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
April 13, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
This is the week when all the great liturgies of our Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection are celebrated—known as Holy Week. It starts this Sunday with the Passion of our Lord, aka Palm Sunday, the Chrism Mass on Tuesday at the Cathedral, the Mass of the Last Supper on Thursday evening, Good Friday (on Friday, I think), the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, and Easter Sunday. No wonder they call it “Holy.” It reminds me every year that communal prayer and the spiritual life can be exhausting.
Another interesting thing about this week is that April 15th falls right in the middle of it. You know what April 15th is, don’t you? Well, yes, it’s Tax Day, but I’m thinking about something else. Give up? April 15th is the day when the Titanic sank in 1912. There were 2,224 people on board, but 1,513 lost their lives in the frigid North Atlantic waters. It was one of the deadliest maritime disasters during peacetime in history. I read that 80% of those who died that day were men who let women and children board first on an insufficient number of lifeboats. Some men were surely prevented who wanted to board, but many more willingly gave up their chance to survive for the sake of others. This gallantry seems to be lost in our modern-day movie accounts about the so-called “unsinkable” ship.
Jesus said that “no one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13). May we enter Holy Week with this in mind, and that the friends for whom Jesus gave His life for are you and me. Never forget the “Holy Gallantry” of this most sacred time. It is truly an incredible and mind-boggling thought that the Son of God would willingly die on the Cross so that we might have life and have it more abundantly (Jn 10:10). Jesus essentially sacrificed His place on the lifeboat for us. But it is a lifeboat that goes beyond the boundaries of this life to the distant horizons of eternal life. Jesus saves. That is the Gospel message, and it builds up to a climatic height in the Church’s most solemn liturgies of Holy Week. Come join us.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
This is the week when all the great liturgies of our Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection are celebrated—known as Holy Week. It starts this Sunday with the Passion of our Lord, aka Palm Sunday, the Chrism Mass on Tuesday at the Cathedral, the Mass of the Last Supper on Thursday evening, Good Friday (on Friday, I think), the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, and Easter Sunday. No wonder they call it “Holy.” It reminds me every year that communal prayer and the spiritual life can be exhausting.
Another interesting thing about this week is that April 15th falls right in the middle of it. You know what April 15th is, don’t you? Well, yes, it’s Tax Day, but I’m thinking about something else. Give up? April 15th is the day when the Titanic sank in 1912. There were 2,224 people on board, but 1,513 lost their lives in the frigid North Atlantic waters. It was one of the deadliest maritime disasters during peacetime in history. I read that 80% of those who died that day were men who let women and children board first on an insufficient number of lifeboats. Some men were surely prevented who wanted to board, but many more willingly gave up their chance to survive for the sake of others. This gallantry seems to be lost in our modern-day movie accounts about the so-called “unsinkable” ship.
Jesus said that “no one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13). May we enter Holy Week with this in mind, and that the friends for whom Jesus gave His life for are you and me. Never forget the “Holy Gallantry” of this most sacred time. It is truly an incredible and mind-boggling thought that the Son of God would willingly die on the Cross so that we might have life and have it more abundantly (Jn 10:10). Jesus essentially sacrificed His place on the lifeboat for us. But it is a lifeboat that goes beyond the boundaries of this life to the distant horizons of eternal life. Jesus saves. That is the Gospel message, and it builds up to a climatic height in the Church’s most solemn liturgies of Holy Week. Come join us.
Peace.
Father Tim
April 6, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
This past Tuesday was the 1st of April, otherwise known as April Fools’ Day. It is a day dedicated to practical jokes and hoaxes. Jokesters will often expose their actions by shouting “April Fools!” at the recipient. However, those on the receiving end of a practical joke don’t always find it so funny. It all depends upon the practical joke and whether the recipient has a sense of humor. Sometimes those two things don’t go together very well. St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 4:10 that “we are fools for the sake of Christ.” Since God’s ways are not our ways, anyone who thinks and acts like God is likely to appear in the world’s eyes to be foolish. It is unfortunate, in my humble opinion, that the history of our rich spiritual tradition has vacillated between great saints, such as the desert ascetics, who admonished laughter, and then others, like St. Philip Neri, who was called “The Humorous Saint” and had a sign on the door of his room that said, “The House of Christian Mirth.” Repentance and joy are both important, but not to the exclusion of the other. Let’s take time to remember the importance of being fools and clowns for Christ and make a joyful sound unto the Lord. Meister Eckhart (1260-1328), a Dominican theologian and mystic, was fond of saying that when he laughed his soul was laughing together with God. Soon we will enter the most joyful season of the liturgical year—Easter. May the grace of that holy season fill your heart and soul with an abundance of joy and laughter, for God is laughing with you.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
This past Tuesday was the 1st of April, otherwise known as April Fools’ Day. It is a day dedicated to practical jokes and hoaxes. Jokesters will often expose their actions by shouting “April Fools!” at the recipient. However, those on the receiving end of a practical joke don’t always find it so funny. It all depends upon the practical joke and whether the recipient has a sense of humor. Sometimes those two things don’t go together very well. St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 4:10 that “we are fools for the sake of Christ.” Since God’s ways are not our ways, anyone who thinks and acts like God is likely to appear in the world’s eyes to be foolish. It is unfortunate, in my humble opinion, that the history of our rich spiritual tradition has vacillated between great saints, such as the desert ascetics, who admonished laughter, and then others, like St. Philip Neri, who was called “The Humorous Saint” and had a sign on the door of his room that said, “The House of Christian Mirth.” Repentance and joy are both important, but not to the exclusion of the other. Let’s take time to remember the importance of being fools and clowns for Christ and make a joyful sound unto the Lord. Meister Eckhart (1260-1328), a Dominican theologian and mystic, was fond of saying that when he laughed his soul was laughing together with God. Soon we will enter the most joyful season of the liturgical year—Easter. May the grace of that holy season fill your heart and soul with an abundance of joy and laughter, for God is laughing with you.
Peace.
Father Tim
March 30, 2025
There is an old saying I remember as a boy, “Money isn’t everything, but it can sweep a whole lot of dirt off the front porch.” Basically, it was a colorful way of saying that money is a good tool for taking care of a lot of problems in life. Rural sayings often tend to focus on insights gained from personal adversity or challenges experienced. I can appreciate that advice to this day, but money must remain a tool and not a master as our Lord warned (Mt 6:24). Use money when needed as a tool (like helping the parish!), but also remember that money isn’t everything. I’m thinking of the old song from the Beatles Can’t Buy Me Love: “Tell me that you want the kind of things that money just can’t buy/ I don’t care too much for money/ Money can’t buy me love.” Indeed, money can’t buy love, it can’t buy happiness, and it can’t buy inner peace. Furthermore, it goes along side with another true saying; that is, “You can’t take it with you.” Nobody is thinking about how much money they have on their death bed. Believe me, I have done enough anointings to know that is true.
As we travel on this Lenten journey, may we continue to receive the graces needed to walk with our Lord and to always treasure the things of ultimate value. That was certainly an important lesson in this Sunday’s Gospel about the Prodigal Son, who regretted valuing his inheritance over family and the love of his father. Nothing should supersede our love of God. The Mass has a prayer after communion that touches upon this idea best: “May these mysteries, O Lord, in which we participated, profit us, we pray, for even now, as we walk amid passing things, you teach us by them to love the things of heaven and hold fast to what endures.” Amen.
Peace.
Father Tim
There is an old saying I remember as a boy, “Money isn’t everything, but it can sweep a whole lot of dirt off the front porch.” Basically, it was a colorful way of saying that money is a good tool for taking care of a lot of problems in life. Rural sayings often tend to focus on insights gained from personal adversity or challenges experienced. I can appreciate that advice to this day, but money must remain a tool and not a master as our Lord warned (Mt 6:24). Use money when needed as a tool (like helping the parish!), but also remember that money isn’t everything. I’m thinking of the old song from the Beatles Can’t Buy Me Love: “Tell me that you want the kind of things that money just can’t buy/ I don’t care too much for money/ Money can’t buy me love.” Indeed, money can’t buy love, it can’t buy happiness, and it can’t buy inner peace. Furthermore, it goes along side with another true saying; that is, “You can’t take it with you.” Nobody is thinking about how much money they have on their death bed. Believe me, I have done enough anointings to know that is true.
As we travel on this Lenten journey, may we continue to receive the graces needed to walk with our Lord and to always treasure the things of ultimate value. That was certainly an important lesson in this Sunday’s Gospel about the Prodigal Son, who regretted valuing his inheritance over family and the love of his father. Nothing should supersede our love of God. The Mass has a prayer after communion that touches upon this idea best: “May these mysteries, O Lord, in which we participated, profit us, we pray, for even now, as we walk amid passing things, you teach us by them to love the things of heaven and hold fast to what endures.” Amen.
Peace.
Father Tim
March 23, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
Merry Christmas! Well, not yet, but this Tuesday, March 25th, marks nine months to the actual day of Christmas on December 25th. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord on March 25th and recalls that event when the Archangel Gabriel spoke to Mary about God’s plan for her to be the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. But only after giving her fiat, her consent to the archangel’s announcement, did she conceive the overshadowing grace of the Holy Spirit. The beginnings of this liturgical feast day go back to the early sixth century when it was a public holiday. It marked the beginning of festivities toward the new year date of April 1st. That changed when the old Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. Those who refused to embrace the new calendar were called “April Fools.” The only groups that still follow the Julian calendar today are the Eastern Orthodox churches and a small indigenous community in North Africa known as the Berbers.
It has been 83 days since the first day of this new year according to the Gregorian calendar. And I realize how quickly a new year can become old when our new year’s resolution has already been forgotten. Our intention was good, but our determination was a bit weak. Jesus offered a similar notion about human nature; namely, that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Mt 26:41). Mindful of the old Julian new year’s date, let’s take the opportunity during this Lenten season to heed the words of our Lord in this week’s Gospel to repent—to change—by living a life that is holy and pleasing in God’s sight. Let us renew our resolution for Lent to strive, with the help of God’s grace, in replacing our sinful habits with good and holy habits. May our lives always bear good fruit for God.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
Merry Christmas! Well, not yet, but this Tuesday, March 25th, marks nine months to the actual day of Christmas on December 25th. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord on March 25th and recalls that event when the Archangel Gabriel spoke to Mary about God’s plan for her to be the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. But only after giving her fiat, her consent to the archangel’s announcement, did she conceive the overshadowing grace of the Holy Spirit. The beginnings of this liturgical feast day go back to the early sixth century when it was a public holiday. It marked the beginning of festivities toward the new year date of April 1st. That changed when the old Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. Those who refused to embrace the new calendar were called “April Fools.” The only groups that still follow the Julian calendar today are the Eastern Orthodox churches and a small indigenous community in North Africa known as the Berbers.
It has been 83 days since the first day of this new year according to the Gregorian calendar. And I realize how quickly a new year can become old when our new year’s resolution has already been forgotten. Our intention was good, but our determination was a bit weak. Jesus offered a similar notion about human nature; namely, that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Mt 26:41). Mindful of the old Julian new year’s date, let’s take the opportunity during this Lenten season to heed the words of our Lord in this week’s Gospel to repent—to change—by living a life that is holy and pleasing in God’s sight. Let us renew our resolution for Lent to strive, with the help of God’s grace, in replacing our sinful habits with good and holy habits. May our lives always bear good fruit for God.
Peace.
Father Tim
March 2, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
We enter the month of March, and I’m reminded of another weather prediction adage reminiscent to Groundhog Day back on February 2th. Weather folklore states that if the first day of March is mild and gentle like a lamb, then the last day of March will be as fierce as a lion. But if the first day of March is harsh and the wind is howling like a lion, then the 31st day will be as fair and mild as a lamb. I must admit that I have my doubts about such weather predictions, but it might be a better forecaster of foul-weather moods. For example, sometimes we leave our loved ones in a foul mood roaring like a lion. Such instances leave both sides with cold hearts and the bundled-up isolation of hurt feelings. Perhaps the old March adage can rouse a desire within us to tame the lion while still away and return to our loved ones gentle, like a lamb. This change of mood can be further enhanced by taking upon ourselves a sacrificial lamb mentality. Strive to see and to accept responsibility for the sins and mistakes in our own life first. As Jesus said in this Sunday’s Gospel, “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.” But even then, do it sparingly. One of my favorite quotes from “Good Pope John” (i.e., Pope St. John XXIII) summed up the best way to predict a favorable atmosphere: “See everything; overlook a great deal; correct a little.” Come to think of it, that would be an excellent penance for this Lenten season. Ash Wednesday is fast approaching like a weather front and will reach us on March 5th Wow!
Peace.
Father Tim
P.S. – A quick note that next weekend I will be away, so my bulletin message will take a brief hiatus. You deserve a break from my nonsensical ramblings every now and then.
Dear Parishioners,
We enter the month of March, and I’m reminded of another weather prediction adage reminiscent to Groundhog Day back on February 2th. Weather folklore states that if the first day of March is mild and gentle like a lamb, then the last day of March will be as fierce as a lion. But if the first day of March is harsh and the wind is howling like a lion, then the 31st day will be as fair and mild as a lamb. I must admit that I have my doubts about such weather predictions, but it might be a better forecaster of foul-weather moods. For example, sometimes we leave our loved ones in a foul mood roaring like a lion. Such instances leave both sides with cold hearts and the bundled-up isolation of hurt feelings. Perhaps the old March adage can rouse a desire within us to tame the lion while still away and return to our loved ones gentle, like a lamb. This change of mood can be further enhanced by taking upon ourselves a sacrificial lamb mentality. Strive to see and to accept responsibility for the sins and mistakes in our own life first. As Jesus said in this Sunday’s Gospel, “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.” But even then, do it sparingly. One of my favorite quotes from “Good Pope John” (i.e., Pope St. John XXIII) summed up the best way to predict a favorable atmosphere: “See everything; overlook a great deal; correct a little.” Come to think of it, that would be an excellent penance for this Lenten season. Ash Wednesday is fast approaching like a weather front and will reach us on March 5th Wow!
Peace.
Father Tim
P.S. – A quick note that next weekend I will be away, so my bulletin message will take a brief hiatus. You deserve a break from my nonsensical ramblings every now and then.
February 23, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
Studies have shown that we form a positive or negative opinion of other people by a glance lasting no longer than 100 milliseconds. That is 0.1 or 1/10th of a second. In other words, in the blink of an eye. These blink of an eye judgments are involuntary responses of the primitive amygdala in the brain. That is the portion of grey matter in our noggins involved with emotions, memory, and motivation. It plays a key role in identifying potential threats and triggering appropriate reactions, such as judging in a split second if a person is friend or foe. While having a legitimate purpose, the amygdala also makes for a convenient excuse in blaming our judgmental tendencies of others. Despite this evolutionary condition, we are called to strive to follow our Lord’s difficult admonition in this Sunday’s Gospel: “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.” But to achieve this will require overriding our amygdala. That will take whole lot longer than 100 milliseconds, and a whole lot more of God’s grace!
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
Studies have shown that we form a positive or negative opinion of other people by a glance lasting no longer than 100 milliseconds. That is 0.1 or 1/10th of a second. In other words, in the blink of an eye. These blink of an eye judgments are involuntary responses of the primitive amygdala in the brain. That is the portion of grey matter in our noggins involved with emotions, memory, and motivation. It plays a key role in identifying potential threats and triggering appropriate reactions, such as judging in a split second if a person is friend or foe. While having a legitimate purpose, the amygdala also makes for a convenient excuse in blaming our judgmental tendencies of others. Despite this evolutionary condition, we are called to strive to follow our Lord’s difficult admonition in this Sunday’s Gospel: “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.” But to achieve this will require overriding our amygdala. That will take whole lot longer than 100 milliseconds, and a whole lot more of God’s grace!
Peace.
Father Tim
February 16, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
First, I want to sincerely thank Jane Synder for coordinating the retirement reception in the parish hall for Frank Vanden-Eynden last weekend. Thanks also to all the other ladies who helped Jane with the preparation and for providing it after all the Masses. The food buffet and table decorations were a wonderful send-off for Frank as he begins a new stage of life. May the Lord grant him good health to enjoy the years ahead. And congratulations again to our new director of music, Harriet Hall. We are grateful for her continued presence at St. Brendan’s, and we look forward to making beauti- ful music together for the Lord.
A reminder again (this time in writing), that we have begun the 2025 annual Catholic Ministry Appeal. Thank you so much for your generous support to the 2024 appeal. We not only reached our goal, but we tied with another parish in being the first two parishes in the diocese to reach their respective set goals. That is a tribute to both your generosity and commitment to our parish and diocesan pastoral ministries. Our parish goal this year is $93,767.00. Please be sure to make a contribution, for every little bit will help. You should have already received in the mail a designated envelope and information for the CMA; but if you didn’t, we have extra envelopes provided at the two entrance doors of the church. Make sure to include the name of St. Brendan parish so that our parish will receive credit toward the goal. A great big thanks in advance for your support this year. May God bless you now and always!
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
First, I want to sincerely thank Jane Synder for coordinating the retirement reception in the parish hall for Frank Vanden-Eynden last weekend. Thanks also to all the other ladies who helped Jane with the preparation and for providing it after all the Masses. The food buffet and table decorations were a wonderful send-off for Frank as he begins a new stage of life. May the Lord grant him good health to enjoy the years ahead. And congratulations again to our new director of music, Harriet Hall. We are grateful for her continued presence at St. Brendan’s, and we look forward to making beauti- ful music together for the Lord.
A reminder again (this time in writing), that we have begun the 2025 annual Catholic Ministry Appeal. Thank you so much for your generous support to the 2024 appeal. We not only reached our goal, but we tied with another parish in being the first two parishes in the diocese to reach their respective set goals. That is a tribute to both your generosity and commitment to our parish and diocesan pastoral ministries. Our parish goal this year is $93,767.00. Please be sure to make a contribution, for every little bit will help. You should have already received in the mail a designated envelope and information for the CMA; but if you didn’t, we have extra envelopes provided at the two entrance doors of the church. Make sure to include the name of St. Brendan parish so that our parish will receive credit toward the goal. A great big thanks in advance for your support this year. May God bless you now and always!
Peace.
Father Tim
February 9, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
A person asked me last week if there was really a St. Valentine. And if so, why do we not include him as a feast day in the Mass on February 14th? The short answer is yes, there was a St. Valentine. He died as a martyr in Rome during the 3rd century (circa 269 AD). However, that is all we know from available historical evidence. Everything else that is told about him is legend. We have no factual evidence to support the “romantic” stories that surround him today. Thus, the Church still recognizes St. Valentine as a saint, but he was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 because of a lack of reliable information. Saints that are honored with a liturgical feast day in the Mass not only have verifiable proof that they existed but also factual accounts of their holy lives. After all, the whole point of it is to be inspired and to emulate the lives and extraordinary examples of real people who followed the Lord.
That said, Hallmark cards and the secular world have “de-sainted” St. Valentine and wish others only a Happy Valentine’s Day. On Friday, February 14th, let’s put “saint” back in his name to remind us of our own call to holiness, and to recognize the true source of all love. For God is love, and everyone who loves is of God and knows God (1 Jn 4:7). Happy Saint Valentine’s Day! And may the love of God, which St. Valentine gave his life for as a martyr, destroy even the clutches of death and grant us all the supreme joy of ever- lasting life. Love’s ultimate gift.
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
A person asked me last week if there was really a St. Valentine. And if so, why do we not include him as a feast day in the Mass on February 14th? The short answer is yes, there was a St. Valentine. He died as a martyr in Rome during the 3rd century (circa 269 AD). However, that is all we know from available historical evidence. Everything else that is told about him is legend. We have no factual evidence to support the “romantic” stories that surround him today. Thus, the Church still recognizes St. Valentine as a saint, but he was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 because of a lack of reliable information. Saints that are honored with a liturgical feast day in the Mass not only have verifiable proof that they existed but also factual accounts of their holy lives. After all, the whole point of it is to be inspired and to emulate the lives and extraordinary examples of real people who followed the Lord.
That said, Hallmark cards and the secular world have “de-sainted” St. Valentine and wish others only a Happy Valentine’s Day. On Friday, February 14th, let’s put “saint” back in his name to remind us of our own call to holiness, and to recognize the true source of all love. For God is love, and everyone who loves is of God and knows God (1 Jn 4:7). Happy Saint Valentine’s Day! And may the love of God, which St. Valentine gave his life for as a martyr, destroy even the clutches of death and grant us all the supreme joy of ever- lasting life. Love’s ultimate gift.
Peace. Father Tim
February 2, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday, February 2nd, marks the midpoint of the winter season, and the tradition on this day of forecasting the arrival of spring. Yet, it is not done with satellites, or computers, or even by well-trained meteorologists. Nope. We look to a more reliable source: a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. If he comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, he gets scared and runs back into his hole to hibernate for six more weeks of winter. But if he doesn’t see his shadow, then heclimbs out of bed to greet the early arrival of spring. Or so say the Pennsylvania Dutch. But that doesn’t make sense to me. If Phil sees his shadow, that means the sun is out, and a good sign that warmer weather is coming. I think they got it backwards for 138 years (1887 was the first official date celebrated).
Either way, hibernation is practiced by more than just groundhogs. Punxsutawney Phil does it to supposedly escape the harsh realities of six more weeks of winter. Humans, how- ever, also hibernate to escape the harsh realities of life. Many of us retreat into our holes to escape hostile forces, both real and imagined, and only occasionally peek out to test the“weather.” Whatever the forecast of life may be, this Sunday’s Gospel on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord refers to Jesus as a “light for revelation” to the world. In former times, this day likewise marked the liturgical blessing of candles for homes as a symbol of Christ’s light. May the Light of Christ shine brightly on our lives, not to frighten us into holes, but to draw us out of the darkness and to live as children of light. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday, February 2nd, marks the midpoint of the winter season, and the tradition on this day of forecasting the arrival of spring. Yet, it is not done with satellites, or computers, or even by well-trained meteorologists. Nope. We look to a more reliable source: a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. If he comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, he gets scared and runs back into his hole to hibernate for six more weeks of winter. But if he doesn’t see his shadow, then heclimbs out of bed to greet the early arrival of spring. Or so say the Pennsylvania Dutch. But that doesn’t make sense to me. If Phil sees his shadow, that means the sun is out, and a good sign that warmer weather is coming. I think they got it backwards for 138 years (1887 was the first official date celebrated).
Either way, hibernation is practiced by more than just groundhogs. Punxsutawney Phil does it to supposedly escape the harsh realities of six more weeks of winter. Humans, how- ever, also hibernate to escape the harsh realities of life. Many of us retreat into our holes to escape hostile forces, both real and imagined, and only occasionally peek out to test the“weather.” Whatever the forecast of life may be, this Sunday’s Gospel on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord refers to Jesus as a “light for revelation” to the world. In former times, this day likewise marked the liturgical blessing of candles for homes as a symbol of Christ’s light. May the Light of Christ shine brightly on our lives, not to frighten us into holes, but to draw us out of the darkness and to live as children of light. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Peace. Father Tim
January 26, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
You may have noticed that our music director, Frank Vanden-Eynden, has not been present for the last couple weekends. He has had some heatlh issues and recently decided that it is time to retire. While his retirement is understandable and much deserved, we will certainly miss him after so many years of faithful service at St. Brendan parish. A reception for Frank will be held after all the Masses on the weekend of February 8 and 9. Please be sure to come and wish Frank well, and to thank him for all he has done here and for his lifetime of music ministry. Happy Retirement Frank!
That brings me to the second part of this news; namely, that our assistant music director, Harriet Hall, will assume her new position as music director for the parish. The promotional change will combine the responsbilities of both positions and will no longer be shared by two people. Harriet has served at St. Brendan's for many years as well, and she deserves "first dibs" to the music director position. We are are excited for her, and I am personally grateful that she accepted the position. Liturgical musicians who are competent and dedicated to their work and ministry are not easy to find. We are blessed to have her here. Congratulations, Harriet!
Changes in life are inevitable and cannot be avoided. I'm reminded of the ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher, Heraclitus, who taught that "the only constant in life is change." To explain his point, he used the now famous analogy that a person cannot step into the same river twice. Well, change is also in the air in this Sunday's Gospel reading. Jesus begins his public ministry by proclaiming from the prophet Isaiah and announcing a year of favor from the Lord. The difference with Jesus' message, as opposed to Heraclitus, is that this change will last forever for those who believe. That's the Good News!
Peace,
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
You may have noticed that our music director, Frank Vanden-Eynden, has not been present for the last couple weekends. He has had some heatlh issues and recently decided that it is time to retire. While his retirement is understandable and much deserved, we will certainly miss him after so many years of faithful service at St. Brendan parish. A reception for Frank will be held after all the Masses on the weekend of February 8 and 9. Please be sure to come and wish Frank well, and to thank him for all he has done here and for his lifetime of music ministry. Happy Retirement Frank!
That brings me to the second part of this news; namely, that our assistant music director, Harriet Hall, will assume her new position as music director for the parish. The promotional change will combine the responsbilities of both positions and will no longer be shared by two people. Harriet has served at St. Brendan's for many years as well, and she deserves "first dibs" to the music director position. We are are excited for her, and I am personally grateful that she accepted the position. Liturgical musicians who are competent and dedicated to their work and ministry are not easy to find. We are blessed to have her here. Congratulations, Harriet!
Changes in life are inevitable and cannot be avoided. I'm reminded of the ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher, Heraclitus, who taught that "the only constant in life is change." To explain his point, he used the now famous analogy that a person cannot step into the same river twice. Well, change is also in the air in this Sunday's Gospel reading. Jesus begins his public ministry by proclaiming from the prophet Isaiah and announcing a year of favor from the Lord. The difference with Jesus' message, as opposed to Heraclitus, is that this change will last forever for those who believe. That's the Good News!
Peace,
Father Tim
January 12, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
Do you know the exact date of your baptism? I suspect that if you were baptized as an infant that you probably don’t know, at least not off the top of your head. That’s okay. For most of us, that is something we need to check on an old worn-out baptismal certificate, packed someplace long ago for safekeeping (but forgot where that safe place is now). Nevertheless, our baptism date is a significant milestone in our spiritual life. On that date, we were bathed in the river of the Holy Spirit and became a new creation in Jesus Christ. Indeed, we became a new person, for through the waters of baptism we died with Christ and rose with Him to new life. This newness of life reminds me of a story from the early days of the Ford Motor Company in Detroit. Apparently, there was an employee of the company who had “borrowed” numerous tools over the years and conveniently “forgot” to return them. But at some point, the man had a spiritual conversion and was baptized in a local church. The next day he brought back all the tools he had collected and asked the plant manager for forgiveness. It impressed the plant manager so much that he sent a cable with the entire story to Henry Ford, who at the time was on a business trip in Europe. Ford cabled back a message containing only two sentences: “Dam up the Detroit River. Have the entire plant baptized!” On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the last day of the Christmas season, may we be reminded of our own baptismal call and renewed in the grace of continual conversion.
One brief note. I will be away this week (Jan. 13th to Jan. 17th) for my annual retreat. Please keep me in your prayers as I will do the same for you.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
Do you know the exact date of your baptism? I suspect that if you were baptized as an infant that you probably don’t know, at least not off the top of your head. That’s okay. For most of us, that is something we need to check on an old worn-out baptismal certificate, packed someplace long ago for safekeeping (but forgot where that safe place is now). Nevertheless, our baptism date is a significant milestone in our spiritual life. On that date, we were bathed in the river of the Holy Spirit and became a new creation in Jesus Christ. Indeed, we became a new person, for through the waters of baptism we died with Christ and rose with Him to new life. This newness of life reminds me of a story from the early days of the Ford Motor Company in Detroit. Apparently, there was an employee of the company who had “borrowed” numerous tools over the years and conveniently “forgot” to return them. But at some point, the man had a spiritual conversion and was baptized in a local church. The next day he brought back all the tools he had collected and asked the plant manager for forgiveness. It impressed the plant manager so much that he sent a cable with the entire story to Henry Ford, who at the time was on a business trip in Europe. Ford cabled back a message containing only two sentences: “Dam up the Detroit River. Have the entire plant baptized!” On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the last day of the Christmas season, may we be reminded of our own baptismal call and renewed in the grace of continual conversion.
One brief note. I will be away this week (Jan. 13th to Jan. 17th) for my annual retreat. Please keep me in your prayers as I will do the same for you.
Peace.
Father Tim
January 5, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
The Solemnity of the Epiphany directs our thoughts to that night long ago when a great star appeared and led the Magi to the Christ child. We used to always celebrate Epiphany on its traditional date of January 6th, but in the U.S. it was transferred to the Sunday between January 2nd and January 8th. The main reason was to try to ensure more participation on this important Holy Day. Fewer people were attending this Solemnity, especially when it fell in the middle of the week, even though it is still a Holy Day of Obligation. Come to think of it, few people attended, or even noticed, the great star on the night of that first glorious Epiphany. Things haven’t changed much, I suppose. But like those star gazers of old, just three Magi and a few simple shepherds, we too have a similar mission to fulfill. It is the essence of the Epiphany story and continues to this day: Go and search diligently for the child, and then come back and tell people about it. The manifestations of Christ are active and present in our daily lives if we would but have the eyes of faith and a cosmic sense for spiritual adventure.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
The Solemnity of the Epiphany directs our thoughts to that night long ago when a great star appeared and led the Magi to the Christ child. We used to always celebrate Epiphany on its traditional date of January 6th, but in the U.S. it was transferred to the Sunday between January 2nd and January 8th. The main reason was to try to ensure more participation on this important Holy Day. Fewer people were attending this Solemnity, especially when it fell in the middle of the week, even though it is still a Holy Day of Obligation. Come to think of it, few people attended, or even noticed, the great star on the night of that first glorious Epiphany. Things haven’t changed much, I suppose. But like those star gazers of old, just three Magi and a few simple shepherds, we too have a similar mission to fulfill. It is the essence of the Epiphany story and continues to this day: Go and search diligently for the child, and then come back and tell people about it. The manifestations of Christ are active and present in our daily lives if we would but have the eyes of faith and a cosmic sense for spiritual adventure.
Peace.
Father Tim
December 22, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
The Fourth Sunday of Advent is here already. And Christmas Eve is just two days after that. Where did the time go? Did robbers steal it away? I could have sworn that Thanksgiving was just the other day. What happened to all those days in between? Perhaps you can relate to what I’m saying. The answer I’m sure has more to do with perception than with the actual reality of time. For instance, when I’m watching the clock, the minutes go by excruciatingly slow. But when I’m busy or distracted by other things, the time can go incredibly fast. And yet, the duration of time remains the same in both cases. For a busy or distracted person, minutes can easily turn into days, and days into weeks. Then before you know it a whole year has passed by. Well, a similar tendency can also occur in our spiritual lives. When we are busy or distracted by so many things, prayer can get lax and time with God is forgotten. However, when we are attentive and watchful for God’s presence, our life becomes more contemplative. Life may still be busy, but life itself becomes a part of prayer, and our internal clock slows down to those moments of God’s revealing in the day. May our hearts and minds be attentive and watchful, especially in these last few days left of Advent, for the coming (i.e., revealing) of the Lord.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
The Fourth Sunday of Advent is here already. And Christmas Eve is just two days after that. Where did the time go? Did robbers steal it away? I could have sworn that Thanksgiving was just the other day. What happened to all those days in between? Perhaps you can relate to what I’m saying. The answer I’m sure has more to do with perception than with the actual reality of time. For instance, when I’m watching the clock, the minutes go by excruciatingly slow. But when I’m busy or distracted by other things, the time can go incredibly fast. And yet, the duration of time remains the same in both cases. For a busy or distracted person, minutes can easily turn into days, and days into weeks. Then before you know it a whole year has passed by. Well, a similar tendency can also occur in our spiritual lives. When we are busy or distracted by so many things, prayer can get lax and time with God is forgotten. However, when we are attentive and watchful for God’s presence, our life becomes more contemplative. Life may still be busy, but life itself becomes a part of prayer, and our internal clock slows down to those moments of God’s revealing in the day. May our hearts and minds be attentive and watchful, especially in these last few days left of Advent, for the coming (i.e., revealing) of the Lord.
Peace.
Father Tim
December 15, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
A certain baby was born in Bethlehem and that event changed the world forever. It happened some 2000 years ago and we are still discussing the meaning and impact of that life in our world today. The Gospel this week tells us that the Divine Change-Maker, Jesus Christ, has changed us by virtue of our baptism “with the Holy Spirit and fire.” May God’s grace continue to change our minds to the will of the Heavenly Father during this Advent season. And may the power of the Holy Spirit set our hearts on fire and lift us on high with a gust of His mighty wind. Hmm . . . power and wind. Sounds like a formula for flying. Fasten your seatbelts and return your tray tables to their upright position because this spiritual flight is ready to take off!
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
A certain baby was born in Bethlehem and that event changed the world forever. It happened some 2000 years ago and we are still discussing the meaning and impact of that life in our world today. The Gospel this week tells us that the Divine Change-Maker, Jesus Christ, has changed us by virtue of our baptism “with the Holy Spirit and fire.” May God’s grace continue to change our minds to the will of the Heavenly Father during this Advent season. And may the power of the Holy Spirit set our hearts on fire and lift us on high with a gust of His mighty wind. Hmm . . . power and wind. Sounds like a formula for flying. Fasten your seatbelts and return your tray tables to their upright position because this spiritual flight is ready to take off!
Peace.
Father Tim
December 8, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
We normally recognize and observe December 8th as the feast day for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. But because this year the day also falls on a Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent takes precedence and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday, December 9th. Previously, when a Holy Day of Obligation fell on or was transferred to a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation was suspended, but that will no longer apply for this specific feast day. A recent communication from the Dicastery for Legislative Texts in Rome wrote to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that this feast must be observed as a day of obligation, regardless of what day to which it is transferred. So, that means that this Monday, December 9, 2024, will be observed as a Holy Day of Obligation in commemoration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Masses will be at 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM. The reason for this change was not stated, or at least I was not made aware. But a safe guess is likely because the Immaculate Conception is patroness of the United States. Rome probably did not want us to minimize its importance, given the unique relationship that the Mother of God has with our country. May she who is “full of grace” pray for us all, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Peace.
Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
We normally recognize and observe December 8th as the feast day for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. But because this year the day also falls on a Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent takes precedence and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday, December 9th. Previously, when a Holy Day of Obligation fell on or was transferred to a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation was suspended, but that will no longer apply for this specific feast day. A recent communication from the Dicastery for Legislative Texts in Rome wrote to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that this feast must be observed as a day of obligation, regardless of what day to which it is transferred. So, that means that this Monday, December 9, 2024, will be observed as a Holy Day of Obligation in commemoration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Masses will be at 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM. The reason for this change was not stated, or at least I was not made aware. But a safe guess is likely because the Immaculate Conception is patroness of the United States. Rome probably did not want us to minimize its importance, given the unique relationship that the Mother of God has with our country. May she who is “full of grace” pray for us all, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Peace.
Father Tim
December 1, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Advent! This marks a new liturgical year and the beginning of a time to anticipate and prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ. The word Advent literally means “coming” or “to come” and encompasses within itself the very notion of longing and expectancy. And yet, I have already seen Christmas decorations in stores and on TV commercials and heard nonstop Christmas songs on the radio. In some cases, Christmas arrived even before Halloween! The Church, however, sees the spiritual importance of a preparation period rather than to rush or be unreflective. We will learn, for instance, from the readings on the Sundays of Advent of how longing, repentance, and intimacy with God are modeled. And in the last seven days leading up to Christmas, the O Antiphons at Vespers in the Liturgy of the Hours culminate to reveal the deepest yearning within every human heart and planted by God; namely, our desire for a Savior. Let that which beckons deep within us benefit spiritually from the time required of Advent. And as Jesus urged his disciples in this Sunday’s Gospel, may we too heed the call to be ever watchful and alert for the coming of the Lord.
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Advent! This marks a new liturgical year and the beginning of a time to anticipate and prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ. The word Advent literally means “coming” or “to come” and encompasses within itself the very notion of longing and expectancy. And yet, I have already seen Christmas decorations in stores and on TV commercials and heard nonstop Christmas songs on the radio. In some cases, Christmas arrived even before Halloween! The Church, however, sees the spiritual importance of a preparation period rather than to rush or be unreflective. We will learn, for instance, from the readings on the Sundays of Advent of how longing, repentance, and intimacy with God are modeled. And in the last seven days leading up to Christmas, the O Antiphons at Vespers in the Liturgy of the Hours culminate to reveal the deepest yearning within every human heart and planted by God; namely, our desire for a Savior. Let that which beckons deep within us benefit spiritually from the time required of Advent. And as Jesus urged his disciples in this Sunday’s Gospel, may we too heed the call to be ever watchful and alert for the coming of the Lord.
Peace. Father Tim
November 24, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
Here we are again at the end of another liturgical calendar year with the celebration of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The time sure has gone by quickly. And now begins a period of great feast days as we celebrate holidays and holy days in succession, from Thanksgiving to Christmas to NewYear’s Eve. It’s not by accident that the Church and society calls these important days “feasts.” Eating isa necessary function for survival, but feasting is required for celebration. Eating can be done alone, but feasting needs to have the addition of at least one other person. A survey was done some time back that revealed the difference between just feeding the body and feasting the heart and soul. One of thequestions on the survey asked: “What is the key to a successful party: good food, good conversation, orgood company?” The results found that 10% chose good food, 25% chose good conversation, and 65% chose good company. I totally agree with the results, especially when it includes the King of the Universe. Jesus is both host and guest at every liturgical feast in the Church’s calendar. Indeed, our Lord gives us His very self to nourish our heart and soul at every Eucharistic celebration. May every feast day, whether societal or ecclesial, include an invitation for Jesus to sit at our table. In that way, all holidays will return to being true holy days as originally intended. For when two or more are gathered inJesus’ name, there He is in their midst (Mt 18:20).
Peace. Father Tim
Dear Parishioners,
Here we are again at the end of another liturgical calendar year with the celebration of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The time sure has gone by quickly. And now begins a period of great feast days as we celebrate holidays and holy days in succession, from Thanksgiving to Christmas to NewYear’s Eve. It’s not by accident that the Church and society calls these important days “feasts.” Eating isa necessary function for survival, but feasting is required for celebration. Eating can be done alone, but feasting needs to have the addition of at least one other person. A survey was done some time back that revealed the difference between just feeding the body and feasting the heart and soul. One of thequestions on the survey asked: “What is the key to a successful party: good food, good conversation, orgood company?” The results found that 10% chose good food, 25% chose good conversation, and 65% chose good company. I totally agree with the results, especially when it includes the King of the Universe. Jesus is both host and guest at every liturgical feast in the Church’s calendar. Indeed, our Lord gives us His very self to nourish our heart and soul at every Eucharistic celebration. May every feast day, whether societal or ecclesial, include an invitation for Jesus to sit at our table. In that way, all holidays will return to being true holy days as originally intended. For when two or more are gathered inJesus’ name, there He is in their midst (Mt 18:20).
Peace. Father Tim