December 9, 2018
ADVENT-DO NOT WORRY, THE LORD WANTS US HOME!
Often at Christmas and Thanksgiving we look forward to returning home with our families and friends or cannot wait for our loved ones to return home after not seeing them for a while. They always say “home is where the heart is.” For the people of Israel, their heart was back home in Jerusalem because they were forced out of their home to live in Babylon. They had to serve a hostile King Nebuchadnezzar, who had no love for God. In the Book of Baruch, the prophet who was a secretary of the prophet Jeremiah, gives hope to the people of Israel writing that one day they will return home! He tells the people that Jerusalem, their city, will prosper again and God will bring them back home. Their journey represents our journey to our promised land of Heaven. We need to take the time this advent to listen to the voice of another prophet, John the Baptist to lower our mountains of pride, selfishness and greed and fill in our valleys of loneliness, depression and addiction with his love and grace. We have Christ Jesus, who knows us and wants every day to leads us. All we need to do is trust in him, listen to him and follow him.
As we journey through this 2nd week of Advent, may we ask ourselves two questions:
1) What is needed in my life to make the roads of my journey straighter and easier to travel?
2) Where am I in my relationship to Jesus: wondering, an exile or a disciple? Remember, Advent reminds us that our Salvation is at hand! Mary, the mother of Jesus and our Mother will help us too. Please pray this Ancient Prayer of the Virgin Mary together with family and/or friends.
We turn to you for protection, Holy Mother of God.
Listen to our prayers and help us in our needs.
Save us from every danger,
Glorious and blessed Virgin.
Amen.
CHANGE OF SUNDAY EVENING MASS SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 6, 2019
After some study of our Mass attendance, prayerful consideration and consultation with the Parish Staff and Pastoral Council, a decision has been made to discontinue the 5:15 p.m. Sunday evening Mass beginning the first Sunday of January, 2019.
Currently, we have seven Masses each weekend; one on Saturday and six on Sunday. There has been a decline in Mass attendance, at St. Ignatius as in many other parishes, and particularly at the Sunday evening 5:15 pm Mass. The church accommodates 500-600 people, depending on personal size and comfort of seating. We can easily accommodate our average weekend attendance with six Masses each weekend. Therefore, beginning Sunday, January 6, 2019, the Sunday 5:15 pm Mass will be removed. A full church fosters a better sense of community, encourages participation, and conserves resources of priests and maintenance. The Pastoral Council will continue to study Mass attendance and how we as a community can encourage more participation at Sunday liturgy.
People who need to attend Mass on Sunday evening are welcome at the 7 p.m. Mass and at Masses at nearby churches. Thank you for your understanding, especially to all those who have participated at the 5:15pm Mass. Thank you also to Mr. James Sheehan for his music ministry at this Mass. Jim will be play- ing at other Masses on the weekend as needed.
May we remember to always strive to work for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
Often at Christmas and Thanksgiving we look forward to returning home with our families and friends or cannot wait for our loved ones to return home after not seeing them for a while. They always say “home is where the heart is.” For the people of Israel, their heart was back home in Jerusalem because they were forced out of their home to live in Babylon. They had to serve a hostile King Nebuchadnezzar, who had no love for God. In the Book of Baruch, the prophet who was a secretary of the prophet Jeremiah, gives hope to the people of Israel writing that one day they will return home! He tells the people that Jerusalem, their city, will prosper again and God will bring them back home. Their journey represents our journey to our promised land of Heaven. We need to take the time this advent to listen to the voice of another prophet, John the Baptist to lower our mountains of pride, selfishness and greed and fill in our valleys of loneliness, depression and addiction with his love and grace. We have Christ Jesus, who knows us and wants every day to leads us. All we need to do is trust in him, listen to him and follow him.
As we journey through this 2nd week of Advent, may we ask ourselves two questions:
1) What is needed in my life to make the roads of my journey straighter and easier to travel?
2) Where am I in my relationship to Jesus: wondering, an exile or a disciple? Remember, Advent reminds us that our Salvation is at hand! Mary, the mother of Jesus and our Mother will help us too. Please pray this Ancient Prayer of the Virgin Mary together with family and/or friends.
We turn to you for protection, Holy Mother of God.
Listen to our prayers and help us in our needs.
Save us from every danger,
Glorious and blessed Virgin.
Amen.
CHANGE OF SUNDAY EVENING MASS SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 6, 2019
After some study of our Mass attendance, prayerful consideration and consultation with the Parish Staff and Pastoral Council, a decision has been made to discontinue the 5:15 p.m. Sunday evening Mass beginning the first Sunday of January, 2019.
Currently, we have seven Masses each weekend; one on Saturday and six on Sunday. There has been a decline in Mass attendance, at St. Ignatius as in many other parishes, and particularly at the Sunday evening 5:15 pm Mass. The church accommodates 500-600 people, depending on personal size and comfort of seating. We can easily accommodate our average weekend attendance with six Masses each weekend. Therefore, beginning Sunday, January 6, 2019, the Sunday 5:15 pm Mass will be removed. A full church fosters a better sense of community, encourages participation, and conserves resources of priests and maintenance. The Pastoral Council will continue to study Mass attendance and how we as a community can encourage more participation at Sunday liturgy.
People who need to attend Mass on Sunday evening are welcome at the 7 p.m. Mass and at Masses at nearby churches. Thank you for your understanding, especially to all those who have participated at the 5:15pm Mass. Thank you also to Mr. James Sheehan for his music ministry at this Mass. Jim will be play- ing at other Masses on the weekend as needed.
May we remember to always strive to work for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
December 2, 2018
CHANGE OF SUNDAY EVENING MASS SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 6, 2019
After some study of our Mass attendance, prayerful consideration and consultation with the Parish Staff and Pastoral Council, a decision has been made to discontinue the 5:15pm Sunday evening Mass beginning the first Sunday of January 6th.
Since I arrived at St. Ignatius Loyola seven years ago, I noticed that we have more Masses than people coming to our church. Currently we have 7 Masses each weekend; 1 on Saturday and 6 on Sunday. There has been a steady decline in Mass attendance at all of our Masses, particularly the Sunday evening 5:15pm Mass. The full capacity of the church appears to accommodate 500-600 people, depending on personal size and comfort of seating. It has been evident that, given this seating capacity, our church is too large for a Mass that averages less than 100 people during the year. We can easily accommodate our average weekend attendance with less than 6 Masses on Sunday. Therefore, beginning Sunday, January 6, 2019, the Sunday 5:15pm Mass will be removed.
A fuller church fosters a better sense of community, encourages participation, and conserves resources of priests and maintenance. People who need to attend Mass on Sunday evening are welcome at the 7 pm Mass and at Masses at nearby churches. Thank you for your understanding, especially to all those who have participated at the 5:15pm Mass. Thank you also to Mr. James Sheehan for his music ministry at this Mass. Jim will be playing at other Masses on the weekend as needed.
ADVENT- BE PREPARED
Happy New Year, everybody! I write this because we are not entering a new secular calendar year, we are entering a new Church liturgical calendar year beginning with this season of ADVENT! So it is appropriate to say “Happy New Year?”
When the Church begins the First Sunday of Advent, she proclaims it a new liturgical year. Since the Second Vatican Council, the Church year is divided into 3 cycles or years, A,B and C. Each cycle focuses on a particular Gospel. During Cycle A we focus on the Gospel of Matthew. During Cycle B we focus on the Gospel of Mark. During Cycle C we will focus on the Gospel of Luke.
The first reading from the weekday Mass readings is divided into Cycles 1 or 2. During Cycle C, we will hear the readings from Cycle 1. Then we alternate to Cycle 2 the next liturgical year. After three years, we will have heard much from all of our Gospel readings.
The word Advent comes from the Latin term “adventus” or coming. During the first two weeks until December 16th, we will focus on the Christ who will come again. From December 17th thru December 24th our focus is on the Christ who came at Christmas in Bethlehem. The Gospel of Luke this Sunday focuses on the end times and Jesus’ coming again in glory.
Jesus refers to the end, not to scare or frighten us, but to prepare us to be ready to meet him face to face. Luke tells us that nothing here on earth lasts forever: whether it is nature, the cosmos, politics, money, our Christmas purchases and even our own bodies. Bishop Robert Barron writes, “don’t expect to find your ultimate fulfillment in any of it” that is, the material world. Our only true happiness is to be found in God.
Jesus, who is God on earth, leads us to the God the Father. Jesus gives us every reason to hope that despite life’s challenges and threats, he will get us through this world and help us to share in his eternal glory in Heaven to come. May we never forget that Jesus is our only source of our sal- vation. May we take this Advent to stop, pray, light the candles of an advent wreath, listen and talk to Jesus so that we discover him as Emmanuel, God with us at all times. As St. John Paul II tells us, “be not afraid” your salvation is at hand. A blessed and Happy Advent to All! I share with you this Ancient Prayer of the Virgin Mary and I invite you to pray it during this season of Advent.
We turn to you for protection, Holy Mother of God.
Listen to our prayers and help us in our needs.
Save us from every danger,
Glorious and Blessed Virgin. Amen.
May we remember to always strive to work for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
After some study of our Mass attendance, prayerful consideration and consultation with the Parish Staff and Pastoral Council, a decision has been made to discontinue the 5:15pm Sunday evening Mass beginning the first Sunday of January 6th.
Since I arrived at St. Ignatius Loyola seven years ago, I noticed that we have more Masses than people coming to our church. Currently we have 7 Masses each weekend; 1 on Saturday and 6 on Sunday. There has been a steady decline in Mass attendance at all of our Masses, particularly the Sunday evening 5:15pm Mass. The full capacity of the church appears to accommodate 500-600 people, depending on personal size and comfort of seating. It has been evident that, given this seating capacity, our church is too large for a Mass that averages less than 100 people during the year. We can easily accommodate our average weekend attendance with less than 6 Masses on Sunday. Therefore, beginning Sunday, January 6, 2019, the Sunday 5:15pm Mass will be removed.
A fuller church fosters a better sense of community, encourages participation, and conserves resources of priests and maintenance. People who need to attend Mass on Sunday evening are welcome at the 7 pm Mass and at Masses at nearby churches. Thank you for your understanding, especially to all those who have participated at the 5:15pm Mass. Thank you also to Mr. James Sheehan for his music ministry at this Mass. Jim will be playing at other Masses on the weekend as needed.
ADVENT- BE PREPARED
Happy New Year, everybody! I write this because we are not entering a new secular calendar year, we are entering a new Church liturgical calendar year beginning with this season of ADVENT! So it is appropriate to say “Happy New Year?”
When the Church begins the First Sunday of Advent, she proclaims it a new liturgical year. Since the Second Vatican Council, the Church year is divided into 3 cycles or years, A,B and C. Each cycle focuses on a particular Gospel. During Cycle A we focus on the Gospel of Matthew. During Cycle B we focus on the Gospel of Mark. During Cycle C we will focus on the Gospel of Luke.
The first reading from the weekday Mass readings is divided into Cycles 1 or 2. During Cycle C, we will hear the readings from Cycle 1. Then we alternate to Cycle 2 the next liturgical year. After three years, we will have heard much from all of our Gospel readings.
The word Advent comes from the Latin term “adventus” or coming. During the first two weeks until December 16th, we will focus on the Christ who will come again. From December 17th thru December 24th our focus is on the Christ who came at Christmas in Bethlehem. The Gospel of Luke this Sunday focuses on the end times and Jesus’ coming again in glory.
Jesus refers to the end, not to scare or frighten us, but to prepare us to be ready to meet him face to face. Luke tells us that nothing here on earth lasts forever: whether it is nature, the cosmos, politics, money, our Christmas purchases and even our own bodies. Bishop Robert Barron writes, “don’t expect to find your ultimate fulfillment in any of it” that is, the material world. Our only true happiness is to be found in God.
Jesus, who is God on earth, leads us to the God the Father. Jesus gives us every reason to hope that despite life’s challenges and threats, he will get us through this world and help us to share in his eternal glory in Heaven to come. May we never forget that Jesus is our only source of our sal- vation. May we take this Advent to stop, pray, light the candles of an advent wreath, listen and talk to Jesus so that we discover him as Emmanuel, God with us at all times. As St. John Paul II tells us, “be not afraid” your salvation is at hand. A blessed and Happy Advent to All! I share with you this Ancient Prayer of the Virgin Mary and I invite you to pray it during this season of Advent.
We turn to you for protection, Holy Mother of God.
Listen to our prayers and help us in our needs.
Save us from every danger,
Glorious and Blessed Virgin. Amen.
May we remember to always strive to work for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
November 25, 2018
CHRIST, KING OVER OUR LIVES AND ALL THE WORLD
As we have carved our turkeys and saved some leftovers for Turkey sandwiches, which I like, the Church is looking at the end of the year. Not the calendar year, but the Church year. We always end the year with the Sunday of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, traditionally known as Christ the King, the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Pope Pius XI instituted this feast on February 25, 1925 in an encyclical entitled Quas Primas, meaning the First applying the title to Christ as our Lord and King.
The Pope is addressing the problems of secularism where God is left out of the lives of human beings and society organizes its life as if God did not exist. Pius XI states that where God is thrown out, chaos erupts and man is on a downfall. Sound familiar? His letter was written just as the Nazi, Communist and other Dictator regimes were growing around the world.
This feast was established to remind us of who it is we worship. We worship Christ who is a king that does not lord his power and authority over others or takes others freedoms away. He is a King that uses love, mercy and forgiveness to draw all men to himself. Instead of a crown of jewels, our Christ receives a crown of thorns. Instead of a throne of gold, his seat is the cross. Is this the King we all acclaim to follow? If so, do we allow Christ to be the King over every aspect of our life? Do we allow him to reign in our hearts? Are we faithful to his word and his actions? Is Christ our King on Sunday while we make up the rest of the rules during the week? If we are his followers, then may his grace up us to come to serve and not be served, to love and not hate, to strive for the truth and not follow or make up stories. There are so many pressures in this life that knock us off track. But, today’s feast tells us that we have a God, a King who is all merciful, and always there for us to help us serve and love him better. May we open our hearts now before it is too late.
THE NEW ALLEN ORGAN & OUR CHOIR-CONTINUING OUR MISSION
Here is another, clearer picture of our new Allen Organ. I hope you are enjoying its new sounds and tunes. The Organ is a GENYSIS G330. It has 46 STOPS with A GYNYSIS VOICE. The total cost of the organ is $68,000.
The Organ’s dimensions are
Width 58-5/16” (148cm);
Height 47-5/8” (123 cm);
Depth 31-3/4” (80.6 cm) without pedalboard, 49” (124.5 cm) with pedalboard.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Toohey our Music Director. Jennifer is planning a concert in the near future to demonstrate the capabilities of our new organ. Stay tune! Thank you to all who have given and are giving to the campaign. No giving is ever too small and no sacrifice is ever too big.
May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always! St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
As we have carved our turkeys and saved some leftovers for Turkey sandwiches, which I like, the Church is looking at the end of the year. Not the calendar year, but the Church year. We always end the year with the Sunday of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, traditionally known as Christ the King, the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Pope Pius XI instituted this feast on February 25, 1925 in an encyclical entitled Quas Primas, meaning the First applying the title to Christ as our Lord and King.
The Pope is addressing the problems of secularism where God is left out of the lives of human beings and society organizes its life as if God did not exist. Pius XI states that where God is thrown out, chaos erupts and man is on a downfall. Sound familiar? His letter was written just as the Nazi, Communist and other Dictator regimes were growing around the world.
This feast was established to remind us of who it is we worship. We worship Christ who is a king that does not lord his power and authority over others or takes others freedoms away. He is a King that uses love, mercy and forgiveness to draw all men to himself. Instead of a crown of jewels, our Christ receives a crown of thorns. Instead of a throne of gold, his seat is the cross. Is this the King we all acclaim to follow? If so, do we allow Christ to be the King over every aspect of our life? Do we allow him to reign in our hearts? Are we faithful to his word and his actions? Is Christ our King on Sunday while we make up the rest of the rules during the week? If we are his followers, then may his grace up us to come to serve and not be served, to love and not hate, to strive for the truth and not follow or make up stories. There are so many pressures in this life that knock us off track. But, today’s feast tells us that we have a God, a King who is all merciful, and always there for us to help us serve and love him better. May we open our hearts now before it is too late.
THE NEW ALLEN ORGAN & OUR CHOIR-CONTINUING OUR MISSION
Here is another, clearer picture of our new Allen Organ. I hope you are enjoying its new sounds and tunes. The Organ is a GENYSIS G330. It has 46 STOPS with A GYNYSIS VOICE. The total cost of the organ is $68,000.
The Organ’s dimensions are
Width 58-5/16” (148cm);
Height 47-5/8” (123 cm);
Depth 31-3/4” (80.6 cm) without pedalboard, 49” (124.5 cm) with pedalboard.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Toohey our Music Director. Jennifer is planning a concert in the near future to demonstrate the capabilities of our new organ. Stay tune! Thank you to all who have given and are giving to the campaign. No giving is ever too small and no sacrifice is ever too big.
May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always! St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
November 18, 2018
The following is the Thanksgiving Proclamation as given by President Abraham Lincoln on October 20, 1864. Please take some time with your family to read and reflect over his words. They are as meaningful today as they were back in the 19th Century.
One thing to think about from this Sunday’s Gospel is asking ourselves this questions, in all that I do in my life, am I helping God to build his kingdom or am I standing in the way? God will judge us on that at the end of our time. One great way to build God’s Kingdom is be thankful not just on Thanksgiving Day but every day. An- other way is to celebrate Thanksgiving ! While I realize our cultural circumstances, we have only ourselves to blame if we make this Thanksgiving a shopping day. The stores and websites will be there. Family and friends are temporary. While there are jobs that demand people to be there, I often think of those families who are separated due to our consumer demand. We can set the pace. It starts first with you and me. From all of us here at St. Ignatius Loyola; staff, sisters and your priests, have a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. May we strive to do all things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr Jim,
Pastor
A Thanksgiving Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln President Lincoln emphasized a national day of thanks
It is the duty of the nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the over ruling power of God;
to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance' will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the LORD.
We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subject to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land ,may be a punishment inflicted upon us for-our presumptuous sins; to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.
But we have forgotten God. We-have forgotten the gracious hand-which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us. It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union. Done at the city of Washington, this 20th day of October, A.D. 1864, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-ninth.
One thing to think about from this Sunday’s Gospel is asking ourselves this questions, in all that I do in my life, am I helping God to build his kingdom or am I standing in the way? God will judge us on that at the end of our time. One great way to build God’s Kingdom is be thankful not just on Thanksgiving Day but every day. An- other way is to celebrate Thanksgiving ! While I realize our cultural circumstances, we have only ourselves to blame if we make this Thanksgiving a shopping day. The stores and websites will be there. Family and friends are temporary. While there are jobs that demand people to be there, I often think of those families who are separated due to our consumer demand. We can set the pace. It starts first with you and me. From all of us here at St. Ignatius Loyola; staff, sisters and your priests, have a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. May we strive to do all things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr Jim,
Pastor
A Thanksgiving Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln President Lincoln emphasized a national day of thanks
It is the duty of the nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the over ruling power of God;
to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance' will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the LORD.
We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subject to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land ,may be a punishment inflicted upon us for-our presumptuous sins; to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.
But we have forgotten God. We-have forgotten the gracious hand-which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us. It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union. Done at the city of Washington, this 20th day of October, A.D. 1864, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-ninth.
November 11, 2018
THE WIDOW WHO GAVE HER ALL
Women during Jesus’ time had no opportunity to form an identity on their own. They always had to rely on men, either their spouses or their sons to help them have influence in life. If they lost the men in their family, they had nothing. Without the man, she could not own property, a home or have an income.
Yet in this Sunday’s Gospel, we see a widow who defies all the odds against her. She presents herself in the temple with great courage and humility showing her brave faith. She gives all that she has to the temple collection, because she has such hopes in God’s promise and trusts in His word. The widow gave from her very means and goes beyond her comfort zone. Jesus notices!
What about us? How do we give of ourselves to God? If we want to be his followers, are we willing to go beyond our comfort zones when we give of ourselves like that widow who gave everything she had? Are we willing to follow humility, emptiness, brokenness, littleness, and sacrifice. This means letting go of all that I want or desire and giving to God my time, talent and treasure.
Many of you have been generous in giving to our Capital Campaign. As you can see by the projects we have completed, your dollars are at work. I am deeply grateful for your sacrifice to your parish. However, my great concern is our regular Sunday collection. They have fallen quite dramatically since 2011. They have fallen even greater since 2016 when our Capital Campaign began. While it is important that each of us complete our payments to the campaign, it is equally crucial that we continue our regular contributions to the Sunday collection. This is what helps us with our daily operations here at St. Ignatius Loyola. Without it, we would be at a great economic loss and would have to cut our ministries and programs. Here is an example of our recent collections in September and October 2018 compared September & October 2017.
Women during Jesus’ time had no opportunity to form an identity on their own. They always had to rely on men, either their spouses or their sons to help them have influence in life. If they lost the men in their family, they had nothing. Without the man, she could not own property, a home or have an income.
Yet in this Sunday’s Gospel, we see a widow who defies all the odds against her. She presents herself in the temple with great courage and humility showing her brave faith. She gives all that she has to the temple collection, because she has such hopes in God’s promise and trusts in His word. The widow gave from her very means and goes beyond her comfort zone. Jesus notices!
What about us? How do we give of ourselves to God? If we want to be his followers, are we willing to go beyond our comfort zones when we give of ourselves like that widow who gave everything she had? Are we willing to follow humility, emptiness, brokenness, littleness, and sacrifice. This means letting go of all that I want or desire and giving to God my time, talent and treasure.
Many of you have been generous in giving to our Capital Campaign. As you can see by the projects we have completed, your dollars are at work. I am deeply grateful for your sacrifice to your parish. However, my great concern is our regular Sunday collection. They have fallen quite dramatically since 2011. They have fallen even greater since 2016 when our Capital Campaign began. While it is important that each of us complete our payments to the campaign, it is equally crucial that we continue our regular contributions to the Sunday collection. This is what helps us with our daily operations here at St. Ignatius Loyola. Without it, we would be at a great economic loss and would have to cut our ministries and programs. Here is an example of our recent collections in September and October 2018 compared September & October 2017.
There were only two Sundays where we were over last year’s results. All the other Sunday collections took a loss. So this Sunday and in the future, when you are preparing your envelope, or when the basket comes by, please think of the widow and the coin. She was noticed by Jesus and rewarded the glory of heaven because she gave from her heart. How about you? If you want to be rewarded by Jesus, are you willing to give to God from your heart by giving to your parish of St. Ignatius? Jesus notices!
May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
November 4, 2018
The Saint Agnes Medal of Service
Please congratulate St. Ignatius Loyola’s recent recipient of the St. Agnes Medal for Service, Carol Hogan who has been a parishioner here for many years. The St. Agnes Medal of Service was instituted twelve years ago by Bishop William F. Murphy to recognize members of our local Church who have contributed their time and talent to all of our parishes in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Carol, like all of our past recipients, had been chosen for this honor because of her consistent, generous and meaningful contribution to the life of St. Ignatius Loyola. Carol has served in many ministries in and outside of our parish, including the Martha’s Guild, Parish Activities and Fundraising, the Mercy League which benefits Mercy Hospital, moderator of our parish Adult Altar Servers and the Finance Committee. Carol currently serves as a Parish Trustee. Thank you, Carol, for all your dedicated work and service to our parish of St. Ignatius Loyola. May God continue to bless you and Mary keep you!
Thank you also to all of past recipients for your dedicated work to our parish! You are examples of what Jesus means in the Sunday’s Gospel Mark 12:28-34 to Love God and Love neighbor.
Please congratulate St. Ignatius Loyola’s recent recipient of the St. Agnes Medal for Service, Carol Hogan who has been a parishioner here for many years. The St. Agnes Medal of Service was instituted twelve years ago by Bishop William F. Murphy to recognize members of our local Church who have contributed their time and talent to all of our parishes in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Carol, like all of our past recipients, had been chosen for this honor because of her consistent, generous and meaningful contribution to the life of St. Ignatius Loyola. Carol has served in many ministries in and outside of our parish, including the Martha’s Guild, Parish Activities and Fundraising, the Mercy League which benefits Mercy Hospital, moderator of our parish Adult Altar Servers and the Finance Committee. Carol currently serves as a Parish Trustee. Thank you, Carol, for all your dedicated work and service to our parish of St. Ignatius Loyola. May God continue to bless you and Mary keep you!
Thank you also to all of past recipients for your dedicated work to our parish! You are examples of what Jesus means in the Sunday’s Gospel Mark 12:28-34 to Love God and Love neighbor.
CONTINUING OUR MISSION, THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
As you can see, our new organ was recently installed last Friday, Oct. 19, 2018.
It is an Allan Organ filled with many beautiful sounds and melodies that will en- hance our prayer of song here at St. Ignatius Loyola! Thank you to all who are giv- ing and have given to our Capital Campaign. We are still a little less than $300,000 to reach our goal of $1.5 million. If you have not yet given, it is never too late. We look at equal sacrifice, not equal giving!
I have noticed however that our regular Sunday collections have dropped considerably. My sense is that we may be giving to the campaign but not to the church collection. Please remember that we still rely on our Sunday collections to help run our daily operations and our ministries. This is so important. It is difficult when we rob Peter to pay Paul. I humbly ask each of us to continue to give to our Sunday offerings. Please do not think that if you give to the campaign, that helps us on Sunday. It is for a different purpose.
ALL SOULS’ MASS
Please join us for our All Souls’ Mass on Monday November 5, 2018 at 7:30pm. This is a special time to
pray for and remember all those who died in our parish over this past year. We also pray for those who have died previously and for all the souls in purgatory that will now receive them to enter into the eternal happi- ness of Heaven.
May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always! St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
As you can see, our new organ was recently installed last Friday, Oct. 19, 2018.
It is an Allan Organ filled with many beautiful sounds and melodies that will en- hance our prayer of song here at St. Ignatius Loyola! Thank you to all who are giv- ing and have given to our Capital Campaign. We are still a little less than $300,000 to reach our goal of $1.5 million. If you have not yet given, it is never too late. We look at equal sacrifice, not equal giving!
I have noticed however that our regular Sunday collections have dropped considerably. My sense is that we may be giving to the campaign but not to the church collection. Please remember that we still rely on our Sunday collections to help run our daily operations and our ministries. This is so important. It is difficult when we rob Peter to pay Paul. I humbly ask each of us to continue to give to our Sunday offerings. Please do not think that if you give to the campaign, that helps us on Sunday. It is for a different purpose.
ALL SOULS’ MASS
Please join us for our All Souls’ Mass on Monday November 5, 2018 at 7:30pm. This is a special time to
pray for and remember all those who died in our parish over this past year. We also pray for those who have died previously and for all the souls in purgatory that will now receive them to enter into the eternal happi- ness of Heaven.
May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always! St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
October 28, 2018
During my priestly formation years in the Seminary, we were involved in seminars that are different from our usual studies in Theology. The purpose was to give us a well-rounded experience of priestly ministry in the Church. One such program was on how to work with people with disabilities. During this seminar, we actually got to experience what it was like to be nearly blind. We were given special glasses to wear that made everything very blurry. We had to walk down the hallway and down the steps with these glasses. One certainly could not do this alone. We were given guides. Even though we could not see, the guides were our eyes in helping us not fall or bump into the walls. We needed to trust them.
In Mark’s Gospel today, we see this man Bartimaeus who was blind from birth. Blindness like many other disabilities, was thought to be a curse from God. Those who could not see, could not work. So, Bartimaeus experienced suffering not only with his eyes. but with poverty and hunger. However, even though he was blind, he could see in other ways from his heart. He sensed that Jesus was someone very special in whom he could trust. Bartimaues, who never saw Jesus, makes an act of faith in calling out to the Lord. Not only does he show great faith, but also great perseverance in not allowing others to prevent him from getting Jesus’ attention. Jesus of course, grants him his request and opens him to the fullness of God’s presence because he had faith.
While many of us may not be blind from sight, we are all blind by our sins that prevent us from seeing God in our midst and fully living out our faith. This is shown through our addictions, fears, anger, pride, selfishness and insecurities. Maybe we are just too busy to see the Lord in our midst. But, we must not lose hope because God in his infinite mercy is reaching out to all of us each day to help us to see his loving presence before him. We need not be afraid of him because Jesus who acts as our High Priest, knows what we are going through. He is able to “sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15) and take them to the cross. Since he is victorious through the cross, we too share in his victory! But, do we really believe and trust Him or are we ashamed, afraid, and filled with doubt?
Our Catechism of the Catholic Church, tells us that we are “all invited by Jesus to enter the Kingdom of God. Even the worst of sinners is able to change and accept the boundless mercy of the Father. Already on earth the Kingdom belongs to those who accept it with a humble heart” (CCC 541-546, 567). We can form a humble and open heart by talking to God , asking for His grace, participating in the Mass, reading the Scriptures, receiving the sacraments, helping others and looking to others who are role models of faith as mentors. My dad, Stanley, who was an optometrist, helped us to see in more ways than one. He helped us to see life with faith, hope, perseverance and ultimately with love. He was a part of that “greatest generation” who taught us respect for others and self. He also taught us the gift of hospitality. My hope is to continue to follow his ways so that I can be lead closer to Jesus.
Notice that Bartimaeus did not return home. He went and followed Jesus. He shared his good fortune with others, helping them to see Jesus in their midst. We pray that the Lord will deliver each of us from our blindness to sight, in our heart, from death to new life. Once we really see the world and all around us through the eyes of faith, then we can truly find and serve Christ in one another and ultimately we pray, in Heaven.
Congratulations to Carol Hogan, who is this year’s recipient of the St. Agnes Medal for dedicated service to our parish! Please pray for Carol and her family! More to come.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
In Mark’s Gospel today, we see this man Bartimaeus who was blind from birth. Blindness like many other disabilities, was thought to be a curse from God. Those who could not see, could not work. So, Bartimaeus experienced suffering not only with his eyes. but with poverty and hunger. However, even though he was blind, he could see in other ways from his heart. He sensed that Jesus was someone very special in whom he could trust. Bartimaues, who never saw Jesus, makes an act of faith in calling out to the Lord. Not only does he show great faith, but also great perseverance in not allowing others to prevent him from getting Jesus’ attention. Jesus of course, grants him his request and opens him to the fullness of God’s presence because he had faith.
While many of us may not be blind from sight, we are all blind by our sins that prevent us from seeing God in our midst and fully living out our faith. This is shown through our addictions, fears, anger, pride, selfishness and insecurities. Maybe we are just too busy to see the Lord in our midst. But, we must not lose hope because God in his infinite mercy is reaching out to all of us each day to help us to see his loving presence before him. We need not be afraid of him because Jesus who acts as our High Priest, knows what we are going through. He is able to “sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15) and take them to the cross. Since he is victorious through the cross, we too share in his victory! But, do we really believe and trust Him or are we ashamed, afraid, and filled with doubt?
Our Catechism of the Catholic Church, tells us that we are “all invited by Jesus to enter the Kingdom of God. Even the worst of sinners is able to change and accept the boundless mercy of the Father. Already on earth the Kingdom belongs to those who accept it with a humble heart” (CCC 541-546, 567). We can form a humble and open heart by talking to God , asking for His grace, participating in the Mass, reading the Scriptures, receiving the sacraments, helping others and looking to others who are role models of faith as mentors. My dad, Stanley, who was an optometrist, helped us to see in more ways than one. He helped us to see life with faith, hope, perseverance and ultimately with love. He was a part of that “greatest generation” who taught us respect for others and self. He also taught us the gift of hospitality. My hope is to continue to follow his ways so that I can be lead closer to Jesus.
Notice that Bartimaeus did not return home. He went and followed Jesus. He shared his good fortune with others, helping them to see Jesus in their midst. We pray that the Lord will deliver each of us from our blindness to sight, in our heart, from death to new life. Once we really see the world and all around us through the eyes of faith, then we can truly find and serve Christ in one another and ultimately we pray, in Heaven.
Congratulations to Carol Hogan, who is this year’s recipient of the St. Agnes Medal for dedicated service to our parish! Please pray for Carol and her family! More to come.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
October 21, 2018
CELEBRATION OF DİA DE LA RAZA The Day of the Races
Every year, our Spanish speaking parishioners celebrate Dia de la Raza, or Day of the Races. It marks the time when Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas on October 12, 1492. His discovery opened the door for many explorers from Spain (Home of Fr. Andrés) including Amerigo Vespuci who gave our continents here the name America. He discovered South America.
On this day, the countries of Central and South America celebrate their traditions and culture with food, dance, traditional clothing and song. Our parishioners come from El Salvador (Home of Deacon Jose), Guatamala (Home of Deacon Mario) Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic.
This day reminds me of the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians. He writes may we all “bear with one another in love striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit as you were also called to the one hope of your call one Lord, one faith , one Baptism under one God and Father of all who is overall and through all and in all”. Eph 3-5. May we reflect on these words of Paul to help us in this culture of division, negative politics and selfishness. Fr. Jim Pastor
Every year, our Spanish speaking parishioners celebrate Dia de la Raza, or Day of the Races. It marks the time when Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas on October 12, 1492. His discovery opened the door for many explorers from Spain (Home of Fr. Andrés) including Amerigo Vespuci who gave our continents here the name America. He discovered South America.
On this day, the countries of Central and South America celebrate their traditions and culture with food, dance, traditional clothing and song. Our parishioners come from El Salvador (Home of Deacon Jose), Guatamala (Home of Deacon Mario) Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic.
This day reminds me of the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians. He writes may we all “bear with one another in love striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit as you were also called to the one hope of your call one Lord, one faith , one Baptism under one God and Father of all who is overall and through all and in all”. Eph 3-5. May we reflect on these words of Paul to help us in this culture of division, negative politics and selfishness. Fr. Jim Pastor
October 14, 2018
ST. OSCAR ARNULFO ROMERO, PRAY FOR US
Today, Sunday, October 14th Pope Francis will canonize two influential and faithful priests into official Saints of the Church; Blessed Pope Paul VI and Blessed Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador. I had the opportunity not only to visit the hospital of the Divine Providence where St. Oscar Romero was martyred, but also to celebrate Mass at the very altar where his blood was spilled. We will have a Mass of Thanksgiving in Spanish at 7pm Sunday, October 21, 2018 in honor of St. Oscar Romero. Join us please!
My visit was with the youth of my first assigned parish of St. Brigid, Westbury. Every year the Youth Minister from St. Brigid held a pilgrimage for youth and adults sponsored by the CFCA (Children’s Foundation for Children and Aging). The purpose of the trip was to see and experience true poverty where many families of St. Brigid originated from and still do today, including our own from St. Ignatius.
When we arrived at the chapel where St. Oscar Romero died while celebrating Mass, I could not help but think about Good Friday and where Jesus spilled his blood on the cross for us out of love.St. Romero did the same out of love for his Church and his Country. I decided to enter the chapel as we would enter our church for Good Friday. I wore red vestments for the occasion. While I prostrated on the floor, all knelt in silence. It was an incredible, indescribable moment in being at the altar where this great man was martyred and thinking about the life of a man who gave himself to Jesus for the souls of his people in need.
Archbishop Romero was born on August 15, 1917. He was ordained a Priest in 1942. After earning a doctorate in ascetical theology, he returned home and became a parish priest and rector of an Inter-diocesan seminary. He was appointed Archbishop of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, in 1977.
St. Romero was considered a “safe choice” at the time of the violent Civil War in his country. He refused to make waves against the government in any way, even though it was accused of kidnapping and murdering its own people, for fear of communism. It did not matter if they were guilty or innocent. The Church hierarchy often sided with governing forces at the time, for fear of a communist takeover.
It was not until three weeks after his appointment as archbishop, that Romero was shaken and transformed by the murder of his good friend, Jesuit Father Rutilio Grande, a vigorous defender of the rights of the poor. Five more priests were assassinated in the Archdiocese of San Salvador during Romero’s years as its shepherd.
When a military junta seized control of the national government in 1979, Archbishop Romero publicly criticized the US government for backing the junta. His weekly radio sermons, broadcast throughout the country, were regarded by many as the most trustworthy source of news available. St. Romero’s funeral was celebrated in the plaza outside the cathedral and drew an estimated 250,000 mourners. His tomb in the cathedral crypt soon drew thousands of visitors each year. On February 3, 2015, Pope Francis authorized a decree recognizing Oscar Romero as a martyr for the faith. His beatification took place in San Salvador on May 23, 2015.
St. Oscar Romero is called the Model Pastor and the Model Bishop for us all. As one Salvadoran woman described him, Archbishop Romero “is not ours but he is St. Romero of the Americas, now he is going to be St. Romero of the world." Following Jesus always requires choices. Romero’s fiercest critics conveniently dismissed his choices as politically inspired. He shows us how an incarnational faith must be expressed publicly. Pray for the people of El Salvador and all Salvadorans of our parish today. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor
Today, Sunday, October 14th Pope Francis will canonize two influential and faithful priests into official Saints of the Church; Blessed Pope Paul VI and Blessed Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador. I had the opportunity not only to visit the hospital of the Divine Providence where St. Oscar Romero was martyred, but also to celebrate Mass at the very altar where his blood was spilled. We will have a Mass of Thanksgiving in Spanish at 7pm Sunday, October 21, 2018 in honor of St. Oscar Romero. Join us please!
My visit was with the youth of my first assigned parish of St. Brigid, Westbury. Every year the Youth Minister from St. Brigid held a pilgrimage for youth and adults sponsored by the CFCA (Children’s Foundation for Children and Aging). The purpose of the trip was to see and experience true poverty where many families of St. Brigid originated from and still do today, including our own from St. Ignatius.
When we arrived at the chapel where St. Oscar Romero died while celebrating Mass, I could not help but think about Good Friday and where Jesus spilled his blood on the cross for us out of love.St. Romero did the same out of love for his Church and his Country. I decided to enter the chapel as we would enter our church for Good Friday. I wore red vestments for the occasion. While I prostrated on the floor, all knelt in silence. It was an incredible, indescribable moment in being at the altar where this great man was martyred and thinking about the life of a man who gave himself to Jesus for the souls of his people in need.
Archbishop Romero was born on August 15, 1917. He was ordained a Priest in 1942. After earning a doctorate in ascetical theology, he returned home and became a parish priest and rector of an Inter-diocesan seminary. He was appointed Archbishop of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, in 1977.
St. Romero was considered a “safe choice” at the time of the violent Civil War in his country. He refused to make waves against the government in any way, even though it was accused of kidnapping and murdering its own people, for fear of communism. It did not matter if they were guilty or innocent. The Church hierarchy often sided with governing forces at the time, for fear of a communist takeover.
It was not until three weeks after his appointment as archbishop, that Romero was shaken and transformed by the murder of his good friend, Jesuit Father Rutilio Grande, a vigorous defender of the rights of the poor. Five more priests were assassinated in the Archdiocese of San Salvador during Romero’s years as its shepherd.
When a military junta seized control of the national government in 1979, Archbishop Romero publicly criticized the US government for backing the junta. His weekly radio sermons, broadcast throughout the country, were regarded by many as the most trustworthy source of news available. St. Romero’s funeral was celebrated in the plaza outside the cathedral and drew an estimated 250,000 mourners. His tomb in the cathedral crypt soon drew thousands of visitors each year. On February 3, 2015, Pope Francis authorized a decree recognizing Oscar Romero as a martyr for the faith. His beatification took place in San Salvador on May 23, 2015.
St. Oscar Romero is called the Model Pastor and the Model Bishop for us all. As one Salvadoran woman described him, Archbishop Romero “is not ours but he is St. Romero of the Americas, now he is going to be St. Romero of the world." Following Jesus always requires choices. Romero’s fiercest critics conveniently dismissed his choices as politically inspired. He shows us how an incarnational faith must be expressed publicly. Pray for the people of El Salvador and all Salvadorans of our parish today. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor
October 7, 2018
CONTINUING OUR MISSION-THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE WHERE WE ARE-$1,231,645.28 WHERE WE NEED TO BE- $1,500,000
As we inch closer toward our Capital Campaign goal, work on the parking lot continues. My hope is that by the time you read this column, the project will be completed! Thank you for patience and flexibility during this time. Due to the weather and other conditions in the lot, the project took longer than expected. Doesn’t an issue happen at home, work or school that tries your patience?
In light of all that is going on in our country, our Church and on social media, we can easily lose patience with one another. Jesus said “By your patience you will save your soul”. In an article I read on Catholic Exchange.com by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV, here are 5 simple suggestions that can help us with building patience within ourselves and each other.
FIRST-PRAY
Pray not only for the charming ones we love, but pray also for the person who irritates you or can be a thorn in your side.
SECOND-HUMILITY
When you are tempted to look down on a person, think about your own egregious actions and God’s mercy towards you. This will help you look upon that person with a different set of eyes. We seem to live in a country that points fingers, but has no mercy.
THIRD-ACT CONTRARY TO YOUR IMPULSIVENESS-AGERE CONTRA
In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius Loyola, writes about agere contra. This is a short Latin phrase to go against. The next time you feel tempted to be impatient, unkind, cold, or downright mean to a person who presses your buttons, do the opposite. A smile, kind word, nice gesture-even a small gift is pleasing to God. This conquering of self is difficult. But once done, this is a victory and a sign of God’s grace in your life.
FOURTH-PATIENCE WITH YOURSELF
Sometimes we are so concerned with perfection, that we lose sight of being kind to our- selves. When we are not kind to self, we act out against everyone else. While we all sin, this should not discourage us from starting again. The Founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, Venerable Bruno Lanteri expressed it in two short words, and these two words say it all: Nunc coepi, meaning now I begin. In other words, after we fall or fail in one way or another, we should get up, dust ourselves off, launch ourselves into the loving arms of God the Father (the image of Saint Therese of Lisieux), and simply start anew! Trust in God’s grace.
FIFTH-PATIENCE WITH GOD
God’s ways are not always our ways. Instead of fighting with God when things don’t go your way, ask him to help you to trust in his infinite love, care and plan for you. Beg our lady, who stayed at the cross watching Jesus suffering and die, to help you to have great trust and patience in God’s plan for your life.
Our next Continuing Our Mission projects are the rectory roof and a new organ! Thank you for your contributions! If you have not donated yet, think of doing so. No gift is ever too small! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
As we inch closer toward our Capital Campaign goal, work on the parking lot continues. My hope is that by the time you read this column, the project will be completed! Thank you for patience and flexibility during this time. Due to the weather and other conditions in the lot, the project took longer than expected. Doesn’t an issue happen at home, work or school that tries your patience?
In light of all that is going on in our country, our Church and on social media, we can easily lose patience with one another. Jesus said “By your patience you will save your soul”. In an article I read on Catholic Exchange.com by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV, here are 5 simple suggestions that can help us with building patience within ourselves and each other.
FIRST-PRAY
Pray not only for the charming ones we love, but pray also for the person who irritates you or can be a thorn in your side.
SECOND-HUMILITY
When you are tempted to look down on a person, think about your own egregious actions and God’s mercy towards you. This will help you look upon that person with a different set of eyes. We seem to live in a country that points fingers, but has no mercy.
THIRD-ACT CONTRARY TO YOUR IMPULSIVENESS-AGERE CONTRA
In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius Loyola, writes about agere contra. This is a short Latin phrase to go against. The next time you feel tempted to be impatient, unkind, cold, or downright mean to a person who presses your buttons, do the opposite. A smile, kind word, nice gesture-even a small gift is pleasing to God. This conquering of self is difficult. But once done, this is a victory and a sign of God’s grace in your life.
FOURTH-PATIENCE WITH YOURSELF
Sometimes we are so concerned with perfection, that we lose sight of being kind to our- selves. When we are not kind to self, we act out against everyone else. While we all sin, this should not discourage us from starting again. The Founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, Venerable Bruno Lanteri expressed it in two short words, and these two words say it all: Nunc coepi, meaning now I begin. In other words, after we fall or fail in one way or another, we should get up, dust ourselves off, launch ourselves into the loving arms of God the Father (the image of Saint Therese of Lisieux), and simply start anew! Trust in God’s grace.
FIFTH-PATIENCE WITH GOD
God’s ways are not always our ways. Instead of fighting with God when things don’t go your way, ask him to help you to trust in his infinite love, care and plan for you. Beg our lady, who stayed at the cross watching Jesus suffering and die, to help you to have great trust and patience in God’s plan for your life.
Our next Continuing Our Mission projects are the rectory roof and a new organ! Thank you for your contributions! If you have not donated yet, think of doing so. No gift is ever too small! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
September 30, 2018
WE ARE ONE IN THE SPIRIT, WE ARE ONE IN THE LORD
In our Sunday Gospel from Mark, we read that the youngest apostle (John, the brother of James) has the loudest voice. Jesus called these two the “Sons of Thunder” (see Mark 3:17) John seems to be moti- vated by a holy zeal to stop others who are doing good without the disciples’ authorization. John tells Jesus that he came across a man casting out demons in the name of Jesus—but he is “not one of us” and John thinks he should be silenced. Exorcists of this sort were common in antiquity. We see in the Gospel of Luke how James, the other brother, shows a similar intolerance toward a Samaritan who refused the hospitality of Jesus and his disciples. James calls for fire from Heaven to come down upon him. In the Book of Acts of the Apostles, the seven sons of a Jewish priest named Sceva have a rude surprise when they try to cast out demons in the name of “Jesus whom Paul preaches” (Acts 19:11-20).
Jesus does not accept this attitude at all. As their leader, he is certainly aware of the demands on loyal- ty needed to keep his group of Middle Eastern men together. However, Jesus wants to expand the boundaries of loyalty and include those working toward the same goals, like the person working to free another person, from the oppression of the devil. Jesus is telling his disciples that whenever good work is done in service of others, it should not be stopped. This volunteer is on their side and will not be inclined to speak against Jesus and his ministry.
This reminds me of how our Church has changed toward other Christians who worship and serve in our midst. When my parents grew up, you would not even dare to enter into a Protestant church because it was considered sacrilegious.
We felt that the Protestants were on the wrong side of history and were in error in their teachings. The Church has evolved, however, since the Second Vatican Council, where the Church recognizes that Christ is also in the other churches, not only our own. In the Vatican II Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintgratio, the Church recognizes the wounds caused by historic division between other Christians and herself. The documents states that “large communities became separated from the Catholic Church of which both men are to blame.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC #187) We cannot blame those who are born today for the problems of today, not of their own making. “Those who are Baptized, no matter in what Church, are incorporated into the Body of Christ. They therefore, have a right to be called Christians and with good reason are accepted as brothers (sisters) in the Lord, by the Children of the Catholic Church” (CCC 818). Many elements of holiness and truth are found outside the Catholic Church such as the Word of God, the life of grace, hope, faith and charity; and the gifts of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 819) All of these gifts lead us to Christ and call of Christian Unity.
To honor our perseverance for unity, Joe Samodulski and I take part in an ecumenical breakfast meeting once a month with the pastors and some of the outreach coordinators of Holy Family, Our Lady of Mercy, Trinity Lutheran, St. Stephen’s Lutheran, Holy Trinity Episcopal, Hicksville United Methodist, and the Graffiti Church. We discuss the issues of our community and how best to work together as one body of Christ. We host different Worship Events in Advent, Christian Unity Week and during Lent. Please check the bulletin for announcements and try to come and join us because they are not against us, they are for us! Currently, we are working on a project to have a shelter for the Homeless. More details to come at a later date.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always.
May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God! St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor
In our Sunday Gospel from Mark, we read that the youngest apostle (John, the brother of James) has the loudest voice. Jesus called these two the “Sons of Thunder” (see Mark 3:17) John seems to be moti- vated by a holy zeal to stop others who are doing good without the disciples’ authorization. John tells Jesus that he came across a man casting out demons in the name of Jesus—but he is “not one of us” and John thinks he should be silenced. Exorcists of this sort were common in antiquity. We see in the Gospel of Luke how James, the other brother, shows a similar intolerance toward a Samaritan who refused the hospitality of Jesus and his disciples. James calls for fire from Heaven to come down upon him. In the Book of Acts of the Apostles, the seven sons of a Jewish priest named Sceva have a rude surprise when they try to cast out demons in the name of “Jesus whom Paul preaches” (Acts 19:11-20).
Jesus does not accept this attitude at all. As their leader, he is certainly aware of the demands on loyal- ty needed to keep his group of Middle Eastern men together. However, Jesus wants to expand the boundaries of loyalty and include those working toward the same goals, like the person working to free another person, from the oppression of the devil. Jesus is telling his disciples that whenever good work is done in service of others, it should not be stopped. This volunteer is on their side and will not be inclined to speak against Jesus and his ministry.
This reminds me of how our Church has changed toward other Christians who worship and serve in our midst. When my parents grew up, you would not even dare to enter into a Protestant church because it was considered sacrilegious.
We felt that the Protestants were on the wrong side of history and were in error in their teachings. The Church has evolved, however, since the Second Vatican Council, where the Church recognizes that Christ is also in the other churches, not only our own. In the Vatican II Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintgratio, the Church recognizes the wounds caused by historic division between other Christians and herself. The documents states that “large communities became separated from the Catholic Church of which both men are to blame.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC #187) We cannot blame those who are born today for the problems of today, not of their own making. “Those who are Baptized, no matter in what Church, are incorporated into the Body of Christ. They therefore, have a right to be called Christians and with good reason are accepted as brothers (sisters) in the Lord, by the Children of the Catholic Church” (CCC 818). Many elements of holiness and truth are found outside the Catholic Church such as the Word of God, the life of grace, hope, faith and charity; and the gifts of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 819) All of these gifts lead us to Christ and call of Christian Unity.
To honor our perseverance for unity, Joe Samodulski and I take part in an ecumenical breakfast meeting once a month with the pastors and some of the outreach coordinators of Holy Family, Our Lady of Mercy, Trinity Lutheran, St. Stephen’s Lutheran, Holy Trinity Episcopal, Hicksville United Methodist, and the Graffiti Church. We discuss the issues of our community and how best to work together as one body of Christ. We host different Worship Events in Advent, Christian Unity Week and during Lent. Please check the bulletin for announcements and try to come and join us because they are not against us, they are for us! Currently, we are working on a project to have a shelter for the Homeless. More details to come at a later date.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always.
May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God! St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor
September 23, 2018
CONTINUING OUR MISSION-THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE
WHERE WE ARE- $1,228,029 WHERE WE NEED TO BE- $1,500,000
Here are your dollars at work. Our new parking lot has begun! Thank you to all who are contributing to this worthwhile endeavor. If you have not yet contributed to our Campaign and would like to, please contact our business office at the rectory (516) 931 -0056 Ext. 118. It is never too late. Every dollar that you contribute will be matched by our Diocese up to 1.5 Million Dollar. This is truly a gift.
Thank you for being patient and doing what you can to arrive at church during this time. Perhaps you had to park a little further than usual. When something like this happens, we can make our extra walk into a prayer, like the rosary, offering it for someone in need! Our next capital project will be the roof of the rectory which is in need of repair from all the rain we have been having over this past year. Stay Tune!
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST PIO-PADRE RECEIVING THE STIGMATA OF CHRIST
This past Thursday September 20, 2018, marked the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Padre Pio receiving what is called the Stigmata of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Stigmata are the five major wounds that Christ received on his hands, in his feet and in his side from the experience of his passion, crucifixion and death. A few saints have been given this gift as a sign of their union with the crucified Christ.
St. Pio, as a Capuchin priest, received the Stigmata on September 20, 1918. St. Pio’s stigmata showed how he lived the passion of Christ in a mystical way. The wounds of Christ appeared on his body while he was praying before a crucifix. Padre Pio’s wounds helped him to understand the cosmic power of the Catholic Mass, the unbloody representation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and a relationship between a holy living of the priesthood and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Although painful like Christ’s wounds, the stigmata helped Padre Pio to be a Doctor of Mercy in the confessional and a Doctor of Mercy for all those who faced all types of traumas of life. St. Pio’s wounds gave him a unique understanding of how to heal the wounds of the Church throughout History. As we contemplate his wounds, may we think about what in life has wounded us and ask Padre Pio’s intercession to help heal them. May we also ask St. Pio to help heal the wounds of our Church during this time of hurt and uncertainty. (For More Information See Bishop Barres’ Video on below - Padre Pio – Reflection (English)
We pray: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we thank you for the Holy Witness of your priest, St. Pio and the gift of the Stigmata you gave him. We ask St. Pio’s intercession that the wounds and traumas of survivors of abuse and the wounds of the entire Church may be touched by the glorified wounds of the risen Christ. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God St. Ignatius Loyola pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor
WHERE WE ARE- $1,228,029 WHERE WE NEED TO BE- $1,500,000
Here are your dollars at work. Our new parking lot has begun! Thank you to all who are contributing to this worthwhile endeavor. If you have not yet contributed to our Campaign and would like to, please contact our business office at the rectory (516) 931 -0056 Ext. 118. It is never too late. Every dollar that you contribute will be matched by our Diocese up to 1.5 Million Dollar. This is truly a gift.
Thank you for being patient and doing what you can to arrive at church during this time. Perhaps you had to park a little further than usual. When something like this happens, we can make our extra walk into a prayer, like the rosary, offering it for someone in need! Our next capital project will be the roof of the rectory which is in need of repair from all the rain we have been having over this past year. Stay Tune!
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST PIO-PADRE RECEIVING THE STIGMATA OF CHRIST
This past Thursday September 20, 2018, marked the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Padre Pio receiving what is called the Stigmata of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Stigmata are the five major wounds that Christ received on his hands, in his feet and in his side from the experience of his passion, crucifixion and death. A few saints have been given this gift as a sign of their union with the crucified Christ.
St. Pio, as a Capuchin priest, received the Stigmata on September 20, 1918. St. Pio’s stigmata showed how he lived the passion of Christ in a mystical way. The wounds of Christ appeared on his body while he was praying before a crucifix. Padre Pio’s wounds helped him to understand the cosmic power of the Catholic Mass, the unbloody representation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and a relationship between a holy living of the priesthood and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Although painful like Christ’s wounds, the stigmata helped Padre Pio to be a Doctor of Mercy in the confessional and a Doctor of Mercy for all those who faced all types of traumas of life. St. Pio’s wounds gave him a unique understanding of how to heal the wounds of the Church throughout History. As we contemplate his wounds, may we think about what in life has wounded us and ask Padre Pio’s intercession to help heal them. May we also ask St. Pio to help heal the wounds of our Church during this time of hurt and uncertainty. (For More Information See Bishop Barres’ Video on below - Padre Pio – Reflection (English)
We pray: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we thank you for the Holy Witness of your priest, St. Pio and the gift of the Stigmata you gave him. We ask St. Pio’s intercession that the wounds and traumas of survivors of abuse and the wounds of the entire Church may be touched by the glorified wounds of the risen Christ. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God St. Ignatius Loyola pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor