Sunday, September 15, 2019

Dear friends, 
Next week, parishioners throughout the diocese will be asked to help make the dream of a Catholic education a reality for struggling Catholic families. Monies raised through this collection coupled withthe 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 that the Catholic commitment to total education of our children does not fade away because people cannot afford it. Since the Church has the mission to educate and since this mission directly affects the quality of life we experience as Catholics, all of us have a stake in Catholic education. It is in light of this reality that I ask you to consider supporting next week’s Share in the Spirit collection. God bless you for your goodness.

Lost & Found: Any personal item, which is found after Masses in church, is collected and placed in the Usher’s Closet in the back of church. If you are seeking some lost item, please ask an usher or parish staff to lead you to the closet. Hopefully you may find what you lost.

Sincerely, 
Father Joe

 

Sunday, September 8, 2019

There are many places in the Gospels where the Lord speaks using apocalyptic language. Apocalyptic language uses shocking imagery to catch the listener’s attention. Today’s gospel provides an example when Jesus says that we cannot be His disciples if we come to Him without hating loved ones like father and mother, wife and husband, indeed one’s very self. So what is that all about?

The Lord is not ignoring the Fourth Commandment. He is using startling, apocalyptic imagery to illustrate the demands of being His disciple. Discipleship demands that we take up our cross and follow the “dying to oneself” path of Jesus. Anything and

anyone that causes us to lose our focus on Him cannot be tolerated.

“Taking up one’s cross,” another dramatic imagery, is the daily struggle we have not to be selfish or selfcentered, realizing that those idols and material things that are most important to us cannot be a priority above following Christ. This sacrificial attitude (our cross) is very, very costly...in denying oneself of whatmatters so much to us. Therefore, the Lord prepares us for the toll that discipleship, so often, demands upon us. He suggests that we acknowledge our limitations and discern more fully our call and what is needed to follow Him.

To be a disciple of Christ means to live beyond the insignificant things that we throw into our lives and to make time first for the things of God.

Lost & Found: Any personal item, which is found after Masses in church, is collected and placed in the Usher’s Closet in the back of church. If you are seeking some lost item, please ask an usher or parish staff to lead you to the closet. Hopefully you may find what you lost.

Father Chet Artysiewicz of the Glenmary Home Missioners wishes to extend his thanks to our parish who generously contributed to the home missions during his missionary talk on the weekend of August 10-11. He assures us of his prayers and requests that we pray for Glenmary and those who serve in the home missions, and for an increase in missionary vocations.

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Noticing that the guests were choosing the places of honor at table, Jesus tells a parable. At firstglance, His suggestion to take the lowest place of honor when invited seems like a bit of human wisdom to avoid embarrassment. The deeper dimension in this case is whether we have been exalting ourselves before God.

Luke likewise provides another illustration of what Jesus is talking about in this parable in another verse (Luke 18:9-14). The tax collector, who would not even raise his eyes to heaven, went homejustified rather than the Pharisee who had exalted himself before God. The humble person is recognized and exalted by God.

Also, Jesus tells us about the way we extend hospitality. The natural human tendency is to treat those people well who have or who will treat us well. There is nothing wrong with this sort of business deal; however, Jesus is talking about a divine kind of hospitality. Our generosity ought to be a characteristic of our personal freedom, not dependent on how people treat us.

Again, Luke provides a good illustration of what Jesus is talking about in his parable about the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). A theologian asks Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds bytelling a parable about the Samaritan who showed mercy to a man in need: instead of trying to figureout who a deserving neighbor might be, one should become a neighbor by choosing to help those in need.

Labor Day is Monday, September 2nd. The one Mass, that day, will be at 9:00 a.m. celebrating the contributions of workers that make up the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Human labor is honorable. The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no adoration or devotion that evening.

St. John the Beloved School opened its doors for another school year, last week, on Tuesday, August 27. We wish our principal, teachers, staff, students and their families the very best in the months ahead. May the Good Lord enrich everyone with the graces needed to advance in knowledge and virtue. God Bless this academic year.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Perhaps the most horrifying scenario imaginable is to stand outside knocking on a locked door only to hear the Lord respond, “I do not know where you are from.” Our first reading from the Prophet Isaiah assures us that the Lord “comes to gather nations of every language.” But some resist that invitation. 

It is a growing trend that the centrality of faith and religious practices are dwindling. The statistics couldn’t be clearer. Did you know that the fastest-growing “religious” group in the United States is the “nones”—that is, those who claim no religious affiliation? In the latest Pew Research Center survey, fully 25 percent of the country—80 million people—say that they have no formal religion.

Historically, we can see the diminishing numbers among Catholics with each subsequent generation. Among our First Generation ancestors, about 80% of Catholic families attended Church somewhat regularly. With the Second Generation, about 70% of the families attended. My generation of Baby Boomers had originally about 70% attending Church and then their own numbers started to drop, only followed by their children where 50% occasionally attend. 

When we focus on young people, the picture is even more bleak. 50 percent, among Catholics, of those under thirty are now “nones.” Of all the Catholic children baptized or confirmed these last thirty years, half no longer participate in the life of the Church. Underlying the non practicing acceptance, with the latter two generations, is a general apathy toward religion and more disturbing is a disregard for Christ. Perhaps it is the challenge. Luke makes it clear that following Christ is difficult and demands a persistence in life to know and follow Him…”strive to enter through the narrow gate.” Unfortunately, secularism and scandals have escalated the philosophy of agnosticism and worse, atheism.

This growing indifference in society is a concern for people of faith, especially when we hear today’s Gospel…The entrance to heaven is no guarantee. Vatican II couldn’t be clearer on this score, seeing the Church itself as nothing but a vehicle for evangelization. According to Vatican II, it’s not so much the case that the Church has a mission, but rather that a mission has the Church. In order to join God’s gathering, we must “enter through the narrow gate,” which means saying “yes” to the relationship that Christ wants to have with us. 

We Catholics cannot avoid the demand of evangelization, proclaiming the faith. Bringing people to Christ is not one work among many; rather, it is the central work of the Church that around which everything else we do revolves. We need evangelization more than ever before. Will you answer the call?

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Today we come upon Jeremiah, the prophet at the King’s court, having a real bad day. He refused to butter up the king by just telling the king what he and the people wanted to hear. Because Jeremiah stood for the truth, he was berated, mocked and thrown into a cistern where he would have died if the King had not saved his life. The persecution which Jeremiah experienced was something that afflicted all the prophets due to their determination to stand up for God's word, to stand for what was right and good and true, no matter what others would say about them or do to them.

Our Gospel is clear and grounded in reality. The greatest challenge, in our standing for what is right with God, may be within our family structure. It may result in being rejected by your own. Yet we have to meet the challenges of life, and we have to overcome all the barriers to the truth that society and we ourselves put in our way. Being faithful to the Lord is most important.

2020 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, 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.

Our Parish Family Mass…is also called Missa pro populo, “Mass for the People.” It refers to the requirement of all pastors to celebrate a Mass, on each Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation, for the intentions and welfare of the people of the parish. This is aside from any individual intention, living or deceased. 

 

Sunday, August 11, 2019

We always need to be prepared to meet Our Lord as our judge. Since nobody is sure about the time and circumstances of his or her death we must be ever prepared to face Jesus our Lord and Savior as our Judge at the moment of our death to give an account of our lives. He wants to see that we have kept our personal relationship with him by growing in holiness. Of course, this takes faith.

Today’s second reading is about faith. Abraham is the Father of Faith. This was not just because Abraham is the leader of all those from whom the Jews are descended. Abraham is the Father of Faith because, of all the figures of Hebrew Scripture, Abraham's life gives the greatest example of the deepest meaning of faith. He was living in the Fertile Crescent, rich in farming and pasturing land, when he heard the call of God to leave his ancestral home. Abraham trusted God to bring him to a place where God would start a new people. Abraham had complete faith that God would work things out.

With Abraham as our model, let us recall that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Today we pray for a deepening of our faith.

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is Thursday, August 15, 2019. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. The Vigil Mass on Wednesday evening is at 6:30 p.m. Masses on Thursday are 6:30 and 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. 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 and her bodily resurrection before being taken into heaven.

2020 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, 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.

Our Parish Family Mass…is also called Missa pro populo, “Mass for the People.” It refers to the requirement of all pastors to celebrate a Mass, on each Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation, for the intentions and welfare of the people of the parish. This is aside from any individual intention, living or deceased. 

Mission Collection: This weekend, we welcome Father Chet Artysiewicz, a member of Glenmary Home Missioners, who speaks at every Mass about Glenmary Missions. The second collection is for the Missions. Father Chet is a native Wilmingtonian from St. Elizabeth Parish and has ministered in the Glenmary Missions for several decades. 

Sunday, August 4, 2019

The readings for this Sunday force us to take a closer look at the whole concept of success. 

In the Gospel reading, the man is convinced that he is a success because he is a rich farmer. What should he do now that he has succeeded in harvesting more grain than he can store? Build another silo, of course. The basis of his success is his grain. When he suddenly dies, his success remains here, and he goes on to God empty handed.

The whole mindset that success is predicated on salary is based on a fallacy that was very clear to the author of the first reading. He is sometimes called Qoheleth, in the Old Testament book called Ecclesiastes. “Vanity of vanities,” says Qoheleth, “All is vanity.” 

Many times one flatters oneself, incorrectly, by viewing him/herself successful by his or her appearance, achievements, titles and possessions. Our scripture readings remind us that it is better to grow rich in the sight of God. A person is on the road to success if he or she can draw closer to God and attract others to do likewise.

Success is predicated on how each of us is becoming more and more the reflection of God we were created to be. Success is predicated on our ability to assume the person of Jesus Christ. 

Success is not a present reality; it is a goal, the goal of Christian life. 

The goal is reached; the life is successful, when every aspect of life reflects the person of Jesus Christ. That is success. All else is vanity.

Mission Collection: Next weekend, Rev. Chet Artysiewicz, a member of Glenmary Home Missioners, will speak at every Mass and take a collection for the Missions. Father Chet is a native Wilmingtonian and has ministered in the Glenmary Missions for several decades. We welcome him next weekend. 
 

Sunday, July 28, 2019

The Lord’s Prayer is what unites us as Christians. Jesus Himself gave us this prayer as the model of all prayer. There are different translations and interpretations of this prayer. Recently, Pope Francis approved changes to the wording of the Lord's Prayer for languages (like English) where translation can give believers the wrong impression that God leads people into temptation. Instead of saying, "Lead us not into temptation," the preferred translation would be "Do not let us fall into temptation."

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in its discussion of the Lord's Prayer, says, "Our sins result from our consenting to temptation; we therefore ask our Father not to 'lead' us into temptation. It is difficult to translate the original Greek verb used by a single English word: The Greek means both 'do not allow us to enter into temptation' and 'do not let us yield to temptation.'" The conference of bishops will soon meet to discuss any changes that may take place concerning this prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer is indeed a summary of the entire Gospel. Saying this prayer is not enough. The goal is to internalize what we pray. It begins by acknowledging our identity as children of the Father; expressing an entirely new relationship as a result of the New Covenant in Jesus. Then, the first three petitions express aspirations: "Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done." We desire to participate already now in that heavenly union "on earth as it is in heaven!" 

In the second half of the Our Father we voice our temporal petitions for those things that we pilgrims need in this life. The 4th petition in the Our Father - "Give us this day our daily bread"- simple asks for our human needs to be satisfied. It also includes the Bread of Life that is spiritual food that fortifies us, found precisely in Jesus. We further acknowledge our need for God’s forgiveness as well as our need to forgive those who wronged us and lastly ask to be delivered from evil.

However it is translated, The Lord’s Prayer is the perfect prayer that honors God and pleads from God our real needs. 

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Usually when we use the word mystery, we think of a story that has an ending we try to solve before we get to the last page of the book or last five minutes of the movie. For the Church a mystery is a truth that is incomprehensible to the reason and knowable only through divine revelation.  

In this Sunday’s second reading to the Colossians, Paul speaks about a mystery, “a mystery that has been hidden for ages is now manifested to God’s Holy Ones.” The mystery is this: Christ is in you.  

Sadly, when it comes to this Mystery many people are clueless. We go about our day, so busy that we overlook the purpose for our actions. We overlook the reason for our being. We forget about the presence of Christ. Like Martha in the Gospel we are concerned with doing instead of being. Martha was busy doing this and that in her valiant efforts to prepare for Jesus. Mary, her sister, was concerned with being, with being with Jesus.

These days, most people are overwhelmed with distractions. Even the technology meant to make communication easier seems to be engrossing more of our time. We need to stop and hear the Lord in the silence. Our many concerns, real as they are, should not consume us, nor should they rob us of the opportunity of the Divine Presence in and around us. When we make the time to be in His presence, when we join Mary of Bethany in just enjoying the Lord in our lives, we will find ourselves walking a road less traveled, a road of serenity in the middle of hectic activity. When we choose to nurture the presence of the Lord within us, like Mary, we grasp the mystery and will be choosing the better part. 

Sunday, July 14, 2019

We all know the parable of the Good Samaritan.  We know it so well that we forget that it is pointed towards us.  The parable is about living the Way of Jesus, the Law of Love.  The Samaritan’s were seen by the Jews as outside of the Law.  They had intermarried with pagans and their practice of the Jewish faith was not as pure as the Jews.  And yet the Samaritan, in Jesus’ parable, warrants the title “Good” because he knew when God called him to action.  He knew that he could not be a follower of the Lord and walk by that man who needed his help.  This parable is real in our lives.  Recall the times when you were the recipient of kindness when you least expected it but needed it most.  It demanded someone’s time and resources to help; and we cannot forget the kindness.  

The Law of the Lord is more than precepts that have to be memorized and followed; and indeed they should be.  We are called to fulfill God’s Law of helping those who need our love at any given moment.  We know that Jesus identified with those who were hurting and went to great lengths to relieve their pain or satisfy their need.  And more than THE LAW…relieving the sufferings of others seems to be innate, inborn.  Often we see it coming naturally from people whom we least expected.  The Parable of the Good Samaritan answers the question:  What must I do to inherit eternal life?  We have only to look into our hearts.  We know what we must do.   

 

A grateful note is extended to everyone who could and did support the 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal.  To date, we are a little short $9,542.40 in meeting our parish’s target of $179,000.  Thank you to the 560 gifts, thus far, that are helping us achieve our goal.  Please continue fulfilling these pledges.  If anyone has not done so, please consider making a contribution.  Every donation is appreciated and not only will help us make our goal but continue to do the charitable work it is making possible in the Diocese of Wilmington.  Thank you for your cooperation and dedication.  God reward your generosity.

Sunday, July 7, 2019

In today’s Gospel, the seventy-two who had been sent out to proclaim the Kingdom return exuberant.  You can feel their excitement in the reading. They had such wonderful experiences that they couldn’t wait to tell the Lord all about them.  Everybody was talking at once.  Jesus Himself joined right in, “I saw Satan falling like lightning from the sky.”  Who were these seventy-two?  We do not know even one of their names.  And there is a reason for that.  They are us.  We are the seventy-two.  We are the ones who have nursed on the Word of God and become strong.  We are the ones who have become so strong that other’s experience the Word of God within us.  The Kingdom is proclaimed.  Evil is destroyed.  The devil falls from the sky. 

The 5 p. m. Sunday Mass will be without music in July and August as a break for our music ministers for the summer.  Full music will resume at that evening Mass in September.   

Sunday, June 30, 2019

Throughout our lives, we often may have thought: “when will I be truly free?”

As we advanced in school, we probably viewed each class as a step to greater freedom. But then there seemed to be more responsibilities with each higher class. Most of us thought that when we get our driver’s license, we would be free to come and go as we want; then we were introduced to the concept of paying for gas and insurance. Similar duties fell upon each of us when we got to college and became more independent of our parents. And each vocation took on a deeper responsibility as we owed accountability to others. Then there is the dream of retirement and often the freedoms that were imagined are complicated with other concerns about health and security. Each stage of life has its liberation and consequences.

The Christian defines freedom as the ability to be the unique person God created each of us to be. We all know this and experience this. We are at our happiest when we are at our best. Our freedom comes from being our best selves. We can never expect freedom to be free of obligations or worse to allow licentiousness... lacking legal or moral restraints. This is what St. Paul tells us in the second reading this weekend. Christians have to be determined to follow the Lord despite growing responsibilities with each step of maturing. We are free not because we lack restrains but because our efforts are focused on the ultimate will of God. He alone sets us truly free by allowing us to be the person we are created to be. Jesus, in today’s Gospel, did not allow the rejection of some and the indecisiveness of others to alter His destination towards Jerusalem and accomplish the Father’s will. In doing so, Our Lord achieved true freedom, on the cross, for all of us.

Mass on the Fourth of July is at 9 a.m. that day. All are invited to celebrate our Nation’s commemoration of independence and establishment as a new nation. It is a wonderful time to remember our freedoms and the task we have, as a Nation, to preserve those certain unalienable rights that we are endowed with by Our Creator. Please keep praying for our Nation that we may be guided in His way. Happy and safe 4th of July!

Please join us in welcoming our new associate pastor at St. John the Beloved Parish, Father Marek Szczur. Father comes to us from St. Hedwig Parish and after years of priestly ministry in Alaska and Poland. May God bless his ministry among us.

The 5 p. m. Sunday Mass will be without music in July and August as a break for our music ministers for the summer. Full music will resume at that evening Mass in September. 

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Today we celebrate the solemn feast of Corpus Christi.  Our gospel is Luke’s version of Jesus’ miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish. Jesus instructs His disciples, to provide food for the multitude; they protest that this is clearly impossible since there are but few supplies. Having blessed the loaves and fish, Jesus asks them to distribute them to the hungry crowd. To their total amazement, there is enough for all those present, and twelve baskets filled with fragments remain.

The Church has chosen this gospel story for the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, for the primary theme of this feast is the nourishment that Jesus offers us in the Blessed Sacrament. We are now the hungry multitude and we are reminded that Jesus offers us Himself who alone can satisfy our needs.

We can readily identify with the disciples as we face overwhelming problems in our own world. We can be paralyzed by the enormity of the challenge. Like the disciples, we feel that we have meager resources for dealing with these problems. Nonetheless, in the Mass, Jesus offers Himself under the appearance of a wafer and wine that can nourish the whole world. Jesus tells us also to take what little we have and to do what we can with it. There is an implied promise that God will join us and turn our meagerness into food for the multitude…with over abundance.

This feast is also about His presence in the tabernacle.  We believe Christ remains with us in the Eucharist after the divine meal.  A profound respect for His presence is only accomplished when we experience Who is in our midst.  He remains with us to be given glory, to hear our concerns and needs, to accept our sorrow and gratitude and to be nourishment for the sick and the dying.

Good Bye and God Bless…..On Wednesday, June 26^th, the changes in the diocesan priest assignments are taking place.  Father Lance Martin has been with us for three years as his first priestly assignment.  He is going as associate pastor to St. Ann Church in Bethany Beach. Father Christopher Coffiey has been with us for two years as his second priestly assignment.  He is going as associate pastor to St. Joseph on the Brandywine Parish in Greenville.  We thank them for their years of priestly ministry among us.  May the Good Lord enrich them in their new assignments.  Both priests will be available at the vestibule of the church at Masses, this weekend, to say good bye.  Go with God…

With summer here, the final project of The Sustaining Hope for the Future Campaign will be accomplished.  This final project is the improving of outside lighting in our parish parking lot.  Commercial lighting will be installed in strategic areas to illuminate the parking lot and create a safer atmosphere.  To one and all who contributed to the Sustaining Hope for the Future Campaign, Thank You.

This year, the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is celebrated on Father’s Day.  It is very appropriate because Jesus related to God the Creator as “Father” and some translations of Christ’s words are even more endearing by calling Creator God “Daddy.”  Jesus makes it clear in the Lord’s Prayer that our relationship with God is like that of a dear father; one who is highly regarded, respected, depended upon and most loved.  Today’s celebration of the Most Holy Trinity wants the faithful to rediscover Who God is…not What God is.  Jesus makes it clear that God is relational in our lives and in God’s self is a relationship.

God, who we call the Father, is the Creator.  With no beginning and no end, God created everything good even to our own human existence.  Not abandoning us even when humanity turned from Him, God continued to want a relationship with us and came Himself into our world to redeem us in who we call the Son.  When His mission was complete, Jesus the Redeemer returned to the Father and from their place in heaven sent us the Holy Spirit to enlighten and guide us in continuing the mission of Christ.

Therefore, our God is a pure relationship of Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier who love and complement one another as One.  We are invited to model this relationship in our own lives and with one another.  That is why Father’s Day can be a real way for us to understand the Trinity a little better.  The example of a good father with his children is like that relationship that God wants with us.  Far from theological concepts and deeper than the apologetics, we experience God in our relationship with Him.   
 

Sunday, June 16, 2019

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

The 2019 Diocesan Annual Appeal is progressing very well throughout the diocese.  Our parish of Saint John the Beloved has $169,457 presently pledged toward our $179,000 goal.  If you have not made a pledge thus far, please consider making one.  Blue envelopes are available at the entrances of the church.  Any contribution is greatly appreciated and will help our parish make our target.  Thank You!

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 parish event.  Being the 53rd year of its existence, the Carnival had the challenge to prove what it is made of.  A sudden wind storm, a few days before the start of the carnival, destroyed local trees that severed utility lines and destroyed the huge tent while it was being installed.  Without hesitation, the leaders of the Carnival rose to the occasion and proved their tenacity.  Therefore, a special, special 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. 

Sunday, June 9, 2019

Pentecost literally means 50th and originally celebrated the 50th day after Passover for the Jews, as a post-harvest thanksgiving feast. After the Resurrection of the Lord, Pentecost took on a new meaning for the followers of Jesus. The promised Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and Blessed Virgin Mary and transformed them into the beginning of the Church. They were empowered to preach, fearlessly, the Gospel. They were filled with gifts from the Holy Spirit that transformed human limitations.

Pentecost, this year, is the perfect time to consider the great gift we receive in the Church. These days, the increasing numbers of Catholic not practicing their faith and leaving the Church, in particular the younger generation, are troubling. For many of them, it seems natural to concentrate on the imperfections of the Church and unfortunately this reality can persuade some to find their spirit elsewhere.

Pentecost should remind us that it is not the vessels themselves that are important but the treasure within. The Church is made-up of various vessels: some are almost flawless while others are chipped and still others cracked and weak. It was that way, in the upper room in Jerusalem. Two thousand years ago, the Holy Spirit found the pure Virgin Mary, doubting Thomas, and the denier of Christ…St. Peter. It was God’s will to enter this early Church and thus be the nucleus where salvation is found. If we believe that Christ instituted this mission of His presence in a less than perfect world, then we hold fast to that divine treasure.

The same is true today. Our Church is the same Church founded with the apostles. The role of the Holy Spirit continues in His mission to indwell in the faithful as God’s living Temple. He strengthens us in our fight against temptations and in our mission of bearing Christ in our lives. He makes us holy through the Sacraments and reconciles us to God. He feeds us with food from heaven…the Eucharist.

We Catholics often fail to recognize and appreciate the value of the treasure within our Church. We fail to appreciate the infinite worth of the Holy Spirit living within each of us, sharing His gifts and fruits and charisms with us. On this major feast day, we are invited to experience and appreciate the transforming, sanctifying and strengthening presence of the Holy Spirit within us. This is also a day for us to renew the promises made for us and by us to God during our Baptism and Confirmation, to profess our Faith, and to practice it.

A word of appreciation to our Parish Athletic Association and everyone who brought us our 53rd Annual Parish Carnival and supported it. Your labors not only help our children in athletics but also support our parish,

Thank you one and all.

Sunday, June 2, 2019

The Ascension of the Lord is traditionally celebrated 40 days after Easter, on a Thursday. Our local Church has been celebrating this Solemnity on the following Sunday, today, to ensure greater participation for such a great feast. 

The feast of the Ascension completes the Paschal (Easter) Mystery where Christ died, was Raised from the dead and Ascended into heaven. Jesus had to enter into His passion and death but the story does not end there. He was raised by the Father on the third day to our existence and in time returned to the Father in heaven. His mission was completed. The Church then waited for the Holy Spirit to descend upon Her…and that is what we will celebrate next week…the great Solemnity of Pentecost. 

The Ascension reminds us to look up because the Lord is in His heavens and it is from this grandeur that Christ will return again. In the mean time, He continues to send us the Holy Spirit. With this Spirit we are fully enabled to carry on the ministry of the Church. Let us prepare ourselves, once again, for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Like the early Church, when Our Blessed Mother and the Apostles were waiting in prayer for this Spirit, we need to be reflective, purged from sin and very prayerful…open to the grace that come with His arrival.

God knows everyone of us needs it. Last week, I personally needed and felt the power of the Holy Spirit when I became very ill with 2 kidney stones. I was hospitalized and they were surgically removed after all efforts to flush them out were unsuccessful…and painful. The right people at the right time entered the process and eventually healing started to take place. If anyone ever suffered with this particular pain, he/she knows what a blessing it is to have relief. So, that is my story to tell as we prepare for Pentecost. Be open to the Holy Spirit. He can do miracles! Come Spirit! Come!
 

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Last week, we heard in our readings how our faith is ever ancient and ever new:  non Jews, the Gentiles, were entering the early Church; The Lord proclaimed “I make all things new,” and in the Gospel, Jesus gave us a new commandment…” to love one another.”  Our readings, this Sunday, continue with the theme of newness.  

Initially, Christians were seen by many to be a form of Judaism.  The New Testament was the fulfillment of the Old Testament.  The earliest Christians did not reject Judaism, but many Jews rejected Jesus as Messiah and that is when the early Church allowed Gentiles into the fold and the blend created a new Christian culture.  The Book of Revelation, also, points to the newness of God’s Kingdom where the sun and moon are no longer needed because the radiance of Christ will illuminate everything.  Lastly, this week’s Gospel recalls Jesus’ promise of sending the Holy Spirit upon His Church to remind us of all He taught us.

Today is a new time for our Church, our diocese and indeed our parish.  The new assignments of our diocesan priests are taking place on June 26th.  The assignments are a reflection of new needs for our diocese because of the death of a younger pastor, retirement of a pastor, withdrawal of a religious order serving in our diocese and the retirement of an associate pastor, as well as the assignment of a priest to another ministry outside of the diocese.  The challenge at hand is the decrease of five active priests and no ordinations this year. 

Thus, the luxury of three priests at St. John the Beloved Parish is affected.  I will remain as pastor and Father Mark Szczur will become our new associate pastor.  Father comes to us from St. Hedwig Parish and we welcome him in this new assignment.  Father Lance Martin is transferred as associate pastor to St. Ann Parish in Bethany Beach, Delaware and Father Christopher Coffiey is transferred as associate pastor to St. Joseph on the Brandywine Parish in Wilmington.  We will miss them and send our best wishes for their new assignments.

Please keep all of us in prayer as we do you.  Even though our faith is ancient…it is always new…responding to different times, challenges and altering cultures.  Christ is the Master of His Church.  He knows where to take us.      

Traditionally, forty days after Easter is Ascension Thursday.  Our Diocese and our ecclesiastical Province have transferred the Solemnity to the following Sunday.  So May 30 is not a Holy Day of Obligation for us, we will celebrate the Ascension of the Lord next Sunday, June  2nd.   

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 27 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.  A special thank you to Terry and Veronica Tasker who framed the images, of some of those from Delaware and from St. John Beloved Parish, who were killed at war. The picture is at the entrance of our church.   

In addition, the Catholic Cemeteries of our Diocese will celebrate the 60^thannual Memorial Day Field Mass at All Saints Cemetery on Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m.  Bishop Malooly will be the main celebrant.  The annual Mass honors all the deceased of the Diocese of Wilmington, especially those who served in the military, heroes who died in the service of our country, and those first-responders who gave their lives in the name of public safety.  Newark VFW Post #475 will provide a brief military tribute immediately before the start of Mass. Students from Saint Elizabeth High School in Wilmington will serve as readers and musicians for the Mass.  The Memorial Day Field Mass is open to the public and will be held rain-or-shine as protection from the elements will be provided. Limited seating will be available and attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs.

Adult Confirmation:  Are you over 18 years of age, received Communion but not confirmed?  Bishop Malooly will be confirming adults, in this situation, on Pentecost Sunday, June 9, at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 2431 Frazer Rd. Newark, DE.  Please come to the necessary meeting at the Parish Office on Tuesday, May 28, at 7 p.m.  Bring your baptismal and communion certificates which are needed for documentation.  The lesson will be one hour.  Call the Parish Office if you need further direction at 999-0211.
 

Sunday, May 19, 2019

The Book of The Acts of the Apostles is an early history of the Church.  Written by St. Luke, it gives fascinating details of how the Gospel of Jesus was preached to and accepted by the early Christians; many who were unlikely to convert, non Jews, were precisely the ones who were convinced that Jesus was the Messiah.  God was calling gentiles to Himself.  It was all new. 

“Behold, I make all things New,” is proclaimed by the Lord Himself, in our second reading from the Book of Revelation, written by St. John.  And the theme of newness is continued in today’s Gospel where Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment:  love one another.” 

Our faith is ever ancient and ever new.  It began 2,000 years ago when the Holy Spirit of the Father and the Son, empowered the disciples on Pentecost Sunday to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the whole world.  It is renewed every time each of us renews our relationship with God and lives this relationship in the way we treat others…precisely following what Jesus asks of us … to love one another. 

Adult Confirmation:  Are you over 18 years of age, received Communion but not confirmed?  Bishop Malooly will be confirming adults, in this situation, on Pentecost Sunday, June 9, 2019.   

Please come to the necessary meeting at the Parish Office on Tuesday, June 28 at 7:00 p.m. Bring your baptismal and communion certificates which are needed for documentation. The lesson will be one hour.  Call the Parish Office if you need further direction at 999-0211.
 

Sunday, May 12, 2019

A few years back, I witnessed the birth of a lamb, via audio technology on my phone. My friends wanted me to experience the event. Within minutes after birth, the lamb stood and walked alone and appeared rather fluffy. He stayed close to his mother and was surprisingly attentive to the voice of his owner who had the camera.

Jesus used a similar analogy concerning His followers: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” Just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep, The Good Shepherd, Jesus, calls, guides, feeds, and protects His flock the Church. The Church depends on Her shepherds to guide, feed and protect Her faithful. 

This is World Day of Prayer for Vocations and we must be alert to the growing need for holy and committed men and women to serve in the consecrated life of the Church. Vocation means “calling.” The Lord appropriately “calls” those needed for priestly and religious lives. Most often, this “calling” is realized first at home. Our responsibility is to respond positively in following and or fostering religious vocations.

Please keep this need in your daily prayers and foster a positive atmosphere where men and women can discern whether the Good Shepherd is calling them to ministry in His Church.

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.

 

Sunday May 5, 2019

Our Parish children are receiving their First Holy Communion this weekend. It is always a wonderful celebration because there is such a transition that takes place. The children, averaging eight years old, are donned in their best, their mannerisms are controlled, and they exhibit a realm of innocence that reminds the older guests of that inner calling from God that calls us His “children.” 

Today’s Gospel is a continuation of Jesus lovingly calling His disciples “children.” This Gospel is a post resurrection scene where Jesus appears to His confused apostles on the shore at the sea. Mesmerized by Our Lord’s presence, they follow His direction to abundance and are then invited to a banquet prepared for them by Jesus Himself. Truly a decisive episode in the lives of His followers, the Resurrected Lord transforms their identity as they enter the fullness of Life given by Jesus. 

Two thousand years later, the Resurrected Lord enters our existence with the Easter message and desires us to taste the fullness of life, the abundant source of goodness that He has to offer. Jesus endears Himself to us by calling us “children,” He satisfies our senses in order for us to be welcomed to and share in a new realm of existence where life, real LIFE can be found. 

2019 Annual Catholic Appeal If you have not already made a pledge to the appeal, please consider to do so. The Diocesan Appeal assists Bishop Malooly, through the diocesan offices, to reach out in mercy and love to those in need --- the hungry, the homeless, the unemployed, the distressed, the unchurched, our children and our elderly. Each parish has a studied target, our target this year for St. John the Beloved Parish is $179,000. United as a parish we also unite with all the other diocesan parishes to create a resource that support the Church’s Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Thank you for your support of the 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal.

Birthright of Delaware Mother’s Day Rose Sale next weekend, at all the Masses to help support mothers and their babies who are in crisis. Single rose for $2; 3 Roses for $5; Dozen Roses for $18; 25 Roses for $35. Thank You and we deeply appreciate your support; it truly makes a difference!

 

Sunday April 28, 2019

Saint Thomas is often labeled the doubter because he was not with the apostles when Jesus appeared to them on Easter Sunday. After surviving the scandalous trial and brutal death of Jesus, Thomas was naturally hiding and skeptical when he heard the apostles’ retelling of Jesus’ appearance; attributing it to hysteria.

Even Thomas’ past experiences of God’s power working in Jesus and through the apostles did not convince him that resurrection was possible. Maybe Thomas lost hope, after the crucifixion, that there would be an Easter Sunday or maybe he was tired of the antics of the other disciples that he just wasn’t going to believe anything they said. Perhaps Thomas was not as committed to God as he thought. 

Thomas had said that he wouldn’t believe unless he touched Jesus’ wounded hands and put his hands in Jesus’ pierced side. And then, a week later, Jesus appeared. He told Thomas to do what He said he needed to do … to believe. Actually, Thomas didn’t touch Jesus’ hands and side as many paintings show. Instead, he just said to Jesus, “My Lord and My God.” 

We who were not at this miraculous moment were in Jesus’ eyes simply because we are here: “Blessed are those who have not seen but who believe.” He continues to look at us and sees our fears, hears our questions, knows how often we struggle with doubts…and He has mercy on us, just as He had mercy on Thomas. 

This is Divine Mercy Sunday. Looking at this image of Jesus we read: 

Jesus, I trust in You. 

We cannot let our many, many doubts get in the way of Jesus’ love and mercy for us. Others may fail us, the world around us can make us incredulous but God is always faithful and ultimately wants our good… 

Trust Him when dark doubts assail thee, 
Trust Him, when thy strength is small;
Trust Him, when to simply trust Him, 
Seems the hardest thing of all.
Trust Him.  
He is ever faithful, Trust Him!  
For His will is best; Trust Him!  
For the Heart of Jesus, Is the only place of rest.

On Divine Mercy Sunday we pray: “Jesus we trust in you.”

Remember the Celebration of Divine Mercy, today, in Saint John the Beloved Church. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament begins as 2 p.m. followed by confessions to 3:00 p.m. when the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy will be prayed. Benediction follows at 4:45 p.m., followed by Mass at 5 p.m.

A huge Thank You to all our parish ministers, ministries, staff and volunteers for their extra efforts during the Lenten and Easter Season. They labored in the vineyard extra hard to ensure beautiful liturgies, aesthetic surroundings, additional coverage, more outreach, etc. Many hearts and hands came together to assist our parish and we are most grateful to one and all. Also, we are most appreciative to all those who contributed to the support of our parish. May the Risen Lord enrich you and yours in many blessed ways.

 

Sunday April 21, 2019

A Joyous Easter to everyone!

This is our most solemn feast because we celebrate the miracle of Christ’s Resurrection from the dead. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia is a Hebrew expression of praise to God. It has been preserved, untranslated, by the Early Christians as a superlative expression of thanksgiving, joy, and triumph...precisely at this great feast of Easter.

This feast touches each one of us at the deepest level because, weak as we humans are, we needed Divine intervention to save us. Not only did God accomplish this by sending His Son to instruct us but took on the penalty of sin upon Himself and laid down His innocent life for every one of us. The old order of sin and corruption is gone and in Christ’s Resurrection we are raised to the highest dignity.

May you share the endless Joy of what we celebrate today...
A Blessed Easter!
You are remembered in our Masses.
Fathers Piekarski, Coffiey & Martin;
Deacons Wuebbels, Fontana & Bailey; and the staff of Saint John the Beloved Parish

Remember the Celebration of Divine Sunday on April 28 in Saint John the Beloved Church. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament begins as 2 p.m., followed by confessions 2- 3:00 p.m. when the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy will be prayed. Benediction follows at 4:45 p.m., followed by Mass at 5 p.m.

 

Sunday, April 14, 2019 

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, together, are called the Paschal Mystery and that is what we celebrate. These coming days are the fulfillment of the Jewish Feast of Passover; a foreshadowing of God’s plan of salvation begun by Moses delivering Israel from Pharaoh’s slavery. Jesus by His death, burial and resurrection delivered humanity from the tyranny and slavery of sin and death.

+ Holy Week Schedule +
Monday: Mass at 6:30 & 8:00 a.m. 
Exposition from 3:00-7:00 pm. 

Tuesday: Mass at 6:30 & 8:00 a.m.

Wednesday: Mass at 6:30 & 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Holy Thursday: No morning Mass. 

Prayer at 8:00 a.m. and 12 Noon.
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. & 12 Noon.
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: Prayer at 8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. Blessing of Food.
8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil- Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection No 5:00 p.m. Mass

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

The 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal theme, “As I have done for you, you should also do”, is taken from the Gospel of St. John when he recounts Jesus washing the feet of His Disciples. It is through this role of servant that Jesus gives us a model to follow. Thank you to everyone who has made a pledge to this year’s diocesan Annual Catholic Appeal. If you have not yet participated, please consider doing so today. Your gift makes a real difference in the lives of thousands of individuals and families who reside within our 12-county diocese. Pledge envelopes are available in the pews entrances of the church and can be placed in the offertory basket. Thank you for your generosity. To learn more about the Annual Catholic Appeal, visit cdow.org/annualcatholicappeal.

Help! The Easter Sunday Masses are overflowing with visitors. Once the church is full at the 9:30 a.m. Mass, the overflow must go into the gym/hall. Please be considerate and welcoming of our guests. Remember, a good experience for them, from you, is an invitation to come back. Please cooperate with our ushers who have to oversee the seating, safety and needs of people. Nobody can reserve seats. Lastly, there are plenty of parking spaces in the back of church, including handicapped spaces. Follow the direction of our parking lot attendants (from our Knights of Columbus). Cooperation from everybody will make it a safe and joyous holy day.

Visiting Churches on the evening of Holy Thursday, is a pious tradition that originated when pilgrims walked to the seven basilicas of Rome as a penance. The custom became popular throughout the world and is still observed locally when the faithful drive to neighboring churches; reminiscent of when families and friends walked within the close proximity of seven churches throughout the city. 

Lent ends at the Mass of the Lord's Supper and the Triduum begins. After celebrating the Mass, Christians remember Jesus’ Agony in the Garden and His arrest on that night. The altar is stripped and the Blessed Sacrament is placed in a tabernacle called the Repository on the Altar of Repose; and most churches are open late for silent adoration. This is in response to the request Jesus made to His apostles while they were in the Garden (Matt 26:40), "Could you not, then, watch one hour with me? “ An indulgence is attached to this devotion.

At our parish, adoration ends with the celebration of Tenabrae 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. All are welcomed to join us in this old, yet new, service that concludes our Holy Thursday.

Sunday, April 7, 2019 

It is amazing how humans, so often, like to publicly humiliate other people.  We hear in today’s Gospel, the famous story of the woman caught in adultery where by the scribes and Pharisees bring her before Jesus for public ridicule and to test Jesus’ concept of the Jewish Law.  We will hear next week how, after Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He was publicly ridiculed and condemned to death on the following Friday.  Of course, this is the ploy of many people to turn the criticism off themselves. 

Jesus never humiliated others or rubbed their noses in their sins.  Jesus calls everyone to conversion.  He always challenges our own hearts before self-righteously judging others.  The woman in today’s Gospel was granted life; her physical body was spared a stoning and she was forgiven her sin while told to sin no more.  Those who wanted her publicly punished were themselves made aware of their own sins.  Lent brings us to the common denominator…we are all sinners and in need of God’s mercy.  Instead of bringing down the other we need to lift up each other.  The old adage is so true:  “When you point your finger to someone else…remember that four fingers are pointing back.” 

2019 Annual Catholic Appeal … This is Commitment Weekend… Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. During this time of Lent we make every effort to distance ourselves from sin and more aggressively live out the Gospel in our daily lives.

As recipients of God’s love and compassion, we fervently make our way through life expressing our gratitude for Christ’s enduring presence and forgiveness. As Disciples of Christ, we demonstrate our gratitude through acts of love and kindness to others. One way, is through our support of the Annual Catholic Appeal.

The theme of the 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal is, “As I have done for you, you should also do.”  Those words recall the act of service Jesus performed for His Disciples on the night before He died.  He took the role of the servant and washed their feet, and then asked them to follow His example by doing the same for others. Jesus wanted the Disciples to understand the importance of humble service

and that to glorify God means to respond to the needs of others.  As followers of Our Lord, let us realize the true meaning of serving the least among us.

St. John the Beloved Parish’s target is $179,000.  The Circle of Honor contributors, from previous years, have already been contacted and asked to make a pledge for this year’s appeal.  We now encourage the additional parishioners and friends to help our parish make our goal.  Last year we reached our goal, and the overage money that was collected totaled $20,210.00 and was returned to our parish.

Where does this money go?  To the following ministries within the Diocese of Wilmington:  Catholic Education, The Office of Religious Education, The Catholic Youth and Young Adult Ministry, The Office for Marriage and Family Life, Catholic Campus Ministry, Deaf Ministry, Special Needs Ministry, Catholic Charities, Bayard House, Pro Life Activities, Behavioral Health, Addiction Recovery Support and Domestic Violence Services, Casa San Francisco and Office of Hispanic Ministry, Office for Black Catholics, Office for Religious, Office of Worship, Food Assistance, HIV Services, Legal Status Immigration Programs, Seton Center, Thrift Services, Pastoral Services for Institutions and Hospitals, Office of Public Relations and Media, Office of Safe Environment, The Dialog, and The Tribunal.

Sincerely, 
Father Joe

Sunday, March 31, 2019 

The Parable of the Prodigal Son naturally allows us to focus on the younger brother failing and returning home. Actually, all three characters in the parable play the important role. The younger son made a bad decision and had a change of heart. The Father is not concerned with how he was offended but that his son was lost and found his way home. The elder brother makes us realize that the Father’s forgiveness has to be embraced by all. 

Yet, there is something sinister within us. After all, the younger son had a right to his inheritance and what he did with it was his business. The elder son should get upset with his brother that caused so much pain. The Father allows more heartache by giving in to the brat; going overboard by welcoming him home. Most people would never do that and most likely think they have a right to hold a grudge. 

Another way of looking at it, through the eyes of Jesus, is to question ourselves. Is there not a part of the younger son, in each of us, when we do not consider our responsibilities or obligations and even justice towards the love and benevolence of the Father (God)? Too often we are the older son, also, who resents reconciliation and exclude ourselves from the banquet of love. Remember, justice was served; the elder brother still owned the rest of the farm. He just refused to welcome back the sinner into the family and stubbornly did not enter the Father’s joy. Finally, the part of us that gives a little credence to the thought that the forgiving Father was all too forgiving is that part of us that is so selfish it considers every action as it impacts on ourselves.

Lent is the time to let go of the past. The past is the past. Dwelling on things that we can no longer control or change is not worth our time---especially when we can begin again each time in the Sacrament of Penance. After all, why would we want to look backward when we can focus on the future joys and hope that Christ won for us in the Easter Mystery? Do not let a grudge or past memories keep you from entering the Banquet of Heaven. 

Parish Reconciliation on Tuesday, April 9, in church. 
12 noon to 1:00 p.m. --- Confessions and that evening at
6:30 p.m. --- a short Penance Service and Confessions.  
Guest priests are invited. 

2019 Annual Catholic Appeal –“As I have done for you, you should also do” The 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal will be conducted in parishes throughout the diocese next weekend. Funds generated by the Appeal provide pastoral, charitable, and educational ministries to tens of thousands of people in our 12-County diocese. As members of St. John the Beloved Parish, we are proud to be part of the Church of Wilmington. As members, it is important that we reach out in service to others by sharing our resources. Just as we are one in the Body of Christ, we must remember that we are one with other parishes and the diocese. The Annual Catholic Appeal offers us a chance to work in collaboration to care for the Church by sharing the gifts God has granted us. Our Parish target is $179,000. Your financial support also provides funding for your parish since 100% of monies collected above our target will be returned for our own ministerial needs. Please give prayerful consideration to your resources as well as the thousands of individuals and families who receive needed assistance through the 37 ministries supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal. Decide ahead of time the contribution you wish to make this year and come to church next weekend prepared to offer your support. You can learn more about the 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal by picking up a copy of the campaign information handout located at the entrances of the church or by visiting the diocesan website at www.cdow.org/annualcatholicappeal. 

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Doing my genealogy, recently, I was given more of an appreciation for what my ancestors went through. I suspect, you would find the same. Going back five generations I discovered numerous tragedies: infant mortality, youthful deaths, tragic accidents, forced relocation, casualties of war and disabilities from it. The past generations seemed stronger because they accepted that life can be cruel and unfair. And for the most part… the people before me… kept their faith. 

When people’s lives come to a sudden end due to circumstances, natural disaster or disease, we all ask questions like: “Where is God?” Jesus says in today’s Gospel, "God knows, but the time is not yet ready for Him to come to judge all people, to protect the innocent victims of evil in the world and to bring evildoers to their just ends. Just as the farmer gives the fig tree one more chance to bear fruit, God gives humanity in general and us in particular a little more time to change our ways.”

Then He will come with power, the power of His Name. Then all people will recognize Him just as the Pharaoh of Egypt was forced to recognize whom God was after Moses proclaimed God's name. When the power of God is revealed then we, “who are no longer under a cloud of uncertainly as our ancestors of the Old Testament times were,” as St. Paul says in today's second reading, then we will stand before God and present ourselves to Him.

Lent is the perfect time to put all those doubts and questions to rest and recall that from the time of our earliest ancestors… God was always faithful and eventually delivered His people to the Promised Land. 

Now is the time to repent of our failings and be faithful to the Lord … while we still have time.

Welcome, to the Little Sisters of the Poor who are with us this weekend to again inform us of their wonderful ministry to the elderly. Please be generous.
www.littlesistersofthepoor.org 150 years in America!

Sunday, March 17, 2019

There are objects and people in our lives that we have become so accustomed to that we take them for granted.  For example, we are so used to water being readily available that we assume it will always be there.  And then when a line breaks ... we panic.  The same thing with relationships.  We are so accustomed to our loved ones being at home that when they leave for college or go on their own or worse, when they pass away; then we really feel bad about taking their presence for granted.

Perhaps we do the same regarding our Church.  We are so used to coming into the Church that we tend to forget that we are coming before a special presence of God, the Sacred Presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Maybe we are so bound in the physical world that we overlook the reality of the spiritual.  Today’s readings help us to refocus on the spiritual in our lives, to refocus on the mystical.  St. Luke tells us that Jesus was in prayer, opening Himself to the presence of the Father.  In that He is transformed into a state that reflects the radiance, the glory of God.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be a new Chosen People.  Following Him involves a spiritual, mystical relationship that acknowledges the presence of God in our lives.  On this Second Sunday of Lent, let us consider the way we are following the Lord.  It is absolutely necessary to take the time and…pray, because it anchors a mystical reality in the individual’s life, allowing the person to appreciate God’s presence.  Praying takes practice and is easily discouraged with the distractions of everyday life.  Giving-in to the frustration cheats us to that which God wants to give us and blinds us of recognizing the generous giver.  Take advantage of all opportunities to pray.  It is the passport to the citizenship of heaven.       

Our Parish, this Lent, is focusing on the journey of following the Lord.  Everything we encounter in scripture has a correlation to Jesus’ deep Jewish roots.  Please take advantage of either retreat … one for men or one for women … that we are holding March 30^th.  They are addressing the basic religious tradition that Jesus came from and how He fulfilled the Old Testament as our Redeemer.  The Seder Meal is a unique Jewish Meal that is the base of our Eucharist.  Rich in symbolism, understanding the Passover Supper better allows one to understand the Mass more so. To register for the retreat and or the Seder Meal, please see the attached data in the bulletin, or simply call the Parish Office to register.  Seating is limited.

The Little Sisters of the Poor will be here next weekend at all the Masses.  The second collection will benefit the noble ministry they do for the elderly.

A Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to everyone! 

 

 

Sunday, March 10

For Saint Luke, Christians are called to walk with the Lord throughout the journey of our lives. The forty days of Lent reminds us of this journey and invite us to examine how well we are traveling. We begin the Lenten Journey, this Sunday with Our Lord tempted by the devil. “You are hungry. Command this stone to be turned into bread.” This is the temptation we all have to use God’s gifts in a selfish manner. We give in to this temptation when we put self-gratification before love. 

Shown all the kingdoms of the world… they could be Jesus’... if He worships the devil. This would be an abuse of power and repeatedly we see in our lives how people take advantage of their power over people. The final temptation of the devil was the one from the Parapet of the Temple. This parapet was the extension of the roof of the Temple over its wall. It must have been a scary place to stand. There, the devil tempts Jesus to force His Father to go into action and save Him from falling. True arrogance in tempting God, we often threaten the Lord to compromise in serving our pride. 

At the end of today’s Gospel we hear that the devil left Jesus to return at a more opportune time. He returned when Jesus was facing the crisis we call the Agony in the Garden. The devil remained present throughout the crucifixion tempting the Lord to bring it all to a quick end. Jesus withstood. The devil’s temptations in our lives are particularly difficult when we are in crisis, when we are in turmoil, when we or a loved one are sick or die. Today we are warned about selfishness, power and pride. We call upon the Mercy of God to forgive us for the times we have given in to these temptations. We ask God to help us fight evil. We trust God to walk with us on this beautiful journey, not only of Lent, but our Christian lives. May you have a wonderful Lent.

Our Parish, this Lent, is focusing on the journey of following the Lord. Everything we encounter in scripture has a correlation to Jesus’ deep Jewish roots. Please take advantage of either retreat … one for men, or one for women … that we are holding Saturday, March 30th. They are addressing the basic religious tradition that Jesus came from and how He fulfilled the Old Testament as our Redeemer. The Seder Meal is a unique Jewish Meal that is the base of our Eucharist. Rich in symbolism, understanding the Passover Supper better allows one to understand the Mass. To register for the retreat and or the Seder Meal, please see the attached data in the bulletin, or simply call the Parish Office to register. Seating is limited.

Sunday March 3

The Gospel reminds us that good comes from good and evil comes from evil. We speak what is in our heart and let that be goodness.  This is the last Sunday in the winter section of Ordinary Time.  The season of Lent is at hand and it is time for us to evaluate what is in our heart.  Are there areas that just should not be there and can be altered for the good?  Do I surprise myself in what I say and do and grasp that my actions come from my soul?  Lent is the time to evaluate what causes the disturbance, even evil, and address it. 

The Church offers various practices that root out bad behavior…Confession.  It offers the opportunities needed to reflect and open oneself to prayer and grace…Masses, Stations of the Cross, Exposition, and Retreats.  This time of year, the Church is united in mortifying ourselves with fasts and abstinence.  The Church is the perfect area to distribute alms and serve the needy.  It is time to clean house and prepare a heart worthy for the Lord.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6, 2019. Masses on Ash Wednesday are 6:30, 8 and 9:30 a.m., 12:10 Noon and 6:30 p.m. The distribution of ashes takes place after the homily. The practice of wearing ashes comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. It symbolizes the dust from which God made us and the grief that we have sinned.

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 18 years old and not yet 59.

Weekday Masses:  Monday & Tuesday 6:30 & 8:00 a.m. 

                                 Wednesday 6:30 & 8:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m.

                                 Thursday 6:30, 8:00 a.m. & 12:10 noon.

                                 Friday 6:30 & 8:00 a.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.

Exposition & Benediction: Mondays at 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Confessions:  Saturdays, 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.  

Parish Penance Services on Tuesday, April 9^th at noon and 6:30 p.m.

Stations of the Cross: Friday evenings at 7 p.m


The Mass that celebrates the closing of the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the Diocese of Wilmington is this Sunday, March 3^rd at 3:00 p.m. in St. Elizabeth Church in Wilmington.  All the various members of our entire Diocese are being represented.  If you plan to attend and want to represent St. John the Beloved Parish, please meet in the front of St. Elizabeth Church no later than 2:45 p.m. and we will plan to be seated together.  Congratulations, again, to the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. 

Sunday February 24

I think that of all the things the Lord asks us to do in our following Him, nothing is more difficult than what is in today’s Gospel:  “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who mistreat you, turn your cheek, and give to anyone who asks of you.”   Hatred is not easy to overlook, especially when you have been injured, and yet that is what Jesus is calling us to do. 

Hatred is not only destroying the world but our communities, families and even individual people…who hate themselves.  To end this malignancy, to fight off hatred…we begin with the anger that is within us.  It is good to know why you feel the way you do about someone.  Truly admit what is the problem.  Perhaps it was an injustice that someone did to me that altered my life drastically or it may be the remembrances of how someone tormented or created misery for me.  It is sometimes worse when we hate the person who wronged a loved one of mine.  And this nemesis is the person we are called to forgive.

Is the Lord asking too much?  Of course not…He is God.  I guess the problem is within us and it is not avoidable.  It is not normal for a human not to object when being hurt.  Even animals will retaliate.  It is the “better angels of our nature (A. Lincoln)” that call us to let go of the bitterness and move on in life; otherwise you will carry an unnecessary burden and never advance.  That being said … how do you forgive?  You can’t.   But God can and that is why Jesus said “pray for those who maltreat you.”

To admit that you were legitimately wronged is healthy and to bring it to prayer is the solution.  By naming the person who causes you pain and praying for their conversion as well as your own healing of heart is the formula.  It is difficult at first but God sees the broken heart and somehow heals that which you cannot even describe.  In time, you start to pity that person and may even see a conversion of heart going on in him/her.  This is what Jesus asks from us….be as “compassionate as Our Father in heaven is compassionate”.  By entering this Godly realm, healing takes place…and the heart and the world can be a better place.

Another shout of “Thank You” to everyone who thus far contributed to the “Raise the Roof Campaign.”  Thus far, what is collected has replenished what was taken from our savings to make the necessary repairs for the roof and ceiling.  Thank You.  More work on the hall/gym will take place in the near future.  Your support and donations are appreciated.

Ash Wednesday will begin on March 6.  Easter is later this year.  Enjoy yourself these last days before the discipline of Lent and have a safe Mardi Gras.