Sunday, July 5, 2020

Dear parishioners and friends,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to come to Him for He is “Meek and humble of heart.” What does this mean? A good example is a fully grown parent who often reached his/her full potential of strength and size (average in the U.S. is 5 feet 10 inches for men and 5 feet 5 inches for women). When the parent handles the child, he or she is gentle in holding the tiny bundle. Even later, when the growing child takes control of mom or dad and treats them like a jungle gym, the parent is supportive but meek. None of the parents think they are too lofty or important to take care of their child. Their love for their children won’t let them be anything than humble of heart.

And Jesus said, “Come to Me, I am meek and humble of heart.” He loves us like a good parent loves his/her child; only more so, infinitely more so. There are many times that we feel overwhelmed by the world, our responsibilities, etc. We can feel like the world is too much for us. But God does not distance Himself from us ever. God created everything and is the mightiest of everything and each one of us is His child. Even if we squirm, Jesus says’: “Come to Me. I know how you feel. I can make things better.”

The One who carries us is strong, stronger than our fears, stronger than our struggles, stronger than the protective parent who carried us when we were small. Infinitely stronger and He Loves us with His whole heart.

Sincerely,
Father Joe
 

Sunday, June 28, 2020

The image of Jesus knocking at the door is familiar to most of us and is a reminder that Jesus can enter our world, homes, and hearts if we let Him in. Note that there is no doorknob from the outside. Complying with preventative measures to keep COVID 19 at bay, we have recently distanced ourselves from one another and are now slowly opening our doors, reacquainting ourselves in the social arena. Our readings this week focus on hospitality. The prophet Elisha wanted to reward a couple who was hospitable to him and who suffered from not having an heir to take care of them. Elisha prophesied that God would reward them by giving them a son. And the prophecy was fulfilled.

Hospitality was one of the great virtues of the Bible. The ancients believed that each person should be welcomed as though one were welcoming God. Jesus moves this virtue into Christian times in today’s Gospel: “Whoever receives you receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.” The virtue of hospitality is more than being a good host; but means encountering the presence of God in others, usually in those whom we least expect. The people in Jesus’ time wasted their opportunity to experience the presence of God because they decided what this presence should be.

Today we are living with a new normal. This means that as we encounter one another in new ways with masks, at a distance, and frequently sanitizing our hands, we are still given the opportunity to allow God in. Christian hospitality involves the risk of being courteous, helpful, and gracious to everyone...even those from whom we least expect a positive response. It may be even more difficult today when coming in contact with someone behind a lifeless mask. It is the opportunity to, once again, be open to God’s presence in ways we least expect. We need to pray for and practice the virtue of hospitality to one another.

Mass on the Fourth of July is at 8 a.m. that day. All are invited to celebrate our Nation’s commemoration of independence and establishment as a new nation. It is a wonderful time to remember our freedoms and the task we have, as a Nation, to preserve those certain unalienable rights that we are endowed with by Our Creator. Please keep praying for our Nation that we may be guided in His way, united in peace and just to one another.

Happy and safe 4th of July!
 

Sunday, June 21, 2020

COVID 19 has terrified most of us, even threatening the perspective of life for some and paralyzing others not to step outside their house. History repeats itself. The Kingdom of Judah and its capital Jerusalem were terrified in 560 B.C. Mighty conquerors were on the march and threatened to devour them. The King of Judah was advised to make an alliance with his pagan neighbors. This would mean trusting in the pagans rather than trusting in God.

Taking the advice of the prophet Jeremiah, the King looked to God and needed to lead his people in trusting in God rather than in the pagans. That is why the King’s counselors hated Jeremiah and were looking for ways to have him killed. Jeremiah is tested. Should he go along with the counselors and preserve his life? Should he get out of Jerusalem with its deadly politics? Or should he give witness to God and chance persecution? He decided to fear God rather than be afraid of men.

Fear of God. That is a biblical concept that is often misunderstood. It does not mean that we should be afraid of God. It means that we should respect God, reverence God, and be more concerned with fulfilling the Law of God rather than satisfying those who threaten us in compromising situations.

In today’s Gospel Jesus says, “Do not let others intimidate you.” He tells us to keep our priorities straight. He tells us that we should not even be afraid of people who could kill us. "Do not fear those who deprive the body of life but cannot destroy the soul.” But if we live with reverence and respect for the Lord, then we do not have to be afraid of anything, then all those concerns that the media delights in frightening us with will diminish.

The Coronavirus has done global destruction which has been intensified with social, domestic, and personal tensions. Nevertheless, as long as we are united to God we have nothing to fear. We are a lot more important to our Loving Father than a flock of sparrows. Remember when overwhelmed by life today, that the devil assails us and wants to weaken our fragile souls, sometimes directly, sometimes subtly.

The devil lies by making you think you are not good enough. Not true, God created us good. Evil thoughts make us think we are alone. Not true, God is always with us knowing what we are going through, even knows every hair on your head. With God, we can conquer all challenges, all fear. The third lie of the devil is convincing us that God has deceived us. Remember the cunning voice that misdirected our first parents. In modern times, some people question that there might be other ways to live than that presented by the Church. To the accusation that God lies, God answers, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” “Fear the Lord and do not be afraid of anything.”

As we celebrate Father’s Day, we honor those men who parent us by passing on life in loving fulfillment of duty. We honor those men who selflessly support and guide us, regardless of their own aspirations, hopes and hardships. Knowing that these men protect us, their children, is a great source of security. And to a higher level, are those fathers who inspire us in faith. Saint Joseph, guardian of Jesus, models the attributes of a good father. May St. Joseph hear the prayers of our fathers and those who imitate them in our lives. And for those men who left this world, may they have the reward of the just and honorable servants of God.

Fathers Piekarsk & Szczur;
Deacons Wuebbels, Fontana & Bailey; and our staff

Flowers at the Holy Family Shrine in memory of the Piekarski & Delikat families.
 

Sunday, June 14, 2020

The opening of our churches has been a needed spiritual feeding for many of the faithful.  Especially for Catholics, the reception of Holy Communion has been longed for and finally satisfied.  Although most of us have had the opportunity to make spiritual Communions, the actual reception of the consecrated Host is most desired.  For Catholics, Holy Communion is a tangible and absolute encounter with the Lord. 

It is true; God is transcendent and therefore is everywhere.  It is in today’s Gospel, known as the Bread of Life Discourse, that we hear the unfolding of God’s specific involvement with us.  A great multitude of people gathered in order to listen to the teaching of Jesus.  In time, they became naturally hungry for food.  Miraculously Jesus multiplies a few fish and loaves of bread to feed everyone. 

Five thousand people are overwhelmed by Jesus satisfying their hunger and recall the great miracle where Moses fed their ancestors in the desert with manna from heaven.  Jesus reminded them that in each case the provided physical food sustained the people in their biological life, but it is powerless to provide eternal life.  But for those who consume Him, they will live forever.  Jesus is supernatural food for supernatural life.  This mystery reflects the incarnation, where God took flesh and dwelt among us in the actual matter.  

In our Gospel, some argued with Jesus that it is impossible to take seriously what Jesus said:  “He who feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has life eternal and I will raise him up on the last day.”  And many of them left Him.  Even today, some argue that Jesus’ words here and at the Last Supper are to be taken symbolically or metaphorically.  Jesus doesn’t back down with some explanation but solemnly assures His listeners that His follower must eat His Body and drink His Blood to have eternal life. 

A careful study shows that whenever Jesus used metaphors, His listeners seem to have been aware of it.  For example when Jesus said “I am the vine and you are the branches (John 15) or “I am the sheep gate (John 10).   Whenever there was confusion, Jesus clarified it with an explanation.   It is clear from Chapter 6 of St. John’s Gospel that Jesus’ audience understood Him literally in their response by staying with or departing from Him.  

From the beginning, the Church believed that the Eucharistic elements of bread and wine become the glorified body and blood of Jesus.  St. Paul gives us the earliest writing of the New Testament and in his first letter to the Corinthians he asks:  “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?”  In the same letter, Paul warns the nascent church in Corinth not to eat and drink unworthily:  “Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord”(1 Corinthians 11).

Today’s feast of Corpus Christi celebrates the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.  We believe that in the sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist are contained truly, really and substantially the body and blood together with the soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently the whole Christ.  As Catholics, may we recognize the true presence of God, totally, in the Eucharist.  May this specific encounter be the spiritual food that sustains us in the many difficulties of our day as it promises us eternal Life in Him. 

Sunday, June 7, 2020

I can remember my Communion Class given the project to design a diagram of The Trinity. Basically, it was a circle inscribed “GOD” in bold letters. From this center radiated an outer circular wheel with no beginning and no end and equally divided with three parts. The holy names of FATHER, SON & HOLY SPIRIT shared the three parts but were one whole circle.
My third-grade print was not fully developed so my brother refined the diagram resulting in a professional draftsman work of art. How disappointed I was when it was returned to me later that week by Sister Antonea who wrote: “You did not do this! Make 3 more by yourself.”
Thinking back, I realize that it was MY project but a little help from a family member seems only natural.

After all, look at today’s feast. On this Trinity Sunday, we celebrate the mystery of a basic doctrine of faith in Christianity; understandable not with our heads but with our hearts. It teaches us that there are three distinct Persons in one God, sharing the same Divine Nature, co-equal and co-eternal. Our mind cannot grasp this doctrine which teaches that 1+1+1 = 1 and not 3. But we believe in this Mystery because Jesus, who is God, taught it clearly.

More than explaining WHAT the Trinity is, I now more fully grasp WHO the Trinity is. It is an endless relationship with one another that compliments each other. Yes, it is like a family relationship of love and unity that help each other to be what the family is together. The mystery of the Trinity is precisely that...something that is difficult to explain or understand and yet can be experienced in a relationship that is perfected as the whole.

The Father created us. The Son redeemed us. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us. They work together perfectly to allow us to share in God’s goodness. There is no competition between them. The three help each other to achieve their goal of sharing their eternal life with us. Wow! Talk about looking out for one another. And that is what we are invited to enter a little more fully this Sunday. God wants us to realize the dynamic force that comes together to show the love God has for us.
Opening of Church... Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in opening back our Church. These past months have been difficult for several reasons but necessary in keeping the COVID 19 Pandemic at bay. Nearly a 100,000 people have died from the virus in the United States alone and many more suffered because of it. Even though we have to move forward, we are asked to be very cautious. Basic guidelines must be followed by the state and diocese. That is the reason for our present format in church:

• Those over 60 and vulnerable are asked to remain homebound until the restrictions are lifted. Our parish is continuing the videoed Sunday Mass found at our website.
• Those who show symptoms of a virus are asked to stay home. Please check your temperature.
• Every parish is handling the opening of the church differently. St. John the Beloved will offer daily Mass at 8:00 a.m. only from
Monday to Saturday. Sunday Masses are presently on our normal schedule: 5 p.m. Saturday; 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Depending on the numbers attending, we may eliminate this number of Masses. Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, only 127 guests per Mass are permitted in the SJB Church.
• All members of the assembly and ministers are required to sanitize their hands upon entering the church. Facial masks are required of all the assembly. Toddlers are exempt.
• The faithful are asked to sit 6 feet apart from each other. Members of the same household may sit together. Designated markings on the pew show the allowed seating arrangement. Please follow the instructions of the host usher.
• The ministries of those who serve at Mass are postponed for now.
• Holy Communion is offered at the end of Mass to comply with the directives of separated and orderly dismissal. Receiving
Communion in the hand is preferred because the danger of touching the mouth with Communion on the tongue is more
probable and will require a thorough disinfecting.
• No gatherings are allowed in the church.
• The church is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturday for Mass and private prayer. The disinfecting of the
church has to take place afterward.
• The departure of the faithful after Sunday Masses is needed after Communion for the disinfecting of the church between Masses.
The lavatories will remain closed due to the unavailability of disinfecting those areas after each use.
• Host ushers and a disinfecting crew of able and healthy people is needed for our Sunday Masses. If it is possible for you to
volunteer, please sign-up on our parish web site.
• Reconciliation after the 8 a.m. weekday Masses will be available, for now, in the side sacristies. 6 feet distancing and masks are
required.

The Corona Pandemic has altered life completely for every one of us. The changes that we are experiencing now at Mass are temporary and hopefully, we will resume a somewhat more normal routine. Not only has our parish been challenged in bringing “Church” to our parishioners and friends, but to another degree, we are challenged financially. For those who can attend the Masses we are offering, please drop your envelope/collection in the baskets that will be available in the recessional line after Masses. For those who remain at home, please mail your offertory to St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Rd. Wilmington, DE 19808. Your contributions are needed to keep our parish intact. Our appreciation goes to everyone who is contributing one way or another. Thank You and God Bless! Please continue to check our website, SJBDE.org, for updates. 
 

Sunday, May 31, 2020

Starting anything new is awkward. Remember your first day of school or beginning a new job? These past months were novel, unwieldy, taking us out of our normal routine. Most of us would never have expected to have to stand six feet apart from each other in public or pray the Mass from a screen for ten weeks. Now, things are opening up slowly and we re-enter the world with apprehension.

Pentecost is a major feast of the Church; second to Easter. The arrival of the Holy Spirit, promised by the Resurrected Lord, gave the Church the “zap” that was needed to continue the mission of Christ. The Apostles and first disciples were frightened to go outside because their leader, Jesus, was condemned by the religious, cultural, and judicial leaders. His followers were enemies to the system and equally condemned. What they needed, to go out into the world, was extraordinary grace. And they received it at Pentecost.

As the Church, we have that same Spirit with us. We not only need Divine intervention to step outside of our altered lives, but it is needed to continue as Christ’s authentic disciples. To defend life in a culture of death, to be moral in an immoral society, to be sacrificial and generous in a self-serving environment while obeying God’s Law are not naturally inherent. It takes a higher power that we cannot initiate. The Holy Spirit in our lives gives us these gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord, as well as special fruits...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

These are the awkward times when we especially need this extraordinary “zap” of grace. By virtue of Baptism and Confirmation, we already possess Him. What is needed is for us to stir Him up into the present situation. God is much bigger than us, loves us, and wants to be active in our lives today. He made sure that we are well equipped to carry on His mission by gracing us with His Holy Spirit and is available to give us what we need to go out into the world, navigating the new normal, as disciples of Jesus. Be enlightened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost!

Church Opening: In accord with Governor Carney’s recent reopening of the state of Delaware and the guidelines by the Diocese of Wilmington, St. John the Beloved Church will resume public Masses:

• Daily 8:00 a.m. Mass will resume Monday, June 1st. Due to the needed disinfection of the church between Masses, there will be only one daily Mass at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday. No 6:30 a.m. Mass for now.

• Sunday Masses will resume on Saturday evening, June 6th at 5 p.m. and on Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• Individuals assume that risk for themselves in these circumstances. Those who are symptomatic or who have been exposed to the virus within 14 days are not permitted to enter the church. All attendees are asked to check their temperature at home before coming to church for any reason. Likewise, anyone with a persistent cough or who otherwise does not feel well should not come to church.

• Parishioners who are particularly vulnerable (e.g. over the age of sixty, existing heart or lung conditions, diabetes, or otherwise immuno-compromised) are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED, for their own health, to avoid the risk of attending public celebrations of the Church until all restrictions have been lifted.

• The Sunday Mass will continue to be videoed from our parish for the faithful who remain homebound

• Limited seating, of no more than 250 people, is permitted inside St. John the Beloved Church at one time. Any

  overflow will remain outside. Members of the same household may sit together, but there must be at least 6 feet of

  separation otherwise.

• Face Masks are required for entrance into the church. All members of the assembly and all ministers, except

  the priest-celebrant, are to wear face coverings at all times while in church. The faithful are asked to bring their

  own. Toddlers are exempt.

• All members of the assembly and all ministers are to sanitize their hands upon entering the church. The faithful

  may also be asked to bring their own.

• Pews and other surfaces in the church are to be thoroughly disinfected initially and then disinfected again after each time the church is used.

• The Offertory Procession is eliminated, Holy Water Receptacles will remain empty, Missalettes will be removed. No other materials may be left in the pews. The Sign of Peace is presently suspended.

• Altar Servers and Eucharistic Ministers will postpone their ministry for now. The choir is suspended until further notice. Limited Music will be provided at the 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Sunday Masses only.

• Holy Communion will be under one form. Receiving in the hand is preferred. Those receiving on the tongue must remain until the end of the Communion line. At present, the Eucharist will be communicated at the end of Mass, after the final blessing by the clergy only. This will allow an orderly and distantly controlled recession of the faithful from church. The collection can be placed in the provided baskets upon leaving the church. The flow of dismissal must be steady. Gatherings before and after celebrations are prohibited.

• The restrooms will not be open.

• Reconciliation (Confession) will be available in the side Minister’s Room after 8:00 a.m. Daily Masses and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Masks and social distance must be observed.

These new guidelines are a start. They are only temporary until COVID 19 is less threatening to the public. For more details, please refer to SJBDE.org/covid-19-updates and the CDC website.
 

Sunday, May 24, 2020

We celebrate the Ascension of the Lord this Sunday. Because of its prominence in the Easter Message, local bishops have transferred the Solemnity from Thursday to Sunday in order for more of the people to make the connection of Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven.

We discussed in last week’s bulletin that when Jesus was resurrected He was somewhat recognized by the Apostles and disciples because of factors like His wounds. Still, He was remarkably different by having a physical body and yet passing through locked doors and appearing swiftly in different areas prior to leaving the world.

When He ascended into heaven, Jesus’ followers were at peace and not saddened by His earthy departure. Why? After experiencing the resurrected presence of Jesus, the Apostles and disciples knew Jesus was Divine and rightfully needed to be with God the Father. His presence was so new, so transformed, so “other” that it undeniably required ascension into heaven. Of course, they were mystified by what lies next but assured that from heaven would come to the Holy Spirit that would reinforce them for their mission ahead.

Think about it. Not only did this little band of His followers survive but eventually, filled with the Holy Spirit, they overcame adversity and spread the Gospel to all nations. The Ascension of Jesus into heaven not only places Our Lord in His proper dignity with the Trinity but allows Him to have complete authority to govern us...His Church. Christ’s saving purpose is fulfilled... going full circle from birth, earthly mission, saving death, resurrection, and finally ascension into heaven. This feast completes Our Savior’s historic story... but it still continues, like our Gospels tells us today... ”until the end of the world.”

Need a haircut? During the social distancing of this pandemic, most of us have wanted to do something with our hair. Ten weeks is a long time to abstain from going to the hairdresser or barber. Being somewhat of a vain society, we want to be presentable or at least comfortable with the way we appear.

We are not the only ones. It is a fact that most cultures have fostered a standard of what should be on top of our heads. Remember the powdered wigs of the revolutionary war era or the “rats” that women wore at the beginning of the last century. The buzz cut was a summertime style for most males back in the 50s and 60s while the “feathered” look for girls took top billing in the 70s.

What about Jesus' time? Yep, there was a fashion statement among the Jews in Galilee two thousand years ago. Often Our Lord is pictured with flowing garments and flowing long hair and beard. Without actual photos of Jesus’ appearance, artists have depicted Him as one in their own era of time or associated His appearance to the heavenly being of the scripture, like angels, with impractical “flowing” garments.

In the bible, there aren’t any verses describing Jesus' hair. However, there are verses that describe how Jewish men were to take care of their hair according to biblical Law. Based on these verses, it is likely Jesus had neatly trimmed hair, longer sideburns, and a beard with uncut corners, setting Him apart as obedient to the Law and consecrated to God. In contrast, Romans often shaved their facial hair.

According to archeological data, first-century Palestinian Jewish men tended to keep their hair reasonably short and well-combed for good hygiene. Perhaps these descriptions can satisfy our longing to know how Jesus looked and explain our normal fixation with our hair.

Sunday, May 17, 2020

The COVID Pandemic probably has confused you more than average. I know that my routine is way off balance with daily and annually scheduled events not even being considered. The hope for the year 2020 to be clear-sighted is not being fulfilled; it is rather blurred

Taking advantage of this social pause, I am catching up on some reading. I finally finished "Jesus of Nazareth: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection", by Pope Benedict XVI. In a scholarly and spiritual way, the Pope addressed the unfolding of Holy Week and the various angles the evangelists took to explain the Paschal Mystery.

One issue discussed was the apostle’s seeming unconcern of Our Lord leaving them after Easter Sunday to return to The Father. Pope Benedict explained that once the disciples of Jesus experienced His Resurrected Presence, they realized He must be one with God the Father and in doing so divinely remained with the Church forever in a mystical way.

Jesus was seen by a multitude of His disciples after the resurrection. He walked with them, preached to and ate with them in a familiar body with nail marks, and yet Jesus was mysteriously “other” in His comings and goings through locked doors with a transformed, glorious presence.

His resurrection from the dead opened a new dimension of reality that was never experienced before. This Resurrected Jesus impacted the first witnesses so much that His physical presence was felt even without seeing Him. This resulted from Jesus’ fulfilled promise to send the Spirit from the Father who would be the advocate even though the world would see Jesus no more.

What we read about in the first years of the Church, you would expect total confusion and eventual collapse. The chaotic gathering of cultures, the breaking of traditional norms, the expulsion from the Temple, the suppression and martyrdom of the faithful by religious and government leaders...all spelled doom for the early followers of Christ. However, they seemed joyful in their struggles, confident in the confusion, and not remorse that Jesus ascended to the Father. It could only be the experiences of having the Resurrected Lord fill them with the Holy Spirit to accomplish what He started.

For those of us who live in 2020, this Resurrected Lord is just as real. It explains the faith that so many of us have during the upheaval of life. We have the Holy Spirit within us doing new and, thought of, impossible things in our lives. There is a measure of uncertainty and confusion but, deep inside, we feel God triumphantly taking charge. That is faith; a unique gift that is given to the disciples of Jesus by God. With Jesus Christ, something altogether new has entered the world, something that is deeply pleasing to God and therefore of salvific significance to us even today.

Traditionally, the Church has celebrated the resurrected presence of Jesus on earth for forty days. The number forty, in the Bible, represents a long time, a period of probation, and also signifies revival and grace. Thus, forty days after Easter approaches this Thursday, May 21, and is known as Ascension Thursday. Within our diocese, the feast is transferred to next Sunday, May 24. 
 

Sunday, May 10, 2020

On this Mother’s Day, we reverently remember all those women who give us life. They gave it physically at our birth and normally sustain that life in every possible way throughout our lives together. It is very endearing to witness a woman teach her child how to pray or be a den mother to her child’s cub scout pack. Some women extend that maternal nurturing beyond their own children to extended family and people they are fond of. We recognize their goodness in choosing life and taking their noble role seriously.

Often, we may look like one of our parents or have the other parent’s demeanor. Funny how those genes skip around and sometimes produce a clone. I am sure you know of people who “Look just like their mom,” or “Have all the traits of their father.” I had one cousin who looked like her mother but had the straightforward disposition of her father

while her sister looked like her father’s side of the family but had the sensitive disposition of her mother.

Our Gospel, this week, tells us that we must have faith in God and not let our hearts be troubled. The Apostles, at the Last Supper, were troubled that Jesus was preparing them for His departure. He was going to prepare a place for them. How can they know the way to get there? And Jesus reminds them “I am the way, and the truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Their inquiry would only be satisfied if they could see God the Father. Jesus simply tells them: “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.”

What a revelation! The Creator of all things and the active life-giving force of all the contents of every galaxy throughout known and unknown reality can be seen in Jesus. Sometimes not enlightened and often confused, as we go through the chapters of our lives, wondering where to look for truth, where to find real life, where do we go? Jesus tells us to look up to Him. He is in our reality the absolute presence of God. What He says is true. What He does is intended to give us Life.

That is precisely why His followers must be cautious not to despair but rather place their trust in Him by following His path, His Way. Allow ourselves to thank those who give us life, especially our mom today. Their vocation is truly a reflection of God’s love for us. We fulfill our calling by following the One Who gives Life and gives it abundantly.

Mothers, living and deceased, are remembered in all Masses this weekend.
A Blessed Mother's Day to all Mothers, from
Father Piekarski & Szczur, Deacon Fontana, Wuebbels & Bailey, & St. John the Beloved Parish Staff

State of the Parish... We are very thankful to everyone who is contributing to the support of our parish. Your donations are needed and helping us to maintain our parish campus and pay our bills. Thankfully, our parishioners are relatively well and coping with the present situation as best as possible. Our school and religious education classes will remain closed for the duration of the semester by government directives. The children of our school and religious education programs are being taught at home by their teachers through technology. Everyone should finish this academic year without delay. We will follow with our First Holy Communion Masses when allowed by the governor and more than likely with certain limitations and guidelines.

Our June Carnival is postponed, hopefully, to a later date this year. All sports programs have also been postponed until restrictions are lifted. Most of our parish meetings are taking place through computer screens while parish staff is mostly working from home. All Mass Intentions throughout the week are being said privately by Father Szczur and I in the chapel. Our Sunday Masses are videoed in the Vianney House Chapel, sent to Chicago to be edited and from there put on the media. Our Outreach Ministry is thankful for your contributions to the needy. They average around 50 families a week at this time and always need more supplies. Precautious practices are enforced at the parish sites with the hope that we will soon meet at a body and celebrate the Eucharist together. On this Mother’s Day, I will relay to you what my mom so often said: “Better days are around the corner!”

Sincerely, 
Father Joe

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Jesus healed a blind man on the Sabbath. This caused the Pharisees to accuse Him of being from the devil. Jesus’ response infuriated them more because He compared Himself to a shepherd; implying His divinity, because in scripture God was the ultimate Shepherd of the People who provided guidance, sustenance and protection, healed the wounds, searched the lost and was ready to lay down His life for His sheep. Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd” insinuating His true concern for His flock, unlike the Pharisees who were like the hired hands, only having self interest for pay and abandoning the sheep in their time of need.

The message is clear; those who follow the example of God need to be good shepherds and good leaders. Everyone who is entrusted with the care of others is a shepherd. Hence, pastors, parents, teachers, doctors, nurses, government officials, and caregivers, among others, are all shepherds. We become good shepherds by loving those entrusted to us, praying for them, spending our time, talents and blessings for their welfare, and guarding them from physical and spiritual dangers.

This current episode in history shows us the impact of good shepherds, valiant leaders, who have come to the forefront in serving us. They are numerous but some are worth recognizing. Parents are at home watching their children while nurturing and educating them, giving them good examples and sound religious instruction. Teachers are transforming screens into classes where students are completing the semester. Younger folks are shopping for older loved ones and protecting the more vulnerable. Homebound people are keeping tabs with others through communication and are often the ones lifting up the needed prayers. Children are entertaining themselves, watching younger siblings and coping with the disappointment of no possible prom or graduation.

Of course there are the nurses, doctors and medical staffs that are endangered by their careers but dutifully perform what healing is possible. Our military and police are on the alert for needed assistance while the emergency crews are on-call in a world that needs added protection. Pharmacies, Banks, Restaurant employees and all forms of necessary stores and businesses are cleverly serving the public with needed staples and items. Our public services are basically being supplied with the added gear that makes their work... a little more difficult. To those who keep the business of running our churches and outreach... we will never truly know what labors of love are given to all of us.

These men, women and children are true leaders. Following the Good Shepherd, may we all be kept safe and guided in the proper direction. Thank You and God reward you a hundredfold...


 

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Today’s Gospel tells us what happened the night of Easter. Two disciples were walking home to a place called Emmaus after experiencing in Jerusalem the disbelief that their Master was betrayed, brutally crucified, and that day it was rumored...Jesus is risen from the dead. It was about a seven mile walk that must have taken longer for them to achieve because of their sadness and confusion of what to believe.

These two disciples heard Jesus’ message and trusted that it would make the world a better place. Perhaps they saw some of His healings and were convinced that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

But then everything fell to pieces and they were disappointed, in severe grief and frightened that the same fate could await them as His disciples. They had loved Jesus who was now gone. Even His body was not in His tomb.

Many of us have been on this road of grief. The present circumstances from an unseen virus turned all of our lives from stable and somewhat predictable to a tragic and challenging time. The fact is, life will not be the same as it was a month and a half ago. Aggressive precautions to safeguard health and new procedures to stimulate our economy will be the new normal for all of us. When tragedy strikes, it is quite normal for us to ask many questions: Why did this happen? Where were you God?

When the disciples on the road to Emmaus were asking the “Why” question, they encountered a fellow journeyer who wisely taught them that the answer to their question could be found in Scripture. The stranger that joined them on the walk told them about the Suffering Servant of Isaiah and how the prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection. When we ask the “Why” question we also need to listen to what the Word of God, the Scriptures tell us.

From the very beginning, the writers of the Bible have been inspired by God to relay who the human person is and the positive and negative responses we have had to our Creator. The prophets, especially, foretold the need for a Savior and that He would save God’s People. The unfolding stories in Scripture point to the finale that ... God is victorious! The two disciples in today’s Gospel were witnesses to these events. Their hearts were burning when finally The Risen Lord entered their questioning walk and then their minds and hearts were opened to their part they play in salvation history.

Where were you God when this happened? God answers, “I was right there with you.” God is not remote, removed from us. God entered our existence, in Jesus, precisely to walk with us when we are rejoicing and strengthen us when we are undergoing stress. Our lives are a journey with the Lord on the road to Emmaus. With the present pandemic we naturally question the source of our grief; but the answer is near you unstirred by social distancing. Recognize His presence.

Don’t get off the road! Seven ways to manage Covid Stress Syndrome:

Psychologists have coined the term “Covid Stress Syndrome” to describe the pandemic’s impact on emotional health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released some recommendations to cope with our present situation:

*Pray! Establish times to meditate, participate in on-line Masses and services, read scripture or spiritual literature and practice your personal devotions. Remember the heart to heart talk to God is exceptionally powerful and healthy...but give yourself ample time to LISTEN to what the Lord wants to tell you. Recall the times The Lord pulled you through difficult episodes in your life and give God praise. Pray!

*Avoid pessimism as best as possible. When faced with it, change the subject and try to remain positive...a person of faith that trusts in God.

*Limit social media / news exposure. Stay on top of the daily news and reports of keeping healthy and safe, but it is not healthy to stay glued to social media, gorging on negativity. Stay informed, check credible news and avoid angst-ridden posts even from well meaning relatives and friends.

*Practice good self care. Make a point to establish good sleeping, eating and exercise habits. Rest is important to fight disease and helps you cope.

*Engage in productive activities. When we feel overwhelmed, we often try to lose ourselves in screens (TV, laptops, digital devices, etc). Research shows that while it numbs our minds, the stress tends to return when switching off the devices. Do old fashioned things like...read, do a stimulating board game or puzzle and achieve those possible projects that are needed around your house like gardening, painting, cleaning, etc.

*Build relationships with the people in your home. Make an effort to strengthen your family customs and rituals. Do family chores together and make contact with family and friends to make sure they are OK.

*Social distancing doesn’t mean going along alone. If your emotions are getting the best of you, seek professional help. Many counselors offer health services especially at this time.

This is a uniquely stressful time for all of us, but with good sense, God’s grace and the support from the people we love, we can make it through this journey together.

Divine Mercy Sunday, April 19, 2020

This Sunday we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter, recently proclaimed by Pope Saint John Paul II as the Sunday of Divine Mercy. The Gospel for this weekend is the beautiful story of the Resurrected Lord visiting His disciples on the evening of Easter. All the apostles, except Thomas, are present in locked quarters when Jesus miraculously enters their midst, physically...wounds and all. Jesus bestows “Peace” on them and breaths on them to receive the Holy Spirit with the grace to forgive sins. The absent Thomas cannot believe what the disciples experienced. A week later, the disciples were once again locked in the room, and this time Thomas was with them. Despite the locked doors, Jesus came and addressed Thomas’ doubts and this encounter with the resurrected Christ enabled Thomas to make his profession of faith: ”My Lord and my God.”

Mercy is the compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. We cannot fully know what mercy is unless we experience it ourselves. Recall the serious consequences you may have had from doing something totally wrong or objectionable and then the offense was dropped and another chance was granted. It may have been disobeying a parent’s directive, slothfulness in academics, perhaps non collaborative attitude in sports or work. When a harsh treatment was deserved and expected and the offense was forgiven... that was mercy.

How much more than sin itself is wrong?

The consequences of turning away from God are eventual disasters; and we must realize just how often we fail in responding to God’s generosity.

And yet, today’s Gospel relates the mission of God, in Jesus, extending peace and ultimate mercy to us. He allows our sins to be forgiven and shows us, through Thomas, the cost He paid with His wounds for our redemption. Jesus overlooks our shortcomings, doubts and self reliance and gives us the opportunity to have a conversion of heart and allow Him to save us. This is true mercy and what we celebrate this weekend.

Still somewhat locked in our own rooms and quarters, we fear the world around us. This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us that the Resurrected Lord cannot be hindered in entering through space and time. He extends mercy to us and we must trust and rely on Him. Thomas, in many ways, is the apostle that is most like us. He was not there when the Lord first appeared but, through his initial doubt, we know that

Saint Thomas experienced being touched by the Resurrected Christ and became a passionate believer. In our present lock down, when doubting the most, when alone, when frightened...simply say the prayer attributed to this Gospel: “Jesus, I trust in You.”

At the present time, our parish is sharing in the upheaval of the world at large and the homes of our parishioners and friends. I am personally concerned about the welfare of all of you, firstly, your health and well being. Please keep a safe distance from one another while practicing the recommended medical advice of frequent washing of hands and face and using masks when necessary in the public.

St. John the Beloved Parish has followed the guidelines of the government and diocese. Like you, we also have evaluated how we are going to meet the cost of running the parish in these uncertain times. We are being extra vigilant in cutting our budget by minimizing expenditures. Nevertheless, we have on- going costs like utilities and salaries that must be met. We have to remember that we will survive the current COVID-19 Pandemic but what remains will rely on what we now put our effort towards.

Hopefully, for all of you reading this, your parish is important to you. We need your financial support to meet our expenses. I ask that you do not forget us in contributing to the support of your Church. Whatever is possible is most appreciated. Please mail your contributions directly to St. John the Beloved Parish, 907 Milltown Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808 or take advantage of the On-Line Giving access available on our website SJBDE.org. or click on this link https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/ stj907269.

The prognosis is that recovery will take place after peaking more Coronavirus cases, in this area, within the present and following weeks. The hold on everything will probably go beyond this month and perhaps longer. So, our plea on this end is to make you aware that we need to continue until recovery and it will take your continued support. Please make every effort to help as best as you can in these difficult weeks. Also, keep your parish in prayer. May the Resurrected Lord touch each one of us.

Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 

Life is always teaching us lessons. We should always learn something from our good and bad times. With the present global crisis, what are we hopefully learning? This episode we are undergoing is unique because, unlike Pearl Harbor, the assassination of President Kennedy or 9-11, we cannot join hands but rather are told to separate and scatter. It really makes us feel abandoned, lonely and alone. Proper distancing will keep us apart but we are fortunate, today, for the technology that we are presently using to communicate with one another.

What are we learning? Well... Life is a gift for each of us and the preventative measures we are enduring is a sign that, no matter how much we may complain, protecting our lives is a priority. The attack of an unseen virus reminds us that humans are vulnerable and life is unpredictable while the virus’ rapid spread shows us just how very mobile we are today. The fortune, for so long, of satisfying what we want with instant gratification has come to a halt, proving for many how very pampered we have become and perhaps ungrateful.

What are we learning? The global economy is
plummeting and everyone is sharing in the loss of income and questioning how to pay our bills. This capitulation is equally as tragic as the disease itself and makes us focus on our dependability for one another to survive. The present situation has unveiled the character of others, including oneself. We witness heroic selflessness in areas like the medical and public arena while we cannot believe the casual concern of some for this pandemic and selfishness of too many at places like the store.

Easter is the precise time to remember that we are made from the weakest clay and that is why we need a Savior. Almost all catastrophes throughout time were not deemed by God but the result of self reliance and human frailty. At the cross, Jesus took all of humanities wickedness, arrogance, fears, uncertainty and hopes and did not forgo His mission to save all of us to the bitter end. God the Father is well pleased with this atonement for us and the perfect sacrifice teaches us that we are redeemable and loved by our Creator. He does not abandon us.

What are we learning? Recall that most of the Apostles and disciples separated and scattered when hard times fell upon the Lord. Who could blame them? They were frightened for their own lives. On the Day of Resurrection, Jesus entered their barricaded base and gave them His Easter Peace. They became believers and therefore... so have we.

We are learning a lot about ...oneself. It shows us what we are made of and even more importantly, this solitary existence should awaken us to the real meaning of Life and our relationship with the One who gives it to us. Everything is passing, this present crisis will too. But the sober truth is God indeed loves us and His Son entered our existence to show us the way back to God.

The glory of Christ’s Resurrection can be especially manifested within us this Easter because we should be learning that despite our present surroundings, God is victorious and we will survive. Allow the mystery of Our Lord’s Resurrection to get you even closer to Him to receive His Peace... Alleluia!

You and your loved ones are remembered in the Masses of this Holy Season!

Have a Blessed Easter!

Father Piekarski, Father Szczur, Deacons Bailey, Fontana & Wuebbels
and the staff of St. John the Beloved Parish

At the present time, our parish is sharing in the upheaval of the world at large and the homes of our parishioners and friends. I am personally concerned about the welfare of all of you, firstly, your health and well being. A group of women has phoned our some 1500 older parishioners to ensure that all is well with them. Our Parish Outreach is still open and supplying food to those in need. Hospital, nursing home, and homebound visitations are prohibited except, in some facilities, for the dying.

Our parish campus must remain closed until the restrictions are lifted. Our Parish Office is operated basically by staff working at home on the computer. Our teachers are still teaching their classes, through technology, and this allows the students to stay isolated at home and yet have uninterrupted lessons for them to complete the academic year as originally scheduled. Our Daycare Program is cancelled for the duration of the school year. There have been a number of funerals from the parish which can only be held at graveside, limiting attendance to 10 people. The spring weddings have been postponed to a later time.

Like you, we have evaluated how we are going to meet the cost of running the parish. Where expenditures can be minimalized, we are taking action to do so. Nevertheless, we have on-going costs like utilities and salaries that must be met. Please remember that we will survive the current Covid-19 Pandemic but what remains will rely on what we put our effort towards.

Hopefully, for all of you reading this, Church, your parish is important to you. I ask that you do not forget us in contributing to the support we need to continue. Whatever is possible as a contribution is important to us. We need your financial support to meet our expenses. Please mail your contributions directly to St. John the Beloved Parish, 907 Milltown Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808 or take advantage of the On-Line Giving access available on our website SJBDE.org. or click on this link > Giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/stj907269.

The prognosis is that recovery will take place after peaking more Coronavirus cases, in this area, within the present and following weeks. The hold on everything will probably go beyond this month and perhaps longer. So, our plea on this end is to make you aware that we need to continue until recovery and it will take your continued support. Please make every effort to help as best as you can in these difficult weeks. Also, keep your parish in prayer. May the Resurrected Lord touch each one of us.
 

Sunday, April 5, 2020 

This Palm Sunday is very inordinate. Normally we would be sharing palms with loved ones, preparing Easter egg hunts for the children, donning our spring wardrobe, purchasing Easter treats and preparing to open the beach house. Personally, the smell of vinegar is always reminiscent, for me, of dyeing Easter eggs as well as for cleaning the glass of all the house windows for spring cleaning.

Today, we are distancing ourselves and very lost from the familiarity of bonding, traditions and spiritual practices of this holiest of weeks. That first Holy Week also pulled people out of their routine. Think about it. When Our Lord entered Jerusalem on a donkey, His followers lay their clothes and hailed Him with palm branches. This disrupted those who did know Jesus in Jerusalem, especially the Temple officials. This inordinate guest had to be silenced...and was, in order to keep their predictable advantages alive.

The followers of Jesus entered a most challenging week. Excited about the popularity of Jesus by some, His Apostles and disciples were also disturbed with His condemnation by others. As the week escalated, all but one Apostle left their Messiah; one denied Him and another even betrayed Him.

What was in the heart of Christ’s Blessed Mother must have been unsettling. Mary was initially surrounded by her Son’s disciples but even so was aware that her Son had enemies. She must have grown more and more perturbed as she witnessed the plot thicken that week and His inevitable death unfold. Here again, Our Lady was basically left alone at the cross with only a few sharing in her sorrow.

The scene at Calvary was the typical Roman punishment for capital crimes, also a common sport to be viewed by the interested public. Scripture tells us that on this tragic Friday, cosmic forces overtook the sky and some who witnessed the event were jolted in becoming believers. Indeed, this was a week when the tables were turned and routine was shaken.

Our faith is founded in the tragedy of the cross where good and bad battled it out. What makes the faith, we celebrate less ceremoniously this year, so profound is the belief that evil overshadowed the world at the cross but the pure and innocent Messiah was faithful to His Father to the bitter end. Yes, the tomb was closed and all withdrew but evil did not triumph. Jesus was raised gloriously that Sunday morning and God is victorious...

This specific year, allow Palm Sunday and Holy Week be a life changing episode for you. Surely we will always remember it. Yes, it is different but remember that it was “in the inordinate” where God was the victor. At the darkest hour came the brightest light.

Preparing for Holy Week: At this time, the ban on social contact continues to be enforced and will run into our High Holy Days. Locally, professionals feel we have not yet peaked with the ramifications of COVID-19. Globally, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has given unprecedented directions for the Universal Church to celebrate Easter. With social distancing predicated, we will have to be creative in uniting ourselves in this holiest time of the year.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week. Please visit SJBDE.org/Easter for a list resources to aid in your home celebration of the Holy Week, links to online Masses and more.

To abide by social distancing, take advantage of the many wonderful spiritual exercises available on television (EWTN) and websites available with Bishop Robert Barron, The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington and St. John the Beloved Parish. There are links that will connect you with the Diocesan Holy Week Liturgies, from the Cathedral of St. Peter in Wilmington, for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, Passion of the Lord on Good Friday and the Easter Vigil, late on Holy Saturday evening.

Our parish will video Mass for Palm Sunday and Easter Morning. Make a Spiritual Communion when you listen and participate reverently in these Masses. This is the act of unifying yourself with the Eucharistic Lord, like: 

“My Jesus, I believe that you’re present in the Holy Sacrament. I love You above all else, and I desire You in my soul. As long as I can’t receive You sacramentally, at least enter spiritually into my soul.”

Our parish will video Tenabrae, which is the service of “shadows” or “darkness” for Holy Week, precisely Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Dating back to the Middle Ages, through the praying of psalms, hymns and sacred readings, this 12 part service recreates the emotional aspects of Our Lord being abandoned by His twelve Apostles and led into His Passion. Left in darkness, alone, is the Light of Christ which is escorted out to His death.  

Since the sacrament of Penance or Confession is on hold, until the social ban is lifted, privately examine your conscience and make a good confession of sin followed by a sincere Act of Contrition:

“O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they
offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.”

Hopefully the ban will be lifted in time for the faithful to make their Easter Duty, which is making a worthy confession and making a worthy Communion during the Easter Season. Easter Season ends on Trinity Sunday, June 7th this year.

 Questions? Please CALL! St. John the Beloved Parish Office at 302.999-0211, or email via "Contact Us" online at SJBDE.org. Our mailing address is 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington DE 19808. Thank you.
 

Sunday, March 29, 2020 

Using modern technology, our parish is trying to keep in contact with each of you. It may not have the personal touch we often appreciate but it conveys our well wishes and blessings to one another.

Today’s Gospel about the raising of Lazarus could not be more appropriate than it is for us today. Jesus’ good friends are in a dilemma. Martha and Mary are concerned that their brother Lazarus is sick and send a message to Jesus. He postpones coming to Bethany, where the family resided, until Lazarus died. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, the funeral was completed and the two sisters are disappointed that Jesus was not there when their brother was dying.

Troubled in spirit, Jesus goes to the tomb of Lazarus and orders him to come out. Note that the Jewish population was well aware of disease and contamination when they remind Jesus that the corpse has been dead for four days. Following Jesus’ command, the burial stone is removed and Lazarus, the dead man, came out. A very dramatic scene showing the divine power Christ has over a bad situation...even death.

What we are going through is a similar situation. Disease and death are threatening the general public and precautions have to be allowed. Two thousand years ago, the ancient people of Israel were aware of contagion when they insisted on cleanliness with food, lepers being ostracized and the rapid burial of the dead to prevent the spread of disease. What we are experiencing is nothing new. Even Our Lord was aware of such predicaments.

The above image by Rembrandt, represents what the artist himself hoped for, in the seventeenth century, after the harrowing despair the artist himself faced; the incomprehensible deaths of one loved one after another, until there was none. Rembrandt was convinced of the Gospel truth that the power of darkness cannot put love to death even though it has the means to do so in times of near despair.

This particular Gospel touched Rembrandt’s heart because Jesus is so human He weeps over His friend: “See how much He loved him!” the people explain. This pain, this darkness, Rembrandt knew only too well after watching his parents, his wife, his children and friends horribly crushed by illness and snatched up in death.

Yes, the power of evil often triumphs—except that this man, Jesus who weeps, all too human as He is, suddenly says: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” And Rembrandt, who witnessed so much darkness and separation, believes in Him. Most significant in this canvas is the intense play of light striking the tomb of Lazarus. Those present at the miracle are spellbound. The figure of the Lord forms the vertical axis dividing the composition: a human Jesus, still grief-stricken, but the Christ of superhuman stature. Twice the height of the other figures, his right hand masterfully raised, with the power of God He commands His friend to rise. Our faith is not in vain.

At the writing of this bulletin, everything is changing minute to minute. To safeguard the public, the government is enacting stricter policies that keep us at a distance for obvious reasons. The Church, and in particular our Diocese, is cooperating with these policies to prevent the COVID-19 virus and all illness from spreading. Please use our website, SJBDE.org, to keep in contact with our parish. Assist those who do not have this technology, to be informed by phone. We are in a global crisis with unseen factors that spread within human contact. Therefore, avoiding unnecessary encounters with people is the moral thing to do right now. These are positive restrictions to keep everyone healthy.

Unfortunately, these restrictions will hinder Holy Week for us. As details are unfolding, we will keep you up to date. So what can we do for the remainder of Lent? We are already Fasting from natural routine and I ask you, the stronger folks, to be Charitable by contacting everyone you know by phone, texting, e-mail, etc. who is alone and may need something. This is indeed the most practical and necessary way to serve the needs of the poor at this time, as is donations to our Parish Outreach. They are dispensing food, only, at the Community Center Door to those in need.

Lastly, PRAY. All scheduled Masses are being said privately each day. So your intentions are lifted in prayer although walls separate us for now. Masses are available, to participate in, via television, on this and diocesan websites. EWTN has a multitude of devotions that one can devoutly participate in during the remainder of Lent and Easter. TAKE advantage of this modern technology. Private prayers like Stations of the Cross, rosary, litanies, spiritual readings and meditations will open your mind to the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection; a relevant fact in this day and age. Be good to one another, especially the ones you may live with. Charity is the greatest virtue... let us practice it.

Sunday, March 22, 2020 

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally known as Laetare Sunday, so-called from the first word of theantiphon for this day. “Laetare! Rejoice!” sets a tone of joyful anticipation of the Easter mystery, as does the permitted use of rose-colored vestments. Since most of the world is aiming to practice social distancing, we naturally feel disconnected and the climactic response to what is intended for this week is deflated.

Not being able to attend Mass or devotional, Lenten practices makes us lost. Please keep up your prayer life, fasting and almsgiving from home. Watch Mass on television, make a spiritual Communion, do spiritual readings, meditate, say the rosary, pray the Way of the Cross...

Perhaps the “extra” funds we may have from the abstinence of going out are a perfect sum to give to charity. Please remember that your weekly contributions are still needed and our Parish Outreach also continues their ministry needing donations. Just leave the food to the Parish Office and mail-in your church contributions. Consider joining “on-Line” giving to the Parish Office. Please know that all Mass intentions are being satisfied in private Masses on the days they are intended. Weddings and funerals are a go as planned but considered “private” for now and have some restrictions.

This present restrictions are placed upon us to keep us safe and protect the most vulnerable. Let us pray that this distancing from one another will allow health and normality to return...and enhance a closer relationship with Our Lord. Better days are coming. Look toward the brightness of the Resurrection...Rejoice!
​​​​​​

Sunday, March 15, 2020 

These past days have truly altered our lives.  Fear and anxiety seem to be the general concern among us because of the Coronavirus and seasonal illnesses.  Social distancing has altered our routine. Even our mild winter and early spring are making us rethink what normal is.  
 
As the situation with the pandemic continues, our concern is to promote health and safety.  We acknowledge and appreciate all that is being done globally and specifically by everyone to stifle the spread of all viruses.  Relying on the numerous experts of disease control and prevention, we must listen seriously to what they strongly advise about staying home when ill, thoroughly washing hands, avoiding large gatherings and close contact with people.  We have to heed the medical reminders that upending the normal routines of our lives is not in itself a reason to panic but a way to save off needing panic down the line.   
 
We are more informed today in controlling these viruses, therefore it is our moral obligation to listen to the wisdom at hand, keep well ourselves, protect those around us, especially those who are most at risk and heal the affected.  The present constrains are aiming to safeguard one another from sickness and…death…despite the inconvenience.  Perhaps the loss of control and awkward detour will assist our Lenten Journey by reminding us that life is fragile, unpredictable and sacrificial.    
 
The additional time we now have, because of cancellations, is a void that must be filled with…PRAYER. Is it not one of the three pillars of lent that can complement the other two; fasting from that which we are accustomed and charity toward our neighbors in need?  This pandemic is full of many spiritual lessons.  
 
Throughout history, Catholic Christians in serious adversity have sought the intercession of Our Blessed Mother.  Pope Francis has asked the Virgin Mary to watch over the world in this current moment of crisis.  United in prayer and redemptive suffering, let us raise our voices to heaven, knowing that the horizon will eventually shine with a new rising and our present concerns will pass away.  We are a people of resurrection 

Pope Francis has asked the Virgin Mary to watch over the world in this current moment of crisis.
 
An English-language translation of the Pope’s prayer is below:
 
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain,
with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.
We are certain that you will provide, so that,
as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the Father’s will
and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us,
through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.
Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

May the peace of Christ control your hearts at this time of anxiety. Let us continue to pray.

 

Sunday, March 15, 2020 

Dear parishioners and friends,

The Lenten Gospel of the meeting of Jesus with the Samaritan Woman, at the well, is a story of quenching thirst.  Jesus was passing through Samaria, a hostile area for Jews, and He is tired, thirsty and sits near a famous biblical well.  Looking for someone to draw water from this well, Jesus addresses a woman resident to obtain water.  He is breaking the taboos of His time by speaking to a woman, a Samaritan. 

Shocked by Jesus’ request, the woman converses with Him and in the middle of all this, Jesus says something to the woman that causes her to allow Him to change her life.  Jesus recognized her sinful ways and this caused the woman to change her life.  Jesus’ tone must have said to her, “My dear woman, you can do better.” 

This dry encounter ended in overflowing grace.  The woman’s life was saved, she felt her real worth and it bubbled up throughout her community.  The Samaritans saw the change in one of their own and wanted to share in her happiness.  They, too, recognized the dignity of Christ in their midst, believed and followed Him.

Maybe, in our Lenten journey, we tend to see our sins as not mortal and therefore we are not that bad.  But when we recall our thoughts, and count the many acts of selfishness we act upon…we know we could do better.  Jesus wants to make us better than we are.  He alone can give Life Giving Water to quench our deepest yearnings for happiness.  Happy Lent.

The Little Sisters of the Poor will be with us at all Masses next weekend.  Please be considerate of their wonderful ministry to the aged.

Note that our Parish Mission will begin at all Masses next weekend.  Please take this opportunity to be spiritually nourished during this Lenten Season.

Sincerely, 
Father Joe
 

Sunday March 8, 2020

The common theme of today’s readings is transformation. The readings invite us to work with the assistance of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives by renewing them during Lent. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is revealed as a glorious figure, superior to Moses and Elijah. The primary purpose of Jesus’ Transfiguration was to allow Him to consult His Heavenly Father in order to ascertain His plan for His Son’s suffering, death and Resurrection.

The secondary aim was to make His chosen disciples aware of His Divine glory, so that they might discard their worldly ambitions and dreams of a conquering political Messiah and might be strengthened in their time of trial. On the mountain, Jesus is identified by the Heavenly Voice as the Son of God. Thus, the transfiguration narrative is a revelation of Who Jesus really is; giving us a glimpse of the Heavenly glory awaiting us.

As Christians, we continually change. Lent allows us to see our purpose for making Jesus the center of our lives; He is the Son of God. The tension we have within ourselves, the struggle to be less sinful and more holy are well worth overcoming because the Lord is the object of our desire and what we lack in our abilities are achieved by Christ’s death and resurrection. Lent is a time of transformation.

The flu, virus and cold season is peaking in many areas. Although the Coronavirus is of specific concern, the flu has had more impact in our area. Please remember that if you are seriously ill, there is no sin in avoiding Sunday Mass and recuperating. Stay at home and get well without spreading any sickness. The health department always reminds us that in order to limit illness at this time, wash your hands more often, and avoid close physical contact with other people. As for the sign of peace at Mass, simply avoid hand shaking or embracing. Also, please abstain from taking the Precious Blood from the chalice. This thoughtful consideration will keep us healthier.

 

Sunday, March 1, 2020

This past Wednesday, we were reminded of our humble beginnings. Our first reading, today, also tells us that we are formed out of the clay of the ground. These reflections are repeated annually to sharpen our life focus: the things of this world are passing and finite, while the divine spirit breathed into us is permanent and infinite. The beginning of Lent is a recollection of the cunningness of the devil in our human lives. It does not take much for evil to convince us we can do everything without God’s approval. How easily we are convinced that we do not need God or that there is an easier path to get what I want or that somehow God does not have our interest or perhaps... God may not even exist. The analogy of us being of weak origin and returning to basic matter points to our human frailty indeed.

Look at the world, look at yourself and we know that the Father of Lies fools us over and over again.

That is why Lent is a good time to reinforce our strength to be what we claim to be: Disciples of Christ. The Lord Himself went through a stringent physical, psychological and spiritual examination in the desert. His model of praying and fasting is what we need to imitate. Lent is a time to get away from the abstractions of life and place emphasis on what needs to be corrected in our relationship with God.

Prayer opens us to the grace that is given to those who ask for it. Prayer allows us to open ourselves to God in the silence of our hearts and minds and simply ask for correction, direction in our lives. In addition to daily Mass, Stations of the Cross and Exposition, taking time to read good spiritual articles and taking time to reflect, meditate is most important. We often are surprised, when giving the Lord this opportunity, to actually hear the Lord speaking to our hearts.

The Lord fasted, and so should we because it eliminates the routine of satisfying what we want. Fastingpurifies our intentions and truly allows us to recognize what is really important. Always looking back at the meals that we abstained from or the treats that we oh so needed...we recognize that we “do not live on bread alone.” My uncle, who was a priest, often said: “We should always leave the table...a little hungry.”

Lastly the ample time, we create by going into this desert experience gives us the opportunity to some good deeds: Be more charitable to the poor and needy, visit the abandoned and lonely, be kinder to family and coworkers, listen more intently to those who need a friend, etc, etc. What good is faith if we do not practice it? Lent shows us how to be people of faith, genuine Christians, loving children of God. Welcome to Lent. Remember... life is passing. Do not let this time pass away without some advancement toward our ultimate goal... everlasting Life in Heaven.