SUNDAY 1st OF ADVENT, year B (Readings)

Isaiah 63:16b-17,19b;64:2b-7
Psalm 80: “Lord, make us turn to you; 
let us see your face and we shall be saved.”
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:33-37


Isaiah 63:16b-17,19b;64:2b-7

Were Abraham not to know us, nor Israel to acknowledge us, You, Lord, are our father, our redeemer you are named forever. Why do you let us wander, O Lord, from your ways, and harden our hearts so that we fear you not? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your heritage. Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, with the mountains quaking before you, While you wrought awesome deeds we could not hope for, such as they had not heard of from of old. No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you doing such deeds for those who wait for him. Would that you might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of you in our ways! Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful; all of us have become like unclean men, all our good deeds are like polluted rags; We have all withered like leaves, and our guilt carries us away like the wind. There is none who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to cling to you; For you have hidden your face from us and have delivered us up to our guilt. Yet, O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.

Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
R. Lord, make us turn to you; 
let us see your face and we shall be saved.

O shepherd of Israel, hearken,
from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power,
and come to save us.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; 
let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Once again, O Lord of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; 
let us see your face and we shall be saved.

May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; 
let us see your face and we shall be saved.

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Brothers and sisters: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Mark 13:33-37

Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'"

PRAYER: Silence of Mary

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
you who treasured things
and pondered them carefully in your heart,
teach us that deep, interior silence
which enfolded you throughout your lifetime

the silence of the Annunciation, of faith, mission and obedience;
the silence of the Visitation, of humility, service and praise;
the silence of Bethlehem, of birth, incarnation and wonder;
the silence of the flight into Egypt, of perseverance, hope and trust;
the silence of Nazareth, of simplicity, intimacy and communion;
the silence of Mt. Calvary, of courage, death and abandonment;
the silence of Easter, of resurrection, jubilation and glory;
the silence of Ascension, of fulfillment, transformation and new creation;
the silence of Pentecost, of peace, power and love.

Mary, in your wisdom, teach us that silence
which enables us to listen to the small, still voice of our God;
which compels us to worship Him alone in spirit and in truth;
which empowers us to acknowledge our nothingness and exult confidently in our Savior;
which frees us to lose ourselves in unceasing adoration of the God who is Infinite Love.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us now and always,
that we may enter into that silence of yours
which unites us to Jesus, your Son,
in he mistery of His silence before the Father of mercies.

Amen.

THE ANGELUS

The Angelus derives its name from the first word of the Latin version of the prayer Angelus Domini nuntiavit Maria, "The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary." Each response is followed by reciting the Hail Mary. Traditionally the Angelus is prayed three times a day, at 6:00 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., to honor the incarnation of Jesus. 

- The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
- And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary...

- Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
- May it be done unto me according to your word.
Hail Mary...

- And the Word became flesh.
- And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...

- Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
- That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of the angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection. Through the same Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

HAIL, HOLY QUEEN

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To you we cry, the children of Eve;
to you we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this land of exile.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us;
lead us home at last
and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus:
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

THE APOSTLES´ CREED

I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

At the words that follow, up to and including
“the Virgin Mary”, all bow

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand
of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of Saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.

HOW TO PRAY THE ROSARY

1. Pray the Sign of the Cross and the Apostles´ Creed
2. Pray the Lord´s Prayer
3. Pray three Hail Marys
4. Pray the Glory Be.
5. Say the first mystery; then pray the Lord´s Prayer
6. Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the mystery.
7. Pray the Glory Be
8. Say the second mystery; then pray the Lord´s Prayer

Repeat 6 and 7 and continue with the third, fourth, and fifth mysteries of the day in the same manner.

9. Pray the Hail, Holy Queen

THE MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY
– The Joyful Mysteries
(Pray on Mondays and Saturdays)

The Annuntiation
The Visitation
The Nativity
The Presentation in the Temple
The Finding in the Temple

– The Luminous Mysteries
(Pray on Thursdays)

The Baptism of Jesus
The Wedding at Cana
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
The Transfiguration
The Institution of the Eucharist

– The Sorrowful Mysteries
(Pray on Tuesdays and Fridays)

The Agony in the Garden
The Scourging at the Pillar
The Crowning with Thorns
The Carrying of the Cross
The Crucifixion and Death

– The Glorious Mysteries
(Pray on Wednesdays and Sundays)

The Resurrection
The Ascension
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
The Assumption of Mary
The Coronation of Many in Heaven

Source: Prayers for Our Catholic Family
Our Sunday Visitor

CAMINOS DE FE (2014-2015) Northwest Deanery School of Ministry, Archdiocese of Santa Fe (NM, USA)

YOU are invited to participate in a pilgrimage of faith and growth in following Jesus Christ. As a person involved in ministry or interested in being more involved in your parish life, you will join others from parishes in the Northwest Deanery to JOURNEY AS ONE toward our baptismal call to be followers of Christ and ministers of his Church to all God's people.

The goal of the CAMINOS DE FE program is to help form Catholics who are:

+ well-grounded in the Gospel
+ Familiar with contemporary theology in the Catholic Tradition
+ Able to enter into mature relationships with God, others and cultures of the world in which we live
+ Able to make what they learn part of their own lives and ministries
+ Skilled, both in education and attitude, for effective ministry.

CAMINOS DE FE is designed to provide an opportunity for further development of the spiritual and educational foundations that are essential for a committed life of faith and effective ministry. The courses increase one's understanding of the Catholic faith; create an expression of a community of faith through prayer and learning; and teach skills to be utilized in serving others through a variety of ministries.

The program is open to all adult Catholics who desire to increase their knowledge and practice of the faith and are willing to commit themselves to the goals of the program.

The sessions are held on Saturdays, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm and meet in various parishes throughout the deanery. The program is largely funded by the parishes of the deanery and subsidized by the Archdiocesan Annual Catholic Appeal. The participation cost per Saturday is $5.

Additional information may be obtained from your parish Pastor, Catechetical Leader, Office Staff or by contacting the program coordinator Joanne Dupont Sandoval, P.O. Box 429, Truchas, NM 87578; 505-689-2404; jdsand@windstream.net. Fuller descriptions of the sessions can also be requested from Dr. Sandoval.

SATURDAYS FROM 8:30 AM TO 3:00 PM

Sept. 20, 2014: Retreat: Being a Person of Prayer.
                        Mary Ann Holland, MA
                        Our Lady of Guadalupe, Velarde

Oct. 11, 2014: Skills: Reflective Listening
                         Patricia McIntire, MTh
                         Our Lady of Guadalupe, Taos

Nov. 8, 2014: Scripture: Catholic Approaches to Scripture
                        Sr. Paula Gallagher, IHM
                        Taos Pueblo, CMS Building

Nov. 22, 2014: Hebrew Scriptures, Old Testament
                         Sr. Paula Gallagher, IHM
                         Holy Family, Chimayo

Dec. 13, 2015: Christian Scriptures: New Testament
                         Sr. Paula Gallagher, IHM
                         Santa Cruz de la Cañada, Santa Cruz

Jan. 10, 2015: Skills: Understanding Self and Others
                         Mary Ann Holland
                         St. John the Baptist, Okay Owingeh

Jan. 31, 2015: Church History: 1st to 6th Centuries
                        Presenter TBA
                        Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Pojoaque

Feb. 14, 2015: Church History: 600 through Reformation
                        Presenter TBA
                        Sacred Heart, Española

Mar. 14, 2015: Church History: Post-Reformation On
                         Kathleen Holscher, PhD
                         San Antonio, Peñasco

April 11, 2015: Skills: Collaboration, Leading Groups

                          Michelle Montez, MTh
                          St. Francis of Assisi - Rachos de Taos

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (some questions and answers)

Must a person be dying to receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick?

The anointing of the sick may be administered to the faithful who have the use of reason and whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age. (Can.1004 & Rite of Anointing 4)

Some examples would be: when serious illness is the reason for surgery; the elderly who have become noticeable weakened; sick children who have the use of reason.

Church law indicates that if there is doubt whether the person has the use of reason, is seriously sick or is dead, then the sacrament may be administered (Canon 1005; Rite of Anointing 8, 10,12)

May a person who is dead be anointed?

If the person is already dead, the priest does not administer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. Instead he prays the prayers of the dead for that person. These prayers ask God’s forgiveness of his/her sins and that God receive him/her into the kingdom of heaven (Rite of Anointing, 15)

May a deacon or lay person anoint with the Oil of Sick?

The Oil of the sick is used only in the anointing associated with the sacrament of the anointing of the sick and only a priest may validly administer this sacrament. For this reason, deacons, communion ministers to the sick or others who come to pray with the sick are advised not to use any type of oil to anoint one who is ill so as not to give the impression of celebrating the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.

Sources: Rite of Anointing, Canon Law.

28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, year A (readings)

Isaiah 25:6-10a
Psalm 23: I shall live in the house of the Lord 
all the days of my life
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Matthew 22:1-14 or 22:1-10 

Isaiah 25:6-10a

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from every face; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the Lord has spoken. On that day it will be said: "Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the Lord for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!" For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain.

Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord 
all the days of my life

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord 
all the days of my life

He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord 
all the days of my life

You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord 
all the days of my life

Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord 
all the days of my life 

Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20

Brothers and sisters: I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. The king said to him, 'My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen."

29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, year A (readings)

Isaiah 45:1,4-6
Psalm 96: Give the Lord glory and honor
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b
Matthew 22:15-21

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

Thus says the Lord to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp, subduing nations before him, and making kings run in his service, opening doors before him and leaving the gates unbarred: For the sake of Jacob, my servant, of Israel, my chosen one, I have called you by your name, giving you a title, though you knew me not. I am the Lord and there is no other, there is no God besides me. It is I who arm you, though you know me not, so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun people may know that there is none besides me. I am the Lord, there is no other.

Psalm 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10
R. Give the Lord glory and honor

Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all you lands.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R. Give the Lord glory and honor

For great is the Lord and highly to be praised;
awesome is he, beyond all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are things of nought,
but the Lord made the heavens.
R. Give the Lord glory and honor

Give to the Lord, you families of nations,
give to the Lord glory and praise;
give to the Lord the glory due his name!
Bring gifts, and enter his courts.
R. Give the Lord glory and honor

Worship the Lord, in holy attire;
tremble before him, all the earth;
say among the nations: The Lord is king,
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. Give the Lord glory and honor

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen. For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.

Matthew 22:15-21

The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?"  They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

Life in the Spirit Seminar

27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, year A (readings)

Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80: The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel
Philippians 4:6-9
Matthew 21:33-43

Isaiah 5:1-7

Let me now sing of my friend, my friend's song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside; he spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes. Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard: What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? Now, I will let you know what I mean to do with my vineyard: take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled! Yes, I will make it a ruin: it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it. The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his cherished plant; he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! for justice, but hark, the outcry!

Psalm 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel

A vine from Egypt you transplanted;
you drove away the nations and planted it.
It put forth its foliage to the Sea,
its shoots as far as the River.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel

Why have you broken down its walls,
so that every passer-by plucks its fruit,
The boar from the forest lays it waste,
and the beasts of the field feed upon it?
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel

Once again, O Lord of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel

Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
O Lord, God of hosts, restore us;
if your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel

Philippians 4:6-9

Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Matthew 21:33-43

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: "Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?" They answered him, "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times." Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit."

EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS (Feast), Year A-B-C (Readings)

Numbers 21:4b-9
Psalm 78 “Do not forget the works of the Lord”
Philippians 2:6-11
John 3:13-17


Numbers 21:4b-9

With their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!” In punishment the Lord sent among the people saraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned in complaining against the Lord and you. Pray the Lord to take the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people, and the Lord said to Moses, “Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if any who have been bitten look at it, they will live.” Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

Psalm 78: Do not forget the works of the Lord!

Hearken, my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable,
I will utter mysteries from of old.
R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!

While he slew them they sought him
and inquired after God again,
Remembering that God was their rock
and the Most High God, their redeemer.
R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!

But they flattered him with their mouths
and lied to him with their tongues,
Though their hearts were not steadfast toward him,
nor were they faithful to his covenant.
R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!

But he, being merciful, forgave their sin
and destroyed them not;
Often he turned back his anger
and let none of his wrath be roused.
R. Do not forget the works of the Lord! 

Philipians 2:6-11

Brothers and sisters: Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

John 3:13-17

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” 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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, year A (Readings)

23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, year A
Ezekiel 33:7-9
Psalm 95:”If today you hear his voice,
harden not your heart”
Romans 13:8-10
Matthew 18:15-20

Ezekiel 33:7-9

Thus says the Lord: You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me. If I tell the wicked, “O wicked one, you shall surely die, ” and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death. But if you warn the wicked, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.

Responsorial 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
R. If today you hear his voice, 
harden not your hearts

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord;
let us acclaim the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.
R. If today you hear his voice, 
harden not your hearts

Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the Lord who made us.
For he is our God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.
R. If today you hear his voice, 
harden not your hearts

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the desert,
Where your fathers tempted me;
they tested me though they had seen my works.”
R. If today you hear his voice, 
harden not your hearts

Romans 13:8-10

Brothers and sisters: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet, ” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, year A (Readings)

Jeremiah 20:7-9
Psalm 63 “My Soul is thirsting for you, 
O Lord my God”
Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 16:21-27

Jeremiah 20:7-9

You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you triumphed. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; the word of the Lord has brought me derision and reproach all the day. I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.

Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God

O God, you are my God whom I seek;
for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts
like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God

Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary
to see your power and your glory,
For your kindness is a greater good than life;
my lips shall glorify you.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God

Thus will I bless you while I live;
lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.
As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,
and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God

You are my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you;
your right hand upholds me.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God

Romans 12:1-2

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

Matthew 16:21-27

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.”

2014-2015 Confirmation Program

Classes start immediately after the Sunday 10:00 a.m.
and end at 12:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER
Wed. 10,      Orientation for parents, sponsors and candidates
Sunday 21,   Class
Sunday 28,   Class + Mass participation

OCTOBER
Sunday 5,     Class
Sunday 12,   No Class (holiday Monday - Columbus Day)
Sat. 18,         Life in the Spirit for parents and sponsors
Sunday 19,   Class
Sunday 26,   Class + Mass participation

NOVEMBER
Sunday 2,      Class
Sunday 9,      No Class
Sunday 16,    Class
Sat. 22          Volunteers opportunity
Sunday 23,    Class
Thursday 27, Thanksgiving
Sunday 30,    Mass participation
                     No Class

DECEMBER
Sat. 6,         Advent retreat (candidates, parents, sponsors)
Sunday 7,    No Class (due to retreat)
Sunday 14,  Class
Sunday 21,  Class
Wed. 24,     Christmas Eve Mass
Sunday 28,  Feast of the Holy Family
                   Mass participation
                   No class

JANUARY
Sunday 4,     Class
Sunday 11,   Class
Sunday 18,   No Class (holiday Monday)
Sunday 25,   Class + Mass participation

FEBRUARY
Sunday 1,     Class
Sunday 8,     Class
Sunday 15,   No class (holiday Monday)
Wed. 18,      Ash Wednesday
Fri. 20,         Stations of the Cross + Mass
Sunday 22,   Class + Mass participation
Lenten Mission
Tentatively February 21-24 (Mon to Thurs)
Frid. 27,       Stations of the Cross + Mass

MARCH
Sunday 1,     Class
Frid. 6,         Stations of the Cross + Mass
Sunday 8,     Class
Frid. 13,       Stations of the Cross + Mass
Sunday 15,   Class
Frid. 20,       Stations of the Cross + Mass
Sunday 22,   Class
Retreat 3/27 to 3/29: candidates from all the
parishes of the valley meet at Holy Cross
Sunday 29,   Class

APRIL
Thurs. 2,      Holy Thursday Mass
                    Prayer service at Santuario de Chimayo
Frid. 3,         Good Friday Service
                    Prayer service at Santuario de Chimayo
Sat. 4,          Vigil Mass
Sunday 5,     Easter Sunday Mass
                    No Class
Sunday 12,   Class
Sunday 19,   Class
Sunday 26,   Class + Mass participation

MAY
Frid. 1,         Sacrament of Reconciliation

SUNDAY 21st IN ORDINARY TIME, year A (Readings)

Isaiah 22:19-23
Psalm 138 “Lord, your love is eternal, 
do not forsake the work of your hands.”
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20


Isaiah 22:19-23

Thus says the Lord to Shebna, master of the palace: “I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station. On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah; I will clothe him with your robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut when he shuts, no one shall open. I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his family.”

Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8
R. Lord, your love is eternal; 
do not forsake the work of your hands.

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple.
R. Lord, your love is eternal; 
do not forsake the work of your hands.

I will give thanks to your name,
because of your kindness and your truth:
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. Lord, your love is eternal; 
do not forsake the work of your hands.

The Lord is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,
and the proud he knows from afar.
Your kindness, O Lord, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.
R. Lord, your love is eternal; 
do not forsake the work of your hands.

Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? Or who has given the Lord anything that he may be repaid? For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Matthew 16:13-20

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

20th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, year A (readings)

Isaiah 56:1,6-7
Psalm 67 “O God, let all the nations praise!”
Romans 11:13-15, 29-32
Matthew 15:21-28

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7

Thus says the Lord: Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed. The foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, ministering to him, loving the name of the Lord, and becoming his servants— all who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, them I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

Responsorial Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

Brothers and sisters: I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I glory in my ministry in order to make my race jealous and thus save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.

Matthew 15:21-28

At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.

How does the Church Respond to Suicide?, by Shaun MCafee

The news of Robin Williams’ death is heartbreaking, as is any news of the death of one of our heroes. Just as was the news of mega-church pastor Rick Warren’s son’s suicide.

I can understand Williams and I feel pity and sorrow for those souls. I really can and do. Between the time I was 14-17 I tried on three separate occasions to kill myself. All three times I couldn’t even overdose correctly.

That, or my guardian angel was purifying the poison I had consumed inside my body. That was an awful time of my life; I hated who I was, what I was addicted to, and certainly believed I had no reason to live and didn’t want to.

The problem with depression is that many of those who have it don’t know it, ignore it, or play it down. I’ve always been the funny guy.  I’ve always been the “life” of any social situation, but on the inside, for years, I was hurting. To be honest, I can’t give credit to anything other than God for having dragged me out of that burning building I was trapped inside. Nothing can surpass the understanding of the grace of God.

But on the subject of suicide we acknowledge the crime of taking ones own life. It’s the direct rejection of what God has created us for, a violation of the 5th commandment, but is it always a mortal and grave circumstance?

For those who haven’t familiarized themselves with it, the Cure of Ars is the book that contains the incredible works of St. John Vianney. This book played a brilliant part in my own conversion to the Church. You have to know that John had several mystical gifts. You name it, he likely had it.

One in particular that stopped me cold in my conversion process was his ability to know details of confessors when hearing confessions. I didn’t believe in confession at the time but there was an amazing story about Vianney I was stupefied by.

In it, there is a woman who told St. John Vianney that she was devastated because her husband had committed suicide. She wanted to approach the great priest but his line often lasted for hours and she could not reach him. She was ready to give up and in a moment of mystical insight that only a great saint can receive, John Vianney exclaimed through the crowd, “He is saved!” The woman was incredulous so the saint repeated, stressing each word, “I tell you he is saved. He is in Purgatory, and you must pray for him. Between the parapet of the bridge and the water he had time to make an act of contrition.”

This story is powerful. First of all, we can never understand and know the hearts and actions of others to the degree that God does. Second, and this is really first, we will never and can never understand the mercy and peace of God.

This all speaks just as well to the need for the confessional in the modern world. Society preaches that we are all fine but we spend millions on self-help books and services. The psychologist’s couch has replaced the confessional bench and curtain, and we wonder why western society is hurting, suicide rates are up, and people feel more judged and jailed than ever. When we do approach God in confession we approach the embassy of God’s Kingdom. There, we are not on earthly soil, but are in a place that God has reserved for us to heal and recover from our pain and suffering. The problem is, we don’t always think we are suffering. We get used to the pain. We need to know and remind ourselves that the door to healing and conversion is always open; the light is always on.

The Catechism says:

2282 – “…Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.”

2283- “We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.”

Suicide is a product of such a deep pain and torment that nobody can understand it. From the Church, you won’t find anything in that teaching about going to hell for the act. How should we respond to suicide then?  With pity, and prayers. So long as we do this, we have hope and give others who are on the same road a hope to talk to someone.

St. Paul was certainly convinced.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39).

Source: shaunmcafee.com

Actor Robin Williams' death reignites questions about suicide, by Tom Tracy

After 35 years of providing counseling and a Catholic outreach to families with a loved one who died by suicide, Father Charles Rubey has consulted on more than his share of the resulting funerals or wakes.

The priest is the founder and director of a Chicago-based ministry called Compassionate Friends, which later evolved into Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide, or LOSS, an entity of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

He still bristles when he occasionally hears misinformation or outdated notions concerning suicide and church teaching.

"The church's official teaching in the catechism still lists suicide as a sin but they do add that in most instances there are extenuating circumstances that could severely impair culpability," said Father Rubey told Catholic News Service in a phone interview.

Twice recently he heard of someone suggesting to surviving families members that their loved one would be automatically deprived of eternal life as a result of completing suicide.

The incidents prompted the priest to draft an advisory memorandum for best practices in dealing with and discussing suicide situations in local parishes, and how best to minister to families already feeling the stigma of suicide and the mental illness that often attended the deceased.

"The church's standing is to be pastoral to the survivors: They feel stigmatized anyway ... and so we shouldn't do anything more because it is a suicide, nor should we do anything less because it's a suicide," Father Rubey said. "We do the normal rites and burial, not treating the situation any differently."

The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that suicide "is seriously contrary to justice, hope, and charity. It is forbidden by the Fifth Commandment (and) contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. ... Suicide is contrary to love for the living God."

What the church no longer teaches is that suicide automatically condemns the deceased to damnation, while denying family members access to a Catholic funeral and burial privileges for their loved one.

The catechism notes that "grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide. We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives."

"By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The church prays for persons who have taken their own lives," it states.

The Aug. 11 death of actor-comedian and Chicago native Robin Williams has reignited questions about suicide, now the 10th leading cause of death in America. It is thought to often be accompanied by factors such as mental or other illnesses, substance abuse, the pain of social disconnect and other underlying problems.

Father Rubey, whose LOSS program has counseled thousands of family members of the years, said he is saddened but understanding at hearing of William's apparent suicide and that he hopes people don't think less of the actor as a result.

Williams, who was reportedly found dead by asphyxiation in his California home, was suffering from longtime bouts of depression and a history of substance abuse about which he spoke publicly and often with humor.

"Does it make sense to me? No, but I understand that he battled with this all his life and he got tired of the pain. I feel badly for the wife, and all of his fans," Father Rubey said. "He died of an illness and that is the important part of it, just as a person might die from a car accident or from a cancer. But with mental illness they look like everyone else (on the outside) and it may not be apparent."

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Bill Schmitz Jr., board president of the American Association of Suicidology, a Washington-based research and prevention nonprofit organization, said he grew up in Boulder, Colorado, not far from the house used in William's "Mork & Mindy" TV sitcom, which aired in the late 1970s.

Fans were flocking to the house in the days following the actor's death to pay their respects.

"My heart goes out to his family," said Schmitz, a clinical psychologist with the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System. "This touches all of the entertainment industry, just as it can an entire church congregation (in other cases). I think Williams was really trying to find answers, and I would have loved the opportunity to sit with him."

Schmitz told CNS that faith communities can and do play an important role in offering support groups and local networks for surviving family members. Churches can be part of the social cohesion that keeps people from completing suicide in the first place.

"For a lot of people faith is a buffer and protector against suicide -- one of the key components I look at is a sense of belongingness and a sense of community, and church communities are a powerful buffer against suicide because they fill that need so well," he said.

"Spiritual, physical and mental health are all interrelated and interdependent. A sense of belonging is more than just saying, 'I attend services.' It is really about that connection."

Where there has been a suicide, Father Rubey urged survivors not to make it "the family secret," and instead talk about it rationally just with any other tragedy -- especially if there is a history of occurrence of suicide in a given family.

"Children have a right to know what is in their genes and it is part of the family history. It can be a very healthy learning experience: that this is not how you handle life's problems," the priest said.

When loved ones ask him the inevitable question: is my loved one in heaven? "That's a common question people have. My response is always: 'Sure they are.'"

Source: Catholic News Service

19th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, year A (Readings)

1Kings 19:9a, 11-13a
Psalm 85 “Lord, let us see your kindness, 
and grant us your salvation.”
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:22-33

1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a

At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter. Then the Lord said to him, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord—but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake—but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire— but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Responsorial Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, 
and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God proclaims;
the Lord — for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, 
and grant us your salvation.

Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, 
and grant us your salvation.

The Lord himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his steps.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, 
and grant us your salvation.

Romans 9:1-5

Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Matthew 14:22-33

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.”  Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

Boring Mass? By Cardinal Timothy Dolan

“Mass is so boring!”

How often have you parents heard that from your kids on Sunday morning?  How often have our teachers and catechists heard it as they prepare our children for Mass?  And, let’s admit it, how often have we said it to ourselves?

What do we say to that unfortunate and almost sacrilegious statement?

Well, for one, we simply reply, No, it’s not!  You may find the Mass boring, but, that’s more your problem than the fault of the Mass.

We may find a lot of very important activities in life “boring”: visits to the dentist can be that way; kidney patients tell me dialysis three times a week is hardly a thrill; voting is no barrel of laughs.  But, all three of them are very significant to our wellbeing, and their value hardly depends on us being ecstatic while doing them. The Mass is even more important for the health of our soul than those examples.

Boredom is our problem, and social commentators tell us we today, so used to thirty-second sound bites, or flipping the channel when we yawn at a program, are susceptible to it.

Thank God, a person’s or an event’s value does not depend on its tendency to sometimes “bore” us.  People and significant events exist not to thrill us, unless we are the most narcissistic and spoiled of brats!

This is especially true of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  We believe that every Mass is the renewal of the most important, critical event that ever occurred: the eternal, infinite sacrifice of praise of God the Son, Jesus, to God the Father, on a cross on Calvary on a Friday called “good.”

Come to think of it, the Roman soldiers were “bored” there, too, as they mocked Jesus and rolled dice for his tunic, the only property He had.

Two, we hardly go to Mass to be entertained, but to pray.  If the flowers on the altar are pretty; if the music is good; if the air conditioning is working; if the sermon is short and meaningful; if the folks are friendly . . . all that sure helps.

But, the Mass works even when all of the above may be missing – - and, sadly, they often are!

Because, the Mass is not about us, but about God. And the value of the Mass comes from our simple yet profound conviction, based on faith, that , for an hour on Sunday, we’re part of the beyond, lifted up to the eternal, a participant in a mystery, as we unite with Jesus in the thanks, love, atonement, and sacrifice He eternally offers His Father. What Jesus does always works, and is never boring. The Mass is not some tedious chore we do for God, but a miracle Jesus does with and for us.

A gentleman was just telling me about his family Sunday dinner, the heart of the week when he was growing up. The food was so good because his mom cooked it so well, and the table so happy because his dad was always there!

Even after he got married and had his own kids, they’d all go to his mom and dad’s for that Sunday dinner.  When his kids got a bit older they asked if they “had to go,” because, yes, at times they found it “boring.”  Yes, you, do, he would reply, because we don’t just go for the food, but because of love, because mom and dad are there!

He teared-up as he recalled that, as mom and dad got old, the food wasn’t as good and the company not as sparkling, but he’d never miss, because that Sunday event had a depth of meaning even when mom burned the lasagna and dad nodded off.

And now, he concluded, he’d give anything to be there again, because mom’s gone, and dad’s in a home.

So now he and his wife host it, and he hopes his three kids will one day bring their spouses and children to their Sunday table.

See, the value of that Sunday dinner doesn’t depend on how good the food is; how expensive the wine; how interesting the conversation.  All that sure helps, but it’s the event that has the real value.

Same with the Sunday dinner of our spiritual family: Mass.

Some folks think a game at Yankee Stadium is boring; some consider country music the same; some people tell me that values such as friendship, volunteer work, family, loyalty, generosity, and patriotism are “passe,” no longer “exciting.”

I’d say they got a problem!

And some tell me “Mass is so boring…

Prayer for fathers

God our Father,
in your wisdom and love you made all things.
Bless these men,
that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers.

Let the exampe of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters,
may honor them always
with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through our Lord.
Amen.

18th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Readings)

Isaiah 55:1-3
Psalm 145 “The hand of the Lord feeds us; 
He answers all our needs.”
Romans 8:35,37-39
Matthew 14:13-21

Isaiah 55:1-3

Thus says the Lord: All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; Come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk! Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy? Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life. I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.

Responsorial Psalm 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18
R. The hand of the Lord feeds us; 
he answers all our needs.

The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The Lord is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R. The hand of the Lord feeds us; 
he answers all our needs.

The eyes of all look hopefully to you,
and you give them their food in due season;
you open your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
R. The hand of the Lord feeds us; 
he answers all our needs.

The Lord is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The Lord is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
R. The hand of the Lord feeds us; 
he answers all our needs.

Romans 8:35,37-39

Brothers and sisters: What will separate us from the love of Christ?  Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over— twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

First Holy Communion Catechesis, Calendar 2014-2015

SEPTEMBER

9/7/14        First Class
9/14/14      Class
9/21/14      Parent´s Meeting
9/28/14      Class

OCTOBER

10/5/14      Child Protection Class
10/12/14    No Class (Columbus Weekend)
10/19/14    Class
10/26/14    All Saints Mass.
                 Children dress as their favorite saint.
                 Potluck at Parish Hall

NOVEMBER

11/2/14      Class
11/9/14      No Class. (Veteran´s Weekend)
11/16/14    Class. Food Basket.
11/23/14    Class
11/30/14    No Class (Thanksgiving weekend)

DECEMBER

12/7/14      Class.
12/14/14    Class.
12/21/14    Class.
12/28/14    No class (Christmas Weekend).

JANUARY

1/4/15        No Class. Epiphany of the Lord.
1/11/15      Class
1/18/15      No Class (Martin Luther King Weekend)
1/25/15      Class.
                 Reconciliation Retreat for parents.

FEBRUARY

2/1/15        Class
2/8/15        Class
2/15/15      No class (President's Day Holiday Weekend).
2/15/15      Ash Wednesday
2/22/15      Class
2/27/15      Stations of the Cross

MARCH

3/1/15        Class
3/8/15        Class
3/15/15      Class
3/22/15      Class
3/27/15      Stations of the Cross
3/29/15      Palm Sunday

APRIL

4/2/15      Holy Thursday.
               Bring Rice bowls to 7 pm Mass
4/3/15      Good Friday
4/4/15      Holy Saturday
4/4/15      Easter Sunday. No Class.
4/12/15    Class
4/19/15    Class
4/26/15    Last Class.

MAY

.../.../15        ...........................................................................

17th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, year A

1 Kings 3:5,7-12
Psalm 119: “Lord, I love your commands.” 
Romans 8:28-30
Matthew 13:44-52

1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered: “O Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request. So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this— not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right— I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.”

Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130
R. Lord, I love your commands.

I have said, O Lord, that my part
is to keep your words.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
R. Lord, I love your commands.

Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
R. Lord, I love your commands.

For I love your command
more than gold, however fine.
For in all your precepts I go forward;
every false way I hate.
R. Lord, I love your commands.

Wonderful are your decrees;
therefore I observe them.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple.
R. Lord, I love your commands.

Romans 8:28-30

Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

Matthew 13:44-52

Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. “Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

3rd SUNDAY OF EASTER, year A (readings)

Acts 2:14,22-23
Psalm 16: Lord, you will show us the path of life 
1 Peter 1:17-21 
Luke 24:13-35

Acts 2:14, 22-33

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: “You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem. Let this be known to you, and listen to my words. You who are Israelites, hear these words. Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know. This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him. But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it. For David says of him: I saw the Lord ever before me, with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted; my flesh, too, will dwell in hope, because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. “My brothers, one can confidently say to you about the patriarch David that he died and was buried, and his tomb is in our midst to this day. But since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he abandoned to the netherworld nor did his flesh see corruption. God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured him forth, as you see and hear.”

Responsorial Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the Lord, “My Lord are you.”
O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life

I bless the Lord who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the Lord ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life

You will show me the path to life,
abounding joy in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life

1 Peter 1:17-21

Beloved: If you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one’s works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb. He was known before the foundation of the world but revealed in the final time for you, who through him believe in God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Luke 24:13-35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.