From Father Tim's Desk
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19: 20-21
June 4, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
We return now to Ordinary Time, but with the caveat of celebrating two very important Solemnities. This first Sunday is The Most Holy Trinity; that is, the recognition of one God in three distinct Persons. In the Roman Missal, there is a beautiful painting on the opposite page at the beginning of Eucharistic Prayer II. It no doubt is a classic from a famous historical piece of art, though not referenced, that depicts the Holy Trinity surrounded by the angels and the saints. The Holy Trinity is shown in the traditional way as the elderly Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit as a white Dove. God the Father is shown with a long grey/white beard, which is usually the case in most depictions. I have always found that fascinating. Scripture and historical records give us some idea of how to picture Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but we don’t have a similar guide to base what God the Father might look like. Of course, let us acknowledge right away that God is Spirit, so this exercise is purely hypothetical. Nevertheless, the most common image of God the Father, regardless of era or culture, is an elderly man with a long grey or white beard. This likely has its basis, whether people realize it or not, in the ancient Hebrew language and culture. The Hebrew word for “elder” is the same Hebrew word that is also translated for “beard.” Thus, the leaders of Israel were the elders—or literally the “bearded ones”— of Israel. It appears that this view was passed down of God ever since in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
In the first reading from Exodus, Moses goes back up Mount Sinai to get two new stone tablets from God of the Ten Commandments. The first two, if you recall, Moses threw down and broke in his wrath because the people had built a golden calf to worship. How- ever, we do not hear the part when Moses came down the mountain that second time and his face and beard were radiant and shining white. It was the “holy residue” of being in the presence of God. There’s that interesting connection again with God and white beards. Do you see a pattern here? One of the great desert fathers was described as someone who “looked just like an angel. He was about ninety years old and had a snowy white beard down to his chest. And his face was so radiant that the sight of him alone filled one with awe.” Angels, Moses, and white beards seem to all have God as their common denominator. I admit to having a little bias (I wonder why?), but I imagine God the Father as that elderly, wise, kind, and holy man--with a long, white beard!
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
We return now to Ordinary Time, but with the caveat of celebrating two very important Solemnities. This first Sunday is The Most Holy Trinity; that is, the recognition of one God in three distinct Persons. In the Roman Missal, there is a beautiful painting on the opposite page at the beginning of Eucharistic Prayer II. It no doubt is a classic from a famous historical piece of art, though not referenced, that depicts the Holy Trinity surrounded by the angels and the saints. The Holy Trinity is shown in the traditional way as the elderly Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit as a white Dove. God the Father is shown with a long grey/white beard, which is usually the case in most depictions. I have always found that fascinating. Scripture and historical records give us some idea of how to picture Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but we don’t have a similar guide to base what God the Father might look like. Of course, let us acknowledge right away that God is Spirit, so this exercise is purely hypothetical. Nevertheless, the most common image of God the Father, regardless of era or culture, is an elderly man with a long grey or white beard. This likely has its basis, whether people realize it or not, in the ancient Hebrew language and culture. The Hebrew word for “elder” is the same Hebrew word that is also translated for “beard.” Thus, the leaders of Israel were the elders—or literally the “bearded ones”— of Israel. It appears that this view was passed down of God ever since in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
In the first reading from Exodus, Moses goes back up Mount Sinai to get two new stone tablets from God of the Ten Commandments. The first two, if you recall, Moses threw down and broke in his wrath because the people had built a golden calf to worship. How- ever, we do not hear the part when Moses came down the mountain that second time and his face and beard were radiant and shining white. It was the “holy residue” of being in the presence of God. There’s that interesting connection again with God and white beards. Do you see a pattern here? One of the great desert fathers was described as someone who “looked just like an angel. He was about ninety years old and had a snowy white beard down to his chest. And his face was so radiant that the sight of him alone filled one with awe.” Angels, Moses, and white beards seem to all have God as their common denominator. I admit to having a little bias (I wonder why?), but I imagine God the Father as that elderly, wise, kind, and holy man--with a long, white beard!
Peace. Father Tim
May 28, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost, which marks the ending of the Easter season. The color of Pentecost is red for the tongues of fire, representing the Holy Spirit. In some cultures of past centuries, the color red was also considered to have therapeutic or healing properties. Patients that suffered from various illnesses were dressed in red nightgowns, and their rooms were filled with red-colored objects. Today we wear red vestments and hang red banners in church to celebrate Pentecost. Perhaps another reason we should wear red is to ward off any spiritual sicknesses that can easily creep into our lives. Something to consider when we often suffer from motion sickness by resisting growth ormoving forward in our spiritual life. And it doesn’t get any easier as we get older. The physical therapist pushes ther eluctant patient by saying, “No pain, no gain.” And it takes a willingness to apply hard work in the spiritual life as well. Like physical exams, may we take the time and do a spiritual examination on ourselves. Maybe wearing a little bit of red wouldn’t hurt either.
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost, which marks the ending of the Easter season. The color of Pentecost is red for the tongues of fire, representing the Holy Spirit. In some cultures of past centuries, the color red was also considered to have therapeutic or healing properties. Patients that suffered from various illnesses were dressed in red nightgowns, and their rooms were filled with red-colored objects. Today we wear red vestments and hang red banners in church to celebrate Pentecost. Perhaps another reason we should wear red is to ward off any spiritual sicknesses that can easily creep into our lives. Something to consider when we often suffer from motion sickness by resisting growth ormoving forward in our spiritual life. And it doesn’t get any easier as we get older. The physical therapist pushes ther eluctant patient by saying, “No pain, no gain.” And it takes a willingness to apply hard work in the spiritual life as well. Like physical exams, may we take the time and do a spiritual examination on ourselves. Maybe wearing a little bit of red wouldn’t hurt either.
Peace. Father Tim
May 21, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
The countdown has started to the last day of school at St. Cecelia’s, which is May 24th. Teachers are telling me that the “natives” are restless. Keeping classes under control are always a challenge this time of year. The anticipation of summer vacation and all the excitement from added fun activities are almost too much for kids to bear. That’s great for students but not so much for the school pastor. These last two weeks entail a number of end-of-the-year meetings for me, though it is to be expected. However, what is not expected (and certainly not in the job description) is being asked to also be in the Talent Show on the last day. “Me?” I said surprisingly. “But I thought it is for the kids, not adults.” “Yes,” the teacher responded, “but they want you to be in it too.” I guess that’s what happens when you do little magic tricks at school Masses to engage the students during the homilies. If I only knew how to make myself disappear. That would come in handy for a lot of things.
This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. Our Lord ascended into heaven on his own power forty days after his resurrection. It marks the close of the visible mission of Jesus on Earth, his heavenly glorification and place of honor by the Father’s side eternally, the anticipation of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the eventual coming of the final judgment. I tell the school children that the many miracles of Jesus, including The Ascension, were not magic tricks. A levitation trick, for instance, is simply an illusion that magicians master with deception and distraction. But when Jesus healed the leper, it was real. When Jesus multiplied the five loaves and two fish, it was real. When Jesus brought Lazarus back to life from the dead, it was real. And when Jesus ascended into heaven, it was real. No deceptions. No illusions. No tricks up his sleeves. As we celebrate this great feast, may we remember that Jesus is not some mere magician who disappeared from our sight. Rather, he passed beyond our sight, not to abandon us but to be our eternal hope. For Jesus—the Son of God—promised, “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
The countdown has started to the last day of school at St. Cecelia’s, which is May 24th. Teachers are telling me that the “natives” are restless. Keeping classes under control are always a challenge this time of year. The anticipation of summer vacation and all the excitement from added fun activities are almost too much for kids to bear. That’s great for students but not so much for the school pastor. These last two weeks entail a number of end-of-the-year meetings for me, though it is to be expected. However, what is not expected (and certainly not in the job description) is being asked to also be in the Talent Show on the last day. “Me?” I said surprisingly. “But I thought it is for the kids, not adults.” “Yes,” the teacher responded, “but they want you to be in it too.” I guess that’s what happens when you do little magic tricks at school Masses to engage the students during the homilies. If I only knew how to make myself disappear. That would come in handy for a lot of things.
This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. Our Lord ascended into heaven on his own power forty days after his resurrection. It marks the close of the visible mission of Jesus on Earth, his heavenly glorification and place of honor by the Father’s side eternally, the anticipation of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the eventual coming of the final judgment. I tell the school children that the many miracles of Jesus, including The Ascension, were not magic tricks. A levitation trick, for instance, is simply an illusion that magicians master with deception and distraction. But when Jesus healed the leper, it was real. When Jesus multiplied the five loaves and two fish, it was real. When Jesus brought Lazarus back to life from the dead, it was real. And when Jesus ascended into heaven, it was real. No deceptions. No illusions. No tricks up his sleeves. As we celebrate this great feast, may we remember that Jesus is not some mere magician who disappeared from our sight. Rather, he passed beyond our sight, not to abandon us but to be our eternal hope. For Jesus—the Son of God—promised, “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).
Peace.
Father Tim
May 14, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
My note this week is written for the second Sunday of May, traditionally a day set aside to recognize our dear mothers. This year it falls on May 14th, so “Happy Mother’s Day!” to all of our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and “soon-to-be” mothers. I recall a bit of old folk wisdom on this day that says, “An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.” Itunderlines the fact of how important our parents, but particularly mothers, are of being the prime teachers of religious values. The place where children first learn about God and are formed in the Faith is in their home; it is what the Church refers to as the “Domestic Church.” Those of you who are fortunate enough to still have your mothers around should celebrate the day with them if possible. Tell her how much you love her and appreciate all she has done for you. I suspect that mothers never tire of being told how much they are loved and appreciated. Do something really special for her on this day dedicated to showing how much she means to you. For kindness to a mother reflects the example of Jesus. Indeed, one of the last things Jesus said on the cross concerned not himself but asking John to look after his dear mother. Nobody loves Mary more than her own son, Jesus. And the Church supports that notion with a whole bunch of feast days to celebrate the Blessed Mother throughout the liturgical year. Happy Mother’s Day to all those beloved women in our lives who have given us life and love, both physically and spiritually.
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
My note this week is written for the second Sunday of May, traditionally a day set aside to recognize our dear mothers. This year it falls on May 14th, so “Happy Mother’s Day!” to all of our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and “soon-to-be” mothers. I recall a bit of old folk wisdom on this day that says, “An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.” Itunderlines the fact of how important our parents, but particularly mothers, are of being the prime teachers of religious values. The place where children first learn about God and are formed in the Faith is in their home; it is what the Church refers to as the “Domestic Church.” Those of you who are fortunate enough to still have your mothers around should celebrate the day with them if possible. Tell her how much you love her and appreciate all she has done for you. I suspect that mothers never tire of being told how much they are loved and appreciated. Do something really special for her on this day dedicated to showing how much she means to you. For kindness to a mother reflects the example of Jesus. Indeed, one of the last things Jesus said on the cross concerned not himself but asking John to look after his dear mother. Nobody loves Mary more than her own son, Jesus. And the Church supports that notion with a whole bunch of feast days to celebrate the Blessed Mother throughout the liturgical year. Happy Mother’s Day to all those beloved women in our lives who have given us life and love, both physically and spiritually.
Peace. Father Tim
May 7, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that three other parishes have now reached their Catholic Ministry Appeal goal before us this year. If you recall, last year around this time we were given the prestigious honor of first place in the diocese. The good news, however, is that the diocese still recognized us with an honorable mention because we (and six other parishes) are “hot on the heels” of those first three parishes with over 90% of our goal pledged. That is quite amazing given that our total amount this year is significantly higher. As of our last report on April 24th, we have a balanceof 91% of our goal pledged and 81% of it paid. Now let’s try to cover the rest of it soon, and consider making a pledge ifyou haven’t already done so yet. Only 35% of our parishion- ers have participated this year, but their pledged amounts have been way above average. Thank you so much for your generosity and commitment to our parish and diocese. Maythe Lord bless you a hundred fold. Next year we’ll be number one again. I’m sure of it!
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that three other parishes have now reached their Catholic Ministry Appeal goal before us this year. If you recall, last year around this time we were given the prestigious honor of first place in the diocese. The good news, however, is that the diocese still recognized us with an honorable mention because we (and six other parishes) are “hot on the heels” of those first three parishes with over 90% of our goal pledged. That is quite amazing given that our total amount this year is significantly higher. As of our last report on April 24th, we have a balanceof 91% of our goal pledged and 81% of it paid. Now let’s try to cover the rest of it soon, and consider making a pledge ifyou haven’t already done so yet. Only 35% of our parishion- ers have participated this year, but their pledged amounts have been way above average. Thank you so much for your generosity and commitment to our parish and diocese. Maythe Lord bless you a hundred fold. Next year we’ll be number one again. I’m sure of it!
Peace. Father Tim
April 30, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally designated as “World Day of Prayer for Vocations.” This year thecommemoration falls on Sunday, April 30th and we pray especially for permanent deacons, priests, religious men and women, and those discerning a church vocation. We are blessed in our diocese to have a priesthood ordination scheduled for Saturday, May 20th at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. Deacon Christian A. Galvan will be ordained a priest and assigned to Our Lady of the Rosary parish in Land O’ Lakes. He will be a welcomed, and much needed, addition to our diocese. However, as he is added to our ranks, two other priests are retiring from active ministry. The proverbial one step forward two steps back. And that’s not all, after this year, our next ordination ceremony will not happen for another four years! I have no doubt that still more priests will retire (or die) between now and then due to old age or poor health. Sorry to sound so pessimistic, but we need to face that reality and prepare as a diocese. But most of all, we need to pray. That is what this day is all about because God still calls men and women, even from a young age, to follow him as priests, deacons, and consecrated religious. But there are a lot of noisy distractions in the world today. So, let us ask the Good Shepherd to help those whom he calls by giving them an extra measure of grace to hear and respond to his voice. And a little plug from us to those who might have a vocation wouldn’t hurt either. Indeed, the harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. (Mt 9:37)
Peace, Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally designated as “World Day of Prayer for Vocations.” This year thecommemoration falls on Sunday, April 30th and we pray especially for permanent deacons, priests, religious men and women, and those discerning a church vocation. We are blessed in our diocese to have a priesthood ordination scheduled for Saturday, May 20th at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. Deacon Christian A. Galvan will be ordained a priest and assigned to Our Lady of the Rosary parish in Land O’ Lakes. He will be a welcomed, and much needed, addition to our diocese. However, as he is added to our ranks, two other priests are retiring from active ministry. The proverbial one step forward two steps back. And that’s not all, after this year, our next ordination ceremony will not happen for another four years! I have no doubt that still more priests will retire (or die) between now and then due to old age or poor health. Sorry to sound so pessimistic, but we need to face that reality and prepare as a diocese. But most of all, we need to pray. That is what this day is all about because God still calls men and women, even from a young age, to follow him as priests, deacons, and consecrated religious. But there are a lot of noisy distractions in the world today. So, let us ask the Good Shepherd to help those whom he calls by giving them an extra measure of grace to hear and respond to his voice. And a little plug from us to those who might have a vocation wouldn’t hurt either. Indeed, the harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. (Mt 9:37)
Peace, Father Tim
April 23, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
I think it was General Douglas MacArthur who once said that all disasters in war could be explained in two words: “too late.” That wise insight can be applied to other things as well. For it is not only in war when needed reinforcements could arrive too late. Like a marriage that faced reconcilable differences too late to avoid the disaster of divorce. Or when a child was too late to say “I love you” to a dying parent and now lives with the disaster of regret. I suppose there are many disaster scenarios in life that can potentially have “too late” consequences. However, the Easter message, and this week’s Gospel story on the road to Emmaus, reminds us that even after the death of Jesus it is still not too late. Jesus appeared in his resurrected body to two disciples and flipped the disaster of sin and death on its head. The Good News is that the needed reinforcements of grace from our Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection are never too late in this life. So, like the Emmaus disciples, may our hearts also burn within us, urging the Lord to “stay with us” today and always.
Peace, Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
I think it was General Douglas MacArthur who once said that all disasters in war could be explained in two words: “too late.” That wise insight can be applied to other things as well. For it is not only in war when needed reinforcements could arrive too late. Like a marriage that faced reconcilable differences too late to avoid the disaster of divorce. Or when a child was too late to say “I love you” to a dying parent and now lives with the disaster of regret. I suppose there are many disaster scenarios in life that can potentially have “too late” consequences. However, the Easter message, and this week’s Gospel story on the road to Emmaus, reminds us that even after the death of Jesus it is still not too late. Jesus appeared in his resurrected body to two disciples and flipped the disaster of sin and death on its head. The Good News is that the needed reinforcements of grace from our Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection are never too late in this life. So, like the Emmaus disciples, may our hearts also burn within us, urging the Lord to “stay with us” today and always.
Peace, Father Tim
April 16, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
We are still in the Octave of Easter, and so I again joyfully wish you a Happy Easter! Our attendance at the various Holy Week services was wonderful, especially at the Masses on Easter Sunday morning. Thank you for coming and participating in these most sacred liturgies. I also want to sincerely thank all of our staff and volunteer ministers who assisted in making this most important week in the Christian liturgical calendar go so smoothly. This could not have happened without their help. It is a team effort and I am most grateful.
Our first and most important reason for coming to church is always to encounter and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. May we ask for the grace of that primary desire to ever grow in our relationship with Jesus, especially within the household of his Church. And on this Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus will in turn continue to draw us closer to himself.
Peace, Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
We are still in the Octave of Easter, and so I again joyfully wish you a Happy Easter! Our attendance at the various Holy Week services was wonderful, especially at the Masses on Easter Sunday morning. Thank you for coming and participating in these most sacred liturgies. I also want to sincerely thank all of our staff and volunteer ministers who assisted in making this most important week in the Christian liturgical calendar go so smoothly. This could not have happened without their help. It is a team effort and I am most grateful.
Our first and most important reason for coming to church is always to encounter and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. May we ask for the grace of that primary desire to ever grow in our relationship with Jesus, especially within the household of his Church. And on this Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus will in turn continue to draw us closer to himself.
Peace, Father Tim
Happy Easter Everyone!
The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed!
There will be time enough in the weeks ahead during the Easter season to reflect on the Lord’s resurrection. But now is the time to celebrate. To give thanks and praise to our God. The Risen Jesus has essentially used an “Easter Eraser” to remove our sins by His passion, death, and resurrection. Maybe in the spirit of Easter we in turn could offer pardon to someone and extend our hand of forgiveness. What a great way to spread our gratitude for this great gift. As St. Paul urged the people of his day, so may we too “be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Eph 4:32).
Again, Happy Easter!
Father Tim
The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed!
There will be time enough in the weeks ahead during the Easter season to reflect on the Lord’s resurrection. But now is the time to celebrate. To give thanks and praise to our God. The Risen Jesus has essentially used an “Easter Eraser” to remove our sins by His passion, death, and resurrection. Maybe in the spirit of Easter we in turn could offer pardon to someone and extend our hand of forgiveness. What a great way to spread our gratitude for this great gift. As St. Paul urged the people of his day, so may we too “be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Eph 4:32).
Again, Happy Easter!
Father Tim
April 2, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
We now enter into Holy Week, the most important week in the Christian liturgical calendar. It starts on Palm Sunday, April 2nd, which is also known as Passion Sunday. The reason is that both Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his passion on the Cross are commemorated at this Mass. If you cannot make it to the Good Friday service, you can wave your palm branches to welcome Jesus at the beginning and then yell “crucify him” during the reading of the passion. Sort of like getting two events for the price of one. On Tuesday, April 4th, we have the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. That is an annual gathering where the Holy Oils are blessed by the bishop and distributed to the parishes. It is also an opportunity for all the priests of the diocese to publicly renew their priestly promises. This year the diocese recognizes and congratulates Father Tony Plathe for 60 years of priesthood. Indeed, a special cause to give thanks for us at St. Brendan’s. Then the Sacred Paschal Triduum will begin the evening of Holy Thursday, April 6th with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, followed by Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion on April 7th, and the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, April 8th. Triduum is Latin for “three days” and refers to the three holiest days in the Christian year that culminate our Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection. Therefore, as we gather once again for these sacred liturgies, may the Gospel accounts told of those who discovered the empty tomb of our Lord remind us that faith comes from first hearing the message that Christ is risen. For the Lord said to Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (Jn 20:29).
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
We now enter into Holy Week, the most important week in the Christian liturgical calendar. It starts on Palm Sunday, April 2nd, which is also known as Passion Sunday. The reason is that both Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his passion on the Cross are commemorated at this Mass. If you cannot make it to the Good Friday service, you can wave your palm branches to welcome Jesus at the beginning and then yell “crucify him” during the reading of the passion. Sort of like getting two events for the price of one. On Tuesday, April 4th, we have the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. That is an annual gathering where the Holy Oils are blessed by the bishop and distributed to the parishes. It is also an opportunity for all the priests of the diocese to publicly renew their priestly promises. This year the diocese recognizes and congratulates Father Tony Plathe for 60 years of priesthood. Indeed, a special cause to give thanks for us at St. Brendan’s. Then the Sacred Paschal Triduum will begin the evening of Holy Thursday, April 6th with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, followed by Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion on April 7th, and the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, April 8th. Triduum is Latin for “three days” and refers to the three holiest days in the Christian year that culminate our Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection. Therefore, as we gather once again for these sacred liturgies, may the Gospel accounts told of those who discovered the empty tomb of our Lord remind us that faith comes from first hearing the message that Christ is risen. For the Lord said to Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (Jn 20:29).
Peace. Father Tim
March 26, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
Merry Christmas everyone! I know what you’re thinking: “What? Christmas? This is March. Is Fr. Tim going senile?” Well, sometimes I do feel like I’m going a little crazy, but that’s beside the point. Rather, the point I’m trying to make is that Saturday, March 25th is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, exactly nine months from the birth of Jesus. We haven’t even celebrated Easter yet and we’re already thinking about Christmas!
Before the change from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar, March 25th was a public holiday in the Middle Ages and marked the beginning of celebrations that lasted until April 1st, which was their original New Year’s Day. However, some believed that this change was too radical and refused to conform to the new calendar. That, by the way, was how the phrase “April Fools” got started. The only ones who still follow the Julian Calendar today are some branches of the Orthodox Church and a few scattered North African tribes known as Berbers. I suspect the main reason that the Orthodox have kept the Julian Calendar is more out of principle because Pope Gregory XIII (i.e., the Catholic Church) implemented the reform. Old grudges can go deep, even within the Christian community.
This all reminds me that the distance between Christmas and the Cross is actually not that far apart. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, perhaps better known by her birth name Edith Stein, wrote that the Cross and Manger are closely related. And with that thought, I will close by quoting one of her prayers: “Lord, by your birth you delivered yourself also to death, in your manger you felt and experienced the wood of the Cross for the first time, and your first sobbing as a child rose up before the face of the Father. Thus, your redemptive passion began.” Amen.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
Merry Christmas everyone! I know what you’re thinking: “What? Christmas? This is March. Is Fr. Tim going senile?” Well, sometimes I do feel like I’m going a little crazy, but that’s beside the point. Rather, the point I’m trying to make is that Saturday, March 25th is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, exactly nine months from the birth of Jesus. We haven’t even celebrated Easter yet and we’re already thinking about Christmas!
Before the change from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar, March 25th was a public holiday in the Middle Ages and marked the beginning of celebrations that lasted until April 1st, which was their original New Year’s Day. However, some believed that this change was too radical and refused to conform to the new calendar. That, by the way, was how the phrase “April Fools” got started. The only ones who still follow the Julian Calendar today are some branches of the Orthodox Church and a few scattered North African tribes known as Berbers. I suspect the main reason that the Orthodox have kept the Julian Calendar is more out of principle because Pope Gregory XIII (i.e., the Catholic Church) implemented the reform. Old grudges can go deep, even within the Christian community.
This all reminds me that the distance between Christmas and the Cross is actually not that far apart. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, perhaps better known by her birth name Edith Stein, wrote that the Cross and Manger are closely related. And with that thought, I will close by quoting one of her prayers: “Lord, by your birth you delivered yourself also to death, in your manger you felt and experienced the wood of the Cross for the first time, and your first sobbing as a child rose up before the face of the Father. Thus, your redemptive passion began.” Amen.
Peace.
Father Tim
March 19, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
March 20th marks this year’s Spring Equinox. What is that, you ask? The word equinox comes from the Latin; it means“equal night.” A Spring Equinox is that point when the Sun crosses the equator line, heading north in the sky. The length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world. It also marks the start of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. That has more meaning for folks up north who look forward to warmer temperatures than for us in Florida. We have plenty of warm weather here, but I well remember the long, cold winter months of my childhood years in the Midwest. People would eagerly look for the first signs of Spring, like song birds singing or robins looking for worms, daffodils poking up from the soil, trees showing buds, and farmers starting to prepare the fields for planting. I recall Robert Frost’s poem A Prayer in Spring where he sees in the signs of Spring, like the flowers, bees, trees, and birds, as signs of God’s love.
We will soon mark Spring’s rite of Easter and celebrate God’s ultimate love for the world. Perhaps, like Spring, we would do well to look for the signs of this important liturgical season. Where do we see the first signs of God’s ultimate love for us in our everyday lives and in our community? How or what does the salvific act of Jesus’ passion, death, andresurrection reveal to us today? This Sunday we hear the story from John’s Gospel of the man born blind and how Jesus restored his sight. But it was through the eyes of faith that gave the former blind man the desire and ability to see and believe in Jesus what others could not see. And it is in that desire through faith wherein lies the key to seeing the signs. As that old song from Michael W. Smith goes, “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, I want to see you.”
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
March 20th marks this year’s Spring Equinox. What is that, you ask? The word equinox comes from the Latin; it means“equal night.” A Spring Equinox is that point when the Sun crosses the equator line, heading north in the sky. The length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world. It also marks the start of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. That has more meaning for folks up north who look forward to warmer temperatures than for us in Florida. We have plenty of warm weather here, but I well remember the long, cold winter months of my childhood years in the Midwest. People would eagerly look for the first signs of Spring, like song birds singing or robins looking for worms, daffodils poking up from the soil, trees showing buds, and farmers starting to prepare the fields for planting. I recall Robert Frost’s poem A Prayer in Spring where he sees in the signs of Spring, like the flowers, bees, trees, and birds, as signs of God’s love.
We will soon mark Spring’s rite of Easter and celebrate God’s ultimate love for the world. Perhaps, like Spring, we would do well to look for the signs of this important liturgical season. Where do we see the first signs of God’s ultimate love for us in our everyday lives and in our community? How or what does the salvific act of Jesus’ passion, death, andresurrection reveal to us today? This Sunday we hear the story from John’s Gospel of the man born blind and how Jesus restored his sight. But it was through the eyes of faith that gave the former blind man the desire and ability to see and believe in Jesus what others could not see. And it is in that desire through faith wherein lies the key to seeing the signs. As that old song from Michael W. Smith goes, “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, I want to see you.”
Peace. Father Tim
March 12, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
So, as a follow-up from last week’s article, the deacon candidates and I managed to survive my homiletics class. They somehow stayed awake the whole time. That says a lot about them. We will surely be blessed to have these men serve our diocese as deacons. If I’m not mistaken, I think their ordination is scheduled for October 14th at the Cathedral of St. Jude.
Our class included a story that happened many years ago when I was visiting a parish to celebrate Mass. An older African-American man saw me before Mass and said, “White men can’t preach.” When I asked him why not, he replied, “You got no soul, man. You got no soul.” He must have read the puzzled look on my face because before I could say aword he then added, “If I have to explain, you’ll never under- stand.” That was the end of it, though the words have beenstuck in my memory ever since.
I told the men in class that I have often reflected on what is the deeper meaning of his homiletical wisdom. We don’t have the space here to go into it too much. Obviously, for one thing, he was not saying that I don’t have an eternal soul. We all have a soul made in the imagine and likeness of God. Phrases like “soul food” and “soul music” have a similar connection to “soul preaching;” that is, they all necessarily relate to a celebratory community. In this case, the preacher whose “got soul” will truly identify with the congregation. But a congregation should also be able to identify with and respond to the authenticity of the preacher. Skills in preaching are important, but they can only go so far. The preacher must first be a reliable witness to the Gospel. Spiritual authenticity is the key here. A good lesson to remember for anyone. Thus,whether or not I’ve got soul may have less to do with my preaching and more to do with my connection with God— and this parish community.
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
So, as a follow-up from last week’s article, the deacon candidates and I managed to survive my homiletics class. They somehow stayed awake the whole time. That says a lot about them. We will surely be blessed to have these men serve our diocese as deacons. If I’m not mistaken, I think their ordination is scheduled for October 14th at the Cathedral of St. Jude.
Our class included a story that happened many years ago when I was visiting a parish to celebrate Mass. An older African-American man saw me before Mass and said, “White men can’t preach.” When I asked him why not, he replied, “You got no soul, man. You got no soul.” He must have read the puzzled look on my face because before I could say aword he then added, “If I have to explain, you’ll never under- stand.” That was the end of it, though the words have beenstuck in my memory ever since.
I told the men in class that I have often reflected on what is the deeper meaning of his homiletical wisdom. We don’t have the space here to go into it too much. Obviously, for one thing, he was not saying that I don’t have an eternal soul. We all have a soul made in the imagine and likeness of God. Phrases like “soul food” and “soul music” have a similar connection to “soul preaching;” that is, they all necessarily relate to a celebratory community. In this case, the preacher whose “got soul” will truly identify with the congregation. But a congregation should also be able to identify with and respond to the authenticity of the preacher. Skills in preaching are important, but they can only go so far. The preacher must first be a reliable witness to the Gospel. Spiritual authenticity is the key here. A good lesson to remember for anyone. Thus,whether or not I’ve got soul may have less to do with my preaching and more to do with my connection with God— and this parish community.
Peace. Father Tim
March 5, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
My thoughts at the time of this writing are mostly focused on getting a three-hour class lecture ready for the men who will be ordained to the permanent diaconate later this year. They are different from those who are ordained to the transitional diaconate. The titles specify the intent of each type; namely, the permanent diaconate remain deacons whereas the transitional diaconate is a temporary step to priesthood. We have two cohort classes of eight permanent deacon candidates (16 total) in formation at this time, one class near the end of their training and the other just beginning. Their academic courses are in collaboration with St. Leo University where they finish with a Master’s degree in Theology. Part of their formation also includes day modules on topics that are more pastoral. That is where I come in to totally mess up their heads. For some reason, staff at the diocesan diaconate office seem to think I know a thing or two about teaching homiletics (i.e., preaching). Nevertheless, we survive some- how and hopefully still learn something.
The St. Petersburg Diocese has a very good formation program for our deacon candidates as well as ongoing support programs for incardinated deacons. You may remember Deacon Jim Grevenites, who used to serve at St. Brendan parish. He is now the director of our diocesan diaconate office. Inquiries about a possible vocation can start either by talking with me or contacting Deacon Jim. One final note, please remember to continue praying for vocations to the priesthood. This coming May we will have only one ordination, but then four years will pass before our next priesthood ordination! Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest”.
(Mt 9:37-38). Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
My thoughts at the time of this writing are mostly focused on getting a three-hour class lecture ready for the men who will be ordained to the permanent diaconate later this year. They are different from those who are ordained to the transitional diaconate. The titles specify the intent of each type; namely, the permanent diaconate remain deacons whereas the transitional diaconate is a temporary step to priesthood. We have two cohort classes of eight permanent deacon candidates (16 total) in formation at this time, one class near the end of their training and the other just beginning. Their academic courses are in collaboration with St. Leo University where they finish with a Master’s degree in Theology. Part of their formation also includes day modules on topics that are more pastoral. That is where I come in to totally mess up their heads. For some reason, staff at the diocesan diaconate office seem to think I know a thing or two about teaching homiletics (i.e., preaching). Nevertheless, we survive some- how and hopefully still learn something.
The St. Petersburg Diocese has a very good formation program for our deacon candidates as well as ongoing support programs for incardinated deacons. You may remember Deacon Jim Grevenites, who used to serve at St. Brendan parish. He is now the director of our diocesan diaconate office. Inquiries about a possible vocation can start either by talking with me or contacting Deacon Jim. One final note, please remember to continue praying for vocations to the priesthood. This coming May we will have only one ordination, but then four years will pass before our next priesthood ordination! Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest”.
(Mt 9:37-38). Peace. Father Tim