A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR

Saving Silence

2012-01-27T16:30:00.004-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

Your life is full of busy, noisy activities, but not fulfilled by any one of them. Jesus brings a new beginning with a saving silence that creates a space for God.

What happens when the noise turns to silence, when God speaks to the crowded busyness of our lives? The Gospel suggests the silence Jesus brings is not always easy to accept. We pride ourselves with our connections, our full calendars, and our important activities.

Our Lord brings to the silence a gift that no crowded agenda or demanding schedule can match. He brings into the silence the gift of himself. He offers to be the resident manager of our lives, bringing order to chaos, meaning to messiness, and nourishment to noise. He takes up residence within to remind us that saving silence clears a space for holiness to live and grace to grow.

- Deacon Robert

“To love God with our whole mind
is to think of him often, and to
make it our principal study
to know him well.”
- The Cure D’Ars

God Calling

2012-01-20T16:30:00.015-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

It seems to me that where we get hung up in saying “Yes” to God’s call is where Jonah got hung up (Jonah 3:1-5, 10). We confuse what God calls us to do… in Jonah’s case, go to Nineveh… with simply who it is who calls us. The disciple’s immediate decision to follow Jesus is our best example (Mark 1:14-20). They had no idea what they were signing up to do, but they trusted the One who called them from the seashore. They said “Yes” to the person and never gave a thought to what our Lord would ask them to do, much less become.

So it is with us. Our best response to God’s call on our lives is to remember who it is who is calling. Whether it be to say a soulful “Yes” to being a follower of Jesus or to serve in some capacity in this congregation or our community, we are wise to remember the One who calls us is none other than the very One who hung the stars in the skies and holds our lives in his loving hands.

- Deacon Robert

“Do not distrust the Providence of God.
He who made your corn to grow will
assuredly help to gather it in.”

- The Cure D’Ars

Glorify God in mind and body

2012-01-13T16:30:00.008-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

Today’s second reading (1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20) stands out as a rebuke to the pleasure seekers of today who revel in excessive eating, drinking, and immoral sex. St. Paul tells us that we dishonor God when we act in this way. When we use our appetites for food, drink, sex, and recreation in moderation, we glorify God in our bodies as well as our minds.

- Fr. Carl

“A spiritual alms is even more
precious than a material one.”
- The Cure D’Ars

New Year’s Resolutions

2012-01-06T16:30:00.006-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

The Solemnity of the Epiphany (Matthew 2:1-12) celebrates the fact that Jesus came to save not just his own people (the Jews), but all others (the Gentiles) as well. How ironic it is that at His birth his own people, with the exception of the shepherds, ignored Him. The Jewish leaders were only a few miles away, but they did not come. Whereas, the Magi (3 Gentiles) traveled a great distance to honor Him.

Quite often, we cradle Catholics are put to shame in the same way by converts to the faith. We remain lukewarm and nonchalant about our faith while they burn with enthusiasm and gratitude for the treasure we take for granted.

As we begin the New Year, let our first resolution be to imitate the wise men in our search for true meaning in our lives – Jesus Christ.

- Fr. Carl

“If you set out to meet God, He will
come to meet you.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Our Heart’s Treasure

2011-12-31T16:30:00.001-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

Mary, the Mother of God. What is her manner, her witness to the miracle that is Christmas? Mary is quietly, simply, beautifully treasuring in her heart all the words that tell the story of Jesus. She knows what all of us must know if we are ever to fully know the power of the Gospel, the truth about God who loves us so much and wanted to give Himself to us so much that He became one of us in Jesus. Jesus teaches us that God has always been with us and is with us still to this very day. Christianity is a simple faith about who Jesus is, not who we are or what we think or how important we think any tradition or theology may be. Our heart’s treasure, if our hearts have a treasure, are the sacred stories of Mary and Jesus and their love for us, even until the end of time.

- Deacon Robert

“Although Mary knew that God had
raised her to the most supreme of all
honors – that of being the Mother of
God – nevertheless she regarded
herself as the least of all creatures.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

2011-12-23T16:30:00.016-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, darkness surrounds us for a greater portion of time each day. There is a tendency, therefore, for our spirits to do the same. That is especially true in the northern part of the world. I remember that so vividly during the two years I served with the U.S. Navy at the Submarine Base in Holy Loch. Each day I went to work in the dark and came home in the dark. It was not an upbeat time.

But one thing made it bearable and raised our spirits. That was the coming of Christmas. In the midst of long dark nights, the anticipation of the celebration of our Lord’s birth lifted up our morale and lit up our hearts. In continues to happen here in Pasadena, and Jesus wants it that way.

After all, in John’s gospel (John 1:1-18), Jesus is referred to as the “light of the world; the light shines in darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5). However, Jesus doesn’t want to come into our hearts at Christmas only. He wants to be with us each and every day to brighten our lives. We simply have to make some room through daily prayer and weekly worship.

On behalf of the entire staff at St. Jane’s, may you and your families have a Blessed Christmas and New Year!

- Fr. Carl

“Do you know why our Lord persists in remaining day and night
in our churches?. . . He stays there so that every time we want to go
and see him, we may be able to find Him.”
- The Cure d’Ars

Making God Laugh

2011-12-16T16:30:00.012-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

There’s an old saying that “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” In other words, life doesn’t always go as we plan. In today’s first reading (2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16), David planned to build God a more suitable dwelling for the “ark of the covenant.” He thought the tent wasn’t good enough. However, God had other plans. David’s son, Solomon, would build a temple for God, and God would build a house for David, a spiritual kingdom that would stand firm forever.

In the gospel (Luke 1:26-38), Mary planned on having a virginal marriage with Joseph, but when God asked her to change her plans, she readily agreed to be the mother of our Lord. Thank goodness for Mary’s flexibility and openness to God’s plan.

There is a lesson in that for us. When problems, difficulties, or different situations arise, they are often invitations from God to change our plans and follow His plan instead. May we be as open as Mary.

- Fr. Carl

Make straight the way of the Lord

2011-12-09T16:30:00.003-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

The Pharisees learned that John was Baptizing large numbers of people at the Jordan River (John 1:6-8, 19-28). They decided to make a fact-finding trip to see him. “What are you doing out here? Why are you baptizing people? Who are you? What’s your role in the plans of God?”

Imagine the Church authorities are forming a commission to investigate you. They call to make an appointment. “We’d like to ask you what you are doing and who you are. We want to know what role you think God has given you in his work in the world today.”

I guess I’m happy that we don’t actually have investigative commissions these days, not that we all would like to know your answer, or that you even have an answer. But it is important that you know your answer, or are working hard to discover it. Today’s Gospel story tells us that John was sent from God. We were, too, and all of us are called to discover what it is that God sent us to do… and then doing it.

- Deacon Robert

“HUMILITY is to the various virtues
what the chain is to the Rosary; take
away the chain and the beads are
scattered, remove Humility and all
virtues vanish.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Preparing the way of the Lord

2011-12-02T16:30:00.004-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

We all have good days and bad days—days when everything is right and days when all is wrong. When we are having those bad times, we desperately seek comfort and consolation. The setting for the first reading (Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11) is Babylon, where the Jews had been held captive after the fall of Jerusalem. But their captivity would soon be coming to an end. God would comfort His people at long last and deliver them. They looked forward to their deliverance by the Messiah.

However, they needed to be ready for the Messiah’s coming and prepare the way for his arrival. As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ coming into the world and into our hearts, we need to level the mountains of our pride and arrogance and fill in the valleys of our spiritual laziness and weak wills to overcome our sins. There’s no better way than the sacrament of penance. Take advantage by coming Saturday afternoons from 3:30–4:30 p.m, or attending one of the services at one of the surrounding parishes like Our Lady of the Chesapeake on Thursday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Penance provides the greatest comfort and consolation available here on earth.

- Fr. Carl

Christmas is coming…

2011-11-25T16:30:00.002-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

In just a few weeks, we will celebrate the birth of our Lord. Some may already have a Christmas list with things others may not even want, much less need. Truth be told, if you would really like to make somebody’s Christmas this year, maybe the place to start is with yourself. When you see injustice, be an advocate for justice. When you see hatred, be the presence of love. When someone ignores you and treats you as if you did not exist, pray for them. And yes, especially with those closest to you, see in them what God sees. Be God’s presence in these waiting days we call Advent. If you will, you might be surprised how the waiting will be transformed into the joy of Christmas.

- Deacon Robert

“We must say many prayers for the
souls of the Faithful Departed, for one must
be so pure to enter Heaven!”
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-18T16:30:00.004-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

It’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is here already. And while we all have some problems and concerns in our life, Thanksgiving is a time to “accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.” For no matter what we don’t have, as long as we have God, we have everything we need. As St. Augustine said, “He who has everything but has not God, has nothing, and he who has nothing but has God, has everything.”

As I look back on my life, I am most grateful for a loving family (mother, father, sister), the faith in which I was raised and saw lived by a devout father, the civilian and military parishes in which I served, some outstanding priests with whom I worked, and some loyal friends. Today I am especially thankful to serve as your pastor. When I was first ordained, I wanted two things in a parish – a nice church building that looked like a church inside and out, and a school. We are blessed to have both. The church is very attractive, well lit, has an excellent sound system, and good acoustics. The school is outstanding with wonderful teachers, an excellent staff, superb academics which partners with the U.S. Naval Academy in its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Program. Also, and perhaps most importantly, our school is blessed with awesome children; it’s where I go to get reenergized as I share my faith with the children. Finally, I am very thankful for the wonderful parish staff who give so much of themselves to the parish and so much support to me.

And I bet if you sat down as I have done, you could come up with a similar list in your situation.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Fr. Carl

Investing Wisely

2011-11-11T16:30:00.001-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

What is the real story of the three servants in today’s Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30) and the story of our own lives? We are called to “take risk” with the gifts entrusted to us by God. We are expected to wisely invest our gifts from God of time, talent and treasure. Don’t bury your gifts… invest them in others. That is the only way to gain “interest” for the Kingdom of God, and the life of the world to come.

- Deacon Robert

Planning a Catholic Funeral

2011-11-04T16:30:00.026-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

This past week we remembered and prayed for the dead. This month, we will continue to offer Masses for our deceased relatives and friends who might be in purgatory. This is an opportune time to think about our own funeral arrangements and not burden our loved ones with decisions and problems after we are gone.

A Catholic funeral consists of three parts: a wake service at the funeral home, a Mass of Christian burial in church, and prayers at the cemetery or mausoleum. The most important part is Mass, for the fruits of the Mass are infinitely more pleasing to God and effective in relieving any remaining temporal punishment due to sin. That is, [celebration of the Holy Eucharist at Mass] will help the deceased get out of purgatory much more quickly than a prayer service at a funeral home. Unfortunately, more and more often, the surviving family members are opting for a service at a funeral home; it’s quicker and easier. So if you want a full Catholic funeral, it would be wise to make specific arrangements well in advance.

Today the Catholic Church allows for cremation of the body, but prefers the cremation to take place after the funeral Mass in church. It also has some specific instructions on the disposition of the cremains afterwards. The U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship says the following:

“Any catechesis on the subject of cremation should emphasize that the cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the corporeal remains of a human body. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition.

While cremated remains may be buried in a grave, entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium, or even buried at sea, the practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. The cremated remains of the body may be properly buried at sea in the urn, coffin, or other container in which they have been carried to the place of committal. (‘Cremation and Burial at Sea’) See www.usccb.org/liturgy/cremation.shtml.”

- Fr. Carl

Calling all Fathers

2011-10-28T16:30:00.004-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

“Call no man on earth your father.” This verse from today’s Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12), is sometimes used by a few of our Protestant brothers to criticize our custom of calling our priests “Father.” However, that text should be read in the proper way. Otherwise, what do we call our paternal parent? It certainly would not be respectful to call him by his first name. What Jesus is talking about is pride and trying to impress others through position, knowledge, and acting as a person of importance or holiness by assuming a title. We also might remember that St. Paul in his letters referred to himself as a father to some of the churches he visited (1 Cor. 4:14–15). It is hardly likely that he would have gone against the will of Jesus by calling himself “father.” When we call our priests, “Father,” we acknowledge the roles they have in the church—to be good fathers leading, teaching, protecting, and feeding their spiritual children with the Word of God and the Eucharist.

In recent years, some have betrayed their trust and hurt their children. It is a terrible tragedy. Still the vast majority have served their spiritual children well. Let us pray that more young men will respond to our Heavenly Father’s call to the priesthood and serve as spiritual fathers to his family on earth.

- Fr. Carl

What is the greatest commandment?

2011-10-21T16:30:00.002-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

What is the greatest commandment? Is it really something we believe or think or defend as if our life depended on it? Does our world really need another verbal defense of the Christian faith? The greatest commandment as our Lord taught (Matthew 22:34-40) and lived is always waiting to be awakened in the likes of you and me. All our professed love for God is empty rhetoric without actions, labors of love that say the God we love is the One who changed, and is changing our lives. This week, let’s labor in love together. Let’s refuse the fist and choose reconciliation. Let’s walk away from defending our faith and walk toward living it. Let’s love as Jesus loved, define ourselves, and perhaps others, what it means to follow Jesus.

- Deacon Robert

“Make a note of the difference there is
between believing in the existence of
God and believing in Him.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Where does your loyalty lie?

2011-10-14T16:30:00.013-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

In today’s gospel (Matthew 22: 15-21), Jesus is put in an impossible situation by two opposing groups, both of whom are against Him. The question is whether it is lawful to pay taxes to the emperor or not. An affirmative answer will alienate Jesus from the Jews; a negative answer will alienate Jesus from the Romans. Jesus masterfully evades the trap by saying, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but give to God what is God’s.” However, sometimes there is no way to avoid trouble as St. Thomas More discovered. He was the chancellor of England when Henry VIII divorced his wife and remarried, even though the Church would not grant him an annulment. Loyal to the king, he never condemned Henry; but loyal to the Church, he never gave his approval. Even though he was pressured and all the other bishops except St. John Fisher caved in and gave their approval, St. Thomas remained steadfastly loyal to the Church. Because of this, he was sentenced to death. As he stood on the scaffold awaiting execution, his last words were, “I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first.” He was loyal to his King as long as possible, but his ultimate loyalty was with God. May we always be the same, and may our Catholic politicians look to God for guidance on moral issues rather than party loyalty or voter support and approval.

You’re Invited!

2011-10-07T16:30:00.007-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

God is hosting a wedding for His Beloved Son. We can never earn our place on God’s invitation list; it’s just that God is generous. For it is a profound truth of the gospel, that God is continually extending an invitation to the event of a lifetime and beyond. It is an offer that no one in their right mind should refuse or put off. But it is an invitation that waits for a response. We, all of us, are invited. Please RSVP… and remember, wear white.

- Deacon Robert

“Since we are only in the world for God
himself, we shall never be happy if we do not
serve him with zeal and love.”
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Now it’s up to you

2011-09-30T16:30:00.004-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Our heavenly Father is like a good, hard working Father, and we are the crop he hopes to harvest. He has spared no effort or expense to make us fruitful and good. He has planted the seed of faith in our hearts, watered us in Baptism, nourished us in the Eucharist, and spaded the earth around us in the sacrament of Penance. He has spared no effort or expense and can do no more. The rest is up to us. Let us pray for the grace to use these gifts wisely so as to bear good fruit by living holy lives.

- Fr. Carl

“We are each of us like a small mirror in which
God searches for his reflection.”
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Learn more about your faith

2011-09-23T16:30:00.003-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Last week when I celebrated Mass on Catechetical Sunday and blessed our religion teachers (Catechists), I reminded everyone of the words of Blessed John Paul II. He said “No one, not even priests or religious, should feel excused from studying and learning more about the faith.” This year more than ever is it essential that we take those words seriously, since there will be a new translation to some of the prayers at Mass beginning November 26/27. This is a wonderful opportunity as there will be articles in the bulletin, some long and others short. Also, beginning October 8th at 9:00 a.m., there will be a series of five 30-minute videos held in the church on the changes as well as the biblical roots of the Mass. These videos were extremely well received by all the members of our Parish Council at their retreat last weekend. For those who cannot come on Saturday mornings, the same videos will be shown on Thursday evenings beginning on October 13 at 7:00 p.m., also in the church. Please call the parish office to register no later than October 3rd.

By the way, I’ve seen the video series three times and learned something new each time. I know you will find it worthwhile.

- Fr. Carl

The End of the Line

2011-09-16T16:30:00.003-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

What are we to make of today’s Gospel message from Matthew? (Matthew 20:1-16a) Simply put, Jesus uses a parable to teach his disciples that God is not fair. Those who were hired at the end of the day were paid first and received the same wage promised to those who toiled all day. It seems to us that those who worked all day should expect to be paid more, but all the workers received the same pay. Jesus teaches us that God is not fair, God is generous. God plays by a higher set of standards, where the least powerful get extra protection, where the strong serve the weak, where the pious receive the same grace as the sinner. This may sound troubling depending on where you are in this line-up of workers at the end of the toilsome day.

But what if we are not really at the front of the line, the early risers? What if we are really at the end of the line, Gentiles who arrive centuries late to the family of God after the Jewish people have worked for centuries as God’s chosen people? Could it be that we are the 5:00 workers after all? From the back of the line, this parable sounds quite different. That said, it means that all of us are being invited to dance to the tune of Amazing Grace. Personally I’m glad that God is not fair, but that God is generous instead.

- Deacon Robert

Roman Missal, Third Edition coming soon to a church near you!

2011-09-09T16:30:00.013-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

By now, many of you have heard that there will be some changes in the Mass starting the First Sunday of Advent. It’s nothing to get concerned about as the changes will be relatively minor, affecting some of the responses and prayers. The format will remain the same – Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites. Why is the Church doing this now? Actually the Church has been making changes in the Mass since the beginning. (See page 2 of the Sept. 11 bulletin). Early on, the Mass was prayed in Greek (Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison), then in Latin, and forty years ago in the local language of the people. From the fourth through the eighth century, there were different forms of the Mass in France, Spain, and Italy before the Roman rite became more the norm in Europe. However, it was not until after the Council of Trent (1545-1563) that the Roman Missal was mandated by the Church in 1570. Still some areas in Europe didn’t conform to the changes for over 300 years. That won’t happen here in the USA.

Now that the summer is over and Advent approaches, it’s a good time to prepare by reading the short articles and inserts in the bulletin. There will also be a series of five 30 minute videos on the biblical basis of the Mass on Saturday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. in the Muth Room starting October 8th. Contact the Parish Office if you would like to attend.

Why not begin by reading the insert today from the United States Catholic Conference?

- Fr. Carl

For more information, see http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/.

What a week it’s been!

2011-09-02T16:30:00.006-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

What a week it’s been! First there was an earthquake, then a hurricane, and now the news that Archbishop O’Brien will be taking a new assignment in Rome as head of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. While it is a sign of Pope Benedict XVI’s appreciation for the Archbishop’s long and distinguished service to the Church, it is disappointing to see him depart after only four years here in Baltimore. He has had some difficult decisions to make with the declining enrollment in Catholic schools, and is in the midst of dealing with a significant priest shortage and the changing demographics in parishes.

A Brother Who Sins

Today’s gospel (Matthew 18:15-20) deals with fraternal correction in the Christian manner. All too often we go about it in the wrong way with negative results. We might bottle up wrongs committed against us, or lash out in anger, gossip about the perpetrator, or publicize it on a website. Jesus advises us to go to the offending person and correct him/her in private. In the Navy, we were told to praise in public and rebuke in private so as to spare the culprit unnecessary embarrassment. If that were to fail, then get several witnesses to again privately address the offender. Only if that were to fail, should the matter to be made public. That’s what our bishops have been doing with our so-called Catholic politicians who come out in favor of positions contrary to the Catholic faith. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked here on earth. Still our bishops must continue to correct the sinner and the saint, the proud and the humble, the self-assured and the docile, trusting that God will sort it out when He judges the wicked and the righteous.

- Fr. Carl

“Do not conform yourselves to this age...”

2011-08-26T04:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

We are expected to conform to scriptural teachings, just laws, and appropriate ways of conducting ourselves. But there are many other types of conduct where we are supposed to be nonconformists. Paul taught the Roman Christians (Romans 12:1-2) to avoid conformity to pagan practices and false values. They were to value the spiritual over the material and use the mind to guide the body. Good advice for all of us!

There are many ways of thinking and behaving today that lead us in the wrong direction. Our religious beliefs challenge us to be transformed daily into spiritual people in the midst of a materialistic world. Transformation is a call to conversion… a change of mind and heart to live a more excellent, higher and holier life.

- Deacon Robert

Chips off the old block

2011-08-19T16:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Jesus uses a play on words when speaking to Peter (Matthew 16:13-20). “You are Peter (petros), and upon this rock (petra) I will build my church.” Petros means “pebble,” or little stone; and “petra” means boulder, or a great big stone. Jesus goes on to entrust Peter and all those who would follow him with the “Keys to the Kingdom.”

Because of Peter’s faith as well as his failings, it is easy for us to connect with him. One day each of us will appear at the gates of heaven, and there holding the keys will be Peter. Since people like you and me will at times speak out with confidence about our beliefs in Jesus, but like Peter have a checkered history backing up our confession with our actual practice, it is comforting to know that it is Peter we will face with those keys. Peter, of all the disciples, is someone who understands that our lives are not defined by our moments of failure, however colossal or public, but by whether we at least tried to give voice and action to our faith, and by God’s mercy got up one more time than we fell. When we do, we too are chips off the old block, God’s little rocks, and the gates of the kingdom will swing wide open with grace for such little pebbles as these.

- Deacon Robert

Never Take God for Granted

2011-08-05T16:30:00.003-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Our God is one of surprises who reveals himself in different ways. To Moses, he first appears in the “burning bush” which wasn’t consumed by the fire. Later, at Mount Sinai, he reveals himself in thunder and lightning. In today’s readings (1 Kings 19:9-12), he comes to Elijah not as a strong heavy wind, earthquake, or even fire. Instead, he comes as a tiny whispering sound. Perhaps it is a warning to us that we can never totally figure out God. For just when we think we have, we discover another aspect or another feature in his nature and activity we never before realized. And that’s not a bad thing. It keeps us off balance; we can never take God for granted; we can never presume we have all the answers.

That’s a lesson our world needs to learn where so many, in their pride and arrogance, think that they do, especially our political and government leaders who leave God and morality out of the discussion as we see with so many of our Catholic politicians. They use their Catholic faith when it suits them only to cast the faith overboard when it is politically advantageous to do so. Let us pray that we may look to Christ and his Church for guidance and wisdom in our personal decisions and those of our government leaders.

- Fr. Carl

Food for the Soul

2011-07-29T16:30:00.002-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

From time to time, we see in the media starving children in poor countries around the world. Our hearts go out to these unfortunate little ones. It is a tragedy that while we send shuttles and satellites into outer space, we haven’t solved the problem of world hunger. Today in the gospel (Matthew 14:13-21), Jesus solves a minor hunger problem by the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. He does such a good job that there are twelve baskets of leftovers. Jesus fed their hunger and then some. It is a sign that he can fill our deepest hunger if only we go to him. Today people not only hunger for food, but they hunger for money, power, fame, popularity, and material possessions. However, these things can never satisfy our deepest hunger - that of the soul. As St. Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself O Lord, and our souls are restless until they rest in You.”

- Fr. Carl

Seeking the Kingdom of Heaven

2011-07-22T04:30:00.002-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

If you seek knowledge about God’s Kingdom of Heaven, you need not look for it in a cathedral, or by taking a pilgrimage to a holy place or by attending a seminary. Of course God is to be found in these places, but you can also find the Kingdom of Heaven breaking through into this world in the laughter of children, the knowing glance of an elderly couple who still hold hands after many years of marriage, the beauty of a sunrise or a sunset, the forgiving embrace of a friend, the hospitality of a stranger, or the generosity of people caring for those less fortunate than themselves. To seek the Kingdom of God, we must use the language found here on earth…words like joy, sacrifice, surprise and abundance. Here is where we find the treasure buried in a field, where the proverbial “X” marks the spot for us to begin digging for the treasure of heaven.

- Deacon Robert

“Do not allow yourselves to be
overly saddened by the unfortunate
accidents of this world. You are not
aware of the benefits they bring and by
what secret judgment of God they are
arranged for the eternal joy of the elect.”
- St. John of the Cross

Saints and Sinners

2011-07-15T16:30:00.006-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

The Catholic Church has always been a mix of saints and sinners. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference. Some who appear to be saints have hidden vices, while others who seem to be sinners have hidden virtues. So it is good to follow our Lord’s advice elsewhere in the gospel, “Judge not lest you be judged.”

Furthermore, the gospel is a reminder of God’s patience in allowing the weeds to remain in the wheat field. What may appear to be weeds may turn out to be wheat and vice versa.

If we examine our lives, we will see that there were times when we seemed to be wheat in God’s field and times when we were wicked weeds. All the while, God is patient with us. However, unlike weeds and wheat, we have free will and can choose how we want to turn out. We can root the weeds out of our hearts only through prayer, penance, and the sacraments. If we do, we need have no fear when the master of the harvest comes.

- Fr. Carl

A Message From Our Deacon

2011-07-08T16:30:00.005-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Jesus provides us with an explanation of the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9). He compared the various soils to different receptions of the gospel message: sometimes rejected, other times off to a good start but poor follow-through, other times choked by too many competing interests, and thankfully sometimes received to produce an amazing fruitful life. We want to be the good soil that is receptive to God’s word. But notice that all of the soils mentioned are in the same field, and each of us has experienced having all four types of this soil within us. We have all had times when God’s message bounced right off of us, or took root quickly, then withered soon after, or got choked by the weeds of our competing interests. But then we have also had those moments when the message of God found us at just the right time, when our minds and hearts were ready to hear, when the insights bore fruit and an amazing harvest for God’s glory and our delight.

- Deacon Robert

“Those who are led by the Holy
Spirit experience all sorts of happiness
in themselves.”
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

The best “pick-me-up” ever!

2011-07-01T16:30:00.003-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Whenever you walk into a church, it’s easy to tell if it’s a Catholic Church by the red lamp hanging over, or nearby, the tabernacle to signify that Jesus is there in the Blessed Sacrament. We keep extra hosts there for three reasons. First, we keep hosts to bring Jesus to the sick and the dying. Second, sometimes a person may be prevented from attending Mass when scheduled, but could come at another time. Third, we keep the Blessed Sacrament there in order for people to come and pray in the presence of our Lord.

In days gone by, most churches were left open so that the faithful might stop in and pray for a bit before the tabernacle. And many people did just that. Sometimes we might go for a cup of coffee, a soda, or a candy bar for a pick-me-up. There can be no better pick-me-up in our hectic schedules than a short or long visit with Jesus. In case you don’t know it, our Blessed Sacrament Chapel is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. And on Mondays and First Fridays, we have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the altar there. So give yourselves a break and stop in for a visit with Jesus. You will be glad you did.

- Fr. Carl

One bread, one body

2011-06-24T16:30:00.002-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

One bread, one body, one Lord of all,
the cup of blessing which we bless.

Those words are from a hymn we learned as children, but have we given serious reflection to what those words mean in our lives? Our risen Lord, Jesus Christ, is the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Because there is one bread, we are part of one body. And because we drink from one cup, we are members of this holy fellowship. His body and his blood are not only given sacrificially for us, they are given generously for the Church. This consecrated bread and wine, this most Holy Eucharist, spiritually nourishes every follower of Christ and sustains the Church as faithful witnesses to Christ.

- Deacon Robert

“HAPPY is he that lives to love,
receive and serve God!”
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Living Miracles

2011-06-17T16:30:00.007-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

It was only three weeks ago that I found myself in Prague, the Czech Republic. Known as the “Paris of Eastern Europe” and the “City of a Thousand Spires,” it has three hundred churches. Unfortunately, they are not very well attended. Still, with the Vltava River running through it, and the old town (over 300 years old) untouched by the ravages of World War II, and the beautiful cathedral palace and churches, it is well worth the effort of crossing the Atlantic.

St. Vitas Cathedral contains the remains of Prague’s patron, Saint Wenceslaus, who helped establish the Catholic faith in the early 10th century. He was murdered by his brother right outside of church after Mass; his mother, St. Ludmilla, was murdered earlier as well. The Cathedral also contains the body of St. John Nepomucene in a 2000 pound silver sarcophagus. He, too, was murdered. However, the biggest thrill of Prague was the day I celebrated Mass at the Carmelite Church, Our Lady of Victory, and saw a miracle. That church contains the famous Infant of Prague Image. Just before Mass, I was chatting with a lady from Venezuela who had come on a pilgrimage. She had an incurable form of cancer several years before, and her prayers to the Infant of Prague resulted in her cure. What a blessing it was to meet a living miracle! However, we get to see a miracle every time we gather for Mass. When we do, we see ordinary bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus. And when we worthily receive Holy Communion, Jesus cures us of our venial sins. That’s a miracle we have right here. We don’t have to cross the Atlantic Ocean to have our own special miracle.

- Fr. Carl

Happy Birthday!

2011-06-10T16:30:00.005-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Everybody loves a birthday. It’s a joyful opportunity to celebrate our love for the person being honored. Today we celebrate the birthday of the Church on this Pentecost Sunday. The descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles (Acts 2:1-11) that Sunday turned a small, timid, fearful group into a bold and courageous, faith-filled band. From that moment on, the Church began to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Since we are part of the Church, and since we too have received the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation, our mission is the same. We do it by the way we live our lives. Let us not forget that and become more aware of the many opportunities we have in all our dealings with those around us.

- Fr. Carl

The more we know of men, the
less we love them. It is the contrary
with God; the more we know of Him,
the more we love Him.
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Wait a minute

2011-06-03T16:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Jesus gave his apostles a difficult assignment. He told them not to go out to spread the good news to the world until the Holy Spirit descended upon them. But how long would they have to wait before the Holy Spirit would come?

Waiting, like for the apostles, is just as difficult for us today. Do you remember waiting for college grades to be posted? Have you ever had to wait as days passed by to learn the results of a lab test? Will our teenager arrive home safely after going out with his or her friends? When will the package arrive in the mail? If I didn’t accomplish all the things on my “to do” list today will I find the time tomorrow?

Jesus knew how difficult it would be for the apostles to wait. And Jesus knows how difficult it is for us today. The Holy Spirit is always there to remind us that our Heavenly Father cares about our daily needs, calls us to learn patience, and trust God. And so we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

- Deacon Robert

You are not alone

2011-05-27T16:30:00.005-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Jesus knew we would face different challenges as Church in our world over the centuries. His commandments give us broad outlines, value statements that guide us. He also promised that he would not leave us orphaned and that he would always be with us. He sent us the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete to guide and inspire us, calling us to intimacy with the Father and sustaining the purity of the witness of the Church. And in the current day, with the challenges we as church face today, aren’t you glad Jesus did not leave us to face those challenges on our own?

- Deacon Robert

“Let us pray to the Blessed Virgin, and she
will go with us on the road to Heaven.”
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

“The weed patch is history.”

2011-05-20T04:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

“The weed patch is history.” These words were written by an appreciative parishioner about the landscaping and hardscaping done around the front of the church. The entrance really needed the facelift it received just in time for Mother’s Day, and it would not have happened without your support of the monthly “Building and Maintenance” collection. Thanks for your generosity.

Last Sunday, Good Shepherd Sunday, marked the beginning of “Vocations Awareness Week.” Hopefully, you have been praying at home, as we do at each Sunday Mass, for an increase to priestly vocations.

We also inserted Archbishop O’Brien’s April letter on the shortage of priests and the plans to deal with an even greater shortage looming in the immediate future. With fewer priests, the number of Masses and schedule of Masses will need to be examined. Already parishes are reducing the number of weekend Masses. As a matter of fact, Our Lady of the Chesapeake will eliminate one Mass beginning this June. St. Jane Frances will be looking at its Mass schedule in the coming year to see how many Masses are actually needed. I foresee no changes in the next 6 months, and probably not until next summer. Of course, the parish will be consulted beforehand. However, if you were to bring all your Catholic family, friends, and neighbors, and fill all the pews (that’s called evangelization), I would be forced to retain the current Mass schedule. Nothing would make me more pleased that that!

- Fr. Carl

A Message From Our Deacon

2011-05-13T16:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

In our reading today from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:14a, 36-41), Peter tells us that we who follow our Lord have choices to make. Those choices define who we are and just importantly who we believe Jesus is. When faced with the problems and difficulties of life, Christians make choices that define not only who we are but whose we are.

- Deacon Robert

“Prayer makes time seem to pass
quickly, and so pleasantly, that one
fails to notice how long it is.”
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Who is your role model?

2011-05-06T16:30:00.002-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Last weekend contained two beautiful ceremonial spectacles. The first, broadcast on just about every television station available, was the royal wedding from London. The second was the beatification Mass of John Paul II from Rome. It was televised on only a few channels. So the weekend revolved around a tale of two cities – London and Rome. By far, the more elaborate and colorful event was the one in London. But the more important one was in Rome. After all, that was the official pronouncement that John Paul II lived a blessed life and will one day be a saint. Whereas, London was merely legitimatizing a formerly immoral, co-habitational relationship. It was nice that the royal couple finally did the right thing, but it would have been better had they, like Princess Diana, done the right thing and lived a chaste and moral life before the wedding. John Paul II proved to be a role model throughout his life. May our young people choose good role models for their imitation, and may all of us try to become good Catholic role models for young and old alike.

- Fr. Carl

Easter thanks!

2011-04-29T16:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Holy Week has come and gone but the services will not be forgotten. Those who attended were very much moved by the beauty and the spirituality of these special services. While the priests receive most of the accolades, the services could not have come out so well without the help of many dedicated volunteers from the parish. I thank them for all their hard work.

As we continue our Easter journey, today’s first reading (Acts 2:42-47) focuses on the early church and the close knit community of its early members who shared their possessions, prayed constantly, and worked together in harmony. They were good stewards sharing their time, talent, and treasures out of gratitude for God. During this Easter season and throughout the coming year, let us pray for the grace and strength to follow their good example.

- Fr. Carl

Alleluia! He is risen!

2011-04-23T09:00:00.003-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Alleluia! He is risen. Today we rejoice as we celebrate our Lord’s resurrection. Good defeats evil! That’s so good to remember as we see so much bad in the world. We are often tempted to embrace the words of the old manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants, Leo Durocher, who said, “Nice guys finish last.” It may have seemed like that on Good Friday, but Easter wins out at the end.

Last Saturday, we had our annual spring parish clean-up. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t very nice. However, we did have a few hardy souls show up. The Wisemans (Lawrence, Karen, Paul, Amanda, Samuel, and Karl), Mike Wist (Buildings and Maintenance Committee), and Don Kerr (Knights of Columbus) all braved the elements and did a wonderful job of sprucing up the grounds and church entrance. Speaking about the church entrance, I had a priest friend of mine, a former landscaper, give some advice about improving the grounds around our church entrance. I called a landscaper and presented his ideas to the Parish Council last week. The members voted to get an estimate and have some work done. So in the not too distant future, some of the dead trees, bushes, flowers, and grass will be replaced to make our entrance more appealing and welcoming.

On behalf of the entire staff here at St. Jane Frances, I wish you and your families a Blessed and Happy Easter.

- Fr. Carl

Making a difference

2011-04-15T16:30:00.013-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

If you’ve been observant, you might have noticed some differences here in the parish. First of all, the area around Mary’s statue outside has been beautified. Thanks to our Girl Scout Troop 2373, the flower bed has been weeded, mulch has been put down, and some lovely flowers were planted. Thanks, girls!

The second difference you might have noticed are the crosses and statues covered in purple. Why? According to Greg Dues in Catholic Customs and Traditions, it began around 900 A.D. where in some places, a purple cloth (symbol of sadness and mourning) was hung between the people and the altar from the beginning of Lent. It symbolized the exclusion of sinners from the altar (during a period of penitence), and hid the glory represented by the images of the saints. “By the 1600’s the practice of veiling statues and crucifixes from Passion Sunday (what the 5th Sunday of Lent was then called), marked the entry into the solemn preparation for the Sacred Triduum”, wrote Colin Donovan from EWTN.

This week, Holy Week, is the holiest week of the year. If you want to see a difference in your life for the better, come to the special services on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday / Sunday. The Lord will make a difference in you.

- Fr. Carl

Be the person God created you to be

2011-04-08T16:30:00.002-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Our Lord’s raising of Lazarus from death (John 11:1-45) shows us, like no other miracle Jesus performed, that God is the giver of life. On our spiritual journey through Lent, we are wise to remember that the journey we make is one that doesn’t end on that lonely hill of Calvary but at the garden’s empty tomb. We receive ashes on our forehead on a Wednesday to remind us of our mortality, only to wake up on a Sunday, transformed by God’s triumph of life over death.

It’s the answer to the age old question we face: “If we die will we live again?” Let’s make these last days of Lent days full of good choices and life-changing decisions. Be the person God created you to be. Let God’s life-giving Spirit so bless your life that all things are new for you through Christ Jesus our Lord.

- Deacon Robert

“A HOUSE founded on the Cross will
fear neither wind, nor rain, nor storm.”
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Use it or lose it!

2011-04-01T16:30:00.002-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

I’ve heard that people deprived of one sense often develop keener abilities in their other senses. For example, those who are deaf learn to read lips and how to feel the beat of music. Beethoven for example, wrote some of his best music after he lost his sense of hearing. In today’s gospel (John 9:1-41), the man born blind develops the gift of insight that allows him to see who Jesus really is. He develops the gift of faith in Jesus as the Son of Man. On the other hand, the Pharisees who had sight and faith in the Torah (the law of God), were satisfied with themselves and saw no need to further their sense of faith. Their spiritual blindness cost them a marvelous opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with God.

Lent is a season in which we are reminded that our sense of faith requires further development. The saying “use it or lose it” sums up our reason to fast, pray, and give alms to the poor. These penitential practices, carried out in humility, will give us greater insight into our human limitations as well as the greatness and mercy of God.

- Fr. Carl

The Samaritan Woman and The Sacrament of Reconciliation

2011-03-25T16:30:00.002-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Today’s Gospel (John 4:5-42) gives us a glimpse into God’s unconditional mercy, love and forgiveness. When Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well, he brings up her past, but he doesn’t bring it up to condemn her or make her feel guilty. She had been married five times and was now living with yet another man, this time out of wedlock. She was the village sinner… an outcast. The woman, like all of us, was thirsting for understanding and acceptance. Jesus offers her the cleansing water of the truth of her life experience. There is no harsh, judgmental condemnation.

What a beautiful image of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This woman comes to Jesus not even knowing how burdened, thirsty and alone she is, but leaves excited and fulfilled. She knows her sins are forgiven and her guilt removed. She doesn’t keep this good news to herself. She goes back to her village and tells everyone of her experience.

This is what the Sacrament of Reconciliation is all about. It’s coming to Jesus and letting him set us free. It’s about letting Jesus gently probe us and bring our sins into the light so they can be washed away. It’s about experiencing a mercy that goes far beyond our expectation and being so transformed by it that we want to share it with everyone around us.

We all have a need for the grace of Reconciliation. We all have a need to meet Jesus and his limitless mercy. So no matter how serious your sin, whether it be adultery, abortion or simply turning away from God, know that Jesus is waiting for you by the well, ready to give you living water.

- Deacon Robert

It's time for March Madness!

2011-03-18T16:30:00.004-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

“March Madness” has begun, and basketball fans all around the country will spend countless hours at the games or watching them on television. I watched many of those games in the past and was always impressed with the teams of UCLA’s John Wooden. His teams won an amazing ten championships in a twelve year span, a record that will never be tied or broken. But more important than his victories were the life lessons and advice he imparted to his players. As we begin our Lenten journey, I would like to share some of his lessons and give them a Catholic perspective.

“Failure is not fatal. Failure to change might be.” Lent is a time for us to acknowledge our failure to love God and neighbor. We acknowledge our sins and try to make up for them by disciplining our minds and bodies through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This will certainly help us succeed in our relationships with God and neighbor, and prevent us from failing to inherit heaven.

“I have always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live.” During Lent, we meet God’s saving plan and are reminded of our final destiny. While few of us have the talent to consider basketball our destiny, still other things such as materialism, consumerism, work, power, and even leisure can obscure the ultimate – God and the kingdom of heaven. Lent helps us refocus.

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are while your reputation is what people think you are.” Lent is that special time during which we reflect on our character and see the flaws which need correction. The sacrament of Penance is the best beginning to eliminate those faults. This season is a stark reminder that God is not impressed by our reputation and will judge us by our character.

Finally, “Adversity is the state in which man easily becomes acquainted with himself being especially free of admirers then.” Nobody can avoid adversity in life – not even Jesus or Mary. Therefore, we need to prepare for it as best we can. Lent gives us the time to build up our spiritual energy to withstand whatever difficulties come our way. Hopefully we will face them as courageously as did our Lord, our Blessed Mother, and all the saints.

Our Lenten penances may not help us to win a national basketball championship, but they can help us win the kingdom of God.

- Fr. Carl

A Message from our Deacon

2011-03-11T16:30:00.003-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

New Year’s Eve with many well intentioned resolutions is long gone and mostly forgotten. But Lent provides us with another opportunity to look at where we are in life and make some necessary changes. A simple way is to make time to pray. Find that private space, that quiet time, where you can be alone with your thoughts and alone with God. It can be when you go for a walk, when you are working on a hobby or perhaps when you turn the television and the lights off just before going to bed. Make the time for yourself, it isn’t being selfish, it’s simply about making room in your life to nurture your relationship with God.

- Deacon Robert

"We must take great care never to do
anything before having said our
Morning Prayers… The Devil once
declared… that if he could have the
first moment of the day, he was sure
of all the rest."
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Marriage

2011-03-04T16:30:00.003-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

In view of all the discussion on marriage, I thought it opportune to reprint what our American bishops recently wrote:

US Bishops Decry Rejection of Marriage Defense

WASHINGTON, D.C., FEB. 24, 2011 – The U.S. bishops are denouncing President Barak Obama’s instruction to the nation’s justice department to cease its defense of marriage.

On Wednesday the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement from its Office of General Counsel noting, “Today, the president has instructed the Department of Justice to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act.”

“Marriage has been understood for millennia and across cultures as the union of one man and one woman,” the statement affirmed.

It noted that the act, “a federal law reiterating that definition of marriage,” was “passed by a Republican congress and signed by a Democratic president just fifteen years ago.”

“The principal basis for today’s decision is that the president considers the law a form of impermissible sexual orientation discrimination,” the general counsel noted.

It asserted, “This decision represents as abdication of the responsibility of the executive branch to carry out its constitutional obligation to ensure that the laws of the United States are faithfully executed.”

The statement asserted, “It is also a grave affront to the millions of Americans who both reject unjust discrimination and affirm the unique and inestimable value of marriage as between one man and one woman.”

“Support for actual marriage is not bigotry, but instead an eminently reasonable, common judgment affirming the foundational institution of civil society,” it added.

The statement concluded, “Any suggestion by the government that such a judgment represents ‘discrimination’ is a serious threat to the religious liberty of marriage supporters nationwide.”

- Fr. Carl

Don't sweat the small stuff

2011-02-25T16:30:00.005-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

When I was a young Navy Chaplain serving with the Marines at Camp Lejeune, a gruff, older priest who served a number of tours with the Marines, gave me some good advice. He said, “Just remember two things. First, don’t sweat the small stuff… Second, it’s all small stuff.” How often do we worry and worry about some problem or difficulty looming on the horizon only to discover afterwards that it wasn’t nearly as bad as we thought. Mark Twain once said, “I’ve had thousands of worries in my life, but just a few real problems.” In the gospel (Matthew 6:24-34), Jesus tells us not to worry so much. He’s with us, wants what is best for us, and will look out for our welfare. As long as we are with Him, everything will turn out just fine in the end, because heaven is the end. All the problems and difficulties, no matter how serious or worrisome, are just “small stuff” in comparison to the end.

- Fr. Carl

Are you a second miler?

2011-02-18T16:30:00.003-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

Those people who go that second mile have within them a drive, a tenacity, a devotion to not only doing what is right, but what they believe is required. Second mile employees show up earlier in the morning and often work late. Second mile students put in those extra hours of study, not to curry the favor of a professor, but because learning is so rewarding. Second mile neighbors show up first to pick up tree limbs blown into the street from the storm or are quick to bring a meal when tragedy comes to a family down the street. Second mile church members have a deep and refreshing desire to serve the Lord and others. Who doesn’t admire the second milers among us?

- Deacon Robert

One is often carried away over the
sins and shortcomings of others. It
would be far better to talk less about
them and pray more.
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Loving both God and neighbor

2011-02-11T16:30:00.002-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

Jesus tells us not only to do good, but to think good. In short, he is telling us that to be good and to become perfect, which is our job description, we must not only avoid evil deeds, we must also reach down to the depths of our hearts and root out the evil thoughts of lust and hatred. Only by eliminating evil thoughts and desires, is it possible to love both God and neighbor.

- Fr. Carl

The sermons of saints are
their examples.
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Lift up the values of our Lord

2011-02-04T16:19:00.000-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

The lack of leadership in our common, social life may be the most pressing need we face as members of the human community. It seems that everywhere we turn, we find those in positions of leadership mistaking their responsibility for authority.

Jesus calls us to a higher standard, but his summons is not that we charge into the public arena, waving the “Christian” banner as if we were self-appointed messiahs. To the contrary, he calls us to be a presence in society that lifts up the values he taught.

Here is a call to action, a summons to be persons of integrity, humility and grace. What He is teaching is not easy, but it is the hope that we will take up the challenge. For those who deeply believe that our Lord’s way of love is the way of life, there is no other option. More than ever before, we of faith must stand with Jesus in being the people of grace and truth that he calls us to be.

- Deacon Robert

In Heaven, God will place us as an architect
places the stones in a building – each in the
place fitted for it.
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Chasing happiness

2011-01-28T16:11:00.001-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

With the exception of the first and last Beatitudes, all of these sayings by Jesus are marked by a common stylistic feature. They promise a “blessing,” which means happiness and a profound sense of well-being. To be blessed, a person must learn to live with the patience of waiting; with hope for the “not yet.”

Want to be blessed, truly happy? Slow down, learn to listen. Learn to travel lighter. Focus on others. Simply open your heart, your hand, yourself, to our generous and gracious God. Perhaps happiness is more like a butterfly that flies away when chased by a grasping hand, but lands lightly upon the outstretched hand that is still and patient.

- Deacon Robert

He who, when tempted, makes the Sign
of the Cross with devotion, makes Hell
tremble and Heaven rejoice.
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

A Message from Our Deacon

2011-01-21T16:25:00.003-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

Being Catholic is easy. Most of us were presented to the church by our parents as infants. Becoming Christian is another matter. Becoming Christian requires that we grow and mature in our Catholic beliefs. When Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave their nets and become his disciples, He was inviting them to experience their lives and religious beliefs in a new and exciting way. We as disciples have received that same invitation. As we follow Jesus’ teaching and continue in His ministry, we become Christ-like, Christian-centered… Christian.

- Deacon Robert

This is real faith, when we speak to God
as we would converse with a man.
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

Blessings and Grace, at your service

2011-01-14T16:30:00.002-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

The New Year brings many new opportunities for spiritual growth for individuals and families in our parish community as we continue support and care for God’s work at St. Jane Frances. I am confident that the support so many of you pledged in our Parish Care Campaign will continue throughout the year and into the future. It is already making a positive difference. Thank you for responding to the needs of our parish.

This spring we will be asking for support in our ministries and volunteer activities that are so vital to our day to day operations and weekly liturgical celebrations. Perhaps you are being called to join our music ministry, lectors, ushers, servers or some other volunteer activity. Please pray about how you can better serve God’s work or even lead some new ministry that you have been thinking about.

The reason for this letter is to let you know that I am very grateful for your support and to remind you of our upcoming ministry fair in the Spring. More than 550 people made a pledge of financial support with an average increase of $8.43 over previous support levels. If you have not made a pledge and would like to do so, simply fill out your name and weekly pledge amount on the form at the bottom of this letter and drop it in the basket. You will receive a confirmation from us as to your pledge amount.

What is most important is that members of our parish family understand that our Catholic Faith is full of opportunities to serve. Serving brings back blessings and graces that create joyful, fulfilled hearts.

I am very thankful that I have been called to serve you and this wonderful parish of St. Jane Frances. I pray that each of you will have a blessed New Year filled with opportunities to serve God and others. I also ask you to pray daily for our parish and for the Church throughout the world.

Yours in Christ,
Msgr. Carl F. Cummings

Calling all apostles

2011-01-07T15:53:00.000-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

Today as we celebrate our Lord’s baptism, we might reflect on our baptism and its bearing on our current living situation. When most of us were baptized, our parents made promises to God that they would reject Satan, his works, and empty promises, and that they believed all that is taught in the Apostles Creed. As we grew, we took that faith and commitment for our own. We promised to be God’s apostles (those sent to proclaim the good news), disciples (followers of Jesus in thought, word, and deed), and stewards (responsible managers of God’s gifts on earth – time, talent, and treasure).

As we begin the New Year, let us be ever mindful of God’s blessings in this past year, hopeful for additional blessings and character building challenges for the coming year, and faithful in living out our call to be modern-day apostles, disciples, and stewards.

- Fr. Carl

Those who love riches or
pleasures offer God nothing but the
languid remains of a heart worn out in
the service of the world.
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

God has an anti-discrimination policy. So should we!

2011-01-01T11:49:00.000-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

The Christmas services were beautiful, as always, thanks to the efforts of the Liturgy Committee, the Sanctuary Society, the volunteers who decorated the worship area, the Ushers, the Sacristans, the Altar Servers, the Lectors, the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, the Greeters, the Parish Choir, Cantors and our Music Director/Organist, Diane Kinsley.

At Christmas Jesus, the Messiah, was revealed to Israel through the witness of the shepherds. Today on the Epiphany (it means manifestation), Jesus is revealed to the gentiles (non Jews) through the witness of the Magi. That’s good news to those of us who aren’t Jews. In other words, Jesus came to save all peoples. He doesn’t discriminate. Perhaps that should be our challenge for the coming year. Most of us discriminate in one way or another. It could be by nationality, race, gender, intelligence, athletic ability, social status, etc. Let us, in the coming year, resolve to see each person we meet as one of Jesus’ special friends. It would be a gift to Our Lord more precious than gold, frankincense, or myrrh.

- Fr. Carl

All in the Family

2010-12-24T11:00:00.005-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

As we hear about family life today, more and more we hear about dysfunctional families, whose members cannot get along with one another. There is spouse abuse, child abuse, drug abuse, and even parent abuse by children. In short, American families are having problems.

Today as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, we need to examine ourselves and ask how we can better contribute to the peace and harmony of our own families. Then we need to pray for God’s grace to become better family members and imitate the Holy Family – Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

- Fr. Carl

Come, come, my dear, don’t be
frightened at your burden; our Lord
will help you to carry it.
- The Saint Cure D’Ars

What's your sign?

2010-12-17T04:30:00.003-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

Since the beginning of time, people have looked for signs of approval from God. Sacrifices were offered to win that approval and receive a sign of that approval from God.

In the Old Testament, God gave signs of his approval and love to Abraham, Moses, and David, etc. But the ultimate sign is the virgin who will give birth to the Messiah. That was fulfilled in Mary’s giving birth to Jesus.

Since we have received the grace of this sign in baptism, we are called upon to be signs to all we meet. Let us be good and inviting signs to all.

- Fr. Carl

When we give alms, we should
think that we are giving to our Lord,
and not to the poor. We often think
we are relieving a poor person, and we
find it is our Lord.
The Saint Cure D’Ars

The Lord is Near

2010-12-10T19:11:00.000-05:00

We call this Third Sunday of Advent “Laetare Sunday.” Laetare is a Latin word meaning “rejoice” from the entrance antiphon “Rejoice in the Lord always; I say it again. The Lord is near.” Furthermore, the scripture readings are more up-beat than the first two Sundays of Advent.

People naturally rejoice when something good comes their way – holidays, family reunions, special dinners, and exchanging gifts. However, something better is coming in Jesus. Let us prepare for his coming and roll out the welcome mat through a little extra prayer, donations to the poor, and the sacrament of penance.

- Fr. Carl

Our Lord is never found in
Pomp, Pleasure, Luxury, but in
lowliness and humiliation.
The Saint Cure D’Ars

“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.”

2010-12-03T16:30:00.005-05:00

A Special Message from Our Deacon

NCEON

There are times in our lives when we step up to meet a challenge. The challenge may be simply an individual effort or a team effort. We always try to do our best, but sometimes the challenge is difficult and maybe we don’t quite know how others will respond. That’s when we reach deep down inside ourselves and put that extra effort into the task at hand. After the event, we find that family, friends and perhaps our team mates tell us, “WOW, you were really great, you inspired us to do our best.” Those are the times I call, “A personal best.”

I can tell you that in all my years as a Deacon and in all the parishes I have visited, none can exceed the experiences I have had in ministry with the people of Saint Jane Frances. Not that those other parishes haven’t stepped up to the needs of the community, but not to the level I have experienced here.

November was a crucial month with the Thanksgiving celebration in front of us. NCEON provides people with something to be thankful for including GOD for being there when they and we need Him the most. Never before have the people of Saint Jane’s accomplished what was accomplished for the month of November. I call it “a personal best!” We were able to deliver 300 bags of groceries to care for others...and just in time for Thanksgiving.

There are those you will never know, or who will never know you, that you have cared for. So thank you and may God continue to watch over you, care for and bless you.

- Deacon Robert

Let us go to the house of the Lord

2010-11-26T16:30:00.002-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

Today as we mark the beginning of the new liturgical or church year, we are invited to look also to the end. Both the first reading and the gospel talk about our Lord’s coming at the end of the world. Of course nobody knows when that will happen. Therefore the wise man or woman will try and live today as if the Lord will be coming tomorrow. That means we turn away from sin and selfishness and turn toward God. If we live that way, we will not have to worry; we can live in peace and joy. When we are called to that final judgment, we can echo the words in today’s psalm, “I rejoiced when I heard them say let us go to the house of the Lord.”

- Fr. Carl

The Man Who Would Be King

2010-11-19T16:30:00.001-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

In Rudyard Kipling’s fictional story, “The Man Who Would Be King,” we are told of two English soldiers of fortune. They are petty, greedy, and dishonest as they use their wiles and wits to become King of Kafiristan near the end of the 19th century. Today’s Solemnity of Christ the King is a reversal of that story (only it’s true), for it celebrates The King Who Would Be Man – Jesus! He shows us what it is to be a real man – a real woman – a real human being as God intended all of us to be. Today we celebrate his manly example of loyalty, obedience, humility, and self-sacrifice by which he established his kingdom. May we, his subjects here on earth, imitate his example and so prove to be worthy as to be his subjects in heaven as well.

- Fr. Carl

Perseverance

2010-11-13T08:52:00.000-05:00

Dear Parishioners,

Jesus tells his disciples they will face persecution before He comes again in glory. Through their perseverance, they will emerge victorious when He finally comes. At the same time, the proud and doers of evil will have to answer for their sins.

As we journey through life let us pray for the grace to follow the example of the humble, obedient, and loyal followers of Christ.

- Fr. Carl

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

2010-11-05T16:00:00.017-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

This past week we remembered and prayed for the dead. This month we will continue to offer Masses for our deceased relatives and friends who might be in purgatory. This is an opportune time to think about our own funeral arrangements and not burden our loved ones with decisions and problems after we are gone.

A Catholic funeral consists of three parts: a wake service at the funeral home, a Mass of Christian burial in church, and prayers at the cemetery or mausoleum. The most important part is Mass, for the fruits of the Mass are infinitely more pleasing to God and effective in relieving any remaining temporal punishment due to sin. That is, it will help the deceased get out of purgatory much more quickly than a prayer service at a funeral home. Unfortunately, more and more often, the surviving family members are opting for a service at a funeral home; it’s quicker and easier. So if you want a full Catholic funeral, it would be wise to make specific arrangements well in advance.

Today the Catholic Church allows for cremation of the body, but prefers the cremation to take place after the funeral Mass in church. It also has some specific instructions on the disposition of the remains afterwards. The U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship says the following:

"Any catechesis on the subject of cremation should emphasize that the cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the corporeal remains of a human body. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition."

While cremated remains may be buried in a grave, entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium, or even buried at sea, the practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. The cremated remains of the body may be properly buried at sea in the urn, coffin, or other container in which they have been carried to the place of committal. (“Cremation and Burial at Sea”) See www.usccb.org/liturgy/cremation.shtml.

- Fr. Carl

Silence is Golden

2010-10-29T16:30:00.006-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

“Silence is Golden.” That’s an old saying I used to hear as a young boy. It was usually directed at an overly talkative or noisy child when he/she was disruptive. However, the world needs to rediscover the beauty of silence. From the ring of the alarm clock, through the constant sounds of radio, television, cell phone conversations; through the noise of traffic, there is hardly a moment of silence. The only place where silence is found is in church, and even there we try to minimize it, because we are uncomfortable with it.

In the First Book of Kings, God tells Elijah to leave his cave and stand by the mountain as He will be passing by. A strong, heavy, rock-crushing wind passed, but God was not in it. Nor was He in the earthquake or fire. Instead, God was in a tiny whispering wind.

So if we want to experience God, silence is necessary. Vatican II called for periods of silence during worship, but few listened or paid attention. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal says:

“Sacred silence also, as part of the celebration, is to be observed at the designated times. Its purpose, however, depends on the time it occurs in each part of the celebration. Thus within the Act of Penitence and again after the invitation to pray, all recollect themselves; but at the conclusion of a reading or the homily, all meditate briefly on what they have heard; then after communion, they praise and pray to God in their hearts.

Even before the celebration itself, it is commendable that silence to be observed in the church, in the sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred action in a devout and fitting manner.”

So when the lector bows his/her head after the first and second reading, they haven’t lost their place nor are they having a senior moment. They are meditating and inviting you to meditate on the Word of God they just proclaimed.

- Fr. Carl

The Winds of Change

2010-10-22T17:00:00.001-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

If you have been following Parish Trends and Challenges in the bulletin this last month or Archbishop O’Brien’s “Wake Up Calls” in the Catholic Review, you should know that the priest shortage is here. One of the reasons Fr. Jicha was not replaced is because there were no extra priests available. Currently, there are four parishes in the Archdiocese without a pastor. When they get a pastor, four other parishes probably will be without a pastor for a good while. Some pastors are now responsible for multiple parishes, and that seems to be the trend for the future. Still, morale among the priests is high. As a matter of fact, theirs is the highest degree of satisfaction and happiness among any vocation – 87%. Firefighters are second – 80%.

Obviously, some adjustments and changes are needed. No quick fix will satisfy the situation. A process involving bishops, clergy, religious, and lay people that is open and transparent is needed. Understanding, cooperation, sacrifice, and prayer will be the key ingredients.

In his editorial two weeks ago, the Archbishop said, “For starters, our liturgical schedules need to be adjusted throughout the archdiocese for the sake of our mission and our goal of nurturing vibrant liturgies and making good use of our priests.” Pope Paul VI said something similar in 1976 when he suggested fewer Sunday Masses with more people attending each to encourage more sense of community. “Sunday assemblies are so much more penetrating when they are well attended, well put together, and pastorally alive.”

The Archbishop has asked area pastors to begin a dialogue regarding Mass schedules, but our area has not yet started, and I don’t know when it will. Eventually everybody will be given an opportunity to provide input. For the foreseeable future, and I think for a long time, St. Jane’s schedule will remain the same. In the meantime, pray for vocations.

- Fr. Carl

The Priesthood: We need your help!

2010-10-15T17:21:00.000-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Here is the final segment of the information which I have been sharing with you over the past few weeks.

Pope Benedict XVI
(Meetings with Italian Priests July 2007)

Q: How can priests handle growing responsibilities and multiple parishes?
A: "[Bishops] must see clearly how to ensure that the parish priest continues to be a pastor and does not become a holy bureaucrat.”

“Furthermore, I think it very important to find the right ways to delegate…; [the priest] should be the one who holds the essential reins himself but can rely on collaborators. This is one of the important and positive results of the council: the co-responsibility of the entire parish, for the priest is no longer the only one to animate everything.”

Wrap Up

We have a challenging vision of parish
There are significant changes in parish life
Key question: How best do we organize parish life to maximize
the gifts and talents of pastors and the community?

- Fr. Carl

The Priesthood: We fight fires, too!

2010-10-08T16:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

For the past two weeks, I have shared some interesting ideas and data which I received at a convocation with Archbishop O’Brien. Today, I’ll share a little more of that information with you.

Workload
In a study of various Christian denominations in the U.S., it was found that Catholic priests work the longest hours per week – an average of 56 hours per week. Percent of time per week administering parish/congregation’s work and attending meetings:

Protestant Pastors 14%
Catholic Priests 31%

Satisfaction Levels

30% of parish priests say they are too busy to adequately
meet the pastoral needs of the people they serve.
88% of all non-retired priests agreed that they were satisfied with their lives.
87% in a 2007 survey said they were “very happy” with their jobs –
well ahead of the second place, firefighters, who came in at 80%.
86% of U.S. Catholics agreed, in a 2007 survey, that their pastors
were doing a good job.

Catholic Optimism
73% of Catholics were optimistic about the future of the Church despite some recent difficult issues.

(To be continued...)
- Fr. Carl

The Priesthood: Growing diversity

2010-09-30T12:34:00.001-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Last weekend I began to share some interesting ideas and data which I received at a recent convocation with Archbishop O’Brien. Today, I’d like to share a little bit more of that information with you.

Growing Diversity
One third of all Catholics in the U.S. are Latinos. Over half of Hispanic Catholics identify themselves as charismatic. 68% of all Latinos are Catholic. Hispanic population will nearly triple by 2050 expanding to 497 million from 132.8 million. (Census Bureau Statistics) In 2010, 25% of all 5-year olds in the U.S. are Hispanic – up from 19% in 2000.

Catholic Stewardship
Percent of income donated to Church:
Protestants: 2 - 2.4%
Catholics: 1 - 1.2%
Average hours volunteered to Church:
Protestants: 3.0%
Catholics: 1.6%

Declining Youth Attendance at Mass
Age:
62+          52%
44-61       38%
18-43       21%

(To be continued...)
- Fr. Carl

The Priesthood: Doing more with less

2010-09-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

Last week Archbishop O’Brien met with the priests of Baltimore to discuss ministry in the Archdiocese in view of the declining number of priests, and how to do more with less. Some very interesting ideas and data surfaced in those two days which I will share with you today and over the next several weeks.

Between 2004 and 2020 there will be a 21% drop in the number of priests for parish ministry. 54% of those ordained 5–9 years are pastors and believe their preparation for administration is very low. 17% of all priests in the U.S. who began ministry since 1985 are foreign-born, and the number is rising (survey 2006). In 2007, 33% of new Ordinands were foreign born.

            Parishes     Catholics
1985     19,244     53 million
2010     17,958     65.6 million

(To be continued….)
- Fr. Carl

Plan for the Future... today!

2010-09-19T12:48:00.001-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

In today’s gospel (Luke 16:1-13), Jesus tells the parable of the manager or steward who dissipated or wasted his master’s property. He was not guilty of theft or embezzlement, he simply did not take care of it. Perhaps he was careless or lazy or didn’t pay close attention to the details of over-seeing his master’s property. Fortunately, he learned of his master’s return in advance and used his initiative to ingratiate himself to some people who needed help. Certainly they would not forget him in the future. He was clever in setting himself up for his future in this world.

Jesus encourages us to set ourselves up for the world to come by sharing with the needy – giving them some of our time, talent, and treasure. The time to start is now because when we honestly look at our lives, we are that careless manager. We have not always used our Lord’s gifts of time, talent and treasure as he would have liked. Let us pray for the grace to become better stewards of the gifts God has bestowed upon us.

- Fr. Carl

Is it okay for Catholics to receive communion in a Protestant church?

2010-09-08T11:57:00.000-04:00

Last week a parishioner told me he was going to a wedding in a Protestant church where holy communion would be offered. He asked if it would be okay for him to receive. I told him there are a number of things we believe about the Eucharist that are different from our Protestant brothers and sisters. Among them is the belief that the Eucharist is a sign of unity. When we receive Holy Communion, it is a sign of our common Catholic faith – seven sacraments, heaven, hell, and purgatory, the primacy of the pope, the real presence of Jesus (body, blood, soul, and divinity) in the Eucharist, apostolic succession of bishops, and the necessity of valid orders to confect the Eucharist. We are in communion with the Church and one another. However, since we are not in communion in faith with our Protestant brothers and sisters, it would be a false sign for us to receive communion in one of their churches and for a Protestant to receive communion in a Catholic church. Furthermore, the Catholic Church does not believe that Jesus is present in the host at a Protestant service. To respond Amen (I believe) when offered a host at a Protestant service, is not what the Catholic Church believes, and we would be disloyal to do so.

All of this is not to put down our Protestant brothers and sisters, there are many good people among them and there is much good in their churches. They just don’t have the fullness of what Christ wants in his church. That only subsists in the Catholic Church.

Let us pray for our Church and for the day when all Christians will be united in faith.

- Fr. Carl

A Heartfelt Thank You…

2010-09-03T17:34:00.002-04:00

Dear Parishioners,

It has been a gift from God to be part of St. Jane Frances Parish these past 2-1/2 years. The support shown to me, and the sincere faith of the parishioners, has been inspiring. I’m also grateful for all of the wisdom and camaraderie of Fr. Carl and the parish staff, and also the efforts of the parish secretaries to help keep me organized.

Please keep me in your prayers as I embark on my new adventure in ministry at Sacred Heart and St. Charles parishes. I will remember you frequently in my prayers and as I celebrate the Eucharist.

In The Lord,
Fr. John Jicha

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

2010-08-25T23:18:00.001-04:00

Very few of us would be as crass as the man in today’s gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14). However, we all seek approval and appreciation of one kind or another. That’s human nature, and there is nothing wrong with it. It’s how we go about it that matters. The man in the gospel arrogantly grasped for it. He assumed that it was his entitlement to have the place of honor. It was an act of self-pride. However, pride is not a virtue, humility is. The person most highly honored by God was and is, Mary, who is noted for her humility. If we want the highest honor and sign of approval, then we must imitate Mary. Only God’s final approval really counts for anything.

- Fr. Carl

When It Rains, It Pours!

2010-08-20T00:36:00.001-04:00

It’s hard to believe that the summer is coming to an end. It seems like only yesterday that I made that wonderful pilgrimage to see the Shroud in Turin and attend the Passion Play in Oberammergau. In addition to the personnel changes I mentioned in last week’s bulletin, we have been busy sprucing up the campus here. The tiles under the pews received some much needed attention. They received several coats of sealer and several coats of wax which will, hopefully, extend their life span. The floor of the school/parish hall has been cleaned and waxed. Finally, the bathrooms in the hall have been completely renovated and are beautiful. With all the expense and hard work put into these projects, we ask you to treat them with TLC so that we can be proud of our facilities and enjoy them for many years to come.

However, there is more to be done. Isn’t there always? The rain these past several weeks revealed some leaks in the church, sacristy, and hall roofs which will need repairs. Thanks, again, for your extra donations to our building and maintenance funds. Your generosity has helped us keep on functioning.

God Bless,
Fr. Carl

Hail and Farewell

2010-08-15T11:51:00.001-04:00

“Ave atque vale.” That’s Latin for “Hail and farewell.” This month we say “Hail” to Joanne Haney who joins us as our new Director of Faith Formation or DRE. She will also be our new Youth Minister. Joanne comes to us with vast experience in both ministries, and we are blessed to have her join our staff.

At the same time, we say “Farewell” to Melissa Boyle who has been our Youth Minister for the last seven years, and has been involved in extensive volunteer work for many more years. She will be teaching religion at Seton Keough High School where I know she will do a fantastic job. However, Melissa will not be leaving the parish; she will continue to volunteer here wherever her talents are needed. We wish her all the best in her new career as a teacher and as a mother when her baby arrives this fall.

Finally, we say “Farewell” to Father John who leaves for a new assignment at Sacred Heart Glyndon. Fr. John stepped in and kept the parish running smoothly in the interim between Fr. Cunningham’s departure. He was also a tremendous help when I arrived, providing wisdom and insight into the parish operations and personalities. I wish him all the best in his new assignment.

There will be a farewell reception with light refreshments to honor and thank Fr. John on Saturday, August 28th after the 5:00 p.m. Mass in our Parish Hall.

- Fr. Carl

Antidote for Greed

2010-08-04T15:31:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday we heard the story of the rich man whose crops yielded such a rich harvest that he had to build bigger ones to store the extra grain. Jesus said he was foolish because he thought only of himself. He was a poor steward of God’s material blessings because he did not share with the poor and needy, nor did he give anything to support the temple. He was a greedy and selfish steward. This week Jesus gives us the antidote for greed. He tells us to give alms to the poor, for in giving our money to those in need, we gain a treasure we cannot lose, a treasure that cannot be destroyed, a treasure that will last for eternity. All we have to do is be generous stewards of God’s gifts.

- Fr. Carl

Be Both Wise and Happy

2010-07-30T09:55:00.000-04:00

The other day on the radio, I heard that many of us are not saving enough money for retirement. We are spending but not saving. In short, we are very foolish, for the day will come when we find ourselves in a financial crunch. We are very unwise.

In today’s Gospel, we hear the story of a rich man who does just the opposite. He saves and he stores away tremendous wealth for the future. Yet Jesus calls him a fool. He is a fool because he saves his wealth for himself only. He was selfish. He should have spent some of his wealth on the poor and the needy. Had he been generous with his wealth, he would have been storing up riches in heaven. He would have been a wise man and a good steward of God’s gifts.

Let us pray for the grace to become better stewards of God’s gifts. Certainly we have to save for our future financial needs and not waste money on frivolous pleasures. But we also need to be generous in giving of our time, talent, and treasure to God. Then we will be both wise and happy.

- Fr. Carl

Appreciate the Giver

2010-07-25T11:06:00.000-04:00

Near the end of World War II, my father’s ship was in Shanghai, China for some time. One day he came upon a beautiful cedar chest with all kinds of figures and scenes carved into the wood. When he approached the man who carved it, the man asked for more money than my father could afford. So each day my father went back to bargain, and each day the price dropped a little. Finally, after a week the price came down enough to where my father could afford it, and he bought it. His persistence paid off.

Today’s scripture lessons teach us a similar lesson with regard to prayer. Abraham’s persistence delayed the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham’s bargaining with God would have spared these two cities from destruction if only 10 good men could be found. Unfortunately, there were not even 10 good men, and those two cities were destroyed. In the gospel, after Jesus gives his disciples the Lord’s Prayer, he reminds his disciples to be persistent in their prayers. Basically the God to whom we are praying is a loving God who wants to give us what is good for us. However, he wants us to appreciate what he gives, and if we get what we want too easily, we neither appreciate the gift nor the giver.

-Fr. Carl

Be Present to God

2010-07-18T11:27:00.000-04:00

This week’s readings deal with the theme of hospitality which was so very important in the mid-East. As a matter of fact, it still is today. A number of years ago I was on a tour of Egypt and the Holy Land. On a free day, my aunt and I hired a car and took a drive to that part of Israel called Samaria. I wanted to see the place where Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, and Mount Gerizim where Joshua called upon the Israelites to choose between their God or the gods of Canaan. After we visited the well which is very deep, we went up to Mount Gerizim where some Samaritans live today and sacrifice a paschal lamb each year. Our guide introduced us to the high priest who invited us into his house. He was very friendly and gave us a banana to eat. He apologized for not being able to offer a meal because it was the Sabbath and no work could be done. He was as hospitable as the law would allow.

Because Abraham showed such wonderful hospitality, he was rewarded. Yet when Martha showed great hospitality to Jesus and complained that Mary was not helping, Jesus seems to rebuke her. Perhaps he is letting us know that while hospitality is important, being present to God is more important. After all, love of neighbor is second to love of God. Let us try to improve on both loves – of God and of neighbor.

- Fr. Carl

Who is the head of the Catholic Church?

2010-07-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

If you were to ask the average man or woman, “Who is the head of the Catholic Church?” most would probably answer, “the pope.” But they would be wrong as we hear in today’s second reading. Here is what St. Paul says, “He is the head of the body, the church.” The “He” St. Paul is talking about is Christ Jesus. The Catholic Church has always believed and taught this. The pope is simply the “vicar of Christ.” He stands in the place of Jesus here on earth as a sign of unity and protector of the faith and its truth.

Today many are cynical when they think of institutions like the government and banking institutions. They have not always lived up to the faith people placed in them. The Church, too, as an institution has failed in some instances especially in the area of clergy abuse. Right now she is trying to correct past mistakes made by a few of her members. However, the Catholic Church is more than an institution; it is the mystical (spiritual) body of Christ with Jesus as the head, the Holy Spirit as the heart and soul, and we the people in heaven, purgatory, and on earth. Our country just celebrated its 234th birthday while the Church has been around for 2000 years because God is ultimately in charge. Let us pray that God will always be in charge of our lives and have a greater influence on our governments.

- Fr. Carl

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T11:33:00.000-04:00

As we celebrate our country’s birthday, we rejoice in its many blessings and the freedoms we enjoy. Our freedom was won after a long war for independence, liberty, and justice for all. However, we did not win all these rights when Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown in 1781. Our immigrant forefathers from Ireland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, etc. encountered discrimination and harsh treatment afterwards. Our African brothers and sisters came to America as slaves and did not become free until the Civil War. Women were denied the right to vote until the 20th century. Children and women worked in sweat shops during the industrial revolution until labor laws were enacted well into the 1900’s. In the west, Chinese coolies labored in the cities to eke out a living and on the prairies, building the railroads in difficult and dangerous lands. We Catholics, too, suffered discrimination and harsh treatment, even in Maryland. Arthur Schlesinger Sr., the eminent Harvard historian, said that anti-Catholicism is the longest, most persistent prejudice in the history of our country. Today there is another class of people who enjoy no freedom and have no rights. They are the unborn in the wombs of their mothers.

This weekend as we celebrate, let us be thankful for the blessings and freedom we enjoy and the many who worked and fought for our country. Let us also be grateful for the men and women in uniform who protect our freedoms. But let us also pray for those helpless, unborn children that one day they may be granted the most basic of human rights – the right to life.

- Fr. Carl

The Young Church of Today

2010-06-27T11:36:00.000-04:00

This weekend our gospel passage encourages us to set aside all material and psychological supports and trust in the providence of our God. In this way we open ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and are better able to show our love of God in service to others.

In light of this scripture passage, it is very fitting that this Wednesday is the kick-off of Summer Mission, the annual middle and high school service experience at St. Jane’s. Approximately 51 middle school students, guided by 16 high school peer ministers and multiple adult advisors, will visit and work at a soup kitchen, homeless shelters, nursing homes, and help out here at the parish. It is always inspiring to see the energy of our young people engaged in helping others. As Pope John Paul said, “our young people are not just the future, but the Young Church of today.” On behalf of the entire parish, I thank our Director of Youth and Religious Education Ministries, Melissa Boyle, for organizing this program.

As we approach mid-summer, please note that the Parish Hall will be closed to most activities for the month of July, due to the long awaited refurbishment of the restrooms. Please check the bulletin or call the parish office for alternate meeting places for events that must be shifted from the Parish Hall during the renovation.

- Fr. John

Father's Day Blessings

2010-06-20T11:39:00.000-04:00

This weekend our scriptures remind us of the cost of discipleship. As we strive to follow in the footsteps of Christ, the way is sometimes difficult, and sacrifices must be made. Christ gave all that he had, including his life, in sacrifice for us, that we might have a destiny of fulfillment with God. As disciples, the choices that we make and the ways we interact with our fellow human beings must reflect the selfless love of Christ, as difficult as this may be. This gospel message is all the more poignant as we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend. With thanksgiving to God, we remember the men in our lives who have strived to be good and loving parents, and have made, and continue to make loving sacrifices for their children. May God bless all the fathers among us.

- Fr. John

"Your sins are forgiven… Go now in peace."

2010-06-13T11:41:00.000-04:00

“Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” That was the famous line of Jenny in the movie, “Love Story” a good number of years ago. Of course that’s not at all true as the first reading and gospel clearly indicate. In the gospel, the woman shows her love for God through the tears she spilled on the feet of Jesus as she washed them, dried them with her hair, and perfumed them with oil. Jesus holds her up as a model of great love and humility. In the first reading, the mighty King David, by admitting his guilt, expresses his love for God.

We human beings can take a lesson from the sinful woman and David because we find it difficult to express our sorrow to those people we offend or hurt. Either our pride gets in the way or our fear of embarrassment keeps us from approaching the person offended. The same holds true when we sin and offend God. We are reluctant to approach him in the sacrament of Confession. That’s so tragic because when we do go, we hear the words of Jesus “Your sins are forgiven… Go now in peace.”

- Fr. Carl

Reflections on a Pilgrimage

2010-06-06T11:44:00.000-04:00

Having just returned from a pilgrimage to Europe, I was privileged to see some amazing sights and partake of some wonderful experiences with Archbishop O’Brien and our tour group. I celebrated Mass in the Cathedral in Milan where the great St. Ambrose served as archbishop and baptized St. Augustine. I was able to see the Shroud of Turin, the burial cloth of Jesus. And you could see the image of his face and body visible to the naked eye. We traveled through the beautiful Italian Dolomite mountains where Pope Benedict liked to vacation in the summer on our way to Innsbruck in the German Alps. We attended the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. This play is put on only every 10 years since 1634 in thanksgiving for having been spared from the Black Plague that was ravaging Europe at the time. The play was a spectacle the likes of which I had never seen before. The actors were all townspeople with goats, donkeys, and camels on stage as well, when called for the the scene. There was a wonderful chorus of fifty men and women with an excellent orchestra. At times there were as many as three hundred people on the stage. The Passion Play lasted five and a half hours. Fortunately, there was a three hour intermission for dinner. It was truly a memorable experience.

The pilgrimage ended with a visit to Salzburg, Austria and then Munich, Germany before returning to Baltimore. But as amazing as this trip was, it can’t begin to compare with what happens here every Sunday when Jesus descends upon the altar where the bread and wine become his body and blood to nourish us. This weekend, Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ), we especially celebrate this miraculous gift. May we never take it for granted; may we always cherish and hunger for the Body of Christ which alone can satisfy our deepest hunger.

- Fr. Carl

Memorial Day Thanks

2010-05-30T11:14:00.000-04:00

This weekend we celebrate Trinity Sunday, giving thanks to the God we know as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As our schedules grow more hectic with graduations, weddings, and all sorts of warm weather events, it is good to take some time to pause and think about how God in the three persons of the Trinity continues to guide our lives and take care of us. Scheduling in time to read the scriptures, or perhaps attend one of our weekday morning masses, or dropping in for Monday or Friday Eucharistic Adoration are some ways to do this.

If you recall, last weekend the election of new parish council members was held. The votes have been tallied, and I congratulate Mary Brodowski, Tony Topita, Bernard Kreitzer, and Phyllis Kreisher who are our new council members. It is very gratifying to see that our parish has folks who are willing to block out time each month to discuss, share their wisdom, and offer advice to the pastor, regarding many, many parish issues.

You may have noticed that the statue of St. Anthony has moved from behind the bushes at the rear of the Rectory, to a much more visible spot at the garden at the rear entrance of the Parish Center. Our High School Youth took care of moving the statue, and replanting the garden at the parish center, thus providing a very nice spot to honor St. Anthony. The Boy Scouts will be adding mulch to the garden in a week or so. The St. Anthony garden also makes the Parish Center rear entrance a very welcoming place for all who enter the building. I know I speak for all of us as I thank Youth Minister Melissa Boyle and all the youth who took part in this effort. We’re also very grateful to the Girl Scouts who planted flowers in front of the Rectory, and at the Mary Garden, and the Boy Scouts who planted vegetables adjacent to the parish garage.

Monday is Memorial Day. St. Jane’s will remember those in our armed forces who have died preserving the freedoms we enjoy in this country at a memorial mass at 8:30 am. All are invited to place the names of those who have died in service to our country in the memorial book on the Holy Family side of the sanctuary in the church.

- Fr. John

Tongues of Fire

2010-05-23T11:47:00.000-04:00

Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to his apostles shortly after his resurrection. We receive the Holy Spirit with each sacrament even though Confirmation gives us the Holy Spirit in a special way. On Pentecost, fifty days after Easter, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in a most dramatic way like tongues of fire setting their tongues and spirits ablaze with courage and enthusiasm. The Holy Spirit made effective the New Covenant of Christ. The Spirit changed weak, timid people into zealous persons who were eager to proclaim the Good News. May God give us the courage to boldly live the Good News in all we say and do.

- Fr. Carl