May: The Month Of Mary

Dear Friends of Pastorate of the Visitation,

If you were not here last weekend, then you may have missed the BIG news. Fr. Jim has been asked by Archbishop Lori to become the Archbishop’s Priest-Secretary. This position is like the personal assistant to the Archbishop and is quite an honor. Fr. Jim has already begun his transition by meeting with the Archbishop’s current Priest-Secretary: Fr. Tyler Kline. His new position takes effect on July 1, 2024. I am very grateful for Fr. Jim’s dedication and service to our Pastorate over the past two years and wish him well at his new assignment. Please keep him in your prayers… he will certainly appreciate them. 

Fr. John Bilenki

Archbishop Lori also announced that Fr. John Bilenki will be coming to our Pastorate as our new Associate Pastor. Fr. John was ordained to the priesthood in 2023 and has been in Rome completing his theological studies. According to an article published in the Catholic Review last year, he is the youngest of four sons of Anthony and Mary Ellen Bilenki. He attended Mount St. Joseph High School and Mount St. Mary’s University. He will be returning to the Archdiocese in late June, so he will be starting with us sometime in early July, after he has time to get settled. Please keep him in your prayers as well, as he completes his studies and begins his priestly ministry with us.

This weekend, we are kicking off our Pastorate’s First Communion celebrations. This Sunday, April 28th, we will be celebrating 12 First Communions at St. Jane Frances at the 11:30am Mass. Next weekend, May 4–5, we will be celebrating 25 First Communions at OLC during the 4:00pm Mass on Saturday, and at the 10:45am (and a special 1:00pm) Masses on Sunday. Please keep our First Communicants in your prayers.

As we all know, May is the month of Mary. Both of our parishes celebrate and honor our Blessed Mother with May Crowning ceremonies. The crowning of the Mary statue in the grotto at St. Jane Frances will take place on Sunday, May 5th, immediately following the 10:00am Mass. The crowning of the Mary statue that will be set up in the vestibule of OLC will take place on Sunday, Mary 12th (Mother’s Day) immediately following the 10:45am Mass. Please plan to join us as we honor our Blessed Mother.

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate of the Visitation—St. Jane Frances and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—in your daily prayers!

God Bless,
Father Steve

The Voice of Jesus the Good Shepherd

Dear Parishioners,

Many of the 187 Scripture verses on shepherds or shepherding refer to God as the shepherd of His people, but He also called shepherds and shepherdesses to lead and influence His people, including Abraham, Isaac, Rachel, Jacob, Jacob’s sons, Zipporah, Moses, and David.

Guarding the Sheep. At the end of the day, shepherds lead their flocks from pastures through a gate into a stone-fenced area (sheepfold) for protection from wolves. In the morning, the shepherds lead their respective flocks out by calling them through the gate to go back out into the pastures. The sheep of a flock follow the voice of their shepherd they know, but do not follow the voice of strangers.

Voices of Strangers. Many Catholics—and much of society—have left the sheepfold and gone astray by listening to the empty modern voices of relativism, scientism, rationalism, consumerism, individualism, skepticism, narcissism, genderideologyism, etc. I’m astounded at how rapidly our culture is deteriorating and fractioning, because so many people are following these voices which are alien to true human goodness and dignity, to their (and our) ruin.

The Voice of Jesus the Good Shepherd. In today’s gospel (John 10:11-18), Jesus uses the image of the “Good Shepherd” to make an important point to us today. Since there are strange and even dangerous voices in the air, we need to recognize His voice (John 10:16). Fortunately, the voice of the Good Shepherd continues to speak to His sheep through the magisterium of the Church He founded.

“The Church is, accordingly, a sheepfold, the sole and necessary gateway to which is Christ [John 10:9]. It is also the flock of which God himself foretold that he would be the shepherd, and whose sheep, even though governed by human shepherds, are unfailingly nourished and led by Christ himself, the Good Shepherd and Prince of Shepherds, who gave his life for his sheep.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church, #754

Lost and Found. It’s sad that so many have left the sheepfold of the Catholic Church (some due to no deliberate effort on their part) guarded by Jesus the Good Shepherd. Fortunately, our Pastorate has an Easter Season forum that makes it easy to invite people back (remember “3-in-1”): SEEKERS is for people who feel spiritually disconnected with the Catholic Church who have questions and seek answers in the hope of becoming reconnected with His flock. It’s also for people who are just inquiring about God and/or the Church. At our first of three SEEKERS sessions on April 8, seekers who had been invited by parishioners asked good questions and were given answers that settled their misconceptions about certain Church teachings. I invite you to come and bring other seekers with you to our next two sessions: 

1. April 22 at OLC in the Maryland Suite, and 
2. May 13 at St. Jane’s in the school, Room 111. 

I hope to see many there!

Peace in Christ,
Father Jim

Christ Is Risen!

Brothers and Sisters,

The Gospel reading this week describes the disciples’ fearful and anxious situation after the resurrection (Lk 24:35-48). They want to believe but lack confidence and understanding. They experience the sincere joy of seeing Christ resurrected but have not completely overcome their cautious disbelief. The two disciples from Emmaus recount their encounter with the others gathered in the upper room. Then Christ himself appears to them. Yet even when He is right there in front of them in their midst, they are slow to believe. Our Lord’s patient, accepting attitude is encouraging. He speaks His peace into their doubt and uncertainty. He even takes and eats a piece of fish to help them believe. We all have our moments of doubt and unbelief, and our moments of hesitation and inner resistance. We want to believe, but because it implies letting go of false securities, we are slow to fully trust. We need detachment and forgiveness. Christ aids our weakness by his closeness and his presence in our own circumstances. Jesus comes to us in our times of trouble and confusion. As Jesus points out, the scriptures all reveal God’s plan of salvation that was fulfilled through His life, death, and resurrection.

Christ is not a ghost. He is not a figment of their imagination, nor the result of their wishful thinking––something that was too good to be true. Christ is more real than our fears. His grace is stronger than any of our weakness. His mercy is more powerful than our sin, and His love for us conquers even death itself. As the disciples have mixed reactions to his presence, He invites them to trust their senses and reflect in faith. Reflection and contemplation of the scriptures in faith always leads to the truth of Christ. Leading to his peace and love reigning in our life. Because of this, we are His witnesses. Is Christ’s presence and peace alive in your life?

He is risen!!

Hope you have a blessed Easter season.
Deacon Howard

Happy Divine Mercy Sunday!

Dear Friends of our Pastorate of the Visitation,

We conclude our Octave of Easter this weekend with the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday. The solemnity of Easter is so important that the Church gives it an eight (octave) day celebration. I would like to thank everyone who worked so tirelessly to make our Holy Week and Easter liturgies so beautiful and powerful, especially our Pastorate’s music ministries who collaborated on several of them, and all who helped with preparing and decorating our churches. I am also grateful to all who participated in the Sacred Triduum this year as we came together as one community of faith. Special thanks also go out to Melissa Boyle and all who assisted with our Pastorate’s RCIA program this past year. And congratulations to all who were baptized, confirmed and received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. May we all continue our Easter proclamation: Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen!

Divine Mercy Sunday is a feast day established by Pope St. John Paul II based on the private revelations received by St. Faustina from our Lord, who asked her to spread throughout the world a devotion to His divine mercy. This day reminds us that God’s love and mercy eternally endures and can overcome any sin that separates us from God. We will be hosting Eucharistic Adoration this Sunday between the Masses at both St. Jane Frances (between 8am and 10am) and Our Lady of the Chesapeake. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will also be prayed at this time.

SEEKERS is a program being offered by our Pastorate for people who feel spiritually disconnected with the Catholic Church. Do you or someone you know have questions and are seeking for answers in the hope of becoming reconnected? SEEKERS is also for people who are just inquiring about God and/or the Church. There are three sessions all beginning at 7:00pm: April 8th at St. Jane School, April 22nd at OLC’s Maryland Suite, and May 13th at St. Jane School. For more information, contact Fr. Jim.

Both parishes are in the midst of roof replacement projects and are in the process of raising funds for them. St. Jane Frances is working on Phase 1 to replace the roof over the Parish Hall for about $305,000 and OLC is preparing to begin work on replacing the Church roof and extensive work on the clerestory windows and siding for about $265,000. Donations to both projects are being accepted and are “tax free” from Archdiocesan taxes. Thanks for your support!

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate of the Visitation—St. Jane Frances and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—in your daily prayers! I certainly remember all of you in my daily prayers as well!

God Bless,
Father Steve

Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

Dear Friends of St. Jane Frances and OLC,

On behalf of all of us at OUR Pastorate of the Visitation, I would like to wish everyone a very Blessed and Joyous Easter! Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Today is the most important day in the Christian year, even more important than Christmas. For today, we celebrate Jesus’ triumph over sin and death, offering to us the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life in the heavenly kingdom. Jesus’ Resurrection also ushers in a new era in human history, where we have been invited into a deeper union with God and sent forth into the world to share our witness and testimony concerning the saving power of Christ. So go forth today, and every day to proclaim that Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

The celebration of Easter is so important that the Church celebrates it as an Octave, meaning eight days. The Octave of Easter concludes next Sunday with the Sunday of Divine Mercy. This feast was added to the Church calendar by St. John Paul II in the year 2000. Also during the Easter Season, we will read through the Acts of the Apostles, which documents the growth of the early Church, empowered by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Easter Season concludes with the Solemnity of Pentecost, which we will celebrate on May 19th. We also celebrate on Easter the Sacraments of Initiation for those entering into the Church at the Easter Vigil. We congratulate all who have joined or have been confirmed in the Church this year!

I would like to thank everyone who has made a commitment to the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries. Your financial support assists the Church in helping those in need throughout our Archdiocese. As of March 15, 2024, OLC has raised $29,030 from 59 gifts and St. Jane Frances has raised $20,169 from 84 gifts. If you haven’t made your pledge yet, please go to www.archbalt.org/giving. All proceeds support the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and are protected by a trust established in 1993 for this purpose.

Both parishes are in the midst of roof replacement projects. St. Jane Frances is working on Phase 1 to replace the roof over the Parish Hall for about $305,000, and OLC is preparing to begin work on replacing the Church roof and extensive work on the clerestory windows and siding for about $265,000. Donations to both projects are being accepted and are “tax free” from Archdiocesan taxes. Thanks for your support!

There are many great events and celebrations planned for the coming weeks and months for our Pastorate. Many of them are included in this weekend’s bulletin. Please take a moment to review them and mark your calendars so that you can join us.

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate of the Visitation—St. Jane Frances and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—in your daily prayers! I certainly remember all of you in my daily prayers as well!

God Bless,
Father Steve

Holy Week Is Upon Us

Dear Friends of our Pastorate of the Visitation,

This weekend begins our journey through the holiest week of the year with the celebration of the Passion of the Lord on Palm Sunday. Holy Week offers us many opportunities to experience Jesus’ journey from the Last Supper, to his Cross, and to his Resurrection. As a Pastorate, we will be coming together for the first time for some of these liturgies so invite you to join us as we worship our one Lord as one Pastorate Community. Our choirs have also joined together to share their gift of music with unified voices.

Here are the Holy Week and Triduum schedules for the Pastorate: 

• Holy Thursday (@ SJF), March 28th – 7:00pm Mass followed by Adoration until 9:00pm
• Good Friday, March 29th – Passion of the Lord – 3:00pm at SJF, 7:00pm at OLC 
• Good Friday, Stations of the Cross – 12:00pm at SJF, 3:00pm at OLC
• Blessing of the Easter Foods, March 30th – 9:00am at SJF, 12:00pm at OLC 
• Pastorate Easter Vigil (@ OLC), March 30th – 8:00pm at OLC 
• Easter Sunday, March 31st – SJF: 8:00am, 10am, 11:30am. OLC: 8:00am, 9:30am, 11am.

In addition to the events listed above, the Archdiocesan Chrism Mass will take place on Monday, March 25th at 7:30pm at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore. At this Mass, the Archbishop will bless the holy oils to be used for anointing of the sick and the catechumens, as well as consecrate the Sacred Chrism that will be used for Baptisms, Confirmations, and Holy Orders during the coming year. The priests of the Archdiocese will also renew the promises we made at our ordinations. This celebration is open to the public and all are invited to attend. As a priest, I know I am always thankful to see current (and former) parishioners in attendance. Please consider joining us.

Fr. Jim and I will be offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday, March 26th at St. Jane Frances. The morning session is from 9:30am to 10:30am and the afternoon session is from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Tenebrae will be celebrated at St. Jane Frances at 8:00pm that evening.

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate of the Visitation—St. Jane Frances and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—in your daily prayers! I know this year is different than in the past in that we are offering only one Holy Thursday Mass and one Easter Vigil Mass. I continually pray for guidance as we work together in our Pastorate to create a shared community of faith, steeped in a desire to serve one another and evangelize our families and neighborhoods.

God Bless,
Father Steve

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Brothers and Sisters,

How is your Lent going? Are we dying to self and bearing fruit? This week in the Gospel Jesus answers those who wish to see him with the secret to living a meaningful life, a life that he lived and calls each of us to live. Jesus says, “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” That’s his response to those who want to see him; to the Greeks, to you, and to me.

Seeing Jesus isn’t a spectator sport. It is a way to be followed, a truth to be embraced, and a life to be lived. It’s being a grain of wheat that falls into the ground and dies so that it might bear much fruit. That’s where we see him. It’s in the letting go, the emptying, the leaving behind, and the dying that makes space for new life to arise. That’s what Jesus calls us to embrace. Letting go is what allows us to be more authentically present to ourselves, to others, and to our Lord. It makes room for new life and new ways of being present to arise. Our letting go gives God something to work with. Why then would we continue to hold onto or cling to anything preventing us from truly seeing Jesus?

So, what are those things in your life today that needs to fall into the earth and die? What do you need to let go of and leave behind so that God can bear much fruit in your life? Is there anything blocking the fullness of life that we desire or God offers us? Yes, dying to self is where we can renew and change our life. And maybe that’s where we will see Jesus.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

God Bless,
Deacon Howard

Drawing Toward Jesus And The Cross

Dear Friends,

JESUS SAVES! Perhaps the most referenced Bible verse that sports fans like to call attention to is in today’s Gospel, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” But what does it mean to “believe” in Jesus?

I’ve had good discussions with hundreds of our Protestant brothers and sisters (whom I love dearly), many of whom believe that “all you need to do is believe in Jesus and you’ll be saved.” “The Bible makes it plain and simple—just read John 3:16! We’re saved by faith alone!” What’s the problem with this (fundamentalist) Protestant perspective of salvation… of what it means to “believe” in Jesus? It’s easy to selectively pull a couple isolated Bible verses out of context, create a theology of salvation around them, and ignore the other 7,954 verses of the New Testament which contain many verses that contradict that theology. Rather, we begin to learn what it means to “believe” in Jesus from St. Paul who frames his letter to the Romans with the “obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5, 16:26), which is the Catholic perspective consistent with the entire Word of God.

It’s the Catholic Church, founded by Jesus on Peter the Rock and the apostles in 33 AD who gives a coherent and systematic presentation of faith and morals using over 4,100 references to Scripture and over 2,100 references to Church documents and the saints in one trustworthy, engaging, and easy-to-read book: The Catechism of the Catholic Church. If you do not have the Catechism, I encourage you to ask for one or buy yourself one as an Easter gift. By reading it, you’ll enable your Catholic faith in Jesus to come alive through it and the Bible.

The focus of today’s readings is Jesus, our Savior. Lent calls us to follow Jesus to the cross. In dying to ourselves, Jesus will raise us up. When we put our trust in him, he delivers us from the consequences of our limitations, weaknesses, and sin. Lent draws us toward Jesus and the Cross, who leads us to the Resurrection and eternal life.

Coming Easter Season, 2024… Seekers

SEEKERS is a 3-session series that provides an opportunity for people who feel spiritually disconnected in their relationship with the Catholic Church to ask questions, to seek answers in the hope of becoming reconnected.

SEEKERS focuses on questions that seekers bring with them, and prompts discussion from the Catechism to stimulate discussion on topics such as the desire for God, God’s loving Revelation, man’s response to God, and other topics. I hope to see you or someone you invite there. Especially consider inviting those coming to Easter Mass with you who do not typically go to weekly Mass. See today’s bulletin or Flocknote for details.

Peace in Christ,
Father Jim

Lenten Misson This Week!

Dear Friends of our Pastorate,

There are two options for our readings on this Third Sunday of Lent. This is because the Church celebrates special rites called the Scrutinies during the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent. These rites are celebrated with those who are to be baptized at the Easter Vigil, although many parishes also celebrate them with those who are going to be confirmed or enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. The regular Gospel for this Sunday is John’s version of Jesus’ Cleansing of the Temple, while the Gospel for the Scrutinies is the Samaritan Woman Jesus encounters at the well. Both are powerful Gospels that tell us much about Jesus’ mission and ministry. I would encourage you read and reflect upon them both this week.

Please plan to join us this week for our Pastorate Lenten Mission being offered by Fr. Jim. The theme for the mission this year is “Time for God” and is based on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s international bestselling book of the same name. The first talk will be offered on Monday, March 4th, at 7:00pm at Our Lady of the Chesapeake. The second talk will be offered on Tuesday, March 5th, at 7:00pm at St. Jane Frances. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered on Wednesday, March 6th, starting at 6:30pm at Our Lady of the Chesapeake. Please plan to join us!

There is still time for the men of our Pastorate to sign up for the Catholic Men’s Fellowship conference being held at St. Philip Neri this Saturday, March 9th. To register, go to catholicmensfellowship.com.

Stations of the Cross and the Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry Fridays continue this Friday, March 1st at St. Jane Frances. Stop by for a delicious Lenten appropriate seafood meal at St. Jane Hall from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, then attend Stations of the Cross at 7:00pm in the Church. Eucharistic Adoration will take place during Stations.

We are still looking for volunteers and donations for the St. Patrick’s Day Bazaar on Friday, March 15th at St. Jane Hall and School. Gift cards, wine and liquor, and silent auction items can be dropped off at the office at either St. Jane Frances or Our Lady of the Chesapeake. This is a great family friendly event! Thank you for your support!

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!

Father Steve

How Is The Transfiguration Relevant To Me?

Dear Parishioners,

You might be saying to yourself, “How is the Transfiguration of Christ relevant to me? I cannot seem to
relate to it.” Here are three considerations. First, each of us can probably relate to at least one of the men present with Jesus: Moses and Peter did not initially want to answer God’s call, Elijah fell into despair, and Peter was sometimes double-minded and even denied Christ. They were human just like you and me, with strengths and weaknesses. Second, we can relate to the apostles’ experience of the presence of the transfigured Christ on the mountain when we receive the presence of the Christ in the Eucharistic at Mass—a real Communion with the living God in our midst. Just as Christ’s transfiguration strengthened Peter, James, and John to endure Jesus’ impending suffering and death, so Jesus in the Eucharist gives us grace to endure our trials and suffering while looking forward to the glory of the Resurrection. Third, each of those five men did not choose God, but God chose them first—just like He has called each of us, regardless of who we are or what we’ve done or not done, and has given each of us a particular mission He has not entrusted to another.

“Listen to him.” The context of the Transfiguration is also significant. It follows after Jesus had just
taught the apostles that he must suffer and die before rising from the dead, and that the apostles too must deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow him to their death… THIS message—the message of the cross before the resurrection—is what the Father reinforces by saying, “Listen to him.” The cross and glory belong together. Christ’s transfiguration also foreshadows the changing of our own bodies at Jesus’ Second Coming, when Paul says that Christ will “change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body” (Phil 3:21). Lastly, when we receive Jesus’ crucified and glorified Body and Blood in Holy Communion, we too hear the Father’s voice speaking to us in the depth of our hearts: “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.”—a perfect segue to…

Our Pastorate Lenten Mission on March 4th and 5th will teach you how to listen to Him speak in the depth of your soul through what the saints have called “mental prayer.” Fr. Steve has asked me to present Fr. Jacques Philippe’s book on mental prayer, “Time for God”— a book that I’ve found invaluable in helping me find God “in solitude and silence …in order to enter into intimate, loving communication with Him” (page 1). This 2-part mission (each lasting only 1 hour) will summarize Fr. Jacques’ most important tips and include time to actually practice mental prayer using these tips. Day 1 is March 4 at 7 pm at OLC in the church; Day 2 is March 5 at 7 pm at SJF in the church.

Peace in Christ,
Father Jim

Pray, Fast, Give: 40 Days To Holiness

Dear Parishioners,

Wow, we’re in the first week of Lent already. Seems like we just finished the Christmas Season. Lent is the season to pray, fast, and give alms. All three practices need to be real and should lead us closer to Jesus. Every Christian needs to take these disciplines seriously. Everyone can pray, fast, and give alms in appropriate and meaningful ways. They are the ways to grow in holiness. Our goal this Lent should be to grow in holiness. Go to the desert with Christ through works of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In that desert, we will come to know Christ our Lord, and at Easter will emerge a more holy person. A great journey of faith during this Lenten season.

In Mark’s Gospel this week (Mark 1:12–15), we are told that Jesus went into the desert for 40 days immediately after his baptism, led by the Spirit. Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee begins after his temptation in the desert. The fact that Jesus spent 40 days in the desert is significant. This recalls the 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the desert after being led from slavery in Egypt. The prophet Elijah also journeyed in the desert for 40 days and nights, making his way to Horeb, the mountain of God, where he was also attended to by an angel of the Lord. There are many other examples. The number 40 in scripture symbolizes testing and trial for spiritual preparation in growing closer to God. Remembering the significance of these events, we also set aside 40 days for the season of Lent. This is to prepare ourselves for new growth in holiness. We come out of the ashes into new life in Christ.

Don’t be afraid to be holy! Holiness is feeling the presence of Christ within your heart, and allowing that presence to guide, support, and inspire you to live a life that conforms with what God wants of you. Are you ready to go into the desert?

God Bless,
Deacon Howard

Here Comes Lent!

Dear Friends of our Pastorate,

Our readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time remind us once again of the healing power of Jesus Christ on those who are afflicted with illness and disease. A leper approaches Jesus, begging him to make him clean. Immediately Jesus is moved with pity and heals him. In Jesus’ day, this disease would have caused this person to be isolated and removed from the community. Now through this encounter with Jesus, he is made whole again and can be welcomed back. Jesus can do the same for each one of us as well. When we approach Jesus with our “illnesses” and “diseases” that isolate us from others, and ask him to heal us, he can and will do it! God’s mercy and compassion for us is endless, if only we approach the Lord with humility and trust.

A great church season that helps us to do this is Lent, which happens to begin this week, on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14th. Please join us for Masses at 8:30am and 7:00pm at both parishes. Ashes will be distributed at all Masses. Dedicate yourself to “turning away from sin and being faithful to the Gospel” during this Lenten Season. As a reminder, Ash Wednesday is one of the Church’s special penitential days of fasting and abstaining from meat—a small sacrifice to make in response to our Lord’s sacrifice for us.

We have a couple of Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras celebrations this week on Feb. 13th. Join Scout Troop 414 at St. Jane Frances Parish Hall for the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner from 4:30pm to 7:00pm. In addition, join Fr. Steve as he “guest bartends” from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Rumor Meal on Mountain Rd. for our Mardi Gras celebration. A percentage of all proceeds that evening (4:00pm–9:00pm) from dine in or carry out will benefit OLC.

Stations of the Cross and the Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry Fridays begin this Friday, Feb. 16th at St. Jane Frances. Stop by for dinner at St. Jane Parish Hall from 4:00pm to 7:00pm for a delicious Lenten appropriate seafood meal, then stop by the Church at 7:00pm for Stations of the Cross.

The 2024 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries is in full swing! This year’s theme is “Faith in Action—Transforming Lives, Impacting Communities.” Many of us have received information about the appeal in the mail and have responded by making a donation. This weekend, all of us will have an opportunity to make our pledge and commitment to the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries. Your donations serve people throughout the Archdiocese, including our local pastorate parishes. The parish goal for St. Jane Frances is $62,158 and for Our Lady of the Chesapeake, it is $60,290. All monies raised through the Annual Appeal are considered restricted gifts and will go to support the Church’s many outreach programs, educational needs, and social services including the essential works of Catholic Charities. Please be as generous as you can and support the 2024 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries.

And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the St. Patrick’s Day Bazaar on Friday, March 15th at St. Jane Hall and School. This is a great family friendly event!

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!

Father Steve

Everyone Is Looking For You, Jesus!

Dear Friends,

“Everyone is looking for you, Jesus!” In today’s gospel from Mark (Mk 1:29-39), in the early morning Simon Peter hunts down Jesus, eagerly looking to find Him after the whole town of Capernaum had been at Peter’s door the night before when Jesus had cured the sick and cast out demons, His first public healing service. When Peter finally found Jesus in a deserted place, praying, he said, “Everyone is looking for you!” Although everyone knows that it is Jesus who heals, Jesus chooses to heal others not solo but with his disciples present, telling Peter, “Let’s go to the nearby villages.”

Today, everyone is still looking for Jesus, whether they know it or not. Pope Benedict XVI put it this way: “We cannot keep to ourselves the words of eternal life given to us in our encounter with Jesus Christ: they are meant for everyone, for every man and woman. Everyone today, whether he or she knows it or not, needs this message. It is our responsibility to pass on what, by God’s grace, we ourselves have received.” [VERBUM DOMINI (The Word of the Lord), #91. 2010]. Just as Jesus wanted his disciples to accompany Him in His ministry of healing and proclamation of the gospel in Galilee, He also wants us to accompany Him in His work today by healing and proclaiming through us. And why is Jesus’ healing ministry and our involvement in it so important?

The answer lies in the deeper meaning we discover by discerning how the 1st reading (Jb 7:1-4, 6-7) connects to the gospel reading. Here we find Job—who represents every human person who suffers, ie, all of us—despondent in the midst of his suffering: “I shall not see happiness again.” (Job 7:7). But 12 chapters later Job proclaims, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth.” (Job 19:25). Job, in his desire for healing prophetically, points hundreds of years later to Jesus in the gospel beginning his healing ministry in Capernaum. The deeper meaning of today’s readings, reflected in our Responsorial Psalm, is this: “(God) heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. The LORD sustains the lowly. Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.” (Psalm 147).

God ALWAYS brings good from suffering: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him.” (Romans 8:28). In these early weeks of Ordinary time, early in Jesus’ ministry, let us have the faith of Job, confident that Jesus heals and restores in His perfect timing. Our Redeemer lives and is present to us on earth in our trials and suffering—most directly in His sacraments, and also in the loving care of others, and when we seek Him in prayer.

Peace in Christ,
Father Jim

Authority

Brothers and Sisters,

The world today seems to struggle against any authority. We are determined to be our own authority. We reject the healing, peace, and security that come from yielding to God’s authority. When we choose to go our own way, we open ourselves to the influences of the world. We are going to allow some authority in our life, whether it be our choosing or by failing to choose. When there is a void in our life, it is usually filled by something. Evil can creep in when we slowly lose our faith and trust in God. When we allow or choose some authority for our life other than God, it can manifest as a lack of hope, lack of love, lack of direction, or a lack of meaning in our lives. The cure for this evil is a faith in God and accepting His authority in our life just as Jesus shows us.

Jesus is the true prophet promised by Moses in the Book of Deuteronomy. We need true prophets. The world still needs prophets, those who live like the future is now. For us disciples, we are to be those prophets, who preach and live Kingdom values. Just like Jesus did. Jesus spoke the truth, there was no division between his words and his life. The challenge for us, as Jesus’ disciples, is to follow his lead, and to proclaim Jesus with authority with words and actions so compelling that they capture the attention and imagination of those who hear us. It all comes from the same characteristics we see in Jesus.

Are we people who practice what we preach? Do we do what we say by living the truth, the truth of Christ in our lives. When we do, we, too, will teach with authority.

God Bless,
Deacon Howard

The Hardest Thing To Do

Dear Friends,

1. Nineveh, B.C. Why did Jesus give his followers such a seemingly impossible command: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27)? For the same reason God commands Jonah in today’s 1st Reading (Jonah 3:1-5, 10) to preach to the Ninevites (whom Jonah hated, and initially resisted going to) their need for repentance: because God is a merciful God who “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). And the method God prefers to communicate this mercy to those who are far from Him is through you and me—our words and actions. God wants us to demonstrate today the truth of what was repeated in a variety of ways throughout the Old Testament: “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15). When Jonah preached “the message that I [the Lord] will tell you,” God, with Jonah, changed the world, and Nineveh was saved.

2. Galilee, 30 A.D. As God called Jonah in his lifetime to preach repentance for the salvation of souls, so in today’s gospel (Mark 1:14-20), Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to do the same in their lifetimes: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” When Peter and Andrew preached the message the Lord told them, ie, “Go therefore and… teach them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20), God—with Peter and Andrew—changed the world, and many are were saved.

3. Pasadena, 2024. As God called Jonah and Peter and Andrew in their lifetimes to preach repentance for the salvation of souls, who is He calling to do this today on our peninsula in your lifetime? Clearly the Lord calls you and me. 

A Twist to the “3 in 1” Challenge. In October, about 400 of us made a commitment to evangelize “3 people in 1 year.” I continue to be inspired by many in our pastorate who are sharing their “invitation stories” and how this challenge has changed your whole perspective on what it means to be a disciple of Christ, and how you’re experiencing in a new way the power of the Holy Spirit at work in your life and in the lives of those you’re reaching out to. Now here’s the hardest thing to do: 

The Challenge of Jonah: “Can I reach out to one who hates me?” 

It’s hard to love our enemies; we can relate to Jonah’s hesitancy. Yet, God calls us to reach out to them. He knows we cannot do this on our own, which is why He Himself provides the source of strength to do so: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). If we don’t love our enemies, who will? Thy Will be Done, Lord.

Peace in Christ,
Father Jim

Hearing The Voice Of The Lord

Dear Friends of our Pastorate,

This weekend, the Church returns to Ordinary Time. Our readings speak to us of being called by the Lord. The first reading from the 1st Book of Samuel tells of the encounter between the Lord and Samuel. The Lord calls out to Samuel, who at first doesn’t realize it is the Lord speaking to him. Eli, the temple priest, doesn’t realize it at first either, but soon comes to understand that it is the Lord, and instructs Samuel to respond in faith. John’s Gospel tells us of the encounter between two of John’s disciples and Jesus. One of the two is Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. He goes to Peter to tell him they have found the Messiah and brings him to Jesus. As disciples of the Lord, we are asked to be like Eli and Andrew—helping others to hear the voice of the Lord and bringing others to come to know the Lord. Who in your life is hearing the Lord’s voice but is not sure who it is? Who can you invite to come and meet the Lord here at one of our Pastorate Masses?

This week, our Pastorate is hosting Shelter Week at Our Lady of the Chesapeake. We will be hosting about 25 men, supplying them with a place to stay and meals. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to assist us in this corporal work of mercy. Please pray for the guests and all who will be serving them during this time. If you would like to volunteer, please check the sign-up form located on OLC’s website: www.olchesapeake.org. Thanks!

The 2024 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries begins this month. This year’s theme is “Faith in Action—Transforming Lives, Impacting Communities.” Many of you will be receiving information about the appeal in the mail. Please take time to review the many programs that are funded by the appeal, and be sure to make your annual commitment to the appeal. The parish goal for St. Jane Frances is $62,158 and for Our Lady of the Chesapeake, it is $60,290. All monies raised through the Annual Appeal are considered restricted gifts and will go to support the Church’s many outreach programs, educational needs, and social services including the essential works of Catholic Charities. Please be as generous as you can and support the 2024 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries.

Although we have just finished up the Christmas season, we are only one month away from the start of the Lenten Season. Ash Wednesday is on February 14th—one month from today! Stations of the Cross and the Knights of Columbus Fish Frys will begin on Friday, February 16th and will be held at St. Jane Frances. And be sure to mark the date for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Bazaar – Friday March 15th!

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!

Father Steve

National Eucharistic Revival

Dear Friends,

Why is the Church in the U.S. promoting a “National Eucharistic Revival” this year? Because about 5 years ago, a Pew Research survey revealed that among Catholics who attend Sunday Mass, 37% DO NOT believe in the real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Of this 37%: 60% (that is, 15% of those who come to Sunday Mass) didn’t know that this is the Church’s teaching, and the other 40% (that is, 5% of those who come to Sunday Mass) know it’s the Church’s teaching but do not believe it. I don’t know if our pastorate number is higher or lower than this 37%, but Fr. Steve and I decided to dedicate a good portion of our homilies this weekend to Jesus’ real Presence in the Eucharist.

In the Eucharistic prayer, at the priest’s words of consecration (“This is my body… ”), by the power of Jesus the Word of God Himself, the substance of the bread becomes the “body, blood, soul, and divinity” of Jesus. It’s no longer bread. And it’s not “bread as a symbol” of Christ. It’s actually Jesus Himself. The reality of this change is one of Jesus’ MOST EMPHATIC teachings, found in the gospel of John chapter 6 (John 6:22-71) where Jesus uses the most straightforward language possible, leaving no room for misinterpretation: “For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” In this dialogue with the Jews and his disciples, Luke records Jesus stating flesh 6 times, eat 8 times (using two different Greek words), and blood 4 times. Clearly Jesus was not speaking symbolically because: 1) The Jews said: “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 2) “…after this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him.” And 3) Jesus said to His apostles, “Do you also wish to go away?”

There is MUCH, MUCH more biblical and historical and rational evidence for Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist; I’ll be covering some of it in my “Going Deeper” session on January 22 at 7:00 pm in the Maryland Room at OLC. An addition to the constant 2,000-year teaching and practice of the Church, there’s the life changing experiences for countless millions of Christians and saints. His Presence changes our relationship with Him: more than grace is poured into our body and soul at Holy Communion, the source of grace—Jesus Himself— comes to us in the most profound way conceivable in the Eucharist. We literally become “one flesh” with Him, as St. Paul describes in Ephesians 5:31-32.

This year being the USCCB’s “Year of Parish Eucharistic Revival” across the United States, our pastorate has been offering additional opportunities to foster your time with Jesus in the Eucharist during the week containing the 1st Friday of the month (Monday through Sunday), including Sunday Holy Hours between Masses, small group study and other opportunities (see the bulletin). If you have any other ideas to foster Eucharistic devotion, please contact our pastorate’s Eucharistic Missionary, Chris Sybert, at sybernet@comcast.net. And if you have any questions or doubts that you’d like to discuss, Fr. Steve and I are here for you.

Peace in the Eucharist,
Father Jim