Encouraging Vocations

     Last Thursday, May 24th, the priests of the Diocese of Greensburg gathered at the Bishop Connare Center for the Spring Clergy Conference.  We gather for prayer, a presentation by a speaker, local concerns and a great dinner.   If I can be honest, these days can, at times, be a little less than exciting or even uplifting (no offense to the planners). 

     Our speaker was last Thursday was Rosemary Sullivan, the Executive Director of the USCCB National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, and her theme was "The Joy of Gospel Sharing".   And I can attest that personally, and from what I heard from many of our priests, this Spring Conference was a hit.   Mrs. Sullivan was clear and concise in her presentation and her very dynamic talks were filled with concrete examples of how we as priests are essential to the vocation issue.   The work of promoting priestly and religious vocations is a total Church concern.  She encouraged us to "tell our story", to use every opportunity to speak of the joy of the call, of the process involved in responding to the call, and to share our experiences of service and ministry.
     I found her comments relevant to our vocation efforts and personally refreshing and inspiring as I reflect upon forty-five years of ministry.
     The day ended with Evening Prayer, a social gathering, and a wonderful dinner provided by our staff here at the Bishop Connare Center, where I reside.  It was a good day filled with encouragement and hope.

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     Allow me to continue to share with you some of the reflections from my radio program of last Sunday evening on WAOB FM.  One of the Scriptures reflected upon was the 1st Chapter of 1st Peter.  What follows is one of three reflections of my "lectio divina" on that reading.

 

     "The author of the first letter of Saint Peter, in this first chapter, introduces himself to the community who were sojourners and aliens (not children of the first Covenant) whom he recognizes now as chosen people, blessed by God and given grace and peace.  In verse 3 through 5 we hear: 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith ...'

     This is the deposit of faith shared with all who have been chosen by the Lord for eternal life.  We have been given hope and a new life in the resurrection.  We are wonderfully reassured that our inheritance cannot be destroyed, or defiled, and it will never fade or diminish.  It is a faith that is founded on the rich love of God for us and the promise that the covenant of love brings to us.

     Like the readers of Peter's letter, let us find strength and solace in that assurance."

   

Another day ... A new year of blessing

yste       Today I find myself so blessed in my priesthood and in my life as I celebrate my seventy-first birthday. 
    First the gift of family - Mom and Dad who provided everything that has made my life possible ... life and love, support and encouragement.  They continue to love and stand by me in their eternal life with the Father.  And my sister, Janie.  We have always been close, but we have been best friends since I completed my schooling and came home and was ordained as a priest.  She was with me yesterday as we shared the day together.  I love her dearly.   And the rest of my family, a great group of aunts and uncles (all of whom have gone home to heaven) and a multitude of cousins and their families.      
     Then the gift of neighbors and so many friends that I have had the blessing to know over the years of my life and priesthood.  Their love and support is what keeps me going, and I am most grateful.
     And then the gift of my families of faith in the numerous parishes where the Lord has called me to be of service.   It is so hard to imagine the number of lives that I have been privileged to serve in these past forty-five years, and continue to touch in my new status as a retired pastor.
     The Lord has been SO GOOD!  I am blessed!

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     This past week has been filled with great opportunities.  One of these was to provide the Scripture Reflection for Trinity Sunday for the Diocesan Web Site.  I am one of a number of individuals who provides this weekly message, in written form and on vocal recording.  I would like to share the reflection here.

     "The Church was born into this world when the Spirit came at Pentecost.  Through Word and Promise, God has given her life and prepared her for her mission.  In the power of the Holy Spirit, the plan of God was accomplished, Jesus Christ was proclaimed Lord of all creation, and the Church came forth from the womb crying out with joy.
     Last week we celebrated that birthday of the Church, and in these next two weeks the Church acknowledges two basic truths that we hold dear: the mystery of God who calls us to holiness and the gift of nourishment in Eucharist that God has given us for the journey.  Today we look at the first of those truths as we celebrate Trinity Sunday.
     Our rich Judeo-Christian heritage leads us to acclaim that there is only One God.  this is a relatively unique concept among peoples of the world.  This One God created all, including humanity, and calls us into a relationship with him.  we say "Him", even though God cannot be limited by gender or in any other way.  This One God manifests himself in three distinct and unique persons.
     He is the creator God, the One who sets all things in motion, the master planner.  He established the Covenant.
     He is also the Word that calls all things into being.  He reveals himself in the person of Jesus, the Christ, the splendid blending of the divine and human natures, the God-man, as God's Son.  And Jesus tells us that he is sent by the Father to do the Father's will.  He is the redeemer and savior.  It is in his blood that the Covenant has been sealed.
     And the bond of love that exists between Father and Son is so deep and awesome that it stands apart in its life-giving force as the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, the Paraclete.  The Spirit breathes life into our existence and empowers us to embrace the Covenant with faith and joy, and to move forward as Church.
     People have attempted to explain the Trinity, this belief in One God in Three Persons.  Every attempt falls short, for how can you explain the mystery of God?  Some show three aspects of the same reality: H2O as water, ice and steam.  Tradition says that Patrick used a shamrock: three sections of one plant.  Mathematicians might point out that 1 x 1 x 1 - 1 (all Greek to me) or point to a triangle of three equal sides comprising one geometric design.
     The Scriptures reveal this mystery in countless ways: in the story of creation - God created, his Word called forth, and his Breath brought life ... or in the vision of Ezekiel 37 - the vision given of dry bones, called by the Word of God into existence as a great army, and receiving the "ruah", the breath of God, that brings that army to life.
     As Paul says in Romans: through the Spirit and in unity with Christ Jesus, we call God our Father, and are glorified with him.  And as we seek God's blessing, we do so as always "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
     

Responding to needed ministry

    My time away from "Journey Thoughts" found me busy in ministry, even in retirement.  In addition to the regular Masses here at the Neumann House residence for retired priests, I try on weekends to attend Mass at one of the neighboring parishes, to continue to be with God's people and worship in a parish setting.  I also helped out a few times.  On April 21st, following the Saturday evening Mass, I shared a talk and discussion with an adult formation group at my old parish of Saint John the Baptist in Scottdale.  It was good to be with old friends whose welcome made me feel good.   The following Saturday I had another great experience of "coming home" as I covered the 4:00 evening Mass at the former parish of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.  And the following Saturday I travelled an hour north to offer Mass at Good Shepherd parish in Kent, in Indiana County, covering for Father Willie Lechnar.  That day happened to be my 45th anniversary of ordination, and the good people of Good Shepherd expressed their appreciation for my priesthood with their thoughts and prayers, and a round of applause.
     The next morning, on May 6th, my sister and I travelled to Saint Sylvester Church in Brentwood (Pittsburgh Diocese) for the First Holy Communion of the daughter of our cousin.  Sara Radilla was excited and beautiful as she and her class received the Lord for the first time.
     I also joined the deacon aspirants from the Pittsburgh Diocese for their retreat Mass one Sunday in the Saint Joseph Chapel here on our campus.  Their leader and celebrant was a classmate, Father Joe Mele, and it was good to share prayer with him and them.
     There were a couple of times when I offered my service in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, hearing confessions for groups here at the Bishop Connare Center where I live, most recently the graduating class from Saint Joseph High School in Natrona who were on a day of recollection.
     Who said that there is nothing to do in retirement?  The good thing is that I have the opportunity to do what I am able to do.

Keeping busy in retirement

     The month of April and early May have been filled with doctors appointments and a number of ministerial activities, enough to fill up my retirement days.   The doctors appointments come with getting older, and the ministerial moments come from the needs of the people of God.

     April saw my having successful cataract surgery [the left eye on the 3rd and the right on the 17th].  There was the prior surgical consult, the days of surgery, the next day check-up to remove the shield, the daily drops, the week later follow-up for each eye with the regular eye doctor, and the appointment for the new prescription for reading glasses.   Add to that a regularly scheduled  appointment with the retina specialist, and I can say that I have seen enough of those that help you to see better.   Then there were the regular "other" doctors to be seen.  It not only keeps you moving, but it tests your memory skills. But, thank God, I am blessed.

     As I mentioned yesterday, I hope to share some of my reflections prepared for my "lectio divina" on WAOB FM radio.  One of the twelve from this past Sunday was a reflection of the 19th chapter of Saint John's Gospel regarding Mary.  I share it for your edification.

     Pope Francis this year declared a new Universal feast honoring Mary, to be celebrated on this Monday after Pentecost.  The feast is of Mary, Mother of the Church.  While new in its official status, this recognition of Mary, as Mother of the Church, has long been a part of our faith life.

     Its origins lie in verses 26 & 27 of this 19th chapter of John: "When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!'  Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!'  And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home."

     The beloved disciple is John.  And he stands for the entire community of the beloved, the Church.  When Jesus entrusted Mary to John and John to Mary, he established a bond of deep love and affection that sustains life.

     Mary was at the cross ... she quietly rejoiced in the empty tomb ... she waited in prayer for the Paraclete ... and she was there on Pentecost.  She is our mother and companion on the journey of faith.  Let us rejoice in her love.

     Yesterday, our Holy Father announced that there would be six new saints acclaimed and canonized this coming October 14th.  Included among them is the first Pope that I was ever in the presence of, Pope Paul VI ... and Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, whose witness to the poor is well known.   These join a great company of witnesses who stand as examples to us of faith, hope and love.

     Today the Church honors Saint Rita of Cascia.

Saints of God, come to our aid!

Mary, Mother of the Church

     Today, for the first time on the official calendar of the Church, Pope Francis has authorized a memorial celebration honoring

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH

     This celebration, set for the Monday following the Feast of Pentecost, acknowledges the place and the role of Mary in the life of God's People, as our Mother.   Remembering the 19th chapter of John's Gospel, when from the cross Jesus entrusts his mother to the beloved disciple, John and John, to his mother, we embrace Mary as our mother and accept the truth that we are her children in Faith.

     At our liturgy this morning, which I had the blessing of leading, we used the second Preface of Mary, Image and Mother of the Church.  I found it a beautiful prayer that I would like to share with you here.

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,

we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In your infinite goodness

you have given to the virgin Church

the model of true worship in the Virgin Mary. 

She is the Virgin who listens,

who embraces your words with joy,

treasuring them in the silence of her heart. 

She is the Virgin of prayer,

who sings of your mercy in her canticle of praise,

who shows concern for the bridegroom and bride at Cana

and intercedes for them with her Son,

who prays with the apostles in oneness of mind and heart. 

She is the Virgin Mother,

who gives birth to your Son

by the power of the Holy Spirit

and at the foot of the cross

is proclaimed as mother

of the people of the New Covenant.  

She is the Virgin who offers,

presenting the Firstborn in your temple

and sharing in his self-offering

beside the tree of everlasting life. 

She is the Virgin who keeps vigil,

awaiting the resurrection of her Son

with unwavering hope

and looking forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit,

with steadfast faith. 

In our joy we sing to your glory

with all the choirs of angels ...  

     On this feast of Mary we celebrate her as an example of true worship.  May our Spiritual Mother embrace us with her tender and maternal love.  

     As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, starting yesterday with the Feast of Pentecost and continuing throughout this week, it is my turn to preside at our morning Eucharistic Liturgy.  The Neumann House, the residence for retired priests in the Diocese of Greensburg, has a beautiful small chapel for Mass and prayer.  But our numbers are growing, and we are experimenting with a new, larger place of worship in one of our former lounges.  The new chapel is beautiful, and a great setting for prayer and worship.  As we pray there daily, we each remember those special to our hearts.  Know that you are in my prayers.

Come, Holy Spirit

THE GREAT FEAST OF PENTECOST

     After an absence of well over a month (with poor and inadequate reasons to be given in a future post), I am back.

I feel like the prodigal son, who I am going to paraphrase:  "I have sinned against God and against you, my sisters and brothers" for neglecting this blog for so long.  Please forgive me.

     Pentecost is about getting the message out, of proclaiming the Good News, of bearing witness to the awesome love of God in our lives.   These Journey Thoughts are my witness to the working of the Spirit in my life.
     A part of my retired ministry is involvement in the local Catholic Radio station WAOB fm - 106.7 on your dial.  WAOB stands for "We Are One Body", and I have been periodically sharing a live, "lectio divina" (teaching) on a program entitled "Drawing Life Giving Waters From Jacob's Well".  Four Scriptures are read and I give three small reflections on each of the Scriptures (twelve for each program), interspersed with music and a period of silence following each reflection.  I just returned from tonight's program (from 8 to 9 pm) at the studio in Latrobe.  This was my fourth program this month, with one more next Sunday.
     It has dawned on me that I could share some of these thoughts with you, and so I share one such reflection from tonight.  The reading was John 3:1-21.  Here is what I shared.        
    
     Our reading from the 3rd chapter of the Gospel of Saint John introduces us to the revolutionary work that God is doing among his people.  We meet Nicodemus, a leader of the people and a searcher for truth.  He comes to Jesus as an inquirer and acknowledges him as a "teacher come from God".

     Jesus says in verse 3 that one cannot see the kingdom of God unless he be born again.  He says in verse 5: "Truly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
     We believe that salvation comes to those invited by the Lord to embrace the new life of faith.  To enter this new life we must be willing to enter into the waters of baptism - a rejection of sin and failure and an emergence from the waters of death into new life.  But we must be open to the fresh new beginning that the Advocate, the Holy Spirit brings into our lives.  We must be born anew as children of God.  Take a moment to appreciate this new life offered and given to us.

     Tomorrow the Church celebrates a new memorial honoring Mary as "Mother of the Church".  This celebration was set for the Monday following Pentecost by Pope Francis this past Spring.  We have been entrusted to both Mary and the Church as children of faith.  May our love for Mother Church and Mother Mary be deep and abiding.  And may you be understanding (and forgiving) in your patience with me.