December 24, 2006

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS REFLECTION   Composer and performer Bradley James has set Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s teachings and prayers to music in the internationally acclaimed recording, Gift of Love: Music to the Words and Prayers of Mother Teresa.  Bradley remembers her teaching: “Mother said we don’t have to go to Calcutta to help the poor; rather, we must help them right in front of us.” He applied this lesson when he encountered a homeless beggar on the streets of San Francisco.  Bradley placed some money in his metal cup, then reached out and shook the man’s hand.  The recipient gave him a big smile, and the two exchanged names and small talk.  Bradley recalls: “Then he pulled me a little closer and said, ‘Thanks for the money, but what I really needed was a handshake’” (Susan Conroy, OSV, 2003).  Indeed, what was remarkable in this incident was not the coin, but the gift of human dignity and the love of Christ that Bradley James brought to the beggar through the handshake and his fraternal presence.  In effect, Bradley replicated in his life and experience the joyful mystery of the Lord’s being made flesh in our midst.

December 17, 2006

BE GLAD AND EXAULT WITH ALL YOUR HEART, for our God is in our midst.  The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday.  It is named from the Latin word meaning “rejoice,” which is a prominent aspect in the readings and is signified by the color rose (as is the third candle in the Advent wreath).  Brad Reynolds, S.J. captures this spirit in his 2006 poem:

Gaudete

Because Christmas is almost here

Because dancing fits so well with music

Because inside baby clothes are miracles.

Gaudete

Because some people love you

Because of chocolate

Because pain does not last forever

Because Santa Claus is coming.

Gaudete

Because of laughter

Because there really are angels

Because your fingers fit your hands

Because forgiveness is yours for the asking

Because of children

Because of parents.

Gaudete

Because the blind see.

And the lame walk.

Gaudete

Because lepers are clean

And the deaf hear.

Gaudete

Because the dead will live again

And there is good news for the poor.

Gaudete

Because of Christmas

Because of Jesus

You rejoice.

 “TWO-FERS” is an offer allowing two people to enter the theater for the price of one ticket.  Many parishioners have asked whether the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve is a “two-fers” holiday: attend one Mass and get the benefits of both!  We Catholics celebrate both Advent and Christmas even though they fall side by side and may be a bit inconvenient.  The birth of a baby does this sort of thing: it upsets our carefully planned events and surprises us at the unexpected coming of God in our midst.  Let’s not shortchange our faith practices, which are the foundations for our celebrations.  See you again and again next weekend.

December 10, 2006

JOHN THE BAPTIST cries out to us to make straight paths to the Lord.  Here are some stories for our Advent journey this with week with the Baptist:

 Nine young soldiers had received overnight passes from their base camp.  When morning came, not one of the nine was present.  An hour after their absence was noted the first soldier straggled back into camp.  He was immediately taken before his company commander.  "I’m sorry to be late, sir," the soldier said, "but I had a date, lost track of time, and missed the last bus.  I wanted to make it back on time so I took a taxi.  About half way back to camp, the cab broke down, so I went to the nearest farm and bought a horse.  As I was riding on the horse, the animal suddenly fell to the ground and died.  So I did the last miles on foot and here I am."  Although he was skeptical about the chain of weird excuses, the company commander let the young man off with a mild lecture on the virtues of punctuality.  Thereafter seven more stragglers reported in, one by one, each with the same story!  They had a date, lost track of the time, missed the last bus, took a cab, cab broke down, bought a horse, horse fell dead.  Finally, the ninth and last soldier arrived.  Now totally exasperated, the commanding officer growled, "What happened to you?"  The ninth man replied, "Sir, I had a date, lost track of the time, missed the last bus, hired a taxi…"  "Wait a minute!  Wait a minute!" cried the officer.  "Are you going to tell me that the cab broke down?"  "No, Sir," the soldier replied.  "The taxi was fine.  The problem was that there were so many dead horses on the road, we couldn’t get through."  Excuses are "as old as the human race."  In Proverbs 26:13, we are told of the "sluggard" who did not want to work.  But instead of admitting the truth saying, "I’m just too lazy to go to work today," he cried out, "There’s a lion in the street, a lion in the middle of the square!"  In today’s gospel, John the Baptizer reminds us not to make lame excuses but to repent and renew our lives so that we will be able to receive the Messiah in our hearts and lives.

 At an intersection, the green light changes to yellow.  At the theater the house lights flash. At the airport terminal the boarding call comes over the intercom.  At a railroad crossing the lights begin to flash.  In a small Midwestern town the tornado siren screams.  On the football field the two-minute warning sounds.  In the cargo bay of a C-140 a red-light comes on.  In the Desert of Judea, a voice of one calling in the wilderness is heard declaring, "Prepare the way of the Lord."  What do all these have in common?  They are signs or warnings that we need to prepare ourselves for what is about to happen.

 A soap manufacturer and a pastor were walking together down a street in a large city.  The soap manufacturer casually said, "The gospel you preach hasn't done much good, has it?  Just observe. There is still a lot of wickedness in the world, and a lot of wicked people, too!"  The pastor made no reply until they passed a dirty little child making mud pies in the gutter.  Seizing the opportunity, the pastor said, "I see that soap hasn't done much good in the world either; for there is much dirt still here, and many dirty people are still around."  The soap man said, "Oh, well, soap only works when it is applied."  And the pastor said, "Exactly!  So it is with the gospel."

December 3, 2006

A NEW YEAR OF GRACE BEGINS TODAY.  The words of Jeremiah set the tone for this season: “The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made.”  We await the fulfillment of God’s promises to us throughout the ages.  We await the return of Christ.  The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of this new year by looking toward the end of all time when Christ will return in glory to bring his kingdom of justice and peace in its entirety.

 How can we make this season of Advent a time of preparation for Christ’s final coming and not jut a time of preparation and shopping for Christmas? 

 1.  Create a space in your home to prepare for the coming of Christ in your lives.  Use an Advent wreath.  The circular wreath with its four candles reminds us of God’s eternal design and the progressive, brightening light of Christ in our lives.  Say a prayer, read Scripture and light a candle at dinner.  Make a Jesse Tree.  Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would come from the line of King David, son of Jesse.  The Jesse Tree is a way of remembering Jesus’ roots in Israel.  Hang from the branches each day a symbol of an important point in Israel’s history: Noah’s ark, Jacob’s ladder, David’s harp, and so on.  Count down to Christmas with an Advent calendar.  Advent calendars begin on December 1, with a door to be opened each day.  Behind each door is a Scripture verse or a small picture of a biblical scene.  A calendar is a great way to keep our focus (especially children’s) on the coming of Christ.

 2.  Celebrate God’s Mercy.  During Advent we prepare our hearts for the Word who brought light into darkness.  It is a particularly fitting time to welcome the light of God’s forgiveness into the dark places of our sinful lives by celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  This Monday (December 4^th), we will celebrate this sacrament with St. Patrick and Immaculate Conception Parishes at St. Brendan’s at 7:00 pm.  We hope you can join us.

 3.  Discover the Saints.  St. Nicholas of Myra’s feast is December 6^th and celebrated throughout the world with sharing gifts and candy in shoes.  The generosity and faith of St. Nicholas emerged into Santa Claus.  December 8^th celebrates Mary, who was free from sin from her birth and who is the patroness of our nation.  Our Lady of Gaudalupe has been celebrated since the 16^th century on December 12^th and commemorates God’s identification and love of the poor.  St. Lucy (December 13^th was a virgin martyr who remained faithful amid persecutions and the purity of her life is light to all.  John of the Cross on December 14^th is a saint because of his efforts a reformer, poet, mystic, priest to live under the cross of Christ and find life.

 4.  Reclaim your Ethnic Traditions.  The posada is a traditional Mexican procession, beginning on December 16^th and lasting 9 nights.  The procession recounts the journey of the Holy Family and ends in festivities.  In Poland, oplatek is shared on Christmas Eve.  The oplatek is a wafer stamped with a Nativity scene and blessed during dinner and shared with the family.  Parols, or star shaped lanterns, are erected in the Philippines as a sign of welcome and hope for peace.

November 26, 2006

VATICAN II restored the importance of congregational participation in the liturgy and directed that “the people should be encouraged to take part by means of acclamations, responses, psalmody, antiphons and song.”  The musical role of the assembly is integral to its ministry of praise and prayer at worship.  Music ministers assist the assembly’s full participation in singing, and by this ministry add beauty and solemnity to the celebration.

 “A MINISTRY OF RENUNCIATION” is what Jim Johnston challenged our music ministry folks to develop at our Music Ministry workshop last week.  Jim is a fine guitarist and vocalist and has been leading Catholic congregations in song for over 40 years.  The ideal he proposed was for the musician to go from performance to serving the assembly, from show to spirituality, from center stage to disappearing into the actions of the liturgy, from beginning the song to letting the congregation fully take over.  He reminded the musicians all (cantors, choirs, instrumentalists, vocalists) that leadership in the church is for service not the ego.  We practice so that we can inspire; we are prepared so as to be more deliberate in our liturgical unity.  This message is applicable not only to musicians but also to all of us, for we are called to be disciples who renounce the self for the sale of God and others.

 THE MARTHA AND MARY SOCIETY also met last week.  The purpose of our parish’s bereavement ministry is expressed well in The Order of Christian Funerals: "When a member of Christ's Body dies, the faithful are called to a ministry of consolation to those who have suffered the loss of one whom they love.  Christian consolation is rooted in that hope that comes from faith in the saving death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Christian hope faces the reality of death and the anguish of grief but trusts confidently that the power of sin and death have been vanquished by the risen Lord.  The Church calls each member of Christ's Body—priest, deacon, layperson—to participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn."

 In the Scriptures Jesus comforts those who mourn, as in Matthew 11:28-29: "Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, I will give you rest ... and you will find rest."  In the same Gospel, Jesus reassures us of God's solace: "Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!" (5:4).  At St. Brendan’s we try to follow Christ’s example by

 May Christ be praised by our faithful ministry.

November 19, 2006

THE WIDOW’S MITE HAS MIGHT   The widow in today’s Gospel stood alone as the one who had turned over, as an offering to God for His use, everything she had—two leptons.  Those two, almost worthless coins represented her last shred of security, her fragile thread of hope for the future.  With all her concern for being an obedient servant of God, the widow gave all she had as an offering—even her future—or the sake of God.  In other words, she gave herself totally into God’s hands with the sure conviction that God would give her the support she needed.

 Here are two contemporary examples to consider:  William Magee, 52, and Kathleen Magee, 51, are founders of Operation Smile.  One is a plastic surgeon and the other a social service worker.  Op Smile began in 1982.  Since then, it has performed surgery on 18,000 kids in 15 countries to correct—without charge—such disfigurements as cleft palates and burn scars, while training local doctors in the procedures.  Says William: "The world is changed by emotion."  On June 20, 1996, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation awarded the group a $1 million prize to continue the work.  William and Kathleen Magee's mite has might, and it's the might of love. 

 Evie Rosen, 69, of Wausau, Wisconsin, is no doubt busy right now, knitting afghans.  The reason: winter is almost upon us, and someone is going to need a blanket.  Evie is a retired needlework shop owner.  Disheartened by news stories about the homeless, Evie Rosen wanted to do something to help. "Almost every home has little balls of yarn.  I thought if we could all knit 7-inch by 9-inch rectangles, we could stitch them together and make a lot of afghans." She started Operation Warm Up America in 1992, getting the word out to churches, retirement homes and craft shops.  Last year, with help from other organizations, the group distributed 16,000 afghans!  Evie Rosen's mite has might, and it's the might of love!

 AND AN OLD JOKE   You know the story about the chicken and the pig that saw the church sign saying "Help feed the hungry."  The chicken said "That's a good idea!  Let's help by putting in our 'widow’s mite.'  Let's give ham and eggs."  The pig said "That's easy for you to say, but for me it's a total commitment!"

 AND THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME IN HISTORY is that we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.  We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; more medicine, but less wellness.  We read too little, watch TV too much and pray too seldom.  We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.  These are the times of tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.  These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but more broken homes.  We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.

November 12, 2006

THE WIDOW’S MITE HAS MIGHT   The widow in today’s Gospel stood alone as the one who had turned over, as an offering to God for His use, everything she had—two leptons.  Those two, almost worthless coins represented her last shred of security, her fragile thread of hope for the future.  With all her concern for being an obedient servant of God, the widow gave all she had as an offering—even her future—or the sake of God.  In other words, she gave herself totally into God’s hands with the sure conviction that God would give her the support she needed.

 Here are two contemporary examples to consider:  William Magee, 52, and Kathleen Magee, 51, are founders of Operation Smile.  One is a plastic surgeon and the other a social service worker.  Op Smile began in 1982.  Since then, it has performed surgery on 18,000 kids in 15 countries to correct—without charge—such disfigurements as cleft palates and burn scars, while training local doctors in the procedures.  Says William: "The world is changed by emotion."  On June 20, 1996, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation awarded the group a $1 million prize to continue the work.  William and Kathleen Magee's mite has might, and it's the might of love. 

 Evie Rosen, 69, of Wausau, Wisconsin, is no doubt busy right now, knitting afghans.  The reason: winter is almost upon us, and someone is going to need a blanket.  Evie is a retired needlework shop owner.  Disheartened by news stories about the homeless, Evie Rosen wanted to do something to help. "Almost every home has little balls of yarn.  I thought if we could all knit 7-inch by 9-inch rectangles, we could stitch them together and make a lot of afghans." She started Operation Warm Up America in 1992, getting the word out to churches, retirement homes and craft shops.  Last year, with help from other organizations, the group distributed 16,000 afghans!  Evie Rosen's mite has might, and it's the might of love!

 AND AN OLD JOKE   You know the story about the chicken and the pig that saw the church sign saying "Help feed the hungry."  The chicken said "That's a good idea!  Let's help by putting in our 'widow’s mite.'  Let's give ham and eggs."  The pig said "That's easy for you to say, but for me it's a total commitment!"

 AND THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME IN HISTORY is that we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.  We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; more medicine, but less wellness.  We read too little, watch TV too much and pray too seldom.  We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.  These are the times of tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.  These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but more broken homes.  We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.

November 5, 2006

THE BLESSING OF OUR NEW ENTRY AND DOORS was a glorious event, a little chilly but warmed by faith.  Even the heavens sent a “sprinkling” of blessings.  Several folks have asked for a copy of the blessing prayer that was used.  This prayer may be used every Sunday as you leave your house and prepare to enter the courts of the Lord’s house.

 Blessed are you, O Lord our God,

King of the Universe!

You bless our coming in and our going out,

from birth to death, you hold us in your care.

Bless these doors, O Lord.

As we enter

draw us more deeply into your presence,

And as we leave

keep us aware of the wonder of your love for us.

You, O Lord, are the door to the Kingdom of God,

the sheep gate to eternal life,

O portal of eternal peace, our new and living way,

loose our sins and open for us the door to salvation.

Grant that as we enter this church

this day and always,

we may live confidently in the faith of the Triune God,

we may persevere in the teaching of the apostles,

we may break bread in memory of Jesus,

we may be unceasing in prayer,

and we may one day be found worthy

to enter the gateway to heaven.

 We ask this in the name of the Father,

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit,

now and forever.  AMEN!

 DO YOU KNOW THESE CATHOLIC CODE WORDS?

BULLETIN: Your receipt for attending Mass.
JUSTICE: When kids have kids of their own.
KYRIE ELEISON: The only Greek words most Catholics can recognize besides gyros & baklava.
MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.
PEW: A medieval torture device still found in Catholic churches.
PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass, consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners looking for seats.
RELICS: People who've gone to Mass for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.
 

OCTOBER 29, 2006

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL has gotten off to a great start.  At the October meeting we prayed and reflected on the nature of PPC: that the meeting table is an extension of the Eucharistic table and our room an extension of the Reconciliation room, that we gather to be attuned to God’s call for the parish, that our gathering is both know how and show how, that God sets the agenda, that PPC is a lived experience of our Catholic community/parish, and that we follow the wisdom of the cross of Jesus.  Also new leadership was discerned and our first official photo was taken.

Standing left to right:

Tina Fitzwilliams

(PPC secretary, and chair of Stewardship Committee)

Deb Flora

(PPC chair, and chair of Worship Committee),

Judy Lazar

(chair, of Justice and Charity Committee),

Diane Lefoer, Melissa Wells and Deb Zalovcik.

Sitting left to right:

Patty Infante

(chair, Parish Life Committee),

Deb Brown, Dennis Kiliany,

Rosie Marich

(chair, Strategic Planning Committee), and

Barb Carissimo

(chair, Faith Formation Committee).

VISITORS SAY WONDERFUL THINGS about our parish.  Last Sunday there were a number of former parishioners, friends and benefactors attending Mass as part of the Blessing of the Entry and Doors and praise was heaped upon the parish for the enthusiasm of our Sunday gathering, the beautiful music and singing, the vibrant homily, the warm and open hospitality and the joy and commitment of all.  It is encouraging (and humbling) when our faith and values are transparent to others.

HOLA   DA NADA   MUY BIEN   GRACIAS   These are some new phrases and part of a new vocabulary that Joan and I (with a few others) are trying to master as we are taking a Pastoral Spanish Language course this fall.  We are trying to prepare ourselves for new forms of ministry here on the Westside.  Hasta luego (until later) y (and) qué Dios le bendiga (may God bless you). 

 OCTOBER 22, 2006

THERE WAS NOT A WHINE ON THE WINE TASTING TRIP last weekend.  A bus load of parishioners and friends spent a glorious afternoon sampling regional wines, enjoying a tasty dinner, and listening to some good jazz.  Thanks to Patty Infante and Janette Koewacich for organizing this wonderful trip.

OVER 116 PARISHIONERS participated in the “Let Us Proclaim the Mystery of Faith” sessions over the past few weeks.  I truly appreciate everyone’s commitment to the parish and the willingness to deepen our individual and communal appreciation of the Eucharist.  Here are some points of reflection for the whole parish as we grow in our devotion of the Eucharist:

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Vatican II, 1964) tells us: “For it is the liturgy, which, especially the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist, ‘the work of our redemption is accomplished,’ and it is through the liturgy, especially, that the faithful are enabled to express in their lives and manifest to others the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church.”

Pope John Paul II reminds us in Church and Eucharist, 2003, “The Church draws her life from the Eucharist.  This truth does not simply express a daily experience of faith, but recapitulates the heart of the mystery of the Church.  The Church was born of the paschal mystery.  For this very reason the Eucharist, which is in an outstanding way the sacrament of the paschal mystery, stands at the center of the Church’s life.”

And, “The Eucharist creates communion and fosters communion.”

In Day of the Lord the late pope wrote: “Each community, gathering all its members for the ‘breaking of the bread,’ becomes the place where the mystery of the Church is concretely made present.

“We celebrate Sunday because of the venerable Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“The spiritual and pastoral richness of Sunday, as it has been handed on to us by tradition, are truly great.  When its significance and implications are understood in their entirety, Sunday in a way becomes a synthesis of the Christian life and a condition for living it well.”

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a document on ecclesial ministry in November 2005 entitled Co-workers in the Vineyard.  The bishops teach that those who serve the church are to be authorized (publicly commissioned for the local church), to show leadership, to be in close collaboration with the pastoral ministry of the bishop and pastor, and to be prepared and formed in the responsibilities entrusted to them.

 OCTOBER 15, 2006

WE ARE GRATEFUL to the Estate of Ellen M. Horn for the gift of $17,980.55 to the parish.  As she cared for the parish and other charities in life, she has also left a legacy of love and generosity in death.  May her good deeds commend her to God’s mercy and our prayer.

This gift to our parish and the good news of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel this Sunday might cause us to reflect on our blessings and our use of the world’s goods.

“Do something beautiful for God” was a constant refrain by Mother Teresa of Calcutta.  She reminded the world and the faith community that our most precious possession is a heart right with God and neighbor.  She advised her sisters to give themselves away freely and give lavishly.  “Do something beautiful for God.”  Do it with your life.  Do it every day.  Do it in your own way.  But do it!

            The French have a story about a millionaire, who spent his days counting his gold coins.  Beside his palace was a poor cobbler who spent his days singing as he repaired people's shoes.  The joyful singing irritated the rich man.  One day he decided to give some gold coins to the cobbler.  At first the cobbler was overjoyed, and he took the coins and hid them.  But then he worried about the coins and was constantly going back to make sure the coins were still there.  Then he worried in case someone had seen him, and might steal the coins.  Consequently, he ceased to sing.  Then one day he realized that he had ceased to sing because of the gold coins.  He took them back to the rich man and said, "Take back your coins and give me back my songs."  Inordinate attachment to riches (or any inordinate holding on to something such as anger, grudges, alcohol, drugs, lust, apathy, lies, unfaithfulness, theft, or fraud) can take away our freedom and joy.

            And there is this story:  The parish church was badly in need of repair (or in need of new handicap restrooms!!!).  So the pastor called a special meeting to raise funds.  At the assembly the pastor explained the need of an emergency fund for plastering the roof and supporting pillars and for carrying out other items of repair.  He invited the congregation to pledge contributions. After a brief pause, Mr. Murphy, the richest man in the parish, volunteered to give 50 dollars.  Just as he sat down, a hunk of plaster fell from the ceiling on his head.  He jumped up, looked terribly startled and said: “I meant to say 500 dollars.”  The congregation stood silent and stunned.  Then a lone voice cried out from the back: “Oh Lord, hit him again!”

            One day the comic strip “The Wizard of Id” showed the king talking with the local cleric. They were standing in front of the church and beside a sign that announced: “Today’s Sermon—Give Till It Hurts.” The king asked, “What did today’s collection tell you, Rev?” The clergyman responded, “The congregation has a very low threshold of pain.” (Brant Parker and Johnny Hart, “The Wizard of Id,” Creators Syndicate, 4/22/06)

 REFLECTION  Faithfulness to God might not only be good for us spiritually, but it also might have the added effect of benefiting us economically.  A study released by Jonathan Gruber of the economics department at the MITechnology finds that “doubling the frequency of attendance [at worship] leads to a 9.1 percent increase in household income.”  Furthermore, the professor found that “those with more faith may be less ‘stressed out’ about daily problems that impede success in the labor market and the marriage market, and therefore are more successful.” (“Churchgoing boosts economic well-being?”, Reuters, 10/26/

OCTOBER 8, 2006

I ALWAYS APPRECIATE BULLETINS from parishes that you visit when you are away or on vacation.  I find it interesting to see how a parish presents itself with its ministries, concerns and projects.  Recently, I received a bulletin that featured a mission statement that I found very challenging.  Here it is:

We Welcome…

People of All Faiths & All Races

Divorced or Separated Persons

Families with Children

Gays & Lesbians

Homeless Persons

Loving Relationships

Married Couples

Single Persons

Those in Recovery

Travelers: Far and Near

Widows & Widowers

Visitors

We Seek…

To Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ

To Gather the Community and Tell the Story

To Break the Bread and Share the Cup

We Celebrate…

Diversity

A Spirit of Hospitality

The Unity that God Wills

Enlightening Those who Seek God

Forming Small Faith Communities

Reaching Out to Alienated Catholics

Reverencing the Dignity of Each Person

Caring for the Needs of the Less Fortunate

Empowering Christians to Realize their Call

Providing an Oasis in the Financial District

Honoring Understanding among All Faiths

Nurturing our Gifts and Sharing Them

Supporting the Arts through Concerts

Pursuing New Ways to Serve

Being a Good Neighbor

We Treasure our Past

We Hope in the Future

What do you think about this mission statement?  How do you see Jesus in their midst?  Do you see a bold proclamation of the Gospel?

 OCTOBER 1, 2006

HOW FAST A MONTH FLIES!  As I look back over September’s activities and meetings, here are a few highlights:

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL convened for a new three (3) year term.  After an evening of prayer, reflection and discernment, our new members are Deb Brown, Dennis Kiliany, Diane Lefoer, Melissa Wells and Deb Zalovcik.  Committee chairs are Deb Flora (Worship), Tina Fitzwilliams (Stewardship), Barb Carissimo (Faith Formation), Patty Infante (Parish Life), Rosie Marich (Strategic Planning) and Judy Lazar (temporary for Charity and Justice).  The purpose of PPC is to offer consultation to the pastor on all matters of pastoral planning and policy and to be a visionary, consultative, planning and evaluative voice of the parish.  At the October meeting we will discern the chair and secretary.  Keep us all in prayer and I am grateful for the generosity and commitment of the PPC members.

RESTROOM RENOVATIONS   Wes Paulus and I met with architect Ray Jaminet to begin planning, upgrading and renovating the restroom on the east side of the church.

SPANISH MINISTRY IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE   I am steering a committee of pastors and staff from St. Brendan’s, St. Patrick’s, St. Christine’s, St. Columba’s, Potter’s Wheel, Catholic Charities and representatives of the local Spanish community to discuss how and when we can pastorally address the increasing Spanish speaking community in our midst and their various needs: Mass, sacraments, faith formation, immigration issues and social needs.  To begin to prepare, Joan Lawson and I are taking a Pastoral Spanish language course over the next two months.  Additionally, Fr. Ed Noga and I are considering a Spanish immersion session (language, culture and pasturing skills) at the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio in January 2007.

THE FIRST FIRST FRIDAY ON THE FIRST THURSDAY lunch and lecture at Antone’s was a huge success.  Over 300 folks gathered to share food and hear an engaging presentation.  The next meeting features Jack F. Haught, prolific author, widely respected lecturer and Landegger Distinguished Professor of Theology at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.  His area of specialization is systematic theology, with a particular interest in issues pertaining to science, cosmology, ecology, and religion.  Call the rectory to register.

THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE traveled to Warren to listen to Friar Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM challenge us to be faithful disciples and generous and responsible stewards of the gifts given us by God.

AND LOOKING FORWARD I remind all involved in serving at our Eucharistic table to plan on attending a “Let Us Proclaim the Mystery of Faith” session.  And on Sunday, October 22 the new doors and church entrance will be blessed.

REFLECTION:  If we are honest, many times the prayers we offer up to God are not prayers requesting the fulfillment of God’s will; rather they are selfish requests that things might happen for our own personal benefit.  It is like a little girl who came home from school one day after taking a test.  When she found out that she might have made a mistake in naming the state capitals, she prayed with all her strength, “Dear Lord, please let Cleveland be the capital of Ohio!”

SEPTEMBER 24, 2006

THE SCOPE OF MY READING this past week has been between Houston Catholic Worker and The New York Times Real Estate Magazine—quite a stretch of themes and ideals.  Nonetheless, I found some provocative ideas in both.  The Houston Catholic Worker reprinted an “Easy Essay: The Personalist Communitarian” by Peter Maurin, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement with Dorothy Day. 

A personalist

is a go-giver,

not a go-getter.

He tries to give

what he has,

and does not

try to get

what the other fellow has.

He tries to be good

by doing good

to the other fellow.

He is altro-centered

not self-centered.

He has a social doctrine

of the common good.

He spreads the social doctrine

of the common good

through words and deeds,

for he knows that deeds

speak louder than words.

Through words and deeds

he brings into existence

a common unity,

the common unity

of the community.

And Daphne Merkin writes in her article, “A Passion for Property,” “These days without a strong religious conviction to gird our increasingly buffeted sense of self in an ever more commodified society, our home—whether cottage or palace or something in between—has become to count for too much and may be mistaken for the only structural testament to our having passed this way at all.  In this regard, the fixation with property and the unbounded lebensraum (“bigger is better”) impulse that currently informs so much of our attitude toward home might be better understood as a grandiose defense against the apprehension of our own insignificance than as a genuine conviction of our inestimable value.  We are no more landlords of our fate than we ever were, much though we may have increased our sense of being overseers of our own—and everyone else’s—earthly estate.”

SEPTEMBER 17, 2006

OUT OF CURIOSITY I did an internet Google search on “Catholic Mass” and got 35,000,000 entries!  When I did “Eucharist” I got 420,000 sites!  There are literally millions of ways to approach and understand the richness of our foundational and weekly Catholic activity.  Yet, none of these can exhaust the mystery of this gift of our faith. 

For the next several months at St. Brendan’s we will be focusing on the Eucharist as “the source and summit of the Christian life.”  This phrase from the Second Vatican Council (Lumen gentium, 11) captures the heart of our Christian spirituality and lifestyle: the Eucharist is our starting point out into the world of daily life and we are brought home to the Eucharist after our sojourn in the world.  The Eucharist is the impulse and direction of our lives.  We begin and end in God.  Or as St. Paul reminds the baptized, “none of us lives as his own master and none of us dies as his own master.  While we live we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die we die as his servants” (Romans 14, 7). 

            You are heartily encouraged and invited to participate in “Let us Proclaim the Mystery of Faith,” the first presentation in our parish program to learn, reflect and grow in relationship to God and one another through the Eucharist.  In order to accommodate our busy lives and varied schedules, the same presentation will be offered on three (3) different days and time:  Sunday, October 1 (Sailing With Sunday, 11:15 am to 1:15 pm in Maxwell Hall), Tuesday, October 3 (7:00 to 8:30 pm in Room 103) and Saturday, October 14 (9:00 to 10:30 am in Room 103).  Look at your calendars and mark a convenient date NOW.

            All are very welcome.  If you are committed to a liturgical ministry, or if you are considering serving in one, this session is part of your preparation for your commissioning on the first Sunday of Advent.

TRADING CHURCHES   Next weekend Fr. Noga and I will be trading churches: he will do both Masses here and I will preside at his 10:00 am and 5:30 pm Masses.  This is part of our joint efforts to work together and share our resources.

THE ANNUAL FISCAL AND SACRAMENTAL REPORT is a supplement in the bulletin this weekend.  Our Finance Council, under the direction of Lou Takacs and with its members of Fran Mihalik, Carol Martin, Bill Dunlap and me, has worked diligently to steward the resources of the parish in a responsible manner.  I am always grateful for the generous support of parishioners but I do worry that a significant portion of our income is generated through extraordinary efforts.  I ask your continued financial support and sacrificial giving to the parish.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2006

God especially cares for "the frightened, the blind, the deaf, the lame, the mute," and encourages the powerless to "be strong and fearless."  In the Gospel this weekend (7:31-37), Mark describes how Jesus, by healing a deaf and mute man, fulfills Isaiah’s Messianic prophecy, "the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped".  The ailments listed by Isaiah are also symbolic of interior sufferings: blindness to the needs of neighbor, unwillingness to hear God’s voice and the inability to speak words of praise and gratitude.  Through this miracle story, Mark also reminds us that no one can be a follower of the Lord without reaching out to the helpless (also called the “preferential option for the poor”).  Here are a few Gospel reflections:

There once were two Major League baseball players—a pitcher and a catcher—who were so dedicated to their sport that they could not imagine life without it.  Moreover, they could not imagine afterlife without it.  Consequently, they entered into a pact: whoever died first would try to report back to the survivor on whether or not baseball was played in heaven. Soon after the agreement was made, the catcher was struck down by a truck and sent to his eternal reward.  Being a man of his word, he appeared to the surviving pitcher in a dream.  "I have good news and bad news for you," he said.  "The good news is that there is baseball up here in heaven and I'm playing every day.  The bad news is that I just looked at the bulletin board and you're scheduled to pitch tomorrow."  The good news for each of us given in today’s gospel is that we too are scheduled to pitch today.  "Be opened," Jesus commands.  Open your eyes and ears to see and hear that God needs you to allow Him to express through you His tremendous love-for your family, your friends and neighbors, and even your enemies and the poor.  Isn't it amazing!

An old man is talking to the family doctor.  "Doctor, I think my wife's going deaf."  The doctor answers, "Well, here's something you can try on her to test her hearing.  Stand some distance away from her without facing her and ask her a question.  If she doesn't answer, move a little closer and ask again.  Keep repeating this until she answers.  Then you'll be able to tell just how hard of hearing she really is."  The man goes home and tries it out.  He walks in the door and asks, "Honey, what's for dinner?"  He doesn't hear an answer, so he moves closer to her.  "Honey, what's for dinner?"  Still he gets no answer.  He repeats this several times, until he's standing just one foot away from her.  Finally, she answers, "For the eleventh time, I said we're having meat loaf!"  Who is deaf?

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”  The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

 SEPTEMBER 3, 2006

THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM seems to have settled over St. Brendan Parish.  At least, that was a remark made by a parishioner as she drove by the newly illuminated front of the church.  Finally and in place are two lamp posts and flood lights on the exterior of the front of the church.  A new lamp post was added to the side (south) entrance to the school building for safety and security.  Drive by some night to see a new face/dimension of the church building.  And together, let’s pray that we keep the light of faith alive on the Westside.

THANKS TO RITA FLORA AND THE PICNIC COMMITTEE for all the hard work in organizing, preparing and executing a wonderful event for all of us.  I think what made our picnic so successful is that everyone had a hand in it: parish committees providing supplies, parishioners bringing covered dishes and desserts, and many generous and good folks—not deterred by rain—to celebrate and enjoy one another.  The plan B, “ant-less” picnic was just terrific.  Thanks everyone.

PARISH MINISTRY AND MINISTERS  Last week representatives from all the parish ministries related to the Eucharist (ushers, hospitality, lectors, liturgy of the Word for children, Eucharistic ministers, homebound ministers, acolytes, music, choir, bereavement and liturgy committee) met in the rectory to begin to discuss ways to implement recommendations from our Parish Assembly meetings last fall.  The Parish Assembly meetings affirmed the Eucharist as the summit toward which the life of the Church is directed and the source from which all her power flows (Sacred Constitution on the Liturgy, 10, Vatican II).  The meetings also spurred all parishioners to active, full and conscious participation in the liturgy and to provide opportunities for liturgical ministers to be refreshed, renewed and recommitted in their service.

            At this August meeting, we reviewed the importance of the Eucharist (in the liturgy the work of our redemption is accomplished and our lives enter into the mystery of Christ; our gathering is where the mystery of Christ and the Church is concretely made present in the breaking of the bread); the centrality of Sunday (Sunday is the weekly gathering of the local community to celebrate “the sacrament of Easter”, Sunday is a synthesis of Christian life and condition for living well); and lay ecclesial ministry (rooted in the Sacraments of Initiation, authorized to serve publicly, in close collaboration with the bishop and pastor, providing leadership in some specific aspect of church life, and involving preparation and formation for the responsibilities assigned).

            A major goal of our parish life this fall will be in providing sessions for all parishioners, but especially for our various ministers, to more deeply reflect on the nature and importance of the Eucharist and to develop ministry skills.  At the beginning of our new liturgical year, the first Sunday of Advent, I intend to commission all our ministers who serve the Eucharist.

            I also extend an invitation to all parishioners to reflect on the Eucharist more seriously and to come forward and offer your services to the parish as we celebrate the Eucharist.  Contact Joan Lawson or me at the rectory or Mark and Debora Flora, Worship Committee chairs, (330-792-5368) for more information.

August 27, 2006

FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY and Jesus the Bread of Eternal Life have been the recurring themes of our Gospels the last few weeks.  As we ponder this divine gift and immerse ourselves more deeply into the paschal mystery of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection, below are two prayers from our tradition to deepen our appreciation and reception of the Eucharist.

 St. Catherine of Siena (mystic and doctor of the church, 1347-1380) leads us in the following prayer:

You, eternal Father, are the table that offers us food the Lamb, you only-begotten Son.  Jesus is the most exquisite of foods for us, both in his teaching which nourtishes us in your will, and in the sacrament that we receive in Holy Communion, ich feeds us and strengthens us.  And the Holy Spirit is indeed a waiter for us, who serves us charity for our neighbors.  Amen.

 St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968, Italian Capuchin priest, canonized 2002) offered this thanksgiving prayer after Mass:

Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You.  You know how easily I abandon You.

Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life, and without You, I am without fervor.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light, and without You, I am in darkness.

Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will.

Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice and follow You.

Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You very much, and always be in Your company.

Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You.

Stay with me, Lord, for as poor as my soul is, I want it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of love.

Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close, and life passes; death, judgment, eternity approach.  It is necessary to renew my strength, so that I will not stop along the way—for that, I need You.  It is getting late and death approaches, I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows.  O how I need You, my Jesus, in this night of exile!

Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all it’s dangers.  I need You.

Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of the bread, so that the Eucharistic Communion will be the Light which disperses the darkness, the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart.

Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You, if not by communion, at least by grace and love.

Stay with me, Jesus, I do not ask for divine consolation, because I do not merit it, but the gift of Your Presence.  Oh yes, I ask this of You!

Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for, Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more.  With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity.  Amen.

 August 20, 2006

“Sing to the Lord and give thanks for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God our Father.”  Ephesians 5:20   One of my favorite Christmas stories of all time is Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  One scene in particular shows without question that Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss) understood something very deep about the power of communal worship.  Although the Grinch has stolen all of Whoville’s presents and decorations, the Whos awaken Christmas morning, gather in a circle in the middle of town, and begin to sing a song of praise.

I have no doubt that some of those Whos felt deeply disappointed, even distraught at what they saw that morning in their empty houses.  On their own, they may have sunk into despair and given up hope. Certainly songs of joy would not have erupted from their mouths!  Yet this community found such power in gathering together to sing—to worship, if you will—that voices which might have been more prone to weep raised in song.  This community gathered in song gave such a witness to the Grinch that his heart grew exponentially that day and his life changed such that he joined the song.

This is the power of communal worship Paul commends to the Ephesian church and to us.  Paul urges the church to be wise and to make the most of every opportunity to serve God they can find.  He implores them not to get caught up in raucous parties that sap energy and lead to immorality.  Then he invites them to be filled instead with God’s Spirit, and he suggests that the way to be most open to that Spirit is through singing and giving thanks.  To receive the benefits of the presence of the Spirit most directly, Paul suggests, sing.

With Paul, we might ponder on our community/church singing:

1.  Today, communal singing is rarer and rarer.  Once it was not uncommon for people to sing at work in fields, but one would be hard-pressed to find a workplace where people sing together for encouragement.  Once it was not uncommon for people to sing at large civic and public events.  Now ballparks even play recordings of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and the singing of the national anthem has been given to some celebrity soloist.  Once children regularly sang and learned the traditional songs of our culture in school.  Now many schools have done away with singing altogether.  People still love music, of course, but that music now comes directly to an individual ear through an iPod or other personal music device.  How do we view music in our church?  Do we sing to praise God and connect us to one another, as Paul intended when he wrote to the Ephesians?  Or do we simply sing our hymns and get them over with?

2.  Singing together is a way to keep communities and parishes together.  Communal singing may be rarer and rarer these days, but it’s just as vital as it was in the first century. In all his letters to the churches, Paul writes often of ways to build up the body, to strengthen the community as the body of Christ.  The early Christians knew well that worship, including time for singing together, would strengthen, encourage and unite their congregations. The same still holds true for us.  Singing “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” connects us to our ancestors in the faith, our history, and brings us together in the present with hope for the future.  Singing increases our joy in praise.  Singing comforts and encourages us when we are sorrowing or uncertain.  Music clearly carries God’s Spirit, especially music shared communally, as that simple children’s story by Dr. Seuss illustrates so perfectly.

As Paul called the Ephesians to plug into the power of communal song, so we need to call each other out of our earphones and into sanctuaries ringing with voices raised in praise, in lament, in hope, in joy.  An old hymn puts it best: “How can we help but sing? God gave the song!”

August 13, 2006

TRAFFIC STOPPING & EYE CATHING SPECTACULAR are just a few of the phrases used to describe our new front church doors.  The frame for the transom and doors is entirely new.  The old frame of pine was rotted and several years ago coated with an exterior plaster (which unfortunately did not preserve the frame but hastened its deterioration).  The transom windows were re-leaded and placed within a protective glass.  All the wood is Honduran mahogany and is entirely handcrafted.  Each door is made of 18 panels (not including molding).  Jerry Klimo was the master craftsman from Henninger’s Studios, Cleveland; and assisted by Justin Schibley.  They installed the doors with painstaking skill during the most blistering days of summer.  Eight new stained glass pieces replicate the design in the transom and compliment the color spectra in the center cross design.  In another era, the entry to a church was called the porta caeli, the gateway to heaven.  With our new entry we surely have a foretaste of glory.

 OF HORTICULTURAL INTEREST  Several folks thought that I was planting an Italian garden of fig and olive trees around the church.  And while that is an attractive (and potentially a very tasty) possibility the landscaping has these plants:  The two tall, irregular trees flanking the front entrance are purple fountain weeping beech trees and in the plantings around them are yews, blue spruce globes, liriope, sedum, day lilies and grasses.  Creating a semi-circle at the top of the drive are boxwood and anchored by cultured hydrangea trees (with the while blossoms).  The east side of the church has a new place for the rock formation commemorating the school and sargent crabapple trees with holly bushes.  A new post light was installed for the side door and hostas and grasses provide a screen for the air conditioning units.

 ON BEHALF OF THE HUNGRY who come to the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, I would like to thank the many parishioners who assisted during the week of July 10: Mary Morley, Dorothy Collinsworth, Josephine Rapcinko, Rose Dunlap, Amy Kernan, Jerry Kernan, Cindy Rockney, Don Scherl, Anne Marie Donnelly, Patty Infante, Mary Sabol, Carol Belcik, Lou Miller, Jerry Miller, Ron Vivacqua, Mickey Patrick, Mary Bizzarri, Jean McGonnell, Teri Laret, Joe Vivacqua, Bob Casey, Mary Lou Casey, Joe Pilz, Carol Pilz, Fred Capogreco, Mary Capogreco and coordinated by Judy Lazar.  Thank you for work corporal works of mercy in Jesus’ name.

 THANKS to Mary Alyce Kinnick who staffed the office while our secretary Fran was on vacation I was on retreat.  THANKS also to Mary West who brought flowers to grace our sanctuary.

 A NOTE FROM RETREAT  Off and on for the past 30 years I have gone to the Abbey of the Genesee for retreat.  The monastery is a place of peace and spiritual refreshment.  Years ago, the retreatants were all male and mostly priests.  This year, my friend Jim Schutte and I were the only priests at the retreat house and the other retreatants were married couples, male and female single, a woman religious and some organic farmers!  Maybe some of you may consider “going on retreat” when our next trip is scheduled in October.

July 30, 2006

GOSPEL ANCEDOTE #1   A village farmer stopped at a restaurant in the nearby town and sat near a group of young fellows who were acting up, shouting at the cook and heckling the waitress.  When his meal was set before him the old farmer bowed his head to offer a prayer.  One of the smart-alecks thought he would have some fun with the old farmer.  So he shouted in a loud voice that could be heard by everyone: “Hey, pop, does everyone do this where you come from?”  Calmly the old man turned towards the lad with an innocent smile and replied in an equally loud voice: “No son, our pigs don’t.”  Today’s gospel tells us that before feeding the five thousand Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks (to God his Father) and distributed them.

GOSPEL ANCEDOTE #2  From her personal experience, Mother Teresa relates a story showing how the poor are more generous than the rich because they have experienced hunger and poverty.  Learning of a poor Hindu family in Calcutta who had been starving for many days, Mother Theresa visited them and brought a big parcel of rice to the mother.  She was surprised to see how the mother divided the rice into two equal portions and went out with one bundle to give it to her Moslem neighbor.  When she returned, Mother Theresa asked her why she had done such a generous deed.  The woman replied: “My family can manage with half the rice in this bag.  My neighbor’s family has several children and they are also starving."  Today’s gospel tells the story of a small boy who showed this same kind of generosity.   By sharing his small lunch (which consisted of five slices of barley bread and two pickled fish), he became the instrument of a miracle in Jesus’ hands.

GOSPEL ANCEDOTE #3  Paul had received a special pre-Christmas gift from his rich brother.  It was a beautiful new car - fully loaded and ready to go.  On Christmas Eve, when Paul came out of his office, a street kid was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it.  "Is this your car, mister?” the kid asked.  When he replied that it was and that his brother had given it to him for Christmas, the boy said, "You mean your brother gave it to you, and it didn't cost you anything?  Free?  For nothing?  Gosh, I wish..."  The boy hesitated, and Paul knew what he was about to say.  He had heard it many times over the past few days.  He was going to wish he had a brother like that.  But what the boy said shocked Paul.  ”I wish", the boy said, "I wish I could be a brother like that."  We can be a brother like that or a sister like that.  All it takes is that we offer ourselves and what we have, to God. All it takes is that we cease to worry about how little we have and begin instead to think about what it is that we can offer to others, as the little boy in today’s gospel story did by sharing his bread and fish with the multitude through Jesus.

 GOSPEL JOKE:  A young man saw an elderly couple sitting down to lunch at McDonald's.  He noticed that they had ordered one meal, and an extra drink cup. As he watched, the gentleman carefully divided the hamburger in half, counted out the fries, one for him, one for her, until each had half of them.  Then he poured half of the soft drink into the extra cup and set that in front of his wife.  The old man then began to eat, and his wife sat watching, with her hands folded in her lap.  The young man decided to ask if they would allow him to purchase another meal for them so that they didn't have to split theirs.  The old gentleman said, "Oh no. We've been married 50 years, and everything has always been and will always be shared, 50/50." The young man then asked the wife if she was going to eat, and she replied, "It's his turn with the teeth."

 July 23, 2006

THE NEXT PROJECT  I got this happy news in the mail this week:  “The Holy Family Society is a Catholic fraternal benefit organization with its home office in Joliet, Illinois.  Earlier this year, the Society asked its members to nominate their parish church for one the four $3,000 cash grants that the Society will be awarding each year.  The purpose of the grant is to help a parish fund a particular project that it may have for which funds are needed.

            “Your parishioner, Mrs. Lorraine J. Paulus, nominated St. Brendan Parish for this grant to help remodel the restroom and make it accessible for the handicapped for your parish.  From all the entries that the Society received by June 30, 2006, a random drawing was help and the winner was Mrs. Paulus’ nomination of your church.  We are happy to enclose the Society’s check in the amount of $3,000.”

            Thank you Lorraine for remembering the parish and creatively thinking of ways to endow the parish.  As a postscript, the restroom adjacent to the church was on the original list of remodeling projects from the Capital Improvement Campaign.  This project got postponed because the funds were diverted to a new roof over the school building.  Now with Lorraine’s impetus and this grant from the Holy Family Society the Parish Finance Committee at its next meeting will establish a plan to make the restroom remodeling a reality.

 CONSTRUCTION UPDATES  The three new lamp posts have been set up but the manufacturer sent the wrong fixtures.  They had to be reordered and reshipped.  The doors are scheduled to be installed the week of July 31.  I have seen the wood samples and the doors will be absolutely gorgeous.  The striping for the handicap areas and entry/exit will take place the week of June 24.  Have you noticed the short term parking spot in front of the rectory?  As I write this column the handrails are being powered coated and with fingers crossed may be installed by the time you read this.  And the landscaping has begun (and we hope to re-use the old steps as part of the plan.  As the old Gospel hymn goes, “soon and very soon.”

 A TECHNOLOGICAL REFLECTION    Off the internet: I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we used it as we traveled?

What if we used it in case of an emergency?

What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?

UBIQUITEOUS CELL PHONES  Cell phones have reached a new frontier.  While I was offering Mass at Omni Manor last Monday a cell phone went off just after I read the Gospel.  As the phone persisted in ringing, the family members and parishioners attending sheepishly checked their purses and pockets to see if it was their phone ringing.  Finally, a resident in the front row pulled a cell phone out of her housecoat and told the caller “I can’t talk now, Father is having Mass.”  They’re everywhere and with everyone!

July 16, 2006

VACATION PICTURES can be very interesting, especially the one from Ireland printed below.  In a conversation with Bob and Mary Lou Casey before they left on a trip through Ireland, I asked them to bring back anything (books, medals, holy cards, historical data) they could find on St. Brendan.  They didn’t find much (but did bring me a fascinating book, Brendan the Navigator: Exploring the Ancient World by George Otto Simms and a unique plaque called “Strength in Unity depicting Brendan and his monks in their crude willow and leather craft on the sea) but Bob found an outdoor sculpture in Annagh (the marshy place) close to Tralee were Brendan born in A.D. 484.  The simple but inspiring sculpture dominates the landscape and the carragh (boat) faces the sea.  Go raibh maith agaibh (that’s Gaelic for thanks) Bob and Mary Lou.  And I’d be happy to share more photos or notes about our patron that anyone comes upon.

AT THE DOORS are available for a nominal offering:

After an exceptionally long and boring sermon, the congregation filed out of the church not saying a word to the pastor.  After a while, one man shook the pastor’s hand and said, “Pastor, that sermon reminded me of the peace and love of God!”  The pastor was ecstatic.  “Tell me, how did it remind you of the peace and love of God?”

            “Well,” said the man, “it reminded me of the peace of God because it passed all human understanding, and it reminded me of the love of God because it endured forever!”

HAPPY LENT and together let’s see how our penitential lives write the sermon of God’s peace and love at St. Brendan’s.

February 19, 2006

OUR DAY OF RENEWAL WAS WONDERFUL.  I enjoyed presiding at St. Patrick’s and got a number of positive remarks about my preaching.  Fr. Noga loved the enthusiastic singing and hospitality here.  The hall at St. Patrick’s was filled with the energy and hope of the Holy Spirit.  I think the tasty pasta dinner helped!  In Fr. Tom Dragga’s presentation, he reminded us that the church is like a boat and never stable.  If you put a boat on solid ground is falls over.  A boat is built for water, for moving, for waves, for adventure, for change.  And Fr. Dragga reminded us that in the hour of the disciples’ need in the boat, Jesus came to them, Jesus always comes to us.

I thought his insights about the challenges and constants facing the church were on target.  Our world is driven by a consumer mentality than affects the church and ministry as well.  People want to belong to the church without obligation but want services provided.  Our challenge is to live a committed life of discipleship.  Secondly, our leadership must be based on service, not power.  Fr. Dragga suggested that maybe we have more of an imagination crisis than a vocation crisis in our discussions about church leadership.  And finally, there is a craving to encounter mystery in both life and liturgy amid a world of technology and pragmatism.

And the constants of the church is that relationships are critical and people matter most; our God promises us that we will not be left as orphans; and our goal, our mission, must be building the kingdom of justice and peace.

I believe that all who participated were truly enriched and emboldened in the faith.

Each parish had a team which labored to make our Day of Renewal successful.  I am grateful to the St. Brendan team of Joan Lawson (parish coordinator), Teri Laret and Rose Dunlap (food and hospitality), Tina Fitzwilliams (publicity), Geri Jacquet (prayer and ritual), Bill Lawson (publicity and tear down) and Pam Mihalik (children’s catechesis).  And there were numerous other volunteers from the parish just for the day.  Thanks to all.

I got this e-mail on Monday:

Dear Jim, Ed and all at St. Patrick's and St. Brendan's,

Thank you for the opportunity to address your two communities yesterday afternoon. It was a good opportunity for me to reflect again on the challenges that the Church faces in the midst of these changing times. Thank you also for your very generous stipend. It was very kind and very generous of you.

Sincerely, Tom Dragga 

PS: I returned to the Seminary without a hitch. Quite a bit of snow, but traveling was not a major problem.

February 12, 2006

THE ICEBREAKER for the last “Sailing with Sunday” session began with asking each person (young and all) to write on a card what they liked about St. Brendan’s.  Then the cards were traded around and each person had to add another thought with a rhyme.  Here’s a selection of the responses:

I like my church because I like the music and the people.  Our church has no steeple.

I like my church because I have friends here, and Jesus loves us so dear.

I like my church because people are warm and friendly and always making me feel welcome.  Some people are pretty, some are handsome.

I like my church because I can learn about God.  I love my church because they keep us so active we never want to nod (off).

I love my church because it makes me feel good.  I love my church just like you should.

I like my church because we pray a lot, because of the greatness I got.

I like my church because there is a lot of people I know here.  I like my church because there are lots of people who fry fish in beer.

I love my church because of the friendliness and closeness among all.  I love my church because it heard Jesus call.

I like my church because I like to learn more about Jesus.  Fr. Daprile likes to tease us.

I love this church because of Jesus, God and Father Dipreilly, it’s a fun and happy place to be, really.

I like my parish because of all the friendly people, who I rely on to carry me through the good times as well as the bad ones when I feel like I’m trying to climb a steeple.

I like my church because God is with us in a “special” way there, after church I like to feel the fresh air.

I like my parish because of the friendliness of the parishioners, the priest and the co-operate-ness of the community, makes all in unity.

I like my parish because all the people are friendly and the music and worship are spiritually fulfilling, when I go to church I feel like I am winning.

February 5, 2006

THE CHURCH LOOKED NAKED as the poinsettias found new accommodations in the homes of parishioners.  We had a new supplier of poinsettias this year (Chuck’s Greenhouses on Rt. 45 in North Lima) and we got beautiful and long-lasting plants.  They were a bit more expensive but worth every additional dollar.  I always hope that the spirit of Christmas lasts longer than the red of the poinsettia or the pine needles in the carpet.

SAILOR’S TREASURE, our new parish fund raiser, had a successful launch last weekend.  This is a sweepstakes based on the 3 digit evening PA lottery for prizes between $100-250.  For a dollar a day for fifty days, there are multiple chances to win.  Pick your number(s), write a check for $50.00 and be part of the crew seeking the sailor’s treasure.  More information is available by calling Mike Infante at 330-799-3339 or the rectory 330-792-3875.

OUR COMBINED DAY OF RENEWAL with St. Patrick Parish is almost upon us.  If you have not made reservations, please call Joan Lawson at the rectory as soon as possible.

SUPER BOWL / 2006 TORINO OLYMPICS will capture our attention today and for the next few weeks.  I am always awed by the physical prowess of the athletes and intrigued by the imaginative and expensive commercials.  These events make me wonder how we perform or witness of exemplify ourselves as Catholics and how we get our message across.  Are we in shape and players for the sake of the Gospel?  Or do we just bet on the sidelines?  Is our message and witness strong and appealing?  Have we spent anything to spread the Gospel?  Enjoy the games but remember the turf you play on everyday.

THE MSYTERY OF GOD is my topic for the Diocesan Deacon Formation Session next Saturday.  Over the course of eight hours, I hope to share with the deacon candidates some of these notions:

Because I will be gone all day, Fr. Noga will be presiding at the 4:00 pm Mass (and at the 10:00 am on Sunday as part of our Day of Recollection

January 29, 2006

WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT   The December gas bill has just been paid.  It was $12,424.72 for the church and rectory.  This was almost equal to the Christmas collection!  By terms of our current lease agreement, a good chunk (about 70%) of this is paid by Summit Academy.  In December 2004 the bill was $5,295.91.  We are all having a difficult time making ends meet and I appreciate everyone’s generosity and financial commitment to the parish.

THE ROAST PORK DINNER last weekend was delicious and profitable.  The Family Life Committee worked very hard and served 178 dinners and made a profit of $1,228.00.  There were three other dinners sponsored by other organizations on the Westside at the same time, but ours was the best.  Thanks to everyone who made it so successful.

THERE ARE TWO (2) IMMEDIATE CONCERNS that are facing the parish.  First, we need to replace over 200 folding chairs in Maxwell Hall.  The chairs are over 15 years old and have been repaired and soldered many times over.  Recently the chairs are starting to collapse when being used.  They have become a major liability.  We are getting quotes that run between $15.00-22.00 apiece ($3,000.00-4,400.00), depending on style and quality.  Soon, new chairs will be ordered.  This is an unplanned expense to our annual budget, but critically needed improvement for our Bingo games and parish activities.

Secondly, the front church steps continue to pose a safety issues for everyone who comes to church—parishioner and visitor alike.  The sandstone steps are cracking and breaking apart.  After 83 years, nature has taken its toll.  We cannot continue to just hope no one falls or trips on the steps.  As I have mentioned several times before, a few years ago and as part of the anticipated next phase of our capital repairs program, the late Jim Olsavsky drew up plans and drawings for new steps, rails, lights and a handicap ramp.  According to the city code, the door threshold needs to be extended by six feet and for aesthetic reasons a ramp would swing along the east side of the church (the 2 beech tress will be removed).  Several times bids have been offered; only the A.P. O’Horo Company has bid.  I have talked with Tom Metzinger, project manager for A.P. O’Horo, and an estimate of $32,400.00 has been made.  We have had further discussions to widen the driveways in and out, to mill down the existing surface (presently, there are three layers of asphalt over concrete on the driveways), new approaches (aprons) on Glenellen, and 2 new parking spots in front of the rectory.  For this work, add another $19,000.00 to the estimate.  As I write this on Tuesday, I am planning a meeting to pursue this agenda (and as you read this, now past) Friday with Lou Takacs, Bill Dunlap, Tom Snyder, Tom Metzinger and myself.  Unfortunately, we cannot delay much longer on this project and funding will be a problem.  I will keep you posted on developments.

WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT   The December gas bill has just been paid.  It was $12,424.72 for the church and rectory.  This was almost equal to the Christmas collection!  By terms of our current lease agreement, a good chunk (about 70%) of this is paid by Summit Academy.  In December 2004 the bill was $5,295.91.  We are all having a difficult time making ends meet and I appreciate everyone’s generosity and financial commitment to the parish.

THE ROAST PORK DINNER last weekend was delicious and profitable.  The Family Life Committee worked very hard and served 178 dinners and made a profit of $1,228.00.  There were three other dinners sponsored by other organizations on the Westside at the same time, but ours was the best.  Thanks to everyone who made it so successful.

THERE ARE TWO (2) IMMEDIATE CONCERNS that are facing the parish.  First, we need to replace over 200 folding chairs in Maxwell Hall.  The chairs are over 15 years old and have been repaired and soldered many times over.  Recently the chairs are starting to collapse when being used.  They have become a major liability.  We are getting quotes that run between $15.00-22.00 apiece ($3,000.00-4,400.00), depending on style and quality.  Soon, new chairs will be ordered.  This is an unplanned expense to our annual budget, but critically needed improvement for our Bingo games and parish activities.

Secondly, the front church steps continue to pose a safety issues for everyone who comes to church—parishioner and visitor alike.  The sandstone steps are cracking and breaking apart.  After 83 years, nature has taken its toll.  We cannot continue to just hope no one falls or trips on the steps.  As I have mentioned several times before, a few years ago and as part of the anticipated next phase of our capital repairs program, the late Jim Olsavsky drew up plans and drawings for new steps, rails, lights and a handicap ramp.  According to the city code, the door threshold needs to be extended by six feet and for aesthetic reasons a ramp would swing along the east side of the church (the 2 beech tress will be removed).  Several times bids have been offered; only the A.P. O’Horo Company has bid.  I have talked with Tom Metzinger, project manager for A.P. O’Horo, and an estimate of $32,400.00 has been made.  We have had further discussions to widen the driveways in and out, to mill down the existing surface (presently, there are three layers of asphalt over concrete on the driveways), new approaches (aprons) on Glenellen, and 2 new parking spots in front of the rectory.  For this work, add another $19,000.00 to the estimate.  As I write this on Tuesday, I am planning a meeting to pursue this agenda (and as you read this, now past) Friday with Lou Takacs, Bill Dunlap, Tom Snyder, Tom Metzinger and myself.  Unfortunately, we cannot delay much longer on this project and funding will be a problem.  I will keep you posted on developments.

January 22, 2006

IN A HOMILY BEFORE HIS ELECTION as the new pope, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) offered this reflection: An “adult” faith is not a faith that follows the trends of fashion and the latest novelty; a mature adult faith is deeply rooted in friendship with Christ.  It is this friendship that opens us up to all that is good and gives us a criterion by which to distinguish the true from the false, and deceit from truth….  We must develop this adult faith….  And it is this faith—only faith—that creates unity and is fulfilled in love….  On this theme, Saint Paul offers us some beautiful words as a fundamental formula for Christian existence, in contrast to the ups and downs of those who, like children, are tossed about by waves: make truth in love.  Truth and love merge in Christ.  To the extent that we draw near to Christ, in our own lives too, truth and love are blended.  Love without truth would be blind; truth without love would be like “a clanging cymbal” (I Cor 13:1).

A LITANY FOR LIFE

Lord, have mercy.  R  Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.  R  Christ, have mercy.

You breathed life into Adam, R: Lord, give us your life.

You formed Eve from flesh, R                      (Gn 2:7)

You heard the cry of innocent blood, R            (Gn 9:506)

You spared the life of Cain, R               (Gn 4:16)

You saved Noah from the flood, R            (Gn 8:16)

You filled Sarah’s barren womb, R            (Gn 21:2)

You gave Abraham a son, R                      (Gn 21:3)

You preserved the life of Jacob, R            (Gn 32:31)

You punished those who took life, R   (Nm 35:31)

You place before us life and death, R            (Dr 30:19)

You restore lost life, R                                 (Ru 4:14)

You nourish the weak and aged, R          (Ru 4:14)

You delivered Saul from David, R                       (ISam 26)

You redeemed the life of David, R            (2Sam 4:9)

You gave Solomon length of days, R            (IKgs 3:14)

You raised the child by Elijah’s cry, R   (1Kgs 17)

You are the Life that is the light of all, R            (Jn 1:14)

You are the bread of Life, R                        (Jn 6:35)

You have the words of eternal life, R            (Jn 6:68)

You are the resurrection and the life, R            (Jn 11:25)

You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, R (Jn 14)

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

January 15, 2006

CHRISTMAS needs to be spelled with a G — for gratitude, gratitude for all the blessings bestowed by Jesus our Emmanuel upon us, our families, our parish and our world.  Here are some reasons that made the season:

The Bucket Brigade, without fanfare but with plenty of Murphy’s Oil Soap, got the church in sparkling shape.  Thanks to Joan Lawson, Cathy Chase, Pam Mihalik, Becky Miller, Angie Phillipone, Mary Morley, Louise Miller, Jean McGonnell, Dorothy Sammartino, Mary West, Judy and Sonny Lazar, Mickey Patrick, Barb Dunlap, Nancy Bielik, Amy Kernan and Rita Flora and Fran Mihalik (who organized the cleaning).

I got this message on my voice mail: My husband is a patient at Omni Manor and he just received the most wonderful sweater from a member of your parish.  I want you to know how much we appreciate your thoughtfulness.  Bless you.

And I got these two messages from cards that were sent to the rectory: (1) My mother is a resident of Omni Manor on Vestal Road.  The week before Christmas the people from the parish delivered gifts to everyone to bring some cheer into their holiday.  My mother received a beautiful sweater and she asked me to write this note.  What a beautiful gesture you do for the residents, many who can’t come home for the holiday.  Thank you again, and God Bless You.  (2) My husband is a resident of Omni Manor.  We want to thank you all for the beautiful “sweater vest” that you gave him for Christmas.  It was very kind and very much appreciated by all his family.  We hope you all have a Happy New Year and our prayers will be with you for all your kindness.

Thanks to all who took a tag from the Giving Tree and bought a sweater so that others could be “warmed by love.”  Thanks to Judy Lazar, Angie Phillipone, Gerry Perrine and XXX who organized and sorted the gifts.  Thanks to Dave Czifra and Julie Croft, Taylor Dugan, Mary Ann, Danielle and Ben Peters, Jacob Barnes, Lynn and Alicia Royer, Karen and Misha Nalepa and Zach Landgraff, Judy and Sonny Lazar, Pam and Craig Mihalik, Debra Brown, Joe and Dayna Vivacqua and Joan Lawson (organizer) who delivered all these gifts.

Thanks to those who worked at the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen during Christmas week feeding the hungry and those without families.  Thanks to Jeanette Koewacich, Muriel Galias, Ethel Cook, Anna Marie Donnelly, Ed Donnelly, Mary Sabol, Joe Kachurek, Jim and Melva Minnie, Lou and Jeri Miller, John Coudriet, Don Scherl, Mickey Patrick, Mary Bizarri, Mary Morley, Mary Kachmer, Angie Phillipone, Fred and Mary Capogreco, Cindy Rockney, Joe Vivacqua, Mary Alyce Kinnick, Lillian Bathroy, Sandy Coudriet and Di.

And thanks to all who decorated the church, contributed flowers, ministered at the altar, provided music, sent cards, financially supported the parish, counted the collection, brought wine and cookies to the rectory, and to all the angels, both visible and invisible, who make St. Brendan’s so wonderful.  Christmas is indeed spelled with a G.

January 8, 2006

EPIPHANY: You Can’t Go Home Again

Reflections by Richard Rohr, OFM, 2001

 An epiphany is not an idea.  As D.H. Lawrence said, people can do anything they want with an idea, but a truly new experience changes everything.  Before you can do anything with it, it does something with you!

 Most of us prefer ideas and words; we are afraid of any authentically new experience.  Unlike the Magi, we do not tend to allow stars to divert us to a new and unknown place.  Most of us stay inside our private castles and avoid such questionable adventures.

 An epiphany is not an experience we can create from within, but one that we can only be open to and receive from another.  Epiphanies leave us totally out of control, and they always demand that we change.  We would rather have an objectified religion, which leaves us potentially in control and never having changed at all.

 The feast of the Epiphany tells us that from the very beginning Jesus was someone to be personally experienced, and not just mentally agreed upon, proven, accepted, or argued about.  The Magi bring themselves and their assumptions on a perilous journey.  It leads to an encounter that rearranges their lives, their self-images and seemingly their pocketbooks.  We all, like the Magi, must know kneel and kiss the ground, throwing our own kingships to the wind.

 JOURNEY TO JUSTICE   “From its founding to the present, the United States remains a nation of immigrants grounded in the firm belief that newcomers offer new energy, hope and cultural diversity.  Our common faith in Jesus Christ moves us to search for ways that favor a spirit of solidarity.  It is a faith that transcends borders and bids us to overcome all forms of discrimination and violence so that we may build relationships that are just and loving”  from the US Bishops statement Strangers No Longer, Together on a Journey of Hope, 2003..  This January our faith focus is on the journey each one of us is asked to make in solidarity with migrants, immigrants, refugees human trafficking victims, and other people on the move seeking justice and peace.  Are you aware that the largest of new immigrants in Mahoning County is of Hispanic origin and on Youngstown’s westside?  Are you aware that Catholic organizations and groups are studying this phenomenon in our midst?  Can we pray together, “Teach us to welcome the strangers among us, all sisters and brothers on the journey.  Lord, show us the way.”