tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70790007301285446032024-03-19T04:05:06.567-04:00A Word From Our PastorRev. Stephen Hook is Pastor of the Pastorate of St. Jane Frances de Chantal (Riviera Beach) and Our Lady of the Chesapeake (Lakeshore) in Pasadena, Maryland. He is assisted by Associate Pastor Rev. James Bors and Deacon Howard Klohr. To learn more about our parish, please visit www.stjane.org.Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comBlogger719125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-14593920276039962024-03-14T12:30:00.001-04:002024-03-14T12:30:27.751-04:00Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!<p>Brothers and Sisters,</p><p>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.</p><p>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?</p><p>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.</p><p>Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!</p><p>God Bless,<br />Deacon Howard</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-2374959931481804782024-03-08T16:30:00.018-05:002024-03-11T10:52:19.514-04:00Drawing Toward Jesus And The Cross<p>Dear Friends,</p><p>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?</p><p>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” (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/1#53001005" target="_blank">Rom 1:5</a>, <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/16#53016026" target="_blank">16:26</a>), which is the Catholic perspective consistent with the entire Word of God.</p><p>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: <a href="https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/" target="_blank"><i>The Catechism of the Catholic Church</i></a>. If you do not have the Catechism, I encourage you to ask for one or <a href="https://www.autom.com/product/catechism-of-the-catholic-church-book-paperback-21923?promocode=autcpc&gclid=CjwKCAjw17qvBhBrEiwA1rU9w9Q-cYaNyBSEWhu_x5UtZp0Pl1SWDSkMC8gom8GPJ1qBMx0CotpotRoCCXIQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">buy yourself one</a> as an Easter gift. By reading it, you’ll enable your Catholic faith in Jesus to come alive through it and the Bible.</p><p>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.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Coming Easter Season, 2024… <i>Seekers</i></span></h2><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Peace in Christ,<br />Father Jim</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-20220247377935014372024-03-01T16:30:00.025-05:002024-03-03T19:47:37.511-05:00Lenten Misson This Week!<p>Dear Friends of our Pastorate,</p><p>There are <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030324-YearA.cfm" target="_blank">two options for our readings</a> 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 <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030324-YearB.cfm" target="_blank">John’s version of Jesus’ Cleansing of the Temple</a>, while the Gospel for the Scrutinies is the <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030324-YearA.cfm" target="_blank">Samaritan Woman</a> 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.</p><p>Please plan to join us this week for our <a href="https://www.stjane.org/parish-mission-2024/" target="_blank">Pastorate Lenten Mission</a> 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!</p><p>There is still time for the men of our Pastorate to sign up for the <a href="https://www.stjane.org/catholic-mens-conference/" target="_blank">Catholic Men’s Fellowship conference</a> being held at St. Philip Neri this Saturday, March 9th. To register, go to catholicmensfellowship.com.</p><p>Stations of the Cross and the Knights of Columbus <a href="https://www.stjane.org/lenten-friday-fish-frys/" target="_blank">Lenten Fish Fry Fridays</a> 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.</p><p>We are still looking for volunteers and donations for the <a href="https://www.stjane.org/st-patricks-day-bazaar/" target="_blank">St. Patrick’s Day Bazaar</a> 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!</p><p>Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!</p><p>Father Steve</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-643321346354770352024-02-23T16:30:00.020-05:002024-02-26T13:16:52.580-05:00How Is The Transfiguration Relevant To Me?<p>Dear Parishioners,</p><p>You might be saying to yourself, “How is the Transfiguration of Christ relevant to me? I cannot seem to<br />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.</p><p><b>“Listen to him.”</b> The context of the Transfiguration is also significant. It follows after Jesus had just<br />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…</p><p>Our <a href="https://www.stjane.org/parish-mission-2024/" target="_blank"><b>Pastorate Lenten Mission</b></a> 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.</p><p>Peace in Christ, <br />Father Jim</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-34346472458996774012024-02-16T16:30:00.006-05:002024-02-16T16:30:00.145-05:00Pray, Fast, Give: 40 Days To Holiness<p>Dear Parishioners,</p><p>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.</p><p>In Mark’s Gospel this week (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021824.cfm" target="_blank">Mark 1:12–15</a>), 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.</p><p>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?</p><p>God Bless,<br />Deacon Howard</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-29936361168181747732024-02-09T16:30:00.047-05:002024-02-09T16:30:00.216-05:00Here Comes Lent!<p>Dear Friends of our Pastorate,</p><p>Our <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021124.cfm" target="_blank">readings</a> 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="https://www.stjane.org/shrove-tuesday-pancake-dinner/" target="_blank">Shrove Tuesday Pancake</a> Dinner from 4:30pm to 7:00pm. In addition, join Fr. Steve as he “guest bartends” from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the <a href="https://therumormealpasadena.com/" target="_blank">Rumor Meal</a> 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.</p><p>Stations of the Cross and the Knights of Columbus <a href="https://www.stjane.org/lenten-friday-fish-frys/" target="_blank">Lenten Fish Fry Fridays</a> 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.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.archbalt.org/annual-appeal-for-catholic-ministries/" target="_blank">2024 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries</a> is in full swing! This year’s theme is “<i>Faith in Action—Transforming Lives, Impacting Communities.</i>” 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.</p><p>And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the <a href="https://www.stjane.org/st-patricks-day-bazaar/" target="_blank">St. Patrick’s Day Bazaar</a> on Friday, March 15th at St. Jane Hall and School. This is a great family friendly event!</p><p></p><p>Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!</p><p>Father Steve<br /></p><p></p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-45849990648527024812024-02-02T16:30:00.016-05:002024-02-02T16:30:00.254-05:00Everyone Is Looking For You, Jesus!<p>Dear Friends,</p><p><b>“Everyone is looking for you, Jesus!” </b>In today’s gospel from Mark (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020424.cfm" target="_blank">Mk 1:29-39</a>), 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.”<br /></p><p>Today, everyone is <i>still</i> 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. <b>Everyone today, whether he or she knows it or not, needs this message.</b> It is our responsibility to pass on what, by God’s grace, we ourselves have received.” [<i>VERBUM DOMINI (The Word of the Lord), #91. 2010</i>]. 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?</p><p>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).</p><p>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.</p><p>Peace in Christ, <br />Father Jim</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-64664705631621667342024-01-26T16:30:00.004-05:002024-01-26T16:30:00.413-05:00Authority<p>Brothers and Sisters,</p><p>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.</p><p>Jesus is the true prophet promised by Moses in the Book of <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/0" target="_blank">Deuteronomy</a>. 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>God Bless,<br />Deacon Howard</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-40353659000133710632024-01-19T16:30:00.040-05:002024-01-19T16:30:00.135-05:00The Hardest Thing To Do<p>Dear Friends,</p><p><b><u>1. Nineveh, B.C.</u></b> 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 (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012124.cfm" target="_blank">Jonah 3:1-5, 10</a>) 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.” (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/86" target="_blank">Psalm 86:15</a>). When Jonah preached “the message that I [the Lord] will tell you,” God, with Jonah, changed the world, and Nineveh was saved.</p><p><u><b>2. Galilee, 30 A.D.</b></u> As God called Jonah in his lifetime to preach repentance for the salvation of souls, so in today’s gospel (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012124.cfm" target="_blank">Mark 1:14-20</a>), 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” (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/28" target="_blank">Matthew 28:20</a>), God—with Peter and Andrew—changed the world, and many are were saved.</p><p><u><b>3. Pasadena, 2024.</b></u> 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. </p><p><i><b><u>A Twist to the “3 in 1” Challenge.</u></b></i> 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: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The Challenge of Jonah:</b> “Can I reach out to one who hates me?” </p><p>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? <i>Thy Will be Done, Lord.</i></p><p>Peace in Christ, <br />Father Jim</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-13503924021251506032024-01-12T16:30:00.000-05:002024-01-12T16:30:00.139-05:00Hearing The Voice Of The Lord<p>Dear Friends of our Pastorate,</p><p>This weekend, the Church returns to Ordinary Time. <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011424.cfm" target="_blank">Our readings</a> 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?</p><p>This week, our Pastorate is hosting <b>Shelter Week</b> 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: <a href="https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/643071890042/false#/invitation">www.olchesapeake.org</a>. Thanks!</p><p>The <i>2024 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries</i> begins this month. This year’s theme is “<i>Faith in Action—Transforming Lives, Impacting Communities.</i>” 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.</p><p>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 <a href="https://www.stjane.org/lenten-friday-fish-frys/" target="_blank">Knights of Columbus Fish Frys</a> 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 <a href="https://www.stjane.org/st-patricks-day-bazaar/" target="_blank">St. Patrick’s Day Bazaar</a> – Friday March 15th!</p><p>Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!</p><p>Father Steve</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-81969029443088308782024-01-05T16:30:00.017-05:002024-01-05T16:30:00.245-05:00National Eucharistic Revival<p>Dear Friends,</p><p>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.</p><p>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 (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6#51006021" target="_blank">John 6:22-71</a>) where Jesus uses the most straightforward language possible, leaving no room for misinterpretation: “<span style="color: red;">For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.</span>” 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?”</p><p>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.</p><p>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 (<a href="https://www.stjane.org/home/bulletins/" target="_blank">see the bulletin</a>). 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.</p><p>Peace in the Eucharist, <br />Father Jim</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-58940611084162647882023-12-29T16:30:00.001-05:002023-12-29T16:30:00.213-05:00Feast of the Holy Family<p>Dear Friends of the Pastorate,<br /></p><p>I can’t think of another feast day in the Church calendar more relevant and needed today than the <i>Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph</i>. It’s relevant, because it denotes God’s ordered plan for the family: a mother, a father, and children. The simplicity, truth, goodness, and beauty of such a family cannot be redefined or supplanted as some today are trying to do. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is needed, because it reminds us how God chose to unite Himself lovingly to us, the supernatural to the natural: in the midst of a family, God is with us—“Immanuel” (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/1" target="_blank">Matthew 1:23</a>).</p><p>God knows that none of us grew up in the Holy Family, and that our natural biological family can be plagued by dysfunction, sin, and division. This is why God “adopted” us into the fullness of His own family, the Catholic Church, through baptism. But God also knows that even members of our Church family can be plagued by dysfunction, sin, and division; none of us are as holy as the Holy Family is. Yet even in its holiness, the Holy Family was not immune from suffering, as Simeon in today’s gospel prophesied to Mary: “and you yourself a sword will pierce.” (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123123.cfm" target="_blank">Luke 2:22-40</a>)<br /></p><p>Regardless of the particular state of our biological or church family, and our suffering, God calls us individually and collectively to be united to Him through the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ, with its visible and spiritual dimension and its human and divine elements. The Lord knows the weakness of our human nature, yet He lavishes His grace upon us in the sacraments, especially in Holy Communion. We look forward to the Day when those who remain faithful to Jesus will be freed and purged of all effects of sin and become “partakers of the divine nature” (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2peter/1" target="_blank">2 Peter 1:4</a>).</p><p>In the meantime, we live in the imperfect communities of our biological and church families. God has patience with all of us, with our faults, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2peter/3" target="_blank">2 Peter 3:9</a>).” Today, let us look for inspiration and intercessory help from the Holy Family, and let us be God’s instrument to bestow His love and mercy to our families through the grace we receive from Jesus Himself in Holy Communion. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us!</p><p>Peace in Christ, <br />Father Jim</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-7625221644887991232023-12-22T16:30:00.010-05:002023-12-22T16:30:00.135-05:00Blessed and Merry Christmas!<p>Dear Friends of our Pastorate,</p><p>On behalf of all of us from our Pastorate of the Visitation—St. Jane Frances and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—I would like to wish all of you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas! This is a great time of the year as we remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and celebrate the miraculous events that begin Jesus’ journey from the wood of the manger to the wood of the Cross. Christ is Born! Alleluia! Enjoy this joyous season surrounded by the love of family and friends… and invite them to Mass with you!</p><p>Our Christmas Mass Eve schedule is as follows. At Our Lady of the Chesapeake, there will be Masses at 3:30pm (with Fr. Martin Burnham), 5:30pm, and 7:30pm (our Youth and Family Mass with Carols beginning at 7:00pm). At St. Jane Frances, Masses will be at 4:00pm and 6:00pm. Our Pastorate Christmas Eve Mass at Night will begin at 10:00pm at St. Jane Frances, with Carols starting at 9:30pm. This Mass will feature our combined music ministry choirs as well as the return of the Bell Choir, so please come and join Fr. Jim and myself as we celebrate together our Pastorate of the Visitation Christmas Mass. On Christmas morning, there will be a 9:30am Mass at St. Jane Frances and 10:30am Mass at OLC.</p><p>Next weekend, will be celebrating the <i>Solemnity of the Holy Family</i> over the weekend (regular weekend Mass schedule) and then the <i>Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God</i> on January 1st. Since the Solemnity of Mary falls on a Monday, there is no “obligation” to attend Mass; however, you are warmly invited to join us for one of our two Pastorate Masses as we honor our Blessed Mother and start our civil New Year. Our world, our nation, and our families are in need of prayer, so please join us! There will be a vigil Mass for the Solemnity of Mary on Sunday, December 31st at 5:00pm at St. Jane Frances and a Mass on the feast day, January 1st at 10:00am at Our Lady of the Chesapeake.</p><p>Finally, as we come to the end of the year, I would like to invite you to consider making an end of year donation to your parish for Christmas or an IRA distribution. At St. Jane Frances, please consider a “Church tax free” gift to the School/Parish Hall roof replacement fund or at OLC, a gift to support our religious education programs. Thank you!</p><p>Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!</p><p>Merry Christmas!<br />Father Steve</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-27734380334329939902023-12-15T16:30:00.009-05:002023-12-15T16:30:00.148-05:00Rejoice Sunday!<p>Dear Friends of our Pastorate,</p><p>This weekend, we celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday, as we are rapidly approaching the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ! Our <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121723.cfm" target="_blank">readings</a> speak to us about our need, or maybe more appropriately, our response to God’s gracious act of being born among us in Jesus Christ. We can’t but rejoice at this good news and be thankful for the gift of salvation being offered to us by Christ’s coming: first as an infant in Bethlehem and second as King of the Universe. As we continue on our Advent journey, may we join with John the Baptist in making straight the way of the Lord as well prepare to welcome Christ today and every day.</p><p>On Monday, December 18th at 7:00pm at <a href="https://olchesapeake.org/" target="_blank">Our Lady of the Chesapeake</a>, we will be offering our second Pastorate Advent Reconciliation Service. This is another great way to prepare ourselves to welcome Christ into our lives by celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation and forgiveness. I invite you to make time to experience this wonderful gift of God’s love and mercy.</p><p>Next weekend is the 4th Sunday of Advent, but as you know, that Sunday is also Christmas Eve. It will be a busy day in the Church as we make the transition from Advent to Christmas. We will be offering our 4th Sunday of Advent Masses in the morning: 8:00am and 10:00am at St Jane Frances and 8:30am at Our Lady of the Chesapeake. The 10:45am and 11:30am Masses are cancelled on December 24th. Bishop Adam Parker will be celebrating the 10:00am Mass at St. Jane Frances that morning, so please welcome him to our pastorate!</p><p>Our Christmas Mass Eve schedule is as follows. At Our Lady of the Chesapeake, there will be Masses at 3:30pm (with Fr. Martin Burnham), 5:30pm, and 7:30pm (our Youth and Family Mass with Carols beginning at 7:00pm). At St. Jane Frances, Masses will be at 4:00pm and 6:00pm. Our Pastorate Christmas Eve Mass at Night will begin at 10:00pm at St. Jane Frances, with Carols starting at 9:30pm. This Mass will feature our combined music ministry choirs as well as the return of the Bell Choir, so please come and join Fr. Jim and myself as we celebrate together our Pastorate of the Visitation Christmas Mass. On Christmas morning, there will be a 9:30am Mass at St Jane Frances and 10:30am Mass at OLC.</p><p>As challenging as it may be, I invite you to be intentional this week in spending time to prepare yourself for next weekend’s celebrations. Find time to enter into prayer more deeply than usual. Try to block out some quiet time on your busy calendars. Jesus is waiting to welcome you into a deeper friendship, so make time to get together with your “old friend, Jesus.”</p><p>Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!</p><p>God Bless,<br />Father Steve</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-28462924856844964112023-12-08T16:30:00.011-05:002023-12-08T16:30:00.135-05:00Prepare The Way<p>Brothers and Sisters,</p><p>In ancient times, when a king was going to visit a city, he would send before him someone to herald his coming, someone to announce that he would be arriving soon. The herald would go around the city, and go before the leaders of the city, telling them all, “The king is coming. He will be here any day. So, be prepared to welcome him.” As we look at the Gospel reading for this week (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121023.cfm" target="_blank">Mk 1:1-8</a>), this is what we see going on. The King is coming, and He has sent a herald, John the Baptist, to announce His arrival. The king, of course, is Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. John’s message is that the people need to reform their lives and prepare for Christ’s coming. He does this by calling the people to repent and be baptized. In this second week of Advent, Mark emphasizes the importance of Christ’s coming by pointing out how Isaiah had prophesied not only the arrival of Jesus but even the appearance of the messenger, John. God had long been preparing this significant moment in the world’s history, and wanted to do everything possible to awaken his people of His coming.</p><p>Christ longs to dwell in every human heart; there are many who have not met him or welcomed him. With each person, Jesus continues to use this same approach as in the Gospel reading. He sends his heralds ahead of him. We are those heralds today. Each of us is Christ’s messenger, boldly proclaiming the truth and grace of Christ by our words, deeds, and example. Among the many responsibilities each of us has, none is greater or more rewarding than cooperating with the Holy Spirit to prepare hearts for the Lord. Are we being faithful messengers?</p><p>God Bless,<br />Deacon Howard</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-82765055415719887082023-12-01T16:30:00.030-05:002023-12-01T16:30:00.147-05:00The Deeper Meaning Of Advent<p>Dear Parishioners,<br /></p><p><b>What is the deeper meaning of Advent? </b>The word advent comes from the Latin <i>adventus</i>, meaning “coming.” We just finished the last 3 weeks of the liturgical year with Sunday Gospel readings about Jesus’ Second Coming and Judgment, so why on this 1st Sunday of Advent is the Church continuing to read about Jesus’ warning to remain vigilant about His future coming?</p><p>The “coming” of an infinite God in finite space and time is a great mystery. Perhaps a natural analogy would help: While we experience a distinct changing of the seasons over time (fall, winter, spring, summer), what we’re really experiencing is the natural effect of the earth’s continual and recurring orbit around the sun. In an analogous way, while we experience a distinct changing of the liturgical seasons over time (Advent and Christmas, Ordinary Time, and Lent and Easter), what we’re really experiencing is the supernatural effect of God’s continual and recurring “coming” in His Creation. God is always and everywhere present in His Creation—especially us who are baptized—but He wants us to experience his Presence distinctly and fully at each moment. The liturgical seasons help us punctuate these moments.</p><p>Just as the Jewish people in Jesus’ day were watching and being vigilant for the promised coming of the Messiah, so Jesus says to us in today’s gospel, “Be watchful. Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” Indeed, Jesus will come again at the end of time, but He also enters and re-enters His Creation and comes to us liturgically and spiritually in a variety of continual and recurring ways, including the Eucharist, in prayer, in Scripture, in each other (the Body of Christ), in the hungry/ thirsty/ stranger/ naked/ sick/ imprisoned (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111923.cfm" target="_blank">last Sunday’s gospel</a>), etc. This allows us to see the Church’s wisdom in selecting today’s gospel reading: to remind us that Jesus is continually “coming” to us, so let’s prepare for it at Christmas and when He comes again at the end of time.</p><p>During this Advent season, Jesus wants you and me to make more room for Him than we did last year, to invite him to “come again” into our hearts in a new and vibrant way. Let’s not allow our “preparation for Christmas” (decorating, buying gifts, etc.) overshadow our “preparation for Christ.” In one of his sermons on Advent, St. Bernard of Clairvaux said that we should “be aware that [Christ’s] spiritual coming is a hidden one… You need not sail across the seas or pierce the clouds or cross the Alps! No grand way is being shown to you. Run to your own self to meet your God! <i>The Word is near you, on your lips and in your heart!</i> (<a href="ttps://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/10#53010008" target="_blank">Romans 10:8</a>)” In the last verses of the Bible, Jesus tells John, “Surely I am coming soon.” Let our Advent prayer be John’s response: “Amen. Come Lord Jesus!” (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/22#74022019" target="_blank">Revelation 22:20</a>).</p><p>Peace in Christ, <br />Father Jim</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-87599821187024207702023-11-24T16:30:00.024-05:002023-11-28T18:13:49.763-05:00Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the UniverseDear Friends of our Pastorate,<p>This weekend, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112623.cfm" target="_blank">readings</a> speak to us of the “divine judgment” anticipated at the end of time. For many of us, the word “judgment” may stir up feelings of uneasiness or discomfort, for who likes to be judged? Even Jesus tells us not to judge one another, BUT the Church has always professed our belief that Jesus “will come again to judge the living and dead” as we profess each week in our Creed. Therefore, we are already anticipating this, and since we know that, we are able to prepare ourselves. We can walk the path of conversion and repentance each and every day so that, when Jesus comes again, we can be ready to welcome him with joy in our hearts, for our salvation is at hand. So don’t be discouraged, but instead prepare today and everyday by turning to the Lord with trust in God’s loving mercy, compassion and forgiveness for us.</p><p>Over the past month, we have been conducting a poll of the people who regularly attend the 5:00pm Mass at OLC concerning a change to the start time for the Mass. This request was made of me by several parishioners at OLC who would like to have the option to attend an earlier Mass in the wintertime because of not wanting to drive in the dark. After taking several polls, including one during Mass, we have received overwhelming support for changing the Mass start time to 4:00pm (initially during the winter months). <b>Therefore, starting next weekend, Saturday, December 2, 2023, Our Lady of the Chesapeake will be starting the Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:00pm (with Confessions being offered at 3:00pm)</b>. I know this change may impact some people who wish to keep the Mass time at 5:00pm, so I apologize for that. As we continue down the road of our pastorate planning process, we will need to take into account the Mass schedules for both parishes in order to offer options to all parishioners. To that end, for those who prefer the 5:00pm time, St. Jane Frances will continue to offer the Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00pm.</p><p>Also starting next week, we will be rolling out our new title for our Pastorate: “<i>Pastorate of the Visitation</i>” with the subtitle of “<i>Catholic Churches of Pasadena</i>.” This title will begin appearing on our bulletin covers for both parishes and will make its way into all of our communications, including Flocknote, Facebook, and our websites. This additional identification will have no impact on our two parishes, which will continue to exist, thrive, and be called Our Lady of the Chesapeake and St. Jane Frances. Visitation is only meant to be a label to unite our Pastorate community parishes in one extended family of faith. So…Welcome to the Pastorate of the Visitation!</p><p>Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!</p><p>God Bless,<br />Father Steve</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-703901895547154362023-11-17T16:30:00.001-05:002023-11-17T16:30:00.144-05:00Pastorate of the Visitation<p>Dear Friends of our Pastorate,</p><p>I would like to thank everyone who submitted a suggestion for a name for our Pastorate. We received over 50 suggestions! After much consultation and prayer with parishioners, staff, and our Pastorate Mission Team, <b>we are planning to move forward with the title of “Pastorate of the Visitation.”</b> Additionally, the Mission Team requested that “Catholic Churches of Pasadena” also be incorporated into the title. We will begin this process over the next several months with adding the name to our Pastorate’s communications, including: the <a href="https://www.stjane.org/home/bulletins/" target="_blank">bulletin</a>, <a href="https://stjane.flocknote.com/" target="_blank">Flocknote</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StJaneFrances" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and our websites. It was felt that the title “Visitation” was best able to embrace and unite both parishes for several reasons. First, St. Jane Frances founded the Order of the Visitation in 1610, so there is a connection to St. Jane Parish. Second, Our Lady of the Chesapeake is named after our Blessed Mother, who in Luke’s account of the Visitation (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1#50001038" target="_blank">Luke 1:39-45</a>)journeyed to “visit” her cousin Elizabeth. Third, the Visitation is a feast day of the Church, celebrated on May 31st which offers our Pastorate a way to celebrate something new together. And fourth, as with Mary and Elizabeth, our two beautiful parishes are “related” to each other, with OLC being a “daughter” parish of our mother parish, St. Jane Frances. Just like Elizabeth and Mary, we are coming together to support and assist each other and work together to proclaim Jesus Christ to the greater Pasadena community. (And to reiterate once again, nothing is closing! BOTH <a href="https://www.stjane.org/" target="_blank">St. Jane Frances</a> and <a href="https://olchesapeake.org/" target="_blank">Our Lady of the Chesapeake</a> as individual parishes will continue to exist.)</p><p>This weekend, we celebrate the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. This weekend’s Gospel is the Parable of the Talents (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111923.cfm" target="_blank">Mt 25:14-30</a>). Three servants receive talents from their master before he leaves for a journey. Two of the servants are able to multiply their talents, while the third one was afraid; so he buried his in the ground. On his return, the master rewards the first two servants and chastises the third for doing nothing with what was entrusted to him. The Lord has entrusted to us many talents (or gifts) that we are challenged to put to use throughout our lives. This week, pray and reflect upon what gifts God has given you and how you can put them to use to build up God’s kingdom on earth.</p><p>On behalf of all of us at the Pastorate, I would like to wish everyone a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you will be able to enjoy quality time with your family and friends. Don’t forget to join us at our Pastorate’s Thanksgiving Mass this Thursday, Nov. 23rd at 8:30am at St. Jane Frances. Please consider bringing a bag of nonperishable food items to support the food pantry at NCEON and Our Lady of the Chesapeake. Next weekend (Nov. 25-26), we will continue to collect non-perishable food items at both parishes, so if you cannot make it to our Thanksgiving Mass, then please bring your donations to any Mass over the weekend.</p><p>Thank you for keeping our “Pastorate of the Visitation” in your daily prayers!</p><p>God Bless,<br />Father Steve</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-25759330491665143232023-11-10T16:30:00.062-05:002023-11-17T10:02:13.532-05:00Has The World Lost Its Mind?<p>Dear Friends of our Pastorate,<br /></p><p>Has the world lost its mind? Do you find the changes our country and our culture are undergoing mind-boggling—and not all for the good? Where has “common sense” gone? Does anyone seek wisdom anymore?</p><p>That last question contains the key to answering the previous questions: <i>Wisdom</i>—the subject of our 1st Reading (wisdom personified) and the <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111223.cfm" target="_blank">Gospel</a> (the wise virgins). When society stops seeking wisdom, it devolves and disintegrates. The same thing happens to an individual. God made us in His image, with “the capacity to understand and function (make choices) accordingly,” ie, with wisdom. If a person is raised and formed in a good, healthy environment, he or she ought to have this first kind of wisdom: “natural” wisdom.</p><p>But there’s a second kind of wisdom, a transcendent wisdom that God imparts to those who are close to Him who is Wisdom itself. This wisdom from God comes through the Church (Ephesians 3:10) and leads to paths of peace. It must be sought. When we seek it and ask for it, we will find it and it will be given (Wisdom 6:12, Matthew 7:8, James 1:5). I’ve heard from many in our pastorate who are taking deliberate steps to learn the wisdom of God through our women and men’s study groups (<a href="https://www.stjane.org/walking-with-purpose/" target="_blank">Walking with Purpose</a>; <a href="https://www.stjane.org/into-the-breach-a-video-series-for-catholic-men/" target="_blank">Into the Breach</a>, and Men of the Word Bible Study), and I, too, know from personal experience: learning God’s wisdom changes our lives for the better. The deeper we go in our relationship with Jesus Christ through learning and understanding Scripture, Church teaching in the Catechism, and the Liturgy of the Mass (these are the topics of my <a href="https://www.stjane.org/going-deeper-in-your-personal-relationship-with-jesus-christ/" target="_blank">Going Deeper</a> series), the more divine wisdom we gain, and hopefully, with God’s grace, the more loving and merciful we become as missionary disciples of Christ.</p><p>A big THANK YOU and congratulations to St. Jane’s parishioner Andrew Bryant who completed his Eagle Scout Project with his <a href="https://www.stjane.org/connect/independent-groups/boy-girl-scouts/" target="_blank">Boy Scouts of America Troop 414</a> on October 28th: a beautiful pollinator and native plant garden sanctuary! It contains flowers that bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall, beautiful grasses, small flowering trees, and more—all of which promote the local population of bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.</p><p>The vision of this project is to help parishioners prayerfully reflect on the beauty of God’s creation, and to educate and inspire us to install pollinator and native plant gardens in our own backyards. An educational kiosk will be installed soon, and berry plants and herbs will be added in the spring, which parishioners are welcome to harvest in season. A special thank you also goes to St. Jane’s parishioner Rich Hergenroeder, an Anne Arundel Watershed Steward, who spearheaded the awarding of a grant from <a href="https://cbtrust.org/" target="_blank">The Chesapeake Bay Trust</a> which expanded this beautiful garden’s footprint.</p><p>Peace in Christ, <br />Father Jim</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-34391283028166164102023-11-03T16:30:00.021-04:002023-11-03T16:30:00.166-04:00You Have But One Teacher<p>Dear Friends of our Pastorate,</p><p>This weekend, we celebrate the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time. This weekend’s Gospel is a challenge to those in positions of authority in the days of Jesus, and by connection, to me and all who lead the parishes and the Church as well as our leaders of government (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110523.cfm" target="_blank">Mt 23:1-12</a>). This can also be extended to each and every one of us who “lead,” such as the leaders of families or the leaders of coworkers or teachers. All of us are challenged to lead in ways that give witness to not only what we profess with our lips, but more importantly, to what we believe in our hearts—to be authentic and transparent. When there is a perceived disconnect between the two, as Jesus indicates in the Gospel, it can be recognized by others. Jesus asks us to know with certainty that He is our true and authentic leader and teacher, so whatever we do, ought to flow from our faith in our Savior. May the Holy Spirit of God continue to speak to our hearts and be our guide throughout our earthly lives.</p><p>As we continue into the second year of our Pastorate of <a href="https://www.stjane.org/" target="_blank">St. Jane Frances</a> and <a href="https://olchesapeake.org/" target="_blank">Our Lady of the Chesapeake</a>, we are looking for ways to bring our two communities together in worship. This year, we will be celebrating one Thanksgiving Day Mass for the Pastorate. The Mass will be on Thanksgiving Morning at 8:30am at St. Jane Frances. Please plan to join us so that we can practice our faith together as one, AND so that we may join our voices together in one celebration of thanksgiving and praise. Fr. Jim and I are looking forward to celebrating Mass together as well—something that we rarely do since we are always at different parishes each weekend.</p><p>I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to pray and reflect upon my request for you to consider making an increase in your stewardship/offertory donations to our parishes. We are impacted by the same financial pressures that everyone is facing, so any increase in your giving would be gratefully appreciated. I have increased my giving by about 5% this Fall, so I pray and ask if you are able, if you could also make a commitment to increasing your giving to your parish. Any money donated to the parishes through the offertory collection will be used solely by the parish to support our parish programs and operations. Thank you for your consideration of my request.</p><p>This weekend is our Eucharistic Revival weekend. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will occur between the Sunday morning Masses at OLC and between the 8:00am and 10:00am Masses at St. Jane. Please plan to spend some time with our Lord truly present to us in the Holy Eucharist.</p><p>Finally please keep our Pastorate’s Confirmation Candidates in your prayers this week. Our teens from OLC and St. Jane will be confirmed together on Wednesday, Nov. 8th at 5:30pm at OLC. Everyone is invited to attend the Confirmation Mass as we welcome Bishop Adam Parker with us.</p><p>Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!</p><p>God Bless,<br />Father Steve</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-5875117083106409572023-10-27T16:30:00.046-04:002023-10-27T16:30:00.182-04:00 What Is Love?<p>Dear Parishioners,</p><p>In today’s gospel, Jesus says these commandments are the greatest: “You shall love the Lord, your God… and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102923.cfm" target="_blank">Mt 22:34-40</a>) The classical Catholic definition of love is “willing the good of another.” Love is not a feeling, it’s a decision, an act of the will. We love God, our family, and neighbor when we do things for them when we don’t <i>feel</i> like doing them.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>St. Dymphna Mental Health Ministry</b> <br /></h3><p>With mental health becoming a growing concern among our families, the pastorate’s newest ministry couldn’t be more timely. I’ve had the privilege of working closely this summer with the Core Team of parishioners from OLC and SJF, being led by Paula Gentile, who have been pouring their hearts into planning and preparing to launch this much-needed ministry. Named for St. Dymphna—the patron saint of mental health—the <b>St. Dymphna Mental Health Ministry</b> hosts a <b>Prayer Gathering & Conversation</b> every other month. It’s an opportunity for anyone with mental illness, and/or those who love them, to gather together for prayer in a caring and listening atmosphere, followed by casual conversation over light refreshments, in a relaxed environment free of pressure, personal questions, or therapeutic advice. You’re welcome to come to our first Prayer Gathering & Conversation on Tuesday, November 14th at 7:00 pm at Our Lady of the Chesapeake in the Maryland Suite. I wish this type of ministry had been around when my wife Shirley was struggling with her mental illness years ago.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSgRv4v1zUijO2hi2nnB-GLfNYgUUKs4DdCMxJOawbrotk6UWGjUUIwen42WYWtFP6eFHedE0sMMgCghz22ypvClK1gtK8vXmFzNtLsxtfazbREKdJtaCAXeLWGqg9CD1t_WXMJ3h2nyBEE2inWseaA-xu0-vjLDw5N_eo0DkWzVZQprlM8UURRBhCKs_/s560/st-joseph-terror-of-demons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="St. Joseph Terror of Demons" border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="322" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSgRv4v1zUijO2hi2nnB-GLfNYgUUKs4DdCMxJOawbrotk6UWGjUUIwen42WYWtFP6eFHedE0sMMgCghz22ypvClK1gtK8vXmFzNtLsxtfazbREKdJtaCAXeLWGqg9CD1t_WXMJ3h2nyBEE2inWseaA-xu0-vjLDw5N_eo0DkWzVZQprlM8UURRBhCKs_/w230-h400/st-joseph-terror-of-demons.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Axe-Throwing Challenge & Pig Roast & Family Games Event Results<br /></b></h3><p>Last Saturday’s <b>Axe-Throwing Challenge & Pig Roast & Family Games Event</b> at OLC was a big hit… enjoyed by over 150 men, women, and children! It was refreshing to see so many non-parishioners who came because parishioners invited them (“3 in 1”). It was loads of fun watching husbands and wives, mothers and sons, etc. competing side by side in the timed “as many points as you can score in 60 seconds” competition. Congratulations to the Axe-Throwing Competition’s Grand Prize winner… DENNIS BRYANT! who was awarded the pig’s head on a platter and a St. Joseph Terror of Demons picture. Runner up Ashley Klaiss, the top woman scorer, came up with a great suggestion for next year’s competition, which I endorse: introduce 4-point Throwing Stars competition (they stay stuck in the wood easier)!</p><p>…A special thanks to OLC’s Grand Knight Joshua Frank who planned and hosted the entire event with his <a href="https://olchesapeake.org/knights-of-columbus" target="_blank">Knights of Columbus Council 10881</a>, receiving excellent support from Pasquale Carannante who spearheaded the food planning, purchasing, and preparation, and Pat Cappelaere who donated and roasted the 100-pound pig with his companions. Also great thanks to SJF’s Grand Knight David Gonzales and his <a href="http://kofc10966.org" target="_blank">Knights of Columbus Council 10966</a> (especially Dennis Bryant, and their sons) who put on the axe throwing competition and family games. Thanks also to our pastorate’s Director of Operations Mike Downes who set up the portable electrical power and lighting system (generously provided by <a href="https://www.baycountryrentalsofpasadena.com/" target="_blank">Bay Country Rentals</a> free of charge) and the sound systems.</p><p>Peace in Christ, <br />Father Jim</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-4950787646995659092023-10-20T16:30:00.015-04:002023-10-20T18:12:06.203-04:00How Do You Give Back To God?<p>Dear Friends of our Pastorate,</p><p>This weekend, we celebrate the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. This weekend’s Gospel is the account of the question posed to Jesus concerning the payment of the census tax (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102223.cfm" target="_blank">Mt 22:15-21</a>). This question may seem innocent, but the ones who are asking it are really trying to trap Jesus so that they can eventually have a reason to arrest him. Jesus outmaneuvers them by responding—if it is Caesar’s image on the coin that pays the tax, then give that coin back to Caesar as it must belong to him. However, he adds that they also need to repay to God what belongs to God, which we can see as a reference to humanity being made in the image of God. Each one of us is made in God’s image; therefore, we have a duty, even an obligation to pay or surrender to God what is God’s—and that is our very lives! What is God due from you? How do you repay to God what belongs to God? What parts of your life do you offer (or surrender) to God each day? These are good questions to ponder this week as we continue our lifelong journey of conversion—of turning our lives back to God.</p><p>A couple of weeks ago, we published our parishes’ financial reports for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2023. At this time of the year, it is also part of my due diligence as your pastor to ask you to consider making a financial recommitment to your parish for this fiscal year. Part of that request is to ask for you to consider making, if your finances allow, an increase in your weekly offertory. For example, if you usually give $10/week, could you increase it to $11/week? If you give $100/month, could you increase it to $105/month? Or, if you have any mandatory IRA distributions that you must take before the end of the year, would you consider making a donation to the parish from those funds? Any increase would be appreciated. Personally, I give the same amount in offertory income each month to both parishes. This month, I increased my giving by about 5% because I believe in our mission and the need to fund it. If you could help us by making a small increase in your offertory, it would be most appreciated. Any money donated to the parishes through the offertory collection will be used solely by the parish to support our parish programs and operations. Thank you for your consideration of my request.</p><p><b>Our Pastorate Mission Team</b> met last week to begin reviewing the feedback we received from the listening sessions we held over the summer. Everyone was able to attend, which was great! The team will continue meeting on a regular basis as we work together to develop our Pastorate’s plan for evangelization as guided by the Archbishop’s Pastoral Plan – <a href="https://www.archbalt.org/a-light-brightly-visible-2-0/" target="_blank">A Light Brightly Visible 2.0</a>. We also reviewed and discussed a name for our Pastorate. One comment made by the team was that whatever name is chosen, our Catholic identity needed to be clearly stated in it, so… stay tuned for more details!</p><p>Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!</p><p>God Bless,<br />Father Steve</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-33469706882809293202023-10-13T16:30:00.016-04:002023-10-13T16:30:00.146-04:00Are You Flourishing Or Being Humiliated?<p><b>Are you flourishing? …or being humiliated?</b> In today’s 2nd reading (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101523.cfm" target="_blank">Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20</a>), St. Paul tells the Philippians that he has “learned the secret” of having plenty or having nothing. His secret to living in any circumstance is to “live in Christ” who strengthens him, something Paul learned from personal experience and not from some book or theory. He learned it from the life of Jesus, who “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/2#58002006" target="_blank">Philippians 2:7</a>). Like Paul, we too can become strong when we live like Jesus, that is, when we live to serve others and not ourselves. This principle woven throughout Scripture—that when we humble ourselves, God raises us up—is the secret to being truly happy in all circumstances.</p><p>Some parishioners are sharing with Fr. Steve and myself how they’ve been “off and running” inviting others to come to Mass or other pastorate events and ministries. A 3rd grader invited two of her friends to Mass, a parishioner invited her niece to Mass, and while on vacation overseas, another parishioner invited 5 fellow tourists to join her for Mass following the tour of a church! These are just a few examples. Nothing is easier and more invigorating than praying for people and inviting them to something you’re already going to. It’s contagious. When you see and hear about others doing it, it inspires you to do it. When such power of the Holy Spirit is personally experienced, the phrase “Evangelization as a way of life” goes beyond a mere slogan to become an exciting new reality of changing lives by cooperating with God’s grace. We come to personally experience and be an active part of God’s growing His Kingdom on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19).</p><p><i><b>“But what if people say ‘no’ to my invitations?” </b></i>Remember that to fulfill your “3 in 1” commitment, all you need to do is invite 3 people; they don’t necessarily have to accept your invitation. If after you’ve prayed and invited someone to Mass (or to one of our many pastorate events and ministries), and he or she says, “no thank you,” don’t be discouraged. Continue to pray for them, and also pray for others and invite them. Remember today’s gospel parable (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank">Matthew 22:1-14</a>): after many people turned down the king’s invitation to the feast, the king told his servant to invite “whomever you find.” And what happened? The hall was eventually filled with people who said “yes!” Imagine if—for the rest of our lives—we developed the habit of prayerfully and charitably inviting people to join us at Mass and pastorate or ministry events that we’re already going to. Imagine what the Holy Spirit could do with this! This indeed is what the Lord calls us to do. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/6#56006008" target="_blank">Galatians 6:9</a>).</p><p>Good fishing!<br />Father Jim</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-75415382153524135902023-10-06T16:30:00.027-04:002023-10-06T16:30:00.142-04:00The Stone That The Builders Rejected<p>Dear Friends of St. Jane Frances and OLC,</p><p>This weekend, we celebrate the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our Gospel is the parable of the tenants, who are entrusted to care for and tend to the vineyard of the landowner (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100823.cfm" target="_blank">Mt 21:33-43</a>). When it is time to receive the produce, the landowner sends his servants to obtain this produce, but they beat them or kill them or stone them. He sends more, and they do the same. Finally, he sends his son, thinking they will respect him, but they kill his son as well. These images from the parable reference how the prophets of the Lord were treated here on earth and, ultimately, how the Son of God will be treated as well. Jesus is rejected by his own people, but by his passion, death, and resurrection, He becomes for us the cornerstone of the Church – the people of God.</p><p>As <a href="https://www.archbalt.org/chapter-11-reorganization/" target="_blank">Archbishop Lori announced</a> on September 29th, the Archdiocese of Baltimore has filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in response to a new law in Maryland that retroactively and permanently removes the time limits on filing lawsuits tied to historic cases of abuse. Chapter 11 will allow the parishes, schools, and charitable entities in the Archdiocese of Baltimore to remain in operation while at the same time enabling victim survivors to receive rightful compensation for their abuse. What does this mean for our parish? While it is the Archdiocese that has filed for reorganization, and not our parish, the new law enables lawsuits to be filed not only against the Archdiocese but against the parish as well. As a result, the final plan of reorganization is meant to support the Church’s moral responsibility to care for those who were so gravely harmed. As the Archdiocese enters Chapter 11, which is expected to last 2 to 3 years, the good work of our parish continues.</p><p>In this weekend’s <a href="https://www.stjane.org/home/bulletins/" target="_blank">bulletin</a>, you will find our annual financial report, which presents to you our parish’s financial results for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2023 and the budget for the current fiscal year that began on July 1, 2023. There is also a brief write-up of our results for your information. As always, I am very grateful for your continued financial support. Please be aware that as far as I have been told, the money you place in the collection basket or give to the parish online will continue to be used solely to fund the day to day operations of the parish. Any restricted gifts you give to the parish, such as for capital projects (ex, St. Jane School Roof Replacement) will be used only for these projects. Our parish needs your continued financial support. I thank you for your patience as we journey through these uncharted waters together.</p><p>Please continue to pray for the victim-survivors who have experienced and endured the scourge of abuse by members of the clergy and church, that God may bring healing and comfort to victims and survivors and their families.</p><p>Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!</p><p>God Bless,<br />Father Steve</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079000730128544603.post-31734419189736359702023-09-29T16:30:00.001-04:002023-09-29T16:30:00.155-04:00Obedience Leads The Way<p>Brothers and Sisters,</p><p>The <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100123.cfm" target="_blank">readings this week</a> speak to the importance of obedience to God. At the same time, obedience requires humility. We cannot truly follow our Lord if we are not first willing to lay down our own will in order to follow His. Disobedience alienates us from God. On the other hand, obedience draws us closer to God. When we do disobey and sin, we need to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness. He will show us the way. It requires a humble heart to admit we have sinned and seek to get back on the right path. Christ is our model of obedience and humility. It is obedience that will help us to be like Christ, who obeyed His Father unto death.</p><p>The meaning of the parable in the Gospel reading this week is crystal clear (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100123.cfm" target="_blank">Mt 21:28-32</a>). The Jewish leaders are the people who said they would obey God and then did not. The tax-collectors and the harlots are those who said that they would go their own way and then took God’s way. The most important lesson we can take from this passage is to seek the humility, openness and genuineness of the tax collectors and prostitutes. They were praised by our Lord, because they could see and accept the honest truth. Sure, they were sinners, but God can forgive sin when we are aware of our sin. If we are not willing to see our sin, then it’s impossible for God’s grace to enter in and heal us.</p><p>The true follower of Christ must deny himself and commit his whole life to God in truth, humility and obedience to His will. It is only in humble obedience that we can experience the peace of letting God lead us on the path that He has chosen for us. To be like Christ, we must not only profess our obedience and trust with our words but also with our actions.</p><p>God Bless,<br />Deacon Howard</p>Fr. Steve Hookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562307665951324970noreply@blogger.com