Dear Parishioners,
Before I start my note to you– let me thank Atlantic Maintenance Group for the work they did on our grounds. Mary’s Garden looks wonderful as does all the rest of our landscaping. These generous folks donated a whole day of work to beautifying our campus—and we want them to know how much we appreciate it! As I write this, I am excited about attending opening day for the Baltimore Orioles. It’s something I last did over 60 years ago. Hopefully the Orioles will win and take another series from the Yankees.
Baseball, a game I used to play and still enjoy watching, used to be our national pastime. Years ago when TV coverage was rather limited, we would listen to the radio to the voices of Bailey Goss or Chuck Thompson in the living room, kitchen, the porch, or sometimes the garage, especially if there was a refrigerator with cold beverages.
Alas, no longer is baseball our national pastime. It has been replaced by a movement called “rush to judgement.” You see it all the time. There was the charge against Duke’s lacrosse team several years ago; it turned out to be false. There were charges against Justice Kavenaugh, but there was no proof, only an accusation. Recently, there was the Covington Catholic High School and Native American interaction where a student and the school were pictured as insulting to Native Americans. Additional videos showed the student and the school to be innocent.
Where will it all end? Perhaps Jesus has some guidance for us. In the Gospel (John 8:1-11), the woman was guilty of adultery; she was caught in the act, and there was no way for her to deny her sin. The Pharisees had already judged her and wanted Jesus to do the same. However, our Lord was not so quick. The Pharisees had to ask him twice before he answered and put them in their place. While we humans rush to judgement, God takes his time; He is patient, kind, merciful, and “slow to anger.” Jesus does not, however, let the woman off the hook. While he does not condemn her, he tells her to sin no more. How relieved that woman must have felt. It’s the same relief I feel whenever I meet Jesus in the Sacrament of Penance. You can have the same experience, too, in the sacrament the next time you go. And you should go soon.
Fr. Carl
Rev. Stephen Hook is Pastor of the Pastorate of the Visitation which includes the Catholic Churches of Pasadena, Maryland: St. Jane Frances de Chantal (Riviera Beach) and Our Lady of the Chesapeake (Lakeshore). He is assisted by Associate Pastor Rev. John Belinki, Deacon Howard Klohr, and Deacon Rick Clemens. To learn more about our pastorate, please visit www.catholicpasadena.org.
Friday, April 5, 2019
Friday, March 29, 2019
Share Your Suffering
Dear Parishioners,
In the season of Lent, we are to give our lives over to penance, almsgiving and charity.
My wife just returned from visiting her ill sister, Laura, who is suffering from cancer. She spent some time sitting with her. According to Fr. Peter John Cameron who spoke at the recent Catholic Men’s Fellowship Conference, being present to suffering is the first step, and indeed a charitable step, in dealing with it. It is hard to sit with suffering for we feel so powerless, but it is most valuable for us and the person suffering. Second, we must share that suffering by not being silent about it. We should speak what many would like to hide or ignore. Not to seek pity but to acknowledge it, to put it into words. Finally, Father Cameron says we need to share the suffering with Christ which gives it meaning. This is the ultimate decision and perhaps the hardest.
We should give it over to Christ for he knows what suffering is about. He was incarnate and experienced the pain that resulted from the torment of his human flesh. He carried that pain and suffering and on the cross forgave his tormentors. His attitude perfects suffering and makes it meaningful. I am reminded how we watched as St. Pope John Paul II suffered to his death. He allowed us to bear witness to it. This Lent as we go about our Lenten rituals and devotions, let us pray for all who are suffering. Let us sit if we can with them and acknowledge their pain so that it may bring about greater meaning. Let us give it over to Christ who loves us and wishes to give us eternal life.
Happy Lent,
Deacon Steve
In the season of Lent, we are to give our lives over to penance, almsgiving and charity.
My wife just returned from visiting her ill sister, Laura, who is suffering from cancer. She spent some time sitting with her. According to Fr. Peter John Cameron who spoke at the recent Catholic Men’s Fellowship Conference, being present to suffering is the first step, and indeed a charitable step, in dealing with it. It is hard to sit with suffering for we feel so powerless, but it is most valuable for us and the person suffering. Second, we must share that suffering by not being silent about it. We should speak what many would like to hide or ignore. Not to seek pity but to acknowledge it, to put it into words. Finally, Father Cameron says we need to share the suffering with Christ which gives it meaning. This is the ultimate decision and perhaps the hardest.
We should give it over to Christ for he knows what suffering is about. He was incarnate and experienced the pain that resulted from the torment of his human flesh. He carried that pain and suffering and on the cross forgave his tormentors. His attitude perfects suffering and makes it meaningful. I am reminded how we watched as St. Pope John Paul II suffered to his death. He allowed us to bear witness to it. This Lent as we go about our Lenten rituals and devotions, let us pray for all who are suffering. Let us sit if we can with them and acknowledge their pain so that it may bring about greater meaning. Let us give it over to Christ who loves us and wishes to give us eternal life.
Happy Lent,
Deacon Steve
Friday, March 22, 2019
St. Patrick Bazaar… a Rousing Success!
Dear Parishioners,
If you missed the St. Patrick Bazaar held in our school Friday a week ago, you missed out on a great time. In the morning, the children joyfully participated in many games and won more than a few prizes as they indulged in cotton candy and popcorn. The afternoon and evening brought out our teens and adults as they socialized, fed on the excellent food from the kitchen, and enjoyed a glass or two in the adult beverage category. I even got involved in spinning the wheel at the “Fun in the Sun” booth.
As the afternoon turned to evening, Fr. Steve Hook, the pastor of Our Lady of the Chesapeake joined me for dinner and a tour of our activities. I think he was impressed, especially after he won a prize at the whiskey wheel—a prize he won’t be able to appreciate until Lent is ended. While it was gratifying to see young and old enjoying themselves and spending money to benefit the school, it was even more so to see our teachers, school staff, parents of current and former students, pitching in their talents in support.
Even more amazing was the clean-up effort afterwards. Volunteers started as soon as the bazaar ended. They worked late Friday evening and started early Saturday morning until finished. When I went in Sunday, I couldn’t believe that the bazaar had ever taken place. The floors were immaculate and the tables set up for lunch. Thanks, many thanks to all who worked so hard. It was a rousing success!
May God bless you all.
Fr. Carl
If you missed the St. Patrick Bazaar held in our school Friday a week ago, you missed out on a great time. In the morning, the children joyfully participated in many games and won more than a few prizes as they indulged in cotton candy and popcorn. The afternoon and evening brought out our teens and adults as they socialized, fed on the excellent food from the kitchen, and enjoyed a glass or two in the adult beverage category. I even got involved in spinning the wheel at the “Fun in the Sun” booth.
As the afternoon turned to evening, Fr. Steve Hook, the pastor of Our Lady of the Chesapeake joined me for dinner and a tour of our activities. I think he was impressed, especially after he won a prize at the whiskey wheel—a prize he won’t be able to appreciate until Lent is ended. While it was gratifying to see young and old enjoying themselves and spending money to benefit the school, it was even more so to see our teachers, school staff, parents of current and former students, pitching in their talents in support.
Even more amazing was the clean-up effort afterwards. Volunteers started as soon as the bazaar ended. They worked late Friday evening and started early Saturday morning until finished. When I went in Sunday, I couldn’t believe that the bazaar had ever taken place. The floors were immaculate and the tables set up for lunch. Thanks, many thanks to all who worked so hard. It was a rousing success!
May God bless you all.
Fr. Carl
Friday, March 15, 2019
Things To Give Up During Lent
Dear Parishioners,
A friend of ours sent this to my wife. I thought I would share it. We often look for things to give up during Lent. Here are some ideas that I think everyone can use to better themselves during this time of penance, almsgiving, and charity.
Do you want to fast this Lent?
Here are words of Pope Francis…
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with patience.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
Happy Lent!
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
A friend of ours sent this to my wife. I thought I would share it. We often look for things to give up during Lent. Here are some ideas that I think everyone can use to better themselves during this time of penance, almsgiving, and charity.
Do you want to fast this Lent?
Here are words of Pope Francis…
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with patience.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
Happy Lent!
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
Friday, March 8, 2019
Sacrificial Giving
Dear Parishioners,
Ritual offerings play a role in all the religions of the world. It has been that way from the beginning. However, for Israel it had a very different meaning. For Israel, it was a profession of faith of what God has done for God’s people (Dt 26:4-10; Rom 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13). Basically, offerings were an acknowledgment that everything we have, everything we are, is a gift from God. That was so different from the other religions. In them, offerings were a way of approaching a god or goddess to receive benefits which it alone kept in secret. In short, it was a contract for services to be provided at a later date or simply a bribe. In Israel, the meaning behind the offering is reversed; it is done as a sign or gesture of thanksgiving. It is an admission that everything comes from God, and without God we would have nothing. For Israel, it was away to remember and give thanks as the people gave back to God in sacrifice.
It should be that way for us as well. But all too often, we think of our financial offering to God at Mass as just one more obligation in a life full of obligations and bills. Actually, it’s an opportunity to show God—in a sacrificial way—our love and gratitude for all He has done in the past and will do in the future. After all, don’t we say at the Presentation and the Preparation of the Gifts: “Blessed are you Lord God of all creation for through your goodness we have received the bread/the wine we offer you…”?
Fr. Carl
Ritual offerings play a role in all the religions of the world. It has been that way from the beginning. However, for Israel it had a very different meaning. For Israel, it was a profession of faith of what God has done for God’s people (Dt 26:4-10; Rom 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13). Basically, offerings were an acknowledgment that everything we have, everything we are, is a gift from God. That was so different from the other religions. In them, offerings were a way of approaching a god or goddess to receive benefits which it alone kept in secret. In short, it was a contract for services to be provided at a later date or simply a bribe. In Israel, the meaning behind the offering is reversed; it is done as a sign or gesture of thanksgiving. It is an admission that everything comes from God, and without God we would have nothing. For Israel, it was away to remember and give thanks as the people gave back to God in sacrifice.
It should be that way for us as well. But all too often, we think of our financial offering to God at Mass as just one more obligation in a life full of obligations and bills. Actually, it’s an opportunity to show God—in a sacrificial way—our love and gratitude for all He has done in the past and will do in the future. After all, don’t we say at the Presentation and the Preparation of the Gifts: “Blessed are you Lord God of all creation for through your goodness we have received the bread/the wine we offer you…”?
Fr. Carl
Friday, March 1, 2019
Leading Others
Dear Parishioners,
“Do as I say and not as I do.”
Sometimes we hear people in leadership roles say this to those they are leading. It might be said by a parent to a child when the young person points out the inconsistency between the parent’s lifestyle and correction of the child’s behavior.
We know that kind of leadership and teaching doesn’t work. The best kind of leadership and teaching is by example. Jesus makes this point in this week’s Gospel when he says, “No disciple is superior to the teacher, but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” (Lk 6:39-45)
We have had the good fortune to have Jesus as our teacher. He has shown us the way—leading a life of humility, obedience, and prayer along with detachment from power, pleasure, money, and material possessions. May God give us the grace to be good disciples so that we can lead others to Jesus.
Fr. Carl
“Do as I say and not as I do.”
Sometimes we hear people in leadership roles say this to those they are leading. It might be said by a parent to a child when the young person points out the inconsistency between the parent’s lifestyle and correction of the child’s behavior.
We know that kind of leadership and teaching doesn’t work. The best kind of leadership and teaching is by example. Jesus makes this point in this week’s Gospel when he says, “No disciple is superior to the teacher, but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” (Lk 6:39-45)
We have had the good fortune to have Jesus as our teacher. He has shown us the way—leading a life of humility, obedience, and prayer along with detachment from power, pleasure, money, and material possessions. May God give us the grace to be good disciples so that we can lead others to Jesus.
Fr. Carl
Friday, February 22, 2019
Courageous and Authentic Shepherds
Dear Parishioners,
I received a letter from St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana recently. This is the Benedictine monastery that is home to about 80 monks, priests, and brothers that organizes and administers the Permanent Deacon formation program from which I was ordained in 2012.
I expected that the letter would be a request for money. But it was a quite different letter. It was from Fr. Dennis Robinson, the colorful rector of the seminary. The letter acknowledges that the Church, “has been bruised by the sinful and abhorrent actions of men we trusted to lead us to Jesus Christ.” (It is a sign of this sad state that Cardinal McCarrick was recently defrocked and is no longer a priest.) He goes on to assure those served by the Archabbey that the next generation of priests, permanent deacons, and lay ministers will be “courageous and authentic shepherds” of the Church. It continues that the people of God deserve ministers of prayer, who are intelligent and willing to “pour out their lives at the altar of this world’s challenges.” He is filled with hope at the men and women who go through St. Meinrad proclaiming God’s reign, justice, and kingdom through their talent and courage. Finally, he notes that “if I have to drop dead doing it” priests, deacons and lay ministers will serve the Church well, provide the ministry it deserves, and represent the Church without compromise.
Let us all work through this crisis in the Church not by abandoning it, but with resolve, hope, and courage. This Church, the bride of Christ, the home of the people of God will not be so easily stopped. It has faced many significant challenges over the years. The Holy Spirit and the strong will of all of us who love the Church will persist.
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
I received a letter from St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana recently. This is the Benedictine monastery that is home to about 80 monks, priests, and brothers that organizes and administers the Permanent Deacon formation program from which I was ordained in 2012.
I expected that the letter would be a request for money. But it was a quite different letter. It was from Fr. Dennis Robinson, the colorful rector of the seminary. The letter acknowledges that the Church, “has been bruised by the sinful and abhorrent actions of men we trusted to lead us to Jesus Christ.” (It is a sign of this sad state that Cardinal McCarrick was recently defrocked and is no longer a priest.) He goes on to assure those served by the Archabbey that the next generation of priests, permanent deacons, and lay ministers will be “courageous and authentic shepherds” of the Church. It continues that the people of God deserve ministers of prayer, who are intelligent and willing to “pour out their lives at the altar of this world’s challenges.” He is filled with hope at the men and women who go through St. Meinrad proclaiming God’s reign, justice, and kingdom through their talent and courage. Finally, he notes that “if I have to drop dead doing it” priests, deacons and lay ministers will serve the Church well, provide the ministry it deserves, and represent the Church without compromise.
Let us all work through this crisis in the Church not by abandoning it, but with resolve, hope, and courage. This Church, the bride of Christ, the home of the people of God will not be so easily stopped. It has faced many significant challenges over the years. The Holy Spirit and the strong will of all of us who love the Church will persist.
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
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