Advent

Dear Friends in Christ,

The season of Advent inaugurates a new liturgical year. With the First Sunday of Advent we begin a new cycle of readings which will continue until Advent of next year. The texts for the readings are spread over a three year period (Years A, B, and C). Having just completed Year B last Sunday, we are now beginning Year C.

The Gospel and the other Scripture readings at Mass are “proclaimed” from the Ambo. I use the word “proclaim” because we are hearing God’s Word, a message that is very important. Such a message should be heard loud and clear. Those who proclaim the readings at Mass are trained for their ministry. They read the texts before Mass and reflect on the meaning so that when they read them aloud the message comes through.

During the Advent season we have some very important messages in the readings, and I hope all of you will take the time to read them in advance so that you can prepare yourselves for Sunday Mass. Why not make this Advent a time of renewing your acquaintance with the Bible. Every Sunday our bulletin includes the Biblical references for the Sun-day readings and the readings for the coming week on page 3. You could cut out that part of the page and use it as a book mark in your Bible. Then every day reserve a time, maybe 20 minutes, to read the day’s Mass readings. You’ll find that you will learn more about how your Bible works and you will also find spiritual nourishment for your day. An easier way to find the readings is to subscribe to a monthly missal like Magnificat which also has prayers, articles and meditations. If you’re in front of the computer a lot, you can find the daily and Sunday readings on the web, www.ewtn.com, and many others. Too busy to sit with the Bible? Get an audio Bible! There are several out there on CD’s and MP3 versions. The Word of Promise audio Bible includes readings by famous actors such as Max von Sydow and Jim Caviesel.

Whatever version you get you can listen while driving, exercising, or walking the dog. We spend a lot of time using different media from iPods to email and from TV to twitter. Why not use our media for something that will benefit our soul? The Word of God is made to be heard, and there’s nothing like a good live rendering of a Biblical text. Let this Liturgical New Year be a time to prepare the way for the Lord through His Word. By the way, we’re looking for lectors to read at Mass. Have you thought about serving in this ministry?

A blessed Advent to all.

Fr. Hildebrand

Thanksgiving

Dear Friends in Christ,

As Thanksgiving approaches I want to thank the LORD for many things. So I thought I would make a “Thanksgiving List” for all we have received.

A BIG THANK YOU TO:

• Our priests for their generous pastoral service to our diverse community,
• Our parish staff for all the things they do for me and all of our parishioners in service, maintenance, religious education, Those who made Fr. Philip’s and my 25th Anniversary a memorable occasion,
• Our St. Vincent de Paul Society for its dedication to serving Jesus in the poor,
• Our Pastoral and Finance Councils for their collective wisdom and advice,
• Our Offertory Program Committee for hard work and timely achievements,
• Our parish choirs for their dedication to the service of the liturgy,
• Our parish ministers, servers, lectors, and ushers for their gifts of time and talent,
• Our School staff for their love and dedication to forming our children's hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits,
• Our Knights of Columbus for the projects that have enhanced our parish,
• Our Youth Group for restoring Coffee & Donuts on Sunday to enhance parish community,
• Our 50th Anniversary Committee for their time and energy in preparing beautiful and interesting events,
• Our Eucharistic Adorers for your prayers that strengthen us daily and nightly,
• Our Festival Committee for their committed efforts that bore great fruit this year,
  

And THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU for your patience, love, support, and all the little things you do to make our parish a place where Christ is welcomed and worshiped.

Fr. Hildebrand

What does it mean to be a Catholic?

Dear Friends in Christ,

The recent congressional debate over health care reform surfaced a serious conflict between a Catholic Congressman and his bishop. Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island stated publicly: “The fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic.” Kennedy was referring to his public stance favoring abortion coverage by the new health care plan. Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence wrote an open letter to Kennedy in which he corrected the congressman’s understanding of what it means to be a Catholic.

The bishop’s letter is very clear, and I consider it important for all of us. The bishop points out that the Church’s Code of Canon Law states that lay persons are bound to acquire a knowledge of Christian doctrine adapted to their capacity and condition so that they can live in accord with that doctrine (cf. Canon 229, #1). He also reminds the Congressman that Catholics in political life cannot claim autonomy from the moral and social teachings of the Church. To claim such autonomy as the Congressman does when he says he disagrees with the hierarchy on the immorality of abortion is to hold a position at odds with the Church’s teaching.

What does it mean to be a Catholic? That is the question. Bishop Tobin answers simply: “Being a Catholic means that you’re part of a faith community that possesses a clearly defined authority and doctrine, obligations and expectations. It means that you believe and accept the teachings of the Church, especially on essential matters of faith and morals; that you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish; that you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly; that you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually, and financially.”

Here we have a statement that all of us can understand. While we may find that we are confused about some teachings of the Church, we can rely on the Church to help us to know the truth. We have our Holy Father, our bishops, the Catechism, and many other resources that can help us to understand the Catholic teaching on modern questions. Let us make good use of these resources so that we are well-informed about our faith and can call ourselves Catholic in deed and in truth.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

SJB Updates

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today I would like to share with you some news from around the parish. First, after our recent celebration of unveiling the six new stained glass windows we are now proceeding to prepare for the next phase of the project, the large window in the choir loft, the windows alongside the bronze doors, and the eight small windows in the sanctuary. We have already received some preliminary sketches and they really look wonderful. The scheduled date for installation is May 2010 in time for our 50th anniversary celebration.

Speaking of our 50th anniversary, our special Memorial Mass for deceased parishioners over the past 50 years will take place this Saturday, Nov. 14 at 12noon. The Mass will include a special
remembrance ceremony for those who passed away during the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s, and 2000’s. Each decade will be marked by a parishioner who will light a candle in remembrance
of the deceased. Please invite your friends and relatives to this special Memorial Mass.

As you may have noticed our youth group now provides coffee and donuts on Sunday mornings (except the 4th Sunday when the Knights have their pancake breakfast). This is an opportunity
to visit with fellow parishioners and build community. Thank you to the youth group.

On Friday, Oct. 30 our school children celebrated the saints by coming to school dressed as their favorite saint. What imagination and creativity! I visited the classrooms during the morning and saw a little St. Francis of Assisi, St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Herman Joseph, St. Patrick and many others. This project is helping us teach the children the true meaning of Halloween, which is the vigil of All Saints. It’s not about witches and goblins.

It’s about the Saints, persons to inspire our young people. During this month of November let us not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters who have passed from this life. They may be in Purgatory, waiting for our prayers and Masses to set them free. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand