How Do You Give Back To God?

Dear Friends of our Pastorate,

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 (Mt 22:15-21). 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.

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.

Our Pastorate Mission Team 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 Light Brightly Visible 2.0. 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!

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!

God Bless,
Father Steve

Are You Flourishing Or Being Humiliated?

Are you flourishing? …or being humiliated? In today’s 2nd reading (Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20), 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” (Philippians 2:7). 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.

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).

“But what if people say ‘no’ to my invitations?” 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 (Matthew 22:1-14): 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.” (Galatians 6:9).

Good fishing!
Father Jim

The Stone That The Builders Rejected

Dear Friends of St. Jane Frances and OLC,

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 (Mt 21:33-43). 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.

As Archbishop Lori announced 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.

In this weekend’s bulletin, 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.

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.

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!

God Bless,
Father Steve

Obedience Leads The Way

Brothers and Sisters,

The readings this week 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.

The meaning of the parable in the Gospel reading this week is crystal clear (Mt 21:28-32). 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.

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.

God Bless,
Deacon Howard

Become Equipped!

Dear Friends of St. Jane Frances and Our Lady of the Chesapeake,

This weekend, we celebrate the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our Gospel is the parable of the generous landowner, who hires workers throughout the day to work in his vineyard (Mt 20:1-16a). At the end of the day, the ones who were hired first thought they would receive more money than those who were hired later in the day, but all received the same amount. This is an image of God’s Kingdom, and the rewards of eternal life in the kingdom offered to all – no matter when they turn to the Lord. It is the Lord’s desire and the Church’s prayer that all people be saved, no matter when they come to know Jesus. May we continue our efforts to evangelize our community and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all people.

To that end, we are in the final week of introducing our Pastorate’s major evangelization effort, called “3 in 1.” This weekend, we are asking all of our parishioners to make a commitment to invite 3 people over the next year to join us for Mass, pastorate activities, bible study groups, or to share your faith with them in some other way. It is all in the invitation—they do not need to say “yes.” What is important is that you extend the invitation to them—plant the seed—then let the Holy Spirit take it from there. If you would like help in figuring out how to do this, join Fr. Jim’s “Become Equipped” workshop on either October 9th at 7pm at OLC or Oct 14th at 10am at SJF.

Next weekend, our pastorate will begin offering a monthly marriage anniversary blessing at the Sunday Mass. If you were married in the month of October, be sure to join us at the 8:30am Mass at OLC or the 10:00am Mass at SJF for the marriage blessing.

Our Pastorate is also joining in the National Eucharistic Revival initiative by offering a Holy Hour (Eucharistic Adoration) on the Sundays following 1st Fridays. The Holy Hour will begin at the end of the first Sunday Mass at both parishes and last for one hour. The first event will be held on Sunday, Oct 8th following the 8:00am Mass at SJF and the 8:30am Mass at OLC. Please plan to join us and spend time in prayer and adoration before the Eucharistic presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

There are numerous activities and events coming up in the next few weeks. All of these will be great opportunities for you to invite someone to join us at our pastorate (and fulfill your “3 in 1” commitments). Be sure to check the bulletin or our websites for more information so that you can mark your calendars—and invite your friends!

Thank you for keeping our Pastorate in your daily prayers!

God Bless,
Father Steve

3 IN 1 Is Here!

Dear Friends,

Jesus entrusted His Church with the Great Commission:
“Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt 28:19)

This month, our Pastorate is launching a major evangelization initiative that can change your life and many others. Called “3 in 1” in honor of the Trinity, it stands for “3 people in 1 year”: a challenge to you and me to evangelize by personally inviting 3 people in 1 year to Mass or a pastorate or ministry event, or to share your faith with them, or to reach out and do something—anything—that you weren’t doing before.

For three weeks in September, prior to the start of Mass, we’re hearing from a variety of parishioners whose lives were forever changed merely because someone they knew cared enough about them to personally invite them to something (Mass, Bible study, etc.) that set in course a series of events that had a profound impact on their lives and, consequently, those they love…FOREVER.

3 in 1 is NOT a “ministry” with regular required meetings. It’s nothing else to add to your busy schedule. It’s a commitment to change the world as an everyday part of your life… to get used to regularly personally inviting people to encounter Jesus in the life of the Church. It’s evangelization as a way of life.

If you’re thinking, “I’m not involved with anything at the parish that I can invite people to,” 3 in 1 is for you. Notice that our bulletins/flocknotes are FILLED with many spiritual and social events and ministry opportunities for you to participate in. Now is the time to step forward in your life of faith. If no one personally invites you, invite yourself! And personally invite someone to come with you.

If you’re thinking, “I’m already involved in parish life,” 3 in 1 is for you! Don’t merely come by yourself to your ministry gatherings or pastorate events—invite someone to join you.

Please pray and consider making a commitment next weekend, September 23 and 24 at Mass, to personally invite 3 people in 1 year to Mass or a pastorate event, or to share your faith with them, or something else. With prayer and the grace of God, you can literally change the future of the world, most importantly for those you love and care about.

How can I do this? Through personal prayer and grace. The Holy Spirit will help you discern and reach out to people.

You’re invited to an optional 3 in 1 Kickoff & Workshop (Oct. 9 and Oct. 14) to help equip yourself and become more comfortable with inviting people, even if you’re shy. See elsewhere in the bulletin for details.

The power of personal invitation… Jesus used it, and He changed the world through it. He wants you to, also. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” (Matthew 9:37). Be a laborer!

Peace in Christ,
Father Jim

From the Desk of Director of Family Faith Formation

Dear Parishioners,

As we step into this brand-new chapter of the calendar, we are filled with excitement for the start of the many ministries and programs that will take place this calendar year. The season of Fall reminds me of all of the gifts that I am grateful for and all that God has blessed me and my family with.

Today, our Faith Formation program began, and we welcomed our families back and the kids back in the classrooms. The start of a new school year is not just a time for fresh starts; it’s an opportunity to deepen our connection with faith, knowledge, and each other.

Next Monday, is the beginning of new opportunities for adults in our Pastorate. We will begin RCIA, Walking with Purpose, The Chosen Bible Study, Going Deeper, and then shortly after that Into the Breach will begin. Wow! All great opportunities for Adult Faith formation.

Each first Sunday of every month, parents in the Religious Education program are asked to attend a session with a guest speaker each month. On those Sundays, there is a different presenter as well as a different topic. This time, not only allows us as busy adults time to take time for ourselves but it allows us to focus on your relationship with God and grow more along our spiritual journey.

This year, I would like to personally invite parishioners on the 1st Sunday of the month to join us in the hall from 8:45-9:30am. While the children are in classes, please consider joining us! Here are a few of the topics and speakers that will be presenting in the coming months.

• September: Fr. Jim, Topic, Evangelization
• October: Joanne Calhoon, “Celebrating the Ordinary” with St. Therese
• November: Brother Nick Romero, “The Eucharist”
• December: Joanne Calhoon, “She Made Space” reflecting on Mary during Advent

May our faith continue to deepen as we journey together through the fall months, growing in love and understanding.

Blessings,
Melissa