As I am writing this week's article, I am sitting at my kitchen table instead of my office. My son is sitting across from me doing class assignments instead of being in school and my daughter is home during her college break instead of sunny Florida. Life as we know it for all has drastically been altered. So how do we deal with something we have never experienced? No restaurants, no movies, no shows, no sports, no gatherings with friends...
We must have faith. We must have prayer. We must trust. God does not abandon us. He goes with us even in this time of trial and testing. Do not let it tear us apart. Intensify our prayers to live with the sacrifices we must make. Let us draw closer to one another by praying for the sick, the doctors and nurses, our civic leaders and our scientists. May God grant them courage and strength to respond to the unknown.
Some recommendations from the Archdiocese of Washington on how to make a "spiritual communion" while we are unable to receive the Eucharist at this time...
Read and reflect upon the readings of Sunday Mass @ usccb.org
Youtube.com/washarchdiocese for Gospel reflection. Televised Sunday Mass @ adw.org/tvmass
Have faith over fear.
"Lord God see us through this critical time and bring upon us your mercy to protect us all".
Amen.
As I read today’s Gospel last week, it gave me an idea. Jesus in the desert for 40 days being tempted by Satan, made me think about our middle school CCD students. Here’s what I mean. Being that it is the first week of Lent, I thought I would challenge them for the next 40 days.
Of course, we are all familiar with “giving something up” during Lent. I’m sure we have all attempted something over the years… candy, chips, wine, social media, video games, etc. Not so hard, right? Giving something up we LOVE, for God!
So, this “Lenten Challenge” for our middle schoolers really isn’t anything different, except, in addition to giving something up, they need to ADD something as well. Add something positive to their routine for the next 6 weeks.
Then they had to answer 3 questions…
Why are you giving this up/adding this for Lent this year?
What will be the biggest challenges to living out this commitment?
How will you overcome these challenges?
Ah, sort of like what Jesus went through in the dessert. Temptation, challenges, very similar. I hope they really give it some thought and pray on it. Jesus knows our struggles first hand and he will help them to find both faith and courage in whatever they decide. It doesn’t necessarily matter what they choose, but that they have the strength to stick to it, don’t give up even when it seems most difficult. Actually, this is a good life lesson for all of us.
As Catechists of Religious Education, we repeatedly say to our students from 1st grade up through 8th grade, “you are disciples of Christ.” They hear that in the classroom and they hear that at Mass. We want them to know early on that they, that we, are to adhere to His teachings. We learn from Christ and we live it! “A disciple remains true to Jesus’ words and teachings. (John 8:31) “A disciple loves others as Jesus has loved him.” (John 13:34-35)
Today, Jesus reminds us that He has come to interpret the laws, not abolish them. He wants us to dig deeper into them. Being a disciple, a Christian, we are living the Commandments, which simply put, is living the law of love. If we break down the Commandments, we plainly see they all revolve around love. First and foremost, we are to LOVE God. Then we are to LOVE our parents. Finally, we are to LOVE our neighbor. What did Jesus say when asked, what is the most important Commandment of all? “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind.” We are not supposed to just “act” like a disciple but do it with LOVE in our heart and be a true disciple by sharing what’s inside, just as our Savior did.
It is time for Jesus to assemble His Disciples and begin His Ministry. This is where we as Catechists focus so much of our time teaching and preaching to our students. This is when it all begins.
Jesus starts off by calling on 2 sets of brothers to join Him, to follow Him. One day they are ordinary fishermen, the next they are called upon by Christ! So, without hesitation, they drop everything and go. Now they have a new loyalty, a new way of life. To be fishermen for all people.
The men’s immediate positive response has brought many to wonder, why? Why would they drop everything; their jobs, family, everything they know and venture off following His path. Jesus does not even tell them exactly what they will be doing. No details or promises. He doesn’t even tell them when or if they will return. They have only their faith to go on.
So, when we as Catechists are teaching our children this story and many others about Jesus, we must remember we too are disciples of Christ. Here to preach and teach and even try to spiritually heal. We may not always know exactly how to do that or always know the perfect words to say but we know we want “our” children to grow in their love of their faith and develop a real loving relationship with God. That much we do know.
It’s easy to stay back where life is secure and comfortable but just think about those fishermen. If they didn’t take a risk, trust their faith and choose to follow Jesus, their future would have been much different.
Today, the Feast of the Holy Family is an important feast as the model of the Christian family. But it is just as much about our own families as it is about the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. And just like our own families, they had their share of hardships. Let’s look back…
Mary became pregnant before she was married. Mary and Joseph had to leave their home when Mary was about to give birth. They had their baby in a stable. Joseph had to pack up his family and run off to Egypt in fear of the King killing their baby. Then when Jesus was around 12 years old, they lost him in the temple for 3 days. And finally, Mary had to watch her own son be crucified.
They had to overcome the trials and difficulties they encountered along the way. But their love and devotion for each other was strong. So, the idea of the Feast of the Holy Family is to help us reflect on our own lives and try to imitate the Holy Family in our homes. We have sorrows, doubts, confusion but should be inspired by the light of the Holy family. Their light encourages me to share peace, harmony, forgiveness and love in my family.
Today begins the season of Advent! Each week Father Michael will light the candles in the Advent wreath to symbolize the growing light of Christ. Each candle has its own meaning and is illustrated in the four weeks. Hope… reminding us that Jesus is coming. Faith…. reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Joy… reminding us of the “Joy to the World” experience of Jesus’ birth. Peace… the angel’s message “Peace on Earth, Good Will towards Men.”
Attending Mass each week during Advent is a great way to keep children focused on the real meaning of Christmas and to prepare for the coming of Christ.
Advent is the Liturgical Season where we focus entirely on preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is marked by a spirit of expectation, anticipation and longing. But it is also a feeling of joy, as we are reminded that Christ has come, will come again, and that He is always present within us. It is up to us to bring Him into our hearts and into our lives.
As we begin this Advent Season with anticipation and excitement, we have an opportunity to have a clean heart and soul. Please join us for our annual Advent Penance Service this Tuesday, December 3rd @ 7pm in church. All are welcome to pray together and refocus on God’s presence in our lives.
Do you ever wonder what happens when we die? Not to our physical body, that we can “google”. But none of us really know what happens after we die until we get there. That however is the mystery of our faith. Debate after debate and many discussions and opinions can arise from this subject. People will continue to wonder.
So, even Jesus had to put up with groups questioning Him. This one about Resurrection, which this group of Sadducees clearly do not believe in. They are thinking of life and death in wholly mortal terms. They are thinking so literally, that they are missing the bigger picture, the treasure of God’s love promised through the resurrection into new life. It is the realization that nothing, even death, can separate us from the love of God.
We cannot know what happens after our bodies die. But what we do know is that our loved ones are in our hearts and in our memories and have an influence on how we live the rest of our earthly lives.
Think about the last line of this scripture, “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.” “Through the love of God and the example of Jesus, we can move from death to life as a child of the resurrection.” I am prepared to live that way and I have faith in what is yet to come.
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The parable this week is interesting. I would think many of us have questioned our faith from time to time. Is it strong enough to get me through these tough times? Have I lost faith because things didn’t turn out the way I wanted or expected? If I just had more faith, I wouldn’t have so many questions or doubts. Even the disciples questioned it; “Lord, increase our faith.”
Perhaps that is because in the scripture before this one, Jesus says, if someone wrongs you seven times in one day and says “I am sorry”, you should forgive him seven times. Is our faith “big” enough for that? I’m not sure the disciples thought so.
But faith is not measured in terms of size, but in quality. Even a small amount of faith, if genuine can accomplish great things.
Our 2nd graders begin their sacramental journey and are here this weekend to celebrate Christ on the Altar for the 1 st time. I’m hoping their faith will only be strengthened each time they join Fr. Mike “at the table”. We want them to know that their faith is not meant for personal achievement. It is not a thing we have or get. It is a personal relationship of trust and love.
So, the question isn’t, do I have enough faith? It should be, what am I doing with the faith I have? For me, for Christ, for the relationship we have.
WELCOME BACK TO A
NEW YEAR OF RELIGIOUS ED CLASSES!
This is always an exciting time of year for me and my entire staff of Catechists to see all the children; from apprehensive 1 st graders to our veteran 8th graders; come through those doors to learn and experience Jesus Christ. We are a community of faith, all working together to guide our children to follow Christ and be a light to others.
This year, the church celebrates Catechetical Sunday today. The 2019 theme is "Stay with Us." Those who serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry, and they truly deserve it.
Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith.
Here are some of OLC’s special volunteers who dedicate their time and share their talent with so many children, teens and adults. We are grateful and blessed to have you!
Liesl Iza, Jean Caughey, Debbie Micka, Gena Duffner, Mike Duffner, Angela Follano, Sara Tully, Joanna Leo, Jen Kleinknecht, Kim Kahwaty, Nickol Muller, Dana Ciccone, Jeanne Lippi, Krista Schiavone, Angela Kivari, Jessica Hablitz, Andrea Mikhail, Angie Lombardo, Fran Cuccinello, Alyson Hannon, Mimi Hannon, Patricia DiToro, Laurie Palatucci, Berndette Greatorex, Nancy Holtje, Tina Hunka, Barbara Marosits, Judy Licerio, Susan Pescatore, John Pescatore, Olivia Troche, Rena Rivera, Diane Cedraschi, Lucille DiNome, Ernesta Coppola, Ken Arbuckle, Margaret Kerstner and Joe Gioia.
I have been preparing for the start of Religious Ed classes in September. All summer long. I am updating the curriculum, researching text books from a new company, creating handbook guides for 2nd grade families, recruiting and training new Catechists, working with new families and much more.
So, as I read this Gospel, I thought of how in a couple of months, we will once again begin teaching our 1st graders how to say “The Lord’s Prayer”. This is something that starts in 1st grade and continues every year straight through to Confirmation. It is the prayer all adults remember and have said a thousand times. We say it in church, we may say it before we go to bed. We say it as we ask for God’s help. This brings us into a deep personal connection with God the Father. This prayer serves as an affirmation of the worldview Jesus teaches and how the good news manifests in us. Sometimes, we break it down for our students to better understand its components and true purpose… We know God is our loving Father
He is holy
We pray for His will to be done, not ours
We ask that He provide us with what we need, rather than our wants
Forgive others, as God has forgiven us
Help us to stay on the right path, away from temptation
This week, as I take a break and head to the Jersey shore with my family, I will be looking forward to relaxing, getting some sun, finishing a book I have no time to read and just being together. With my children getting older, it is rare that we spend any long periods of time all together. We will also be with my mom and my brother’s family as an added bonus! Coming full circle, I am reminded that all things originate in God. It is then that I express gratitude and appreciation for all that I have and have all that I need.
The past week was High School graduation for many. I still have two years before my youngest makes that transition from high school student to college bound young man. I am not sure yet where that college journey will take him, but one thing I am sure of…we are preparing him to make the most of it.
When I read today’s Gospel about Jesus and His disciples’ travels, I thought about all the kids soon heading off to make their own journeys. Sometimes scary, unsure, moving into uncharted waters. They will be leaving what is familiar, comfortable and safe to go in a totally new direction. Sound familiar?
The people that Jesus met along the way wanted to walk with Him, but were they willing to drop everything and be a true follower? So, Jesus teaches them the demands of discipleship. There is no “but first”. You must be ready when called upon. Discipleship takes precedence over everything.
So, when these young men and ladies go off to college or wherever their journey takes them, they must be ready without reservation. Go forward, do not look behind. Focus on the task at hand and trust that Jesus is always walking with you. Afterall, when we follow Christ we are often taken into new ways of living.
Today, I have the honor of writing about one of the most profound moments, to me, in our Catholic faith.
After the Annunciation, the birth, the ministering and all the miraculous moments; after the Suffering, Death and Resurrection, we now are at the point of His returning home to the Father. So, the apostles are thinking, “wow, now what do we do?” He has left us. But as we know, “where Jesus is, signifies much less than who Jesus is.” And who He is, is what we must focus on. Jesus physically left, telling his disciples to “carry on His work.” That is us! We are the ones who must carry on where He left off. We are the visible presence of Jesus. That is why every day, I try to live up to that.
Over the past several months, I have been working with a wonderful new family! One of the boys will be receiving the Eucharist for the very first time this weekend. I am so proud of him and his family for making this a priority in their lives and following through on this faith journey. There are also two other families I am beginning to work with going through the same process of making their own journeys. It is never too late! It is not just a job to me but my mission to continue His loving presence in the world.
I am moved when families reach out to me with the desire to begin a new journey or continue where they left off. It is a great challenge and a huge responsibility but living a life with Christ is well worth it.
Today is the second Sunday of First Holy Communions and I am so proud of these children! They are amazing girls and boys whose Catholic faith has grown and matured this past year. Along with their parents, our Catechists have helped them to develop the understanding and true meaning that when we receive the Eucharist, we are actually receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ!
So today and last week, our 2nd graders joined our parish in receiving the Eucharist, for the first time. They now feel how special it is and what it means that Jesus has given us the gift of himself because he loves us so much.
May you always be nourished by the Eucharist
and embrace His joy in your heart.
CONGRATULATIONS…April 28, 2019
Gabriella Altieri
Lucas Aray
Braylon Arcilla
Olivia Bakker
Sabrina Bateman
Isabella Ditoro
Michael Ferrante
Vincent Fornino
Maci Jacques
John Lozada
Ryan Mueller
Christopher Noble
Anthony Primiano
Dominick Primiano
Michael Rella
Dylan Ross
Juliana Tubito
Luke Vitiello
May 5, 2019
Leah Alling
Daniel Bognar
Daniel Domicoli
Damiano Follano
Ashlyn Iannacone
Connor Knapp
Jacob Kolen
Emily Lanfrank
Landon Freaney
Isabella Piccolo
Noah Robles
Jacob Rozansky
Edwin Sarita
Daniel Sullivan
Camilla Vaccaro
Kallista Varay
Casey Willemin
Zachary Willemin
Jesus’ Passover meal with His disciples is coming. However, this is Palm Sunday, the public event where Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey. How humble of the Lord to be riding on a donkey while a multitude of disciples call out to Him, praising Him as the Messiah. Tragically, some of those same people will be crying out for His crucifixion next week.
Wow, how quickly they turn! Where is their loyalty? Where is their faith? Where is their heart at? I couldn’t imagine turning my back on Christ! Could you?? I would have rooted for Him, shouted to save Him and followed Him anywhere!
Easy for us to judge those from 2000 years ago knowing what we know. Perhaps, they themselves were scared seeing Jesus look so weak and vulnerable against the Roman soldiers. Perhaps they were afraid that that could be them.
But what about today, 2000 years later? Where do we see ourselves? Are we really so different from them? How quickly does our faith falter when God does not deliver what we ask of Him? How quickly do we quiet when we realize we may be different than others in our beliefs?
So many emotions to feel and so many decisions to make. I may have jumped ahead a little knowing what is to come. But it is hard not to talk about all the ups and downs of the coming week. I do know one thing, even in the midst of everything, God is at work for good.
Jesus’ Passover meal with His disciples is coming. However, this is Palm Sunday, the public event where Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey. How humble of the Lord to be riding on a donkey while a multitude of disciples call out to Him, praising Him as the Messiah. Tragically, some of those same people will be crying out for His crucifixion next week.
Wow, how quickly they turn! Where is their loyalty? Where is their faith? Where is their heart at? I couldn’t imagine turning my back on Christ! Could you?? I would have rooted for Him, shouted to save Him and followed Him anywhere!
Easy for us to judge those from 2000 years ago knowing what we know. Perhaps, they themselves were scared seeing Jesus look so weak and vulnerable against the Roman soldiers. Perhaps they were afraid that that could be them.
But what about today, 2000 years later? Where do we see ourselves? Are we really so different from them? How quickly does our faith falter when God does not deliver what we ask of Him? How quickly do we quiet when we realize we may be different than others in our beliefs?
So many emotions to feel and so many decisions to make. I may have jumped ahead a little knowing what is to come. But it is hard not to talk about all the ups and downs of the coming week. I do know one thing, even in the midst of everything, God is at work for good.
I have read the parable of the Prodigal Son many, many times and it is one of my favorites. Maybe because I am a mom, I can relate?
I know I would do anything for my children. I just want them safe and happy. They know I will always forgive them and never turn my back on them and I guess that is how the father in this story felt. Yes, the son did a “bad” thing by leaving the family responsibilities and squandering all his money. Yes, he came back because he ran out of money and food. He tried to apologize for his reckless behavior; but his father only saw one thing, that his son was back!
So, as we read this during Lent; a time we spend extra time in prayer and doing for others, it is a perfect time to reflect on forgiveness. However, not so easy for the older brother who has been home doing everything that is expected of him. He is understandably jealous of his younger brother who gets a big party, a fine robe, the ring, the sandals. How does he find mercy as his father has? How does he have a change of heart and mind? How does he put away hostile feelings? He must do what we all must do. Find a way where the heart is more important than order and justice. It is not always easy to reconcile into a united family but keep in mind, God has boundless mercy for all who seek reconciliation with Him and each other.![]()
Today’s Gospel written by Luke sounds a lot like Matthew’s Gospel of The Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus speaks about the poor, the hungry, the weeping, in both Gospels. But in this reading, Luke also talks about the “woes” of the happy, the rich, and the filled.
We are all familiar with the Sermon on the Mount and the “Blessed”. We also can understand how God has a special place in His heart for the vulnerable and the miserable. Jesus has always been drawn to visit these types of people and help them. But by calling them “Blessed” it perhaps gives them hope and comfort to know they will be rewarded in Heaven.
But the rich and happy are getting an earful. I do not believe Jesus is saying, “don’t be rich and happy.” It’s more like… don’t seek popularity and riches. Don’t be full of yourself, inconsiderate and self-absorbed just because you have good fortune. Do not live as though you are privileged. Speak the truth; and do not only like those who agree with you.
What actually motivates and temps us? Money, fame? These are the things that could get in the way of our relationship with God.
Blessings will be plentiful for everyone if we steer carefully around these temptations and stay on the right path of following Jesus faithfully. But woes are what we receive if we follow the wrong path and take the short cut.![]()
And so, Jesus begins His public Ministry. This is where he begins his teachings, healings and gathering his twelve Apostles to continue his mission, which is now our mission.
Just as Jesus said, “the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,” that same spirit is upon us, through our Baptism. Our mission in life is to depend on the Spirit of God to continue what Christ started.
Each of us can experience life as God means it to be lived. To follow Jesus in our minds, thoughts, and actions.
I often wonder, am I doing enough? Am I doing what God wants me to do? Do I listen, really listen to God’s instructions? Do I follow where Christ leads me?
Just as all those people in the Synagogue were waiting to hear something from Jesus, do we truly listen to what He is saying to us? Each week when we attend Mass are we expecting to hear something that will make us understand what it is He wants us to do or say or feel to help the sick, the poor or anyone who is willing to listen? Or perhaps we should just allow our faith to lead us and be ready and open to God’s expectations before our very eyes.![]()
With 2018 just about over, what do you hope for, for 2019?
The very first thing that comes to mind for me is the continued health and happiness for my family.Today is The Feast of the Holy Family and should be seen as every family’s feast day. Today is devoted entirely to the Holy Family as a model for the Christian family life. By imitating the Holy Family in our own homes, we can strengthen our love, protection and the diligent care we have for one another.
Our faith lives and our family lives intersect in the most ordinary places; around the kitchen table, putting our children to bed or a phone call to “catch up”. Jesus is present and joyful in all of these moments and drawing us closer to Him even in the most mundane situations.
So, as we look forward to a new year, let us count our blessings, hug our families and be devoted to the Holy Family, Jesus’ and ours.![]()
Today begins the season of Advent! Each week Father Michael will light the Advent wreath to symbolize the growing light of Christ. Each candle has its own meaning and is illustrated in the four weeks. Hope… reminding us that Jesus is coming. Faith… reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Joy… reminding us of the joy to the world experience of Jesus’ birth. Peace… with the angel’s message “Peace on Earth, Good Will towards Men.” Attending Mass each week during Advent is a great way to keep children focused on the real meaning of Christmas and to prepare for the coming of Christ.
Advent is the season we focus entirely on preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is marked by a spirit of expectation, anticipation and longing. But it is also a feeling of joy, of a spiritual journey as we affirm that Christ has come and that He is always present within us. It is up to us to bring Him into our hearts and into our lives.
As we wait in anticipation and excitement, we have an opportunity to have a clean heart and soul by attending our annual Advent Penance Service this Tuesday, December 4th @ 7:00 p.m. in our church. All are welcome to join us to pray together and refocus on God’s presence in our lives.![]()