Sunday, September 16, 2018

Dear Parishioners and friends, 

We just celebrated this week, the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross and then the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. These feasts commemorate the finding of the true cross, in Jerusalem, by Saint 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. Precisely there, Jesus took upon Himself our sins and suffered brutally for our salvation. 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, was ready 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.

Every one of us has troubles. Those who are followers of Christ will, indeed, know the cost of following Him. We just celebrated the seventeenth anniversary of September 11th and recall the multitude of good people who were consumed by that terrorism. These past months disclosed even more horrific accounts of children, young people and their loved ones who suffer from abuse by clergy. 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 thousand throughout the world and in our neighborhoods and make innocent people suffer. 

The sufferings and answers are complicated and all of us empathize with Saint Peter today 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 put up a fight against evil nor suffer for something that was infinitely greater than this life. 

As followers of Christ, we have to be willing to sacrifice the happiness of this world for the sake of the Kingdom 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." 

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.

Flowers at the Holy Family Shrine are in memory of Peter & Frances Piekarski & Family.

Sincerely, 
Father Joe

Sunday, September 9, 2018 

“He put His fingers into the man’s ears. And He spat and touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, He signed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha,’ that is, ‘Be opened.’  And the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.”  This was a sign of the Messiah.  Isaiah had said, in our first reading today, that the eyes of the blind would be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared, the lame would leap and the tongue of the mute would sing.  The people realized that Jesus was performing these signs.

Everyone is looking for joy, for good news.  There are plenty of people who tell us what is wrong with everything.  How blessed are the people who see God working in their lives, even in the midst of difficulties.  To be able to see good, to hear positively, to walk into life’s pasture with grace and speak compassionately when negativity surrounds us is truly being touched by the Messiah. 

Sincerely, 
Father Joe
 

Sunday, September 2, 2018 

Dear Parishioners and friends, 

The ancient Hebrews were given laws to stay away from certain foods, not evil in themselves, to show obedience to God.  In today’s Gospel, Jesus says “Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are while defile.”  So we have to be aware of what initiates in our thoughts and heart:  lustful and promiscuous desires, coveting what other’s have, breaking vows, taking what does not belong to me, eliminating other people, swearing against God, hating, being deceptive.  All these defile.

The Catholic belief is that we humans are basically good. Made in the image and likeness of  God.  Sin tempts us to do evil but as we hear in Genesis 4, before Cain kills his brother Abel, God said to him: “Sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”  We can best do this by keeping our hearts innocent.  We have to be on guard not to let our thoughts and heart get contaminated.

We all have examples to discuss of episodes in life where we allow “a little wrong” in.  I take from work because “I’m not paid enough.”  I cheat on my vows and relationship because “My spouse doesn’t understand me.”  We live as though we are married because “everyone now is doing it.”  It is o.k. for me to take advantage of subordinates “because I am more powerful.”  And before we know what hits us, our thoughts have been turned to evil.  We question what is right or wrong.

I believe the fight against evil begins with the development of reason and goes on to our final breath.  The potential is there and denying our vulnerability is just as hypocritical as anyone who is a model of morality and yet leading an immoral life.  If there is something we dislike within ourselves, we need God’s grace first and then the conviction that I need to change.  We need support to remain pure for the Lord.  To do this we need the grace of the sacraments, particularly penance. We need the strength of the Eucharist.  And we need the company of our Catholic Community.  We need positive and accountable friends to keep us moral. 

We need to be concerned with fighting against any evil that might be lurking inside us.  We can easily proclaim this or that wrong in others, but if we are to avoid being hypocrites ourselves, we need to control our thoughts.  We need to protect ourselves against that which will turn black and white into the many shades of gray.  Christ wants us wholesome … and it starts deep inside. 

Labor Day is Monday, September 3.  The one Mass, that day, will be at 9 a.m. celebrating the contributions of workers that make up the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.  Human labor is honorable. 

As Christians, we thank God for those who have employment and ask the Lord to assist those seeking employment.  Happy Labor Day!

The Parish Office is closed on Labor Day and there is no novena or benediction that Monday evening.

School starts this week on Tuesday… Good luck and God Bless everyone!
 

Sunday, August 26, 2018 

The story goes that a group of Christians gathered for a secret prayer meeting, at the height of the persecution of all churches in Stalin’s Soviet Union.  Suddenly the door was broken by a soldier who faced the people with a gun. They all feared the worst. He spoke. "If there’s anyone who doesn’t really believe in Jesus, then, get out now while you have a chance." There was a rush to the door.  A small group remained. The soldier closed the door, and with gun poised whispered:  "Actually, I believe in Jesus, too, and you’re much better off without those others!" 

It seems sensible, if you want to live, to run for your life.  Let’s face it; our existence renders our reality while our spiritual dimension relies on faith.  Complete trust and confidence is becoming less of our reality.  Politics, economics, and philosophy are periodically relevant.  Institutions, structures and establishments are never permanent.  Even intimate relationships have disappointed many… family break-up, professional negligence and the recent disturbing exposure of child sex abuse and Church cover-up really shake our core faith in everything and everybody.     

It is quite normal for us to go through periods of doubting.   The Israelites murmured against God and Moses when in the wilderness.  The disciples murmured when Jesus said He was the Bread of Life.  St. Paul in Galatians 5:11 spoke to the early Church who took offense with the “scandal” of the cross.  We too have legitimate reasons to walk away from Church, religion and faith.  In our doubts, confusion, anger and feelings of betrayal, we are tempted to trust only on our senses.  We are tempted to limit ourselves to the here and now.  We are human.  But we are also spiritual.  And deep within us, deep within every single one of us there is the Voice of Faith prodding us to exclaim with Peter, “I will not leave you Lord.  You alone have the words of eternal life.”

So when today’s readings challenge us to make a choice for God and His teachings or against God…what do we do?  We cannot allow our senses to compromise our faith.  Normal as it is for us to want to stand on the material world of our senses and ignore the new world of the spiritual; we know that this too will pass.  And so we believe in that which we do not see.  We believe in that which our human senses cannot reveal.  We believe in the Lord Jesus, who alone is the one whom we can trust and who restores us precisely in the here and now…in His Church.  It is a relationship that has constantly to be re-appraised in a constantly changing world. We must hear Peter’s words to Jesus resounding through the centuries: “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

 

Sunday, August 19, 2018 

Jesus said: “I myself am the living bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever.” Most, in fact all, of the most elderly people I have encountered (102 and 104 years old) have told me that they had enough of living. Centenarians are increasing and more than often feel that their lives have reached their purpose. No longer feeling well or being independent, along with the loss of family and peers, the ageing man or woman simply wishes to move on. In the 1999 movie “The Green Mile,” the main character, Paul finds himself a prisoner of his existence. As he outlives his generation and era, he is forced to survive with the memories of loss and grief. He realizes that living can be as unbearable as dying. He concludes that death is liberating.

The “live forever” that Jesus promises is spiritual. The one who eats this bread with faith in Jesus will not die a total death. Moving from the physical shell, the soul leaves the earthly existence and lives in the Resurrected Lord. The soul is eternal and as promised by Jesus, richly rewarded for those who remain close to Him. Yes, those who are Disciples of Christ and trust in His promise, by feeding on His Body and drinking His Blood, do live forever in Him.

Life is precious and the one opportunity to live in God’s grace and get close to the Lord. He alone discerns when our human life is complete and assures us that death, as we know it, is not at all the end. It is liberation into the perfect existence that God intended for us originally. The pass into eternity depends on one’s relationship with Jesus…staying close to Him in prayer, obeying His commands, living the Gospel and partaking of His bounty by eating the Bread He gives us.
A word of appreciation, to all parishioners and friends, who made a pledge and are fulfilling their part in the Diocesan Annual Appeal. From our parish, 630 gifts were made and created a pledged sum of $190,228. Anything collected over $175,000 will return to the parish. Thank you one and all.

Our June Carnival was a success because of the dedication of parishioners and friends. No easy task, we thank everyone who took any part in the carnival. To date, a total profit $136,000 was made this year. Half of this sum is part of the budget of our Parish Athletic Association who sponsors and engines the carnival to help our parish sports programs. The other half is graciously given to the parish. Thank you... you did a great job.

Lights, Camera, Action…no, we are not making a movie but creating a safer environment on our parish campus. Money collected from our parish for the Sustaining Hope Campaign is being put into new and extended lighting in the front parking lot of the parish. Energy saving, they will brighten the entrances of our buildings. From our Parish & School Building and Maintenance Funds a new security system is being installed in two phases. Cameras are being placed strategically throughout the parish to capture anything that needs to be noticed. The first phase is outside and the second phase will be inside our parish facilities. A new keyless entry system is replacing some locks; code sensitive and easily assigned, these locks can be controlled more readily. School renovations like painting, new music room and new ceilings are also being completed. We also put in a new air conditioner unit in the hall and repaired two other units. And the surface of the front parking lot is being resealed and relined for parking. The show must go on…
 

Sunday, August 12, 2018 

The Hebrews of the Bible were murmurers, especially those who traveled with Moses from Egypt to the Promised Land.  They murmured because the Pharaoh increased their work load.  It was all Moses’ fault they said angrily.  They murmured when they camped next to the Red Sea and heard that the Pharaoh’s chariots were approaching. They murmured when they had no bread, or no meat, or no water. You would have thought that they would have had faith in God who had cared for their every need, but no, instead of faith there was murmuring.

This murmuring of the Jews of the Exodus was recalled again in the murmuring of today’s Gospel. They complained about Jesus. He had fed them with loaves and fish, but now He said that He was all the bread they needed. They were convinced that He did not come down from heaven and could not give them that which their ancestors ate in the desert, manna. To accept the gift of the Bread of Life, they had to accept that Jesus was more than human. This is the same for us.  To grasp the miracle of the Eucharist, our starting point must be that Jesus is Divine.

Conventional logic convinces us that Jesus was a wonderful man, a peaceful guru whose example has attracted many followers.  To believe in the true presence of Jesus in the consecrated Host, our Communion, we have to believe that Jesus is God and God can do anything…even exist in a small Host.  In the diabolical battle against God’s people, the devil attacks that which binds them to God, the Eucharist.  Unbelievers murmur, and some Catholics are swayed by the argument that Communion is simply symbolic, a pious practice.

But faith in the divinity of Jesus allows us to go beyond rational thinking, stop murmuring and agree that if Jesus claims this…IT IS TRUE.  The devil loses a battle of apostasy whenever we enter the Mystery of the Eucharist with faith in the One who is the Bread of Life.  This is Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, whom we will take into ourselves when we receive Holy Communion.  We don’t murmur…We believe…We proclaim.

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

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is Wednesday, August 15^th and it is a Holy Day of Obligation.  Being a Holy Day, it is appropriate for the faithful to attend Mass to celebrate the Dormition or "falling asleep" of the Mother of God.  We believe that Mary fell asleep in death and both her perfect soul and pure body were taken immediately to heaven.  The Vigil Mass on Tuesday evening, August 14^th, is at 6:30 p.m. and the Masses on Wednesday are 6:30 & 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

 

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Today's Gospel, the second of our five Sundays on the sixth chapter of John, takes place the day after Jesus had fed the five thousand people with five barley loaves and two fish. Jesus used their human desire to eat to raise their need to an infinitely higher level. He told the multitude that they seek food that perishes, but that He 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 God. He is God. He gives us the Eucharist that is the union of ourselves with Jesus offering Himself to the Father for us. This Bread Jesus gives nourishes us to be strong in the midst of evil, to be filled with goodness for a world that needs it, to be refreshed and satisfied when our spiritual strength has been consumed. This connection with the Lord allows us to leave this physical existence and enter the Kingdom of God. The Life offered in Jesus remains even after our physical death. 

With our Eucharistic theme, this weekend, we need to be aware that the numbers of our Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist at Mass are not sufficient. Due to vacations and various reasons, scheduling of the ministers is difficult. We ask that ministers fulfill their ministry as scheduled and, if unable, to get a substitute. We also are appreciative of those ministers who realize there is a shortage at a given Mass and come forward to assist. We are trying different methods to fulfill our needs. A special word of thanks to all the Eucharistic Ministers who cooperate with the schedule and fulfill their ministry. If capable and interested in entering this sacred ministry for our parish, please contact the parish office and you will be interviewed. Thank you to all who serve us in this way at the altar. 

July 29, 2018

Dear Parishioners and friends:

The multiplication of loaves and fish is a repeated Gospel because the passage refers to God’s continual gift of the one food we need, the Eucharist. By the time the Gospel of John was finalized, around 90 A.D., the primitive Church had developed a deep understanding of the Eucharist.

This passage is fulfilling the prophetic action we pray in Psalm 23, the Banquet of the Lord, where we say:  “The Lord is my shepherd. There is nothing I shall want.  He leads me to green pastures and restores my strength…” In today’s Gospel Jesus sees the needs of His people and has them recline on the green grass. He restores their strength with food. 

Another emphasis in John’s Gospel is Jesus’ command to gather up the remains.  The followers of Christ were entrusted with twelve baskets of bread to be preserved for the people so those who are not present might also eat His food. This is the reason for the importance that the Catholic Church places on the preservation of the Eucharist in our tabernacles. It has biblical basis.

When we receive Communion, we are present at the Banquet of the Lord.  We enter the intimate union with God that Jesus came on earth to provide for us.  His Body and Blood keep us strong.  He gives us strength to proclaim His Kingdom.  Hopefully we realize that Holy Communion is more than a blessing or symbol.  It is the precise union of God and us.  It is the Divine nutritional strength that all serious followers of Jesus need as He restores our strength and guides us along the right path for His names sake.  Though we walk in the dark valley, we fear no evil, for His rod and staff give us courage.  Only goodness and kindness follow us all the days of our lives and we shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

With our Eucharistic theme, this weekend, we need to be aware that the numbers of our Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist as Mass are not sufficient.  Due to vacations and various reasons, scheduling of the ministers is difficult.  We ask that ministers fulfill their ministry as scheduled and, if unable, to get a substitute.  We also are appreciative of those ministers who realize there is a shortage at a given Mass and come forward to assist.  We are trying different methods to fulfill our needs.  A special word of thanks to all the Eucharistic Ministers who cooperate with the schedule and fulfill their ministry.  If capable and interested in entering this sacred ministry for our parish, please contact the parish office and you will be interviewed.  Thank you to all who serve us in this at the altar.    

Sincerely, 
Father Joe Piekarski

July 22, 2018

Shepherds are not too prominent in our area. They are common in some rural areas and definitely were prevalent in the ancient world. These men and women are needed to tend sheep; leading the herd to safe areas to graze and rest. Jesus compared Himself to A Good Shepherd, although we have no recording of Him partaking of this career. And the title was given to those who lead people in the world, especially within the Church with those who “pastor” God’s people. The Pope, bishops and local pastors are leaders of the faith and have a responsibility to “shepherd” Christ’s flock safe and well.

Like all things, there are good shepherds and bad shepherds. Our first readings, this Sunday, scold 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. Let us support each other in leading our communities, families and ourselves in the path of the Lord.


July 26 is 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 taking on the responsibilities of raising their grandchildren in the faith. We salute their noble efforts and commend them under their patronage.

...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...

Sincerely, 
Father Joe Piekarski

July 15, 2018

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.

All of this goes very must against the standard procedures of our information age. Standard procedure of our time is to get a test sampling of what people believe or want to believe and then deal with that as a truth. For us Catholics, we must be extra cautious. For example, we are told that the majority of us do not believe in the true presence of the Lord in the Eucharist and that the majority of us question the morality teachings of the Church. It is disturbing to think that Catholics should determine their faith and morals by what the majority of people is believing or doing. The truth is not dependent on the people to whom it is addressed. The truth is dependent on the fidelity of the proclaimer to the message received by God.

The readings today tell us that we do not have the right to walk away from our responsibilities to the Truth. We have to stand for the truth of the Lord, whether it is popular or not, whether it is convenient or not. We have all received the mandate of Jesus to go out and proclaim His Word. Today we pray for the courage to proclaim the truth at work, in our neighborhoods and in our families.

Today… Join in the worldwide mission of Jesus! Join the Propagation of Faith! As disciples of Jesus, we are called to draw others to Christ. More than 2,000 years after the birth of Jesus, some two-thirds of our human family do not yet know Him in faith. Through the Propagation of Faith, we can reach those at work at “the ends of the earth” as we help to support the evangelizing work in more than 1,150 mission dioceses worldwide. We are needed to offer prayer and regular financial help. Please join.

July 8, 2018

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.

The Mass Intention Book for 2019 is open. Please visit the Parish Office for the availability and scheduling of intentions for Masses in the Parish for the approaching year. Because of the demand for Mass intentions, 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.

 

July 1, 2018

July is a wonderful 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.

Mass on the Fourth of July is at 9 a.m. All are invited to celebrate our Nation’s commemoration of independence and establishment as a new nation. It is a wonderful time to remember our freedoms and the task we have, as a Nation, to preserve those certain unalienable rights that we are endowed with by Our Creator. Please keep praying for our Nation that we may be guided in His way.

2019 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. Because of the demand for Mass intentions (from January 1, 2018 to now, our parish has celebrated 71 funerals), 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.

Sincerely,
Father Joe Piekarski

The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
June 24, 2018

Today we celebrate the birth of Saint John the Baptist. Falling on a Sunday, this year, this solemnity supersedes what normally comes in succession, the Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time. St. John’s entry into the world was special because he was called to a special mission and an integral part of salvation history. He prepared the way for the Lord. 

Today’s feast recalls that from the first moment of his life, in his mother’s womb, John had the supreme task as a prophet to point to Jesus as the Savior of the world. He was divinely destined to be named John. He prepared the world for the Lord’s arrival by preaching conversion and signing his followers with the waters of baptism. Popular as John the Baptist was and even looked upon by many as “the” savior, John corrected this misconception and pointed to Jesus saying: "It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." (Jn1:27). John’s mission was fulfilled when he proclaimed in his preaching that Jesus was the Lamb of God. 

We are all part of God’s plan. Like John the Baptist we have been named by God. This took place at our baptism. We have been given the mission to lead the world to God, in ways general to our state of life and specific to our own talents. Like John, we have a responsibility to use our lives to point to the Savior. 

A grateful note is extended to everyone who could and did support the 2018 Annual Catholic Appeal. St. John the Beloved Parish met our goal of $175,000 in pledges and even exceeded this goal by a total of $186,353 in pledges. To date, $101,435 has been collected by the Diocese. Thank you to the 609 gifts that help us achieve our goal. Please continue fulfilling these pledges. Whatever is collected after the initial $175,000 target that goes to the Diocese of Wilmington, will return to our parish. This overage is going toward the security system of our parish campus. As discussed because of increasing global violence in public areas, our parish is seriously focusing on the security of our parish with a better-sophisticated locking system in certain doors and cameras in some areas. Thank you for your cooperation and dedication. God reward your generosity.

June 17, 2018

The agricultural theme of this week’s Gospel coincides with my thoughts of my father on this Father’s Day weekend.  My father enjoyed planting a garden of tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, etc.  From him, I learned the importance of rotating crops, fertilizing the ground, compost and hydration.  He must have done something right because the tomatoes tasted better then.  In whatever he planned to do or anticipated, my dad’s favorite saying was “God willing.”  

The people who heard Jesus tell the parable of the farmer’s life also shared the wonder of the soil.  The farmer works hard during the day, but he can’t make the seed grow into a plant.  God causes the growth.  Jesus’ point is that like the plants the Kingdom of God is in God’s hands.  The workers in the Lord’s fields must do their best to create the proper environment, but God causes the growth. 

The Church lives on despite the initial persecution from the Romans, despite the internal dogmatic fights and debates of the earlier centuries, despite the Dark Ages and the conquest of the barbarians, despite the corruption from within and outside in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, despite the Christian fratricide of the Reformation and the onslaught of rationalists in the last two centuries, despite the sex abuse scandal and the attacks on Christians by ISIS, and despite two thousand years of martyrdom aimed at destroying the faith, the Church still lives on, and grows.  God gives the growth.  He does wonders with our feeble efforts.  He turns that which is insignificant into that which is substantial…because God is willing. 

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, Coffiey & Martin; Deacons Wuebbels & Fontana; and our staff.

June 10, 2018

Today’s readings present three incidents which are often discussed in religious circles. The first is the way Adam was caught by God after he sinned; he hides himself because he was naked. This really is not about nudity. God created the body and therefore it is beautiful, not something that Adam had to hide from God. No, this is about being exposed before the Lord. Adam wanted to be like God. His desires were more important than God's will. God could not tell him what he could or could not do. Adam hid himself because he was exposed. Adam realized what he was really like, proud, self-centered and disobedient. 

The second incident is in the Gospel where Jesus said that all sins can be forgiven except the sin against the Holy Spirit. What are these? The scribes in the Gospel were also exposed for whom they were. They should have recognized some good in Jesus but there was nothing spiritual about them. The scribes were people who used religion for their own ends. They accused Jesus' good works as coming from the devil. Refusing to see the holiness of the Lord is the sin against the Holy Spirit. This is the only sin that cannot be forgiven. God cannot forgive someone who believes that God does not have the power to forgive him. 

The third incident is also in the Gospel, the references to the mother and the brothers and sisters of the Lord. Jesus’ family is presented here as coming to try to dissuade Jesus from His public action. This phrase is often taken out of context arguing the virginity of Mary. Who were those brothers and sisters? In the context of scripture, Jesus’ family is all believers. Those related to Him in discipleship are concerned, in this passage that He was getting Himself in trouble. A common person had to be crazy to take on the intelligentsia of His nation. But Jesus was not afraid to expose Himself for Who He was. If revealing, exposing Himself meant death, then He would die so the world might experience the presence of God. 

Like Adam, we all stand naked before the Lord. Do we have to hide ourselves, or do we want the Lord to see us exactly as we are? Today we pray that our spirit and actions may be exposed as evidence of true discipleship of the Lord. 

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who directed and supported our Carnival. It was a great success because of the many people who pulled together, again, to create this annual parish event. Therefore, thank you to the Carnival leaders and ALL workers, various committees and volunteers. Your many efforts made this year’s Carnival a memorable one. May you get rest now and know our true appreciation from the Parish Athletic Association and the Parish itself.

Corpus Christi, June 3, 2018

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.

The retirement of Deacon Thomas Bailey is well deserved by him and avoid, somewhat, for us. Although Deacon Tom will not be on a permanent rotation at liturgies, he will serve his ministry at certain occasions in our parish and will continue to head our Parish R.C.I.A. program. We want to thank Deacon Bailey for his years of dutiful ministry to our parish. He continues to be an inspiration to all of us. May God continue to bless Deacon Bailey in the days ahead.

Remember Our 52nd Annual Carnival starts this Monday, June 4 to Saturday, June 9. It is a week of fun, food, games, music, and of course carnival rides. Carnival hours are 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Monday through Friday and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Family night is Tuesday, June 5, which includes unlimited rides for just $20.00. Thursday, June 7, is Alumni night and includes drink and food specials all night. Proceeds from the Carnival benefit our parish and our parish athletic association.
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 First Communion, 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. 
 

The Most Holy Trinity, May 27, 2018

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 ultimate force, 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 28th at 9:00 a.m. (the 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. 

In addition, the Catholic Cemeteries of our Diocese will celebrate the 59th Memorial Day Field Mass at All Saints Cemetery on Monday, May 28th at 10 a.m. Immediately before Mass, there will be a brief military tribute followed by prayers for those who died in service of their country, public servants who have died in the line of duty this past year, and deceased military veterans. Bishop Malooly will be the main celebrant of the Mass that follows. All are invited for this touching, prayerful remembrance.

Pentecost Sunday, May 20, 2018

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. My one aunt did not discover her woodcarving abilities until she was seventy years old. 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 (Jn14:23).

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.