One of our priests, Monsignor J. Edward McCullough, pastor of Saint Aloysius parish in Dunbar, will be retiring this summer. He has been a very generous and kind good friend to me and has served this Diocese as a priest for the last forty-five years. As with so many of us, he has served in many capacities, presently serving as pastor of Saint Aloysius (he usually says for the past few years, even though it has been twenty-six years) and as Director of the Mission Office of the Diocese.
Last evening his parish family hosted a wonderful Retirement Dinner to honor him and to celebrate his priesthood. It was held at a golf course just outside of Uniontown - a beautiful setting and banquet hall. It was filled with parishioners and friends, and we had a great dinner - by candlelight. Even though there were candles on the table, it was literally by candlelight. A number of very severe storms came through our region in the early evening, high winds, lightning, driving rain, etc., with one of those reaching us just as dinner was about to be served. Of course, the lights went out and the back up generator kicked in, providing dimmed lighting and a great atmosphere. As the storm continued, even the generator went out, leaving us with candlelight (and the occasional i phone flashlight apps). Except for the loss of the air conditioning, it was a "romantic" way to celebrate a priest's retirement, and made for a memorable occasion. Thank God the food was ready to be served ... and thank God that it was so delicious.
Our congratulations and deep thanks to Father Ed for his service to the people of God.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Fortnight For Freedom - Days 9 & 10
In our ongoing reflection on Dignitatis Humanae of the Second Vatican Council, the Council Fathers remind us that it is not enough for governments and society at large to not deny or impede religious freedom, but that it is also of the utmost importance that they positively, through just laws, be the guardians of religious freedom, so that no group - religious or secular - within society would seek to undermine the religious freedom of all. They even go so far as to say that governments should actually "help create conditions favorable to the fostering of religious life", because of the values that people of faith bring to the common forum. While this thought process and premise of the Council Fathers of nearly fifty years ago is very valid, the reality is that we now live in an extremely secular society that probably would not accept the need of God nor the values that religious faith can bring to the common good.
As they continue, the Council Fathers speak of the equality of dignity, value and worth found in every individual and religious group, and stresses the need under law to maintain that equality. We as Catholics in these United States have not always been given an equal shake: we were suspected of foreign alligience (even into the sixty's with John Kennedy), we have been persecuted for our beliefs and our ethnic backgrounds by the Know-Nothings and the Klan, and we have been discriminated against in the past for jobs and opportunities. It was done over many years and in many lands with a prejudice against those of the Jewish faith, reaching epic proportions at the time of the Holocaust. The many genocides that have taken place for ethnic, economic, tribal, political reasons are also religious in nature. But even today there are those that do not subscribe to the thought and teaching of the Council in regard to other religious groups - Muslims to name just one (especially following 9/11 and our lumping all together in the same fearful mold as those terrorists). We have not listened to the wisdom of the Council and we continue to suffer for that failure.
As they continue, the Council Fathers speak of the equality of dignity, value and worth found in every individual and religious group, and stresses the need under law to maintain that equality. We as Catholics in these United States have not always been given an equal shake: we were suspected of foreign alligience (even into the sixty's with John Kennedy), we have been persecuted for our beliefs and our ethnic backgrounds by the Know-Nothings and the Klan, and we have been discriminated against in the past for jobs and opportunities. It was done over many years and in many lands with a prejudice against those of the Jewish faith, reaching epic proportions at the time of the Holocaust. The many genocides that have taken place for ethnic, economic, tribal, political reasons are also religious in nature. But even today there are those that do not subscribe to the thought and teaching of the Council in regard to other religious groups - Muslims to name just one (especially following 9/11 and our lumping all together in the same fearful mold as those terrorists). We have not listened to the wisdom of the Council and we continue to suffer for that failure.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Fortnight For Freedom - Day 8
In our continuing reflections upon the freedom of religious belief and practice, I would like to share with you from a Prayer for Government sent in 1791 to all the parishes in his diocese by Archbishop John Carroll, the first bishop in the new United States of America and the bishop of Baltimore.
Prayer for Government
We pray you, O God of might, wisdom and justice,
through whom authority is rightly administered,
laws are enacted, and judgment decreed,
assist with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude
the President of these United States,
that his administration may be conducted in righteousness,
and be eminently useful to your people, over whom he presides,
by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion;
by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy;
and by restraining vice and immorality.
Let the light of your divine wisdom
direct the deliberations of Congress,
and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws
framed for our rule and government,
so that they may tend to the preservation of peace,
the promotion of national happiness,
the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge;
and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.
We recommend likewise, to your unbounded mercy,
all our fellow citizens throughout the United States,
that we may be blessed in the knowledge
and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law;
that we may be preserved in union,
and in the peace which the world cannot give;
and after enjoying the blessings of this life,
be admitted to those which are eternal.
It is still a good and powerful prayer for our day, although a few of the basic premises upon which it is based may have changed: first that God is God, and there is no higher power ... that our law is based upon the law of God ... that freedom is a God given right and dignity ... and that government serves the good of the whole rather than be self-serving. But those ideals upon which this prayer flows are in need of revival today. And so, as Archbishop Carroll did long ago, I offer this prayer for these great United States of America.
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I received an email this afternoon from a classmate and good fried from Altoona, John Prosperi, who always keeps us informed in regard to our seminary alumni. This was sad news - the death of Father J. Barry Furey of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut who died of a heart attack yesterday at the beginning of his vacation. Barry was 67 years old. He served as pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption parish in Fairfield. Barry was a gifted musician and a dedicated priest. While in seminary, he was part of a singing group called the "New Breed Five" - Barry, Bill Moot, Emil Payer, Joe Santisieri and Dave Rubino (if I remember correctly). He wrote a song that we always sang in our seminary days entitled "Thank You, Lord".
Please pray for Father Barry and his family and parish family. May he rest in peace.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Fortnight For Freedom - Day 7
Continuing our reflection on the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Freedom, we have the Fathers of the Council in 1965 speaking to the world community regarding religious liberty in the present age as well as into the future, but they preach to themselves, the Church, as they consider the experience of past generations. They say that just as governments and society in general cannot coerce a faith group to not be loyal to their beliefs, so too the Church, any faith, cannot coerce others into becoming members. There needs to be a universal freedom to live your faith, to promote your belief for the good of the whole, but to not force others to embrace that belief. That was not always the case with the Catholic Church, and there are loads of examples of enthusiasm gone wild (the Reformation, the inquisition, colonization of new worlds, persecutions and genocides around the globe). These may have been done with good intent [ if I believe I possess the truth, and the truth will set you free, then I know best for you as I make you one with me ], but they more often than not subjugated peoples in the name of religion. The Council Fathers say that religions, including our own, should not force others, physically or psychologically, to convert. Accepting of religious beliefs must be an act of freedom. The late Blessed Pope John Paul II in the millenium year and throughout his pontificate often expressed the sorrow of and asked forgiveness for our abusiveness as a Church ... and of Christianity itself, over the centuries. The right to proclaim one's own faith cannot violate those same right of another.
The present administration's HHS mandate of January 20th of this year is seen as an attack on the basic right guarenteed to us by law to follow our conscience, regarding health care provisions that we find morally unacceptable. The question is not that we want to force our beliefs upon the rest of society as some claim that we do. The question is our being forced to pay for services which our Church and church related institutions and even individual employers find morally objectionable and that are still available elsewhere. We are not forcing our beliefs upon others, but we embrace the right to follow our conscience.
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I had an interesting experience this morning in the area of witnessing to faith. I was at the house, the residence for the priest, which in our parish is not on the church campus but in a residential neighborhood. The doorbell rang (which it rarely does) and there were two ladies who asked if they could speak with me about the role of God in the world in which we live. I sat with them on a lovely day on the front porch and we discussed faith. They were visiting the neighborhood with their church community. We had a great discussion. I give them credit for not panicking when I told them that I was a Catholic priest. After a moments hestitation, she went on with her presentation and witnessed to her faith. I listened and dialogued respectfully. It brought to mind my Mom's experiences when visited by the Mormons or the Jehovah's Witness or some other outreach group. She would quickly tell them not to bother, that she was a Catholic and that her son was a priest ... almost daring them to "try to convert" her. It always brought a smile to my face. While we may not laways agree with each other, there needs to be a mutual respect found in our interaction.
The present administration's HHS mandate of January 20th of this year is seen as an attack on the basic right guarenteed to us by law to follow our conscience, regarding health care provisions that we find morally unacceptable. The question is not that we want to force our beliefs upon the rest of society as some claim that we do. The question is our being forced to pay for services which our Church and church related institutions and even individual employers find morally objectionable and that are still available elsewhere. We are not forcing our beliefs upon others, but we embrace the right to follow our conscience.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I had an interesting experience this morning in the area of witnessing to faith. I was at the house, the residence for the priest, which in our parish is not on the church campus but in a residential neighborhood. The doorbell rang (which it rarely does) and there were two ladies who asked if they could speak with me about the role of God in the world in which we live. I sat with them on a lovely day on the front porch and we discussed faith. They were visiting the neighborhood with their church community. We had a great discussion. I give them credit for not panicking when I told them that I was a Catholic priest. After a moments hestitation, she went on with her presentation and witnessed to her faith. I listened and dialogued respectfully. It brought to mind my Mom's experiences when visited by the Mormons or the Jehovah's Witness or some other outreach group. She would quickly tell them not to bother, that she was a Catholic and that her son was a priest ... almost daring them to "try to convert" her. It always brought a smile to my face. While we may not laways agree with each other, there needs to be a mutual respect found in our interaction.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
God upholds his city forever
I am growing weary of attacks upon the Church, the "concern" for her welfare that so many from so many different backgrounds and with so many different agendas express, and the dire predictions that we confront daily. I addressed this somewhat on Sunday as I shared Paul's vision of who we are and where we have come from and what we are to be about which was found in the second reading. Today we have the assurance given us by God in the scriptures at Mass: from the 2nd Book of Kings we have Isaiah, son of Amos reminding King Hezekiah of the promise of God to not abandon Jerusalem to the threat of annihilation leveled by the King of Assyria upon the people of God. He says that from Jerusalem "shall come a remnant, and from Mount Zion, survivors." As the psalm response states: "God upholds his city forever." And in the Gospel of Matthew we are reminded that it is a narrow gate through which we enter into life and those who find it are few. Yet there are those who find it, there are those that enter in and rejoice in life with God. The Church, with all of it's warts and frailties and scandals is that earthen vessel that the Lord has chosen to be that gate, to bear that light, to celebrate eternal life.
I find myself concerned about the apathy, the dwindling numbers attending mass or seemingly practicing their faith, the willingness of so many to believe whatever comes from the mouths of the nay sayers and critics. I commented Sunday about Dan Brown's novel, The Divinci Code, a fair read (boring movie), but written and listed as a novel, a work of fiction. But in his intro, Dan Brown wisely says that what he writes about in his fictional novel is true ... and the gullible ate it up, accepting as "gospel" this work of creative imagination. That was my big objection at the time to the book.
Last Wednesday our local newspaper (I won't mention the name and give them the recognition) printed an editorial on the future of the Church that reflected what many of us have come to expect in their biased, unbalanced coverage of things religious. They spoke of A Church in Crisis and asked "What next for Catholics?" They listed a number of "scandals" and rumors that have "rocked" the Church, and included comments concerning the Holy Father' age and health and ability to lead that were unfounded and unkind, concluding that if the Church does not get her act together, she may not be sustainable and will surely implode. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. The problem is that when people see this as "the truth" they find themselves a little less sure of themselves and of the Church. When I finished reading the piece, I gave thanks that my blood pressure medication was working as well as it was.
As we were reminded of today, though, there will always be a remnant, we will survive, God upholds his city forever. That paper has been around for a little over one hundred years under three incarnations .... we have been around as Church for two thousand years, and as a people of the covenant for thousands more, and we have survived and continue to prosper. I venture to say that we will be here a lot longer than those who voiced their opinion in the editorial, and we will express our concern for them by keeping them in our prayers.
I find myself concerned about the apathy, the dwindling numbers attending mass or seemingly practicing their faith, the willingness of so many to believe whatever comes from the mouths of the nay sayers and critics. I commented Sunday about Dan Brown's novel, The Divinci Code, a fair read (boring movie), but written and listed as a novel, a work of fiction. But in his intro, Dan Brown wisely says that what he writes about in his fictional novel is true ... and the gullible ate it up, accepting as "gospel" this work of creative imagination. That was my big objection at the time to the book.
Last Wednesday our local newspaper (I won't mention the name and give them the recognition) printed an editorial on the future of the Church that reflected what many of us have come to expect in their biased, unbalanced coverage of things religious. They spoke of A Church in Crisis and asked "What next for Catholics?" They listed a number of "scandals" and rumors that have "rocked" the Church, and included comments concerning the Holy Father' age and health and ability to lead that were unfounded and unkind, concluding that if the Church does not get her act together, she may not be sustainable and will surely implode. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. The problem is that when people see this as "the truth" they find themselves a little less sure of themselves and of the Church. When I finished reading the piece, I gave thanks that my blood pressure medication was working as well as it was.
As we were reminded of today, though, there will always be a remnant, we will survive, God upholds his city forever. That paper has been around for a little over one hundred years under three incarnations .... we have been around as Church for two thousand years, and as a people of the covenant for thousands more, and we have survived and continue to prosper. I venture to say that we will be here a lot longer than those who voiced their opinion in the editorial, and we will express our concern for them by keeping them in our prayers.
Fortnight For Freedom - Days 5 & 6
In our ongoing look at the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Freedom of December 7, 1965, the Council Fathers say that governments should not only not deny religious freedom but that they should "show it favor". Since religious belief is a good within society and culture, governments should foster and aid the good that it brings to the life of the community. We are not speaking of fostering one religion over another, which is what the first amendment seeks to prevent, but rather of creating an environment where religious life flourishes and its benefits can contribute to the common good.
Religious beliefs are communal as well as personal in nature. Our relationship with God calls us into community. As long as the just religious and civil rights of others are not transgressed, religious bodies must be free to practice the faith. They must be free to gather for worship, to be instructed in the faith, to develop institutions that further religious life. They must not be impeded in selecting their own leaders or in their ability to be loyal to both Church and country, as the Council Fathers state. Remembering that this Declaration was universal in scope, and that not all areas of the world are blessed with the protection of our Constitution, these are important words. But we must never take our freedoms and rights for granted. Religious liberty in the United States is our "first freedom" guaranteed by law, not by the blessing of a governing body or administration. This freedom must be seen in its broadest and most inclusive context - and not narrowly and exclusively. Our ministries, our educational and social outreach, our efforts to bring Christ to others, warrant religious freedom protection.
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A GRATEFUL HEART
This past Sunday the parish was belatedly able to express our gratitude to the many workers of our annual Lenten Fish Dinners. We had over 125 people involved during Lent in all aspects of the dinner project. We have repeatedly expressed our thanks, but on Sunday afternoon we had a catered dinner that about sixty were able to attend to say thanks in a formal way. It was a great afternoon of good food, fellowship and relaxation. I am impressed by the hard work and enthusiasm of these good people, young and old, to this major effort in our parish. The only truly difficult thing on Sunday was keeping them away from the kitchen ... or serving ... or the clean up crew ... or helping in any way.
Many said that the dinner was not necessary, that I am always saying "thank you" to them and to all who minister in so many ways. But as I pointed out, I'm always open to a good meal and a chance to celebrate. I find it necessary to express my gratitude to God first and then to those who touch my life, and to express that gratitude with "a grateful heart".
Religious beliefs are communal as well as personal in nature. Our relationship with God calls us into community. As long as the just religious and civil rights of others are not transgressed, religious bodies must be free to practice the faith. They must be free to gather for worship, to be instructed in the faith, to develop institutions that further religious life. They must not be impeded in selecting their own leaders or in their ability to be loyal to both Church and country, as the Council Fathers state. Remembering that this Declaration was universal in scope, and that not all areas of the world are blessed with the protection of our Constitution, these are important words. But we must never take our freedoms and rights for granted. Religious liberty in the United States is our "first freedom" guaranteed by law, not by the blessing of a governing body or administration. This freedom must be seen in its broadest and most inclusive context - and not narrowly and exclusively. Our ministries, our educational and social outreach, our efforts to bring Christ to others, warrant religious freedom protection.
**************************
A GRATEFUL HEART
This past Sunday the parish was belatedly able to express our gratitude to the many workers of our annual Lenten Fish Dinners. We had over 125 people involved during Lent in all aspects of the dinner project. We have repeatedly expressed our thanks, but on Sunday afternoon we had a catered dinner that about sixty were able to attend to say thanks in a formal way. It was a great afternoon of good food, fellowship and relaxation. I am impressed by the hard work and enthusiasm of these good people, young and old, to this major effort in our parish. The only truly difficult thing on Sunday was keeping them away from the kitchen ... or serving ... or the clean up crew ... or helping in any way.
Many said that the dinner was not necessary, that I am always saying "thank you" to them and to all who minister in so many ways. But as I pointed out, I'm always open to a good meal and a chance to celebrate. I find it necessary to express my gratitude to God first and then to those who touch my life, and to express that gratitude with "a grateful heart".
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Fortnight For Freedom - Day 4
In our continued reflections on the Declaration on Religious Liberty of Vatican II, the Council Fathers stress that truth (with its origins in God) must be "sought after in a manner proper to the dignity of the human person and his social nature." We must be free to seek the truth. That search is communal in nature. Because the search for truth, the finding of truth and the sharing of truth is realized within the framework of community, we must be free to not only seek it, but to communicate it with others and to hold fast to it. It cannot and must not be inhibited in any way. See the Reflection for the Fortnight For Freedom on the U.S. Bishops' web site for a more expanded explanation.
Today is the wonderful feast of the birth of John the Baptist. Probably because I spent so much of my priesthood in a parish under his protection, he is one of my favorite saints. He is one of those rare persons that the Church celebrates a feast in honor, not only of their death and entrance into eternal glory, but also of their biological birth. Jesus, obviously, and Mary and John. On the sign of the local Lutheran Church was the caption for today: "John the Baptist - Wild Thing!"
John was that, wild in his personality, wild in his demeanor, wild in his witness and wild in his purpose in life. He did very little in half measure. He was an "in your face" prophet. He was irritating, and inspiring, and compelling. Herod was so put off be his message and yet so moved by his words of rebuke that he did not know what to do and regretted doing what he ended up doing.
That was John. He pointed the way to Christ ... Behold the Lamb of God! He was a great witness to the formation of conscience and the free expression of truth, a model even for our times.
I had three friends from the old parish in Scottdale visit and attend the 11 am Mass today. It was good to see them. The same parish of Saint John the Baptist today resurrected a one day parish festival which I went to this evening. Steady attendance through the day and a great evening with more friends made the day successful. I offered to pay for Father George Saletrik, the pastor's, psych evaluation that he needed in starting up a festival again. He declined. All in all, a great day. By the way, remember ... six months from today is Christmas Eve!
Today is the wonderful feast of the birth of John the Baptist. Probably because I spent so much of my priesthood in a parish under his protection, he is one of my favorite saints. He is one of those rare persons that the Church celebrates a feast in honor, not only of their death and entrance into eternal glory, but also of their biological birth. Jesus, obviously, and Mary and John. On the sign of the local Lutheran Church was the caption for today: "John the Baptist - Wild Thing!"
John was that, wild in his personality, wild in his demeanor, wild in his witness and wild in his purpose in life. He did very little in half measure. He was an "in your face" prophet. He was irritating, and inspiring, and compelling. Herod was so put off be his message and yet so moved by his words of rebuke that he did not know what to do and regretted doing what he ended up doing.
That was John. He pointed the way to Christ ... Behold the Lamb of God! He was a great witness to the formation of conscience and the free expression of truth, a model even for our times.
I had three friends from the old parish in Scottdale visit and attend the 11 am Mass today. It was good to see them. The same parish of Saint John the Baptist today resurrected a one day parish festival which I went to this evening. Steady attendance through the day and a great evening with more friends made the day successful. I offered to pay for Father George Saletrik, the pastor's, psych evaluation that he needed in starting up a festival again. He declined. All in all, a great day. By the way, remember ... six months from today is Christmas Eve!
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