Saint John The Evangelist

Lenten Calendar 2012

samk — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:30:19 +0000

Saint John the Evangelist Schedule for Lent

Daily Masses will be:
8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and Noon

Saturday Morning Masses will be:
8:00 a.m.

Stations of the Cross will be:
Fridays following Noon Mass and at 7:00 p.m.
On Good Friday Stations will also include Veneration of the Cross.

Reconciliation:
Friday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Lenten Penance Service:
April 3, 7:00 p.m.

Following Directive of Bishop Dewane’s HHS Letter

samk — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:33:42 +0000

The HHS has issued a rule forcing nearly all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as surgical sterilization. These are listed among “preventive services for women” that all health plans will have to cover without co-pays or other cost-sharing — regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself objects to such coverage.

The exemption provided for “religious employers” is so narrow that it fails to cover the vast majority of faith-based organizations, including Catholic hospitals, universities and service organizations that help millions every year. Ironically, not even Jesus and his disciples would have qualified.

During the public comment period last fall, the bishops’ grassroots campaign alone generated over 57,000 comments to HHS opposing their mandate.

Now that the Administration has refused to recognize the Constitutional conscience rights of organizations and individuals who oppose the mandate, the bishops are now urging Catholics and others of good will to fight this unprecedented attack on conscience rights and religious liberty.

Please write to those who have been elected to represent you on a national level. The link below well take you to a electronic letter to send to your representative , or use the information at the bottom of the page to send a traditional letter.

WRITE to your representatives and LEARN MORE about the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops call to protect Religious Liberties

READ Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Diocese of Venice, response to the HHS mandate

DOWNLOAD letter from Father John

DOWNLOAD USCCB response to WH blog on HHS mandate

DOWNLOAD USCCB response to the Obama Administration “accommodation” and continued call for action

Please write a letter to those who have been elected to represent you on a national level.
When writing letter, replace the words “Name” and Address” with your name and address

Congressman Connie Mack
115 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

DOWNLOAD word doc letter to Connie Mack

Senator Bill Nelson
United States Senate
716 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

DOWNLOAD word doc letter to Bill Nelson

Senator Marco Rubio
United States Senate
317 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC, 20510

DOWNLOAD word doc letter to Marco Rubio

February 19, 2012

kathys — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:10:09 +0000

Please welcome Barbara Kuryea (Finance Council Member) as she discusses the many different variables of the Catholic Faith Appeal at all Masses this weekend. We ask that you prayerfully consider making a pledge for the 2012 annual appeal. Thank you for your consideration.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee has worked tirelessly to beautify our campus for “season.” With the exception of a few cool snaps, mother nature has been very kind allowing our beautiful landscaping and annuals (especially the impatiens) to flourish all around the campus. Unfortunately, a bizarre “Downy Mildew” has developed and is now wiping out all the impatiens in Collier County and beyond. There is nothing on the market that will eradicate this mildew. Our impatiens on campus have been infected and in a matter of weeks, they will all be defoliated. We are currently in the process of trying to replace the impatiens with another annual that is immune to the mildew. I felt it necessary to inform all of you that this is not the result of neglect but rather a factor of mother nature and the circle of life. Please bear with us as we replace the infected impatiens.

Last week I alluded to the fact that we are going to host a reverse raffle on March 31. I also promised to include details of the reverse raffle in my column this week. Below are the details.

By now, you are all aware of my passion for the Catholic Faith Appeal. Not only do your contributions towards the CFA support countless ministries within the Diocese of Venice, they also satisfy a very important component of our annual budget. We are constantly trying to come up with new and innovative ideas to assist us in reaching our annual goal. We are going to host a Reverse Raffle as a fundraiser for the Catholic Faith Appeal. For those who remember, we hosted just such an event in 2010 and raised $12,000 for the CFA.

Here is a brief explanation of how the raffle works: “What is a Reverse Raffle?” It is exactly what the name implies. Rather than the first ticket drawn winning the raffle, the last ticket drawn in a Reverse Raffle is the big winner. In this particular instance, we will be selling 300 tickets for the raffle at a cost of $100 each. The winning ticket (or the last one drawn) will win $10,000.00. This is a great return on a $100 investment. In addition, your $100 ticket also gains you (and a guest) admission to the party where you will enjoy dinner, entertainment and an open bar. In order to keep everyone’s interest throughout the evening, we will also offer cash prizes randomly as the raffle progresses. The first ticket drawn will win $100 as will every 25th ticket drawn for the remainder of the raffle. So in other words, 12 lucky attendees will get their money back and enjoy a great evening of entertainment at no cost. In addition, Tom Oram will be performing before the raffle begins and then playing 30 minute sets after the drawing of every 100 numbers. You need not be present to win, so if you are headed back to your northern residence and unable to attend, you are encouraged to purchase a ticket with the comfort of knowing that we will either send you a check for your winnings or keep your winnings in safekeeping until you return in the fall.

If you have never attended a reverse raffle, let me assure you that it is a lot of fun. When the drawing is down to the final ten ticket holders, there is a great deal of excitement in the air creating an “electric” atmosphere. I have hosted several of these events in the past several years and on many occasions, there are multiple winners as the final three to five ticket holders have opted to split the $10,000.00 grand prize. In 2010, the final four ticket holders split the $10,000.00 prize and took home $2,500.00 each. So allow me to recap…..For $100, you will receive admission for two, a catered meal by Cappelli’s, an open bar and entertainment by Tom Oram, as well as the chance to win $10,000.00. I can think of no better deal locally for a cost of $50 per person. The Reverse Raffle will take place on Saturday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m. in the ballroom of the Parish Life Center. Tickets will be available beginning Monday in the parish office. This is a great opportunity for all of us to support the Catholic Faith Appeal while enjoying great entertainment and great camaraderie. We must sell all 300 tickets in order for the event to take place.

We have sold two benches thus far in our new bench campaign. If you are interested in purchasing a granite bench to honor or memorialize a loved one, please contact me at 566.1678 to discuss your options. The cost is $3,000.00 and if needed, I will work with you on payment terms. There are two remaining in the memorial garden, one in the prayer garden and several in the courtyard adjacent to the prayer garden.

Several parishioners have responded to my request for help with the sandwich program for the Immokalee Friendship House. After further discussion with representatives from the program, the immediate need is for a driver (or drivers) on Tuesdays to actually deliver the sandwiches to Immokalee. If you are interested, please contact Barb Mambuca at mambuca@comcast.net. Thank you for your interest in this fantastic program which benefits those most in need.

In His work together,

Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager

Sacred Music in Sacred Places: Repent and Believe

samk — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:10:31 +0000

Sacred Music In Sacred Spaces

Introducing a new concert series to St. John the Evangelist and to Naples:

Monthly concerts, offered free of charge, with the intent to praise God!

Next FREE Concert: 7 PM Friday, February 24, 2012

Repent and Believe: A Lenten Musical Prayer

Free concert with special guests, soloist, and our choirs

Faith and Wine Feb 2012

samk — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:16:30 +0000

Faith as the Foundation of a Strong Marriage

Bishop Frank Dewane

Bishop of the Diocese of Venice

March 20, 2012

6:30 PM to 8:30 PM PLC Ballroom

Bishop Frank J. Dewane serves as the spiritual leader of more than 250,000 Catholics in the 10-county Diocese of Venice in Florida. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in 2006.

Bishop Dewane currently serves on a number of boards and committees, including the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum;” the USCCB National Catholic Rural Life Committee as President of the Board of Directors; and on the boards of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace and Catholic Relief Services; as well with the Florida Catholic Conference. He is a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and spiritual advisor to the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher…READ MORE

February 12, 2012

kathys — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:55:20 +0000

The Super Bowl this past Sunday was an amazing success. Nearly 300 guests enjoyed an epic battle featuring two of the best quarterbacks in the game. This was the first year with our new audio visual system and to say that it was well received is an understatement. Everyone was amazed at the quality of the picture, and the fact that there was not a bad seat in the house was an added bonus. Attached is a picture; although dark, you get the idea. Cappelli’s catered the event for the first time and did an excellent job. Our guests gorged themselves and there was plenty of food remaining until the end. If you did not join us, talk to someone who did, and I guarantee that you will buy a ticket next year. Many thanks to those who gave rave reviews of our 14^th Annual Super Bowl Party. The proceeds from the event will be used for Youth Ministry.

Included on the opposite page is a consolidated statement of receipts and disbursements for the first six months of our fiscal year. I have also included a comparison to the same period in 2010/2011. Items that may be of particular interest to you are:

Offertory collection is up nearly 4% over last year.
Receipts from all sources are up 5.25% over last year.
Salary expense has been reduced by 3.5%.
Repairs and maintenance includes several large projects including the re-sealing and re-striping of the parking lot and complete renovation of the kitchen.
Subsidies to parishes include the final payoff for the convent in Clewiston.
The Early Learning and Childcare Center closed in June of 2011.

As you know, we generally operate “in the red” seven out of twelve months. Five of those seven months (July – November) are recognized in this financial statement resulting in a net loss of $138,752.00. With a strong showing through the remainder of the fiscal year (July1-June 30), we will optimistically finish “in the black.” We thank you for your continued financial support to allow us to remain solvent.

Painting of the doors in the church has begun and will continue until completed. We have made the decision to paint all of the church doors (interior and exterior) due to extremely competitive pricing. We are confident that you will appreciate the change.

After a slight delay, you will now notice that we have sprayed Roundup on much of the grass on the east side of the church in order to kill any weeds or nuisance grass that may be lying in wait to re-emerge. Once we have eradicated all of the problem grasses we will replant with new Floratam St. Augustine sod. Please accept our apologies for the poor aesthetic appearance over the next several week

Due to popular demand, we have decided to bring back the Reverse Raffle. The raffle will take place on Saturday, March 31 in the ballroom of the Parish Life Center. Tickets will be $100.00 each and includes admission for two, dinner, entertainment, open bar and the chance to win $10,000.00. We will sell ONLY 300 tickets. The proceeds from the Reverse Raffle will be used for the Catholic Faith Appeal. This is a very fun event and I urge you to buy a ticket. For $100, this is an amazing deal. For those unfamiliar with a reverse raffle, I will include the details in next week’s bulletin.

Also due to popular demand, we have begun a new bench campaign for those who missed out last year. The beautiful granite benches are currently located in the memorial garden, prayer garden and in front of church. They are engraved with a silver lithograph and have been very well received. We are going to offer 15 more benches for sale at the cost of $3,000.00 each. Three will be located in the memorial garden, one in the prayer garden and the remainder will be in the courtyard between the church and the PLC. If you are interested in honoring or memorializing a loved one, please contact me at your earliest convenience to reserve a location.

Do you have trouble hearing during Mass? If so, we have ordered 10 new hearing devices to assist you. The devices may be checked out during Mass in the sacristy.

The second excursion to the Horse Races at Gulfstream Park will take place on February 24. Please see this bulletin for further details on a great day trip.

As you can see from the collection summary, we have received our 2012 Catholic Faith Appeal Goal. Our new goal is $443,000, which is an increase of $3,000.00 over last year. Although our assessment could have been much higher, we received substantial credits (26%) for the payment of our remaining debt on the convent in Clewiston. We also received credit for our contributions to Catholic Schools for subsidy at the rate of 30%. Due to your generosity, we are already at 12% of our goal before the appeal has begun. Please prayerfully consider making a pledge for the CFA next weekend as we officially kickoff the 2012 appeal. Thank you so much for your consideration.

In His work together,

Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager

Parish Mission with Fr. Carl Arico

samk — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:07:14 +0000

Parish Mission with Fr. Carl Arico

Will Be Offered February 27, 28, 29

Fr. Carl Arico will lead our parish mission in “A Taste of Silence” next month.
The mission will be offered to the parish Monday, February 27, Tuesday, February 28 and Wednesday February 29 following the 9:00 a.m. Mass.

Additionally, the mission will be offered from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the church, with Benediction to follow.

Fr. Arico will preach at all the Masses the weekend of February 25 and 26.

Monday’s presentations include: “Spiritual Journey”, “Active Prayer”, “Prayer as a Relationship”, “Lectio Divina Tradition” and “Prayer Experience”. Tuesday’s presentations include: “Reflection”, “Taste of Silence”, “Centering Prayer”, “Thoughts” and “Letting Go of Thoughts”. Wednesday’s presentations include: “Reflection”, “Pretty Poisons of Good”, “Moral People”, “Centering Prayer” and “Extending a Taste of Silence into Daily Life”.

During ths week of spiritual renewal, Fr. Arico will be available for private conferences on Monday and Tuesday afternoon.The opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation will be offered Monday and Tuesday evening.

During his 50 years in the priesthood, Fr. Arico has been a parish priest, pastor and high school instructor in the Archdiocese of Newark (New Jersey). He was active in the diocesan marriage and family ministry program and served as director of priest personnel. In 1987, he joined the Contemplative Outreach Ministry.

Statues Available for pick up and purchase

samk — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:56:02 +0000

Three Statues Available for Pickup and Purchase at parish office

The three church statues are for sale in the parish office for $35.00 per statue. We have statues of St. John the Evangelist, Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as our crucifix.

Those who have preordered and/or prepaid for their statues may also pick them up in the parish office. We have a record of those who have prepaid. Quantities are limited.

The Word & LIfe January 2012

samk — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:35:11 +0000

Welcome to the Word & Life Series. In this series, Fr. John Ludden will take the Sacred Scriptures offered at Mass each Sunday and apply them to our everyday lives. As you read Fr. John’s reflection, open your hearts and minds in new ways to God’s Holy Word. St. Paul says “The Word of God is living effective“. So as we journey together in the Word & Life, let us allow the wisdom of God to transform our relationship and our outlook on life, inspiring us to love one another as He has loved us. You are now invited to reflect on the Word of God which is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Welcome again to the Word & Life!

January 29, 2012

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time: Year B

Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Mark 1:21-28

Unending Fame

As we enter into the mission and ministry of Jesus, we discover that his purpose is to bring healing and restoration to the world. In today’s encounter, Jesus commands the unclean spirit to come out of a man. The man must have been very troubled and felt trapped by the evil that possessed him. Jesus recognizes the imprisoned evil and rescues the man by commanding the unclean spirit, bringing healing and restoration. The unclean spirit recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God and as the One who has authority over him. Jesus’ action prompted those who had observed it to spread the word of his healing power increasing his fame.

The work of the Church continues these saving actions of the Christ. As Christians, we are called to bring peace and tranquility to situations that are troubled and often volatile. When people commit themselves to the restoration and healing of Jesus’ ministry, his fame continues to spread throughout our world today. This is our basic call — to be healers and restorers of the kingdom. In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses reminds his people that the prophets of today rise up among their own people. God calls ordinary people to the task of transformation. God invites us, in the local church, to grapple with the gift of the gospel. The mission and ministry of Jesus Christ does not belong to the magisterium of the Church alone, rather it is handed on to the priesthood of all believers to be made affective in local communities throughout the world.

If we examine our own lives and world, we soon discover that there are troubled individuals in context of family, society and the world. We may not know people who are possessed by unclean spirits, but we may know people who are trapped and held captive by their possessions, unhealthy relationships, addictions, or fears. People’s minds are often consumed with thoughts that prevent us from experiencing God’s peace. Temptation, anger, rage, envy, etc., crowd the mind stealing from the wisdom of Jesus. The wisdom of the world re-write the thought process in regard to what makes someone successful. The task of the Church is to transform the hindrances that separate people from God. Each of us is called to help those who are imprisoned by the negative influences in life. Whenever we spend time with another to talk things out and offer the wisdom of the gospel, we actually bring God’s healing to them. Whenever something is accomplished in the name of Jesus Christ in this way, his fame spreads throughout the world and the fragrance of Jesus’ love can be experienced.

Prayer

We pray: Lord, almighty God, help us to calm our inner souls, so that we may experience the calm of your presence. Help us to radiate your healing to those who are trapped by sin or by fears. Whenever we discover the upheaval of the world of darkness, let your light shine in and through each one of us. May the world come to know you through the words we speak, the decisions we make, and in the very actions that define our lives. We also ask for the grace to further the unending fame of your Son so that others may be transformed by the gift of your love. Amen.

Reflection Questions

Name what is most important in your life.
What holds you captive?
Which voices influence you most in life?
What are your anxieties?
How do you allow the wisdom of Jesus to possess your life?
Do you leave space for Christ in your day to day activities?
How do you allow Christ to ‘use’ you in your relationships?
Does God have authority over your life?
In what ways do you give witness to your faith when confronted by evil/thoughtlessness?

Wisdom of the Fathers

“Dear Jesus,

Help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go.
Flood our souls with your spirit and life.
Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly,
that our lives may only be a radiance of yours.

Shine through us,
and be so in us,
that every soul we come in contract with
may feel your presence in our soul.

Let them look up and see no longer us,
but only Jesus!
Stay with us,
and then we shall begin to shine as you shine;
so to shine as to be a light to others;
the light O Jesus, will be all from you,
none of it will be ours;
it will be you, shining on others through us.

Let us thus praise you in the way you love best,
by shining on those around us.
Let us preach you without preaching,
not by words but by example,
by the catching force,
the sympathetic influence of what we do,
the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to you.

Amen.”

— John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801 – 1890)

January 22, 2012

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time: Year B

Jonah 3:15, 10
Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20

A Radical Call

In last Sunday’s readings, we learn of God’s call to Samuel and to the early disciples as recorded by John the Evangelist. Today, we hear Jonah’s call to the Ninevites to repent of their evil ways and to redirect their lives toward God. In contrast, we also enter into the world of Mark’s gospel in which we learn of the first call of the disciples. Both Mark’s gospel and the Book of Jonah, demonstrate the urgency in attending to God’s call. The city of Nineveh had fallen to sin. God used the prophetic utterances of Jonah to turn the people back to God. Years later, we find Jesus proclaiming the time of fulfillment and hear his call for repentance. Repentance is a turning away from sin that requires “metanoia”, a change of heart. God calls us to conversion. It is a call that involves a radical change — turning away from sin and engaging the language of God’s heart. We must ask ourselves: What does it mean to belong to God? What is involved in joining his company and being one of His disciples?

The disciples of the gospel did not merely pay lip service in answering the call of Jesus. Instead, we find these ordinary men leaving everything they know to answer the call. In order to follow Jesus, Simon, Andrew, James and John were required to put down their nets and follow the Master. This radical response involved abandoning all that was familiar to them and leaving behind material comforts to embark on a journey into the unknown and accept the challenge to live the Way.

The call of Jesus and Jonah to repentance is still applicable for our world today. When we look around, we find sin is still very much present. The world gives witness to sin, so does the Church, and so do we! We are reminded today that Jesus’ Way constantly calls us to repent and believe in the gospel. We must be converted every day. We must change our hearts of stone and replace them with the heart of Christ. As ordinary people, we are entrusted with an extraordinary task — to live as He lived, love as He loved, forgive as He forgave, and to teach the world by our example. We are called to move beyond lip service and live the gospel. In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel; when necessary use words.”

The task of embracing the message of Jesus is far-reaching. Most often it involves going against the tide of popular opinion. Following Jesus requires sacrificing our time and our treasures to promote the message of truth in the midst of deception and half-truths. In order to be called a disciple, we must demonstrate our beliefs through our character, words and actions. Being a true disciple means that we, just like the first disciples, have the courage to leave what is familiar and comfortable to us. True discipleship requires a radical change of heart in which we redirect our lives, orienting ourselves toward God and what he expects of us. Following Christ requires that we choose the “road less traveled” in which we chose to tread the trodden path which Christ journeyed on. It is a road that leads to the destiny of compassion, mercy, hope, and a love that knows no conditions. It is a path that brings us closer together to a worthy end.

Prayer

We pray: Eternal Father, possess us and fill us with the fire of your love. Ignite us with the flame of faith and the burning desire for truth. Let us take the weakness of our sin and transform it through our repentance and belief in the gospel. Help us to become people of the Way, instead of reluctant followers. When we say “Amen” to your Word, let it not simply involve our lips, but engage our souls. May we learn to be converted everyday and be consumed by your love. Amen.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to belong to God?
What is involved in joining his company and being one of His disciples?
How does your everyday life reflect the faith you profess?
Name the times you have sacrificed something in order to do what God wanted you to do?
In what ways do you need to “change your heart”?
What does it mean to be converted every day?
Which roads is the Lord opening to you in order that you know Him more deeply?
Describe your ultimate destiny.

Contemporary Wisdom

The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

— (Robert Frost (1874–1963). Mountain Interval. 1920)

January 15, 2012

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: Year B

Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8.
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21

A Human Story filled with Divine Consequences

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. Much attention is given to Mary at this sacred time of year because she plays a vital role in the history of redemption and salvation. Mary must have witnessed the redemptive power that Jesus brought to broken situations. The way Jesus forgives the sinner, heals the sick, raises the dead, calms the possessed and loves the poor, are all ways in which God redeems the world. Jesus’ name means, “The one who saves”. Mary is the one who gives life to the Savior of the world. Mother Church, therefore, asks us today to ponder the divine role that Mary plays.

The Church has long contemplated the significance of Mary’s life. If we examine the Scriptures, there are a few icons that give us a glimpse into Mary’s life. The gospels talk about her betrothal to Joseph and record the Annunciation, Visitation to Elizabeth. We learn of Mary’s announcement to Joseph and his reaction to it, and then his acceptance of Mary. We then journey to Bethlehem, learn of the birth of Jesus, the Circumcision of the Lord, the Presentation of Jesus in the temple, the visit of the Magi and the exile into Egypt. There is a reference to the Holy Family of Nazareth, but then the Scriptures focus on Jesus’ life. Later, we learn of the finding of Jesus in the Temple, the miracle at Cana and the mention of Mary and Jesus’ relatives throughout Jesus’ ministry. The scriptures remind us that Mary stood at the foot of the cross and after his death, waited in the upper room for the coming of Pentecost.

What is remarkable about these glimpses into Mary’s life? Let us examine closely Mary’s human experience. She risks humiliation and rejection from her town folk by responding yes to God and becoming pregnant during her betrothal. As Mary follows God’s will, she risks rejection from Joseph. She gives birth in the midst of homelessness, and then goes into exile as a political refugee because of the threat to Jesus’ life. As a mother, she witnesses the rejection of her son when he announces that he is the fulfillment of the promised Messiah. She accompanies Jesus as he goes through his public ministry and sees him rejected several times. Mary must have heard (and maybe saw) the wondrous deeds worked through Jesus’ life. Notably, the scriptures tell the story of Mary, a mother stricken with pain as she watches the life drain from her son, as she stands at the foot of the cross – a death sentence written by the Roman occupation. Mary saw the closest friends to Jesus abandon him in his hour of need. Yet, Mary returns to these very same people and waits for the promised Spirit. These events do not give us many details, but most certainly furnish us with the divine reality in which Mary played a part. Mary remains strong in believing that what God said, through her son, would be fulfilled. Mary primarily is a supportive mother and faithful disciple.

The early Church Fathers, St. Ignatius, St. Irenaeus and Tertullian, wrote about Mary’s life, constantly referring to her as “Mother of God”. However, it was not until the Council in Ephesus in 431 AD, that the leaders in the Christian Church solidified Mary’s title as “Mother of God.”

In order to understand Mary, we have to examine her life. Mary pondered the event of Jesus in her heart to reach her spiritual attainment. Similarly, we are called to reflect on these sacred realities to see how they fit into our lives. Mary is the Mother of Jesus, who is God. If we follow this logic, that means that she is the Mother of God. Mary’s divine Motherhood comes from the very vocation that God had chosen for her. We are blessed by this same divine Motherhood. On the cross, Jesus told his mother to behold John as her son and asked John to behold Mary as his mother. Jesus bestowed spiritual adoption on the whole world the day he established the new covenant in his blood. Mary continues to be that spiritual figurehead and Mother as the Church tries to make sense of the Christ event in modern times.

Prayer

We pray: O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Lead us to your Son. Heavenly Father, let our minds and hearts reflect on the events of Jesus, just as Mary reflected on them. May we dare to give our lives to you, as Mary did, so to enter into your heavenly kingdom. Amen

Reflection Questions

How is Mary a model of motherhood?
What part of Mary’s life speaks to the essence of discipleship?
What is most striking to you about Mary’s life?
How does the Blessed Mother inspire you to live your life as a Christian?
What have been the challenging experiences in your life?
Where did you find God’s consolation during the trials of your life?
Mary followed God’s will always – how do you discern and follow the will of God in your own life?

Wisdom of the Fathers

“The Apostle tells us: The Word took to himself the sons of Abraham, and so had to be like his brother in all things. He had then to take a body like ours. This explains the fact of Mary’s presence: she is to provide him with a body of his own, to be offered for our sake. Scripture records her giving birth, and says: She wrapped him in swaddling clothes. Her breasts, which fed him, were called blessed. Sacrifice was offered because the child was her firstborn. Gabriel used careful and prudent language when he announced his birth. He did not speak of “what will be born in you” to avoid the impression that a body would be introduced into her womb from outside; he spoke of “what will be born from you,” so that we might know by faith that her child originated within her and from her.

By taking our nature and offering it in sacrifice, the Word was to destroy it completely and then invest it with his own nature, and so prompt the Apostle to say: This corruptible body must put on incorruption; this mortal body must put on immortality.”

— St. Athanasius, bishop of the 11th Century

January 08, 2012

The Epiphany of the Lord: Year B

Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13.
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

A Celebration of the Universe

Today, we celebrate the feast of Epiphany of the Lord. The word ‘Epiphany’ means manifestation—something revealed and made known. The magi were totally immersed in this epiphany. These men read the constellations, interpreted the prophets, and discerned what the rising of the star meant. They set out on a journey of discovery which led them to a destination where the dream of God had become a reality for the world. In this great event the world of science and the world of faith collide, giving birth to the dawn of our salvation. It is hard to imagine how these magi felt when the Lord was made manifest before them. The experience was so powerful that they had no hesitation in offering their treasures to a child born in the midst of poverty whose birth was heralded by a star. The magi paid homage and prostrated themselves before the infant child and his parents, knowing that the ground of an animal stable had become the holy ground of God’s presence.

Scholars are at odds as to who the magi were. There are some that argue that they were people of nobility, perhaps kings. Others offer the suggestion that since they were observing the stars in the cosmos that they were astronomers. There are still others who suggest that they were philosophers (wise men). As to the number of the magi, no one knows how many there were. All we know is that three gifts were offered to the Holy Family. Do all of these details matter? Not really. What matters is that in the coming of Jesus, the whole of creation rejoiced. Even a star shone brightly in the cosmos leading people from a strange land to come and pay homage to our savior.

Even today, this feast reminds us that we should constantly discern Jesus’ presence in our lives and in the world. The magi found Jesus in an unlikely place. If we are truly open to God’s Spirit, then we will ultimately find Christ amid the struggles, tragedies, joys, and celebrations of our own lives. The manifestation of God is constantly evolving and calling us to recognize His presence in the people of every nation, language, and way of life. Once we experience the Lord’s presence, we are invited to share our treasures. The event of the Epiphany also reminds us that we live in a material and spiritual world—the world of science and the world of faith. One does not contradict the other. Rather, both reveal the splendor of God and the immensity of his power. We are asked to discern God’s will in the midst of conventional wisdom and technology and never forget His purpose.

Prayer

We pray: Help us to read the signs that lead us to you and understand your purpose. Today, we remember how the magi set out on a journey to find a new ruler. Once they found him, they offered their treasures freely. As we go through this New Year, may we will always allow you, O Lord, to rule our lives. May our journey lead us closer to you and to one another. When we encounter you in the needs of others, enable us to freely hand over the treasures that you have gifted to us. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How has God manifested himself in my life?
What experiences of life have led me to God?
What three gifts can I offer to Jesus Christ?
Where do I see myself going in life?
What is my purpose?/li>
What is my ultimate goal?
How will I achieve this goal and purpose?
How can the world of science and the world of faith entwine with my witness to faith in Jesus?
How is God manifesting his presence in the world today?

Wisdom of the Fathers

“During the solemnity of the Epiphany the Church continues to contemplate and to celebrate the mystery of the birth of Jesus the Savior. In particular, today’s feast underlines the destiny and universal meaning of this birth. Becoming man in the womb of Mary, the Son of God came not only for the people of Israel, represented by the shepherds of Bethlehem, but also for the whole of humanity, represented by the Magi. And it is precisely on the Magi and on their journey in search of the Messiah (cf. Matthew 2:1-12) that the Church invites us today to meditate and to pray. In the Gospel we heard that they, arriving in Jerusalem from the East, asked: “Where is he who is born, the king of the Jews? We saw his star arise and we have come to adore him” (v. 2). What kind of persons were they and what kind of star was that? They were probably wise men who scrutinized the sky but not to try to “read” the future in the stars, eventually to extract some gain; rather, they were men “in search” of something more, in search of the true light, which would be able to indicate the way to follow in life. They were persons who were certain that in creation there is what we could define as the “signature” of God, a signature that man can and must try to discover and decipher. Perhaps the way to know these Magi better and to take up their desire to let themselves be guided by God’s signs is to pause to consider what they found, on their way, in the great city of Jerusalem.

…. a last important element of the event of the Magi appears very clear to us: the language of creation enables us to follow a good portion of the way to God, but it does not give us the definitive light. In the end, for the Magi it was indispensable to hear the voice of the Sacred Scriptures: they alone could indicate the way to them. It is the Word of God that is the true star, that, in the uncertainty of human discourses, offers us the immense splendor of the divine truth. Dear brothers and sisters, let us allow ourselves to be guided by the star, which is the Word of God, let us follow it in our life, walking with the Church, where the Word has pitched its tent. Our way will always be illumined by a light that no other sign can give us. And we too will be able to become stars for others, reflection of that light that Christ made to shine over us.
”

— Pope Benedict XVI, On the Feast of Epiphany 2011

January 01, 2012

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: Year B

Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8.
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21

A Human Story Filled with Divine Consequences

The Church has long contemplated the significance of Mary’s life. If we examine the Scriptures, there are a few icons that give us a glimpse into Mary’s life. The gospels talk about her betrothal to Joseph and record the Annunciation and Visitation to Elizabeth. We learn of Mary’s announcement to Joseph and his reaction to it, and then his acceptance of Mary. We then journey to Bethlehem, learn of the birth of Jesus, the Circumcision of the Lord, the Presentation of Jesus in the temple, the visit of the Magi and the exile into Egypt. There is a reference to the Holy Family of Nazareth, but then the Scriptures focus on Jesus’ life. Later, we learn of the finding of Jesus in the Temple, the miracle at Cana and the mention of Mary and Jesus’ relatives throughout Jesus’ ministry. The scriptures remind us that Mary stood at the foot of the cross and after his death, waited in the upper room for the coming of Pentecost.

What is remarkable about these glimpses into Mary’s life? Let us examine closely Mary’s human experience. She risks humiliation and rejection from her town folk by responding yes to God and becoming pregnant during her betrothal. As Mary follows God’s will, she risks rejection from Joseph. She gives birth in the midst of homelessness, and then she goes into exile as a political refugee because of the threat to Jesus’ life. As a mother, she witnesses the rejection of her son when he announces that he is the fulfillment of the promised Messiah. She accompanies Jesus as he goes through his public ministry and sees him rejected several times. Mary must have heard (and maybe saw) the wondrous deeds worked through Jesus’ life. Notably, the scriptures tell the story of Mary, a mother stricken with pain as she watches the life drain from her son, as she stands at the foot of the cross – a death sentence written by the Roman occupation. Mary saw the closest friends to Jesus abandon him in his hour of need. Yet, Mary returns to these very same people and waits for the promised Spirit. These events do not give us many details, but most certainly furnish us with the divine reality in which Mary played a part. Mary remains strong in believing that what God said, through her son, would be fulfilled. Mary primarily is a supportive mother and faithful disciple.

The early Church Fathers, St. Ignatius, St. Irenaeus and Tertullian, wrote about Mary’s life, constantly referring to her as “Mother of God.” However, it was not until the Council in Ephesus in 431 AD, that the leaders in the Christian Church solidified Mary’s title as “Mother of God.”

Prayer

Reflection Questions

How is Mary a model of motherhood?
What part of Mary’s life speaks to the essence of discipleship?
What is most striking to you about Mary’s life? How does the Blessed Mother inspire you to live your life as a Christian?
What have been the challenging experiences in your life?
Where did you find God’s consolation during the trials of your life?/li>
Mary followed God’s will always – how do you discern and follow the will of God in your own life?

Wisdom of the Fathers

— St. Athanasius, Bishop of the 11th Century

VIEW 2011 Word & Life

Mass of Remembrance

samk — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:10:13 +0000

Mass of Remembrance

February 7

7:00 pm in the Memorial Garden

Family members of parishioners who died in 2011 will be remembered at a Mass of Remembrance on Tuesday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Garden. A candlelight service in remembrance of the deceased will be part of the celebration.

If you wish to reserve a candle, please call Rita Spagnola at 514.1302.

When you come to the church on February 7 a candle will be given to you. When the name of your loved one is called, you will come forward to light the candle which will remain lit until the end of the service. All parishioners are encouraged to attend this memorial.

A reception will follow in the Parish Life Center for those attending the Mass.