The Pentecost
Pastor's Online Ponderings
The Pentecost
Categories: Announcements, 99 wordsSend feedback •Come Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of your faithful.
On this most holy solemnity of the Pentecost we celebrate the imparting of the Holy Spirit upon the Most Holy Church and all humankind in fulfillment of Christ's promise. God remains with us and we with God in an eternal covenant of love. Once again God reminds us that his greatest desire is to be one with us. The presence of the Holy Spirit is the sign of this desire. This Pentecost let us renew our love for the Lord and live joyfully in the presence of our God forever.
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The Sacred Scriptures
Categories: Random Thoughts, 357 wordsSend feedback •Today we celebrate the feast of the Servite Blessed James Philip Bertoni. Throughout his life and ministry, Bl. James was known for his spirit of prayer and penance as well as his love for the Scriptures and the works of the Fathers of the Church. Ordained a priest, his celebration of the sacraments demonstrated his deep spirituality and love for the liturgy. He died in 1483.
In today’s Gospel, part of the Jesus’ farewell to his disciples, he commands them and us to “remain in my love.” Remaining in his love is to keep his commandments. This is no small order, especially when we are asked to love, forgive and have compassion for all people. Yet, because never asks us to do anything without giving us the assistance to complete the task, we are given the gift of the Sacred Scriptures to help learn, understand and live the commandments of God.
From Chapter 1, verse 1 of the Book of Genesis, to Chapter 22, verse 21 of the Book of Revelation, the Sacred Scriptures unfold for us the wonderful mystery of God’s love. This most holy mystery was fully revealed in the life, suffering, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Throughout the seasons of our lives, and in all events of life, the Scriptures reveal that we are God’s precious gift, loved beyond all telling, and blessed by the provident hand of our God. As we turn each page of the Scriptures we are reminded of this important lesson. Yet, the lesson comes with a task, that we share God’s love with others. In so doing we remain united to God and we fulfill his commandments for love is the commandment of God.
Studying the sacred scriptures and praying these sacred texts helps us to know the mind of Christ and to more fully live the commandments of Christ. I pray that every faithful Catholic and Christian embraces Pope Benedict’s advice to read, meditate on and study the Sacred Scriptures each. For in so doing we fulfill the commandment of Christ and remain in Christ always. And, this is the best place to live and be.
WHY I BELIEVE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS SCHOOL IS THE BEST
Categories: Announcements, Random Thoughts, 373 wordsSend feedback •In these times of changes, which are never easy for any person, I would like to put forth my reason why I believe SHF is the best school.
1. An excellent academic record where the Iowa Basic Tests Scores consistently exceeds the median scores of the Archdiocese as a whole.
2. A positive, Catholic environment in which our children grow closer to the Lord Jesus and grow in a deeper understanding of our precious Catholic Faith.
3. A dedicated, outstanding, caring and committed faculty.
4. Membership in a warmly compassionate and caring community that cares for each other in all situations.
5. Outstanding athletic programs where our children learn good sportsmanship and life skills, and how to be a team player.
6. Numerous possibilities for parental involvement in the educational and social development of their children.
7. A safe and friendly environment that teaches our children to use their talents and gifts for the good of others.
8. The opportunity for our children to grow through the fine arts of music, art and foreign language classes.
9. A place where our children grow in their faith through religious, social and justice orientated activities.
10. Membership in a parish that continues a 775 year tradition of making our world a better place through prayer, love, hope and service.
I am sure that each of us can positively add more items to this list.While I understand that any and all changes do produce uncertainty, if we are a people of faith, faith in the God whose love brings abundant blessings always, then we need to walk into the uncertainty with confident hope of God’s ever abiding presence. I am convinced that if each member of Seven Holy Founders parish community works together, placing our individual talents and gifts and the feet of God, for the collective good, our school will be open for the next twenty, forty, sixty or more years. If we harness our energy and faithfully trust our God all will be well. It is up to each and every one of us. I believe that the high merit of our educational program speaks for itself as the reason for sending children to our school. This is why I believe that Seven Holy Founders School is the best school for child(ren).
To Our 8th Graders
Categories: Random Thoughts, 710 wordsSend feedback •Today was the last calss Mass for our graduating 8th grade students. The following is my homily from the Mass:
The act of saying farewell is an act that has been perfected over the centuries. In the writings of the most ancient civilizations, saying farewell was an very elaborate affair. Through writing a long letter detailing one’s life and one’s accomplishments, the author of the letter would share with the world, at least with family and friends, all that they wanted them to know as well as share advice. Others would express their farewell through pronouncing long speeches, part of which would be their lives story, part their acheivments and part their last will and testament. Today, farewells may not be so dramatic, but they are important because they can express the depth of what our hearts are feeling.
In today’s first reading, St. Paul is expressing his farewell to the people of the Church in Ephesus. It is a final farewell from the great apostle Paul, who had not only founded the church at Ephesus but lived among the new believers for three years. During that time, God did extraordinary miracles through Paul. As a result, the gospel continued to spread “with influence and power” (Acts 19:20). St. Paul must leave to continue the work of God and continue to witness to others the glory and power of the Risen Jesus.
The reading relates that the elders and people of the church we crying at St. Paul’s departure. However, the Ephesian elders were not crying in admiration of Paul’s accomplishments. Rather, they shed tears of affection for a brother. Farewells can be sad moments, for we are saying good-bye to people and places that we have come to love. Yet, farewells are also happy moment’s as they signal the ending of one moment and the beginning of another. In either case, saying farewell is never easy.
Today, is a bittersweet moment for all of us here at Seven Holy Founders School. Today, we say farewell to our 8th grade students who are preparing to graduate on Friday. There is some sadness in this farewell as we watch these wonderful young people go on to high school. Yet, there is joy for all of the great accomplishments that each of these young people have achieved. These achievements we have witnessed and celebrated within our faith community. Each of you, our 8th graders leave behind a legacy that you have created, a legacy that speaks to the beauty of your character as God’s beloved children. If I was to give your farewell speech, here are some of the things that I would mention:
-Your love for fun.
-Your great artistic talents
-Your great sense of sportsmanship
-Your deep love of life
-Your deep sense of friendship and love for each other
-Your deep sense of compassion to the needs of others
-Your ability to forgive and to celebrate God’s love
-Your willingness to help out when needed
-Your warm smiles and big hearts that always make my day more beautiful
-Your sense of hope in a future full of hope
-Your knowledge that as God’s beloved children, you are blessed.As we say farewell, we do so with hope in all that you will accomplish for your life’s foundation, is built upon faith in God, your membership in the SHF community and in the profound gifts and talents that each of you possess. We say farewell because each of you give us hope as we have seen you grow into young men and women who continue to make a difference in our world and in our lives.
In saying farewell, we do so, I do so in the words of St. Paul, “And now I commend you to God.” For in commending you to God we know that you will always be under His watchful care and in the power of His Holy Spirit each of you will continue to be effective witnesses to God’s loving presence in our world. We bid you farewell with great hope, much joy and deep love and a wonderful sense of gratitude in sharing with us your joy and your love. Walk always with God.
Picnic
Categories: Announcements, 222 wordsSend feedback •The Annual Parish Picnic was yesterday and it is was a grand event. The sun come out a bit, the booths were active with adventurers, the volunteers worked hard and the many revelers all seemed to have a great time. Parishioners, members of our neighborhood community and friends all gathered to have a fun time and to support the parish. In so many ways we shine as a parish community during this and many other times throughout the year. Such moments of being a community remind us of God's goodness that shines through us.
In the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah we are reminded that the Lord promises us a future full of hope (see Jeremiah 29:11). I truly believe that if we claim this promise from the Lord we will understand that the small stuff of life pale in comparison to the phenomenal blessings that God abundantly shines on us at all times. Keeping our lives focused on the blessings and not on the small stuff helps to give clear focus of what really is important. When we are community we live in the blessing. We did this yesterday at the picnic.
To all who helped in any and every way to make the Picnic a great success, thank you. The parish is grateful as am I. God bless all of us.
St. Matthias
Categories: Random Thoughts, 97 wordsSend feedback •Today is the feast of St. Matthias. He was chosen to replace Judas in the company of the twelve Apostles. As an apostle Matthias was to be a primary witness to the Risen Jesus. An ancient legend states that Matthias preached the Gospel to the people of Judea and Macedonia. His witness brought many to Christ. As we remember St. Matthias today let us take time to examine our witness to Christ. Is it leading people to Christ?
On another note, the Parish Picnic is this weekend. Pray for good weather. Come by and have some fun.
Mother's Day
Categories: Random Thoughts, 113 wordsSend feedback •On this Mother's Day I would like to share why I believe that Motherhood is a holy institution:
-Our Mothers give us life;
-Our Mothers teach us the important lessons of life;
-Our Mothers always care for us;
-Our Mothers are our greatest cheerleaders;
-Our Mothers believe in us no matter what;
-Our Mother's challenge us to do our best;
-Our Mothers love us forever.When you get down to it, only Mothers can do what they, just like God does for us. I am grateful for the gift of my mother. I know that you are too. Let's make everyday Mother's Day by loving these women who love us.
Happy Mother's Day.
Give Them Something to Eat Yourself
Categories: Random Thoughts, 213 wordsSend feedback •This afternoon our parish celebrated First Holy Communion. We welcomed 43 beautiful children to the Holy Table of the Lord to receive the Lord Jesus for the first time in the Eucharist. This day is special for them and for our parish. It is special because our parish faith community continues the most ancient practice of giving the divine mysteries of Christ to a new generation of Catholics. These young people catechized by the community and supported by the prayers of the same, come to know the nourishment of Christ’s Body and Blood and in this experience have their faith strengthened. To see the light of faith in their eyes and the joy of faith in their souls was a privilege for me. They were so excited to be receiving the Lord Jesus and that excitement was felt by the entire Assembly. The challenge for each of us is to keep feeding these precious ones with the experiences of faith so that they continue to draw closer and closer to the Lord. What a perfect day it was today, perfect because our faith community continues to feed others with the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ. To all of our First Communicants and their families, I am proud of each of you, and congratulations!!!
The Gift of Priesthood
Categories: Announcements, 327 wordsSend feedback •In the last couple of weeks I have been answering questions about priesthood from students at a local Catholic High School. The project helps them to better understand the Sacrament of Holy Orders and the role of the priest in the life of the Church and the parish. Answering these questions has been a moment of reflection for me, especially as I celebrate the 17th anniversary of my Ordination today.
Much can be said about the priesthood, but for me, my priesthood has offered me the profound opportunity of meeting God, face to face, in the wonderful people that I have met over these 17 years. Each day I get to stare Christ in the face of those whom I minister to. From the baby I am baptizing, to the kids I see in our school, to the people I anoint when they are ill, in each of these and many more situations I am touched by Christ whose very presence is experienced in each ministerial situation. With each experience I grow in my faith which I pray that I pass on to those I am so very privileged to serve. The grace of my priesthood is that I get the wonderful opportunity to be significantly involved at significant times in people’s lives where I can offer them the hope, consolation and peace of Christ. I am so very blessed.
Today, as I celebrate my anniversary, I am grateful for the following:
-my parents, whose love reflects God’s love to me,
-my siblings and in-laws, nieces and nephews, their love and support are a constant blessing,
-my extended family and friends, for the many lessons learned,
-for the people of Our Lady of the Ridge Parish, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, St. Domitilla Parish and Seven Holy Founders Parish; their faith blesses mine.
-the friars of my community: they are my mentors.I am very blessed because I have the most exciting job in the world.
Confirmation
Categories: Random Thoughts, 224 wordsSend feedback •Last night was a moment of great joy for our parish. We joyously witnessed the Confirmation of our 7th Grade students through the ministry of Fr. John Seper. The Holy Spirit was very present as we worshiped God. Our 7th graders are a special group of young people blessed with many gifts and talents. Their joyful spirit is an ever present reminder of the joy that our community is called to radiate in Christ to all the world.
The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is a special moment in the life of the parish. This celebration reminds us that each of us have been given the same gifts as our Confirmandi. Christ, calls us to use these gifts for the collective witness of faith to all the people of Affton and beyond. Likewise, Christ calls us to use his gifts, given through the Holy Spirit, to keep alive his love within our parish community and the world. On both counts I believe that we are doing very well. I know that blesses our efforts. Lastly, last night's celebration was a sign of life, that our community continues to grow in number and grace. How very blessed we are.
I extend my deepest gratitude to all who prepared our Confirmandi and to all who helped to make the celebration of Confirmation a wonderful celebration.
St. Peregrine, OSM
Categories: Random Thoughts, 543 wordsSend feedback •Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Peregrine in the Calendar if the Friar Servants of Mary. The Church has proclaimed him as the patron saint of those suffering from caner. With Mary at the foot of the Cross of her suffering Son, Jesus, We, Servants of Mary, promote and sustain the St. Peregrine Ministry of healing and compassion. Through our ministry of prayer, blessing, pilgrimage, reconciliation and evangelization, we accompany caregivers and those persons who live with serious illness, especially cancer, as they seek to find healing, support, peace and God in their daily lives.
Peregrine was born in Forli, Italy, around 1265. At that time, Forli was governed by the Pope as part of the Papal States, and Peregrine grew up in a family that was actively involved in the opposition, or anti-papal party. Because of anti-papal activity, the city was under the church penalty of interdict, meaning that Mass and the Sacraments could not be celebrated there. St. Philip Benizi, Prior General of the Servants of Mary, went to Forli to preach reconciliation. Young Peregrine, very intense in his political fervor, not only heckled Philip during his preaching, but, in fact, struck him. Philip, instead of responding with anger and violence to the attack, turned and forgave Peregrine.
This encounter with Philip is said to have dramatically changed Peregrine. He began channeling his energy into good works and eventually joined the Servants of Mary in Siena, Italy. He returned to Forli, where he spent the rest of his life, dedicating himself to the sick, the poor, and those on the fringes of society. He also imposed on himself the penance of standing whenever it was not necessary to sit. This led to varicose veins, which later deteriorated into an open sore on his leg, and was eventually diagnosed as cancer.
Peregrine's leg wound became so serious that the local surgeon decided to amputate the leg. The night before the surgery, Peregrine prayed before the image of the crucified Christ, and when he awoke, the wound was healed and his leg saved. He lived another 20 years, dying on May 1, 1345, and the age of about 80. Peregrine was canonized on December 27, 1726, and has been named the Patron Saint of those suffering from cancer.
As the incidents of cancer steadily rise in our country invite you to visit the website of the American Cancer Society for further information about cancer and its prevention: http://www.cancer.org
A Prayer to St. Peregrine for Sick Relatives and Friends
O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty", the "The Wonder Worker" because of the numerous miracles which you obtained from God for those who have turned to you in their need. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being. You turned to God when the power of human beings could do no more, and you were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His cross to heal your affliction. I now ask God to heal these sick persons whom I entrust to you:
(Here mention their names)
Aided by your powerful intercession, I shall sing with Mary a hymn of gratitude to God for His great goodness and mercy.
Amen.
Listening
Categories: Announcements, 100 wordsSend feedback •Which voice are you listening to? I thought of this question as I reflected on today's Gospel. In a world where many sounds can easily attract one's attention, listening for the Good Shepherd's voice is not always easy. Yet, to be a faithful follower of the Good Shepherd we need to find the way to listen, hear and follow our Shepherd. Through prayer, meditation, spiritual reading and charitable works we can hear the Divine Voice over all other sounds. To respond to his voice is to find everlasting life. I pray that we listen well and respond in faith always
