Rev. James M. Daprile, Jr. Ph.D.

2007 Columns

December 16, 2007

WAITING, an inevitable and even necessary aspect of human life, is not something that most of us relish. We wait in lines: in order to purchase groceries; to be served at popular restaurants; to be attended to in a bank; at stop signs and traffic signals; at amusement parks; to see a play or film. We must also wait for flowers to grow and bloom; for babies to be born; for wounds to heal; for bread to rise and cheese to age; for children to mature; for friends to call; for love to deepen. Statisticians have estimated that in a lifetime of 70 years, the average person spends at least three years waiting! Today’s readings invite us to wait for the rebirth of the Lord in our lives with repentant hearts and renewed lives.

THE OFT REPEATED WORDS of Alexander Pope bear repeating: ‘What does it profit me if Jesus is reborn in thousands of cribs all over the world and not reborn in my heart”? He means that Jesus must be reborn in our heart, during this season of Advent, and everyday of our lives, bringing us love, kindness, mercy, forgiveness and spirit of humble service.

CHRISTMAS GIFT SUGGESTION Megan McKenna, our upcoming Lenten mission presenter, has published a new book entitled Matthew: The Book of Mercy (Hyde Park: New City Press, 2007). What a wonderful way to get an introduction to our featured speaker and to gain some insights into the Gospel according to Matthew which we are reading and listening to in this liturgical year. You can order this book through your favorite bookseller or call New City Press at 1-800-462-5980.

THE RITE OF WELCOME will be celebrated next Sunday for several folks who have been investigating and inquiring about the Catholic faith tradition and are seeking to be initiated into the Catholic Church. Keep them in your prayers as they discern this important move in their lives.

A HUGE DILEMNA As I reviewed my mail as I write this column, I have been informed by the diocesan chancellor that each priest may request 2 tickets to the Solemn Pontifical Mass presided by Pope Benedict XVI on April 20, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Only 2 tickets!! As I read the letter the invitation, the ticket offering is not limited to diocesan priests. If that is the case, I think that the only fair way to handle this papal ticket opportunity is by a parish lottery. If you are seriously interested, make appropriate travel arrangements and provide a government issued photo ID card (required by the United States Secret Service and the New York City Police Department), please send me your request in writing no later than December 12. I will keep you posted. Advent waiting…

December 9, 2007

December 2, 2007

BISHOP MURRY’S VISIT AND CONFIRMATION was a beautiful and splendid parish event. So many groups and people worked together that showed the goodness and strength of the parish: catechists, all the parish committees, liturgical ministers, musicians, rectory and maintenance staff, parents of the confirmed, bakers and food preparers, decorators, servers and all those behind the scenes, contributors with time, talent and treasurers, our young men and women confirmed, and all who gathered to praise God and greet the bishop. Thank you.

875 POUNDS!! Through the generosity and kindness of parishioners, the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry received 875 pounds of canned and non-perishable food items to stock their shelves and distribute to the hungry and needy for the holidays. Thank you. And, during the month of November our Bingo has also had a canned food drive to assist SVDP. I do not have a weigh-in report yet, but nevertheless, thank you for combining charity with our fundraising efforts.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS AND CHRISTMAS SCHEDULES In the main sacristy there are sign up sheets for Eucharistic ministers, lectors, altar servers for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and January 1 (Feast of Mary, Mother of God). The usher and hospitality sign up lists are in the ushers’ room. Hopefully this process will allow all liturgical ministers to have an opportunity to participate in the holyday celebrations according to your schedules and open the opportunities to serve. Thanks for taking a moment to serve the parish.

November 25, 2007

A UNIQUE KING WITH A UNIQUE KINGDOM Jesus Christ still lives as king, in thousands of human hearts all over the world. The cross is his throne and the Sermon on the Mount is his rule of law. His citizens need obey only one law: “Love others as I have loved you." His love is selfless, sacrificial, kind, compassionate, forgiving and unconditional. That is why the preface in today’s Mass describes Jesus’ kingdom as a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace. He is a king with a saving and liberating mission: to free mankind from all types of bondage so that we may live peacefully and happily on earth and inherit eternal life in heaven. His rule consists in seeking the lost, offering salvation to those who call out to him and making friends of enemies. Happy are we who belong to the Kingdom.

BUMPER STICKER THEOLOGY Many people love bumper sticker theology. Bumper stickers may not always have the soundest theological statements, but they generally at least have the ability to make us think. One such example is “God is my Co-Pilot." As a corrective retort, one church sign put the following message: "If Christ the King is your Co-Pilot, change seats."

ON A MORE MUNDANE MATTER the Parish Finance Council gave approval for the renovation of the rest room adjacent to the church in the school hallway. The project will entail: installing two (2) rest rooms (men and women) with changing tables in both, eliminating all the doors that create congestion in the hallway, putting the drinking fountain in an alcove, revamping the lower sacristy for better storage and music preparation space, concealing the church light panels, tiling all the floors, enhancing the entry to the church with a barrel ceiling and lighting (restoring the fixtures from the old baptistry), and creating an iron gate to separate the church from the school. Murphy Contracting Co. will be the general contractor, and John DeFrance from Olsavsky Jaminet is the architect. The project will begin January 2, 2008 and will be completed by Ash Wednesday, February 6.

November 11, 2007

A PARISH CORPORAL WORK OF MERCY: feed the hungry. Next weekend (the weekend before Thanksgiving), November 17/18 and on Thanksgiving Day, I am asking each person to bring a canned or dry food item to church. Baskets will be placed at all the doors and representative food items will be part of the presentation of gifts during Mass. After Mass, members of the Justice and Charity committee will take our offerings to the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Also, the Thanksgiving envelope and collection is designated for SVDP and their ongoing ministry of caring for those in need. Please be generous.

BISHOP GEORGE V. MURRY, SJ, will visit our parish and celebrate the Eucharist with us on Sunday, November 25, the Feast of Christ the King. He will have a full morning with us. At 8:30 am he will have breakfast in the rectory with the confirmation candidates and our parish catechists. At 10:00 am the bishop will preside, preach and confirm six (6) of our young men and women. The music for the Mass will feature both the Sonshine Choir and the Adult Choir and it promises to spirited and joyful. After Mass, Bishop Murry will greet parishioners at a reception (quiches, fruit and homemade breads/rolls) in our newly refurbished Maxwell Hall. I hope all parishioners will make every effort to welcome Bishop Murry, to celebrate with our confirmation class, and to demonstrate our commitment to the parish. As the new diocesan shepherd, Bishop Murry brings vision and vigor to our local church. I am heartened by his ministry and I hope we all can use this wonderful opportunity to welcome, rejoice and build for the future.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. A group of senior Dutch Dominicans this past August offered a bold solution to the priest shortage in the Netherlands: have the laity select leaders from their own faith communities and designate them as the official presiders at Mass. The friars maintain there is no theological barrier, but only a clerical impasse—the law of celibacy—to ordaining lay (man or woman, single or married) clergy. They cite, for instance, a statement made by the fifth-century Pope Leo the Great: “He who has to lead all should be chosen by all.” This proposal, as expected, has created a huge ruckus and is patently contrary to the present Catholic policy. However, the Dutch Dominicans have raised seriously questions that cannot be swept under the rug, questions such as: has the church opted to protect its priesthood over against the right of communities to celebrate the Eucharist? or: are word and Communion services considered to be on the same par as the Mass? While these might be forbidden questions in some quarters, the future of the priesthood and the Eucharist demand their open consideration by all the church. This is surely a pressing concern as there are fewer priests in the church today and as churches are closing, merging or being restructured because lack of available priests is cited as one of the reasons. Something to think and pray about.

CHURCH SIGN Our arms are the only ones God has to hug His children.

November 4, 2007

ALWAYS A SNAG The attempts to “light up” the Glenellen church entrance have hit a snag. The style of “head” for the lamppost that matches the other church fixtures is not longer in production! I was assured last year when I ordered the light fixtures for the other entrances that this style was open stock and standard item in their inventory. Rats! This project may be deferred until another suitable option arises.

TABLES AND CHAIRS AVAILABLE Now that Room 103 has been renovated, there are about 24 orange covered chairs, 6 eight-foot tables and 6 cushion chairs (from the former convent) that are for sale for a small donation. Contact me at the rectory if you are interested.

WE ARE GRATEFUL to the family and friends of Rose Handel who remembered her and St. Brendan’s at her death with a donation of $350.00, which has been applied to the Memorial Fund. Thank you (and maybe this might be a reminder to remember the parish in your will and at the time of death).

UPCOMING EVENTS OF NOTE The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 7:00 pm at St. Columba Cathedral with a bilingual Mass with Bishop Murry presiding and with a mariachi band providing the music. A reception with a Hispanic flair will follow. Mark your calendars for this multicultural experience.

AND for Lent 2008 with the cooperation of St. Patrick Parish, we have been able to arrange for Megan McKenna to give our Lenten Mission on February 24 and 25. Megan is an internationally renowned theologian, story-teller, and speaker. Megan has a new book on the Gospel of Matthew for release this month and has authored 16 books. This promises to be a wonderful and refreshing Lenten mission.

ALL LITURGICAL MINISTERS (Eucharistic ministers, lectors, ushers, hospitality folks and all) Periodically, it is good to evaluate how we present ourselves and assess how we carry out our ministerial responsibilities. Please be sure that your attire is appropriate for the important ministry you fulfill. Men should wear a collar shirt or turtleneck and a sport jacket or suit. Women should wear dress slacks, or skirt or dress. You should be dressed respectfully enough that it shows that you understand the sacredness of what you undertake and quietly enough that no one is tempted to consider your attire over that is happening at the altar.

ADDITIONALLY, lector workbooks, Eucharistic ministers’ schedule, and At Home With the Word books for Eucharistic ministers and homebound ministers are available in the lower sacristy.

PASTOR was asked by one of the presidential candidates, "Name something my government can do to help your church if I am elected president." The pastor replied, "Quit making one-dollar bills." Remember to vote on Tuesday.

October 28, 2007

ND REDUX (REVIVED, AGAIN) During my ND weekend, one of the tailgate parties hosted the former Fighting Irish coach Jerry Faust. While he did not have the best ND record, Fr. Noga and the priest friends I was with remembered him fondly as the successful football coach of Cincinnati Moeller High School, which was a nationally recognized sports powerhouse for many years. Each fall, Coach Faust brought his entire team to the seminary for Mass (very early in the morning!). And after Communion he would give his team a vocations talk and the seminarians a pep talk about the importance of serving the Church faithfully.

When Coach Faust was informed that several priests were at the tailgate party, he made a bee-line to us. After we reminisced about our Cincinnati seminary days, he launched into a pep talk to us about how important it is to have good priests in today’s difficult Church. Then, he went to each one of us, put his hand on our shoulder and said “Thanks for doing the Lord’s work.” Amid thousands of tailgaters, it was quite an encouraging experience for us all and a fond reminder of our good school days in the Queen City.

ON THE SUBJECT OF PRIESTS It is increasingly harder to find a priest to assist when I go on vacation or retreat or diocesan business or illness or whatever. In order to get priest coverage for the ND weekend, I made 13 calls (which involved 22 priests) to find a replacement. Priests are in serious short supply. When I know far in advance that I will be away, I can try to adjust the weekday schedule and find substitutes or cancel daily Mass (and as my most recent experience proved that is not an easy prospect). However, if on a Sunday morning, for instance, an emergency arose or I woke up acutely sick, what would happen if I could not find a priest replacement? This is a distinct and real possibility. There is a fall back. The Church has a ritual called Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest.

So, what would happen? A lay leader of prayer would announce the situation and indicate the availability of Masses at neighboring parishes; however parishioners would not be obligated to scramble to another church. Then the lay leader of prayer or deacon would conduct a Sunday service which would include music, the assigned Sunday readings (the Liturgy of the Word), Profession of Faith, and Communion Service. The presider’s chair would remain empty and there would not be a homily. Gratefully and happily, we have several lay leaders of prayer trained and commissioned by the diocese: Joan Lawson, Geri Jacquet, Lou Jacquet, Mary Alyce Kinnick, Carol Pilz, Therese Droney and Muriel Galias. While this is a situation no one really wants to be in, current realities require that we be prepared under any circumstances to celebrate our faith and sacraments.

THANKS to Patty Infante and Janette Koewacich for organizing our 3^rd annual wine trip. We had a full bus of parishioners and friends and had lots of fun. It was a glorious day tasting some of Ohio’s wines, enjoying some tasty food and walking on Lake Erie’s shore.

October 21, 2007

THE PRECISION, PAGAENTRY AND POMP WAS WORTHY of the pope or president. I am referring to my experience last Saturday afternoon at a Notre Dame football game in South Bend. Even though the Fighting Irish lost, I was really impressed by a number of aspects of the day.

It was an event on a grand scale. Fans arrived early to tailgate, walk through the campus, pray at the basilica, listen to a band concert, march to the stadium and enjoy (or endure partially because of TV timeouts) a four and a half hour game. Everything was carefully choreographed and expertly executed. And, it took the whole day.

The marching band was awesome. By my calculations, the band performed for almost seven hours (with the pre-game concert, hype, game time fight songs and half-time performance). The band members put their heart and soul into their music. While I am not a ND loyalist and did tire of the repeated fight song, the band never missed an opportunity to play it and the fans and students always sang it loudly.

The leprechaun had to be on steroids. He bounced around, ran the length of the field numerous times, led cheers and was the most pumped up person in the stadium.

After ND’s first touch down, the team was so excited that they were punished with an excessive celebration penalty. When you are an underdog, any reason to rejoice is welcome.

The person who initiated TV timeouts should be tarred and feathered. This unnecessary interruption destroys the momentum of the game and seems to foster greed (it’s a lucrative benefit).

The ND fans were undeterred by a losing season. 80 thousand fans filled the stadium, knew the players, dressed in the appropriate colors (and even wore some outlandish fashions) and were unrelenting in their support.

I enjoyed the weekend. The long ride home caused me to reflect on some similarities between this football experience and our weekly Sunday gathering. Since the Second Vatican Council, we Catholics have been challenged to make our Sunday Mass a celebration that is participative, conscious, active and deliberative. Maybe we need to ask ourselves some questions. Do we make Sunday Mass the event of our week and lives? Is the music we make truly awesome (do we sing with our hearts or tire of our alleluias)? Have you ever been accused of excessively celebrating your faith? Do we let the timeouts around us distract us from living faithful Christian lives? Are we disciples infused with the Word of God, strengthened by the Eucharist and recognized as dedicated stewards of the gifts entrusted to us to carry the flag of faith across the fields of our lives? Are we undeterred to be committed Catholics, both in season and out of season? There are many other parallels, for sure, but these are provoking enough.

OCTOBER 14, 2007

QUICK. Name each of the Ten Commandments. OK. Now name the ingredients in a Big Mac hamburger sold at McDonald's. According to a new survey, the Big Mac wins the memory contest. In truth, the Big Mac has advantages. There are only seven ingredients to remember, and they have a catchy jingle behind them. McDonald's Corp. has poured enough money into commercials that the decades-old jingle remains familiar today. The survey of 1,000 Americans, by Kelton Research, was undertaken to help promote the new animated movie "The Ten Commandments," which will open Oct. 19. The vast majority of those surveyed could easily name the primary ingredients in a Big Mac: two all-beef patties (80 percent), lettuce (76 percent), sesame-seed bun (75 percent), special sauce (66 percent), pickles (62 percent) and cheese (60 percent). By comparison, "You shall not kill" was known to fewer than six in 10 respondents. Less than half (45 percent) could recall the commandment to "Honor your father and mother."

"THEN WHERE’S HIS HAT?" Winston Churchill loved to tell the story of the little boy who fell off a pier into deep ocean water. An older sailor, heedless of the great danger to himself, dove into the stormy water, struggled with the boy, and finally, exhausted, brought him to safety. Two days later the boy’s mother came with him to the same pier, seeking the sailor who had rescued her son. Finding him, she asked, "You dove into the ocean to bring my boy out?" "I did," he replied. "Then where’s his hat?" demanded the mother. In today’s gospel Jesus tells the story of nine ungrateful lepers.

"I'M JUST SO GLAD AND THANKFUL I CAN HEAR AND SEE." Rev. John Kavanaugh, S.J. tells this story: Perhaps the most grateful person I've ever heard of was an old woman in an extended care hospital. She had some kind of wasting disease, her different powers fading away over the march of months. A student of mine happened to meet her on a coincidental visit. The student kept going back, drawn by the strange force of the woman's joy. Though she could no longer move her arms and legs, she would say, "I'm just so happy and grateful to God that I can move my neck." When she could no longer move her neck, she would say, "I'm just so glad and thankful I can hear and see." When the young student finally asked the old woman what would happen if she lost her sense of sound and sight, the gentle lady said, "I'll just be so grateful that you come to visit."

THANKS, BUT NO THANKS! Three men were fishing on a lake one day, when Jesus walked across the water and joined them in the boat. When the three astonished men had settled down enough to speak, the first man asked humbly, "Jesus, I've suffered from back pain ever since I lifted a very heavy long range gun in the Viet Nam war. Could you help me?" "Of course my son," Jesus said. When Jesus touched the man's back, the man felt relief for the first time in years.

The second man, who wore very thick glasses and had a hard time reading and driving, asked if Jesus could do anything about his eyesight, Jesus smiled, removed the man's glasses and tossed them in the lake. When the glasses hit the water, the man's eyesight cleared up and he could see everything distinctly.

Then Jesus turned to the third man. "What can I do for you?" he asked. At this, the man put up his hands defensively and cried: "Don't touch me! I'm on long-term disability."

OCTOBER 7, 2007

THE SMELL OF ASPHALT SEALER wafted over the south parking lot this past week. The parking lot had to be resealed and repainted because it has been over seven years since the parking lot was last repaired and because a visiting priest’s car leaked gasoline and engine fluids on the newly paved section causing the asphalt to break down. Next spring, the north parking lot and the approaches will receive serious attention.

ROOM 103 had new blinds installed this past week (at least, I hope so, as I am writing this the day before the installation is scheduled). Check out the new chairs, tables and environment next weekend at coffee and donuts.

PARISH BULLETINS from parishes that you visit on vacation are always appreciated. As I have read several lately, I have noticed two trends. First, parishes are merging, clustering, relocating and realigning. A masthead, like The Catholic Parishes of Our Lady of Ransom and St. Catherine of Sienna, are more common. Second, the bulletins are multi-lingual. Spanish is the predominate language, but Asian languages also appear.

WE ARE CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL SERVANTS has the theme of Jesus’ parables the past few weeks in Luke’s gospel. Perhaps, it might be good to reflect on the quality of our stewardship.

1) Stewardship is an act of thanksgiving to God who continues to bless us with time, skills, health and wealth. By sharing these blessings with God’s other children in the parish and outside it, we are returning to God what is due to God.

2) Stewardship is the model given by Jesus. He gave generously of himself to others and offered his life for all of us. By our stewardship of time, talent and treasure we make a humble return of that sacrificial love shown by Christ.

3) By faithful stewardship in our parish and community we are helping our own brothers and sisters because by creation we are all God’s children and by baptism we are all made brothers and sisters of Jesus our Lord and Savior.

4) Stewardship by sharing is the ultimate criterion of reward or punishment on the day of the Last Judgment. (Matthew 25: 31ff: Did we share food, drink, clothing, home, mercy and loving concern with those we encountered?).

5) Stewardship is the source and means of additional blessing from God: Luke 6: 38: “Give, and gifts will be given to you, a good measure, packed together, shaken down and overflowing, will be poured into your lap.”

6) Stewardship is the sign of a dynamic and growing parish community radiating true Christian charity among its members and to the whole world.

7) Stewardship fulfills a basic psychological need in human beings. God in creating our bodies has gifted us with external organs and senses precisely to reach out to others. They are meant to be our own extensions and God’s extensions through us to reach out to others. Psychologically, the need of the giver to give is greater than the need of the receiver to receive.

Stewardship widens our vision, broadens and softens our hearts and sanctifies our lives.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

"WHERE WE GO HEREAFTER DEPENDS ON WHAT WE GO AFTER, HERE."

There is a Jewish story abut Rabbi Joshua, the son of Levi and his trip to Rome in the third century. He was astounded to see the magnificence of the buildings, especially the care lavished upon statues which were covered with exquisite clothes to protect them from the summer heat. As he was admiring the beauty of Roman art, a beggar plucked at his sleeve and asked for a crust of bread. The sage looked at the statues and turning to the beggar in rags said: “Here are statues of stones covered with expensive clothes and here is a man created in the image and likeness of God covered with rags. A civilization that pays more attention to statues than to human beings shall surely perish.” Telling the parable of Dives and Lazarus in today’s gospel Jesus asks us the same question: What are our statues, our priorities? The poor and powerless, the illiterate, the homeless, the ill? Or ourselves, our pleasures and our luxuries?

"WHERE WE GO HEREAFTER DEPENDS ON WHAT WE GO AFTER, HERE."

The short report of the United Nations Human Development Commission ought to nag at the consciences of Christians. "The richest fifth [20 percent] of the world's people consumes 86 percent of all goods and services, while the poorest fifth [20 percent] consumes just 1.3 percent.” The three richest people in the world have assets that exceed the combined gross domestic product of the 48 least developed countries. "Americans spend $8 billion a year on cosmetic s--$2 billion more than the estimated annual total needed to provide basic education for everyone in the world…. Of the 4.4 billion people in developing countries, nearly three-fifths [that would be almost 60 percent] lack access to safe sewers, a third have no access to clean water, a quarter do not have adequate housing and a fifth [20 percent] have no access to modern health services of any kind."

An article in The New York Times notes sadly that dogs and cats in the United States eat more nutritious food than do the homeless in refugee camps in the third world.

"WHERE WE GO HEREAFTER DEPENDS ON WHAT WE GO AFTER, HERE."

In his first visit to the United States and during his homily at Mass in Yankee Stadium on October 2, 1979, the late Pope John Paul II said, "The parable of the rich man and Lazarus must always be present in our memory; it must form our conscience. Christ demands openness to our brothers and sisters in need – openness from the rich, the affluent, the economically advanced; openness to the poor, the underdeveloped and the disadvantaged. Christ demands an openness that is more than benign attention, more than token actions or halfhearted efforts that leave the poor as destitute as before or even more so.... We cannot stand idly by, enjoying our own riches and freedom, if, in any place, the Lazarus of the 20th century stands at our doors.”

"WHERE WE GO HEREAFTER DEPENDS ON WHAT WE GO AFTER, HERE."

SEPTEMBER 23, 2007

GOSPEL EMBARRASSMENT The parable of the crooked steward or dishonest manager has shocked good church people for centuries. St. Augustine said, “I can’t believe that this story came from the lips of our Lord.” Jesus tells a paradoxical story about the steward (manager) of an estate of a rich absentee landlord. The steward was an out-and-out trickster. But his boss praised him for his trickery because he acted with foresight. Facing the coming return of his master and an audit of his accounts, the steward cleverly converted the debtors of his master into his own debtors. He bought "friends" with his master’s money, and used these "friends” to secure a means of livelihood for the rapidly and certainly approaching point when he would be dismissed (for his previous embezzlement). Even St. Luke seems embarrassed by the parable and adds four morals to the story trying to explain it. The parable advises us to take inventory of the resources placed in our charge: time, talents, opportunities, health, intelligence, education, and other advantages. It also challenges us to use these resources wisely so that they will count for our good in eternity. You might want to reread this passage (Luke 16:1-13) this week and perhaps be embarrassed into some faithful Christian stewardship.

PICNIC ADDITIONS The parish grounds were so inviting and beautifully cared for because of the efforts of Al Mihalik who mowed, pruned, and weeded the rectory yard and gardens the entire week before the picnic. And Pat and Fred Wiseman were on hand early Sunday morning to assist in the set up and tear down of tents, tables and chairs. Thanks (and sorry for the omission).

POOR PROOFREADING Last week my column did not pass the rigors of careful editing and my apologies, especially to those with red pencils! If nothing else, I got some feedback!

SHRINE TO MARY Last month the Mary statue between the former convent garages and parking lot was smashed beyond recognition. I am seeking donors to create a new shrine. If interested, please contact me.

SEEKING A “LIGHT” DONOR The Glenellen entrance has new parking spaces, ramp and doors. To finish this project, lighting is necessary. I am seeking a donor(s) for a new lamp post (similar to the front entrance) to enhance this area. If interested, please contact me.

BIG LITTLE THINGS Saint John Chrysostom said, "Faithfulness in little things is a big thing." We may not be able to reach millions of people all over the world by satellite as famous talk show hosts or televangelists do. But in our own part of the world we can faithfully do little things to point people toward Jesus. Our future opportunities in the eternal service of God largely depend on our stewardship in handling the little opportunities we have had on earth. As Blessed Mother Teresa used to recommend, “Do little things with great love.”

SEPTEMBER 16, 2007

PICNIC THANKS The wonderful experience of our 3^rd Annual Parish Picnic lingers on in stories, pictures and in the rectory grass returning to its former green glory. Thanks to so many who planned, prayed and participated. So that everyone may realize the amount of effort that goes into the picnic, here is a list (and as complete as I can compile it) of activities and workers: the Stewardship Committee coordinated the whole shebang (Tina Fitzwilliams, chair and members Linda Feher, Joe Kachurek, Muriel Galias, Fred and Mary Capogreco); tents were provided by Boy Scout Troop 55 (and secured through Tom Fitzwilliams), Mike Infante and Tom Gatto; the Worship Committee coordinated the liturgy, ministers, preparations (Deb and Mark Flora , Chairs and members Kathy Baytos, John Coudriet, Joan Lawson); music for the Mass by the Sonshine Choir, music and sound system for the picnic provided by Rick Koewacich; games by Janette Koewacich and Mary Jo Lendak; Raffle Prizes by Linda Feher; invitation letters to neighbors distributed by Autumn Feher, and Toni, Tia and Troy Fitzwilliams; Pepsi donations by Mike Infante; Coke-Cola donations by Stanley Rydarowicz; Rosie Marich and George Dubic and the Palm Café staff for the chickens and hams; Troop 55 for helping set up and tear down; church posters made by Janette Koewacich; and to the “go-fers” Bill and Matt Neff, Grace, Logan, Deb Brown, Darlene Ruggieir and John Coudriet; to those who contributed to the “second collection” at Mass to help defray expenses ($851.00); to those who cooked or baked tasty foods; and to any un-named (and please let me know) but truly valuable person(s) who helped out. What as great picnic it was. THANKS.

TRUNK SALE THANKS The first-ever trunk sale in August was another great success, raising $518.00. Cathy Chance and her committee of Roxanne Alexander, Patty and Mike Infante, Geri Miller and Darlene Ruggieri staged a creative and profitable event. THANKS.

SHRINE TO MARY Last month the Mary state between the former convent garages and parking lot was smashed beyond recognition. I am seeking donors to create a new shire. If interested, please contact me.

RESTROOM PROJECT IS BACK ON TRACK. I am meeting with architects this week to redesign and expand the rest room off the school entrance to the church. More as it progresses.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2007

“THE BEAUTY REMAINS; THE PAIN PASSES.” During the last several years of his life, the famous French artist Auguste Renoir was virtually crippled by arthritis. But he continued to paint every day. His wife Alice had to insert the paintbrush between his fingers in order for him to continue his work. One day his close friend, the famous artist Henry Matisse, watching Auguste paint while he suffered excruciating pain at each colorful stroke, asked him, “Auguste, why do you continue to paint when you are in such agony?” Auguste Renoir’s response was immediate, “The beauty remains; the pain passes.” Passion for his art empowered Renoir to paint until the day he died. Those who continue to admire the enduring beauty of his smiling portraits, his landscapes, his still-life studies of flowers and fruit will find no trace therein of the pain required to create them. Most will agree that the cost was worth it. In today’s gospel Jesus tells us that following him as a true disciple is costly, but the reward is worth the suffering involved.

CHEAP GRACE AND COSTLY GRACE: During the era of World War II, the great German protestant theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) wrote a book entitled The Cost of Discipleship. “Cheap grace," Bonhoeffer wrote in his book "is the grace we bestow on ourselves...grace without discipleship, while 'costly grace' is the gospel that must be sought again and again, the gift, which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock... It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life." As a religious scholar in a country where the Nazis were bent on expanding an ideology of national and racial superiority, Dietrich Bonhoeffer struggled inside himself and chose to resist the Nazis as a true disciple of Christ. He joined the underground on the conviction that it was his duty as a Christian to work for Hitler's defeat. His convictions inspired many to resist, but this cost them their freedom and lives at the hands of the Gestapo. Bonhoeffer's theologically-rooted opposition to National Socialism first made him a leader, along with Martin Niemueller and Karl Barth, as an advocate on behalf of the Jews. Indeed, his efforts to help a group of Jews to escape to Switzerland were the cause of his arrest and imprisonment in the spring of 1943. He was hanged in the concentration camp at Flossenbürg on April 9, 1945, on the false charge of plotting to assassinate Hitler. Thus he paid the cost of discipleship with his life and death.

PRACTICE TRUE CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP. In the book Power Surge, Mike Foss lists "six marks of discipleship for a changing church" which he expects Christians to practice: 1) daily prayer, 2) weekly worship, 3) diligent study of the Bible, 4) service in and beyond the parish, 5) spiritual friendships, and 6) giving time, talents, and resources to the Lord’s work.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2007

BROWN TRACKS IN THE GRASS AND wonderful memories are all that’s left of our 3^rd annual parish picnic. The Mass and picnic were hugely successful and enjoyable because of the cooperation and hard work of so many parishioners. Next week I hope to have a list of all who contributed but until then, THANKS TO ALL who made our Mass and picnic so amazing.

HUMILITY WITH A HOOK: Mother Teresa of Calcutta exhorted her novices with these words: "If I try to make myself as small as I can, I'll never become humble. It is humility with a hook. True humility is truth. Humility comes when I stand as tall as I can, and look at all of my strengths, and the reality about me, but put myself alongside Jesus Christ. And it's there, when I humble myself before Him, and realize the truth of who He is, when I accept God's estimate of myself, stop being fooled about myself and impressed with myself, that I begin to learn humility. The higher I am in grace, the lower I should be in my own estimation because I am comparing myself with the Lord God." According to Mother Teresa, humility is an attempt to see ourselves as God sees us. It is an admission that our talents come from God who has seen fit to work through us.

HUMILITY IS A GIFT AND RESPONSIBILITY. Humility is grounded in an awareness that everything I have is a gift from God, therefore, I have no reason to boast. I must not use these God-given gifts to elevate myself above others. Hence, humility means the proper understanding of our own worth. It requires us not to overestimate our worth, nor to underestimate it either. The humility that the gospel urges upon us has nothing to do with a self-deprecation that leaves a person without proper self-esteem. We must simply admit the truth about ourselves: we do not know everything, we do not do everything right, we are all imperfect and sinners. Nevertheless, we also recognize that we are made in the image and likeness of God and that we are called to help build the kingdom of God with our God-given gifts. We are of value, not because of those gifts, but because we are loved by God as His children redeemed by the precious blood of His son Jesus. The quality of humility that Jesus is talking about has a social dimension too. It means that Jesus is inviting us to associate with the so-called "lower classes" of society—even the outcasts. Jesus invites us to change our social patterns in such a way that we connect with the homeless, the handicapped, the elderly, and the impoverished—the "street people" of the world.

HUMBLE RUMBLINGS Winston Churchill was once asked, "Doesn't it thrill you to know that every time you make a speech, the hall is packed to overflowing?" "It's quite flattering," replied Sir Winston. "But whenever I feel that way, I always remember that if instead of making a political speech I were being hanged, the crowd would be twice as big."

AUGUST 26. 2007

WHO WILL BE SAVED? An honest man is being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turns yellow, just in front of him. He does the honest thing, and stops at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman hits the roof, and the horn, screaming in frustration as she misses her chance to get through the intersection with him. As she is still in mid-rant, she hears a tap on her window and looks up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer orders her to exit her car with her hands up.

He takes her to the police station where she is searched, finger-printed, photographed, and placed in a cell. After a couple of hours, a police officer approaches the cell and opens the door. She is escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer is waiting with her personal effects. He says, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk."

"Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."

WHO WILL BE SAVED? William Barclay tells the story of a woman who had been accustomed to a life of luxury and respect while carefully avoiding sin. She died, and when she arrived in heaven, an angel was sent to conduct her to her house. They passed many a lovely mansion and the woman thought that each one, as they came to it, must be the one allotted to her. When they had passed through the main streets they came to the outskirts where the houses were much smaller, and on the very fringe they came to a house which was little more than a hut. "That is your house," said the conducting angel. "What," said the woman, "that one? I cannot live in that." "I am sorry," said the angel, "but that is all we could build for you with the materials you sent up." This story explains today’s scripture, viz., earthly words and works have eternal consequences although eternal happiness will forever remain a gracious gift of God. Nevertheless, the manner in which God’s gifts are appropriated and shared during our life time will affect our salvation.

WHO WILL BE SAVED? Two weeks ago, one of our children dropped her stewardship envelop in the collection basket. It was filled out like this:

My Time: 8/11/07

My Talent: Loving

My Treasure: $1.00

AUGUST 19, 2007

“BE GOD’S PROPHETS AND GOD’S MICROPHONES” (Oscar Romero). The twentieth century was one of the bloodiest centuries in history. Oscar Romero, Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Martin Luther King, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dom Helder Camara, Maura Clark, Dorothy Kazel, Ita Ford, Jeanne Donovan, and Ella Baker had the courage of their Christian convictions to follow Jesus who came to cast fire on earth and cause healthy division in society as today’s gospel points out.

In 1980, in the midst of a U.S.-funded genocidal war against the so-called leftist rebels in El Salvador Archbishop Oscar Romero who sided with the poor, exploited farm workers, declared: “If they kill all your priests and the bishop too, each one of you must become God's microphone, each one of you must become a prophet…. I do not believe in death without resurrection. If they kill me, I will be resurrected in the Salvadoran people." Amid overarching violence, Romero wrote to President Jimmy Carter pleading with him to cease sending military aid to the brutal military regime because, he wrote, "it is being used to repress my people." The U.S. sent $1.5 million in aid every day for 12 years. Archbishop Romero’s letter went unheeded. Two months later he was assassinated.

Ending a long homily addressed to the pro-government land owners and peasants and the military and broadcast throughout the country, his voice rose to breaking, "Brothers, you are from the same people; you kill your fellow peasants.… No soldier is obliged to obey an order that is contrary to the will of God.” There was thunderous applause; he was inviting the army to mutiny. Then his voice burst, "In the name of God then, in the name of this suffering people I ask you, I beg you, I command you in the name of God: stop the repression." Oscar Romero gave his last homily on March 24, moments before a sharpshooter felled him at the altar of a hospital chapel. Reflecting on the day’s scripture, he had said, "One must not love oneself so much, as to avoid getting involved in the risks of life that history demands of us, and those that fend off danger will lose their lives."

In an interview as he was flying to Brazil in May, 2007 Pope Benedict XVI told the reporters, “Romero as a person merits beatification.” In July 2007, the new Salvadoran conservative government said it would formally request the Vatican to beatify Romero although it will not accept responsibility for his slaying. Today’s readings remind us that the church needs prophets like Romero and cautions contemporary prophets that their course will not be easy.

The Jesuit Cardinal Avery Dulles, writing about the role of prophecy in modern church communities in his book “Models of the Church,” remarks: “Christianity is not healthy unless there is room in it for prophetic protest against abuses of authority.”

AUGUST 12, 2007

PRIVILEGE CARRIES RESPONSIBILITY: Cal Ripken, the former baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles, was a sports hero of two decades simply because he always showed up and gave his best and was ready for action at any time. He got ten national awards in ten years including 1996 Male Athlete of the Year and 2001 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player. He learned the principle that faithfulness demands consistency, commitment, and hard work. He never missed a single game in sixteen years of playing baseball! He earned the nickname "Iron Man" by playing in a record 2632 consecutive major league games. The string of successive games ran from May 30, 1982 to September 19, 1998. Only one other player in history ever came close to that record. In 1983 Cal hurt his hand sliding on artificial turf and found it difficult to grip the bat. But he gritted his teeth and somehow managed to get five hits that night, including two home runs. Perhaps, Ripken's determination reminds us of today’s gospel which tells us that the joy and privilege of being a son or daughter of God carries with it a more awesome responsibility of being faithful to God in our stewardship. It also reminds us that we should avoid the temptation to put off for tomorrow what Jesus expects of us today.

ORANGE BARRELS on the highway are usually a sign of construction and progress. Although there will not be orange barrels on St. Brendan’s property, there will be construction and hopefully some enhancement of the premises during the next few weeks.

First, the Glenellen doors and stained glass frame are scheduled to installed the week of August 20. The delay has been in securing door handles to match the front entrance (how quickly styles and inventories change!!). I am looking into the possibility of adding a pole lamp to brighten the area and handicap ramp.

Second, because of a generous gift in memory of a deceased parishioner, a partial rebate from the Diocesan Capital Campaign and the financial cooperation of Summit Academy, Maxwell Hall will get a partial makeover. The windows will be covered with new vertical blinds and the ceiling and walls will be painted. The hall was getting grungy and this should really spruce the facility up. The new chairs will set the color scheme. The floor and tables will be added to the next wish list.

Third, room 103 will also get an overhaul. Several years ago it was painted and carpeted. Because of its varied use from parish meetings, to coffee and donuts, to community gatherings (block watch meetings), to a diocesan meeting site (Valley Bible Study which begins Tuesday, September 12 at 7:00 pm and repeated on Wednesday September 13 at 9:30 am), it is time to get new window treatments, round tables, lighter rectangular tables and some decorative elements.

Pardon the inconvenience.

AUGUST 5, 2007

MAYBE WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS you might have seen Fred Capogreco, Deb Flora, Sr. Norma Raupple, Rosemary Cervone and me on the front page of the Local section in last Sunday’s Vindicator. We were mixed in with 150 others as part of the Holy Ground March sponsored by ACTION. I was encouraged by the parishioners who joined me in the March but also the diverse range of people (ages, races, churches) of faith in the Valley who came out on a muggy and misty Saturday morning to put their faith into action.

ACTION had five (5) goals that prompted this Holy Ground March:

1. To move Youngstown off the list of the top ten most dangerous cities in America (currently, number 9).

2. To reduce the crime rate in Mahoning Valley in targeted areas and to take back these areas from drug dealers, gang members and others who do us harm.

3. To strengthen community policing efforts and to support block clubs and watches who get neighbors to know one another.

4. To partner with and hold accountable public officials and law enforcement officials for addressing issues of community safety.

5. To reduce the number of homicides in the Mahoning Valley.

STRATEGIES of ACTION involve organizing block by block, marching in the communities where the problems are most prevalent and reclaiming the neighborhood, supporting the city, joining in efforts for economic development and launching a “Hot Spot” campaign for reporting criminal activity without fear of retaliation and getting appropriate

WICK PARK is the next targeted area for a Holy Ground March on Saturday, August 25 at 10:00 am. Get out your walking shoes and remember some of Jesus’ injunctions: love one another, pray that all may be one and whatsoever you do for the least you do unto me.

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO GET TO ST. BRENDAN’S? I saw a WRTA bus pass through our parking lot a few Saturdays ago and drop off Margaret Agoney at the front doors. I asked how she got such curb service and she informed me of WRTA’s Special Service Transport (SST) available for the elderly and those with medical disabilities. Call WRTA at 330-744-8431 for more information or pick up a packet at the rectory.

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?

A. Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

JULY 29, 2007

THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOUP KITCHEN asked for help and I am grateful that many parishioners come to their assistance: Josephine Rapcinko, Lena Montmore, Mary Morley, Dorothy Collingsworth, Cindy Rockney, Rose Dunlap, Jean McGonnell, Mary Kachmer, Mike Infante, Patty Infante, Nancy Belik, Anna Marie Donnelley, Patricia Chaffee, Gerry Miller, Lou Miller, Jerry Kernan, Amy Kernan, Jim Minnie, Melva Minnie, Dorothy Sammartino, Helen Farina, Micky Patrick, Lil Bathory, Mary Alyce Kinnick, Bob Casey, Mary Lou Casey, Joe Vivaqua, Danny Vivaqua, and Carol Belcik. When we serve the poor, we serve the Lord in disguise (Dorothy Day). Thanks.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL encouraged 18 young seagoing saints (in-the-making) to sail to Brendan’s Island of Promise. Along the journey, they learned about God’s love. Brendan’s chief navigator for this wonderful experience was Joan Lawson and Brendan’s faithful crew members were: Cathy Chance, Brian Cline, Ashley Demars, Linda Dugan, Rose Dunlap, Autumn Feher, Muriel Galias, Junnifer Gatto, Ricky Koewacich, Marijo Lendak, Scotty Lendak, Barb Perry, Kaitlyn Pizzila, Lisa Stafford and Laurie Warino. Thanks for the exciting journey.

GOSPEL HUMOR A tale is told about a small town that had always been "dry." One day, however, a local businessman erected a tavern. A group of Christians from a local church were concerned and they convened an all-night prayer meeting to ask God to intervene. It just so happened that shortly thereafter lightning struck the tavern burning it down to the ground. The owner of the bar sued the church, claiming that the prayers of the congregation were responsible, but the church hired a lawyer to argue in court that they were not responsible. The presiding judge, after his initial review of the case, stated, “No matter how this case comes out, one thing is clear: the tavern owner believes in prayer and the Christians do not."

WELCOME NEIGHBOR Ursuline Sr. Norma Raupple has returned after10 years of ministry in Brownsville, Texas to join Potter’s Wheel as Hispanic Educator. As we are all aware, there is a growing Hispanic community in the Mahoning Valley and the Hispanic community is mostly Catholic. Sr. Norma will begin her work by doing a needs assessment of the newcomers to our area and then work to address the needs (such as providing English as a second language, support in transition, sacramental preparation). Welcome Sr. Norma and many blessing in these new endeavors in our neighborhood.

GOSPEL REFLECTIONS A colleague asked C.S. Lewis if he really thought he could change God with his prayer for the cure of his wife’s cancer. Lewis replied: "Prayer doesn't change God; it changes me." William McGill summed it up this way. "The value of persistent prayer is not that God will hear us but that we will finally hear God."

JULY 22, 2007

JAKE, AKA JASCONIUS THE WHALE, was my title role in our Vacation Bible School’s play about Brendan and his pursuit of the Isle of the Saints. According to the Navigations of St. Brendan, on Easter Sunday Brendan and his crew attempted to eat supper on an island in the sea only to be surprised that they “landed” on the hump of a great whale. Brendan and Jasconius befriended one another and the whale became a guide and protector on their journey. As I write this our children have enjoyed getting squirted by the whale, the stories of Jesus and Brendan are being shared and Joan Lawson and her trusty “crew” are sailing a tight ship.

HOLY GROUND MARCH We are invited with other people of faith in the valley to join the Holy Ground March on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 10:00 am beginning at Antioch Baptist Church, 110 Funston Street. We are challenged to reclaim our neighborhoods, which are being overrun by abandoned homes, commercial buildings, vacant and overgrown lots that lead to crime and violence. If you do not stand together we will fall apart. Join me, will you?

PARISH PICNIC Our parish picnic is rapidly approaching and I hope you have circled Sunday, August 26 on your calendars.

VALLEY BIBLE STUDY (VBS) The parishes of Mahoning County intend to start a Catholic Bible Study that will be based on the Sunday readings. This weekly study and reflection session will be offered on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm and repeated on Wednesdays from 9:30-11:00 am at St. Brendan Parish in Room 103. I am very happy to host this collective, regional initiative and look forward to many parishioners taking advantage of this opportunity. Session will begin on September 11/12, 2007.

GLENELLEN ENTERANCE UPDATE The repaired/restored windows and new doors for the Glenellen entrance are tentatively scheduled for installation for the first week in August.

SEEKING A BANNER BEARER Our fourth ward councilwoman, Carol Rimedio-Righetti, is involved with the return of the Greater Youngstown Italian Festival to the downtown area. She is also responsible for a Mass to be celebrated at noon in front of 20 Federal Place on August 5, 2007. She would like parishioners to attend and also represent the parish by carrying our parish banner. Any interested banner bearers?

EPISCOPAL VISIT AND CONFIRMATION This past week I received notice from the Bishop’s Office that our new bishop, George V. Murry, S.J., will make a formal visit to our parish and administer the Sacrament of Confirmation at the 10:00 am Mass on Sunday, November 25, 2007. I eagerly await his visit with us.

JULY 15, 2007

THE COMPASSION OF THE SAMARITAN in Luke’s Gospel registers over 2.2 million “hits” or websites on the internet today!! Here are some provocative insights gathered from my search.

Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, O.P. You must love your neighbor as yourself. This means much more than loving your neighbor as much as yourself. We are invited to love our neighbor as part of myself. We love the members of our family as ourselves, because they are part of who we are. We are one flesh and blood. To love the stranger as myself is to discover a new identity, which transform me.

The Samaritan exercises what we call charity, but in the older sense of the word . Until the seventeenth century, at least in English, ‘charity’ meant the bonds that link us to each other as members of the Body of Christ. After the seventeenth century, with a vast transformation in how we understand our humanity, it came above all to mean the money that we give to the poor. It ceased to express the love of our brothers and sisters, and came to mean the aid offered to strangers. Sometimes, when Helder Camera heard that a poor man had been taken by the police, he would ring up and say, “I hear that you have arrested my brother.” And the police would be very apologetic. “Your Excellency, what a terrible mistake! We did not know he was your brother. He will be released at once!” And when the Archbishop would go to the police station to collect the man, the police might say, “But your Excellency, he does not have the same family name as you.” And Camera would reply that every poor person was his brother and sister.

Dorothy Day "It is not between good and evil that the choice lies, but between good and better. In other words, we must give up over and over again even the good things of this world, to choose God."

Fr. Louis Espinal, S.J. We are candles that only have meaning if we are burning, for only then do we serve our purpose of being light. Free us from the cowardly prudence that makes us avoid sacrifice and look only for security. Losing one's life should not be accompanied by pompous or dramatic gestures. Life is to be given simply, without fanfare, like a waterfall, like a mother nursing her child, like the humble sweat of the sower of seed. Train us, Lord and send us out to do the impossible, because behind the impossible is your grace and your presence; we cannot fall into the abyss. The future is an enigma; our journey leads us through the fog; but we want to go on giving ourselves because you are waiting there in the night, in a thousand human eyes brimming over with tears.

Vera von der Hoydt Every day is a new day, a new starting point; one finds, one loses, one knows, and one does not know. Today is treasure, and open doors, open eyes and an open heart. If we discover this, it is Deo concedente - by the grace of God.

What’s your insight and behavior today?

JULY 8, 2007

TRAVEL TIPS Just as Jesus in today’s gospel gives instructions to the seventy-two missionaries, he also gives each one of us a mission to carry out. Through our own sacramental initiation, according to the Second Vatican Council, we too take on the mission of evangelization to the world around us. There were just a handful of followers in Jesus’ day to preach the good news, but today there are over one billion Roman Catholics and about a half billion other Christians (in 30,000 denominations!) who accept Jesus as “Lord” and “Savior.” So there are one and a half billion missionaries in a world of six billion people. A recent survey asked the question, “Why do adults join the Catholic Church in spite of the scandals publicized in the media?” Seventy-five percent of the new adult converts to the Catholic Church reported that they were attracted by a personal invitation from a Catholic – an invitation that included in most cases the testimony of that person’s relationship with Christ and his Church. This means that seventy-five percent of the success is ours! We may not be theologians or trained missionaries, but as faithful followers of Christ we will attract others to the Catholic Church—just as a rose attracts people by its beauty and fragrance. Every Christian is baptized a prophet and is given the grace and the responsibility to speak for Jesus Christ. Let us ask ourselves the question, “Whom have I invited to join the Body of Christ?” If the answer is, “No one,” make it instead, “No one yet.” It’s our job. It’s our responsibility. Hence we mustn’t leave until tomorrow what we can do today. We must not miss the current opportunities to be an apostle in every day life by our words and deeds.

JULY 1, 2007

“IN LIFE, first we struggle with the devil, then, we wrestle with God. At some point comes an invitation to become ‘insane for the light.’ What is this insanity? Jesus names it as giving up everything and following him more radically.”

In this way Fr. Ronald Rolheiser (president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, columnist and author of best-sellers as The Holy Longing and The Shattered Lantern) outlines the spiritual quest of the Christian life.

“Our earliest struggle in life is to successfully leave home. Puberty drives us out, and it can take us 20 years or more to come home again.” During this time we struggle with chaotic energies, we bubble with energy and eros. Sexuality always knocks us for a loop. But there is also a strong desire for moral rectitude, the need to be right, for political correctness. We seek a soul-mate: one who holds sacred the same things we hold sacred.

After establishing ourselves in the world we reach the next level: generative discipleship. “We give life now rather than receive it.” The bulk of life is here, generously nurturing others. Kids make us unselfish overnight. This is a good stage to be (in the home we have built for ourselves), but not to end.

The last stage is radical discipleship. Here we face three choices: to become a pathetic old fool, a bitter old fool or a holy old fool. “We will be fools and old no matter what. The choice is what kind of fool we want to be.” The pathetic (“painful to look at”) desperately strives to remain young, to keep looking and acting half their age. The bitter old fool is mad at the world. Nothing is right and no one appreciates him or her.

The third and best option is the holy old fool. The person has gotten beyond anger, is able to forgive, to let go. “In this stage of life, we are actually preparing to leave home again. We need to be saying goodbye to the Earth and its inhabitants. If you live a full life, two things have to happen: You have to give your life to others and you have to give your death for others as well.”

Jim Forest writes, “Holy fools pose the question: Are we keeping heaven at a distance by clinging to the good regard of others, prudence, and what those around us regard a ‘sanity’?” In our journey are we becoming as Fr. Rolheiser suggests “insane for the light”?

JUNE 24, 2007

The Church today celebrates the birthday of John the Baptist and reveres him as last of the prophets, and the forerunner of the messiah. He acted as the bridge between the Hebrew and Christian Testaments. As the preface for today's Mass says, he was chosen "from all the prophets to show the world its redeemer, the Lamb of sacrifice". Since the Birth of Jesus is celebrated on 25^th of December, the Birth of John is celebrated six months earlier on the 24^th of June. John represents the climax of the long tradition of Jewish prophets looking forward to Israel’s deliverance by the promised messiah. The gospels introduce John as a wild desert preacher dressed only in camel skin and eating locusts and wild honey. But he inaugurates a widespread ministry of baptism for the forgiveness of sin by challenging the self-righteous people to repentance; he urges them to prepare their lives by this repentance for the arrival of the promised messiah. John calls his listeners a “brood of vipers,” warns them of God’s wrath and threatens with hellfire those who pride themselves on their religious heritage. He baptizes Jesus amid the attending crowds, recognizing that he is uniquely sent by God. Finally, John publicly scolds his immoral king, Herod Antipas, for divorcing his wife to take his brother’s wife, Herodias. With prophetic zeal and the courage of his convictions, John embraces a martyr’s death

Have the prophetic courage of your convictions: So many of us have been pressured to sell our souls for some personal benefits. According to David Callahan, author of The Cheating Culture, cheating has increased dramatically in the past two decades in almost every segment of American society: sports, the education system, mass media, and the corporate world. Bribery, insider trading, improper billings, false advertising, tax evasions, plagiarism, copyright violations are just some of the dishonest practices common today. Unfortunately, the problems of cheating and corruption exist even in organized religions, giving religion itself the dubious reputation of being the breeding ground for hypocrites. What we need today are people with the integrity and prophetic courage of their convictions that John the Baptist had. Individuals with integrity live by a set of principles and values regardless of circumstances. There is something consistent, truthful, reliable and trustworthy about them. Like responsibility, integrity is one of the main pillars of character, and one of the main cornerstones for a free, democratic society. People with integrity may be ordinary people in terms of abilities and achievements, but they are extraordinary in their authenticity, character and courage. These are some of their characteristics: 1) They act according to principles rather than expediency. 2) They value integrity more than their own lives. 3) They are willing to sacrifice everything in order to pursue their ideals. 4) They endure and overcome great adversities in order to carrying out their callings. 5) They do not allow their own flaws and failures to prevent them from doing their duties and achieving their life goals. 6) They are prepared to die for what they really believe. 7) They show extraordinary moral courage by risking their own lives to help others. 8) They remain true to their convictions and beliefs in spite of opposition and threats to their personal safety. 9) They remain their authentic selves throughout the ups and downs of life. 10) They do their ordinary jobs with extraordinary dedication and faithfulness. John the Baptist challenges us to belong to this group.

JUNE 17, 2007

AN INVITATION to repentance and God’s forgiveness is the focus of our scriptures and faith gathering this weekend. We are called to repent, do penance and renew our lives instead of carrying the heavy baggage of our sins. Our God is a God who always tries to rehabilitate and not to punish, so that we may be made whole and experience inner peace and harmony. David’s sincere repentance for his sins of murder, adultery and deceit is met by God’s gracious and loving pardon. And the outcast woman in the gospel answered the love Jesus offered her by loving Him so much that she turned from her sins. It was not her love that “earned” her forgiveness but the abundance of God’s mercy that brought her to faith.

The judgment will be exacting. Repent now. A Jewish Rabbi once traveled to a distant town to speak on the subject of teshuvá (repentance) to the locals. He wanted to get across the point that we all will be called to account in heaven for our actions in this world. He warned, "Everyone in this community is eventually going to die. Therefore you must do teshuvá before it is too late." He noticed that everyone in the room became somber except one man who was grinning. The Rabbi wondered why this man wasn't getting into the proper mood. He decided he should make the point stronger. "My good townsfolk, you must remember that, sooner than you think, you are going to die. At that time you will be called to judgment in the heavenly court. All your sins will be revealed and discussed. It can be a horrific experience. All your innermost secrets will be presented and scrutinized by the court. Your feeble excuses will not work there as they do here. The judgment will be exacting. Repent now." As the Rabbi looked around the room he saw people squirming uneasily and looking distressed. But, to the Rabbi's chagrin, he saw that the man who had been grinning was now chuckling and laughing aloud. The Rabbi couldn't control himself, and he asked the man why he was reacting this way. The man replied, "Because I am not a member of this community!" We often think that the call to repentance and renewal of life is directed at everyone else, not at ourselves. Today’s Scripture lessons present David in the first reading and the public sinner in the gospel as examples of true repentance.

Happy Father’s Day Cinderella Man is a film which recounts the great comeback of the boxer Jim Braddock. In the first half of his career by the year 1929 he was famous, well-off, and seemingly on his way to ever more fame and success. And then the Great Depression settled over the world’s economy, and he lost everything, was reduced to poverty and lost his commission to box. However, after a lucky break he was back in the ring, and by the middle of the 1930s he was the world’s heavyweight champion. But the movie, beautifully directed by Ron Howard, portrays Braddock as far more than a boxer. In fact, his whole motive for trying to make a comeback was in order to feed and care for his wife and children; for he was always in his own mind first and foremost a husband and a father. Rarely has Hollywood been able to portray fatherhood in so rich a light. Boxing was something he did; who he really was was another matter: a man, the son of his parents, the loyal friend of his friends, the husband of his wife, the father of his children, a baptized, practicing member of the Catholic Church.

June 10, 2007

BRUNCH WITH BRENDAN WAS A BASH. Our patronal feastday celebration in May went beyond everyone’s expectations!! What a wonderful position to be in!! Quiches and danishes had to be cut in half and more tables set up, but everyone got fed. More importantly everyone enjoyed themselves and learned a little more about the spirituality of St. Brendan. These are events which remind us of who we are and give us hope for the future. Thanks to all who made Brunch with Brendan a wonderful time.

THE ALTAR & ROSARY SOCIETY IS A BLESSING. At the annual installation banquet, I was presented a $3,000.00 check for the parish. I am earmarking this money for the new doors on the Glenellen side of the church. As an extra treat at this dinner, members had a chance to meet and chat with Sr. Carmel O’Connor, a Presentation sister from Ireland, who was visiting me. The Altar & Rosary Society provides us with all the hosts and wine supplies and the Society there to assist at any special church event. In addition to monthly meetings, the Society hosts two card parties per year and prays (by attending the funeral and praying the rosary at the funeral home) for deceased members. Thank you for your generous and faithful support.

GREEN THUMBS ARE MADE FOR BLACK DIRT. Under cloudy skies gardeners gathered to plant and weed around the church and rectory this past week. The grounds look spectacular and splashes of floral color are everywhere. The parish property is a source of pride for the entire Westside. We also “planted” a new Celtic cross sculpture in front of the rectory. This is a gift of Veronica Grossi in memory of her late husband Henry. Thanks to everyone who got their kness and fingernails dirty.

CLOSING ST. NOSTALGIA: Church buildings matter, but they must serve more than memories was the title of an editorial in The Plain Dealer this week. Over the past 6 years the Diocese of Cleveland has been engaged in a vibrant parish program and now the time has come to implement the recommendations of that study and self-evaluation. As I read of the pending closings, mergers, relocations and rearrangements of pastoral services (and of the heartaches, challenges and potential homelessness involved), I thought it would be naïve to think that this is only happening to Cleveland. The Church of Youngstown faces the exact same issues. The editorial had this significant paragraph, “Sacred spaces are designed to grab us by the emotions, whether they’re the newer, light and airy places meant to impart a feeling of fellowship around God’s table, or the stately, old ones alive with grandeur and gloom and long, long memories. But the key word is ‘alive.’ The diocese has been carrying too much dead weight for too long.” These are ominous words for all of us. We can no longer do nothing or ignore the elephant in the living room. We must build up the church, be vibrant in faith and service, evangelize and bring in new members or…

June 3, 2007

WOW!!! Who would have thought that oranges, loaves of bread, roses and birds of paradise would make such an unusual floral arrangement? There were lots of oohs and aahs as folks glanced at the altar arrangements, but isn’t that how our lives in the Spirit are to be: surprising, unexpected, diverse and beautiful.

CHARLES de FOUCAULD, founder of the Little Brothers who live in the Sahara (and who are called to created desert places in their daily lives) said that when we care for the hungry we should bring both bread and flowers. We cannot satisfy physical or material needs alone but must also address the deepest cries of the human heart for meaning, beauty, truth and ultimately, life in God.

YOUTH from St. Patrick’s and St. Brendan’s held a car wash last week and raised $200.00. The proceeds went to assist disabled veterans in the area. Thanks to all who worked for this noble (and often neglected) cause.

THE GLENELLEN CHURCH DOORS will be replaced and the stained glass will be restored this July. After a generous monetary gift from Don Scherl, in memory of his wife Ruth, the Parish Finance Council recommended that the handicap entrance be completed. Thank you (and we could still benefit from a few more donors).

OUR BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS are due to the diligent work of Al Mihalik. The gorgeous tulips were salvaged by Al from Fellows Riverside Garden and replanted here. Weather permitting, help us plant annuals on Monday, June 4 after morning Mass.

TRINITY The British journalist F.X. Harriott suggested that since human beings are created in the image of the Holy God, the life of the Trinity should be reflected in the pattern of human life. If God is the loving Father/Mother, wonderful creator of all, then all that we do to awaken and attend to new life, to fashion, mold and develop our environment are part of a sharing in the work of God. All our efforts at mothering and fathering, at designing and building, at growing and stewarding all fall are reflective of the parental face of God.

All human efforts at restoration, healing, reconciliation, sacrifice, forgiveness, making amends and making thing right between ourselves and others are reflective of the redemptive and salvific activities of God’s Son and our brother Jesus.

And, the person and purpose of the Spirit find their truest expression and are reflected in every positive idea, every advance in knowledge and discovery, in every soaring flight of the imagination and every movement of the human heart.

To God, through Christ, in love poured out through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

May 27, 2007

DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN RENEW THE CHURCH? Do you believe in the power of prayer? Do you believe that your action can make a difference today? Do you believe that you have the power to influence? The early disciples had to face these questions. Gathered in prayer, they were inflamed by the Holy Spirit and were sent with good news to the ends of the earth. They changed the world because they believed in Jesus Christ and acted in the power of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is not only our legacy but it is our present and future. Today, we gather as God’s people, we invoke the Holy Spirit and we are to make a difference because of our belief. Perhaps the current debate in Congress over immigration reform is our Pentecost challenge. The Catholic bishops of the United States and Mexico call for a comprehensive immigration reform that addresses these issues: global anti-poverty efforts, legislation that is family-based, a balance of national security and safe immigration, “earned” legalization process for immigrants, a restoration of due process and a commitment to liberty. Around the immigration issue we are called to pray for justice and to act on behalf of the stranger.

The Justice Prayer

Come, O Holy Spirit!

Come, open us to the wonder, beauty, and dignity

of the diversity found in each culture,

in each face, and in each experience

we have of the other among us.

Come, fill us with generosity

as we are challenged to let go

and to allow others to share with us

the goods and beauty of the earth.

Come, heal the divisions

that keep us from seeing the face of Christ

in all men, women, and children.

Come, free us to stand with and for those

who must leave their own lands to find work,

security, and welcome in a new land,

one that had enough to share.

Come, bring us understanding, inspiration, wisdom,

and the courage needed to embrace change

and stay on the journey.

Come, O Holy Spirit, show us the way.

Imagine praying this with your family a dinner today. Imagine sending this prayer to our senators. Imagine immigration reform by going to the website www.justiceforimmigrants.org. Imagine the Holy Spirit renewing our hearts and world.

May 20, 2007

IN THE CELTIC IMAGINATION, faith in God was interwoven in the fabric of all life. As we remember our patron, perhaps we can pray in a spirit close to his.

The Ocean Blessing

O Thou who pervadest the heights,

Imprint on us Thy gracious blessing,

Carry us over the surface of the sea,

Carry us safely to a haven of peace,

Bless our boatman and our boat,

Bless our anchors and our oars,

Each stay and halyard and traveler,

Our mainsails to our tall masts

Keep, O King of the elements, in their place

That we may return home in peace;

I myself will sit down at the helm,

It is God’s own Son who will give me guidance,

As He gave to Brendan the mild