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Saint Brendan Parish Rev. James M. Daprile, Jr. Ph.D. |
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Saint Brendan Parish Rev. James M. Daprile, Jr. Ph.D. |
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NOVEMBER 22, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE" Father Daprile will be returning to Youngstown in the coming week and will resume his pastoral duties on November 28th, for the First Sunday of Advent. Let’s welcome him back as together we enter this season of joyful hope. During the Christmas season, there will be a parish gathering to celebrate the sabbatical time. On January 3 (the Feast of the Epiphany) there will be a brunch with the opportunity to review and exchange memories of August through November of this year, both from Father Daprile and the parish. Mark your calendars and watch the bulletin for further details.
NOVEMBER 15, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE" Fr. Daprile wrote after landing safely in California: “I have landed in Berkeley and am writing from the Capuchin House of Studies on Arch Street, where I am staying with Br. Peter Ciolino. This is the Capuchin (Franciscan) House of Formation where I stayed when I studied during summers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The fog is lifting, the sun is peeking out and a gorgeous Liquid Amber tree (a relative to the sycamore but has maple shaped leaves) is bright crimson outside my window. When I go up on the roof I see the Bay Bridge and in the distance the Golden Gate Bridge. Last night the skies were clear and the view was wonderful. Since I stayed here last years ago, the area has taken on historic status and is called the Gourmet District.
On Sunday, Br. Peter and I went to Holy Spirit Newman Center for Mass. The architecture of the church is modern (cast and molded concrete). The art and furnishings by the sculptor Stephen De Stabler are striking. The music and singing were wonderful (an unusual blend of contemporary--choir, piano and clarinet--mixed with a 16th century motet by Palestrina). An unusual aspect of this church is that there are no hymnals or missalettes. Rather, there is a large screen upon which the lyrics are projected. The presider had memorized the Gospel and proclaimed it (without text). The preaching was good. It was a very welcoming community.” Blessings as the beauty way continues, Fr. Daprile
NOVEMBER 8, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE"
Good greetings. Under a brilliant white moon set against a deep blue sky and bobbing above purple mountains I went to the newest church in Santa Fe, Santa Maria de la Paz, on All Souls night to remember our faithful departed. I always find this liturgy touching as I call to mind all those who have gone before us in faith and love. Beginning with my parents, sister, nephew, the list is long of family, friends, parishioners, the forgotten who have touched and shaped my life. May they rest in peace. The modern adobe church was built in 1999 and has the integrity and grace of so many southwestern buildings. Throughout the church were "nichos" for the "santos" important to this community. The altar was decorated with shells honoring Santiago and its Spanish past. Under the altar was a chest not only holding relics but also the baptismal and death records of all parishioners since its founding. For this celebration there were candles with the names of the deceased in the last year which were put on a huge candelabrum with at least 50 holders during the service. There was a retablo (painted shrine) for their patroness and Stations of the Cross that surrounded the assembly and which can be carried and walked through. They have a good website www.smdlp.org that has beautiful pictures and more descriptions of the church and its ministries. On All Saints Day I traveled to the Monastery of Christ in the Desert in Abiquiu. The long drive was a prayer in praise of all creation and wonder as the sun was rising and the mountains were painted in shades of violet, pink, yellow, ochre, crimson, green and taupe. Off the main road and for the last 13 miles at 15 mph because of the narrow, twisting and dirt road was a prayer for protection and guidance! The church was set up against the mountains and the large windows looked up to the mountains and the vastness of the high desert. The liturgy was very monastic and solemn. I have been filling my days painting, going to museums and reading. This has been a very rejuvenating time in Santa Fe. Hope all the saints reading this are blessed and continuing to walk the beauty way. Blessings as the beauty way continues, Fr. Daprile
NOVEMBER 1, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE" Good greetings. One day I took a break from painting and drove to Chimayo, a small mountain village known for el santuario de Chimayo and its holy dirt. Two centuries ago the cross of Our Lord of Esquipulas was found in a "pocito" (well) by Bernardo Abeyta in 1810. Since then thousands of pilgrims have come to this spot for prayer and healing (by rubbing the holy dirt from the well over the part of the body that needs healing). Some have described el santuario as the Lourdes of America because of the healings and miracles. There is a room filled with crutches, pictures, mementos of those healed or retired in some fashion. It was very moving. I went to Mass here and I was comforted in that the chubby Irish priest sang no better than me (off key, off tempo). It was a simple service but touching. Adjacent to el santuario was a brand new chapel opened only two months ago, Santo Niño Chapel, dedicated to children. A local artist took over two years of day and night work to depict the joy of children in the embrace of Jesus. Even though the chapel has been opened only a few months, it is filled with baby booties/shoes, perhaps as offerings of thanksgiving or joy or protection for the children. I met the artist and he was completing the last retablo (a shrine with many pictures of saints and angels and local symbols like the chiles which are grown in this area). It was a wonderful experience. Sunday I went to Mass at San Francisco de Asis in Ranchos de Taos. The service was bi-lingual, few tourists and simple. San Francisco de Asis is one of the best known and often photographed churches in New Mexico. This is due to the many painting that Georgia O'Keeffe did of its exterior. The parish has a full range of ministers, musicians and vitality.
Blessings as the beauty way continues, Fr. Daprile
OCTOBER 25, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE" Good greetings everyone. All is well. One of the constants of my sabbatical sojourns is the presence of mountains: Mount Brendon in Ireland, the Pyrenees and several mountain ranges in France/Spain, and now I am living in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) mountains in Santa Fe (Holy Faith). This week I DROVE into the mountains and was again mesmerized by their beauty and grandeur. The aspens were a golden yellow and were splendid. The vistas were breath-taking. I walked a bit into the southern tip of the Rockies and the landscapes were astonishing. I went to Mass on Sunday morning at a mission church/shrine (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) a few minutes walk from my casita. Last Friday I went to Mass at the Basilica Cathedral of Saint Francis. The congregation seemed to be all visitors and from every state in the Union. The liturgy was well prepared and the music in Spanish and English. The church building was renovated in the late 1980s and had a reredos with icons of Saints of the New World: Phillip of Jesus, Rose of Lima, Martin de Porres, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Francis Cabrini, Isaac Jogues, Junipero Serra, Miguel Cordero, Katherine Drexell, Peter Claver, Kateri Tekakwitha. They were beautifully painted and inspiring to look at. The basilica cathedral just kicked off its Cuarto Centenario 1610-2010 celebrations on the feast of Saint Francis, October 4. This parish is one of the oldest Catholic communities in the United States. In the middle of the cathedral courtyard/entry space is a labyrinth made of cut stone and modeled after Chartres cathedral (a marker noted that the first bishop of the diocese, Lamy, was from France and this labyrinth was installed to remember some of the French connections/origins of the area). I walked the labyrinth and prayed for the folks at St Brendan's who had the opportunity as well to walk a labyrinth. Later I went to the high desert about 45 miles from Santa Fe and a beautiful drive with mountains surrounding and unusual formations captivating. I picked up a bulletin there from Santo Tomas church and the priest is in charge of 7 churches!!!!!!! The weekend Mass schedule starts at 11 am SATURDAY morning and finishes at 11:50 am SUNDAY. One mission church just has an evening weekday Mass. Just for local interest: the car I am renting is a red Cobalt (I am never far from home). I am doing some painting. It's fun, it's creative and I'm still finding my style and temperament. Part of this renewal period is to let my heart sing and it is doing so with a paint brush. Blessings as the beauty way continues, Fr. Daprile
OCTOBER 18, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE"
He arrived safely back in the US this week and after a stopover at home, headed west to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he will be for the next month. He writes: “Good greetings to all. I got to Santa Fe without any problems or hassles (Southwest on time, car available, GPS working). “I am staying in a casita, a small house over 100 years old in the heart of the old part of the city and in a delightful neighborhood. The casita is about 1500 square feet with a good-sized living room, bed room, moderate kitchen and a tiny bath (I felt like I was in Spain again). It is very accommodating. There is a small garden in front with the remains of a few hollyhocks and a lot of Russian sage. I am only 5-10 minutes walking distance from the center of town and in the shadow of the Georgia O'Keeffe museum. “Today I am going to get my orientation to the city and the area. I will check out the mountains that surround me. Yes, there are mountains again (a recurring element in this beauty way). Yesterday it hailed hard then I saw a beautiful rainbow--perhaps an auspicious start.”
Fr. Jim Schutte and Fr. Daprile as they entered the plaza of the Santiago Cathedral as they completed their pilgrimage.
OCTOBER 11, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE"
Father wrote in joy from Spain on September 28: “Rejoice All. Fr. Jim Schutte and I made it to Santiago on Tuesday and are exhausted but very happy. Our last day on the camino did not fail to have the steep climbs and river bed declines that we have become accustomed to during the pilgrimage. The anticipation was heightened when we got to Monte Gozo (Mount of Joy) where we got our first glimpse of Santiago before us. Several miles later we reached the cathedral and were overwhelmed. We made our way to the scallop in the plaza that marks the end of the camino frances and were absolutely delighted. We took pictures and just savored the beauty and completion of the last 30 plus days. After we found our hostel and got cleaned up, we went to the Pilgrims Office where our credentials (like a passport, each day we had to have it stamped in a church, bar or hostel as evidence of making the journey and documenting it) were certified and we were given the compostella (certificate of completion) in Latin that we had fulfilled the pilgrimage requirements. Then we went into the cathedral and it was almost too much to take in. As one of the rituals, pilgrims climb up a set of stairs behind the main altar and hug the statue (from behind) of Saint James. Then we went into the crypt where the relics of Santiago are revered and said a prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude. I knelt for the first time even though it was very painful, but nonetheless we had made it. In fact, all of my family, friends, parishioners and other readers of these email updates have completed the pilgrimage as well. We have all journeyed in so many ways. We have prayed and have been steadfast and have traveled many roads. Being in Santiago is only a symbol for all of us who are on journey through life. Let us all give thanks. Today, Wednesday we are going to the traditional Pilgrims’ Mass at noon and that will bring our pilgrimage full circle. Know you are in our prayers and thoughts. “ He then wrote on the 1st of October: “Yesterday was an amazing end to our pilgrimage. The Pilgrims’ Mass at noon in the cathedral was jammed packed (over 1,700). The liturgy was nicely prepared; there was a cantor that led singing in a variety of languages. The priest began by saying, “The Lord be with you,” in about a dozen languages and each language group responded wholeheartedly. I was brought to tears at the communion line, I just looked at the feet of the pilgrims in dirty boots, taped up legs, bandaged sores, some with canes, some spryly, young and old as they gratefully approached for communion. So many people, so many differences, so much territory traveled, so wonderful. Then the wonderful surprise came. The botafumario (the world’s largest censer, almost 5 feet tall) was lowered. The priest said this was an act of thanksgiving for safe caminos and for the future. Then the priests added incense and about 8 men raised the censer, gave it a push and it swung over the heads of the congregation (the pulley was in the ceiling of the center nave). The organ blared and the cantor sang a hymn of thanksgiving. It was reverent and inspiring. We were lucky because the butafumario is only used on weekdays during a holy year (the next will be in 2010), so this was a pure delight. It seemed to sum up everything and we literally saw our prayers rise. (Some one told us that there is a clip on U Tube showing this; go to santiago compostella mass or something near this).” Peace and love from Fr. Daprile
OCTOBER 4, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE"
Here are the messages from Fr. Daprile’s final week on the Camino. The good news is that his leg healed enough that he could walk the final days: On September 22, he wrote: “We have passed from Leon region into Galicia and were greeted by Celtic music. What a strange sensation, what happened to the Spanish flair? This region is strongly Celtic and I felt like I was back in Ireland! The designs are a mix of España and Ireland, interesting. It seems that all the towns, villages, or crossroads where we have stopped have some special devotion to a local saint, someone who has promoted the gospel or the camino in a lasting fashion. There is a whole list of saints that I have never heard of that grace the towns: Toribio, Juan de Ortega, Santo Domingo, Laurentia, Lesmes (patron of Burgos) and several places have patrons of recently beatified men and women (awaiting another miracle before canonization). The beauty way is more than expected and different than imagined.” On Thursday, the 24th, he wrote: “Hope all is well with all. With all your prayers and a lot of rest, yesterday (Wednesday) I was back to walking on the camino. It was good not to be in a van or taxi going over the area. My leg is still sore but with periodic rests and a slow pace, I am making it, gratefully. We started off on a flat smooth path, then we were on a cow path, and then a river bed. The river bed was sharply downhill and very rocky. It was a test of endurance. Today we are in Sarria, and almost at the 100 kilometer mark. We have been in the mountains and the views are beautiful and panoramic. The day was a blessing. We are now into the homestretch. We can almost smell and imagine Santiago. Wow. “ On Monday, the 28th, he sent this: “Today we made it to Lavacolla. Tomorrow we will be in Santiago. It is hard to image that this pilgrimage is quickly now coming to an end. Lavacolla is the traditional place where pilgrims stopped to wash their clothes and themselves before the final trek into Santiago. After three days of 19, 18, and 17 miles, tomorrow’s 10 kilometer (or about 6 miles) will be a walk in the park. Most pilgrims have been carrying on their back packs scallop shells. Fr. Jim Schutte and I received ours in St. Jean and have had it on our packs since. With all the pilgrims who stream into Santiago daily, we are called Scallopinis! I’m really excited about tomorrow. I have been walking with a limp but with gratitude and joy. Tomorrow when I hug the statue of Saint James and pray in the crypt where his relics are, I will be holding all of you close to my heart. “It is fall here, so much so that as I was walking in an oak grove I got knocked by a few acorns. The camino is always up and down, through river beds and climbing mountains. All in all it has been really enjoyable, the weather has been perfect and the sights wonderful: beautiful horizons and the wonder of mountains, valleys, medieval hamlets and bustling cities. Keep us in prayer and we will surely remember all as we enter Santiago. “ Adios, Fr. Daprile
SEPTEMBER 27, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE"
Fr. Daprile wrote on Friday, September 18: “Good greetings all. Hope everyone is doing fine. Today marks the 50/50 day. I have walked half of the time and I have taken buses, taxis and vans the other days. I went to the Centro de Salud (hospital) in Leon. The doctor said that my knee is fine but the muscles below are strained. While my leg is feeling better and I’m walking easier (though with a walking stick) I am taking it easy. I want to walk the last 100 kilometers from Sarria to Santiago. So keep those healing prayers coming. “I am making a pilgrimage of a different sort [than as originally planned]. The ride gives me a flavor of the landscape. Right now we are ending the meseta (tablelands) and starting to get back into the mountains. When I get to the hostel where we will be for the night, I try to find the local church and spend a significant amount of time there in the quiet, praying, reading scriptures, meditating (and staying off my feet). Meanwhile, Fr. Jim Schutte continues to walk the whole day. We meet up when he arrives from his walk. Our days are really different but it creates some good conversation because of our experiences and reflections. “It seems that the Mater Dolorosa or Sorrowful Mother or Pieta (Mary holding the dead Jesus) is the symbol for the camino. Every church we went into had the statue prominently displayed in the sanctuary and lots of flowers. Mary has journeyed with her Son but despite death is still faithful and trusting in God’s promises of life and hope. That is sage advice for the pilgrim, the journey is demanding (however it is made), but we are to persevere in faith with the strength and blessings God has given us. We are called to be faithful all along the journey. “Our dinners have provided interesting company. We have run into several people who have made the camino many times. The most so far is 15, and that fellow said, that after the camino what else is there to do in life?” Then on Monday the 21st, Father wrote again: “Yesterday Fr. Schutte walked to the highest point in the mountains on the camino. At that site is the Cruz de Ferro (cross of iron) and pilgrims bring rocks/stones from their native places and place them there. I have been carrying a chunk of the marble slab from which our new altar was crafted and had hoped to place it at the cruz with the intentions of the people of St. Brendan and all family and friends. Fr. Schutte carried the stone and placed it at the cross for me. We both prayed, close and far away, for all and hope your lives are indeed blessed by God. Later as I was reading scripture, I read Psalm 15 which asked the question: who can dwell/live on the mountain of the Lord? And the psalmist replies the one who does justice, who fears the Lord, who acts blamelessly, who does no harm to the neighbor, who speaks the truth, who acts without fail, who keeps his pledge, and who walks/perseveres in the way of the Lord. This is the interior heights for which I hope to aspire (and the heights for all who are reading this), even though I feel the longing to have my feet on the mountain top too. “All is well, the mountains are before us, the air is fresh, and the camino goes on and on. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. In so many ways this has been amazing, not what I planned but what/who I have encountered.”
Fr. Daprile
SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE" Good greetings everyone. Hope all is fine as schools get back into the swing of things and a normal routine resumes. As Fr. Schutte and I were leaving Burgos, we were met by two angels. It was early in the morning and the way markers were not always visible or distinct. We started to veer off and then an elderly man took us by his hand and put us back on the camino. Then about a mile later a German woman, Uta, saw me limping. She was a massage therapist and she worked my knee and I was able to walk very comfortably. The day was a long walk, almost 20 miles through the Meseta (the flat tablelands). By now you have guessed it, I over did the walk. On Tuesday 9/9 we started out by after a few hundred yards, I could not walk. So I spent the day in the little square in Hontanas walking the parade of pilgrims and daily events. I saw eager and fast-footed pilgrims whipping through. Then a few more wearied folks who stopped for a mid-morning break. There were 5 guys on horseback making their way to Santiago. And there were some day trippers: out of Burgos about 40 people walked the camino and then were bussed back to Burgos. Today, I’m busing it again to Carrion. I’m want to make sure I can walk the last 100kms so I am going to play each day as it comes and try not to overextend my knee. My scripture reading today was from Paul and he wrote that a thorn has been given him so that we could boast only in the Lord and learn that it is in weakness, then we are strong. It’s a faith lesson that’s easy to preach but hard to learn and incorporate into life. I prayed that the camino would work its power over me and maybe this is one of the lessons I must learn. Otherwise, it has been a fantastic experience. We have met people from all over the globe. I am moving slowly by foot and always in prayer and hope. Give my best to all. Fr. Daprile
SEPTEMBER 13, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE" Father Daprile has been able to write to us by e-mail since undertaking his walk in Spain. He describes himself and Fr. Schutte as “slow but steady pilgrims.” Both have had some muscle and joint problems, but were able to see a doctor: “As we were leaving Santo Domingo early on Wednesday I could hardly bend my leg or move comfortably. At the edge of the city, we found a bus and took it to our next stop Belarado. It just so happened that our room was not ready and across the park was a “Centre de Salud,” an emergency care unit. With some apprehension we went in and asked to see a doctor. Surprisingly we were taken into an examination room and the doctor started to examine my leg. After probing a bit, he said I had to stay off my feet for ‘dos dias’ (two days). I was seen graciously by the doctor, given medicine and a prescription and was out in 10 minutes. He would accept no pay or offering. He was happy to help a pilgrim in need. I was grateful and humbled. I had a bad case of tendonitis.” They took two days rest. Of the town where they stopped to rest, he writes, “It just so happened that it was a major fiesta going on in Belarado, so we went out later to see the procession of statues, including a beautiful Madonna, followed by dancers, clergy and almost the whole town in procession wearing clown type or colored pants. It was not only the elderly, but all ages and families joined in. It was an impressive sight.” Since then, the two pilgrims have returned to the road. Fr. Daprile writes: “I was hobbling at first trying to shake out the stiffness but eventually my muscles became relaxed and the walk was good, especially on the flat part.” He writes of the typical day, which begins with getting up and eating something very simple about 7:30AM or so. “Then we pray and walk and walk and walk. Late in the afternoon we reach our destination, wash our clothes while there is still some sun to dry them, shower and take a good nap. Most places have a parish church with an evening Mass at 7:30 or 8 pm. Afterwards we eat (in Spain most people do not go out until 10 pm for dinner, so some bars and restaurants have what is called a Pilgrim’s Menu served between 8 and 9). It is pretty simple: a salad, main dish and dessert. All the salads are hearty, the meats fresh and tasty and everyone has flan as a specialty. French fries are served with every dish, even pasta one night. Then we hit the beds! So far that is the basic outline of the day. If we are up to it we may stroll around the city and plazas but if often depends of what strength we have left. As we travel we also chat with those we run into. Everyone starts in their native tongue: where are you from? and then we try to find a common language or we use hand signals. We have met people from Hungary, South Africa, Korea, France, Italy, Sicily, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain. Everyone has a story and everyone seems to make the best of efforts to communicate.” “The churches we have prayed in and visited are stunning. We walked to the Burgos Cathedral, a world heritage site. What an amazing structure. The artisanship was overwhelming and the complex incredible. Buildings were of a much different order then. The next few days takes us through some deserted areas over the Maesta, the plains.” “Be assured we are thinking and praying for all and know you are doing the same for us. It really is a beauty way.” To read more, go to http://stbrendanyo.stpaulstube.com. People have looked at the blog more than 1000 times in the past month. So far, though, no one has commented on the page itself. If you want to comment on any of the postings from Fr. Daprile or from the parish, click on the {comment} button under the writing.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE" This past week Fr. Daprile departed Dublin and arrived in France to take the first steps of his 500-mile walk. He wrote on August 28: “The first day thunderstorms were predicted but when we got up it was a beautiful day, though foggy for the first few hours. After 200 feet of cobblestone downhill, we began a six-hour ascent climbing the Pyrenees. I admit, it was exhausting and the summit never seemed to appear but finally we made it. We saw a great sight of endangered Griffin vultures floating through the skies. Glad they were not after us! Unfortunately, now the hard part began -- a very steep and prolonged descent over terrain that was jagged and through river streams that were filled with loose shale and slate. It was a very slow and demanding descent. It seemed that every step was a decision, where to step without falling or slipping. Probably the hardest part was the unknown, how far? what was around the bend?... That night at 8:00 there was a pilgrims’ mass in the little church and it was touching. They read out the names of all the countries that were represented that night…. The blessing was done in many languages and was an encouraging experience. We thought the first day was the hardest, but we were proved wrong. Our second day, while mostly downhill, was dangerous, going over terrain that was worse than the first day. But we persevered. We spent as much time focused on the ground as we did trying to enjoy the day. Today was almost a walk in the park. It was overcast, but we walked through an old beech forest (someone said one of the oldest in Europe) and a fragrant fir forest and walked along side a river with little waterfalls. We crossed several Roman bridges, marveling at their beauty and utility after all these centuries. Tonight we are in Pamplona, but no run with the bulls. Curtis, who organized our pilgrimage (check out www.pilgrimpathways.com) is going to give us an overview of the city. As I settle into the way of the camino, hopefully the camino will become less a physical (endurance) ordeal and more a time of reflection and entering into the beauty of creation and pilgrimage. With blessings to all from Fr. Daprile
AUGUST 30, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE" Meanwhile, Father Daprile travels much longer and steeper passages. Last week he visited many sites associated with Saint Brendan’s life. He prayed at the place where Brendan was baptized and where his teacher, Saint Ita, is buried. In another area, he saw where Bishop Erc ordained Brendan a priest. From the Dingle Peninsula, Fr. Daprile wrote: “Went to Brandon's Creek, where Brendan launched his craft for the Land of the Saints. The little protected cove was beautiful and the wide sea beckoned. I was enthralled by the site. There was a little bronze sculpture of Brendan in his currach going through the pass and into the unknown.” He also climbed Mount Brandon, the second highest mountain in the British Isles. He wrote: “The ascent is 3000+ feet. I started off easily enough, then the climb got rocky, steep and slippery. I badly sprained my knee about half-way up but I was determined to get to the summit. As I limped along, the wind kicked up, the fog rolled in and vision was limited to the next way marker. Yet I persevered to the top. It was splendid but entirely covered in fog.” By the end of last week he was reflecting on his Irish experience: “It is hard to sum up moving experiences. They touched me deeply, called forth appreciation for those who pursued these paths and inspired me to go beyond the narrowly imposed limits around.” And…”As I travel, there is a strange juxtapositioning of the active, the ruined and the restored. Things have changed, peoples have moved on and out, allegiances have shifted. The restored are monuments to the past, the ruined are reminders that nothing lasts forever, and the active is where we need to be investing our energies. But as our diocese and city undergo change, we need to be reminded that change is both inevitable and necessary.” More of Fr. Daprile’s writing is at http://stbrendanyo.stpaulstube.com.
AUGUST 23, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE" Father Daprile was able to get to a computer last week and sends greetings and peace to all parishioners. He wrote from Ireland on Saturday, August 16: “All is going well. Visited Clonmacnoise: now an historic site of a formerly active and famous monastery. Saw three splendid high crosses and haunting ruins. Friday I visited Clonfert, Brendan's foundation where there were 3000 monks at one time. No one knows where Brendan is actually buried, but legend marks a spot outside the church where Brendan's cat jumped from the church top and left his/her paw prints on the stone slab. The restored cathedral is from the 12th century and needs a lot more repair but has wonderful features. Brendan is pictured with an oar and 2 sea serpents and there is a beautiful mermaid in marble just as you enter the sanctuary. Today, I spent the day in ferries, going to the Aran Island of Inishmore and then splashing under the Cliffs of Moher. While the weather has been mostly moist (i.e. rainy and cold), the sun was out over the waters. Tomorrow I'm going to drive through the Burren and then visit a replica of Brendan's currach [a hide-covered traditional Irish boat].” He will be arriving back in Dublin this weekend and departs for Spain to begin his 500-mile walk this coming Wednesday.
AUGUST 16, 2009 "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE" This past Wednesday, Fr. Daprile departed our shores to land in Dublin, Ireland. From there he crosses the midlands of Ireland and is due to reach the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry by the middle of this week. It is there that he will walk in the footsteps of Saint Brendan himself. Fr. Daprile will visit the Aran Islands where Saint Brendan was taught by Saint Ita, and where his faith was inspired by God. It was from the Dingle Peninsula in the sixth century that our patron saint embarked on his sea-going adventures. Fr. Daprile will visit a replica of Saint Brendan’s boat which was built in the 1970s by Tim Severin, who sailed the North Atlantic in it, proving that it was possible for Saint Brendan to have done what was claimed by believers. By the end of this week, Fr. Daprile will be in Cashel, in County Tipperary, the seat of many Irish kings. To see pictures of these places, go to our blog at http://stbrendanyo.stpaulstube.com.
AUGUST 9, 2009
WE BEGIN THE SERIES OF "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FATHER DAPRILE" Each week we will be seeing where Father is on his Sabbatical: This past Wednesday, August 12, Fr. Daprile departed our shores to land in Dublin, Ireland. From there he crosses the midlands of Ireland and is due to reach the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry by the middle of this week. It is there that he will walk in the footsteps of Saint Brendan himself. Fr. Daprile will visit the Aran Islands where Saint Brendan was taught by Saint Ita, and where his faith was inspired by God. It was from the Dingle Peninsula in the sixth century that our patron saint embarked on his sea-going adventures. Fr. Daprile will visit a replica of Saint Brendan’s boat which was built in the 1970s by Tim Severin, who sailed the North Atlantic in it, proving that it was possible for Saint Brendan to have done what was claimed by believers. By the end of this week, Fr. Daprile will be in Cashel, in County Tipperary, the seat of many Irish kings. To see pictures of these places, go to our blog at http://stbrendanyo.stpaulstube.com.
Please watch as we follow Fr. Daprile Sabbatical AUGUST 2, 2009
4th Mini-Pilgrimage Downtown Youngstown on July 25
Happy Adventurers of Vacation Bible School
THE TIME HAS COME. The renewal journeys begin for me and for the parish. As we did at the beginning of each mini-pilgrimage and so now we pray:
Reveal, O Lord, to my eyes your glory. Expose, O Lord, to my heart your love. Disperse, O Lord, from my mind the darkness. Fill, O Lord, my life with your light. Protect, O Lord, from thoughts without actions. Guard, O Lord, from words without feelings. Defend, O Lord, from ideas without results. And surround me me/us with your Presence. Open my eyes, my heart, my mind, my will, my soul To the blowing of your Spirit. Amen.
“Adiós”, quiere decir: “íVaya usted con Dios!” Mi coraźon se alegra, contigo voy, Señor.
JULY 26, 2009 THANK YOU to Joe Vivacqua who organized the annual baseball game for our altar servers. It was a beautiful night at Eastwood Field and the Scrappers pulled out a win with a late ninth inning grand slam. Thanks. LAST SATURDAY I was in Loveland, OH for the funeral of William Schickel. Bill was a friend of mine and often an inspiration to pursue the connections between beauty and the sacred. His work had a sublime dignity to it as he saw the holy in the ordinary. We have two of his serigraphs with oil in the church: Visitation in the main vestibule and Jesus with the Children in the hallway leading to the south parking lot. (There are also several other pieces of mine in the rectory.) The funeral was a touching experience. Bill had designed, made and decorated his own casket several years ago from a tree that fell in their yard. When he died his sons got the casket out of the barn, re-oiled it, set their father in it and nailed on the lid (decorated with a simple cross characteristic of his work with a rising sun). The wake and Mass was in Grailville Oratory, which was one of Bill’s first liturgical commissions. He converted an old milking barn into a splendid, simple and sun drenched place of worship. This Oratory set the design standard for Catholic church renovations after the Vatican Council’s document on worship. The family is blessed with lots of musicians so there was lots of music. After the final commendations, we (a group of about 200) processed to the little cemetery (about a ¼ mile away in the fields), while the body was placed on a flatbed trailer pulled by a tractor. When we got to the grave site, we sang and prayed; and the little ones peered into the deep hole. As the body was lowered into the ground by the grandsons we sang the Litany of the Saints. Then at the end, a family member came forward and said, “Let us now finished this corporal work of mercy—to bury the dead—by taking up a shovel and filling in the grave.” All went to work. For the next 45 minutes or so coats were taken off, shirt sleeves rolled up, fancy shoes exchanged for tennis shoes and Bill Schickel was finally laid to rest next to his wife. On the back of the program was this quote from John Paul II in his Letter to Artists on Easter, 1999: Artists who are conscious of their “gift,” are led all the more to see themselves and the whole of creation with eyes able to contemplate and give thanks, and to raise to God a hymn of praise. This is the only way for them to come to a full understanding of themselves, their vocation and their mission. As the hymn (O God Beyond All Praising) assures us We’ll triumph through our sorrows and rise to bless you still; To marvel at your beauty and glory in your ways, And make a joyful duty our sacrifice of praise. SEE YOU ALL AT THE PICNIC NEXT SUNDAY.
JULY 19, 2009 THE THIRD MINI-PILGRIMAGE was well attended and we had several new trekkers. The Rose Gardens and the surrounding areas were a beautiful and peaceful place to walk with God and one another. Our next gathering on Saturday 25 at 8:30 am will be a pilgrimage through downtown Youngstown with Bill Lawson, Director of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, as our guide. As we walk, he will point out details, tell stories and enlighten us about the center of our city. We will meet at the old Ross Radio Building/the new Historical Society Building. There is plenty of on street parking available. While our mini-pilgrimages are only a few miles, this past week Fr. Jim Schutte and I have been walking to build up endurance, establish a comfortable pace and prepare for the 500 mile trek ahead of us. On Monday we hiked 17 miles and on Tuesday 15.2 crossing the roadways and marvelous trails in Mill Creek Park. So far, blisters have been few and manageable. SEEKING SUPPORT FOR OUR PICNIC As we have done the past few years, we will take a second collection to defray the costs of paper products, beverages, and rentals (tents & chairs) for the picnic. Everyone has always had a wonderful time praying among nature, savoring wonderful foods and relaxing in one another’s company. Please be generous on the weekend of July 25/26.
JULY 12, 2009
4TH MINI-PILGRIMAGE The fourth parish mini-pilgrimage will take place on Saturday, July 25 at 8:30 am. We’ll be gathering in the downtown area, and we'll incorporate some historical sight-seeing with a guided tour. Look for more information in next week’s bulletin. P.E.A.C.E. A family focused support group called (P)arents (E)ncouraging (A)cademics with (C)atholic (E)ducation is being developed. This idea arose in the parish parent meeting with children from St. Brendan’s attending our local Catholic elementary and high schools. Contact Rick & Janette Koewacich (home: 234-855-1414 or koewacich@yahoo.com) for more information THANK YOU to Mark Allison and crew for repairing the two water basins and drain offs in the parking lot behind Maxwell Hall. Concrete liners and new grates were installed. And happily there was no graffiti on the newly poured concrete. This is a much needed improvement and we are grateful to Mark and all for their hard work and skill. NO LAST SUPPER After 30 years of cooking, housekeeping and laundry (10+ at St. Charles in Boardman and 19+ years at St. Brendan’s), Margaret Paglia has retired. Any one who was in the rectory when she worked was always captivated by the alluring smells coming from her culinary skills in the kitchen (garlic was always the best!). If you were lucky you might also be savoring one of her biscotti or wedding cookies. Margaret was always cheerful, conscientious, and creative. BUT, Margaret missed her last day of work. Unfortunately, she fell in her bathroom at home and broke her femur. So instead of stirring a tomato sauce with her well-used wooden spoon, she was in surgery getting a titanium replacement part. Now she is at Greenbrier Boardman doing wonderfully in rehab. FAQS If you missed the insert last week about my Renewal Leave/Sabbatical, there are copies in the racks at all the entrances. If you have any other questions, write or e-mail and I will address them as best I can with the time remaining.
I have to admit I got a bit more excited this week when I received my Credencial del Peregrino from the American Pilgrims on the Camino organization (see their website for lots of information www.americanpilgrims.com). The Credencial—a small passport-like booklet—identifies one as a pilgrim and must be stamped every day at the pensiones (lodgings), parishes, institutions, police stations or commercial establishments to document the pilgrimage and to be eligible to receive the final stamp at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and to acquire the Compostela certificate certifying completion of this spiritual journey.
JULY 5, 2009
On this Independence Day weekend, as we think with gratitude of all God’s blessings, prayer seems the only adequate response. Learning to pray is part of being good citizens of our country and of the larger world community. “Our action as Faithful Citizens should flow from prayer. When we pray, we experience God and we remember that he is in us and in all people, who are created in his image and have inherent dignity. If we want to truly be faithful citizens, we must know how to come to God in prayer, experience God in ourselves and others, and listen to the ways God is calling us to respond.” The US Catholic Bishops offer “Nine New Ways to Pray”. “The Newspaper Prayer” is described below. Check out the other “ways to pray” at www.faithfulcitizenship.org/youth/deeper The Newspaper Prayer “Look through a print or online newspaper to find a news article about an important issue. Cut out (or print out) the article and bring it with you to a quiet place where you can pray. Think about how human dignity is affected by the issue or situation. Pray for God’s healing and transformation for all people impacted, lawmakers, and citizens like yourself. Ask God how he is asking you to respond to this issue.” We invite you to cut out the following prayer and make praying for our country a part of being a “faithful citizen”. For Conversion of the Nations O God, you are the foundation of every righteous nation. From the unity of your love, our world has seen the progress of many peoples and the birth of many nations. But too often the human spirit has been lured by selfish greed, the arrogance of warlike pride, and the lust of pride and power. Into a nation shackled by oppressors, Jesus was born and lived in gentleness of spirit. In his life and death he called forth a new nation, a people of justice and peace. In the upper room, a new law of love was spoken to a hungry world whose nations are starving still from oppression and violence. Send forth the power of your Holy Spirit. Convert the nations to your love. Rid every government of the will to wage war and the desire to oppress. Raise up leaders for your people whose words will inspire us to new deeds of compassion. Make your justice the light for our paths. We ask this through Christ and the Holy Spirit, with you, One God, forever and ever. Amen (Act Justly, Love Tenderly, Walk Humbly by Edward Gabriele.
JUNE 28, 2009
THE PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL met this past week and here are a few of the items of discussion:
MINI-PILGRIMAGE 3 We will meet at 8:30 am in the church parking lot on July 11 for our third mini-pilgrimage. Jim Stafford is planning a “west side thing.” Hope you can join us. REMINDER FOR PARENTS SENDING THEIR CHILDREN to Catholic schools, either elementary or high school. There will be a meeting on Monday, July 28 at 6:30 pm in Room 103 to discuss this partnership and responsibilities.
JUNE 21, 2009
THE FIRST MINI-PILGRIMAGE attracted 25 parishioners—young and all—at Wick Park. After we were fitted with pilgrim shells, Jim Stafford explained our route. Our next mini-pilgrimage is Saturday, June 27 at 8:30 am gathering in the parking lot off Shields Road for the Bike-Hike Trail (1½ mile). Hope you can join us. Picture courtesy of Kevin Gura. MONKS’ BREAD There are still some loaves of Sunflower and 20 Grain available. Call the rectory if you are interested in this delicious bread. SQUELCHING RUMORS AND MISINFORMATION Summit Academy will be educating children with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder and autism in our former school building next year. Yes, Summit Elementary had its license revoked by the State of Ohio Education Department, but Summit has reorganized and will continue to lease our facility and provide educational opportunities for children with special needs. MEMORIAL FUND DONATION The family and friends of Ann Olsavsky have donated $930.00 to the Memorial Fund in her name. We are grateful for the generosity, remembrance and kindness.
JUNE 14, 2009 THE ANNUAL JUNE ALTAR & ROSARY BANQUET was held at St. George Hall and officers and board members were blessed for another year of service. I am grateful to the Altar & Rosary Society for their committed support, their supply of hosts and wine for our Eucharistic celebrations and the generous gift of $1,900.00, which has been earmarked for the Memorial Fund and future needs for the church. Amy Kernan, Teri Laret, Barb Olbrych, Jean McGonnell Dee Snyder, Angie Phillipone, Dorothy LoSasso Barb Dunlap Fr. James Daprile THE SECOND MINI-PILGRIMAGE will
take place on Saturday, June 27. We will walk the hike trail
WITH TROWELS AND A MISTY RAIN, a dedicated crew planted a colorful array of flowers around the church and rectory grounds. Thanks to Fran Mihalik (co-ordinator), Pam Mihalik, Dorothy Collingsworth, Brendan Collingsworth, Rita Flora and Angie Johnson. Thanks to Gene Celio who grew gorgeous red zinnia plants from seeds for the island behind the rectory. And thanks to Al Mihalik who prepares the grounds, prunes the bushes and plants the dahlias (hopefully for another glorious display this summer).
PARISHIONERS WITH CHILDREN who wish to attend area Catholic schools (elementary and high school) and who seek parish sponsorship are invited to a meeting on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 7:00 pm in Room 103. We will discuss our parish policies and parishioner responsibilities. Please make every effort to attend.
JUNE 7, 2009
James the Greater, the brother of John, was one of the disciples of Jesus. It is thought that he spent some time preaching the Gospel on the Iberian Peninsula. He was martyred in Jerusalem.
There are two versions of how the scallop became associated with this apostle.
Besides being the mythical symbol, the scallop shell also acts as a metaphor. The grooves in the shell, which come together at a single point, represent the various routes pilgrims traveled, eventually arriving at a single destination: the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. The scallop shell is also a metaphor for the pilgrim. As the waves of the ocean wash scallop shells up on the shores of Galicia, God's hand also guided the pilgrims to Santiago.
As I will be walking the 500 mile pilgrim route, the camino francés, in late August and September, I invite you into the journey by participating in a series of mini-pilgrimages in our area. Our first event will be Saturday, June 13, meeting at the pavilion at Wick Park (on the northside and across from Stambaugh Auditorium) at 8:30 am. After we get organized, we will begin with a prayer and then walk the perimeter of the park. One lap is about one mile. You can go at your own pace and set your own distance. Bring any snacks, water, etc you think you might need. We will walk rain or shine, so bring umbrellas or ponchos, if necessary. Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 with the place yet to be decided (and we are open to suggestions). As an incentive to participate in all 8 mini-pilgrimages, there will be a prize. This event is being organized by Jim Stafford and promises to be an enjoyable, fit and fun event.
MAY31, 2009
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? TELL ME WHAT’S A’HAPPENING! At the church entrances are colorful and creative boards that describe activities, needs, programs, and directions our parish will take while I am on my sabbatical leave. I hope you will take some time and review them, ask questions and sign up to participate. Here is a summary of the various boards:
ADMINISTRATION There is a need to
continue the day-to-day operations of the parish.
CLERGY WELCOME & OUTREACH There is a need to welcome visiting priests and showing them around; making sure their needs are met and connecting them with the St. Brendan parish community. Contact Deb Brown.
LAY LEADERS OF PRAYER A lay leader
of prayer is a parishioner who feels called to lead the public
SPANISH MINISTRY There is a need
to empower and expand this emerging community
in our parish. Contact: Rosa Blacksher.
WALKING THE BEAUTY WAY Three parish gathering/events are planned for the fall on Celtic spirituality (September 13), a labyrinth walk (October 11) and an art experience and dinner in Cleveland (November 8). Contact: Barb Carissimo & Deb Zalovcik.
PARISH PICNIC AND SEND-OFF On
August 2 we will gather for our annual summer picnic. Contact:
Joe Kachurek & Linda Fehrer.
MAY 24, 2009
OUR BRENDAN BRUNCH was an opportunity to honor Joe Vivacqua for 25 years as a catechist in our CCD program. He has followed in the footsteps of our patron in giving selflessly and graciously. Many blessings and congratulations, Joe. [In addition to Joe and me in the picture is Geri Jacquet, our former Director of Religious Education and Joan Lawson, our Director of Faith Formation.] THANKS to all who made our feastday celebration so wonderful: the Faith Formation Committee who planned and organized the event, our musicans, Geri Jacquet who wrote new lyrics to the St. Brendan Tune (we are familiar with it as They Will Know We are Christians by Our Love), our Parish Pastoral Council who made presentations on our needs and parish renewal activities, and to all who made breads, stratas, fruit salads, set up and cleaned up and attended to all the myriad tasks. Thank you. AN UNSOLLICITED LETTER This past week I received a note from a woman with her name and address on it and it read: To whom it may concern: I’d appreciate it if you could send me some raffle tickets. Thank you. And it was signed!! This person is not registered in the parish and I do not know her. Sadly, I cannot fulfill her request. This is a rare occasion of enthusiasm for some unknown cause. BISHOP’S APPEAL for Charity and Church 2009 Our parish participation in our annual diocesan appeal has gotten off to a very slow start. Our parish goal is $27,360.00. To date we have had 68 households (out of 710 registered or roughly less than 10%) respond and we have pledged $10,668.00 (39% of our goal). Again, I ask every household to make a pledge and to consider a sacrificial gift of $150.00 (which can be paid in installments). Attached to the bulletin is a pledge envelope for your convenience (which can be put in the collection basket or mailed directly to the diocese with a stamp). Please help make a difference for the poor and needy. BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED: After attending a convention led by Billy Graham a woman wrote to him. “Dear Sir, I feel that God is calling me to preach the gospel. But the trouble is that I have twelve children. What shall I do?” The televangelist replied: “Dear Madam, I am delighted to hear that God has called you to preach the Gospel. I am even more delighted to hear that He has provided you with a congregation.”
MAY 17,2009
AS WE CELEBRATE THE FEAST DAY (MAY 16) OF OUR PATRON, ST. BRENDAN THE NAVIGATOR (484-577), I thought I might be worthwhile to reflect and offer some poems and prayers—ancient and modern—that reflect the Celtic way of life and spirituality of the early Celtic saints.
Life in its fullness is found only in God. Augustine of Hippo expresses it well: God of our Blessedness, The source, the beginning and creator of joy And of all that is joyful; God of goodness and beauty Who is in all that is good and beautiful; God, our discernible Light, Who can be discerned in all that shines with that light; God whose kingdom is the whole universe That our senses cannot perceive; God whose kingdom lays down laws for the kingdoms of this world; God from whom to stray is to fall, And to turn to is to rise up, In whom to remain is to rest on a firm foundation. To leave you is to die, To return to you is to come back to life, To dwell in you is to live.
Brendan and his crew did not look at the waves that threatened but on the horizon: Shall I abandon, O king of the Mysteries, the soft comforts of home? Shall I turn my back on my native land, and my face toward the sea? Shall I take my tiny coracle across the wide, sparkling ocean? O King of Glorious Heaven, shall I go of my own choice upon the seas? O Christ will you help me on the wild waves?
Dag Hammarskjöld in Markings asks a similar sentiment: I am being driven forward Into an unknown land, The pass grows steeper, The air colder and sharper. A wind from my unknown goal Stirs the strings of expectation. Still the question: Shall I ever get there? There where life resounds A clear white note. In the silence.
And later in his book he writes, “Once I answered Yes to Someone — or Some thing. And from that hour I was certain that existence is meaningful, that therefore, my life, in self-surrender has a goal.”
The French poet Guillaume Apollinaire captures the adventure well: Come to the edge, He said. They said, We are afraid. Come to the edge He said. They come He pushed them, ans they flew.
In Hymn of the Universe, Teilhard de Chardin wrote, “Happy is the man who fails to stifle his vision.”
MAY 10,2009
We are all grateful to the dedicated work of the Worship Committee, all our choirs (Sonshine, Adult, Spanish), liturgical ministers, Bucket Brigade and all who participated, prayed and supported our liturgies and events.
As pastor, I am grateful for the generous Easter collection of $10,400.00. In these struggling economic times, your financial support is truly edifying.
I am also happy to report that Operation Rice Bowl, the international outreach arm of the Catholic Relief Efforts, yielded $1,260.95.
And, our Lenten Fish Dinners netted $6,797.34 and of this amount $700.00 is designated to St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen (this is the profit from the 50/50 Raffles). So many dedicated parishioners cleaned, cooked and served our delicious and reasonably priced dinners and carry-outs. Thank you all.
Several folks have asked what kind of plant is now enhancing our Paschal Candle. They are bromeliads—a tropical plant with a rosette flower and spiky leaves. The pineapple is in this family. If the light is right, the flower will turn more purple as the weeks go on.
BUT ENOUGH ABOUT ME, FOR THE TIME BEING, this sabbatical time is also a time for the parish to be renewed. At our Brunch with Brendan Celebration next Sunday, members of Parish Pastoral Council will outline some of the parish plans and seek your input and participation. To whet your appetite, not only for the delicious stratas and breads, but also these projects: · Mini-pilgrimages: a way to “warn us all up” for the journeys ahead · Parish Picnic and Send-off on Sunday, August 2 · Development of Lay Leaders · Communications · Parish Workshops/Session on Celtic Spirituality, Pilgrimage (and walking a labyrinth) and Faith and Art · Welcoming, Spanish Ministry, and Home-coming
APRIL26, 2009 A PSALM OF E=MC2 EASTER
Brother Einstein’s Easter Law For
that quantum equation maintains My
body, so subject to sickness, The
lifeless matter of his once vibrant body
Yet, you who are Life could not stand to see
You
reanimated the matter of his body
In
your infinite design
Take hope, my heart,
APRIL18, 2009
Our Easter Egg Hunt on Holy Saturday attracted well over 150 children. And then the scramble began
By our baptism we have become his body, and we rejoice that the Risen One guarantees us freedom from death and endless life. O God, give us the grace to daily live out this glorious life of the risen Christ.
This week's mantra: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! – prayer from The Pilgrimage Way of the Cross by Fr. Ed Hays
At the Easter Vigil Dennys B and Jessica Hernandez were confirmed and Burt Myers and Rob Brose were fully received into the Church. Many blessings and congratulations.
APRIL 4, 2009
LET US GO TO THE ALTAR OF GOD A COLLAGE OF OUR DEDICATION MARCH 29, 2009
March 29, 2009
doors). All of these liturgical items are made of solid walnut and marble quarried from India (called appropriately “forest of trees”). The prayers for this feast day can equally be applied to the arrival of these beautifully crafted items: “Hail thee, festival day!” And “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.” And “Sing a new song to the Lord.” And “Just as the coming of the Lord was announced by an angel” so too we welcome and rejoice with the arrival these magnificent symbols of our liturgy and gathering. Deo Gratias!
EARLIER IN THE WEEK, Monday to be exact, I was asked to preside at the Senior Class Mass at Cardinal Mooney High School. I was not sure what to expect when I got to the school at 9:30am. But quickly I was happily surprised. There was a choir, a half dozen liturgical musicians, well trained and reverent and Eucharistic ministers, attentive servers AND everyone sang with gusto. I might have been a little biased because Kyle Farley from our parish is a Senior as well as my nephew Christopher, but the whole experience was wonderfully prayerful. Expect for one item: the altar was rugged and shaky and the ambo was makeshift. On the spot, I decided to offer to CMHS our sanctuary furnishings. They were delighted. They have not had a matching set of altar, ambo, chair, credence table, and music director’s stand. The school’s shop class is going to refinish and do some minor repairs on them and then they will have some worthy and fitting liturgical appointments for their worship. This surely resolves our dilemma on what to do with the altar and might even be considered liturgical recycling. Deo Gratias!
FINALLY, due to the altar installation I presided at a funeral at Holy Name. They were very gracious in accommodating us. Afterwards the sacristan came to me and said it was a beautiful Mass but a little different from the way they usually do things. And so I asked “What was different?” She replied that she was touched by the members of the Altar and Rosary Society participating and acting as an honor guard and that we had women servers!!! She said she was going to bring that up to the pastor!!! Deo Gratias.
March 22, 2009
JIMMY MINNIE prepares a pan of fish early Friday morning for our weekly Lenten dinners and carry-outs. We could always use a few more hands in the kitchen and more patrons.
2009 PASCHAL CANDLE If anyone would like to memorialize the new Easter Candle, please contact me as soon as possible. This year’s candle has been specially designed by Jenny Kramer to complement the designs in the Good Shepherd window. ALTAR AND AMBO DEDICATION Next weekend at the 10:00 am Mass we are honored to have our bishop, George Murry, SJ, present to pray with us, dedicate our new sanctuary furnishings and preside at Mass. All three choirs will participate (Adult, Sonshine, Spanish) and our prayers and songs will be bi-lingual. I hope you will make every effort to join us for this festive, unusual and beautiful event. I would like to see the church so overflowing, that even the choir loft is filled—as a sign of our parish vibrancy and commitment! THE DEDICATION PRAYERS evoke the richness of our Tradition and spur us on to faithful living today. Blessing the Ambo, the bishop prays: May the word of God always be heard in this place, as it unfolds the mystery of Christ before you and achieves your salvation within the Church. Dedicating the Altar, the bishop reminds us of the altars of Noah and his fragrant offering, of Abraham and his wholehearted faith, of Moses who cast the blood of a lamb on the Passover altar, and of Christ who freely mounted the tree of the cross and gave himself as the perfect sacrifice and new covenant. Bless this altar as a sign of Christ Make it a table of joy where the friends of Christ may hasten to cast upon you their burdens and cares and take up their journey restored. Make it a place of communion and peace, so that those who share the body and blood of your Son may be filled with his Spirit and grow in your life of love. Make it a source of unity and friendship, where your people may gather as one to share your spirit of mutual love. Make it the center of our praise and thanksgiving….AMEN.
March 15, 2009 QUESTION: What will happen to our old altar and ambo? ANSWER: Care and respect must be given to all items that have been blessed or dedicated for religious use (sacred oils, statues, ritual books and missals, palms, crosses, medals, altars, vestments, chalices, etc.). Blessed religious items may never be sold or exchanged for money. Any re-use of them must be in accord with the original intentions (statues, pews or altars given to another church for worship or devotion). Any secular use is to be carefully considered, tempered and never to give scandal or any indications of disrespect. Any abuse is to be avoided.
In the case of our altar, ambo, and chair, these items will be offered for use in another diocesan church through our diocesan publication, Communique. If there is no interest and we cannot find a creative re-use for them, then they will be stored or perhaps burnt at the St. John the Baptist fire (June 24) that is a Hispanic custom of disposing of broken, tattered, worn, or unused religious objects. The ashes are reverently buried.
QUESTION: How are we going to pay for the new altar? ANSWER: There will not be any special collection or solicitation for donors to pay for our new altar, ambo, and presider’s chair. Nor will funds be taken from our operating budget. Over the past several years, Fr. Daprile has been investing any monies (such as from memorials at the time of death, special donations, gifts from the Altar and Rosary, etc.) in the St. Brendan Memorial Fund. This Fund has long been in existence and is used to beautify and enhance our church and sanctuary.
March 8, 2009
QUESTION: Why do we use INCENSE in the Catholic Church, and what does it symbolize?
ANSWER: Incense stimulates three of our five senses; we smell it burning; hear the clinking of it's chain; and see both the golden brazier (or thurible or censer) and the tendrils of rising smoke, but what our senses do not so readily perceive is that we are witnessing a powerful symbol of the unity of the Church, and the strength derived from our prayer and sacrifice.
Historically the burning of incense dates back to pre-Christian antiquity, when burning incense was believed to purify people and objects and to expel evil. Early Jews practiced the burning of incense in the Temple in Jerusalem. The Romans, similarly, bore burning braziers of incense before secular authorities in processional rites. Because of early associations with pagan rites, early Christians first rejected the use of incense for religious purposes. It was not until Emperor Constantine adopted Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire (313 A.D.) that the stigma began to change. Christians began honoring popes and bishops, in processions, in much the same way emperors and generals were honored.
It is believed that in the 7th century, under Eastern influence, some Christian communities began incensing the gifts on the altar. The formal incensation of the altar was not common until the 11th century, when it was used to symbolize purification and protection. The practice came to be generally interpreted, as it is today, as a symbol of prayer and sacrifice ascending to God with the smoke. Originally incense was lit in a thurible, and carried at the head of a procession, at the beginning and end of the mass, and also during the gospel, but the practice was not yet formalized. Later on, the Church developed special prayers and complex gestures for the incensation of gifts, the altar, clergy and the congregation. Today these complex practices are only remembered by historians, and incensing is kept relatively simple.
Some general rules for Incensing, used today are: ►The gifts on the altar may be incensed, to symbolize the church’s offering and prayer ascending to God. After this the priest and congregation may be incensed. ►The Book of the Gospels is reverenced by incense. ►The blessing of the incense, by the priest, is done in silence with the sign of the cross. ►The altar is, if possible, is incensed as the priest walks around it. ►If there is a cross on, or near, the altar, it is incensed before the altar, unless the cross is behind the altar, in which case the priest incenses it as he circles the altar.
Incense traditionally symbolizes prayer rising up to God (see Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). The prayers of the congregation are therefore united, as they ascend with offerings in the Eucharistic prayer. Today we use incense only in special ceremonies, such as the dedication of a new altar; the Easter Vigil; funerals, weddings, and ordinations. Bread and wine, the altar, the cross, the priest and congregation are all incensed. This is done in silence, generally without precise directions on how exactly it is to be done. Researched and written by Thomas and Jennifer Gatto, 2-28-2009 Information taken from: Johnson, Lawrence J. The Mystery of Faith: A Study of the Structural Elements of the Order of the Mass (Revised Edition). Washington D.C.: Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, 1994.
March 1, 2009
People from other Catholic Churches who have participated in Bob’s programs attest to his ability to move hearts and to engage all people with the gospel in new ways. Come at 6:00 PM for simple supper of soup and breads by our best parish cooks and bakers. At 6:45, the program will begin, leading us with humor, sincerity, and devotion toward transformation in our hearts and minds.
February 22, 2009 We Journey in Faith Together… Lent 2009Lent begins Ash Wednesday: February 25, 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM, Mass with distribution of ashes Communal Penance Service: Monday, March 23, 7:00 PM, combined parishes at Saint Brendan ParishIndividual Reconciliation: Saturday, March 7, 3:00 PM Weekday Masses: Monday – Wednesday, Friday, 8:30 AMThursdays, 8:30 AM, Liturgy of the Word with Communion Stations of the Cross: Fridays, 7:00 PM, February 27, March 6-20, April 3 Good Friday, 3:00 PM Special Youth-Led Stations Friday, March 27, 7:00 PM Faith Formation OpportunitiesCombined Parish Mission Wednesday, March 4, 6:00 PM, Maxwell Hall, Saint Brendan Thursday, March 5, 6:00 PM, Saint Patrick Parish Hall Bob Kloos, Beacon Street Performing Arts in Ministry “The Reign of God: What Does It Look Like?” 6:00 Simple Supper (Soup & Bread), 6:45 Program & Prayer Bob Kloos’ storytelling style will keep the attention of all ages. All parishioners are encouraged to attend. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Friday Sr. Carol Zinn, “Poverty & the Millenial Goals of the United Nations,” Thursday, March 5, 11:30 AM Doris Donnelly, “Reconciliation,” Thursday, April 2, 11:30 AM At Antone’s Banquet Center -- call Joan Lawson for reservations. ___________________________________________________________________________________
Valley Bible Study Wednesdays, 9:30 AM, Room 103 ___________________________________________________________________________________ Evening Prayer & Discussion Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 PM “That Our Prayers Rise Like Incense: Our New Altar, Ambo, and Chair” __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Service Opportunities Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Hall Monday-Friday, March 9-13, 10:00 AM-12:00 NOON Kingdom Meal Ministry Sunday, March 29, 4:00-6:30 PM Sign-up sheets for both will be on church bulletin boards.
FEBRUARY 15, 2009
Question: What is a
presider’s chair? The General Instruction of the Roman Missal continues: "The chair reflects the dignity of the one who leads the community in the person of Christ, but is never intended to be remote or grandiose." In other words, its design and placement should be distinguished from seats used by other liturgical ministers, such as lectors, Eucharistic ministers and acolytes (servers), all of whom come from the assembly to serve. Furthermore, the presider’s chair is not to be confused with a king’s throne, nor should it be constructed as such. If the priest celebrant is accompanied by a deacon, a chair for the deacon is placed near the presider’s chair. Additional chairs for priest concelebrants also may be placed in the sanctuary. If you have ever attended a Mass at St. Columba Cathedral at which someone other than the Bishop was celebrant, you may have noticed that the priest did not use the presider’s chair behind the altar. That is called the cathedra – the Greek word for "chair" and the root of the word "cathedral." It is permanent and reserved for the Bishop. When another celebrant presides at Mass, he uses a presider’s chair that has been placed elsewhere in the sanctuary. (Written by Debora Flora, with references from "Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture and Worship" and "Catholic Update" [americancatholic.org].)
FEBRUARY 8, 2009
QUESTION: What is an ambo? ANSWER: In the Greek language, an "ambo" refers to a mountain or elevation. Whether churchgoers call it the ambo, lectern or pulpit, they know it as that elevated area from which the readings are proclaimed during the Liturgy of the Word. The Bible is rich with references to speakers – especially Jesus – who ascended mountains to address large crowds of people. The ambo may have been inspired by Jewish tradition, in which rabbis stood on raised platforms to read Scripture aloud. Ambos have been part of Catholic church environment since the fourth century. The art and architecture of ambos peaked by the 12th century, when many were constructed of marble and adorned with carvings, mosaics, ivory, bronze and more. Some of the most ornate ambos still exist in Italian basilicas. The church document "General Introduction to the Lectionary" calls for modern-day ambos to be designed similarly and harmoniously with altars "to emphasize the close relationship between word and Eucharist." An ambo should be fixed, not portable. Its placement should be chosen not only to create a focal point, so readers may be easily seen and heard, but also to be accessible to all ministers and readers, regardless of their roles or any physical limitations. Liturgy expert Gilbert Ostdiek reminds us that the ambo is "more than a crude ledge" on which to place the lectionary and Gospels. It is one of many cherished liturgical objects that grab our senses and "renew, without words, our bonds and shared values as God’s people whenever we touch them with hand or eye." Despite its design or adornments, an ambo doesn’t have true meaning until it is used as intended – in this case, to draw attention to the proclamation of God’s word in preparation for receiving Eucharist and bringing God’s word to life in our world. "Our reverence for the word of God is expressed not only in an attentive listening to and reflection upon the Scripture, but also by the way we handle and treat the Book of the Gospels," says the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. (Written by Debora Flora, with references from the Catholic Encyclopedia (available on www.newadvent.org); "Catechesis for Liturgy" by Gilbert Ostdiek; and "Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture and Worship."
FEBRUARY 1, 2009
OUR CELEBRATION OF FIRST RECONCILIATION WITH ST. PATRICK’S In the front row are Melvin X, Vito Di, Isaac Niece, Patrick Fleischer, Eddie X, and Morgan X. In the backrow are Mrs. Judi Webber, catechist, Joan Lawson, Director of Faith Formation and Fr. Daprile, pastor. The children are holding lambs that were lost but then found by Jesus the Good Shepherd. In the picture on the right shows the gathering of families to pray, support and celebrate with our young members. Many blessings to all. A POINT OF INFORMATION For the next 10 weeks on Thursday nights, Maxwell Hall will be filled with young men and women participating in the Youngstown Police Athletic League and practicing their basketball skills. As a parish community and an anchor on the Westside, we need to cooperative with community organizations and provide safe environments for our neighborhood. Not only have the Youngstown Police been very responsive to any parish concern or problem, but they also bring a positive program to our property. We wish this cooperative venture success. SANCTUARY NEWS Question: What are the rules for making and installing an altar? Answer: Since the altar is a symbol of Christ, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states an altar “should reflect the nobility, beauty, strength and simplicity of the One it represents.” It is to be the focal point of the sanctuary and visible from all points in the church. It must be freestanding, to allow a priest to walk around it with ease and celebrate Mass while facing the congregation. The base of the altar should be fastened to the floor. The mensa, or top, is preferably made of natural stone, as a reflection that Christ is the Living Stone (1 Peter 2:4). Other materials may be used for the table and pedestals, so long as they are “solid, becoming and well-crafted.” The altar’s size and shape are not prescribed but should be in proportion to the worship space and other furnishings. Centuries ago, altars were placed over the tombs of saints or over relics of saints. That practice evolved into the placement of small relics of martyrs and/or saints in altar stones, which were embedded into the mensa. The custom changed after the Second Vatican Council. Today, relics of martyrs or saints are placed beneath altars, and only if they are recognizable as parts of human bodies and undeniably authentic. (Written by Debora Flora, with excerpts from “Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture and Worship”, 2000)
JANUARY 25, 2009 OUR CONFIRMNATION CLASS at its recent session explored what it means to be church and created posters to describe what our parish means to them.
Reach out and Touch God at St. Brendan’s (cell phone with a halo): “His plan includes unlimited minutes”
X You are Here God is Here (doors to the church) All are welcome
Faith, Love, Hope One group made an acrostic of our name: Service to others Trusting Breaking the bread together Reverently respectful Everyone welcome Never ending joy Dedication Accepting Nice to all Cooperative communicative Humbly helpful United Responsibility Compassionate Holy Spirit
PILLOWS OF LOVE: 56 smiles, 112 hands, 560 fingers and thumbs assembling our gifts for the residents of Omni Manor Nursing Home on February 15.
WARM MEMORIES for a cold winter day. Remember our parish Picnic? Our picnic will be on Sunday, August 2, 2009. Mark your calendars now! Picture courtesy of Jack Cappabianca.
WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED AS PASTOR IN JULY 2000, I was advised to keep a log of ideas, projects and dreams I had for the parish. I was advised that it would take years to complete my list. How true that advice has been. The list has dwindled and new items have been added. Now it is time to act upon one of my first impressions of the church: the altar, ambo, presider’s chair and paschal candle stand. The church building has integrity (even though it was designed as a gym and blueprints are in the archives of a church building for the corner of Schenley and Oakwood) as a modified English Gothic structure. The number of improvements to the church (painting, entrances, art works, music ministry and organ placement, reardos, etc.) over the past few years have added to the elegant simplicity of the building. However, the significant focal points of our liturgy do not have the significance and aesthetic quality our worship demands. The altar and ambo were mass produced and modeled on a modern Danish design; the presider’s chair is of another vintage; and the paschal stand wobbly and crocked. I approached the Worship Committee in the fall to educate and form ourselves on these matters and to commission new sanctuary furnishings. Over the next few weeks, there will be short articles updating all of us on these matters. NATIONAL POSTCARD CAMPAIGN TO FIGHT FOCA The American Catholic Bishops are asking us to defeat a pending bill in Congress entitled “Freedom of Act Choice” or FOCA. This proposed piece of legislation creates a “fundamental right” to abortion throughout the nine months of pregnancy. Read the enclosed information sheet, seek more information on the websites, and SEND a postcard to Senator George Voinovich, Senator Sherrod Brown (co-sponsor of the bill) and Representative Tim Ryan to oppose FOCA. Make your voice heard with three 27 cents stamps!
January 18, 2009 The Beauty of the Winter Snow around St. Brendan Parish The world will never starve for wonder, but only for want of wonder. G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) English writer
NEW BULLETIN FORMAT In Advent we redesigned the front cover of the bulletin focusing pertinent information and adding the name of the members of Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Council. With the new calendar year, we have added a new flap for more space and a reorganization of items. I hope to incorporate parish pictures on a regular basis and would welcome any contributions from your various involvements. Your comments are welcome.
FROM A BULLETIN FAR AWAY I encourage you to bring back a bulletin from churches you visit. I am always interested in what and how other churches are involved in and how they communicate. Just before Christmas, someone brought a bulletin with the listing of the Christmas Masses. I schedule did not indicate the presider or type of music but whether there was to be incense or no incense at the particular services. I got the hint. This week I met with a church supplier and in the near future we will experiment with a non-choking incense. I wonder if I would list the Masses as choking and non-choking! What would a far away reader interpret?
DAPRILE FAMILY PERSPECTIVES Over the holidays many members of my family attended Mass at St. Brendan’s and I thought I could share some of their comments and insights.
THE MOST PERSISTENT Over the holidays the office and Maxwell Hall phones rang incessantly on the Saturday after Christmas and last weekend during the snow storm. “Are you having Bingo?” the callers asked. Some were incredulous that we weren’t opening for them, others indignant that their routines were being interrupted and most oblivious to the winter hazards. The number of phone calls was bizarre but I wonder if our faith lives have the same persistence and interest.
January 11, 2009
I WAS 99% SURPRISED AND 100% DELIGHTED last Sunday with the wonderful birthday greetings, cake and reception. Thanks to everyone who planned, prepared sandwiches, contacted my family, set up the hall (with my favorite colors of orange and purple), sent cards, and helped to make this celebration so special. The LX decade (or a return to the 60s) promises to be full of new epiphanies (and the notion of being a geezer so unrealistic). Thanks and Love. AS THE ADVENT-CHRISTMAS-EPIPHANY SEASON WINDS DOWN, so many folks helped to make this time not only merry and bright but also faith-filled and full of grace: altar servers, Eucharistic ministers, musicians, lectors, instrumentalists, hospitality folks, church decorators of all sorts, poinsettia waterers, Posada celebrants, CCD stars, priests helping with our penance service, liturgy committee, maintenance and rectory staff, ushers, money counters, worshippers from all over, generous Christmas offerings, and those who brought cookies and cards to the rectory. May the hope and peace of our Savior continue to burn bright in our midst.
A REFLECTION FOR THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD by Thomas Merton in Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander: “In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all those people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers.... There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun....I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts, the depths of their hearts where neither sin nor desire nor self-knowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that each one is in God's eyes. If only they could all see themselves as they really are. If only we could see each other that way all of the time.”
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between
Shields Road and Rt. 224 (11/2 miles). Gather at 8:30 pm in the
parking lot off Shields Road. Wear good shoes, bring water and
snacks and an umbrella or poncho, if rain threatens.
A temporary priest-administrator will be appointed by the bishop
and Joan Lawson will assume more responsibilities aided by
Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Council. Contact
Joan Lawson, Deb Flora (PPC Chair) or Rosie Marich (Strategic
Planner).
prayers of the Church (Liturgy of the Word with Communion,
funeral home vigils, hospital visits). Advance training will be
provided. Contact: Fr. Daprile or Joan Lawson.
MINI-PILGRIMAGES
One of the events Fr. Daprile has planned is a 33 day, 500 mile
walk across norther Spain, known as the camino francés.
To help celebrate this pilgrimage, parishioners will participate
in a series of mini-pilgrimages in and around our area. Contact
Jim Stafford.
COMMUNICATIONS
We want to link Fr. Daprile and the parish as much as possible
to share, experience, and celebrate. Contact: Bob Casey.
THE
JOY AND BEAUTY OF EASTER continues to permeate our parish
and celebrations. Alleluia!
IN
EARNEST, I have been putting together plans for the upcoming
renewal leave. I have scoured websites to get the best
airfares, e-mailed bed and breakfasts in Ireland to find places
near the important sites associated with our patron, attended a
Celtic Spirituality Seminar in Pittsburgh to become imbued with
the Celtic mindset, read numerous books and articles on the
camino de Santiago, have been hiking around the pathways in Mill
Creek Park building strength and breaking in hiking boots,
taking Spanish lessons and even finding a little bit of time to
sketch and paint. I am getting excited.
EARLY IN THE MORNING on the Feast of the
Annunciation (March 25), our new altar, ambo, chair and
sanctuary furnishings (credence table, paschal candle
stand, music director’s stand, side tables) were
delivered by Andy and Jerry. Jerry Klimo, on the right,
was the craftsman (he also created our church
