shepherd was a reminder that our God is very inclusive, the lover of all, and the shepherd of an interesting flock. He calls us to himself, from our diversity, in our uniqueness, to a unity and a life that only he can offer. He is, indeed, a Good Shepherd.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     A side note ... we also invited parents and families to receive the Sacrament. One young lady in maybe fifth or sixth grade received, and as she returned to her place, passed her Mom who was next in line, stopped, touched her on the arm, and said something. Curious, I asked Mom what she said. her Mom said she told her "don't be nervous". Good advice ... from the young to the grown ups. I smiled.

Bursting forth

2011-12-05T14:55:00.000-05:00

     My apologies for not posting the last few days. But with the first of the week, I'm at it again. The weekend was busy with Reconciliations (here and at the neighboring parish for 1st Penance), Masses (our second weekend with the new Roman Missal translations which, by the way, went rather well - people are catching on), a baptism and other things.

     The Advent readings continue to show us the transforming presence and power of God in our lives, and the effect that that presence brings to us. When the paralyzed man was lowered through the roof and placed before Jesus, he was healed and forgiven his sins. He stood up immediately, glorifying God. Those who were there, believer and skeptic alike also glorified God. There was nothing else that they could do.  The Hebrew scriptures remind us that those whom the Lord has ransomed will return to Zion singing, filled with everlasting joy and gladness. They were compelled because they were bursting forth in praise of God's goodness and love.

     We tend to be too refined at times to express our joy and gladness. Yesterday our choir was joined by Diana Mikash in an Advent piece at the presentation of gifts that was in the style of an old spiritual. It was beautiful, and brought to my mind those who were returning to Zion ... with hands clapping and voices ringing and bodies swaying. We were a little more reserved, much to our detriment. But the spirit was there, as was the praise of God in our hearts.

     At the 11:00 am Mass we also welcomed Kenna Grace Scrima into the family of God through Baptism. She brought a joy to our celebration. We thank her parents for the gift of life that they shared with us.

A vision of hope

2011-12-02T10:56:00.000-05:00

     Watching, reading about or listening to the news is becoming more of a challenge. Disasters of all kind, bickering and character assassinations at every level, crashing economies and political upheavals, wars and uprisings and sit-ins, moral failures of those that we trusted or wanted to place trust in, are the news of the day. It does not take the early darkness of Winter to force us to desire a new Spring, a new beginning.

     The Scriptures of this Advent season present us with a vision of hope, with an awareness that an invitation was given us to be children of light, a promise made that reminds us that we have been chosen to be victorious over all things, over all powers, over all darkness. The word in today's reading from the prophet is addressed not to the leaders of the people, not to the power brokers, not to the wealthy ... but rather to the deaf, the blind, the lowly, the poor, the humble, the condemned. For they will hear the words of a book ... they will see beyond the gloom and darkness ... they will find joy and rejoice in the Lord ...they will outlast the tyrant, the arrogant, those who desire evil. They may be a remnant, a minority, a single tree on the landscape - but they will be regarded as an orchard, and the orchard as a forest. When that remnant cries out, as did the blind men in the Gospel today "Son of David, have pity on us!", they will see and hear and rejoice and live, and they will tell the world the Good News.

     Does any of this sound appealing to you? I does to me. Lord, have pity on us!

O God, come to my assistance

2011-12-01T11:24:00.000-05:00

     With those words we begin the prayer of the Church. Before we begin anything we need to call upon the Lord and seek his help. It is especially true as we realize our limitations and the hurdles that our sinfulness and hardness of heart places before us. They are the potholes on the road that make the going rough, the speed bumps that slow us down when we are in a hurry, the detours that challenge our skills at getting to our destination.

     This season of Advent has us hastening toward a deeper understanding of and trust in the Lord Jesus. There is an anxiousness in deepening our relationship with Christ. The obstacles and impediments are frustrating at best and discouraging. The collect today asks the Lord to stir up his power and help us, "that what our sins impede the grace of your mercy may hasten". O God, come to our assistance today and always as we desire to "love the things of heaven".

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Last evening I helped with the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the Mt. Pleasant Churches as their youngsters experienced the mercy of God for the first time sacramentally. It was, as usual, an awesome experience of grace. As a priest, we have many important roles and moving experiences of prayer. These, with the little ones, are always a joy. Our parish will gather next Monday to celebrate. Pray for us.

Family ties

2011-11-30T09:18:00.000-05:00

     It is not uncommon for siblings to be involved in the family business. Two examples are found in today's gospel from Matthew: James and John, the sons of Zebedee and Simon and his brother Andrew. All were in the fishing business. Both sets were invited by Jesus to follow him in a new venture, one that would change not what they did, but how they did it. They would remain fishermen, but now they would be "fishers of men". They were invited, through their relationship to Jesus, to expand their family into a "band of brothers (and sisters)", to work together to build up the larger family of God. Today the Church honors Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, a seeker of truth who brought his brother to the Lord.

     Our Holy Father has been setting the stage for a "new evangelization" in the Church and the world. The need to see the world community in the context of being invited to become the family of God, and extending that invitation, sharing that Good News, is paramount to what we are about in being "fishers of men". In the 10th Chapter of Romans Paul reminds us that all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved ... but how can they call if they do not believe ... and how can they believe if they have not heard ... and how can they hear unless someone shares the Good News ... and how can they share unless they are sent. Evangelization involves believing ... hearing ... preaching ... and going forth in the name of the Lord.

     This is OUR family business, and that business binds us together in the work of salvation. We ARE family, and we are called to let people know that truth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Also in Romans today is a beautiful passage that says: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!" It reminded me of an experience in my life some fifteen years ago almost to the day. I had the privilege of a four month sabbatical program in the Fall of 1996. I attended the School of Applied Theology (SAT) at the Dominican House in Berkeley, California. In our closing liturgy in mid December, I had the honor of presenting the Gospel Book to the proclaimer. The book was decked in festive ribbons and the presentation was accompanied by song. After presenting the book, I was moved to kneel before the proclaimer and kiss the feet of the person, recalling those words above. They are indeed "beautiful feet" devoted to the task of proclamation. It was a moving moment for me, one that I cherish.

     In the last fifteen years much has transpired in terms of health and mobility in my life, and today, even if I could "get down" to kiss their feet, there is now way in God's goodness that I would ever get back on my feet. Oh, the joys of youth ... and limitations of old age. But, God continues to be good.

Lord, I am not worthy

2011-11-28T18:47:00.000-05:00

     We formerly said: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed." Now we say: " Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." The centurion of Capernaum in today's Gospel said: "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed." However we say it, or whatever the circumstance, our unworthiness before the presence of the Lord of Life is what is at the heart of the matter. The centurion requested a favor for his servant, but knew the restrictions that time and circumstances placed upon a personal visit, the physical touch of the healer, Jesus. The healing was more important than the pride that a visit would bring. Say but the word ...

     We stand unworthy, but we also stand in need of healing. We need not have Christ enter our lives, yet that is exactly what he desires to do. We embrace THE WORD in humility and need, and are filled with pure love. The ability to say those words with deep humility and accept the Lord in awesome love does indeed take great Faith. May those of us who understand and accept the gift of this banquet table look forward to sharing "at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven".

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     I have been having some leg problems of late: right knee replacement two years ago (doing well), the left knee is in growing need of help, but more recently some vein problems. I had my right leg vein mapping done this afternoon (the left was two weeks ago). We'll get things taken care of.

     I have been joking that, with the Doppler testing on my legs for blood clots, I could tell the weather (Doppler), and now with the mapping, I can give you directions anywhere - just like map quest! Okay, I'll keep my day job and stay away fro comedy central!

The first step

2011-11-27T15:26:00.000-05:00

Well, day one is in the history books. Last evening and twice this morning we prayed the prayers from the 3rd Edition of the new Roman Missal for the first time. It went well. A few minor glitches, but with a strong cantor to lead the people they did well. The creed went better than I thought it would, even with "consubstantial". Some of the automatic responses will take some effort, but well done, Elizabeth Ann Seton parish family and guests. I am impressed at how well the musical settings have caught on.

I stumbled a few times. Sentence structure is unnatural and confusing. Certain words are new to the tongue (I don't know the last time that I used "dewfall" or "coheirs" in a sentence). And I found myself more concerned about correctness than to be focused on praying. But it will come easier, even with the continued unraveling of the new translation.

God is good, and he is the potter who molds us, the clay, into his image and likeness. Let us always be pliable in the hands of God.

Alpha and Omega

2011-11-26T11:43:00.000-05:00

     In the Book of Revelation we hear Jesus say that He makes all things NEW ... He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end.

     This is a day of new beginnings - a new Church year with the First Sunday of Advent ... a new cycle of Sunday readings, and with that for us at Elizabeth Seton, the third and final volume of the Sunday Lectionary (the red book from LTP) ... the new hymnals from Oregon Catholic Press (Breaking Bread) were placed in the pews Friday ... the Advent Wreath with new candles for the season ... new "pew cards" to help with the translation change ... and premiering tonight, the new 3rd edition of the Roman Missal and the use of the long anticipated translations.

     In the midst of all of this "newness", it is important to focus on the source of the change. When I met with my class from the local Catholic school a while back, they wanted to know how old Pope Benedict was, and if the new guy will change things back? I know some who question why the Church renews and relives the Church year repetitively over and over again. Most of us, as we get older, long for the "stability" that keeps us comfortable.

     Jesus says, I make all things new! Without change we grow stagnant and complacent. Without change things get boring. Without change we die. We are not talking about novelty, but change that leads to growth. We are talking about death to life, the limited to the eternal, the lost to the redeemed. On this day of change ... of new words and objects ... of new seasons ... let us focus upon the source of all that is, Jesus the Christ, and the love that he brings us from the Father in the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. Let us acclaim him as our Lord and Savior, and renew our journey with the confident assurance that we draw ever closer to his New Life.

Saying Good-bye

2011-11-25T10:56:00.000-05:00

     We have been close for over thirty-eight years. Almost every day we have spent time together, important time. I would make my friend's words my own, and found myself inspired by them. I have become comfortable enough that I could anticipate what was to be said next. I have enjoyed the relationship.

     But this morning I said farewell to my old friend. After spending our morning time of prayer together, I said thanks, on behalf of those gathered and in my own name, and carried my friend to retirement and history. Of course I am speaking of the Sacramentary used at Mass for the prayers at the Altar. This was the final Eucharistic Liturgy in our church before the new year begins Saturday evening, and with that First Sunday of Advent we begin using the new 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal. We will welcome a new friend, and begin the process of getting to know her.

     Transition times are difficult. All of our preparations have not taken away my apprehension and unease with the new translations, but I'm glad the time has arrived to finally begin the journey. I will / we will make mistakes, lose our place, or instinctively revert back to the old phraseology, but we will survive (and prosper). Welcome, friend!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

     I was home yesterday at the family place in Uniontown. My sister Janie cooked a great dinner for the two of us, and even Sammy (the puppy) had a Thanksgiving treat. We had the usual turkey(although in place of the whole bird, we had a turkey breast), dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, corn, salad, gravy, and pumpkin pie for desert (a friend and parishioner made the pie - and we are grateful!). Janie is not only a great sister, she is also a good friend. And the work that she put into dinner, after working (retail) until 10pm on Wednesday and going in at Midnight last night for the first of two shifts today, is outstanding. She has my love and my thanks.

Now Thank we All Our God

2011-11-24T08:27:00.000-05:00

On this Thanksgiving Day, we as a nation and we as the Children of God, pause to give thanks to the Lord. The prayer of the Church, found in the Preface for Thanksgiving Day in the United States, is as follows.

It is truly right and just,

our duty and our salvation,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,

through Christ our Lord.

You have entrusted to us

the great gift of freedom,

a gift that calls forth

responsibility and commitment

to the truth that all have

a fundamental dignity before you.

In Jesus, through his Death and Resurrection,

we find our ultimate redemption,

freedom from sin,

and every blessing.

And so, with hearts full of love,

we join the angels,

today and every day of our lives,

to sing your glory ...

The Roman Missal, 3rd Edition

Preface for Thanksgiving Day

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with family and friends ... and do not allow yourself to be caught up in the "black friday" shopping frenzy.

"The handwriting's on the wall"

2011-11-23T15:09:00.000-05:00

     I've heard this expression used at times, usually as a euphemism for impending gloom and disaster that should be clear and obvious.   Sometimes it is expressed "your days are numbered", or "you have been measured and found wanting". Usually the one who is involved does not see it coming, but has to have someone else point it out to them.

     We heard this in the reading from Daniel today at liturgy. King Belshazzar had desecrated the sacred vessels taken by his father from the temple in Jerusalem by using them in a drunken feast where they praised the gods of gold and silver and bronze, iron, wood and stone. At the banquet, fingers wrote these words on the wall - Mene, Mene, Tekel u-Pharsin - which Daniel interpreted as "God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end ... you have been weighed on the scales and been found wanting ...your kingdom will be divided". Needless to say, Belshazzar was not a happy camper, and the messenger became the scapegoat.

     It is interesting that sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees, sometimes that which is before our eyes escapes us, we can't see the "handwriting on the wall". Even the learned and savvy don't see or comprehend. It takes an outsider, a prophet to interpret the truth before us. Yet how often do we look for or welcome the prophet? How often to we ridicule or demean or persecute the messenger whose message we find irritating?

     In so many ways our world and our society has the handwriting on the wall set before us. We face challenges that are tremendous, that threaten the very fabric of who we are and what we want to be, yet we ignore the message, we ignore the prophet, we continue to feast our way into oblivion. It is like wearing blinders. We have tunnel vision.

     On this eve of Thanksgiving, when our attention should be drawn to that above rather than to ourselves, let us seek answers that will save, and not just satisfy. Let us look to the prophets among us, and remember not to kill the messenger. Again, with much to be thankful for, much still needs to be understood and embraced.

What were you doing?

2011-11-22T20:59:00.000-05:00

     There are certain days in each generation when that question has meaning. In my generation, November 22nd is tied to events in Dallas in 1963 - the day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

     It was a Friday and I was taking a Latin test from Benedictine Father Augustine at Saint Vincent Prep in Latrobe. I was in my junior year of High School. I remember some seniors knocking at the door and telling Father Augustine that the President had been shot. They often joked around, and he didn't believe them. A little later others came and told him the same thing, and he finally trusted their word. After we finished the test, we were allowed to leave the classroom. Most of us gravitated to the Art Department where Father Emeric had a small TV where we watched the news until our bus arrived.

     The short bus ride back to our residence hall (about five miles) was in almost total silence. We were beginning an in house weekend retreat that night, during which we were allowed to watch the news and history being made.   The mood was somber, and most were devastated. I remember that evening one of our cooking staff, an Italian Sister of Charity of Ivrea - Sister Johanna - setting the tables with tears streaming down her face. Even with her newness to this country and her limited knowledge of the English language, she spoke and we understood the language of grief.

     We were young and probably nieve, the president was young and dynamic, hope was blossoming and new things and fresh starts were taking place in society and inside the Church with the Vatican Council. This was a day, a moment in history, when we were challenged to the core, and the world for many of us changed in a less than welcoming way.

     November 22nd, like December 7th before it or 9/11 after will be remembered for their historic importance, but more so for the impact upon the lives of those who experienced them. The questions "Where were you?" and "What were you doing?" will always be able to be answered by those who experienced those days.

Cantate Domino

2011-11-21T13:42:00.000-05:00

     As I promised last evening, I would like to share a little of the excellent choral concert I attended yesterday at the Church of Saint Paul in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. A former pastorate of mine from 1992 until 2000, it is a great praish led by Father Tom Federline. The concert, whose title is the title of this post, was "A Choral Journey Through the Liturgical Year". There are about 25 in the choir which was led by Marie Konopka, the Director of Liturgy for the parish. Mr. Gene Forish accompanied, and they were joined by parishioner Maureen Miller who is a mezzo-soprano.

     I'll list some of the music, which was interspersed with spoken reflections by good friends of mine Bill and Mary Ann Newhouse taken from Oscar Romero, St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein), Thomas Merton, St. Augustine and Pope Benedict XVI. An organ prelude of "Now Thank We All Our God" by Bach began things and two hymns - "We Are Ready, God, To Sing" by Alan Gaunt & Robert W. Schafer and "Cantate Domino" by Father James Chepponis of Pittsburgh, got things underway. Advent saw "Allelulia! The Angels Will Sing" by Mengel & a soloby Maureen of "Patiently Have I Waited for the Lord" by Camille Saint-Saens. For Christmas a "Magnificat" by Wm Crotch and "Silent Night ~ Night of Silence" by Gruber & Kantor. Ordinary Time saw "Heart of a Shepherd" by Cooney, which was dedicated to Father Tom and which brought a tear to the eye. Lent saw "Lord Jesus Christ Humbled Himself" by Messaus, with the Triduum presenting Kreutz's "O Lord, We Believe", an outstanding duet by Maureen & Marie of Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Pie Jesu", and "Out of Darkness" by Kendzia. Easter saw "Risen Lord, We Gather Round You" by Stuemple/Moore, with Louis Valenzi's "Spirit of God" for Pentecost. Finally Ordinary Time saw "Put Peace Into Each Other's Hands" by Fred Kaan, followed by "Rejoice, the Lord is King" arranged by Owens. I know that is a lot of titles and composers, but I wanted you to see the variety of music sung. It also is probably meaningless to you, but to have heard the music was to have your hearts lifted to the Lord.

     Rounding off the afternnon was a free will offering for the poor, and a wine and cheese social in the hall. A truly pleasant way to spend Christ the King Sunday.

Wonderful music

2011-11-20T22:17:00.000-05:00

I will share in more detail tomorrow, but I had a lovely experience this afternoon on this Feast of Christ the King. I served for eight and a half years as pastor of the Church of Saint Paul in Greensburg - from January of 1992 until 2000. I made many friends, and it is one of those places that I can call home.

Today at 3:00 pm the choir gave a concert of sacred music from throughout the Church year - Advent through Christ the King. Meditations were read and favorite hymns sung, and all done prayerfully and beautifully. They followed by offering "wine and cheese" in the social hall. The choir is under the direction of Marie Konopka. I'll share their program tomorrow, but for now it was a joy to be present with old friends.

"Viva Cristo Rey!"

2011-11-19T22:08:00.000-05:00

     What an appropriate acclamation on this feast of Christ the King. Viva Cristo Rey! ... Long Live Christ the King!  Those words were spoken by a 36 year old Mexican Jesuit priest on November 23, 1927 as he stood before a firing squad in Mexico. His name was Jose Ramon Miguel Agustin Pro, and he was declared a Blessed in 1988. Blessed Pope John Paul II said this about him: "Neither suffering nor serious illness, neither the exhausting ministerial activity, frequently carried out in difficult and dangerous circumstances, could stifle the radiating and contagious joy which he brought to his life for Christ and which nothing could take away."

     Father Pro lived at a time and in a country that was going through upheaval. Mexico had a revolution and established a new constitution in 1917, one that sought to suppress the Catholic Church: only secular education was permitted, monastic Orders were outlawed, public worship outside of churches was forbidden, religious organizations could not own property, and basic human rights were denied clergy and religious. Those laws stayed on the books until 1998.

     While not always put into practice, these restrictive articles of the constitution were strenuously enforced in 1926 and added to by a new president who hated the Church. Father Pro returned home to a Church under siege. He offered Mass and celebrated the Sacraments "under ground", and became known to the authorities. He was arrested under trumped up charges, and was order shot to death on November 23rd. He asked a favor, to kneel and pray for the soldiers, whom he blessed. Then standing, without blindfold, he stretched out his arms in the form of a cross, declared his innocence, and then shouted "Viva Cristo Rey!" The bullets did not kill him immediately, and so a soldier went up to his head and finished the job.

     All of this was recorded and photographed for reasons of propaganda, to scare off others, but it did not work. The pictures became sacred images that inspired others to serve God and not man.

     That, really, is the reason for this great feast of Christ the King, which brings to a close the liturgical year. It is to declare the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives, and to see him as our shepherd, whose sacrifice for us frees us from the shackles and fears that this world can impose. We have the freedom in this place and at this time to make the same proclamation as Miguel Pro. Not all do. "Viva Cristo Rey!"

NCYC

2011-11-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

A great thing is happening in Indianapolis, Indiana at the present moment. Upwards of 23,000 Catholic young people and those who minister to them are taking part in the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). Christie Smith, the diocesan director of youth and young adult ministry is leading the group from the Greensburg Diocese, including my neighbors, Monsignor Paul Fitzmaurice and Father Jonathan Wisneski from Saint Agnes. 247 youth and adult pilgrims left by bus for Indianapolis on Thursday. It is the largest diocesan group from our Region: the states of PA and NJ. Keep them in your prayers, both for the conference but especially as they return and bring home the message of the theme: "Called To Glory".

Pictures and blogs are being sent home and can be viewed at
http://www.dioceseofgreensburg.org/Blog/NCYCCYG/default.aspx
Parts of the conference are being streamed live at ncyc.nfcym.org
Check it out. I have never attended a NCYC event, but anytime you get 23,000 exuberant Catholic youth together, it has got to be awesome. If you check out the pictures, look for the hats. The abbreviation for Diocese of Greensburg is D.O.G. Our group's hats are cute little "doggie hats", that they say are very popular for trading among delegates. It definitely "sets them apart".

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Today the Church celebrates the dedication of two churches that honor the two great foundational Apostles - Peter and Paul. Those churches built in their honor in Rome are built over the place of their death and burial. They are Saint Peter Basilica and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

The reading today from Maccabees speaks of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the time of persecution and trial and desecration. Both the feast and the readings remind us of the gift that God gives us of a place to worship, but more importantly, they remind us that we are the living stones that build up the temple of the Lord - the Church. We need to dedicate ourselves and consecrate our lives to the glory of God and the strengthening of his people. That is the Call that we have received in baptism, and the Call that the young people in Indianapolis are responding to today with joyful hearts.

A friend and a mentor

2011-11-16T10:11:00.000-05:00

     In the Spring semester of 1973, as a Deacon, I was assigned as part of the pastoral internship program of our seminary, to the Newman Center (now the Saint Thomas More University Parish) at IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) in Indiana, PA. The Newman Center serves Catholic students and university affiliated families at IUP. The pastor that I was assigned to was Father Ray Spatti, and there was also an Assistant Pastor - Father Ernest Kish.

     It was a challenging and yet wonderful experience in those few short months prior to ordination. I learned much (some of which I retained and put into practice - and some I wish I would have developed more). Ray was a good priest whose talent lay in organization and programming. He kept the wide ranging programs and experiences of the Center on track, and the special seasonal or liturgical experiences were often called "Spatti extravaganzas", and they were great. Ernie was the quiet, prayerful, friendly presence among the students. He was not an office person, but preferred to be where the students were. Many spoke of the spiritual effect that he had on their lives.

     I have a memory of my exit interview with my supervisor, Father Spatti, when he asked me the question that should not be asked: "Who did you relate to and learn from most in this experience?" I told him that I appreciated his skills and his priesthood, but that I related most with Ernie in his quiet, prayerful approach. He did not like that answer. Sorry.

      I mention this now because today marks the anniversary of Father Ernest P. Kish's death - November 16, 1975. Ernie was killed in a car crash that was the other drivers fault. He had by this time been pastor of Saint Ambrose Church in Avonmore, PA, and was involved in the National Priests Council. At his funeral, I remember, the little church was jammed to overflowing with parishioners and people whose lives he touched, as well as our priests and priests from many parts of the country that admired Ernie.   Thirty-six years has gone since we lost this good shepherd. He was for me a friend and mentor, and I remember him with gratitude.

The importance of example

2011-11-15T17:33:00.000-05:00

     The reading from Maccabees today of the scribe Eleazar reminded me of an experience I had years ago at All Saints in Masontown. Directly across the street from All Saints is a Presbyterian Church of long standing. One Sunday they were celebrating a major anniversary, and had invited me to come over. I was not sure that I could with our Mass schedule, but it turned out that I could make an appearance. The service had already begun, so I quietly entered and stood in the back (like a good Catholic). David, their young pastor, noticed my presence and whispered it to the head of their Presbytery who was about to speak. They interrupted the service, welcomed me publicly, invited me to sit in the chancel, and even to say a few words. Needless to say, the fuss was embarrassing. As the service continued, they shared holy communion. As they offered it to me, I politely declined without a fuss, and they were okay with that. Later they said they understood our discipline, and were impressed with my gentle decline.

     I mention it because I had more of my own people, then and even now as I retell the story, who cannot understand why I did not receive. After the unusual explanations regarding belief in the Eucharist and its value as a sign of unity, they still cannot believe that I said no to the offer. "You know the difference", they would say. Can't you just receive it "as a sign of unity and as a symbol of Christ's presence"? I tell them - YES ... but NO! I would know the difference, and I would have no fear of God's wrath, but the example that I would give to someone who saw and did not appreciate my distinctions could be harmful and be misinterpreted.

     Eleazar was in the same boat. Encouraged to "pretend" to eat the meat of the sacrifice prescribed by the king in contradiction to the Law of God, he would not. He said that, for the sake of a brief moment of continued life, he would not want to lead astray those who may see and not understand. He would rather his example be one of faithfulness to the covenant, despite the cost.

    Examples are very important. Doing the right thing for the right reason is best. Think about the examples that you give in the small as well as the momentous moments of life, and choose well.

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     Within our Catholic tradition, the parents of a priest are held in high esteem. The faith that they shared and the vocation that they encouraged or allowed to take root is noted. Some say that the mother of a priest has a special place in heaven.

     I attended the funeral for the mother of one of our priests this morning at Saint Mary Parish in Freeport, Pennsylvania. Pearl Klinzing is the 98 year old mother of Monsignor Thomas Klinzing, a priest of our diocese serving in the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida.  Our bishop was at the Bishops' Meeting in Baltimore, but Monsignor Persico spoke on his behalf and that of the diocese and our priests (about fourteen of us were able to be present). Father Tom and his family spoke of her strong faith and commanding personality, as well as her ability to feed the world. May God grant her eternal rest at the heavenly banquet and peace and consolation to her family and friends.

Making a difference

2011-11-14T18:00:00.000-05:00

     Blandness and commonality are all too evident these days in everything. Boiling everything down to the least common denominator and making sure no one is offended by who we are and what we say or do is often seen as being in "good taste". It is true that we should not seek to pick a fight or to purposely be disagreeable, but to deny who we are and water down what we believe leaves us with tasteless and unappetizing truths to share with the world that we live in.

     In today's reading from the Hebrew Scriptures (1 Mc 1:10-15; 41-43; 54-57; 62-63) we hear of a day in Israel when some wanted to "fit in" to the culture of the time, to blend with the customs of the foreign occupiers. Under the leadership of a "sinful offshoot" of a good king, long held and distinctive customs and religious traditions were ignored, people became assimilated into the new culture, the distinctive mark identifying them to God (their circumcision) was hidden, and the way of living of the Gentiles was adopted. They abandoned the covenant and sold themselves to wrongdoing, all with the desire to "fit in". Those who remained true to the covenant suffered greatly, and terrible affliction was upon Israel.

     We see the same thing happening today. The list could go on and on. The bishops at their meeting are discussing the challenges to religious liberty that are growing daily. What we once experienced and which we are guaranteed by law in the U.S. is challenged, sometimes with open hostility but more often by apathy. Sunday - the Lord's Day - has become anything but ... with sports programs and activities and work continuing as if it were any other day. Someone the other day was recalling the "Blue Law Days" here in Pennsylvania (stores closed on Sundays). Time for family ... time for God. My sister works in retail, and today they were being shown the gift cards the store was getting for the holidays. There was a "Happy Holidays", a "seasonal snowflake", a "Felice Navidad" in Spanish, even a "Happy Hanukkah", but no "Merry Christmas". She spoke up and brought it to the attention of management, and hopefully there will be a "Merry Christmas" gift card design included. They have even moved opening for "Black Friday" (the post Thanksgiving shopping spree) to midnight of Thanksgiving Day (it used to be 4am, I think). Our gods have changed, our priorities are compromised, our Faith in marginalized, and we are expected to "fit in".

     But wouldn't it be great to bring a rich flavor to the table of our lives, to stand proud and tall in regard to who we are and what we are about? I think, with Thanksgiving (to God first), it is time to bring the best to our table and to the hearts of the society in which we live.

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Once again I am humbled to have reached

the 8,000th page view of Journey Thoughts.

To those who check in on a regular basis,

THANK YOU!

According to each one's ability

2011-11-13T20:58:00.000-05:00

     The parable of the talents in today's gospel is a great stewardship lesson. The servants are entrusted with their master's possessions as he leaves on a journey. Each is given a portion. Upon his return, the master settles accounts, praising the faithfulness and resourcefulness of each until he arrives at the one given the least portion. This one went off and buried his talent in the ground, so that he would be "safe" and able to return "unharmed" what was given him.

    But the master's anger toward this third servant is extreme. He is angry because he did nothing, he made no effort to improve or use what was given him. He is thrown out into the darkness. It almost seems a bit unfair ... after all, the servant was being prudent. Maybe he did not have the expertise to increase the yield.

     The problem lies in the fact that the master knew whatever limitations this person had, and he entrusted his possessions "to each according to his ability". To do nothing was not acceptable to the master, for he expected some return on his trust and investment, and he knew that this servant could deliver.

     We have been gifted by God in so many ways, according to our abilities, and the giftedness was not made so that we could become rich or hoard what we have, but rather so that the gifts may be used for the good of others and the glory of God. Is God expecting too much from us? Will we be praised by the Master upon his return, or thrown out into the darkness? It depends upon us.

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     Last evening at Mass I welcomed MICHAEL RYEN YANIGA into the Church through baptism. He was so attentive to everything that I was saying (it must be the mesmerizing voice) that it appeared that he understood. It was a great celebration with family and friends and the community.

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Later last evening I attended a fundraising dinner for Saint Anne Home in Greensburg, an entity that provides quality service and ministry to the sick and the elderly. The Harvest Festival dinner has been an annual event for the past fifteen years, and along with great people, a delicious meal, opportunities to spend money through auctions and raffles and things, it is a wonderful evening. Of course I did not win anything, except for the enjoyment of the time spent and the support of the cause. Saint Anne Home was founded by and is supported by the Felician Sisters. They are good friends.

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And lastly, today on the Church calendar is the feast of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (Mother Cabrini) who came to this country from Italy to minister to Italian immigrants. She did so in New York and Chicago and elsewhere. She is the first declared a saint from the United States, having become a naturalized American citizen.

I mention her because the story goes that in her travels through this area, she had spent the night at the Convent of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill located at Saint John the Baptist parish in Scottdale. The Convent has long ago been torn down and the new church built on its place. Having been pastor there, I would point out the approximate place in the back of the church where a saint had slept. We in this part of the country have a saying that "Washington (George) slept here" [he traveled extensively in Western PA]. In Scottdale they can also say that "a saint slept here", much more of a rarity than George's claim to fame.

Passion

2011-11-12T14:01:00.000-05:00

     I am currently reading David McCullough's new book "The Greater Journey - Americans in Paris". David McCullough has written many historical works, among them being "John Adams". This work is about the many American artists, writers and persons of interest who found the Paris of the 1800's to be important to their lives and work. Whether artist, writer, sculptor, politician, physician or student, the stories of those who found their passion, or who found renewed passion in their work, because of Paris is inspiring. It almost makes me want to be in Parish with them.

     This past Thursday I celebrated the funeral liturgy for Carolyn "Susie" Balog from our parish. Her son spoke briefly in the eulogy of his mom being a passionate woman. Her passions were her family whom she loved with all her heart; higher education, which she stressed for her children, and which she attained in her 40's with an Associates Degree; her love of creativity which she displayed in her quilting as well as other things. He kept speaking of his mother's passion.

     We often see great passion exhibited in regard to our sports teams - professional and high school and younger. We camp out, we tail gate, we brave every weather condition to grouse or cheer on our teams - with passion. Even when our baseball team does not do well, we are still there and supportive.

     If we can find and sustain "passion" for these and so many other things of importance to us, then ought we not to allow a passion to develop in regard to that which should be most important in our lives - our relationship with Jesus Christ and our life in his Church? If we could garner half of the enthusiasm and gusto for our life of faith that we put into so much else, just imagine where we might go, to what heights we might sour. What we need is PASSION, and what we need to be is PASSIONATE.

Honoring a veteran

2011-11-11T12:28:00.001-05:00

     On this date, November 11th, many people in the world pause and honor those who serve and who have served in the armed services. We call it Veterans Day and in some parts of the world it is called Remembrance Day. This day was set aside because it marked the end of hostilities in Europe in the "war to end all wars" - World War I. At 11am on the 11th day of November (the 11th month) in 1918, a cease fire was called. In a war that saw nearly 20 million people killed, this was a welcome relief. After World War II, this day was renamed Veterans Day, to honor all who gave their lives in service of this nation and those who served and continue to serve. It is a day of remembering, a day of saying thank you, a day of honoring those who nobly served. My dad was one of those who served in WWII and bore the scars to prove it. I am proud of him.

    To all of our veterans - THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU!

     On this 11th day of November, the Church honors another veteran of military service in another era, a man who is known as Saint Martin of Tours. He lived in the late 300's and served, like his father, in the Roman army with distinction. Having encounter Christ and coming to know him well, he found that there was need to leave behind one noble calling and move to another that he felt was more important - the service of God. Like so many before him, Martin found that championing Christ rather than his civic duty became the only direction in his life. He suffered ridicule and hostility because of that view, but knew that it was something that he had to do.

     He went off to live a life of solitude and prayer, became known for his holiness, and was selected by the people of Tours in France as their shepherd and bishop. His place of burial became a site of pilgrimage, and he became the first non-martyr in the Western Church to have an annual celebration of his feast. He is the patron of France, of wine-makers and of soldiers. He is also the patron of conscientious oobjectors.

    This is another one of those little ironies of life ... that on this day chosen to honor and remember those who have served the nation, the Church has for centuries honored one who was a veteran and served the nation before choosing to serve God in a very different way.

     I shared some thoughts on Saint Martin of Tours with Charlotte Fiore Gizzi in a special feature in our diocesan newspaper The CATHOLIC ACCENT this week. It was a pleasure working with Charlotte on the project.

A living temple

2011-11-09T15:27:00.000-05:00

     Today the Church celebrates the Dedication of a building for worship. It is not just any building, it is the Cathedral church of Rome, the Pope's Cathedral, Saint John Lateran Basilica. A church was built by Constantine in 324 on the Lateran hill, and the dedication has been celebrated on this date since the twelfth century.

     Do you remember the game Trivial Pursuit? In the edition that I owned, I found a mistake that is commonly made. It listed Saint Peters Basilica as the Cathedral of Rome - wrong! In fact, on a tour years ago, our tour guide, a great and very knowledgeable individual, told our group the same thing. But the Cathedral, the place of "the chair - the cathedra" is Saint John Lateran.

     We might reflect upon the why of celebrating a building. The readings today, especially 1 Corinthians, point us to a greater reality - that we are God's building, we are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in us. That temple of God, which we are, is holy.

     Ezekiel points out in his vision that as the angel brought him to the entrance of the temple of God, he saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold, flowing from the altar. That water is life giving and transforming, it makes the salt sea fresh. Along its banks grow fruit trees of every kind, bearing fresh fruit every month (the first fruit of the month club?) whose fruit serves as food and whose leaves serve as medicine. The waters of that river gladden the city of God and all who dwell within her.

     Not only are we a temple made up of living stones, we are the dwelling place of the Most High, and the source of blessing through the life giving waters of grace that flow from the altar of God through us into the world. That is what we need to be rededicated to in our call, and recommitted to in our lives of service. We are made holy by the indwelling presence of God and thus become a source of blessing for others. So "Come", as the psalmist says in Psalm 46, "behold the deeds of the Lord, the astonishing things he has wrought on earth."

Normal ... but sad

2011-11-08T22:32:00.000-05:00

The title of this post should be "Better than normal ... but, oh, so sad".

     Today is election day in many places. I voted this morning after Mass and was number 14 at our voting place. This November election is in an "off" year (non presidential), but there were local and state candidates up for election. The Greensburg Tribune Review, the local newspaper, this morning said that because of exceptionally great weather, there was the possibility that turnout could be up to 35 percent of the electorate - 7 percent above the norm. This could be a good thing.

     But when you stop to think that the greatest exercise of our rights and responsibilities in this great Republic is embraced by only 35 percent of registered voters, you need to ask "What's wrong?" I am convinced that there is no better form of representative government than ours (even with its flaws and imperfections). Why then this apathy?

     During the month of October the Catholic Church in the United States does an "October Count". For years we have been counting those present at Mass every weekend in October, to monitor trends and to determine active participation. Our attendance at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was actually up slightly this year, averaging 909 in attendance each weekend (at a total of three masses). The norm in most places is attendance being in the 33 to 35 percent range of registered members. It is a lot less than the "old days" of Catholicism, but better than many other groups. And we seem to be steady.

     But when you stop to think that the Eucharist is the greatest expression of our lived Faith, that it is the source and summit of parish life, that it is the very source of our spiritual nourishment with the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ, then the question is - "What's wrong?" I find it fascinating that when you ask those not involved if they want to be removed from the "rolls", they are offended and say of course not. Yet they do not feel the need nor desire to attend, except in time of crisis or at those special times of the year like Christmas and Easter.   The situation is "oh, so sad".

     We have important work to do. The Holy Father is challenging us to look at a new evangelization - of getting the word out and getting the people back and stressing the vital importance of stepping up to the plate and being counted.

An almost wonderful day

2011-11-07T09:10:00.000-05:00

     Yesterday the weather was sunny and bright, the temperatures were near perfect for this time of year, and all seemed well with the world. We celebrated the two morning liturgies with great gusto: at the 8:30 we were visited by the local Saint Jude Council of the Knights of Columbus for their annual Memorial Mass honoring their deceased brother knights (four in number this year) [ I take great pride in being a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, a tremendously good Catholic Fraternal Men's Organization ] ... and at the 11:00 we were assisted by our Young Voices Choir under the direction of Diana Mikash who are always awesome in the joy and enthusiasm, but yesterday lifted the liturgy to great heights with the music. We left church singing in our hearts (and sometimes on our lips) the praises of God.

     Yesterday was also one of those special days in the parish where we invite the sick and infirm, the struggling and the aging to come and seek the healing power of God through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. We do this communally every Fall. Nearly 125 people celebrated the Sacrament of God's love, bringing the sufferings and uncertainties that are a part of life into the embrace of God. Powerful and very moving. I was blest to be able to share this gift.

     Following the Anointing of the Sick, we gathered in Mack Hall, our social hall, to honor our senior members of the parish with a buffet dinner. We had invited those 65 or older (the setting of age limits is an arbitrary thing) and over 90 joined us for a good dinner. It is the parish's way of saying thanks for all that they have and continue to do for us, and for their continued example. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

     The "ALMOST" in the title falls to the last moments' loss of the Pittsburgh Steelers last night. A win would have made the day truly wonderful. Recently I was having lunch at a restaurant were a table of five were dining. They were from out of state, working for some company or project. The one woman was from Texas, I believe, and I heard her say how nice things are in the Pittsburgh area, with things to do and see. She said that one of the drawbacks was being in the midst of "Steeler Nation" - you can't do anything without being confronted by Steelermania. I laughed to myself ... we're not yet at playoff or Superbowl mania. If she stays in the area, I can't wait to hear what she has to say.

Wisdom

2011-11-06T00:32:00.000-04:00

     Wisdom is described today in the Book of Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures, and in the Gospel of Matthew we are encouraged to be wise. But wisdom is a very difficult gift to embrace.

     It goes without saying that we are to be the best that we can be. Education is very important: a basic understanding and knowledge of the reality of life and then a deeper, more specific grasp of the avenue of life that we are moving toward or adept in is necessary. But knowing things does not make us wise. Possessing numerous degrees does not give us wisdom.

     As people of Faith, we are reminded that true wisdom lies in our knowing the mind and heart of God. His Spirit is described as Wisdom, and she has built herself a house and hastens to make herself known. The wise person is the one who understands this reality and embraces the graced relationship that brings to life God's love in our lives and empowers us with the very life breath of God's Spirit. To know him is to love him, and to love him is to serve him. Be wise enough to embrace the Wisdom of God and shout for joy.

Something different

2011-11-05T13:48:00.001-04:00

     Last evening I did something very out of the ordinary for me ... I attended a gathering at a local winery that featured a local band that I know. The event was at the Greenhouse Winery in Rillton (near Irwin) and featured (besides the wines) a band called MIXX. One of the members is Diana Mikash who serves in the music program at Saint Elizabeth Seton as well as Saint Agnes and Queen of Angels School. It was an enjoyable evening. Their selection of music is wide ranging, including many "oldies" that I remembered. They are very good!

     I said that it was "out of the ordinary" because I usually don't go to such events. I'm more of a quiet guy, plus I don't drink much, plus I'm getting old and find it difficult to converse amid the music and noise. I saw some friends, met some new people, even bought a bottle of wine and drank some of it, and enjoyed myself.

     Earlier in the day I celebrated morning Mass, led the novena to the Sacred Heart (every First Friday), concelebrated the funeral of the mother of friends, had blood work done, finally had something to eat, was called upon to do a quick reflection for the Diocesan web page on this Sunday's Scriptures to be in before 3pm, added some comments to a piece on Saint Martin of Tours that I am working on with someone from the staff of our diocesan newspaper - The CATHOLIC ACCENT for publication soon, and did some office work.

     I was planning the lab work on Thursday, but with the twelve hour fasting necessary, and with a drop in by blood sugar readings during the night, I had to "break fast" - and not with breakfast. I find it fascinating that I can go for long periods of time without eating with no problem ... unless I can't eat for some reason like fasting ... then I am famished. It is the same way with Fridays - I don't crave meat until the meatless Friday fast of Lent. Then I do. It is one of the little quirks of life.

We are the Lord's

2011-11-03T15:56:00.000-04:00

     My apologies for not posting the last few days ... they were busy days but more importantly I was under the weather and the creative juices just were not flowing. And they were important days as well - All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

     Our attendance at the two Masses on All Saints was up somewhat and encouraging. With work and school and schedules and excuses (valid and feeble) our celebration of Holy Days has gone downhill. I find that truly sad because the vast majority then miss these great celebrations on the Church's calendar. But be that as it may, I enjoyed our celebrations on Tuesday. And last evening, at our special All Souls Mass where we remember those from the parish who have died this past year (twenty from our parish family), we had a moving and hope filled experience of Christian Life in Faith, Hope and Love. Our choir sang beautifully, the names were chanted in a wonderful setting of prayer, and wooden crosses that had been placed upon the casket at the time of the funeral were presented to the families. May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

     In these days of shortening daylight, of cooler weather, of dying trees and flowers, of Autumn waning and Winter approaching, I began reflecting upon the meaning of existence and the gift of life. Yesterday a body was found in the local community and the death does not seem to be of natural causes. A young person in the community this week took their life for whatever reason. I have a good friend who will bury her Mom tomorrow, a Mom who had lived a life of faith and love and service for nearly 100 years. Why do some live long, happy lives? Why do some count taking care of themselves as unimportant? Why do some find pressure so great that they look for a way out?

     Paul says in Romans this morning that "none of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself." We live and die for the Lord, for he lived and died for us. Our unity, our oneness with him is what gives meaning and purpose to life. It is that which makes life worth living. In our recognition of the Lordship of Jesus Christ we find redemption and hope, strength and meaning in life. When we and the societies in which we live come to realize that truth, when we look to Christ rather than ourselves or what others think of us, there will be no taking of life, no abuse of life, no undervaluing of life, no questioning of our worth and beauty. Then we will LIVE.

All Hallow's Eve

2011-10-31T16:20:00.000-04:00

     Tonight is "Trick or Treat" in our neighborhood, with youngsters of our neighboring families or their grandkids making the rounds. I live in a nice, quiet area, where "treats" as opposed to "tricks" are the order of business.

     I was watching a program yesterday that tried to make sense of our halloween mania. It has indeed become big business, with candy and costumes and decorations and parties. But I enjoy seeing the younsters, and sharing their excitement at the treats that they receive.

     But as we know, this eve of All Hallows, is the eve of our celebration of all the saints and  anticipates our remembrance of the dead on All Souls day. Both days are important and deserving of our celebration - November 1 & 2 - as is this day of fun called Halloween.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

A day of blessings

2011-10-30T21:05:00.001-04:00

     Beginning at three o'clock this afternoon, Sunday, October 30th, a "Mass of Thanksgiving for the Restoration of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral with the Blessing of New Liturgical Appointments on the Occasion of the Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Diocese of Greensburg" took place with Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt, JCD, PhD, the fourth bishop of Greensburg as presider and homilist. Now that's quite a title page for a program.   This celebration, long in the planning, was the culmination of a lengthy process of restoration and repair of our Cathedral parish. Since his ordination and installation as our bishop in 2004, Bishop Brandt has desired to transform our mother church into what he calls an "architectural monument and impressive community asset".

     The restoration and development of the present cathedral church is beautiful and top notch. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder ... and I would add that the appreciation of beauty is also in the eye of the beholder. While there are many beautiful things, I find much to be busy and distracting, and I miss the simple beauty of the cathedral that I knew and loved. Obviously our personal tastes are different ... and I am not the bishop (thank God). That said, in this second visit since completion, I was a little more comfortable. Hopefully I will come to know and love this "new church" as the image of our mother, the Church. I believe that Bishop Brandt was pleased with his accomplishments in this endeavor.

     Joining us today were our Bishop Emeritus, Bishop Anthony G. Bosco, as well as our neighbors, Archabbot Douglas Nowicki of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh, Bishop Mark Bartchak of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese as well as Bishop Joseph Adamec, Bishop Emeritus of AJ, and His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia. The music was beautiful, the liturgy solemn, the blessings of new appointments unending (twelve blessings), and the liturgy long (3 till about 5:45). But a great day - we had snow yesterday and fog all morning, but sunshine as we began.

     I have include the Remembrance Card picture and wording. The picture is of the new "cathedra" with Bishop Brandt, one modeled after the chair from the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome where Bishop Brandt celebrated his first Mass as a priest in December of 1969. It has personal sentimental value to him.

It was a day of blessings.