October 24

You may have heard the expression, “It was so dark that I couldn’t see my hand in front of me.” That is the helpless condition in which we find Bartimaeus in today’s Gospel. He may have been that way since birth, eliminating Bartimaeus from participating in the regular activities of life. His blindness reduced him to begging. A blind beggar is totally dependent on others. Day after day he completely depends on the kindness and mercy of other people.

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus, the miracle doer, was approaching, he took the chance to call on Jesus. Calling Him the “Son of David” shows the desperate faith this blind man had in the Lord. In spite of what the crowd was telling him to be quiet, Bartimaeus persisted in calling the Lord to change his life by leading him out of darkness into light.

Note that, in spite of all that arguing and noise, Jesus hears him! In a way, that should not surprise us, because Jesus always hears people when they call on Him. Jesus was moved with compassion when He heard Bartimaeus cry out like this. Our Lord instructed the disciples to bring the blind man to Him. Then Jesus spoke to Bartimaeus, “Go, your faith has healed you”. Those words must have been like an electric shock to Bartimaeus. What a joy it must have been for this man to receive his sight! And the first person Bartimaeus saw was... JESUS!

Yes, Bartimaeus followed Jesus. What other way would he want to go?

Nowadays, there are still many people who are physically blind. But there are many more people who are ‘spiritually’ blind; and that spiritual blindness is greater and deeper than dark. Because spiritual darkness is separation from God, which means: no hope, no light, no life. Total darkness!

When you already walk in the Light. . . praise the Lord and thank Him for His gift of faith. For those who are far from the Light...the world is full of shadows. This leads to misdirection and feeling lost. Saddest of all are those who live in total darkness. They are abandoned and overwhelmed, struggling to make sense of life. Thousands, millions of people live in this spiritual darkness.

As disciples, we are often the ones who can shed some light on this void. Just like the disciples who brought Bartimaeus to Jesus, we bring the spiritually blind to the Divine Healer ... sometimes by the light they see in us, sometimes by the daily carrying out of life...and yes, sometimes by the hand. Jesus so often uses His disciples to bring the desperate to Him. It is not about us...the person they are looking for is...Jesus!

Priests’ Retreat - This week, Oct. 26-28, all active Diocesan priests are required to gather for a retreat with Bishop Koenig in Cambridge, MD. Some retired priests will be on call for an emergency. The 8:00 Daily Masses on Tuesday, October 26, Wednesday, October 27 and Thursday, October 28 will be replaced with a Prayer Service in our church, celebrated by our Deacons. The Mass intentions that are scheduled for those days will be satisfied by our parish priests in Cambridge. Keep all of us in prayer next week.
 

October 17

Amid the twelve chosen apostles, James and his brother John (our patron) were given by Jesus the name “Boanerges” which means “Sons of Thunder” (Mk 3:17).  You don’t get a nickname like that for no reason.  They were rough-hewn guys—amazing, colorful characters probably with powerful voices.  They would not back away from a confrontation. In fact, they might even have looked forward to one. They could be very aggressive.  And they also could be very insensitive.  They wanted authority so they could show their power and have people fear them.  In the Kingdom of God, authority would come through service, not through power. They had it all wrong until they were transformed by Christ.

Today’s gospel is really an encouragement to continue to serve the Lord through service to others.  All achievements in life come through work and sacrifice.  Look at the good parents who are worn out with their jobs and yet they coach, direct scouts, help with homework and lead their children to Mass.  Of course there are the children who care for their parents or elders when things are getting difficult for them with age. 

We see throughout the parish the faithful who have their own lives to lead and yet find time to assist with our Outreach Programs, minister to the homebound and in liturgies.  Our parish children offer their assistance as servers and choir members.  Our prayer groups uplift us in prayer while our different societies work for many specific parish needs and humanitarian goals.  This is what we celebrate this Laity Sunday…all that everyone gives to make us who we are…The Body of Christ. 

James and John had it wrong at first but as their lives unfolded they indeed sacrificed their lives for the Kingdom of God, in fact, they are among the great gathered around Jesus’ throne.  Know that your labors for the sake of the Kingdom are not in vain.  As a parish, we Thank You for all you do for our community of faith.  There are places in heaven waiting for you and me.   

If a parishioner is in the hospital and desires a visit from our parish priests, please notify the Parish Office at 999-0211.  We are no longer notified by the hospital when our parishioners have been admitted.

Priests’ Retreat -   Next week, Oct. 26-28, all active Diocesan priests are required to gather for a retreat with Bishop Koenig in Cambridge, MD.  Some retired priests will be on call for an emergency.  The 8:00 Daily Masses on Tuesday, October 26, Wednesday, October 27 and Thursday, October 28 will be replaced with a Prayer Service in our church, celebrated by our Deacons.  The Mass intentions that are scheduled for those days will be satisfied by our parish priests in Cambridge.  Keep all of us in prayer next week.

October 9

In our Gospel, we see a very polite, respectful, and eager young man run to Jesus to learn from Him. Luke’s Gospel tells us he was a magistrate or kind of Justice of the Peace. We know that he believed in eternal life and wanted it; an unusual wisdom in someone of his position and age.

Jesus answers by telling the lad to “keep the commandments;” and He specifically listed the six that deal with human relationships, the more difficult ones to observe. The young ruler responds in the affirmative saying “I kept all of them since youth.” Jesus then looks at him “with love,” a benevolent concern, and tells him to then sell his possessions to benefit the needy, and follow Him as a disciple. Unwilling to do this, the youth went away "sorrowful.” What was holding him back?

Twice Jesus tells us how hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. The Christian walk is difficult but more so for the wealthy because they often grow too accustomed to affluence. Jesus clearly says for effect that it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. Can this be done? Of course not!

There is nothing spiritually wrong with wealth itself. The problem is in the security we desire and hoard in a consumer-driven society. So often we are just too comfortable with what we want or have rather than with what we really need and this tension holds us back from fully committing to the Lord. To reiterate, wealth itself is not the problem, but our false sense of security in those attachments that cannot buy us true happiness or everlasting life.

Jesus' disciples were horrified at His words. "Who then can be saved?" Secretly—we all would love to win the lottery. Christ pushes the point that one cannot save his/herself through money, skills, talents, intellect, or good looks! Salvation is from God alone, by His grace. Jesus assures us that we have our part to play and are rewarded for our efforts but God alone can satisfy what we really desire.

Flowers at the altar are in memory of Joseph F. Cieniewicz, Jr.

If a parishioner is in the hospital and desires a visit from our parish priests, please notify the Parish Office at 999-0211. We are no longer notified by the hospital when our parishioners have been admitted.

October 3

Have you ever felt disconnected? Sometimes it is a misunderstanding or misperception and at times even unawareness of the other party. Yet, sometimes...it is intentional. Schools, clubs, fraternities and sororities practice hazing to reject the unwanted. Many careers have a pecking order to eliminate members of a group. Most people have experienced some form of bullying to keep you out of a clique, community and even family dynamics.

Our readings, today, point to the need for connection. From the beginning of time, as told in Genesis, God saw that “It is not good for man to be alone.” So the Lord created a partner for the human race to relate to, respect and love. Our Gospel repeats the need of staying connected when Jesus said: “Let no one separate what God has joined.” Later in the Gospel, Jesus emphasizes the importance of everyone, even little children...”It is to just such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs.”

Somehow we are losing our human identity and need to stay connected. The family structure is dissolving. Benevolent organizations are shrinking. Friendships are strained. The Nation is divided while more and more individuals are seeking independence from others. And all this is reflected in the attitudes and lifestyles ofcontemporary society. Self independence disregards the need for other people.

Today is Respect Life Sunday and the entire month is dedicated to this ideal. Every person’s life is important and needs to be connected. The Church has been fighting, for over fifty years, against abortion... the intentional taking of life. Authored by God, all human life has a unique composition from conception and must be respected throughout gestation, birth and unto natural death.

Struggling to survive this disjointedness can make us realize that the mounting disrespect we have for life itself is the problem. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 7:12: “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” This rule of conduct summarizes the fundamental ethical principle for all living beings that we stay connected with everyone... the unborn, the toddler, the classmate, the spouse, the neighbor, the foreigner, the unimportant, abandoned, aged, sick and dying. Perhaps we can relate better to this moral quest by recalling how we felt when we were not wanted or needed.

Blessing of Animals: Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved saints. His radical conversion influenced the world for 800 years. Although his life attracted people to his simplicity of life with Lady Poverty and his spirituality in the Mystery of the Cross, it is his love for all creation and our connectedness with it that we most often remember. We celebrate St. Francis’ feast day on Monday, October 4th this year. The customary blessing of animals will take place that evening at 6 p.m., outside, between the church and the hall.

Reminder from the Diocese of Wilmington: Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks, but those who are unvaccinated are required to cover their mouth and nose with a mask.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the diocesan Share in the Spirit tuition assistance collection last week. For those of you who have not yet participated, you may still contribute to the Share in the Spirit collection for tuition assistance. Please drop your envelope in the collection basket or parish office or, visit the Share in the Spirit website at www.cdow.org/sharespirit.html and click on “Ways to Give.” This important collection supports the mission and ministry of our Catholic schools by assisting parents who seek a Catholic education for their children but who struggle to afford the full cost of tuition. Your support is gratefully appreciated.

September 26

Today’s Gospel gives testimony to our patron Saint John. A passionate man for the Lord, he is angry that a person outside of Christ’s disciples was casting out demons in the name of Jesus. Our Lord tells him not to stop the good the outsider is doing. A similar thing happened over a thousand years earlier when Moses gathered seventy elders and called upon them the spirit to prophesy. Two of these elders were outside the immediate gathering and also received the spirit to the dissatisfaction of Moses’ inner circle. When hearing it, Moses was glad that more of God’s work was being accomplished beyond Moses’ own reach.

In the same way in our own times, there are many people of many faiths whose preaching is authentic. We recognize that people of other faiths share in the Spirit of the Father and the Son and proclaim His truth. We celebrate their proclamation and join them in works of charity.

So, the question arises, is it acceptable to go outside the Catholic Church to be spiritually nourished? Perhaps the best answer is beyond the immediate attraction to other denominations and to focus on what we uniquely cherish. Yes, some pastors may be more eloquent speakers and some liturgies outside our rituals may be more attractive to our pop culture. Indeed, some churches are smaller and supply a needed friendly community with ample opportunities to pray and minister together.

But like the sixty-eight who were in the tent with Moses when they received the spirit or the apostles and disciples who were most often in Jesus’ company, we have the fullness of what Christ and His Church has to offer. This includes the Presence of Jesus in the sacraments, namely the Eucharist. His forgiveness is offered in Penance while His healing balm of grace is given in anointing. We have continuous apostolic leadership and moral teaching given first to Saint Peter. We have two-thousand years of saintly examples that enhance our lives to this very day.

Saint John knew that to be successful the early Church had to be dedicated to the Lord and not have a divided heart. At the end of his life, Saint John was disappointed in the early Church because the initial vigor to follow Christ had diminished and culture stole the hearts of many former followers of Christ. Hence, John wrote the Book of Revelation that warns the Church that the time of change and purification was at hand. History repeats itself and a rededication is needed once more. Saint John’s passionate love for Christ and His Church would tell us to stay focused on Jesus and truly appreciate the fullness of faith we already possess.

Today’s second collection is taken in support of the diocesan tuition assistance program. Monies raised through this collection coupled with the diocese’s tuition assistance endowment provides financial assistance to hundreds of deserving families who seek a Catholic education for their children but who cannot afford the full cost of tuition.


If you are not prepared to contribute today, you may drop your contribution off at the parish office or place it in next week’s collection basket. For further information and on-line giving options, visit the Share in the Spirit website at www.cdow.org/sharespirit.html.

Reminder from the Diocese of Wilmington: Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks, but those who are unvaccinated are required to cover their mouth and nose with a mask.


September 19

Next week, parishioners throughout the diocese will be asked to help make the dream of a Catholic education a reality for many struggling Catholic families. Monies raised through this collection coupled with the diocese’s tuition assistance endowment provides financial assistance to hundreds of deserving families who seek a Catholic education for their children but who cannot afford the full cost of tuition.

Through this collection, our Bishop is reaching out to believing and worshipping Catholics like you to assist him in ensuring the Catholic commitment to total education of our children does not fade away because people cannot afford it.

Please support next week’s Share in the Spirit collection. God bless you
for your ongoing goodness. To learn more about the Share in the Spirit collection and its importance, go to the diocesan website at www.cdow.org/sharespirit.html.

We celebrate Catechetical Sunday this weekend to honor everyone who follows in the footsteps of Jesus by passing on, in word and example, the lessons from Jesus. Appreciation is extended to our School Principal, Director of Religious Education, RCIA team, all teachers in various programs and all those who volunteer to pass on to the new generation, the deposit of faith.

The 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal is $355 short of our parish target. We are nearly there. Of the $181,000 that is our goal, $180,645 has been pledged and $158,000 has been collected. Please be faithful in fulfilling your pledge. Our diocese and parish thank you for your commitment to the ministry of the entire diocese. If by chance, you missed out on a pledge or donation, this is the opportunity to share in the work of the Lord. Again, thank you for your support and donations. May God reward your charity.

September 12

We will celebrate, this week, the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on Tuesday and then the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on Wednesday. These feasts commemorate the finding of the true cross, in Jerusalem, bySaint Helena; followed by the sorrowful presence of Mary at the foot of the cross. Both days point to the suffering of redemption.

It was on the wood of the cross, a tree commonly used daily in the Roman regions, where criminals were executed publicly, where Jesus took upon Himself our sins and suffered. Standing with Him was His Mother. She suffered the agony of witnessing her Son’s humiliating, cruel death. Her tears were not only of a mother but that of the first disciple of Jesus.

The prophet Isaiah, in today’s first reading, writes of a willingness to embrace whatever humiliation and pain that following God might entail. He is willing to offer his back to those who beat him and his cheeks to those who pluck his beard. This passage is called the “Suffering Servant” of the one who is convinced that God will help him in spite of his troubles.

We just celebrated the twentieth anniversary of September 11th and recall the multitude of
good people who were consumed by that terrorism. These past weeks disclosed even more tragic loss of life and brutality in the evacuation of Afghanistan. The hurricane, Ida, left destruction in our southern states. The increasing loss of too many from the epidemic of addictions and suicide is a chronic social suffering. The lack of necessities to simply live plagues thousands of innocent people throughout the world. And each one of us has our own troubles.

Those who are followers of Christ will, indeed, know suffering. Discipleship is often countercultural, demanding one to imitate the path of Christ who died to self. The sufferings and answers are complicated and all of us empathize with Saint Peter in today’s Gospel when, after Jesus foretold His passion and death, Peter says: “God forbid, Lord, that anything should happen to you.” Jesus' rebuke must have stung Peter terribly. "You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do." Peter thought that happiness could come without a price. He was not ready to fight or suffer against evil to discover an infinitely greater life.

As followers of Christ, we have to be willing to sacrifice the happiness of this world for the sake of theKingdom of God. "Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it. But whoever will lose his life for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel will save it."

September 5

On this Labor Day weekend, we celebrate the contributions of workers who make up the strength, prosperity and well being of our Nation. Human labor is honorable. Jesus, Himself, worked as a carpenter with Saint Joseph. When our efforts at work are offered to God, they become sacred. These minor and major tasks also connect us with the human spirit in cooperating with one another to make life better for everyone, especially the weakest among us, those who are marginalized.

That is the point of today’s readings. The prophet, Isaiah, has a vision of the day coming when the blind will see and the deaf will hear.
And this was fulfilled in Jesus who demonstrates mastery over the limits of human misery: “He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put His finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then looked up to heaven and said “Be Opened!” And immediately the man’s ears were opened and his speech impediment was removed (Mark 7:31-37).

There is a great deal of noise in our lives: the irritating fax machine connection on a phone, the disturbing sounds of telemarketer calls and texts, loud sirens and maximized volume of car radios. These noises often deafen us in our surroundings. On this Labor Day weekend, we recall the employees who labored in noisy, throbbing atmospheres like the steel mills, coal mines and fabrication plants. Locally, many people were burdened with this heavy labor in the loud automobile assembly plants and leather factories...and lost the ability to hear.

With so much noise, the same thing can happen to us. We can become deaf to God speaking to us quietly in our hearts. Equally tragic is the fact that we preferentially hear only what we want to hear and turn a deaf ear to the pleas of those around us who are in some need; very often in our own household, next door, at our places of business or among friends.

During baptism the priest or deacon touches the ears and mouth of the one who is baptized saying: “The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the mute speak. May He soon touch your ears to receive His word and your mouth to proclaim His faith.” Today is a good day to truly listen and allow the Lord to “open” our minds and hearts to the Lord Himself and the crying world around us.

Labor Day is Monday, September 6th. The one Mass, that day, will be at 9 a.m. We thank God for those who have employment and ask the Lord to assist those seeking employment. Happy Labor Day!

Our Parish School started this past week ....we wish our principal, staff and students good luck this coming academic year and may God Bless their every endeavor!

Flowers at the altar are in memory of Frank Delikat.

August 29

Traditions are important. They create familiarity, a sense of continuity and belonging. They reinforce values. But sometimes they can get in the way of what truly matters. In today's passage, Jesus once again steps on some favorite traditions when the Pharisees find fault in Jesus’ disciples who did not observe washing their hands before eating. This ceremonial washing was more symbolic than hygienic. Along with the washing of outside objects, this tradition was to keep the person religiously purified. These rules were not even derived from Scripture, so Jesus rebukes them for giving too much weight to the "tradition.”

Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because they honored God outwardly and not inwardly. They were zealous to honor God through their own traditions, but ignored God's explicit guidelines for honoring Him – His Commandments. For example, Hebrew sons were allowed, by a traditional technicality in a vow, to

ignore helping their parents with possessions or savings. So they let human ritual take precedence over the Fourth Commandment.

According to Jesus, what is essential to true worship is drawing near to God with your heart, not just mouthing words of praise. What is Christ's main point here? Ceremonially unclean hands or foods do not affect your heart. It's not what you put in your body, but what comes out of your heart that matters to God. And Jesus lists the many evils that "come from inside and make a man unclean." Sin springs from hatred and selfishness within a person and takes its expression in the terrible actions: fornication, murder, theft, adultery, etc. Virtue springs from hearts full of the love of God and responds with charity, kindness, and upright decent behavior.
Like the Pharisees, we sometimes overemphasize the less important pieces of the puzzle and forget the heart of the matter. The motivation for our actions as Christians must be hearts full of love for God that motivates good actions from us. What matters is what is inside of us. So...

Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words. Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions.
Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits.
Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character.
Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny.

Author unknown

Flowers at the altar are in thanksgiving for the 60th wedding anniversary of Ronald & Annette DeMarco

On September 1st, parishioner Luke Duchemin, a graduate of Saint John the Beloved School (‘10) and Saint Mark’s High School (‘14), will be entering the postulancy with the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR’s) in Harlem, NY. The CFR’s live alongside and serve the materially poor, while seeking to share the joy of the gospel. Please keep Luke and the other 8 incoming postulants in your daily prayers. You can learn more about the community and their life here: https://www.franciscanfriars.com. Luke just finished serving 2-years as a college campus missionary with Focus at the University of Connecticut.

St. John the Beloved Parish admires Luke’s positive response to the gospel life with the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Luke’s family is active in our

parish. We lift him up in our prayers and support him with our encouragement. If anyone wishes to assist him and his community, please send your support to: Luke Duchemin, St. Joseph’s Friary, 523 W. 142nd Street, New York, NY 10031 God Bless You, Luke.

August 22

We have been studying Chapter 6 of John’s Gospel that records Jesus' miracle of feeding the five thousand and then Jesus explains that “He is The Bread of Life come down from heaven.” The chapter ends today on a sad note when Jesus’ own disciples had great difficulties accepting His call to eat His flesh and drink His blood as a way to life. Surely if we had been there, we would have problems also.Jesus is fully aware of their difficulty. If they have problems with this, how will they react when He rises from the dead and ascends to the Father?

Jesus then points out where the problem really lies. “It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words I spoke to you are spirit and life.” The disciples are hearing Jesus’ words only in the “flesh” and not with the penetrating eyes of the Spirit. Understanding the real meaning of Jesus’ words requires the gift, the grace of faith: “No one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” Faith is a gift open to all but it is a gift to which one needs to be open to receive. And so, after this, many of Jesus’ disciples left Him and stopped going with Him.

Jesus then turns to the Twelve, “What about you? Do you want to go away too?” Peter makes his profound act of faith. In the original Greek, the translation is “Lord, to whom shall we go? “We have come to know and have come to believe and continue to do so...” It indicates not just a momentary outburst of faith but an ongoing state of seeing and believing.

When we reflect on it, we know that Peter is right. There is really no viable alternative to the Way of Jesus. Chapter 6 of John’s Gospel is important because it parallels the Last Supper scene of the other gospels where Jesus gives His Body to eat and His Blood to drink and soon after is denied by many including His own apostles. This Gospel is Saint John’s way of emphasizing the presence of God in Jesus; His offering of this sacrificial life to us in Him by believing in Him and partaking of it. This means trusting Him even when He states that “This is My Body and This is My Blood” (Lk 22, Matt 26, Mk 14) as well as “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again (Lk 24).”

For Peter and those that remained, walking away from Christ meant turning their backs on the Son of God, and the only hope for their salvation. Those that walked away had been interested in Jesus to some degree. However, they walked away from Him because they felt like they could do without Him. What about you? Could you live without Jesus? If you no longer followed Him, would it change anything about your life now, or your future?

August 15

“Hail Mary full of grace...” is familiar to us in our prayer to Our Blessed Mother. It stems from Luke’s Gospel when the Angel Gabriel visited Mary in Nazareth and announced that she would be the mother of Christ. Being full of grace assures us that Mary was chosen to conceive the Lord because she lacked nothing to God’s will. There was no room for sin in her life.

As a Church, we believe she sustained that fullness of grace throughout her earthly life and that leads us to today’s special Solemnity. Death is the ultimate consequence of sin, due to Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God. Since Mary totally aligned herself with God’s will... full of grace... she had to be exempt from the ravage of death.

Since the early days of the Church, Mary’s passing from this life into eternity was called her Dormition (“Falling asleep”). St. Paul also uses this imagery in his First Letter to the Thessalonians 4:14 in reference to Jesus raising the dead, “God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.” As her life totally followed the path of God, so too did her path follow into heaven. Mary was taken up...assumed... directly into heaven with body and soul by God. Mary experienced immediately what we all will experience eventually, a bodily resurrection like Christ’s own.

This feast is the reverse of decay. It is the feast of abundant fruitfulness. This explains the many traditions associated with this feast where it is customary to have the produce of the fields and gardens blessed. The ocean and waterways are also blessed on this day as a source of bounty; reflecting the totality of Mary’s life and glorious reward.

With this in mind many ancient artists depict Mary’s dormition as her sleeping on a bed, surrounded by the apostles. Christ is typically in the center of the picture, often holding a miniature version of Mary, representing the action of Jesus taking Mary’s pure body and soul up to heaven. It is a beautiful image to meditate on, and brings to mind the only way we can truly rest in peace, in the arms of our Savior.

Flowers at the Holy Family Shrine are in memory of Bryan J. Kosc

Thank You from Christians of the Holy Land: Thank you for supporting our Christian Holy Land. I am very pleased that many of you took the time to come to meet me after Mass and purchased the olive wood religious articles that were available. Much like in the United States with Covid-19, many businesses can't operate profitably at 25% capacity. In Bethlehem in particular, the demand is at close to zero, with the exception of sales generated like this at the parish level. Several parishioners ordered the Saint Joseph statues. All these are in the pipeline of carving and will be delivered by early October 2021 at the latest. May God continue to bless.

Rami M. Qumsieh, KCHS.

August 8

On Saturday, August 7, our parishioner, Stephen Oldiges was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Wilmington by Bishop Koenig. He has completed five years of formation through our diocese. The call to the Order of Deacon is a call to a ministry of service. As a deacon, he will read the Gospel, preach a homily, baptize the faithful, marry couples and bury the dead. His ministry also involves catechesis and instruction for the sacraments and religious education. The permanent diaconate is different from the transitional diaconate when a man is ordained as a deacon for a short time prior to his priestly ordination. The permanent deacon is able to be married and fulfills his ministry in the Church in that vocation. Deacon Oldiges will be the Deacon at the 9:30 & 11:30 Masses this Sunday, August 8. Refreshments will be served after the 9:30 Mass for us to share our best wishes to him. Congratulations, Deacon Oldiges, upon your ordination. May God continue to bless you with abundant graces as you follow His Call in this sacred ministry.

Deacon Stephen Oldiges writes:
On this ordination weekend, I have so much to be thankful for. First of all, I thank our God for inspiring a vocation within me, and for allowing it to come to fruition. I am convinced more than ever that when we commit to doing His will, the Spirit will make the necessary transformation within us to make it happen. I am also exceedingly grateful to my family and our incredibly supportive parish who have been by my side with love, encouragement and prayers. I am anxious to begin serving in our diocese, and look forward to growing in faith with each of you. We are all children of God, and He sent His Spirit to guide us to the truth that is Jesus. In this weekend’s reading, the angel of the Lord told Elijah to get up and prepare for the long journey. I humbly ask for your continued prayerful support as I begin my journey in the ministry of deacon.

The 2022 Mass Intention Book is open. Please contact the Parish Office for the availability and scheduling of intentions for Masses in the Parish for the approaching year. Please be considerate of others who also want to make their intentions. Also, all “living” intentions will be sent to retired priests to be fulfilled in a timely period.

Thank you to Seminarian James Kimmel. He is leaving us this week to return to St. Mary Seminary and University in Baltimore. We thank him for his ministry here at St. John the Beloved Parish for the past 11 weeks. May God bless his coming academic year and priestly formation!

Flowers at the altar are in thanksgiving for the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Thomas & Irene Harach.

August 1

Most of us seem to think that our destiny depends totally on ourselves, and to a great extent it does. Too often, though, we do not have control of the episodes of life and very often do not end up where we took direction. Today, the average person will have 12 jobs during their lifetime and 29% of people have completely changed fields since starting their first job after college. Eventually, broken relationships, unsettled commitments, physical and psychological changes add to the surmountable reasons that claim “I’m not what I planned to be.”

Wisdom teaches us that this unsatisfied yearning is in the human spirit and is only quenched when open to the direction of God. “What does God have planned for me? How is my life a part of the bigger picture of God’s world unfolding?” That is what truly matters. The question then comes...”Well, how do I open myself to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit and make choices that follow God’s path?” Today’s Gospel tells us...”Have faith in the One God sends...Jesus.”

God always provides for those who cooperate with His plan. Our first reading shows us how God provided heavenly food, Manna, for the Israelites to eat when they grumbled about their hunger while marching toward the Promised Land. After Jesus fed the multitude with a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread, the satisfied people wanted more of the miraculous bounty. Jesus informed them that HE is the very Bread of Life. For anyone to be satisfied, freed from the anxiety of needing more, achieving greater... he/she must put aside their intended way of life and be created anew in Jesus.

We are asked to look way beyond our limited expectations or even essential needs to the communion that Jesus offers us with that which is eternal.

On Saturday, August 7, our parishioner, Stephen Oldiges will be ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Wilmington by Bishop Koenig. He has completed five years of formation through our diocese. Most of us recall Steve in recent years serving at the altar as lector and acolyte and even giving reflections at many daily Masses.

The call to the Order of Deacon is a call to a ministry of service. Once ordained, he will read the Gospel, preach a homily, baptize the faithful, marry couples and bury the dead. His ministry also involves catechesis and instruction for the sacraments and religious education. The permanent diaconate is different from the transitional diaconate when a man is ordained as a deacon for a short time prior to his priestly ordination. The permanent deacon is able to be married and fulfills his ministry in the Church in that vocation.


The Office of Diaconate was instituted early in the Church to assist the Apostles as mentioned in The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 6, with Saint Stephen. St. Lawrence and St. Francis of Assisi were Deacons. The Diaconate was restored as a permanent ministry by Pope Paul VI, on June 18, 1967, upon the recommendation of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council.

Deacon Oldiges will be the Deacon at the 9:30 & 11:30 Masses next Sunday, August 8. Refreshments will be served after the 9:30 a.m. Mass for us to share out congratulations to him.

2022 Mass Intention Book is open.
Please contact the Parish Office for the availability and scheduling of intentions for Masses in the Parish for the approaching year. Please be considerate of others who also want to make their intentions. Also, all “living” intentions will be sent to retired priests to be fulfilled in a timely period. 


Flowers at the altar are in memory of Dorothy Saypack.

July 25

In today’s Gospel, Jesus feeds five thousand people with five barley loaves and two fish. This dramatic miracle must have influenced the early Church immensely because it is mentioned in all four gospels. We will be studying the importance of this miracle, according to Saint John, for the next few weeks. Jesus uses the human need and desire to eat to raise His follower’s awareness of their need for Him. Naturally the multitude sought bread that soon perished, but Jesus would give them food that never perishes; and they asked for this bread.

We have to eat to maintain our physical lives. The same is true to maintain our spiritual lives. The five basic tastes - bitter, salty, sour, sweet and savory - help ensure our survival. But we realize that we are more than the physical self and there is a longing that is much deeper. We hunger for more than this life can offer. St. Augustine said it profoundly: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

Every one of us, even those among us who are the highest achievers, feels something lacking when cornered with life. The decline of faith and religious discipline can explain many of the sad realities of our day: increase in suicide, addiction, depression, hopelessness, apathy, etc. God is what we need and it is precisely in Jesus, Himself, that we receive the spiritual food we need to survive. Jesus gives us Himself. He is God. He gives us the Eucharist that is the union of ourselves with Jesus offering Himself to the Father for us.

Pope Francis has established this fourth Sunday of July as World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly; because of its proximity to July 26th, the feast day of Jesus’ grandparents, Saints Ann & Joachim. Most grandparents are influential in the lives of their grandchildren. Many of us have fond memories of them feeding us with their specialties and spiritually nourishing us with graced

moments that influence us to this day. The faith of the older and wiser generations is often where we encounter Christ and persuade us to be His disciple. We salute their noble efforts and commend them for showing us the way to be fed with food... especially that which never perishes.

The Little Sisters of the Poor thank all those who contributed to the recent collection our parish took for them; a total of $3,857. The sisters and home are ever grateful for your charity.

The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington Marian Pilgrimage with Bishop William Koenig to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. is Saturday, September 25, 2021
7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Bus departure is from St. John the Beloved Parish. 

Independent or guided tour of shrine
Lunch (brown bag or cafeteria)
Holy Hour and Confessions
Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament Mass celebrated by Bishop Koenig
Departure for Wilmington
Cost $35. 
For Information & Reservation contact Johanna Wojcik, 998-3057, or Suzanne Casarino, 994-3930. 

The 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal, generates needed funds that keep our diocesan responsibilities active, namely: Catholic Elementary & Secondary Schools, Religious Education; Campus Ministry; Special Needs Ministry, Deaf Ministry; Pastoral Services with Chaplaincies and Deacon Formation Programs; Office for Religious, Office for Worship; Pro-Life Activities; Catholic Charities, Bayard House, Casa San Francisco, Food Assistance, HIV Services; Offices of Cultural Ministries, Immigration Programs; and the Dialog Newspaper.

St. John the Beloved Parish was given the goal of $181,000. To date, $160,000 has been pledged... a shortfall of $21,000. Some parishioners have notified us that they did not receive the mailed Appeal request until a few weeks back. If this is the case for you, please make a contribution now. If you have already provided a gift, thank you for your generosity. The participation of everyone, at any possible level of giving, will be appreciated for us to meet our target in assisting these ministries. Contribute to the Appeal by using the pledge card mailed to your home or found at the entrances of church or by accessing the Appeal website at www.cdow.org/annualcatholicappeal and clicking “How to Donate.” Every contribution will help us meet the goal. Thank you.

July 18

We welcome our new Shepherd to the Diocese of Wilmington... Most Rev. William E. Koenig

Bishop Koenig was ordained a bishop and installed to succeed Bishop Malooly, on July 13, 2021 in St. Elizabeth Church. We, his spiritual flock, depend on his leadership and assure him of our prayers and support as our chief shepherd. May Christ, the Good Shepherd, direct the way.

Our readings today emphasize the importance of a shepherd; the one who leads the flock. The title is synonymous with those who shepherd or “pastor” God’s people. Like all things, there are good shepherds and bad shepherds. Our first readings, this Sunday, scolds those shepherds who mislead and scatter God’s flock. In the days of the prophet Jeremiah, the leaders of ancient Israel were putting on a pious front but leading their people astray with pagan rituals and immorality. Jeremiah’s warning against their hypocrisy came to pass with the destruction of the people by the Babylonian Empire. Yet, the prophet relied on the remnant of this flock to be gathered back to the Lord and return back to their pasture.

The age of integrity began with Jesus. He is the perfect “Good Shepherd” that does not lead us astray. WE, the Church, are members of this age of integrity. As Christians, we are responsible to live genuine, Gospel lives and continue the Lord’s mission with justice and integrity. We must be careful not to be misled by alluring outside voices or wayward promptings. Christ’s voice is authentic and His leadership always keeps us on the right path to His Kingdom.

Pope Francis has established, for the Universal Church, a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. It is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July; close to the feast of Saints Ann & Joachim, the parents of the Blessed Mother and grandparents of Jesus. Many grandparents, especially these days, are influential and even take on the responsibilities of raising their grandchildren in the faith. We salute their noble efforts and commend them under Saints Ann & Joachim’s patronage. Next Sunday at all Masses, there will be a special blessing for those men and women who influence us and we lovingly call...

Amatchi, Aitatchi; Oma, Opa; Bomma, Bompa; Grand-maman, Grand-papa, Yaya, Papou; Savta, Saba; Dida, Dadu; Thakur-ma, Thakur-da; Maimeo, Daideo; Nonna, Nonno; Senele, Senelis; Babcia, Dzia Dzia; Basia, Dedushka; Tita, Tito; Lola, Lolo; Daadi, Daadaa; Mmakhulu, Mmakhulu; Ba, Ong; Mom Mom, Pop Pop; Gammi; Grams, Gramps; MeMa, MePa...

 

July 11

Our first reading is about the prophet, Amos. He was not like most prophets. He did not wear strange clothes; he was not a prophet throughout his life and did not even do strange prophetic actions. He was an average guy, a shepherd. One day, he received the message from God that he was to drop everything and tell the people living north of him that they were facing destruction unless they changed their lives. He felt he had no choice but to comply. Amos was not concerned whether or not the people would accept him or wanted to hear the divine message.

We see the same in the Gospel. Jesus sends His disciples out, two by two, to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God. These disciples were everyday people. Jesus sends each one out with a companion to assure the support of like-mindedness in a potentially hostile world. Jesus tells them to carry little luggage and to just proclaim the word and then move on. If people accept the word great, if they don't, leave quickly, but bring the word of God to the next village.

How does this pertain to us today? The parish is a segment of the Kingdom of God. We do not just reminisce on the past with stories from scripture. What we have in our midst is the continuation of the Gospel in our time. We, like the prophet Amos and the first Disciples of Christ, are commissioned to live and preach the Gospel, be repentant, assist the oppressed, fight against evil and heal the sick. We cannot do it alone. We need other faithful people as exemplified by Jesus sending out His disciples two by two.

Our parish gives many opportunities for you to somehow partner with other people in discipleship. With the restrictions from the pandemic lifting, now is the time to evaluate your involvement with your parish. In our liturgies, our catechetical program, ministries to the homebound, bereaved and outreach, we have opportunities to spread the Gospel. Our prayer groups and social organizations also allow many to join together to praise the Lord and build community. There is always a need somewhere. At this time, there is a CALL for Ushers at Mass. Anyone interested in seating guests and securing the collection is asked to contact the Parish Office. Interested Greeters are also needed. It is remarkable how the Church was founded with partners going out and following the Lord’s commission. Today, we continue the same.

Beginning last weekend, Masses are mostly back to their normal routine. Majority of pews are open, Holy Water is available, and Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Servers and Ushers are summoned back. The Choir will be reinstituted after summer as will be the younger Altar Servers. With the faithful thankfully returning to Masses... we are steering toward the more familiar. The reception of Communion is returning to the former processional lines, with the exception that there will be only four (4) Communion stations and the Precious Blood will not be offered at this time. Those receiving on the tongue and those needing gluten free Communion are asked to receive from the priest. If you need Communion brought to you, please inform the usher at the beginning of Mass.

We welcome Bishop-elect William Koenig to our Diocese of Wilmington. His appointment by Pope Francis was announced on April 30th and he will be ordained a bishop and installed to succeed Bishop Malooly, on July 13, 2021. May God bless him and his leadership as our chief shepherd.

July 4

This week's scriptures illuminate the identity and mission of a prophet- a calling that belongs to all the baptized by virtue of our Baptism. God appoints the prophets to a specific mission. This mission is to speak God's word of truth.

God's word of truth is not a private or personal opinion, but the Word of God communicated through human words. The prophet speaks God's word of truth to those within and those outside the Church. Prophets do not seek to proclaim a message that is easy to be accepted, but seek to speak God's word of truth, no matter how hard it might be to hear and accept. Christ is the paradigmatic example of the identity and mission of the prophet. As we know from those who rejected Jesus; prophets are most often despised by their own people.

It is always difficult to say Good Bye: After two years in our parish, Father Marek Szczur will leave us on July 7th to start his new assignment at St. Joseph Church in Middletown, Delaware. Father is celebrating the 9:30 a.m. Mass this Sunday, July 4th. All are welcomed to bid Father farewell at the end of Mass that day. We thank him for his two years of ministry with us and wish him the best and many blessings. We thank him for his ministry to us and assure him of our prayers and support in his new assignment.... idź z Bogiem!

Message from Father Michael Preston: It is my pleasure to have been assigned by Bishop Malooly as the associate pastor of St. John the Beloved Parish. I grew up on a farm in Cecil County, MD and attended Good Shepherd Parish in Perryville, MD. I grew up being involved in both parish and 4-H activities. My family raises and trains horses. My aunt and mother also teach riding lessons. I was briefly here for a summer assignment as a seminarian in 2014. I had a wonderful experience from this warm and open community.

I look forward to journeying with each of you as we come to know and love Christ all the more. As we return to “normal” let us ask the Holy Spirit to give us the grace to be a light in this world. May the Blessed Mother, Saint Joseph, and St. John the Beloved intercede for us as we endeavor to know and love Jesus Christ. Please know of my prayers for the entire community.

During this Year of Saint Joseph, the Christians in the Holy Land need our help. They are suffering from a diminishing number; from 80 percent of the population in 1950 to presently 12 percent. They struggle economically and endure persecution. They create carved religious figures from olive wood, allowing them a livelihood in Bethlehem where Saint Joseph first held baby Jesus in his hands. Specifically, this year, they offer carved statues of St. Joseph... as a great gift for Confirmations, graduation, weddings, house warning, for Dads, for priests, for one's self. Information on this Holy Land Project is available at the entrances of the church. The statues will be blessed in the Holy Land before coming to America. We must never abandon our Christian Holy Land. Read the flyer and support this project if possible.

June 27

July is beginning this week. It is a time to vacate, to get away for a while. Even Our Lord needed a break from the crowds to relax, reflect and pray. Our Gospel, today, begins at the Sea of Galilee after Jesus came ashore. He was returning from a boat ride with His disciples in which He napped but was awakened by the others to calm a squall.

Now He is being summoned to heal the daughter of Jairus. Going to his home, Jesus disregards the news that the little girl has just died. Jesus responds: “Fear is useless. What is needed is trust.” Jesus takes the twelve year old girl by the hand and commands her to get up. Immediately she arose and began to walk.

This is one of the three miracles in the Gospels that Jesus performed in raising the dead. Jairus’ daughter was a mere child. Jesus also raised the widow's son, a young adult, as he was being carried to his grave in Nain (Lk 7:11-17) and Jesus also raised His older friend Lazarus (Jn 11:1-44) who had been dead and buried for four days. It appears to us that the evangelists are telling us that Jesus is not limited in raising the dead. Be they tender in age or older, recently deceased or almost forgotten, Jesus can and does raise them all.

In these days when we probably have a chance to reflect, it is comforting to acknowledge the Divine Power of Jesus, over turbulent storms, illness, evil and even over death. The Lord disrupted His need to vacate His routine in order to satisfy our very human needs. We can relax in His care and recall His desire to give everyone of us ...LIFE. Simply, trust in Him.

Welcome to Father Michael Preston who has been assigned, by Bishop Malooly, to St. John the Beloved Parish as an associate pastor. Newly ordained as a priest, our parish will be Father Michael’s first assignment. A few years back, during his seminary training, Father Preston worked in pastoral ministry here in our parish. God Bless his ministry with us.

Father Marek Szczur has been assigned, by Bishop Malooly, as an associate pastor to St. Joseph Parish in Middletown DE. Father will remain with us in June and begin his new assignment on July 7th. Father is celebrating the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, July 4th. All are welcomed to bid Father farewell at the end of Mass that day. We thank him for his two years of ministry with us and wish him the best and many blessings.

2021 Annual Catholic Appeal... A grateful note is extended to everyone who thus far could and did support The Diocesan Annual Catholic Appeal. It provides financial support that enables more than thirty-five ministriesthroughout our diocese to bring a glimpse of God into the lives of many. The Appeal is an effective way for the diocese to advance the mission of Christ: to feed and house the poor; to minister to the sick and discouraged; to educate our young; and encourage strong, healthy families.

To date, St. John the Beloved Parish has pledged $159,294 toward our goal of $181,000. We are short $21,706 of the goal. Thank you to the 397 gifts, thus far, that help us to achieve our goal. Please continue fulfilling these pledges. If you have not contributed, please consider a gift toward the appeal. Envelopes are available at the entrances of the church. If you would like more information about the Annual Catholic Appeal or wish to make your contribution on-line, go to www.cdow.org/ annualcatholicappeal. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.

June 20

One can truly appreciate today’s image if you were ever involved out at sea, in a boat, when a squall occurs. The unexpected violent gust of wind causes the waves to peak and turbulently bounce the boat up and down. It can cause fright even to the most experienced mariner as stated in today’s gospel. Most of the apostles were professional fishermen. They knew how to maneuver the boat but the squall they encountered made them panic to the degree of waking Jesus from His sound sleep.

It was a wise move because it allowed those who accompanied Jesus, even those in other boats, to recognize the divine power in Him. “Quiet! Be still!” The wind fell off and everything grew calm. It made

them regard Jesus in a new way. We are given this same lesson to calm our fears, lessen the panic and reinforce our trust in Christ. He has the power to do so.

Life entails storms. Sometimes, these squalls are terrifying and cannot be handled alone or even professionally. God is almighty and knows everything and ultimately controls the situation. Many chaotic, despairing and perhaps evil episodes evolve throughout our lives but a person of faith must depend on the saving presence of the Lord. He is always near...IN the boat with us. He died and rose for our sake that we might live and not perish.

Welcome to Father Michael Preston... Father Michael Preston has been assigned, by Bishop Malooly, as an associate pastor to St. John the Beloved Parish. He joined us this past week on June 14th. Newly ordained as a priest, our parish will be Father
Michael’s first assignment. A few years back, during his seminary training, Father Preston worked in pastoral ministry here in our parish.

Congratulations to Father Preston on his positive response to the priestly vocation. We prayerfully support him, wish him the best and know his time with us will be very fruitful... God Bless!

Father Marek Szczur has been assigned, by Bishop Malooly, as an associate pastor to St. Joseph Parish in Middletown DE. Father will remain with us in June and begin his new assignment on July 8. We wish him the best.

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 Piekarski, Szczur & Preston, Deacons Wuebbels, Fontana & Bailey; and our parish staff

2021 Annual Catholic Appeal... A grateful note is extended to everyone who thus far could and did support the Diocesan Campaign. To date, St. John the Beloved Parish has pledged
$159,294 toward our goal of $181,000. We are short $21,706 of the goal. Thank
you to the 397 gifts, thus far, that help us to achieve our goal. Please continue

fulfilling these pledges. If you have not contributed, please consider some gift toward the appeal. All contributions support the multiple ministries of the Diocese of Wilmington. Envelopes are available at the entrances of the church. Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. God reward your generosity.

June 13

As we hear the First Reading today from the prophet Ezekiel, Jewish tradition sometimes compares God’s work in the world to the growth of plants and trees. Ezekiel prophesied that one day God would restore, the then exiled, people of Israel back to the days of King David when Israel stood as “a majestic cedar.” It was a message of hope for the broken and disheartened Jews some 600 years before Christ.

With such rich images and traditions embedded in Israel’s prophetic writings, psalms and prayers, it is understandable that Jesus would draw on similar agricultural metaphors such as we hear in the Gospel of mustard seed and growth. Jesus was planting the seeds for the Kingdom of God that promised fulfillment in the future. As Saint Paul assures the Corinthians, we can be confident in our faith in Christ. And the Kingdom of God continues to grow in our day in ways beyond human understanding.

Everyone in Jesus’ day knew the mustard seed to be the smallest of all seeds and how it could grow into a large bush. Jesus led the people from what they knew about seeds to discover the continuous growth of His Kingdom. Be confident that God is working great things in us. Though we may not see or feel the potential advancement right now, still our witness of the Scripture and our faith provide the world with evidence that God’s Kingdom is alive and growing.

The Office for Catholic Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry of the Diocese of Wilmington, has named five of our parishioners and staff for the CYM Recognition Award Winners this year. We will congratulate them and thank them for their ministry to our youth at the 9:30 Mass, this weekend, Sunday, June 13th. 

June 6

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Corpus Christi, is celebrated this Sunday and a proper time to focus on the meaning, importance and permanence of the Eucharist. This solemn feast emphasizes our Catholic belief that the bread and wine that is consecrated at Holy Mass becomes and stays the Body and Blood of Christ. Our readings recall the ritual of ancient days when the blood of animals was used to seal the covenant between God and Israel. The shedding of blood, the life force of all humans, is a most serious gesture of one’s commitment. That is why Christ’s gesture of sealing His covenant with His body and blood on the cross, between God and humanity, is paramount.

In today’s Gospel from St. Mark, our Lord reminds His disciples that the chalice He shared at the Last Supper “IS HIS BLOOD, the blood of the covenant to be poured out on behalf of many.” We look beyond any symbolism to the perfect sacrifice on the cross...and we truly share in it. The presence of the crucified and resurrected Lord goes beyond that moment to every time we “do this in memory of Me.” St. John’s Gospel emphasizes the Eucharistic theme at the multiplication of the fish and loaves (John 6) where he writes: “When they had all had enough to eat, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” And later, in this chapter: “I myself am the living bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever.” Allow this feast to rekindle the respect, awe and love that you probably had the first time you received the Body and Blood of Jesus. The Lord wants to remain in our midst in a very real, tangible way. We are specially graced to have Him in our Church and take Him out into the world within our very hearts.

Most Recent Mask Guidelines....... The latest guidance from the CDC and the Diocese of Wilmington states: Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal and state laws or institutional regulations. Fully vaccinated means: 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. All those who are not vaccinated must continue to follow previous mask guidance in order to comply with state law. Some parishioners may be uneasy about these new guidelines. Therefore, there are designated, roped-off seating in the church where social distancing and masks are required. 

May 30

Knowing where and when you were baptized is important information that every Christian should memorize because it is the central data needed for receiving and recording further sacraments. It is where the FirstCommunion, Confirmation and Marriage(s) are recorded, especially helpful for genealogy and record keeping in a mobile society. Also, the baptismal certificate states whether an individual was baptized into the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as do all Trinitarian religions...those who believe in the Holy Trinity.

When a person is baptized into the Name of the Trinity, that person is brought into the connected, intimate Life of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit...God. That is what we celebrate today; we are part of the ultimateforce, infinite goodness that created us, redeemed us and sanctified us. Together, we wage war against evil and are commissioned to bring others into the fold of God’s Kingdom

Memorial Day is a befitting way to remember those men and women who lost their lives defending our Nation and the values of democracy. They paid the ultimate price. Saint John the Beloved Parish will begin this holiday in prayer, at Mass, on Monday, May 31st at 9:00 a.m. (the only Mass that day). We will unite our voices and hearts in offering our beloved dead to the Risen Lord who promises us Eternal Life. May they rest in peace.

The Annual Memorial Day Field Mass at All Saints Cemetery has been cancelled, this year, because of the limited time needed to prepare due to the unpredictability of the pandemic.

WELCOME We welcome seminarian, James Kimmel, to our parish for the summer. James is a student at Saint Mary University and Seminary in Baltimore. He is studying for our Diocese of Wilmington. His summer assignment with us will assist him in the path toward priesthood. We wish him the best.

*** Most Recent Mask Guidelines:

The latest guidance from the CDC and the Diocese of Wilmington states: Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal and state laws or institutional regulations. Fully vaccinated means: 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the

Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. All those who are not vaccinated must continue to follow previous mask guidance in order to comply with state law. Some parishioners may be uneasy about these new guidelines. Therefore, there are designated, roped-off seatings in the church where social distancing and masks are required.

May 23

Everyone is gifted in one way or another. Some are children prodigy like Mozart or Gretzky and others discover their full potential in adolescence like Einstein. Still others are natural athletes, entertainers or domestics. Even those among us who feel cheated in giftedness...will discover they excel in something that others cannot. Somehow these unique talents are “gifts” because they make each person special and combined with the giftedness of others ...make our existence balanced and beautiful.

The Resurrected Lord passed from death to Life and sent us, the Church, His Spirit who empowers us with holy, unique Gifts that make us His disciples. In and of ourselves, we may be weak in avoiding evil but the Spirit gives us fortitude; we may be dull to the spiritual insights but the Spirit gives us understanding; we may need direction and the Spirit gives us Counsel.
The Holy Spirit, sent to us by Christ, gives us supernatural graces that help us to follow Him. They enable us to transcend the limitations of human reason and human nature and participate in the very life of God, as Christ promised (John 14:23).

This great feast of Pentecost marks the end of the Easter Season but the beginning of the Spirit’s endless involvement in us, His Church. May the Holy Spirit overshadow you with His countless Gifts.

ATTENTION, ATTENTION...Governor John Carney and Delaware health officials announced changes to the state's COVID-19 restrictions effective Friday, May 21st.

- All capacity restrictions will be lifted inside houses of worship. Facilities will be able to use as much capacity as social distancing requirements will allow, Now, at 3 Feet.

- Masks will still be required indoors to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Our parish has been complying with the state and diocesan regulations. With this lifting, we have eliminated the sectioned off pews in the church and ask the faithful to keep the 3 feet distance between each other. Household groups can keep closer together. Masks are still required.

The 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal, with its theme, “Disciples of Christ, Witnesses of Hope,” generates needed funds that keep our diocesan responsibilities active, namely:

Catholic Elementary & Secondary Schools, Religious Education; Campus Ministry, Catholic Youth & Young Adult Ministry (former CYO); Offices for Marriage and Family Life, The Marriage Tribunal; Safe Environment; Special Needs Ministry, Deaf Ministry;

Pastoral Services with Chaplaincies and Deacon Formation Programs; Office for Religious, Office for Worship; Pro-Life Activities; Catholic Charities, Bayard House, Casa San Francisco, Food Assistance, HIV Services; Offices of Cultural Ministries, Immigration Programs; and the Dialog Newspaper.

St. John the Beloved Parish was given the goal of $181,000. To date, $133,854. has been pledged...a shortfall of $47,000. If you have already provided a gift, thank you for your generosity. The participation of everyone, at any possible level of giving, will be appreciated for us to meet our target in assisting these ministries. Contribute to the Appeal by using the pledge card and return envelope mailed to your home, or by accessing the Appeal website at www.cdow.org/annualcatholicappeal and clicking “How to Donate” or by completing a pledge card located at the entrances of the church or at the parish office. Thank you.

 

May 16

If you notice, there are many signs out there: “Masks required to enter;” “Now hiring;” “Road under construction;” “Speed checked by radar.” It seems so many signs point to a work-in- process. When the Lord prepared His Apostles for His ascension into heaven, He instructed them to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news.” And signs would accompany those who profess faith in the Gospel. One would think that Jesus’ ascension to the right hand of the Father in heaven would complete the story and His work was done, but that was not the case. The early establishment of Christ’s Church was a beginning of a work-in process.

We’d like to think that, after more than twenty centuries since Jesus ascended, the Church’s mission to evangelize would be accomplished. With ongoing

generations, new periods of history and evolving challenges...a need for the Gospel continuously arises. It does not take long when people eventually lose touch with their core beliefs and practices, when uncatechized younger generations do not know the Lord. This requires Christ’s disciples to continue the initial mission of Jesus for us to...”Go and proclaim the good news.”

The Ascension of the Lord is the return of Jesus into His glory. It was His time on earth that introduced the Kingdom of God and He then left it in our hands to build upon it. Jesus assures us that signs will accompany the unfolding of this mission and indeed there are to this day: We share the Word of God. We help those in need. We strive to live as an example to all. We, the Church, continue to be a sign to the world: Work-in-process.

Little Sisters of the Poor Collection...The second collection, this weekend of
May 15-16, is for the Little Sisters of the Poor. Since the start of the pandemic,
the Little Sisters of the Poor have been without contact to our diocesan
parishes. They annually had a collection with their presence among us. Their needs among the elderly remain constant. Therefore our parish is having an absentee visitation and collection for the Little Sisters of the Poor this weekend. The sisters assure us of their prayers and wish us a Blessed Easter Season!

May 9

Chapter 15 of John’s Gospel is called the “Farewell Discourse” where, prior to Jesus’ death, Jesus explains the relationship between Himself and His followers – seeking to model this relationship on His own relationship with His Father. In today’s Gospel, Jesus said: “As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you...All this I tell you that my joy may be yours and your joy may be complete.” In the Resurrection of Jesus we find hope and the prospect of everlasting joy in heaven. The Resurrection of Jesus is the turning point where we get a glimpse of the mystery of “complete joy” that awaits us.

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is unprecedented. He was definitely dead and could not be resuscitated. The stories of His body being stolen were disapproved. The theories of death in Jesus’ time were many. The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection or spirits. When you die...you die. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the righteous at the end of time. Many Jews believed souls go to an underworld while other Jews and some Greeks believed that the souls of the just are in the hand of God. The Gospels unveils a radical new creation taking place at Christ’s rising from the dead. Indeed, He who was dead is now alive, body and soul, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

This extraordinary resurrection is promised to Jesus’ followers...but when? It appears to occur at the end of time. As Catholics, we believe that there is a “Particular Judgment” immediately upon the death of each person where the soul is judged and enters blessedness or may need purification or suffers damnation. This truth is attested in Hebrews 9:27: “it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment.” And it is implied in Luke 16:19-23, when Jesus gives His parable of Lazarus and the rich man. At death, poor Lazarus entered into paradise while the rich man entered into eternal damnation.

At the end of time, the resurrection of all the dead “of both the just and the unjust” (Acts 24:15), will precede the “Last Judgment.” This will be “the hour when all who are in the tombs will hear Christ’s voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28-29). Then Christ will come “in his glory, and separate the good from the bad like sheep from the goats, and he will place the bad into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matt. 25).

When the unveiling of eternity actually occurs is unknown, but the level of joy and consolation will be beyond what we can even imagine now. For “no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9). 

The bright month of May reflects the glory of our Blessed Mother in heaven and also the beauty of our natural mothers. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we salute all our mothers who gave us life, nurture us and guide us along the heavenly way. As God’s instruments, may they be blessed in their vocation and at last be rewarded with eternal life.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our mothers! We will remember each of you at our Masses this weekend.

Little Sisters of the Poor Collection 2nd collection, May 15 -16: Since the start of the pandemic, the Little Sisters of the Poor have been without contact to our diocesan parishes. They annually had a collection with their presence among us. Their needs among the elderly remain constant. Therefore our parish is having an absentee visitation and collection for the Little Sisters of the Poor May 15-16. The sisters assure us of their prayers and wish us a Blessed Easter Season!

May 2

It is that time of the year when we get serious about planting the outside garden. Today’s Gospel relates to that natural tendency to see nature grow and bear fruit. Our patron, Saint John, knew the Lord very well and he writes: Jesus said to His disciples, “I am the true vine, you are the branches. No more than a branch can bear fruit of itself apart from the vine, can you bear fruit apart from Me.” How true! A delicate seedling or even a mature plant once separated from the root and stem, withers and dies.

This Sunday is a good time to ponder the Words of Christ. How well are we attached to, abide in Christ? Sometimes we resent being told what God expects from us, or we figure that Christ’s commands are irrelevant for the contemporary world or “Me” personally... so we cut ourselves off from the Church, the Gospel and sacramental life. The dictates of modern life demand much of our time and mental energy consequently robbing us often of our spiritual sustenance. Eventually that which gave us roots, that which nourished us, that which made us grow and produce good in our lives ... fades away. It doesn’t take long...and when life fails us and we need grace to sustain us, we discover our discipleship dried up.

WE ourselves cannot bear fruit that lasts forever. We fool ourselves thinking that “we are doing good for the community or others,” but so often it is about serving oneself and one’s ego. We have to be rooted in Jesus, connected in Him day by day and be continually sustained by Him if we desire to be His disciples and bear His Fruit that lasts forever.

In the Resurrection of Jesus we find hope and the prospect of everlasting life in heaven. But to obtain eternal life, we must recognize Christ’s call to be His witnesses and remain connected with Him like we hear in today’s Gospel.

The Annual Catholic Appeal, with its theme, “Disciples of Christ, Witnesses of Hope”, keeps us connected with Christ’s mission by bringing hope to thousands of individuals throughout Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Funds generated through the Appeal help provide critical financial support to more than thirty pastoral, charitable and educational ministries.

Recently, you were invited to participate in the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal. If you have already provided a gift, thank you for your generosity. If you have not, please give prayerful and thoughtful consideration to your resources and the needs of those served by the Annual Catholic Appeal.

You can contribute to the Appeal by using the pledge card and return envelope mailed to your home, or by accessing the Appeal website at www.cdow.org/annualcatholicappeal and clicking “How to Donate” or by completing a pledge card located at the entrances of the church or at the parish office. Thank you for making the connection.

April 25

We know that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We consider ourselves His sheep; following Him because we know Him. Our Good Shepherd knows His sheep and lays down His life for His sheep. Today’s Gospel tells us that Jesus also has “other sheep.” We may wonder...who are they? Jesus’ reference to other sheep and to one flock (John 10:16) points to the universality and unity of the community of believers. By “the other sheep” Jesus probably meant the poor, the tax collectors and sinners of His time who were generally ostracized by society. Non Jews called Gentiles along with unbelievers were also considered the “other sheep.”

The Ecumenical Council of the Second Vatican Council, in 1964, shed light on this. It declared that all people are called to belong to the new People of God, to a catholic (universal) unity. The bishops of this Council recognized that there are non-Catholic Christians, Jews, Moslems and even people without religion to God or who have never heard of Christ; yet, they are “related to the People of God in various ways,” and “those too may achieve eternal salvation” if they try to do His will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience.

We are all called to the fullness of Truth and the unity found only in the Roman Catholic Church. It is the sacramental life of the Church; God’s chosen way that strengthens us on our spiritual journey. Together with the doctrinal safety provided by our Church’s official Magisterium (teaching office), we are enabled or empowered or offered the means to respond properly to our call to holiness. We are called to follow the Good Shepherd, and be united under the leadership of the successor to St. Peter.

Especially in this polarized society where communities and even loved ones are separate from our faith commitment, our Catholic task always remains the same: to spread the Good News by word and action, and do everything we can to work towards unity in the People of God under the leadership of our Good Shepherd. Until there is unity, our mission work is not complete. We respect other people’s beliefs; but we always lovingly invite them to come into the embrace of “one flock under one shepherd.”

April 18

Have you notice that when a mystery occurs, people either talk about it or not. Most people admit that they have experienced something “strange” in their lives, and their belief in it causes a transformation for the good or their incredulous attitude forces them to run away from a reality. For example, some veterans of war freely talk about episodes in battle where their lives were spared because they “heard a voice” directing them to safety. And still some others cannot admit when they had an out of body experience or some form of clairvoyance. I recall my cousin’s open discussion about him praying in the cemetery when a man approached him

and asked for assistance to find his parents’ grave. My cousin directed him to the cemetery office. Looking back, seconds later, to see if he followed his advice, the man disappeared. The encounter with a mystery can be overwhelming.


Our Gospel presents this powerful dimension of the Apostles encountering the Resurrection Lord. They witnessed the death of Jesus and in fear ran away from the scene. Now they hear of the empty tomb and the Lord appearing to two disciples on the way to Emmaus. It is in this state of confusion that Jesus comes in the midst of the Apostles who were hiding behind locked doors. Startled, they thought they saw a ghost but in fact they were face to face with the Mystery of Resurrection.

Every mystery can cause two reactions... a fervent belief leading to a new view of life and devotion or a paralyzing fear leading to aversion. Initially the disciples were filled with fear but slowly their hearts were filled with joy, holiness and a new reality unknown until that time. They encountered the ultimate mystery... The One Risen from the Dead. We are also witnesses to the Great Mystery of the Resurrection. What is our reaction?

April 11

This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday. Mercy is the foundation of the Easter Season. Jesus came to bring God’s mercy to the world. Look closely at the first meeting of the Resurrected Christ with His disciples. It is in today’s Gospel. He stood among them and said, “Peace with you, as the Father has sent me, so I send you.” He empowered the disciples and through them, the Church, to be the vehicle of His Mercy. Thomas missed this encounter and subsequently doubted what he heard from the first witnesses of the Resurrected Lord. Perhaps Thomas really doubted himself and the disciples who deserted the Lord.

When Thomas met the Resurrected Lord, wounds and all, he must have been humiliated. But the Lord understood his doubts and forgave Thomas for his misgivings. Thomas represents all of us who ever have doubts. Adolescents and early teen years are often the times when we challenge a lot of things; perhaps, even God. The image we had of God in our childhood often became incredulous as we grew older. Realizing that God is infinitely greater than our minds could figure out is a graced lesson to be learned. Humble maturity allows us to appreciate the Divine Mercy that Christ extends to our arrogance. We pray for faith today. We seek forgiveness for our times of doubt, and we are convinced that His mercy will fill us with His Life. After all, this is Divine Mercy Sunday.

Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated today. This feast, the second Sunday of Easter, was promulgated by Saint John Paul II and Pope Francis asked the Church to take advantage of God’s mercy and share it with one another. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin, today, April 11th, at 2 p.m. in our church. Reconciliation will be available from 2 to 3:30p.m. The Divine Mercy chaplet and Rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. Benediction will be at 4:45, followed by the 5 p.m. Mass.

Mrs. Dolores Ballintyn, Director of Religious Education for our parish, is leaving her post with our staff. Mrs. Ballintyn has been with us for nearly six years and her expertise in education and theological, sacramental training have rendered a remarkable religious program for our families.

Her warm personality has welcomed many to participate in and volunteer for the catechesis of our parish. Always aware of the present dynamics of our society today, Dolores excelled in creating a safe and challenging environment for each individual to capture the importance of Catholic faith in his/her life. She will be sorely missed when she resigns on April 15. Mrs. Ballintyn will continue teaching her charge in our school for the duration of the school year. We wish her the best as we thank her for her years of ministry to our parish community. Go with God.

We welcome Mrs. Susan Murray as our new Parish Director of Religious Education. Mrs. Murray began her ministry with us the last days of March. She is a Wilmingtonian, educated in Boston and previously ministered in diocesan posts within the Diocese of Wilmington. We are thankful for her presence among us and the expertise she brings with her in religious education. All the best to her. May God bless your ministry among us.

April 4

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Easter is the Church’s biggest Feast because it celebrates the pivotal point of Jesus’ mission ...to redeem us, save us from the effects of our turning away from God. Our Lenten Readings made us aware of the covenants that God made with humanity through Noah, Abraham and Moses. It took the Son of God to perfect that covenant by shedding His own blood and overcoming sin and death.

Today we celebrate Christ’s victory. This Easter is especially jubilant because the struggles, precisely because of the pandemic, denied us the privilege of celebrating publicly our high holy days this time last year. Today, we share a real sense of liberation, fulfillment and gratitude. You see... God is faithful to His promise.

Our joy today is a mere glimpse of what awaits us and stirs us on in Christian hope. May the Resurrected Lord touch your hearts and deepen that longing that we all have for the “Peace” that He alone can give. You and your loved ones, living and deceased, are remembered in our Easter Masses.

A Blessed, Joyous Easter!

Fathers Piekarski & Szczur ; Deacons Bailey, Wuebbels & Fontana and the staff of Saint John the Beloved Parish

Remember the Celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday on April 11 in Saint John the Beloved Church. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament begins as 2 p.m. followed by confessions to 3:30. Chaplet of the Divine Mercy & Rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. and Benediction follows at 4:45, followed by Mass at 5 p.m.

A Big Thank You to one and all who make the celebration of the Easter Season a real possibility here in our parish. All those involved in liturgies and church music ministry; everyone who helped set up, clean and decorates our worship areas...Thank You. Those Knights that assist in parking detail and our Outreach Programs and those who contributed to them for the extras needed for the holidays...We are grateful. The Parish School and our Parish Staff that always pitch in with helping hands...we are appreciative. Lastly...to everyone who contributes to support our parish and “extra” collections...especially during the unpredictable past months... we would not be here without out... Thank You Very Much. May your generosity of talent, time and treasure be rewarded a hundredfold.

March 28

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today, with the Universal Church, we enter our High Holy Days... the most important solemnity of our faith. The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ is called the Paschal Mystery, fulfilling God’s plan of saving humanity from sin and death. Beginning with Christ’s triumphant entrance in Jerusalem the drama this week unfolds betrayal, denial, cowardliness, injustice while the innocent victim displays service and magnanimously offers love unto death. It is the time to recall our human frailty and graciously accept the gift offered to us from the cross.

Holy Week Schedule
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: Mass at 8:00 a.m.

Holy Thursday: No morning Mass.
8:00 A.M. Morning Prayer 
7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Visitation to the Repository, concluding with Tenebrae
10:00 p.m. Tenebrae

Good Friday: (Fast & Abstinence)
8:00 A.M. Morning Prayer
3:00 p.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 6:00 p.m. Confessions
7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday:
 8:00 A.M. Morning Prayer
10:00 a.m. Blessing of Food
No 5:00 p.m. Mass*
8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil --- Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection

Easter Sunday: 7:30 a.m. (church) 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. (church & hall). No 5:00 p.m. Mass

What is Tenebrae? It is the service held in our church after the faithful keep vigil at the Repository (the tabernacle that holds the Blessed Sacrament after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper) on Holy Thursday. Beginning at 10 p.m., this prayerful service, from the Middle Ages, depicts the “darkness” that overcomes the world when the disciples depart and Jesus enters His Passion. Please feel welcomed to join us in this old, yet new, service that concludes our Holy Thursday.

March 21

The Journey of Lent brought us through three covenants thus far: Noah and God’s rainbow of promise to never again destroy humanity through a flood; Abraham and the Covenant of faith; The Ten Commandments and the Covenant of the Law. Today we hear of the covenant promised through Jeremiah and fulfilled by Jesus.

Maybe you ask: What is a Covenant? Covenant is derived from the Latin, meaning “to come together.” A covenant is an agreement between people, or between God and His people, that binds one to the other. Holy Matrimony is an example of a covenant between a husband and a wife. This is much different than a contract, which involves the exchange of goods or services for money.

A covenant can be thought of as a sacred family bond, rooted in love, taken with an oath in a ceremony before a higher power, invoking God. Whereas a contract can be thought of as an agreement to pay someone for services rendered, which involves a promise to each other, rather than an oath. BIG DIFFERENCE. The covenant therefore unites flesh and blood, while a contract is more legal binding.

During Lent, we are to see that from the beginning of our human existence; God has made covenants with us in allowing us to survive, expecting us to be faith-filled, desiring us to follow a code of conduct. In time, we humans eventually broke these covenants...but God is always faithful. Therefore, God made a new covenant that forgave our iniquities. He sent His own Son to make a covenant...once and for all...that is sealed in Christ’s own broken body and shed blood. Get the connection with our Lenten titles for Jesus: Sacrificial Lamb, Lamb of God, Mediator, Redeemer, Advocate, Deliverer, Great High Priest, and Suffering Servant. That is why the Passion, Death and Resurrection is the epitome of our faith.

As we enter our High Holy Days next week, allow yourself to get the connection of God’s love and mercy, our failures and sins, and the ultimate covenant we have in Jesus whose sacrifice of love... we share. God is always faithful.

Reconciliation times at St. John the Beloved Church this week:

Tuesday, March 23 Confession 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday morning, March 26, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Saturday afternoons from 4 to 4:45 p.m.

+ Holy Week Schedule +

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 
Mass at 8:00 a.m.

Holy Thursday: 
No morning Mass. Prayer at 8:00 a.m.
7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
Visitation to the Repository, concluding with Tenebrae at 10 p.m.

Good Friday: (Fast & Abstinence)
Prayer at 8:00 a.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: 3:00 p.m. Confessions at 6:00 p.m.
Stations of the Cross at 7:00 p.m.

Holy Saturday: 
Prayer at 8:00 a.m.
Blessing of Food at 10 a.m.
Only one evening Mass at 8 p.m.
Easter Vigil --- Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection 8:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday:
 7:30 a.m. (church) 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. (church & hall). No Mass at 5 p.m

March 14

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is called
Lætare (Rejoice) Sunday. Rose-colored vestments appear symbolizing the Church's joy in anticipation of the Resurrection of Our Lord. The central theme of today’s readings is that our salvation is the free gift of a merciful God, given to us sinners through His Son Jesus. The famous passage:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)” stresses God’s mercy and compassion and remind us of the great love, kindness and grace extended to us in Christ.

As Christians, we need to focus on the cross as a forceful reminder of Divine love, and also of the price of our salvation. It encourages us not only to feel deep sorrow for our own sins but also for another’s suffering. The crucifix invites us to more generosity and compassion. It inspires us to remove the suffering of other people’s misery.

The third discipline of Lent, with that of prayer and fasting, is Alms Giving. The Rice Bowl program is again promoted by the American bishops to help us reach out to those around the world who hunger and thirst. Our parish is fortunate to have outreach programs that help the needy in many ways. The homeless are fed and sheltered by the Family Promise Program. Those in financial and physical crisis are assisted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Those with immediate need of food and provisions are provided for by our Parish Outreach Program. Our school and parish groups, like the Knights of Columbus, give sizable contributions to many local and global charities. Needless to say, we do a great deal...and still, there is more to do.

Lent is a good way to focus on the virtue of giving alms to those in need. It is the time to look at the crucified Lord who gave His all that we may live. With such a generous Savior, we cannot help but do the same in modeling His self giving so that others may live.

March 7

This third Sunday of Lent, we are presented with another Covenant, that of the Law, The Ten Commandments. The first Covenant was with Noah and the rainbow; God’s promises not to give up on humanity. The second was with Abraham and the Covenant of faith. The third Covenant was given to us through Moses; calling us to the code of conduct that God expects from us.

In 1993, Saint Pope John Paul II wrote the encyclical “Veritatis Splendor” where he eloquently points to Matthew’s Gospel 19:16 where the rich boy asks Jesus: “Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus responds: “Keep the Commandments.” The boy then says: “I do.” Jesus then says: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions for the poor and come follow Me.” The poor rich boy couldn’t do it.

Pope John Paul used this Gospel to say that in most people’s hearts is the desire to be good and have divine life...and they can and do when they obey the Commandments. And if they desire even a higher relationship of perfection, they radically follow Christ...BUT many are not observing the fundamentals... keeping the Commandments. We have cheapened the basic foundation of our Covenant with God by disregarding His Law. It rings true when we truly evaluate what Commandments we keep and...those we think are not relevant, or become blind to the obvious tendencies to make God’s law suit our desires. So

Lent is the time to look into our soul and see the disconnection. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is made more available during Lent for the faithful to straighten out our relationship with God. The Commandments are the perfect measure of how well we are keeping our covenant with God. Take this opportunity to be real, refreshed and resurrected.

Reconciliation times in Lent:

Saturday afternoons from 4 to 4:45 p.m.
Friday mornings in Lent, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 23, Confessions 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

More at SJBDE.org/Lent.

February 28

The first readings for the Sundays of Lent present various covenants. This Sunday our focus is on Abraham and the Covenant of Faith. Although we use the term “faith” in many ways, the most important use is our complete trust in God. This is the faith that Abraham had in God. He was told by God to sacrifice his son Isaac, yet he was also told that he would be the father of many nations. Logically, how could this happen? This Divine request was incomprehensible and an abomination because human sacrifice was not permitted.

This episode was truly a test of Abraham’s faith. Abraham’s decision to sacrifice his son, Isaac, prefigured the Father’s decision to sacrifice the Son, Jesus. Abraham trusted in God, and God made with him the covenant of faith. Abraham is the prototype of all believers.

Lent is the perfect time to realize that God takes care of you. The very fact that we were called into existence is no mistake. Yes, challenges appear insurmountable at times, when faith appears weak. It is then that we read a little further in today’s Gospel and repeat what the man says in Mark 9:24: “I do believe Lord. Help those parts of me that don’t believe.” And we trust in God to form with us, as He did with Abraham, a covenant of faith.

The Church recommends three basis disciplines during Lent. One of them is Fasting and another is Prayer.

Prayer is the communication we have between God and ourselves. Jesus, Himself, was a man of constant prayer. He meditated in the early hours of the morning, attended synagogue worship and fulfilled the prayerful gestures in the Temple.

We have the opportunity, with the pandemic restricting our social time, to pray more privately at home and elsewhere; instead of wasting time on less important things. Mass is the perfect prayer and attending daily Mass is rewarding. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place on Fridays after the 8:00 Mass to 10:00 a.m. Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 7 p.m. is also a strong prayerful way to join the Lord in His Passion. Devotional prayers, like the rosary, are disciplines that place us before the Lord. Private meditation on Sacred Scripture and spiritual readings are also highly recommended forms of prayer.

Pray, Pray, Pray... it is the exact way to keep the Covenant of love alive and vibrant between God and ourselves. More at SJBDE.org/Lent.
 

February 21

This first Sunday of Lent, we hear of the Covenant God made with the people at the time of Noah, the Covenant of the Rainbow.  Next Sunday, we will hear about the Covenant of Faith between God and Abraham.  Then we will come upon the Covenant of the Law made with Moses.  They all lead to the Eternal Covenant of the Paschal Mystery that we celebrate at Easter.

This week’s focus is on a beautiful rainbow.  We all enjoy the spectacular sign in the sky and it makes us feel good.  A rainbow forecasts better weather.  God sealed His covenant with the human race with this beautiful gesture; assuring the human race that God sees the good in the world.  He will not give up on humankind in general or as individuals.

The word Lent is derived from a Teutonic word meaning Spring.  Lent is the time for a new beginning.  The rainbow is here and God’s love is pursuing us once again.  May we have the determination to begin again.  May we have the courage to allow God’s love to overtake us.

Lent is the perfect time to spring clean the soul for the approaching feast of Easter.  The Church has recommended three basis disciplines during Lent.  One of them is Fasting which is different than abstaining.  Fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food, while Abstaining normally refers to refraining from meat (or another type of food or enjoyment).  For Catholics, fasting on simple, less filling meals is obligatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for those eighteen years old and not yet fifty-nine years old.  Abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and the Fridays of Lent are obligatory. 

Additional forms of abstinence are highly recommended, at this time, like less T.V. or computer for more scripture or spiritual reading.  Less foods that are enjoyable for acts of charity to others.  Less conversing, texting and more prayer with God are another form of abstinence.  These penitential practices are meant to empty ourselves of needless desires and create more room for virtue.

Offertory Envelopes....there has been a delay in parishioners receiving offertory envelopes these past weeks.  The problem is in the bulk mailing and recent delays in the postal system. Kindly put your contribution in an envelope with your name, address and envelope number when making your contribution to the parish.  This will suffice until you receive the envelopes.  Sorry for the inconvenience.  I just received a Christmas card on February 3rd...   Fr. Joe

February 14

Our readings, this Sunday, relate to healing. The Old Testament reading gives just a few of the horrible rules established by the Mosaic community to protect itself from leprosy. Lepers were ostracized by their families and community and considered “unclean.” Jesus stretched out his hand and touched the leper and said, “Be made clean.” Thus, the poor leper was healed physically and allowed back into the community.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Masses on Ash Wednesday are 8 and 9:30 a.m., 12:10 Noon and 6:30 p.m. This year, we approach Lent with extra caution because the pandemic is still underway and the new strain of Covid 19 is potentially worse. Following the recommendation of the Holy Father and our Diocese, we will simply “sprinkle” ashes on the top of the heads of the penitents, as they are dismissing Mass that day.

Ashes symbolize mourning, mortality, and penance ever since the Old Testament. In the Book of Esther 4:1, or Job 42:6, we hear of people who repented in sackcloth and ashes. Jonah’s preaching of conversion awakened the king to conversion who covered himself with sackcloth and sat in the ashes (Jonah 3:5-6). These examples give evidence of the common understanding of ashes and their symbolism. Jesus Himself also made reference to ashes in Matthew 11:21: Referring to towns that refused to repent of sin Our Lord said, “If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have reformed in sackcloth and ashes long ago”.

Eventually, the Church adapted this penitential rite to mark the beginning of Lent. In our present liturgy for Ash Wednesday, we use ashes made from the burned palm branches distributed on Palm Sunday of the previous year. The ashes are blessed and imposed on the faithful. It has been the custom in our culture to have them placed on the forehead making the sign of the cross. In other cultures, including Rome, the custom is to sprinkle ashes on the head of the penitent as was done in ancient times. When we begin the holy season of Lent, in preparation for Easter, we must remember the significance of the ashes we have received: We mourn and do penance for our sins. We again convert our hearts to the Lord.

Ash Wednesday is a day of abstinence from meat and also a day of fast, that is, limited to a single full meal. All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence from meat. All those who are fourteen years old are bound to the law of abstinence. The law of fast binds all who are eighteen years old and not yet fifty-nine years old.

Weekday Masses during Lent:
Monday thru Saturday at 8:00 a.m.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:
Fridays after the 8 a.m. Mass to 10:00 a.m.

Reconciliation / Confessions during Lent:
Fridays of Lent 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 23 Confessions only, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday afternoon 4 to 4:45 p.m.

More at SJBDE.org/Lent

February 7

“Life is not fair!” is a cry that everyone makes sooner or later. It is a hard lesson to learn but eventually we all have to learn it. There doesn’t seem to be a pattern in life to follow or some magical formula that prevents bad things from happening to anyone... even “good” people. Senseless accidents that mar or take innocent lives; diseases that cripple individuals and families; economic tensions that push people over the edge and psychological pressures that cause people to unwind are some of the more serious unfairness we know happening in life. The recent pandemic has heightened an awareness of these realities. Scores of people are suffering.

Our readings, this Sunday, show us that from ancient times the question is: “Why do people suffer?” Our firstreading, from Job, gives us the breakdown of this man. He lost family, property and even his friends in that order. It was when suffering touched his body that Job cried and almost despaired.

Jesus knows that sickness and suffering are not part of the Father’s plan but are the consequences of the Genesis story where human nature pushed God aside in favor of having their own way. Left on its own, that which was intended to be good in creation was tainted by inclinations that were other than Godly and sadness, sickness, decay entered our existence. Yes, the innocent suffer from humanity’s guilt. Jesus’ hand went out to Peter’s mother-in-law who was lying sick and grasped her hand and helped her up. And immediately her fever left her. Christ’s heart continues to go out to all who need to be uplifted and healed. He is the Merciful One who shows us God’s compassion when we are really down and cry out: “Life is not fair.”

Thursday, February 11 is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick. Through Our Blessed Mother’s intercession let us uplift our sick to the healing hands of the Lord. During these past several months, the medical field has done a remarkable task in being the healing hands of God. We appreciate ALL that the men and women in the health field have done and continue to do for us under stressful and dangerous conditions. May Our Lord protect you and shower His healing graces to and through you. Thank You for your ministry!

Since the pandemic is still under way and in some cases rising, we will approach Lent with extra caution. The Holy Father asks us to be extra cautious with the Distribution of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 17. Following his recommendation, we will simply “Sprinkle” ashes on the top of the heads of the penitents, as they are dismissing Mass that day. This has been the custom since ancient times and is normal procedure in many countries throughout the world.
 

January 31

In today’s Gospel, Jesus joins in public worship in the synagogue as a practicing Jew. There, people immediately noticed that Jesus teaches with authority. When a man, possessed by an evil spirit enters the scene, the evil spirit recognizes and loudly declares Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus commands the evil spirit to come out of the man and it departs, obedient to His Divine authority.

It is a touching Gospel of the authority of Jesus. He did not use His Divine power to rule and control people, but to set them free. We need to approach Jesus for liberation and to approach Him with trusting faith so that He may free us from

A common feeling, among many, is the belief that God is a controlling Being who suppresses the individual’s freedom for what he/she desires. Of course, this is so often the reason why people abandon religion or their faith. The opposite is true. God does not force us to do anything but gives us the free will to choose good or evil.

Since God is the author of everything, God alone establishes what is good or evil. Jesus came to us to teach us what God’s plan is and what will most benefit us. We need to use our God’s authority to free us from all the “evil spirits” in our lives... hate, fear, jealousy, anger, envy, lust, addictions, compulsions, selfishness, resentment, hostility, etc.

May God free us from any false impression that Our Lord intends to control us or that His Church is designed to keep anyone down. His supreme authority desires to teach and heal us; to allow us to be the true person we know we should be.

Since the pandemic is still under way and in some cases rising, we will approach the next weeks with extra caution. The Blessing of Throats on Wednesday, February 3rd, will be a General Blessing, not individual, at the conclusion of the 8:00 a.m. Mass. This will prevent the contact of the blessed candles with the numbers of individuals.

Also, the Holy Father asks us to be extra cautious with the Distribution of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 17. Following his recommendation, we will simply “Sprinkle” ashes on the top of the heads of the penitents, as they are dismissing Mass that day. This has been the custom since ancient times and is normal procedure in many countries throughout the world.
 

January 24

All three of Sunday’s readings present an urgent call. Jonah first flees from his vocation but eventually follows God’s orders to tell the people of Ninevah to repent for their sins. St. Paul has the difficult task to tell the obstinate people of Corinth to embrace the Gospel because time is running out. Jesus begins His mission by proclaiming “the time of fulfillment is at hand. Repent and believe”. He then calls His first disciples.

A career is a job that you currently have, but a vocation is something that you are. The call of Faith, our vocation as Christians, identifies us for who we are. This call is one’s very fiber and must be addressed without delay, just as the call to

faith was urgent for the first disciples, for the people of Corinth, and for the people of Ninevah. People who are determined to live the truth of whom they are, people who are determined to live vocationally, are the most dynamic force in history. Their lives don’t just become history; they become His Story, the story of God at work in the world. And that is what Catholicism is about. We want to change the world into God’s world. We are willing to do what we need to do to be who we have been called to be.

Flowers at the Holy Family Shrine are in memory of Victoria & Joseph Piekarski

It is with saddened hearts that we share the loss of Pauline Anna Berlingieri, who passed away on January 11, 2021. Pauline has touched the lives of numerous parishioners at St. John the Beloved Parish organizations and eventually became the Parish Director of Religious Education, where, where she volunteered in various parish together with her team of selfless volunteers, she touched thousands of children’s lives through her administration of St. John’s CCD and sacramental programs, Vacation Bible School, and countless other religious formation programs.

Additionally, her devotion to the parish included being Eucharistic Minister as well as the parish wedding coordinator and serving in the seasonal decorating of the church. She truly dedicated her time, talent, and treasure in service to others.

Mrs. Berlingieri retired after 30 years of sharing the faith. Sympathy is extended to Pauline's husband, Dominic, and her daughter and son-in-law, Dina and Shawn Riley, and granddaughter Gianna. May she rest in peace.
 

January 17

The Lamb that Broke the Fall

Visiting a church in Werden Germany, a tourist noticed the carved figure of a lamb near the top of the church’s tower. He asked why it was there and was told that when the church was being built, a safety rope had broken and a workman had fallen from a great height and plummeted into the church yard below. His co-workers had rushed down, expecting to find him dead. But miraculously the man was alive and slightly injured. How had he survived the fall unscathed? Well a flock of sheep was passing beneath the tower at that time, and he landed on top of a lamb which broke his fall and undoubtedly saved his life. However in the process, the lamb itself died. In gratitude for the lambs sacrifice and his own deliverance, the workman carved a lamb on the church.

In the same way, we are like the workman plunging toward eternity with nothing to break our fall into sin and death, but God’s grace intervened and a perfect Lamb was sent to save us. John the Baptist gave testimony of Jesus when he pointed to the Lord and declared: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” His audience was familiar with the animal sacrifices as prescribed for the atonement of sin in the Hebrew Testament. They understood the implications of John’s declaration. In order for a lamb to take away sin, it must die in the place of the transgressor. In this way Jesus was sent to us, the Lamb of God, to save us.


No wonder just before Communion, we call upon Jesus under the gentle, innocent and submissive title ... Lamb of God. That workman in Werden, carved a grateful memorial to the Lamb that unwittingly saved his life. How much more grateful we should be as we offer our Sunday Mass, the living memorial to the Lamb who willingly and lovingly gave His all for you and me.

January 10

Today, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord; the closing of the Christmas Season. It is the feast of the Second Epiphany. Last week we celebrated the first Epiphany, the Arrival of the Magi. The third Epiphany is the Wedding of Cana. All three episodes in the Gospel point to Jesus being God. Epiphany is a manifestation of Jesus being the Christ, of Divine Being.

The Arrival of the Three Magi initiates this revelation when people from around the world realize that the light from heaven has shown upon earth; they seek and find in Jesus the Divine presence foretold in scripture. At the Baptism of the Lord, a voice from heaven points to Jesus saying “You are My Beloved Son. On You My favor rests.” At the Wedding of Cana, Jesus reveals His divinity by changing water into wine. Thus, we are enlightened with grace to acknowledge Jesus Christ as God among us.

Jesus entered humanity fully in the waters of the Jordan. Sinless, He makes the waters holy and unites Himself with us. We, who are baptized, are purified by the waters that Christ makes holy. We enter the realm of divinity and become One with Christ. This is the beginning of our journey as Disciples of Christ; a lifelong process that promises resurrection in Christ after our earthly journey is complete.

The Christmas decorations will be taken down this coming week.

 

January 3, 2021

In the early Church, what we know as Christmas was not celebrated. Easter was, and still is, the pivotal celebration of the Liturgical Year. Before, the traditional date of December 25th was designated by the Pope as the Nativity of the Lord, the Eastern Church had the custom of the Arrival of the Magi and popularized the tradition of Christ’s Incarnation. The Western Church meshed this beautiful tradition into what we now celebrate as the Christmas Season.

Many cultures, to this day, regard the Epiphany as “Little Christmas” by exchanging gifts on January 6th. Matthew’s Gospel states that three gifts were given to Jesus by the Magi...Gold, symbolizing Christ’s Kingly status; Frankincense, symbolic of his Priestly dignity; and Myrrh, foretelling his suffering and

Talking about gifts, I want to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to you, as a parish, who are a gift to St. John the Beloved Parish. During the holidays, in the midst of a pandemic, you met the challenges of our Outreach Programs with contributions, food, supplies, gifts, energy. Many families were gifted this Christmas through your generosity. Thank You. To those who volunteered in this capacity...may you be richly rewarded.

Preparing for the holidays, these present inordinate days require much more dedication and effort on the part of our limited parish staff. Planning, scheduling and serving required dedication and we had it. Our environmental volunteers did a fantastic job again. Whatever you contributed in time, talent and treasure publicly or quietly...Thank You. God sees everything and knows the goodness you radiate. For the contributions you make to our parish, now and throughout the year, we are appreciative always. God reward you in His limitless benevolence. From all of us to all of you... Thank You for being the gift you are to us.
 

December 27, 2020

At the end of 2020 we can only hope and pray that the New Year will unfold with remedies to end the pandemic and get ourselves back into a somewhat normal routine. These past nine months have been a struggle, complicated and unpredictable. With a vaccine now available, we anxiously await a positive relief.



We celebrate the Holy Family this weekend. It is a good time to reflect on this family nucleus as we recall our recent challenges. Saint Joseph was a working man who was devoted to God and opened himself to carrying out God’s plan for salvation in an unfamiliar turn of events. He must have truly been a man of faith and loved Mary and her Child because he carried out his duties throughout impossible and dangerous episodes.



The Blessed Virgin questioned the possibilities of what God asked of her, but she courageously took on the massive responsibilities at the threshold of her life. The Angel Gabriel acclaimed her “full of grace” and indeed this had to be the case in her determination to fulfill God’s plan. Her love for Joseph had to be solid because she depended on him to lead the way.
 


Of course The Christ Child entered this couple’s loving household, and rightfully so because He Himself departed the glory of heaven and humbly took on our existence as God’s greatest act of love to the world. The bonding force of This Holy Family was love; an unconditional love that faced the impossible lived in uncertainty, journeying through precarious lands while balancing political and religious polarization. And yet, through these struggles, forged in love as one, Jesus, Mary and Joseph created the foundation of a Christian home.


As a parish family, we must acknowledge the faithful who have kept our parish going during these historical months: The people who prayed with us and those who kept connected via video Masses. The people who continued to support us financially as well as those who kept the supplies stocked for our charitable outreach. The folks who routinely helped sanitize our church, every day every week. The understanding and cooperative people who followed the necessary protocol for the safety of us all.


These months, we have strictly followed the government and diocesan guidelines which have limited the ministries at Mass. We acknowledge our clergy, our music director, hosts, hostesses, ushers and environment committee because they have been present daily to follow ever changing directives, ensuring the safety of our people, and creating uplifting liturgies with less volunteers and more needs. This includes those who video and lector at our weekly Masses on line, including the expertise of our coordinator who edits and produces the videos and website of our parish. Our parish staff has especially worked extra hard to keep the finances afloat, offices open, buildings maintained and meet the needs of our parishioners and friends.


Also, our parish school principal, faculty, staff and families are doing a stellar ministry. Both in class and virtually, the school has met the needs of our students in a safe and continuous manner. The teachers have often had to do double duty and excel in their techniques. This is also reflected in our Religious Education program headed by our Director of Religious Education. Both learning programs can be proud of their achievements during this unprecedented time.


You have endured and worked through this pandemic. Love is the motivation for all that has kept our parish family together. Love is no easy task. It is a virtue that takes our will and energy...but it accomplishes greatness. May the Holy Family continue to be our example in 2021. May the grace that filled their hearts continue within our own in the days to come. A Blessed New Year!

Father Joe

December 20, 2020

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, today’s Gospel makes me aware of the fear that Mary of Nazareth must have had in her encounter with Gabriel. We know that Mary was a young virgin, probably in her early teens and suitable for marriage at that time in her culture. She was engaged to marry Joseph but where the phenomena with an archangel took place is unknown. Maybe it was in her home or out in the fields, but we are pretty sure it was startling and the message troubled her in what it meant and how it could be carried out.

Mary questioned the laws of nature but the archangel assured her that she was highly favored by God and indeed, God would do magnificent things for her, her kinswoman Elizabeth and the world. Obedient to God’s summons, Mary took on the privilege of being the mother of our Savior. That shocking encounter with a heavenly being and impossible implications could only be satisfied by an innocent daughter of God who was full of grace.

We are not that innocent or totally open to Divine Providence like Mary but we know fear and feel the need for a Savior. The miracle of Christmas changed the course of history, allowed humanity to be saved from sin and death, and opened the Kingdom of God to humanity. God took the most devout heart of Mary, and through her “Fiat” which means “Let it be done,” gifted His Son to us to conquer our fears and overcome our challenges.

May this most blessed event, that changed the world, continue to bless you and yours in a Grace-filled way. You and your loved ones will be remembered in all the Masses of Christmas.

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

Attention...Christmas Masses: 

To allow convenience and safe distancing for our Christmas Masses this year, we have scheduled the following Masses. No reservations will be required but careful consideration should be made in who should attend and the limited seating. Local cases of the pandemic are sharply rising. The faithful are reminded that they are still dispensed from the Sunday and holy day Mass obligation until further notice.

Everyone is asked to consider their own health and all vulnerable individuals should continue to stay at home. People who have symptoms of possible COVID-19 must remain at home.

Doors will open 45 minutes before the scheduled Mass to allow sanitizing and the government procedures to prevent COVID-19 are still being followed with masks, sanitizing hands and distancing. Six feet distancing will be followed, reducing seating space, however same households may sit closer together.

Please consider fulfilling your spiritual needs with our parish virtual Christmas Mass or watch the 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass that will be shared via Livestream... both may be found on online at SJBDE.org/worship-at-home. 

Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24

2 p.m. in church and hall
4 p.m. in church and hall
7 p.m. in church and livestream 11 p.m. in church

Christmas Day, Friday, December 25
7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. in church

December 13, 2020

This Sunday is Gaudete Sunday, Rejoice Sunday.  St. Paul in the second reading tells us:  “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

Without hesitation, most of us would say that 2020 has taken the joy of living out of us.  Our health and economy have been jeopardized while the daily routine of life has been altered.  For many, those things that we normally relish like vacations, sporting events and family receptions have been cancelled or postponed.  These months seem to have passed by rapidly and …empty.  Zoom and Skype meetings, emails and texting are no match to personal encounters.  Some of us have been touched by the pandemic itself with the illness of oneself or relative or friend…and too many have succumbed to it.  I personally knew seven.  So how can St. Paul tell us to “Rejoice?” 

The color of rose evokes feelings of peace, compassion, nurturing, love and joy.  We often say a person “is in the pink” when he/she is getting well.  We know a flower is ready to bloom or the dawn is ready to open…when we see pink.  The Church uses this color to remind us that Advent is a time of great expectations. We have every reason to be full of joy.  Rejoice, Christmas is almost here.  Rejoice, salvation is on the horizon.  With this awareness, the whole focus of our lives has changed. With Jesus approaching into our lives, the blues of our human lives are ultimately illuminated by the One who saves us.

Everything that robs us of complete joy these days is temporary and the fullness of life has been given to us in Jesus.  We are reminded at this time of year how a Child was born to us to set us free and His return will open for us His abundant Kingdom.  The arrival of Jesus must not be weighed down in sadness because He heals our wounds, He lifts our lowliness, He offers us mercy, He pardons our sins, He raises the dead and He gives us eternal Life.  How can we be anything other than positive? Rejoice in the Lord !

Oplatki Christmas Wafers are available at the Parish Office.

Reconciliation is available after the 8 a.m. Masses on the Fridays of Advent from 8:30 to 9:30 while Adoration is also available.

Reconciliation will also take place in our church on Wednesday, December 16 from noon to 1 p.m. and that evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in addition to the normal confession times on Saturday afternoon.

To allow convenience and safe distancing for our Christmas Masses this year, we have scheduled the following Masses.  No reservations will be required but careful consideration should be made not to overcrowd the normally popular Masses.  The attendance at all Masses is limited and the procedures to prevent COVID-19 are still being followed.

 

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24          2:00 p.m. in church and hall

                                                 4:00 p.m. in church and hall

                                                 7:00 p.m. in church

                                               11:00 p.m. in church

Christmas Day, Dec. 25         7:30 a.m.,  9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. in church

 

Due to the pandemic, we remind our faithful that they are still dispensed from the Sunday and holy day Mass obligation until further notice.  Before deciding to attend Mass, everyone is asked to consider their own health condition carefully.  All vulnerable individuals should continue to stay at home.  People who have symptoms of possible COVID-19 must remain at home.  Our Christmas Mass will be available on our website (SJBDE.org).  

December, 6, 2020

John the Baptist didn’t dress like the Scribes, Pharisees and Temple priests. He wore camel’s hair and a leather belt. John did not promote the status quo like them. He talked about change that was certainly coming. John was not a political or religious person who held power; but the people listened and followed him.

The heart of John the Baptist’s message is that if we want change, if we really want the One who will reform the world and return it to God’s original plan, then we need to change. This is tough because it is easier to expect the world, government and people to change. But if we truly want change we can believe in, then we need to change.

The Gospel is reminding us of John the Baptist’s challenging call to look within ourselves, change what is not conducive within us to prepare for the coming of the Lord.

Attention: Please note that due to the increase of cases in the pandemic, the faithful are still dispensed from Sunday and Holy Day Masses obligation until further notice. Before deciding to attend Mass, everyone is asked to consider their own health condition carefully. All vulnerable individuals should continue to stay at home and people with COVID-19 symptoms must remain home. All precautions with masks, distancing and sanitizing hands must continue.

The state government has enforced stricter regulations at this time concerning the gatherings of people. Our parish is presently negotiating with the proper levels of government to ensure safety for our parish community and still allowing the numbers we can handle within our church. Hopefully next weekend, we can announce the finalizedschedule of Masses for Christmas Masses here at St. John the Beloved.

Daily Liturgical Schedule during Advent:

Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. Mass.

Friday - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. and 
Reconciliation (Confessions) 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. 

Saturday - Reconciliation (Confessions) 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. 

Parish Confessions, Wednesday, December 16, 2020 
12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (guest, Priests and no Penance Service)

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is Tuesday, December 8, 2020. It is a Holy Day of Obligation that commemorates the sinless condition of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the very moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, Saint Ann. Pondering the life of the Immaculate Mary, it is appropriate that we pray especially for our Nation. The United States is dedicated to Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception. Masses for our patronal feast are Monday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, December 8, at 8:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Flowers at the Holy Family Shrine are in thanksgiving for the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Richard and Dorothy Piekarski.

Oplatki Christmas Wafers are available at the Parish Office.
 

November, 29, 2020

Watch your step. Watch your money. Watch who you hang around with. Watch your distance. Watch yourself! Seems like that is all we are doing, especially now with a pandemic. Alert and cautious we have to be. As we enter a new liturgical year, Jesus tells us: “Be constantly on the watch!” The Gospel is telling us to be vigilant for the final coming of Christ because above our other carefulness is the deeper need and anticipation of a Savior.

Nothing is predictable. The year 2020 is an example of this. Our fears, anxiety, uncertainty, vulnerability and doubts have allowed us to recognize our need for Redemption. Advent has a two-fold character, for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnity of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time.

Needless to say, this watchfulness also requires preparation. Prayer and penance are encouraged at this time to sharpen our souls for the proper disposition needed for the Lord’s arrival. When He comes, we surely will hope to be free of sin and filled with grace. That is why it is important that we focus now on where our souls are heading; clearing the obstacles that makes it difficult for the Savior to enter our lives. It is a time to prayerfully prepare for His arrival. Let us do it together...WATCH!

Oplatki Christmas Wafers are available at the Parish Office.

Reconciliation is available after the 8 a.m. Masses on Fridays during Advent: December 4, 11, & 18, from 8:30 to 9:30 while Adoration is also available.

Reconciliation will also take place in our church on Wednesday, December 16, from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. and again that evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in addition to the normal confession times on Saturday afternoon.

Due to the pandemic, we remind our faithful that they are still dispensed from the Sunday and holy day Mass obligation until further notice. Before deciding to attend Mass, everyone is asked to consider their own health condition carefully. All vulnerable individuals should continue to stay at home. People who have symptoms of possible COVID-19 must remain at home. Our Sunday mass will continue to be available on our website, SJBDE.org.
 

November 22, 2020

One thing is for sure; all things come to an end. This is the final Sunday of Ordinary Time. Next Sunday, we begin a new liturgical year with the beginning of Advent. Mostly everyone is anxious to see this calendar year, 2020, leave. It has been a great struggle. The routine has changed and the future will remain much different. People have kept a distance while many left this world. Within the past year, our parish buried nearly 117 people (none related to the pandemic). So why is this Solemnity of Christ the King so important?

Today’s celebration reflects on the fundamental truths of Christianity that Jesus Christ came to restore spiritual life to our world and form humankind into a Kingdom for God the Father. This is made explicit in today’s second reading, where St. Paul

writes that the resurrection of Jesus has restored the life that was lost by mankind. All who belong to Christ will be handed over to God the Father at the end of time.

This act of faith ultimately gives meaning to everything in our lives. If we do not have God in our lives, then our lives are futile, meaningless and dead. Without God we go through the motions secretly asking ourselves, “Why bother? Why bother with raising children? Why bother with caring for others? Why bother with being good? Why bother living?” Without God in our lives, we will easily overlook His Presence reaching out to us in our daily episodes and encounters.

Without God, Thanksgiving is just a day for a holiday meal. Without God, Christmas is merely a day of empty sentiments. But with the presence of God in our lives, each moment is an opportunity to grow closer to Him and steer our lives toward our ultimate goal, what may seem like THE END.

Every sovereignty, every authority and every power in the world will eventually be destroyed. There will be no royalty, presidents or prime ministers, not ayatollahs nor any form of prince. The only King who is eternal is Jesus Christ. The only kingdom that will remain is that of God the Father. And we are members of that Kingdom. Christ is our King. May we be true members of His Kingdom.

The holidays are starting. This year, we will offer two Masses to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Eve Mass: Wednesday, November 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Saint John the Beloved Church. Thanksgiving Day Mass: Thursday, November 26 at 9:00 a.m. in our church.

The collection, at both Masses, of food and/or monetary donations will go to our Parish Outreach Program for the needy.

A safe and God filled Thanksgiving Day to everyone!
Fathers Piekarski & Szczur, Deacons Wuebbels, Fontana and Bailey and the staff of St. John the Beloved Parish

Thanksgiving Table Prayer

Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love,
please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of thanksgiving. Thank You for all the graces and blessings You have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith, religious heritage and natural freedoms. Our food and shelter, our health, the loves we have for one another, our family and friends.

Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessings throughout the coming year. Keep all of us safe from illness and despair.

Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

And may the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

November 15, 2020

Should we be frightened? Should we be afraid of the end of time, afraid of death? This is what we hear addressed in our second reading today, where St. Paul tells the Thessalonians, and us, that we know we should be ready for the end, but we shouldn’t be afraid that it will catch us off guard. Some of the people in Thessalonica were convinced that the end was soon, that they stopped working. Paul convinces them to continue living as children of the light and be ready for when the Lord returns.

Our Gospel, today, tells us to be faithful to the

Lord and to develop the talents that we have been given, fulfilling our responsibilities in our families and community, as exemplified by the worthy wife in

the first reading. Do not worry that the end is near but live each day to the best of your ability in preparation for whatever comes.

Next Sunday is the Final Sunday of this Liturgical Year... we will celebrate the culmination of everything in the Kingship of Jesus Christ. In the end when Our Lord returns, He brings His Kingdom that has no end. We must keep busy doing good, being light in an often darkened world, and not be caught off guard.

Christmas music is already being played. The holidays are starting. This year, we will offer two Masses to celebrate Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving Eve Mass: Wednesday, November 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Saint John the Beloved Church.

Thanksgiving Day Mass: Thursday November 26 at 9 a.m. in our church. The collection, at both Masses, of food and/or monetary donations will go to our Parish Outreach Program for the needy.

November 8, 2020

There were ten bridesmaids; five who were foolish and squandered their time and five who were wise by making the best use of every moment. The wise bridesmaids entered into the banquet of the Master’s love.  The foolish bridesmaids were too busy wasting time to be ready for their Master’s return.  Wisdom is a way of life as we hear in today’s first reading.  The wise are always ready for the Lord because they are always united to Him.  Our lesson is simple; be wise by being always ready to celebrate the banquet of the Lord’s love.

It is in the present moment that we have the opportunity to be charitable, forgiving, just, patient and virtuous.  These are the attributes that lighten our path into the banquet of heaven and they are necessary because that is what heaven is all about.  Jesus repeatedly speaks of heaven being like a banquet or a wedding feast that is beyond earthly description.  It is the coming together of good people, we call saints, in the oneness of God where you enjoy perfect peace, justice and love forever.  

St. Paul says: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:9).  Saint Pope John Paul II said:  “We know that the “heaven” or “happiness” in which we will find ourselves is neither an abstraction nor a physical place in the clouds, but a living, personal relationship with the Holy Trinity. It is our meeting with the Father which takes place in the risen Christ through the communion of the Holy Spirit.”

Put simply, you won’t want to miss it.  Perhaps the real sadness, in the afterlife, is not having the life that “I could have had and that God wanted to give me.”  Instead I wasted the opportunity and am not prepared to enter the feast.  Ever reminding ourselves that I was given 86,400 seconds each day of my life to lighten my path but I was foolish.  God forbid.  

November 1, 2020

All baptized Christians who have died and are now with God in glory are considered saints. All Saints Day is intended to honor the memory of countless unknown and uncanonized saints who have no feast days. I am sure that you can recall some people from your life who were genuinely holy people on earth and who are among the Communion of Saints.

I recall the dreams I have had where my deceased aunt is joyfully doing house chores arrayed in a blinding room of light. Perhaps a message from heaven because she was a typical housewife, mom, grandmother who loved Dollar Day at the Dry and was fervent in prayer. My great nephew passed at seven and in that short time was uncommonly compassionate in playing with his peers who nobody would play with. The grocer down the street from my house charitably gave food to those who could not pay him saying: “The more I give...the more God repays me.” These, too, are the saints we celebrate today...Ordinary people practicing extraordinary virtue.

Today we thank God for giving men, women and children a share in His holiness and Heavenly glory as a reward for their Faith. This feast reminds us today that God’s call for holiness is universal; that all of us are called to live in His love and to make His love real in the lives of those around us. Holiness is related to the word wholesomeness. We grow in holiness when we live wholesome lives of integrity, truth, justice, charity, mercy, and compassion, sharing our blessings with others.

Many saints have been captured for us in their stories and many are artistically depicted in stained glass windows and holy cards, but there are numerous ones that also are exemplary. More than likely, we knew some personally and must realize that holiness is possible even today. In other words...Yes, you and I are called to be saints. This is something to celebrate.

Monday. November 2nd is dedicated to all the dead; those who need our prayerful support to reach the ultimate destiny of heaven. God alone knows what is in each soul. Thus we pray that our beloved dead, especially those in most need of God’s mercy, will enter into heaven. It is a wholesome thing to pray for the dead. Masses on this day are 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (with the special remembrance of those who passed away this year at both Masses).

Pre-Election Prayer Opportunity: This Tuesday, November 2nd is Election Day. In preparation for this important time, The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for prayerful meditation in our church on Monday, November 2nd, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Please pray for God’s intervention and Will to be accomplished for Our Nation.

October 25, 2020

A Note From Most Reverend W. Francis Malooly, Bishop of Wilmington 

Dear Friends in Christ,

Each of us are called as Catholics and as citizens to active participation in the political process. This means that we must learn about the issues and where each candidate and party stand on them and vote for those candidates we believe will advance our common good. It is one very important way for us to answer Christ’s call to be salt of the earth and light of the world and to let our light shine before others. (Matt 5: 13-16) It is a requirement of our faith that is protected by our country’s Constitution.

It is incumbent on each of us to research the candidates for national, statewide, and local offices to see if their stance on issues are in keeping with our values and the teachings of our Church. Do they, in word and policy, uphold the dignity of every human person? As Catholics, our preeminent priority is to protect the right to life. Do they support the restriction of, and ultimately bringing to an end, the destruction of unborn children through abortion; and strongly oppose euthanasia and the death penalty? Do they show care for the poor, sick, and marginalized that reflect Gospel values? Are they

open to choice in education to help underprivileged children break the cycle of poverty? Do they attack racial bias, hatred, and injustice? Do they support religious freedom in all matters, especially in health care?

I urge you to read: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility, the U.S. Bishops’ teaching document on the political responsibilities of Catholics found on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website: www.usccb.org It offers excellent guidance as we exercise our rights and duties as participants in democracy.

During this contentious election season, it would be easy for us to throw our hands up in exasperation and retreat to the sidelines. However, that would be in direct contradiction to our responsibilities. If we don’t bring civility and Christian values into the public arena, who will?

I ask that you join me and Catholics from across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore in praying the Litany of St. Thomas More, Martyr, and Patron Saint of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers, after ALL Masses in the Diocese the weekend of October 31 and November 1. May God bless you and God bless America.

Most Reverend W. Francis Malooly, Bishop of Wilmington

 

LITANY OF ST. THOMAS MORE, Martyr and Patron Saint of Statesmen, Politicians, and Lawyers

V. Lord, have mercy
V. Christ, have mercy
V. Lord, have mercy
V. Christ hear us
V. St. Thomas More, Saint, and Martyr,

R. Lord have mercy
R. Christ have mercy
R. Lord have mercy
R. Christ, graciously hear us
R. Pray for us (Repeat after each invocation)

St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians, and Lawyers
St. Thomas More, Patron of Justices, Judges, and Magistrates
St. Thomas More, Model of Integrity and Virtue in Public and Private Life
St. Thomas More, Servant of the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Christ St. Thomas More, Model of Holiness in the Sacrament of Marriage
St. Thomas More, Teacher of his Children in the Catholic Faith
St. Thomas More, Defender of the Weak and the Poor
St. Thomas More, Promoter of Human Life and Dignity

V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world R. Spare us O Lord
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world R. Graciously hear us O Lord V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world R. Have mercy on us

Let us pray: O Glorious St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, your life of prayer and penance and your zeal for justice, integrity, and firm principle in public and family life led you to the path of martyrdom and sainthood. Intercede for our Statesmen, Politicians, Judges, and Lawyers, that they may be courageous and effective in their defense and promotion of the sanctity of human life - the foundation of all other human rights. We ask this through Christ our Lord. 
R. Amen.

October 18, 2020

These days, there is a polarization about patriotism, standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, desecrating monuments, etc. Without getting political, personally, I know our Nation is not perfect; neither is the Church, you or I. Jesus alone was perfect and He ministered in an imperfect government and with imperfect followers...including the Apostles. Look at today’s Gospel, how He was being trapped into an answer that would make Him the villain as a Roman sympathizer or a traitor. Jesus settled the question with a simple, but profound answer: "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God's."

This passage leads us to consider how we carry out our responsibilities to our Country and to our God. The logical answer is this: Render to God what is God’s. Well... everything is God’s. He created everything from nothing. We are His creation. We are first...citizens of the Kingdom of God. Our responsibility to God is absolute.

We are also citizens of the United States. Many people worked at; fought and died for the liberties we enjoy...and continue to do so. The Freedom of Religion is just one of the many benefits we share. We have to take our citizenship in our Country extremely seriously and care for it. We need to work hard to direct our Country's paths to morality. We need to do all in our power to help our Nation make good, moral laws so that we might always be "one nation under God."

There are genuine ways that we can guide our Country to being one that serves God in its care for all our citizens. Here, we have the possibility to change a system that fails the respect and dignity of each individual. We have a responsibility to fight against laws that depreciate and destroy life. We are privileged citizens in being active in helping our Nation make moral choices, support noble ideals.

We are reminded, today, that we have to be active, courageous, and moral citizens of this great Nation. That is how we can render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s.

Today is World Mission Sunday. It is a central moment each year to provide for the building up of over one thousand local churches in Asia and Africa, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe, an area that covers more than half the territory of the globe. Through the work of these churches, and their witness to Christ, the poor receive practical help and experience God’s love and mercy, His hope, and peace. Extra envelopes are available at the entrance of the church.

October 11, 2020

You are cordially invited to the Heavenly Banquet. Today’s Scripture readings offer us a standing invitation. The first reading describes the Messianic banquet on God’s holy mountain. The great feast of “rich food and choice wines” will be served to all who enter. In today’s Gospel, Jesus accuses the Jewish religious and civil leaders of rejecting God’s invitation to the Heavenly Banquet given to them through Himself, God’s own Son. They just would not reform their lives. Hence, God is inviting Gentiles, non-Jews, along with reformed sinners for His banquet.

The one requirement for entrance into the feast is the wedding garment which is being in the state of grace at all times by avoiding sin and remaining holy and righteous. The wedding garment is the sanctifying grace we put on at Baptism. The other sacraments provide the additional graces we need to retain the sacred identity worthy of entrance into the banquet provided by God.

Our participation in the Eucharistic celebration, the Holy Mass, is the foretaste of this banquet in heaven. Jesus nourishes us in the Church through the proclamation of The Word of God and through His Body and Blood offered to us as spiritual Food and Drink in Holy Communion. We need to participate in the Eucharistic banquet with proper preparation by repenting of our sins and by actively participating in the prayers and song during the Holy Mass. Participating in Holy Mass is the best preparation and greatest Source of power for our future participation in the Heavenly banquet.

Today’s readings are a good reminder to us that the Lord wants us in the eternal, bountiful feast of heaven. We are assured that those who enter are well satisfied. We are invited by Jesus but each of us needs to give this invitation priority over every other good and important thing in life. Also, it is not enough just to show up. We must be properly dressed with our grace-assisted works of justice, charity and holiness in response to the Divine love that invites us. Jesus warns us to be ready to wear the wedding garment.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in our church will begin on Friday, October 16, 2020, after the 8:00 a.m. Mass, through 10:00 a.m. We will continue this devotion on Fridays when most mornings are available. We ask that the faithful keep a vigil at this time. It is a wonderful opportunity for private prayer for our many needs.
 

October 4, 2020

The Bible is not always about “feeling good.” Today’s readings are not necessarily uplifting and we tend to shy away from these darker chapters by wanting to turn the page. The prophet Isaiah is frank in addressing ancient Israel. Paraphrasing, he states: “Israel, you are God’s chosen people and much is expected from you. God is our friend and created us like a fertile vineyard with planted vines to yield choice grapes.” As the prophecy concludes, this vineyard yielded wild grapes because of Israel’s infidelity and the Lord allowed the vineyard to be overgrown with great disappointment.

This is Respect Life Sunday, and today’s readings are appropriate; opening our eyes to the darker chapters of our society. This year’s theme, ‘Live the Gospel of Life,’ was inspired by the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Saint Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, The Gospel of Life. Pope John Paul masterfully articulated defense of the right to life for children in their mothers’ wombs, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the marginalized.

More relevant today than ever before, we have to ask ourselves: How are we, the “New Israel” tending the Lord’s vineyard? How are we receptive to God’s Covenant, God’s Law, God’s Incarnate Son, His Church? They are given to us to nurture and sustain life and should be evident in our daily response to one another.

Instead, there is an increasing relativism throughout society that is rejecting God, deafening the Fruits of the Spirit to grow among us. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5) are overtaken by hate, sadness, turmoil, rage, intolerance, indecency, faithlessness, and indulgence. The wild grapes of our times are the effects of infidelity to the Lord. Saint Pope John Paul termed it best: “We have become a Culture of Death.”

Last November, the U.S. bishops reaffirmed that “the threat of abortion remains their preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.” While they noted not to ‘dismiss or ignore other serious threats to human life and dignity such as racism, the environmental crisis, poverty, and the death penalty,’ the U.S. bishops renewed their commitment to protect the most fundamental of all human rights – the right to live. Pope Francis extols the Church’s firm stand that if we fail to protect life, no other rights matter. Pope Francis also said that abortion is not primarily a Catholic or even a religious issue; it is first and foremost a human rights issue.

The Gospel of Life provides a blueprint for building a fruitful vineyard, a culture of life and a civilization of love. The important work of transforming our culture begins by allowing the Gospel of Christ to touch and transform our own hearts and the decisions we make. May we strive to imitate Christ and follow in His footsteps, caring for the most vulnerable among us as we courageously and faithfully cultivate The Gospel of Life.

September 27, 2020

In today’s parable, one son tells his father he will not work and then does. The other son tells his father he will work, and then does not. Jesus teaches that the son who had a change of heart did the right thing. Like the two different sons, this parable has two different angles.

The reversal of the first son’s inclination addresses the smug attitude of the self-righteous and their condescending attitude toward the less righteous. All those who are “sinners” and change their mind, repent, and follow the Lord will share in the Kingdom of God. Sometimes,

people know what is right but self-serving decisions and perhaps immoral choices get in the way when all of a sudden the better angels of the conscience take over. The Lord shows, in His parable, how the Will of the Father can still be accomplished by sinners with a change of heart.

The second son simply offers lips service that gives credence to the proverb “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Individuals may have the intention to undertake good actions but never the less fail to take action due to procrastination, laziness or other subversive vices. Thus, a good intention is meaningless unless followed through.

St. Paul tells us today that we must have the same attitude that is also in Jesus. Why? Because when we encounter Christ who “did not regard equality with God something to be grasped,” we find happiness and that makes it the wiser choice to leave behind our grasping ways and obey the One who Himself became obedient to the point of death.

Share in the Spirit --- Today’s second collection envelope is taken in support of the diocesan tuition assistance program. Money raised through this collection coupled with the diocese’s tuition assistance endowment provides financial assistance to hundreds of deserving families who seek a Catholic education for their children but who cannot afford the full cost of tuition.

If you are not prepared to contribute today, you may drop your contribution off at the parish office or place it in next week’s collection basket. For further information and on-line giving options, visit the Share in the Spirit website at www.cdow.org/sharespirit.html.

September 20, 2020

Today’s Gospel reading is one of the most confounding. Many people struggle with this parable about the landowner and the workers as being unfair, but as the old saying goes, where you stumble, that’s where you should dig for treasure. The parable offers a powerful reminder to focus on the mission of God’s kingdom, not who gets credit for it.

Mission focuses the mind. The present pandemic has made each individual, globally, decide what his /her priority in life is. For the majority of us, it is health, wellbeing, and safety. Job security and economic stability are also a priority. The needed quarantine has favorably allowed many folks to rediscover the value of family, friends ... faith. COVID 19 has made us prioritize what is important to us.

Hopefully, we have recognized the numerous efforts of those around us that have worked hard to heal the sick, assist the needy, and create a safe environment for all of us. Yes, some have greatly risked their own lives to ensure the general good and wellbeing of total strangers. Most have cooperated at various levels to end the plight. To that end...we ALL equally benefit. We need to be grateful to each other. All trivia falls by the side.

That is the point of the Gospel. Keep an eye on the Kingdom of God. Do your part at your level to enhance the Mission of the Church. Distraction from what really matters is the work of the devil. Recognition, awards, titles, increase in benefits are not what matters. Rather we are given the privilege of doing our part for the Kingdom. That we should do.

This parable, like so many, is meant to bug us. Instead of comparing, contrasting, and calculating each individual input in the Kingdom, do your part well and encourage each other to achieve the noble goal set for all of us. It is a privilege to have been summoned at various times, in various ways by the Lord and equally share in His generous reward.

With the close of summer, we are continuing to follow the guidelines of the government and diocese in what we can make available to the faithful. Still, at this time, the future is uncertain and therefore affecting what was before public activities within our parish. For example this fall, close contact sports have been canceled. Safe distancing between our school children has altered classroom size. Parish committees are still only meeting virtually or on hold.

Since the opening of our Masses in June, the format we followed was recommended by our diocese to keep social distance, sanitize the environment, and limit the congregating of groups. Wherever there may be the possibility of air-bound contamination, precautions still have to be enforced. This explains our lack of choir or congregational music.

The present cooperation and comfort level of our parishioners and friends have ensured us to begin having some music reintroduced into our Masses. Also, beginning in October, the recessional after Communion will discontinue. Keeping a safe distance, people can return to their pews after receiving Holy Communion and then dismiss after the final blessing. Please know that we are seeing the safety and health of everyone while keeping within our limitations of time and space; and any fears and anxiety of our parishioners. Thank you to everyone who is making this possible. 

September 13, 2020

 

What do you do when someone continually hurts you deeply? Through habit or mean intention, some people create an atmosphere of pain that makes living the Christian life almost impossible. As much as we try, forgiveness seems to slip away. At these times, we want to cry out, "Lord! I have really tried. Enough!"

Peter asked Jesus the same question and thought that “seven,” the biblical number for completeness, would be satisfactory. Jesus responded with a wordplay representing an uncountable number of times that explains how forgiveness was not a matter of social grace but integral to the Christian lifestyle.

To make that point, Jesus told a parable about one official who owed his king an immeasurable amount, equal to the gross national product. Begging for mercy when the official could not repay, the king graciously forgives the debt. Then the official left the court only to throttle a co-worker over a mere amount of one hundred days wages. When the king heard of the official's lack of mercy, he condemned the official to an unending torture since the debt was immeasurable. The symbolism is clear. The king is God the Father. The comparison of debt is obvious. God forgives the huge debt we owe Him while we become petty in forgiving much smaller debts. The official sinned by squandering the money, but he committed a greater sin when he abused the trust the king placed in him.

What wealth has the Lord bestowed on us? He gave us the Good News that Christ died for our sins and shares His Divine Life with us. How great is His trust in us! Yet, we squander this gift so easily when our selfish hearts shut Him out and our pettiness stops us from forgiving our neighbor. If we refuse to forgive others, even their smallest transgressions, will we be any better than the unrepentant? On the last day, would we be surprised if the Lord treated us like we treated others? The moral of the story is clear. As the Lord always forgives us from the inner depths of His heart, we, too, must forgive others. It is necessary for conversion.

When have we forgiven enough times? Imagine God asking us that question from His perspective! As we forever receive pardon for our shortcomings, we should always forgive others for theirs. The next time someone hurts us and challenges our patience; let us remember the source of forgiveness.
 

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Modern Christians are aligning with conventional thinking whereby they avoid interfering in the lives of others. While some people may feel overly confident standing on the moral high ground, most have misgivings in getting involved or correcting the moral faults of others. Evading the issue, we often say, “As a sinner, I don’t have the courage to admonish anyone.” But Jesus emphatically affirms that we are our brothers’ keepers, and we have the serious obligation to correct others.

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we take on a painful, triple responsibility. We must lovingly and prudently correct each other when we err, forgive those who offend us, and ask forgiveness from those we have offended. We need to heed to loving correction, in

private, for a personal offense where that is possible and offer advice and encouragement when it is needed. Jesus makes it clear how important we are, one to another. One in Christ, our community can draw on God’s power to make His healing, life-giving love, more effective among His people.

A shouting voice and a condescending attitude in an embarrassing situation do not rectify an error without bitterness and resentment. Stubbornness in being corrected or blocking solid counsel are obstacles to repair. It seems that fraternal correction is accepted and possible when carried out in a gentle, charitable manner. Recall the episodes in life when you were open to listening and changing a negative behavior. Most likely it resulted after a one-on-one, wise conversation that could only benefit you if you altered what you were doing. The same goes for those who may have challenged someone to be better. A kind approach makes all the difference in acceptance or rejection.

At times, we all need to be corrected and this is most important when our spiritual good is involved. That is why we have to be meaningfully present to and take responsibility for, each other. Inhuman, unchristian behavior is something about which we need to be really concerned. This individual responsibility in a Christian society includes, as today’s readings remind us, our responsibility for each other. Perhaps the most painful obligations of watchful love are fraternal correction and generosity in forgiving and forgetting injuries.

Flowers at the Holy Family Shrine are in memory of Julia A. Delikat.

Labor Day is Monday, September 7, 2020. The one Mass, that day, will be at 9 a.m. As we celebrate Labor Day Weekend, we state that human labor is honorable and celebrate the contributions of workers that make up the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our Country. And this is achieved through the sacrifices, toil and sweat of countless people. Remember that all that we do is for the betterment of our brothers and sisters in the world and our goal is to build Christ’s Kingdom. May God Bless the work of our hands. Happy Labor Day!

School is opening on Tuesday, September 8. With new directives, our parish school will hold full-day sessions for the beginning levels while the upper grades will rotate their days between virtual classes at home and classes in school. The “new” system is following diocesan guidelines for the safety of everyone. A word of appreciation to our school principal, Richard Hart, and parish and school staff that worked diligently to create a healthy environment. God Bless our new school year.