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
September 1, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
I had two occasions last week where parishioners told me that they enjoy reading my weekly bulletin message. At least now I know that there are two people who actually read it. I have a friend who is a Lutheran pastor and he also writes messages for his church bulletin, but he only has to do it once a month. When I told him that I do it every week, he shuttered at the thought and said, “How do you do it? I would have run out of ideas long ago.” Well, ideas don’t come easy; that’s true. But then that gave me an “idea.” I tried counting all the messages that I have written over four years and two months at St. Brendan’s, but I soon got lost in the count. So, I did some high math calculations and figured that it comes out to being roughly 216 messages. Then I figured that my number of homilies would also be about the same, not counting funerals, weddings, weekday Masses, or other liturgical services. Yet, I suspect that it would be difficult for you to remember any one particular bulletin message or homily of mine. And that’s okay. Honestly, I usually forget what I said or wrote by the next day. However, I do hope that “the message” over the long-arc of time is what you remember.
There is a theory in homiletics called encaustic preaching. It is named after an artistic style of painting that builds upon multiple layers of heated wax, coloring, and shaping to create a seemingly three-dimensional work of art. The method requires a lot of time, putting layer upon layer, to create such artwork. But it has also stood the test of time, with some beautiful works in museums and galleries that go back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. The encaustic theory of preaching takes that similar type of approach; namely, that each homily or bulletin message is but one layer among many to create an overall beautiful picture, or in this case—the message. No one homily or bulletin message is given primary importance, but each one adds to its completion. Some of my messages are good, and some are not so good, but I hope that the sum total creates a beautiful picture of the One True Master Artist who has created us in His own image. May all of us use our creative and artistic talents, great or small, to reflect the splendor of God—The Divine Artist—and that our “works of art” may give the world hope and joy.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
I had two occasions last week where parishioners told me that they enjoy reading my weekly bulletin message. At least now I know that there are two people who actually read it. I have a friend who is a Lutheran pastor and he also writes messages for his church bulletin, but he only has to do it once a month. When I told him that I do it every week, he shuttered at the thought and said, “How do you do it? I would have run out of ideas long ago.” Well, ideas don’t come easy; that’s true. But then that gave me an “idea.” I tried counting all the messages that I have written over four years and two months at St. Brendan’s, but I soon got lost in the count. So, I did some high math calculations and figured that it comes out to being roughly 216 messages. Then I figured that my number of homilies would also be about the same, not counting funerals, weddings, weekday Masses, or other liturgical services. Yet, I suspect that it would be difficult for you to remember any one particular bulletin message or homily of mine. And that’s okay. Honestly, I usually forget what I said or wrote by the next day. However, I do hope that “the message” over the long-arc of time is what you remember.
There is a theory in homiletics called encaustic preaching. It is named after an artistic style of painting that builds upon multiple layers of heated wax, coloring, and shaping to create a seemingly three-dimensional work of art. The method requires a lot of time, putting layer upon layer, to create such artwork. But it has also stood the test of time, with some beautiful works in museums and galleries that go back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. The encaustic theory of preaching takes that similar type of approach; namely, that each homily or bulletin message is but one layer among many to create an overall beautiful picture, or in this case—the message. No one homily or bulletin message is given primary importance, but each one adds to its completion. Some of my messages are good, and some are not so good, but I hope that the sum total creates a beautiful picture of the One True Master Artist who has created us in His own image. May all of us use our creative and artistic talents, great or small, to reflect the splendor of God—The Divine Artist—and that our “works of art” may give the world hope and joy.
Peace.
Father Tim
August 25, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
The students at St. Cecelia Inter-Parochial Catholic School have already completed two weeks of classes. In my previous assignment, these early weeks were always a happy and exciting time because the school was on the parish property. When I was a kid, I hated going back to school after a summer of fun. But it’s much different now because most of the kids who I see really look forward to coming back to school. That’s also true for the younger “first-timers,” though some of them may need a little more TLC than others. The realization that their parent is leaving might trigger one or two to start crying, but they get over it quickly. Honestly, the school offers more support to first-time mothers of EC and Kindergarten students with a “Boo-Hoo Breakfast” every year.
Kindergarten was originally designed to help adjust and orient children from a home to a school environment. The word kindergarten comes from the German and means “children’s garden.” Such a garden is an enchanting place for a child to learn new and important skills of social awareness and how to interact with others. Did you ever read the book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum? It is a simple but profound collection of insights from life, many on the idea of kindness. Perhaps from that same garden we adults can reorient ourselves to learn how to be “kinder,” in the English sense of the word, which is linked to “kin” and “kindred.” Meaning, if you are kind to people, you are treating them like your own kin or family.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel notably once said, “When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” The world needs more “kinder-gardens,” places where kindness is taught, instilled, and admired. Let St. Brendan parish be such a place, as well as our own homes. May our voices resonate with Joshua in the first reading, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
The students at St. Cecelia Inter-Parochial Catholic School have already completed two weeks of classes. In my previous assignment, these early weeks were always a happy and exciting time because the school was on the parish property. When I was a kid, I hated going back to school after a summer of fun. But it’s much different now because most of the kids who I see really look forward to coming back to school. That’s also true for the younger “first-timers,” though some of them may need a little more TLC than others. The realization that their parent is leaving might trigger one or two to start crying, but they get over it quickly. Honestly, the school offers more support to first-time mothers of EC and Kindergarten students with a “Boo-Hoo Breakfast” every year.
Kindergarten was originally designed to help adjust and orient children from a home to a school environment. The word kindergarten comes from the German and means “children’s garden.” Such a garden is an enchanting place for a child to learn new and important skills of social awareness and how to interact with others. Did you ever read the book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum? It is a simple but profound collection of insights from life, many on the idea of kindness. Perhaps from that same garden we adults can reorient ourselves to learn how to be “kinder,” in the English sense of the word, which is linked to “kin” and “kindred.” Meaning, if you are kind to people, you are treating them like your own kin or family.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel notably once said, “When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” The world needs more “kinder-gardens,” places where kindness is taught, instilled, and admired. Let St. Brendan parish be such a place, as well as our own homes. May our voices resonate with Joshua in the first reading, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Peace.
Father Tim
August 18, 2024
Father Tim's weekly message:
Dear Parishioners,
Thankfully, we fared well with Hurricane Debby. The parish simply had a mess to clean up outside, and the rectory was only briefly without power on the night of the storm. I’m grateful for it merely passing by us, and I pray for those who were hit worse in other places. At the time of this writing, the news is reporting a tropical wave heading our way that might develop into a hurricane. If that happens, it will be named Ernesto. They are saying, however, that future forecast models show it veering north before reaching the U.S. mainland. Let’s hope so, but be sure to say an extra prayer just in case.
While we’re on the subject, did you know that hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical cyclones are all the same type of storm? The only difference is where the storm is located. Hurricanes are in the Atlantic Ocean, typhoons are in the Northern/Western Pacific Ocean, and tropical cyclones are in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. You probably heard the phrase “eye of the hurricane.” It refers to that place of calm at the center of a storm, where high winds rotate around and outward from a central point. But is that true? Yes. Skies are often clear above the eye and winds are usually light. It is actually the calmest section of any hurricane.
The phrase “eye of the hurricane” applies well to the saints, particularly those who were martyrs or who suffered much. What I find so amazing is how they all were calm, even serene, in the midst of the storms in their lives. Despite what- ever chaos this world inflicted on the outside, they endured it with not just a sense of calm on the inside but with peace— even joy! That eye of their interior life could only happen by the grace of God. And it is the same grace that God offers to any of us who are committed to a serious spiritual life. May we be inspired by the “spiritual eye” of the saints and model our lives to Christ who was calm when ultimately facing the Cross. This Sunday’s Gospel sees the forecast brewing as people quarreled about Jesus’ teachings. A storm is tracking straight for Jesus, and storms will come for us as well. “But be filled with the Spirit,” as St. Paul exhorted in the second reading, and we too will be ready for the storms of life.
Peace. Father Tim
Father Tim's weekly message:
Dear Parishioners,
Thankfully, we fared well with Hurricane Debby. The parish simply had a mess to clean up outside, and the rectory was only briefly without power on the night of the storm. I’m grateful for it merely passing by us, and I pray for those who were hit worse in other places. At the time of this writing, the news is reporting a tropical wave heading our way that might develop into a hurricane. If that happens, it will be named Ernesto. They are saying, however, that future forecast models show it veering north before reaching the U.S. mainland. Let’s hope so, but be sure to say an extra prayer just in case.
While we’re on the subject, did you know that hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical cyclones are all the same type of storm? The only difference is where the storm is located. Hurricanes are in the Atlantic Ocean, typhoons are in the Northern/Western Pacific Ocean, and tropical cyclones are in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. You probably heard the phrase “eye of the hurricane.” It refers to that place of calm at the center of a storm, where high winds rotate around and outward from a central point. But is that true? Yes. Skies are often clear above the eye and winds are usually light. It is actually the calmest section of any hurricane.
The phrase “eye of the hurricane” applies well to the saints, particularly those who were martyrs or who suffered much. What I find so amazing is how they all were calm, even serene, in the midst of the storms in their lives. Despite what- ever chaos this world inflicted on the outside, they endured it with not just a sense of calm on the inside but with peace— even joy! That eye of their interior life could only happen by the grace of God. And it is the same grace that God offers to any of us who are committed to a serious spiritual life. May we be inspired by the “spiritual eye” of the saints and model our lives to Christ who was calm when ultimately facing the Cross. This Sunday’s Gospel sees the forecast brewing as people quarreled about Jesus’ teachings. A storm is tracking straight for Jesus, and storms will come for us as well. “But be filled with the Spirit,” as St. Paul exhorted in the second reading, and we too will be ready for the storms of life.
Peace. Father Tim
August 11, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
Please welcome Father Cyben Vitug from the Catholic Diocese of Sorsogon in the Philippines. He will be speaking at all of our Masses this weekend for the annual Missionary Cooperative Appeal. We added a full-page insert in last week’s bulletin explaining various ministerial works and charitable needs in his diocese. Hopefully you had a chance to read it; but if not, I’m sure Father Vitug will fill us in at Mass. Every year the Diocese of St. Petersburg assigns parishes to host the Missionary Cooperative Appeal to offer an opportunity for us to learn and support in the Church’s countless worldwide missionary endeavors, but also to remind us in a real sense that the Catholic Church is truly “universal.” Jesus said to go out to all the world, and the Church has taken that commission seriously, ministering to people in literally every nation on Earth. Please use the special offering envelopes that are located at the church entrances, and make the check payable to St. Brendan Catholic Church. We will also include any late envelopes collected at next week’s Masses. Then the total amount will be forwarded to our Diocesan office responsible for proper distribution. Thank you in advance for your generosity. May God continue to bless you with an abundance of grace.
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
Please welcome Father Cyben Vitug from the Catholic Diocese of Sorsogon in the Philippines. He will be speaking at all of our Masses this weekend for the annual Missionary Cooperative Appeal. We added a full-page insert in last week’s bulletin explaining various ministerial works and charitable needs in his diocese. Hopefully you had a chance to read it; but if not, I’m sure Father Vitug will fill us in at Mass. Every year the Diocese of St. Petersburg assigns parishes to host the Missionary Cooperative Appeal to offer an opportunity for us to learn and support in the Church’s countless worldwide missionary endeavors, but also to remind us in a real sense that the Catholic Church is truly “universal.” Jesus said to go out to all the world, and the Church has taken that commission seriously, ministering to people in literally every nation on Earth. Please use the special offering envelopes that are located at the church entrances, and make the check payable to St. Brendan Catholic Church. We will also include any late envelopes collected at next week’s Masses. Then the total amount will be forwarded to our Diocesan office responsible for proper distribution. Thank you in advance for your generosity. May God continue to bless you with an abundance of grace.
Peace. Father Tim
August 4, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
Thursday, Aug. 1st was the start of school already! Can you believe it? Well, it was at least for the teachers at St. Cecelia Catholic School, with classroom preparations and in-service days. Monday, Aug. 12th will be the big day when students are back for the first day of school. I can remember as a kid not going back to school until late August or even after Labor Day. They have more stuff to teach these days I suppose. At any rate, I will have a Mass for the faculty and staff on Monday, August 5th. That will give me an opportunity to welcome back the teachers, and also meet the new hires for this year. They are a great group of dedicated professionals who truly enjoy their work and are excited to be at our local “Blue Ribbon Award Winning” Catholic school.
Going back to school is usually considered an activity for the young, but let this week be a motivation for all of us to return to learning. We are never too old, although I do find that I have only so much room on my “brain shelf.” It seems when I put something new on one side of the shelf something else falls off on the other end. Nevertheless, that should not deter us from always being a student and always learning. God gave us a mind to use. As the old saying goes, “A mind is a terrible thing.” Oh, I’m sorry, that’s wrong. What I meant was “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” See what I mean? It fell off my brain shelf; but luckily, I was able to pick it up. Sometimes my memory falls off the shelf too.
I tend to do a lot of picking up anymore, and maybe you do too, but that’s okay. The desire to learn itself is what is important and it should be a lifelong activity. Our classroom days were just the beginning. Finally, we are reminded that there is a hierarchy of knowledge, and that all truth has an original source; namely, the one who is Truth itself. And so, as disciples—that is, students—of Jesus, may we continually have the desire to take to heart the words of The Divine Teacher: “. . . learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Mt 11:29).
Be sure to also welcome back Fr. Tony. He was away for the month of July on vacation. It seems ironic that a retired priest went on vacation, but priests never really retire, at least not from pastoral work. They gladly give up the administrative responsibilities, but usually continue with their priestly duties for as long as their health allows. It is what priests were called by God to do. An elderly priest once told me, “We have a retirement plan. It’s called death.” Hopefully that will still be a while yet for me.
Peace,
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
Thursday, Aug. 1st was the start of school already! Can you believe it? Well, it was at least for the teachers at St. Cecelia Catholic School, with classroom preparations and in-service days. Monday, Aug. 12th will be the big day when students are back for the first day of school. I can remember as a kid not going back to school until late August or even after Labor Day. They have more stuff to teach these days I suppose. At any rate, I will have a Mass for the faculty and staff on Monday, August 5th. That will give me an opportunity to welcome back the teachers, and also meet the new hires for this year. They are a great group of dedicated professionals who truly enjoy their work and are excited to be at our local “Blue Ribbon Award Winning” Catholic school.
Going back to school is usually considered an activity for the young, but let this week be a motivation for all of us to return to learning. We are never too old, although I do find that I have only so much room on my “brain shelf.” It seems when I put something new on one side of the shelf something else falls off on the other end. Nevertheless, that should not deter us from always being a student and always learning. God gave us a mind to use. As the old saying goes, “A mind is a terrible thing.” Oh, I’m sorry, that’s wrong. What I meant was “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” See what I mean? It fell off my brain shelf; but luckily, I was able to pick it up. Sometimes my memory falls off the shelf too.
I tend to do a lot of picking up anymore, and maybe you do too, but that’s okay. The desire to learn itself is what is important and it should be a lifelong activity. Our classroom days were just the beginning. Finally, we are reminded that there is a hierarchy of knowledge, and that all truth has an original source; namely, the one who is Truth itself. And so, as disciples—that is, students—of Jesus, may we continually have the desire to take to heart the words of The Divine Teacher: “. . . learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Mt 11:29).
Be sure to also welcome back Fr. Tony. He was away for the month of July on vacation. It seems ironic that a retired priest went on vacation, but priests never really retire, at least not from pastoral work. They gladly give up the administrative responsibilities, but usually continue with their priestly duties for as long as their health allows. It is what priests were called by God to do. An elderly priest once told me, “We have a retirement plan. It’s called death.” Hopefully that will still be a while yet for me.
Peace,
Father Tim
July 21, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
I recently read something that I thought was interesting. It was about a situation that happened to Edward Drinker Cope (1840- 1897), an American scientist who helped to define the fields of zoology and paleontology by discovering and naming over 1000 species of fossil vertebrates, including 56 dinosaur species. Cope was a Quaker and refused to carry a gun during his numerous fossil-hunting expeditions out West, despite the danger of being killed by hostile Native Americans. And an incident did occur when a band of warriors surrounded him and were ready to attack. But Cope surprised the Indians by removing his false teeth and putting them back into his mouth over and over again. The result was that his would-be attackers left him alone, overwhelmed by either the shock or humor of it.
With all the anger and hostility in our country, especially recently, it would do us well to reflect on how we can “Cope”with all types of would-be attackers today. The Cope method of responding non-violently does not mean rolling over and playing dead. Rather, it shows us how negative situations can often be addressed in much more creative and beneficial ways, like with the defusing power of humor. Whether we have false teeth or not, we too can learn the Cope method of playing with peace when confronted by things that need us to cope. For such actions ultimately follow the example of Jesus Christ who, according to this Sunday’s second reading, “came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near” (Eph 2:17). May the Lord grant us that grace for the good of everyone.
As a side note, the bishop assigned me as the temporary administrator of St. Cecelia parish while their pastor, Father Bob Schneider, is away on medical leave. It should not affect the daily administrative and pastoral work at St. Brendan parish. The duration of this new responsibility is not yet certain, but please pray for Father Bob that he will have a speedy recovery and return soon. Maybe also ask the Lord to help me to cope.
We pray that the Church will be blessed with wise and holy priests, deacons, sisters and brothers, chosen by Christ to lead souls to the glory of Heaven.
Please contact Vocations Office at: (727) 345-3452 or e-mail to [email protected].
Please continue to pray for those discerning their vocations, especially for our current seminarians whose pictures are posted on the wall near the Choir Room.
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
I recently read something that I thought was interesting. It was about a situation that happened to Edward Drinker Cope (1840- 1897), an American scientist who helped to define the fields of zoology and paleontology by discovering and naming over 1000 species of fossil vertebrates, including 56 dinosaur species. Cope was a Quaker and refused to carry a gun during his numerous fossil-hunting expeditions out West, despite the danger of being killed by hostile Native Americans. And an incident did occur when a band of warriors surrounded him and were ready to attack. But Cope surprised the Indians by removing his false teeth and putting them back into his mouth over and over again. The result was that his would-be attackers left him alone, overwhelmed by either the shock or humor of it.
With all the anger and hostility in our country, especially recently, it would do us well to reflect on how we can “Cope”with all types of would-be attackers today. The Cope method of responding non-violently does not mean rolling over and playing dead. Rather, it shows us how negative situations can often be addressed in much more creative and beneficial ways, like with the defusing power of humor. Whether we have false teeth or not, we too can learn the Cope method of playing with peace when confronted by things that need us to cope. For such actions ultimately follow the example of Jesus Christ who, according to this Sunday’s second reading, “came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near” (Eph 2:17). May the Lord grant us that grace for the good of everyone.
As a side note, the bishop assigned me as the temporary administrator of St. Cecelia parish while their pastor, Father Bob Schneider, is away on medical leave. It should not affect the daily administrative and pastoral work at St. Brendan parish. The duration of this new responsibility is not yet certain, but please pray for Father Bob that he will have a speedy recovery and return soon. Maybe also ask the Lord to help me to cope.
We pray that the Church will be blessed with wise and holy priests, deacons, sisters and brothers, chosen by Christ to lead souls to the glory of Heaven.
Please contact Vocations Office at: (727) 345-3452 or e-mail to [email protected].
Please continue to pray for those discerning their vocations, especially for our current seminarians whose pictures are posted on the wall near the Choir Room.
Peace. Father Tim
July 14, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
It was four years ago on July 1st that I arrived at St. Brendan’s parish. Wow, time sure does fly by! I can remember how restrictive and sparse the parish was when I came due to Covid-19. It was almost like a ghost town. Thankfully, we have come a long way since then and have pretty much recovered.
Time can fly by quickly, but sometimes it “takes time” for things to get better. There was an ancient Roman play where one of the characters said Diem adimere aegritudinem hominibus, which basically translates to “Time removes distress.” This phrase eventually evolved into a more familiar saying that we know today, “Time heals all wounds.”
Such a cure-all medicine from long ago might be good to reconsider and apply again to our instantaneous lifestyles. The monks reminded me of the spiritual benefits of this medicine when I was on retreat. If you are suffering from the shortcomings of life, like grief, fear, failure, doubt, loneliness, suffering, or so many other ailments, then first give up on the expectation of an instant cure and apply a generous amount of Time. Be sure not to take it on an empty spiritual stomach but rather one that is full on prayer, patience, and confidence in the healing power of God. Take time today to reflect on a quote from an old French poet, “Time deals gently with those who take it gently.”
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
It was four years ago on July 1st that I arrived at St. Brendan’s parish. Wow, time sure does fly by! I can remember how restrictive and sparse the parish was when I came due to Covid-19. It was almost like a ghost town. Thankfully, we have come a long way since then and have pretty much recovered.
Time can fly by quickly, but sometimes it “takes time” for things to get better. There was an ancient Roman play where one of the characters said Diem adimere aegritudinem hominibus, which basically translates to “Time removes distress.” This phrase eventually evolved into a more familiar saying that we know today, “Time heals all wounds.”
Such a cure-all medicine from long ago might be good to reconsider and apply again to our instantaneous lifestyles. The monks reminded me of the spiritual benefits of this medicine when I was on retreat. If you are suffering from the shortcomings of life, like grief, fear, failure, doubt, loneliness, suffering, or so many other ailments, then first give up on the expectation of an instant cure and apply a generous amount of Time. Be sure not to take it on an empty spiritual stomach but rather one that is full on prayer, patience, and confidence in the healing power of God. Take time today to reflect on a quote from an old French poet, “Time deals gently with those who take it gently.”
Peace.
Father Tim
June 30, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
Last Sunday we celebrated Msgr. Devine’s 67th anniversary to the priesthood at the 11:00 AM Mass. It was a nice celebration, and a good number of people came despite so many of our parishioners up north this time of year. He spoke at the homily and was in “rare form” telling stories from his early days as a priest. It was his first time back to the parish after moving to the assisted-living facility. A good time was had by all. May Msgr. Devine continue to be blessed with an abundance of grace in the years ahead.
The Gospel readings, from the 11th to 16th Sundays of Ordinary Time, are focused on Christological themes. The intent is to help us probe into the deeper theological meaning of Jesus’ nature and essence. These specific selections present Jesus as one who wields the power of the Creator, who has authority over death, who wears the heavy prophetic mantle, and who authorizes others to share in his mission and to continue it after His absence. Our Gospel for this week, on the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time, tells the intermingled stories of Jesus raising up Jairus’ daughter from the dead and healing a woman who suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years. Jesus stands before us not only as one who inspires awe by calming the wind and sea in last week’s Gospel, but who is also a model of generosity and compassion after whom we can pattern our lives. May we be given the grace needed to always follow the Lord’s example, and to be inspired by others who answered the Lord’s call, like Msgr. Devine.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
Last Sunday we celebrated Msgr. Devine’s 67th anniversary to the priesthood at the 11:00 AM Mass. It was a nice celebration, and a good number of people came despite so many of our parishioners up north this time of year. He spoke at the homily and was in “rare form” telling stories from his early days as a priest. It was his first time back to the parish after moving to the assisted-living facility. A good time was had by all. May Msgr. Devine continue to be blessed with an abundance of grace in the years ahead.
The Gospel readings, from the 11th to 16th Sundays of Ordinary Time, are focused on Christological themes. The intent is to help us probe into the deeper theological meaning of Jesus’ nature and essence. These specific selections present Jesus as one who wields the power of the Creator, who has authority over death, who wears the heavy prophetic mantle, and who authorizes others to share in his mission and to continue it after His absence. Our Gospel for this week, on the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time, tells the intermingled stories of Jesus raising up Jairus’ daughter from the dead and healing a woman who suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years. Jesus stands before us not only as one who inspires awe by calming the wind and sea in last week’s Gospel, but who is also a model of generosity and compassion after whom we can pattern our lives. May we be given the grace needed to always follow the Lord’s example, and to be inspired by others who answered the Lord’s call, like Msgr. Devine.
Peace.
Father Tim
June 23, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
The summer solstice for this year was on Thursday, June 20th. It also marked the first official day of summer. Our sun is considered a middle-aged star, or at the half-way point to its end. But don’t worry, that end will not happen for another five or six billion years from now. (phew!) Scientists explain that at that distant time the sun’s core will run out of hydrogen and begin to burn helium. This will cause the sun to expand to over one hundred times its present size, and make it two-and-a-half times brighter than today. As a result, the earth will be engulfed with intense heat that will melt continents, boil away the oceans, and finally vaporize the entire planet! Then, after all its fuel is completely burned up, the sun will end its ten-billion-year-old life by becoming what is called a “White Dwarf.”
I know what you’re thinking: “Gee, thank you Father Sunshine for such a happy and positive message!” No problem. Glad to help. Hey, at least it makes global warming not seem so bad. Another thing I suppose it does is remind us of our own end, but also the eternity of God. Pondering the fate of the sun puts the years of our own life into proper perspective and recalls the words from scripture that say, “Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day” (2 Pt 3:8). A hundred years, or even a billion years, are like a blink of the eye to God. But I pray that the Lord will help us to not put off for tomorrow what we can do today for our spiritual life. May we never keep God waiting.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
The summer solstice for this year was on Thursday, June 20th. It also marked the first official day of summer. Our sun is considered a middle-aged star, or at the half-way point to its end. But don’t worry, that end will not happen for another five or six billion years from now. (phew!) Scientists explain that at that distant time the sun’s core will run out of hydrogen and begin to burn helium. This will cause the sun to expand to over one hundred times its present size, and make it two-and-a-half times brighter than today. As a result, the earth will be engulfed with intense heat that will melt continents, boil away the oceans, and finally vaporize the entire planet! Then, after all its fuel is completely burned up, the sun will end its ten-billion-year-old life by becoming what is called a “White Dwarf.”
I know what you’re thinking: “Gee, thank you Father Sunshine for such a happy and positive message!” No problem. Glad to help. Hey, at least it makes global warming not seem so bad. Another thing I suppose it does is remind us of our own end, but also the eternity of God. Pondering the fate of the sun puts the years of our own life into proper perspective and recalls the words from scripture that say, “Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day” (2 Pt 3:8). A hundred years, or even a billion years, are like a blink of the eye to God. But I pray that the Lord will help us to not put off for tomorrow what we can do today for our spiritual life. May we never keep God waiting.
Peace.
Father Tim
June 16, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
I’m back with my weekly messages again. The last few weeks I took a little hiatus while away on vacation and retreat. The scripture commentaries and question of the week that filled my bulletin space during the interim were edited by Sheila from a resource called World Library Publications. So, I cannot take credit for it, even though some people still said they enjoyed “my” articles.
As I mentioned, part of my time away was to go on an annual retreat, which is required for every priest. The type that I went on is called a private or silent retreat. Some of you were asking me beforehand what that entails. Retreats can vary in lengths and in types. Some last only a day while others can extend beyond a month. But the usual time-frames are either weekend or week-long retreats. A private or silent retreat is a type in which the individual takes some time alone for spiritual renewal. It is a time spent in quiet solitude, with plentiful opportunities for prayer and spiritual reading. I normally go on this type of retreat by staying at a monastery and following the prayer schedule of the monks. However, I do occasionally take advantage of other types as well. Our diocese offers for its priests a preached retreat every year, usually in January at the Bethany Center. This involves a retreat director who gives a series of talks to a group of retreatants. The talks are usually focused on a particular spiritual theme or on the nature of a particular group. For instance, two years ago I went on a preached retreat sponsored by the diocese that was focused on the theme of diocesan priestly spirituality. It was excellent. An atmosphere of prayerfulness and quiet is maintained, and Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Exposition are also provided. Finally, the third type is called a directed retreat. A retreatant meets daily with an experienced spiritual director who guides him or her through a series of mediations on the scriptures. Their discussions center on discerning the will of God and the direction that a retreatant is being called. Most directed retreats are modeled after the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
I find that a person has to make reservations farther in advance to ensure that room is available at any given place. More people, both clergy and laity, are realizing the spiritual benefits of going on an annual retreat. Even Jesus saw the need to occasionally go off to deserted places to pray. And if the Lord needed it, then we need it that much more. Consider making retreats an important annual event in your own life.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
I’m back with my weekly messages again. The last few weeks I took a little hiatus while away on vacation and retreat. The scripture commentaries and question of the week that filled my bulletin space during the interim were edited by Sheila from a resource called World Library Publications. So, I cannot take credit for it, even though some people still said they enjoyed “my” articles.
As I mentioned, part of my time away was to go on an annual retreat, which is required for every priest. The type that I went on is called a private or silent retreat. Some of you were asking me beforehand what that entails. Retreats can vary in lengths and in types. Some last only a day while others can extend beyond a month. But the usual time-frames are either weekend or week-long retreats. A private or silent retreat is a type in which the individual takes some time alone for spiritual renewal. It is a time spent in quiet solitude, with plentiful opportunities for prayer and spiritual reading. I normally go on this type of retreat by staying at a monastery and following the prayer schedule of the monks. However, I do occasionally take advantage of other types as well. Our diocese offers for its priests a preached retreat every year, usually in January at the Bethany Center. This involves a retreat director who gives a series of talks to a group of retreatants. The talks are usually focused on a particular spiritual theme or on the nature of a particular group. For instance, two years ago I went on a preached retreat sponsored by the diocese that was focused on the theme of diocesan priestly spirituality. It was excellent. An atmosphere of prayerfulness and quiet is maintained, and Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Exposition are also provided. Finally, the third type is called a directed retreat. A retreatant meets daily with an experienced spiritual director who guides him or her through a series of mediations on the scriptures. Their discussions center on discerning the will of God and the direction that a retreatant is being called. Most directed retreats are modeled after the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
I find that a person has to make reservations farther in advance to ensure that room is available at any given place. More people, both clergy and laity, are realizing the spiritual benefits of going on an annual retreat. Even Jesus saw the need to occasionally go off to deserted places to pray. And if the Lord needed it, then we need it that much more. Consider making retreats an important annual event in your own life.
Peace.
Father Tim