The following is a little of what I shared this Sunday at Mass.
Human history traces its beginnings to Faith and the understanding that God created all things. The crowning of his creative action was making humanity in His image and likeness. It doing so He gave us not only life but the right to be a child of God. He gave us responsibilities as stewards of His creation that were wrapped in freedom, and he invited us to walk with Him in perfect happiness in the cool of the evening. We know that this reality collided with a temptation to be life itself, to be free of all responsibility and to make our own happiness. That blip in our course knocked us off track, and from that moment on we have been on a parallel track, a similar course that at times has touched the divine direction and at times taken a divergent direction. At a moment in time, the course correction necessary was given us by Jesus. A momentous event that changed history and our story. And yet, we have not always "bought it". Thus we struggle, stumble and fall, and despite our best of intentions and desires, go our own way.
237 years ago this Thursday our Founding Fathers took a bold step and declared independence from the tyranny of the old country. They stated in clear words that "all men are created equal" and that all are endowed by their Creator with certain undeniable rights like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The freedom that they sought was the same freedom desired by their ancestors who came to this land which they saw as a promised land flowing with milk and honey and given them by God.
150 years ago this week, a great battle was fought in Gettysburg in our great civil war. Questions of the value of human existence among all peoples were fought over, freedom to be independent of even central government were issues, and those things that make me happy were paramount in defining who I am.
Another example of those two tracks, those two ways of approaching things, surfaced again this week. The Supreme Court decisions regarding marriage left me sad. It seems to be another of those intrusions into the realm of what God has revealed and set in motion for the good of humanity that is being "changed" and "stripped away". But maybe what becomes clear are the two tracks: I have no problem with equal rights under the law for those whose lives are lived in committed relationships, even if those relationships do not reflect the ideal that is set before us by God. Very few of us are saints, yet. But to redefine marriage, or when life begins, or who deserves dignity or respect, is not something within the purview of any court or government body or leader or dictator. Some have tried, most have already failed.
What sets apart the direction given to us by God is another key element that Saint Paul spoke of in his letter to the Galatians today - true freedom, eternal life, unbelievable happiness is rooted in love ... God's unselfish love, not selfish or self centered love. For God is love, and we who abide in love abide in God, and God in us.
So if we find ourselves lost or unsure of what direction to take, be assured that we can look to the Lord - and not to SCOTUS or POTUS or even US (ourselves). We all fall short on Truth. He does not.
Again, celebrate your Independence Day by acknowledging your dependence upon the Lord and each other, and pray for this nation, even as it finds itself veering off track, for she is truly blessed by God and worthy of our prayer.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Marriage
A short post today. Just received word that a good friend of mine married the woman that he loves yesterday in Knoxville, Tennessee, where they will be making their home. Rob Lynch, who served as our Director of Music for a few years before pursuing his Masters in Sacred Music at Emory University, which he attained this past Spring, married Lauren Rootham yesterday. They have known each other for years and sealed their engagement with the promise of love to one another. I have wished them well, and look forward to the local celebration of their marriage sometime in the near future. It was an early Christmas gift to each other, falling six months before the actual day.
Their entrance into the gift of the marriage between a man and a woman, open to the gift of life, held sacred from the beginning of recorded time and sanctified in the Scriptures as a gift of God, has been the norm of society and the law of this great nation - until today. The Supreme Court made another of their decisions that disregard the historical, sociological, familial and divine history and foundation of society and ruled that DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act) which placed this within the law of the land, was unconstitutional. Rob and Lauren's action yesterday now became one of many options that the law of this nation allows in regard to unions. In fact, it becomes an option that is in many circles considered obsolete and antiquated. We have just taken a huge step off the pier, and I'm afraid that many of us cannot swim.
Their entrance into the gift of the marriage between a man and a woman, open to the gift of life, held sacred from the beginning of recorded time and sanctified in the Scriptures as a gift of God, has been the norm of society and the law of this great nation - until today. The Supreme Court made another of their decisions that disregard the historical, sociological, familial and divine history and foundation of society and ruled that DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act) which placed this within the law of the land, was unconstitutional. Rob and Lauren's action yesterday now became one of many options that the law of this nation allows in regard to unions. In fact, it becomes an option that is in many circles considered obsolete and antiquated. We have just taken a huge step off the pier, and I'm afraid that many of us cannot swim.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Farewell, All Saints
I just called Masontown this morning and the secretary, Linda, answered "Good morning, All Saints." I was her first call of the morning. I reminded her that it should be "Good morning, Saint Francis of Assisi". She said that she was glad that I was the first ... she was going to make a sign for the phone. Today is the first day of the existence of the new parish in that area, and transitions are difficult.
Speaking of Linda Rohol, the secretary in Masontown. She is an exceptional woman of faith who has served as secretary/bookkeeper/master of all things at All Saints for a multitude of years. She has served loyally under seven pastors of varying styles and temperments and personalities over the years. I was her second. She is indeed a trouper, and a supurb individual. One of the first things that I did upon arrival was to give her Saturdays off (she would work the mornings) and soon after we expanded the cubby hole that she had as an office into a decent work space. She was grateful, and that same work space is where she answered the phone from this morning. It has held up nicely - good quality materials pay off. She, and the other office staffs of the six parishes, are in my prayers, along with the new pastor, Father Bill Berkey.
One wonderful thing that we diod at All Saints was to place a beautiful statue of Mary and child in the side yard of the church. This was during the special Marian Year in the late 1980's. We took donations, purchased a carrara marble statue, had the men build a base and surrounding flower bed, landscaped, and dedicated the shrine on Mother's Day of that year with Bishop Bosco doing the honors. It was a project that was well accepted by the parish and the community. In fact, we received much acclaim from the Presbyterians across the street for beautifying the corner and providing inspiration. The statue that we chose was of a seated Mary with her child seated on her lap, facing her and gazing lovingly into her eyes.
The Stations of the Cross were an unusual treasure - oil on canvas paintings - which we had beautifully framed for preservation.
The high ceiling was of small acostical tile which we replace with a light, tongue in grove oak ceiling. WE framed the side windows in oak and added shadow boxes to light them.
There were so many things that were done to not only keep up the place but to beautify it. I was blessed to have as one of my successos Father Jim Bump who moved the process even further. But in all of that, it did not begin to compare to the people that I met and worked with, and the memories that I have for a brief five years that have enriched my life.
Speaking of Linda Rohol, the secretary in Masontown. She is an exceptional woman of faith who has served as secretary/bookkeeper/master of all things at All Saints for a multitude of years. She has served loyally under seven pastors of varying styles and temperments and personalities over the years. I was her second. She is indeed a trouper, and a supurb individual. One of the first things that I did upon arrival was to give her Saturdays off (she would work the mornings) and soon after we expanded the cubby hole that she had as an office into a decent work space. She was grateful, and that same work space is where she answered the phone from this morning. It has held up nicely - good quality materials pay off. She, and the other office staffs of the six parishes, are in my prayers, along with the new pastor, Father Bill Berkey.
One wonderful thing that we diod at All Saints was to place a beautiful statue of Mary and child in the side yard of the church. This was during the special Marian Year in the late 1980's. We took donations, purchased a carrara marble statue, had the men build a base and surrounding flower bed, landscaped, and dedicated the shrine on Mother's Day of that year with Bishop Bosco doing the honors. It was a project that was well accepted by the parish and the community. In fact, we received much acclaim from the Presbyterians across the street for beautifying the corner and providing inspiration. The statue that we chose was of a seated Mary with her child seated on her lap, facing her and gazing lovingly into her eyes.
All Saints was a small little church with some beautiful features. We had an awesome oak high altar piece that had already been restored and which served as the centerpiece of our work. There was an unusual "crucifixion window" behind the altar that we cleaned, restored, lighted and had the painted wooden framework stripped and stained to match the altar.
We found an old "side altar statue base" made of the same oak as the altar and had that stripped and made into a fitting ambo.The Stations of the Cross were an unusual treasure - oil on canvas paintings - which we had beautifully framed for preservation.
The high ceiling was of small acostical tile which we replace with a light, tongue in grove oak ceiling. WE framed the side windows in oak and added shadow boxes to light them.
There were so many things that were done to not only keep up the place but to beautify it. I was blessed to have as one of my successos Father Jim Bump who moved the process even further. But in all of that, it did not begin to compare to the people that I met and worked with, and the memories that I have for a brief five years that have enriched my life.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Remembering ... before a new beginning
I find myself called to do some remembering regarding my second assignment as a pastor at All Saints Church in Masontown and the mission of Saint Francis de Sales in McClellandtown. There is a need to do this today because as of tomorrow, All Saints Parish will no longer be in existence (Saint Francis was closed in 2008 and sold to a family that has made it a comfortable home). Fortunately, the beautiful church building and complex will continue to serve as one of two worship sites for the newly created Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Western Fayette County (six parishes formed into one with two worship sites).
I arrived at All Saints in 1986 following the 21 year pastorate of Father Andrew Charnoki. We actually switched places - he went to Connellsville while I came to Masontown. I was the sixth pastor in the history of the parish which celebrated her 100th anniversary in 2008. The parish had been served by eight associate pastors and both Benedictine and Franciscan helped over the years and the parish provided five men ordained as priests (Father Dan Blout for our diocese in 1985 was the last), at least thirteen women entered Religious Life, and countless good, hard working men and women raised their families in the Catholic Faith in this small town and surrounding area.
The founding pastor, who served for forty-two years in that role, began the parish, and in a bold move, on an acre of ground on the outskirts of town, he built a Catholic presence of church and attached rectory in 1909 and a school and convent in 1911, and in 1929 a High School was built. All are still standing (except the high school building which had been closed and suffered great structural deterioration and which I tore down during my time). Father Michael Lambing, who would be my predecessor as pastor in Scottdale, laid the cornerstone for the church building.
My arrival was met with warmth and welcoming. I came into the small town and spoke to everyone, and everyone responded. A very Protestant town with a large Catholic presence now found cooperation and interfaith activities a part of the picture. We opened the traditional Vacation Bible School Week to all faiths and to all ages, and celebrated in the evenings, gathering young and old alike to All Saints (using the church and school for sessions). I took part in the annual Easter Sunrise Service usually held on the grounds of the Jacobs Lutheran Church in the country, and after preaching that first year, they twisted my arm each year afterwards (the others found it difficult to preach that early in the am - but they told me that it was because I did such a fine job). I joined the local clergy association and developed some great relationships with my brothers and sisters of other faith traditions. Our church was located on Church Avenue, and our neighbors across the street were the Presbyterians and just down the street the Church of the Brethren.
We began a process of doing necessary repairs and renovations, a few of which were done under diocesan auspices, but a great many more simply with the hard work and support of the good people of the parish. The school was maintained and supported, many of our high school kids attended Geibel Catholic in Connellsville (quite a hike and sacrifice) which we helped support, and the parish prospered. I have many excellent memories of my five years at the helm in Masontown.
When I left to move on as pastor of the Church of Saint Paul in Greensburg, on a very cold winter day, there were many tears in my eyes. There were also the memories, and the fond farewell that the parish and pastoral council threw in my behalf at a local restaurant that drew nearly 700 people on a Sunday afternoon. One precious gift was a quilt presented to me by a group of Mennonite women from the area. The other precious gift was the love of these good people who now must remember the past but begin with their new family to build a new future.
I arrived at All Saints in 1986 following the 21 year pastorate of Father Andrew Charnoki. We actually switched places - he went to Connellsville while I came to Masontown. I was the sixth pastor in the history of the parish which celebrated her 100th anniversary in 2008. The parish had been served by eight associate pastors and both Benedictine and Franciscan helped over the years and the parish provided five men ordained as priests (Father Dan Blout for our diocese in 1985 was the last), at least thirteen women entered Religious Life, and countless good, hard working men and women raised their families in the Catholic Faith in this small town and surrounding area.
The founding pastor, who served for forty-two years in that role, began the parish, and in a bold move, on an acre of ground on the outskirts of town, he built a Catholic presence of church and attached rectory in 1909 and a school and convent in 1911, and in 1929 a High School was built. All are still standing (except the high school building which had been closed and suffered great structural deterioration and which I tore down during my time). Father Michael Lambing, who would be my predecessor as pastor in Scottdale, laid the cornerstone for the church building.
My arrival was met with warmth and welcoming. I came into the small town and spoke to everyone, and everyone responded. A very Protestant town with a large Catholic presence now found cooperation and interfaith activities a part of the picture. We opened the traditional Vacation Bible School Week to all faiths and to all ages, and celebrated in the evenings, gathering young and old alike to All Saints (using the church and school for sessions). I took part in the annual Easter Sunrise Service usually held on the grounds of the Jacobs Lutheran Church in the country, and after preaching that first year, they twisted my arm each year afterwards (the others found it difficult to preach that early in the am - but they told me that it was because I did such a fine job). I joined the local clergy association and developed some great relationships with my brothers and sisters of other faith traditions. Our church was located on Church Avenue, and our neighbors across the street were the Presbyterians and just down the street the Church of the Brethren.
We began a process of doing necessary repairs and renovations, a few of which were done under diocesan auspices, but a great many more simply with the hard work and support of the good people of the parish. The school was maintained and supported, many of our high school kids attended Geibel Catholic in Connellsville (quite a hike and sacrifice) which we helped support, and the parish prospered. I have many excellent memories of my five years at the helm in Masontown.
When I left to move on as pastor of the Church of Saint Paul in Greensburg, on a very cold winter day, there were many tears in my eyes. There were also the memories, and the fond farewell that the parish and pastoral council threw in my behalf at a local restaurant that drew nearly 700 people on a Sunday afternoon. One precious gift was a quilt presented to me by a group of Mennonite women from the area. The other precious gift was the love of these good people who now must remember the past but begin with their new family to build a new future.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Small Town America
I really enjoy living in "small town America". The perks are great at times. And living within a half hour drive from Pittsburgh allows me the pleasure of city and township/borough living. A few examples.
Last Sunday and this coming Sunday during the month of June the community sponsors evenings of music at the local park. In one corner of the park they have a beautiful little bandstand and during a number of Sunday evenings they invite bands to come and entertain. People bring their lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music and the company.
Every Saturday morning during the summer months they have a "farmers' market" on Fourth Street. Not overwhelming large, but a nice opportunity for people to gather and purchase home grown garden items.
Last evening was the first of three summer "Jazz Nights" sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce. Parking along Main Street was restricted so that people could walk the sidewalks, listen to great jazz music (driving through I saw at least five individuals or groups entertaining), and do some shopping. It was a beautiful evening, and to hear the sound of live music filling the streets was wonderful.
Monthly during the summer our neighboring parish of Immaculate Conception hosts a Saturday "Burger Bash", a fund raiser that draws people from throughout the area for a great lunch and a worthy cause. They sale thousands of burgers.
This little borough of Irwin, along with the larger Township of North Huntingdon and the borough of North Irwin, are to be commended in keeping "small town America" and the experience of "Main Street USA" alive.
*******************
Also this past Wednesday I helped with a prayer service and the Sacrament of Reconciliation for a group that was staying at our school building at Queen of Angels. This group is a part of Catholic Heart Work Camp, a program which brings kids and adults in from various parts of the country to pray together and to reach out in service and ministry to those less fortunate. Being available for the Sacrament for these youngsters is always a blessing, and this year was no exception.
Last Sunday and this coming Sunday during the month of June the community sponsors evenings of music at the local park. In one corner of the park they have a beautiful little bandstand and during a number of Sunday evenings they invite bands to come and entertain. People bring their lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music and the company.
Every Saturday morning during the summer months they have a "farmers' market" on Fourth Street. Not overwhelming large, but a nice opportunity for people to gather and purchase home grown garden items.
Last evening was the first of three summer "Jazz Nights" sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce. Parking along Main Street was restricted so that people could walk the sidewalks, listen to great jazz music (driving through I saw at least five individuals or groups entertaining), and do some shopping. It was a beautiful evening, and to hear the sound of live music filling the streets was wonderful.
Monthly during the summer our neighboring parish of Immaculate Conception hosts a Saturday "Burger Bash", a fund raiser that draws people from throughout the area for a great lunch and a worthy cause. They sale thousands of burgers.
This little borough of Irwin, along with the larger Township of North Huntingdon and the borough of North Irwin, are to be commended in keeping "small town America" and the experience of "Main Street USA" alive.
*******************
Also this past Wednesday I helped with a prayer service and the Sacrament of Reconciliation for a group that was staying at our school building at Queen of Angels. This group is a part of Catholic Heart Work Camp, a program which brings kids and adults in from various parts of the country to pray together and to reach out in service and ministry to those less fortunate. Being available for the Sacrament for these youngsters is always a blessing, and this year was no exception.
There is no pl;ace like home
It has been awhile since we have had a funeral here at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. We count our blessings. But this week we celebrated the passing of two individuals who called this parish home.
Today I buried Marcella Bulischeck, 86, who had died in Cary, NC. She had made her home with her daughter, Kathleen and was a member of Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary. The funeral was celebrated here in Pennsylvania, because for Marcella, this was home. She had been born and raised in nearby McKeesport, and had lived in White Oak, a neighboring community. During that time she and her family belonged to our parish. Periodically she would drop us a note indicating her wishes to "come home" for her burial. As I shared in the homily, this parish and this area and her home in Cary were but a reflection of the true home in heaven that she knew was her right and destiny as a child of God. May she find rest and great peace and joy with the Lord as well as with those whom she loved - her parents, her husband "Lefty", her son and daughter and her siblings. I thank Saint Michael's for the ministry afforded her in her "home away from home".
On Wednesday I had the funeral Mass for Edward Makara, 85, one of the founding members of this relatively young parish (1978). He and his wife, Evelyn and their family have always considered this parish their spiritual home, and the strength of their family home was fed by their faith in the Lord. They have always been good to the parish family, and we entrust him to the loving embrace of a kind and gentle God. The family had a particular love for a little song that they shared at family moments, and while we normally do not include secular songs in the liturgy, following the recessional hymn we did escort Ed out of church with "You Are My Sunshine". Between the tears and smiles, the choir was joined by almost everyone present. May Ed Makara rest in peace, and may his family fine comfort and peace in the resurrected Christ.
And on a happier note, this afternoon I visited friends who are former parishioners at SEAS who had moved because of work almost two years ago to Akron, Ohio. After another job related change, they have moved back "home" to the local area, where their families and many friends are located. I caught Julie Henry and her two daughters, Jess and Jen, busy still unpacking after almost a week. They are glad to be back in the area, for there truly is "no place like home".
Today I buried Marcella Bulischeck, 86, who had died in Cary, NC. She had made her home with her daughter, Kathleen and was a member of Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary. The funeral was celebrated here in Pennsylvania, because for Marcella, this was home. She had been born and raised in nearby McKeesport, and had lived in White Oak, a neighboring community. During that time she and her family belonged to our parish. Periodically she would drop us a note indicating her wishes to "come home" for her burial. As I shared in the homily, this parish and this area and her home in Cary were but a reflection of the true home in heaven that she knew was her right and destiny as a child of God. May she find rest and great peace and joy with the Lord as well as with those whom she loved - her parents, her husband "Lefty", her son and daughter and her siblings. I thank Saint Michael's for the ministry afforded her in her "home away from home".
On Wednesday I had the funeral Mass for Edward Makara, 85, one of the founding members of this relatively young parish (1978). He and his wife, Evelyn and their family have always considered this parish their spiritual home, and the strength of their family home was fed by their faith in the Lord. They have always been good to the parish family, and we entrust him to the loving embrace of a kind and gentle God. The family had a particular love for a little song that they shared at family moments, and while we normally do not include secular songs in the liturgy, following the recessional hymn we did escort Ed out of church with "You Are My Sunshine". Between the tears and smiles, the choir was joined by almost everyone present. May Ed Makara rest in peace, and may his family fine comfort and peace in the resurrected Christ.
And on a happier note, this afternoon I visited friends who are former parishioners at SEAS who had moved because of work almost two years ago to Akron, Ohio. After another job related change, they have moved back "home" to the local area, where their families and many friends are located. I caught Julie Henry and her two daughters, Jess and Jen, busy still unpacking after almost a week. They are glad to be back in the area, for there truly is "no place like home".
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
A sad loss
I like to read, and during the summer months in particular I have taken an author and read his or her varied series based on a particular character. I just started a new series this week. This is made particularly easy since I purchased my Nook, which I love (as you get older, the back lighted pages are easier on the eyes, as is the print size).
I began the practice about three years ago when I had my knee replacement during the summer months and spent loads of time on the porch recuperating. A parishioner and friend who is on our Finance Council - Randy Anselmino - got me hooked on the exploits of a character named Mitch Rapp, a CIA counterterrorism operative, a creation of author Vince Flynn. Since 1997 when he wrote "Term Limits" which is the only one that did not include Mitch as a character, Vince Flynn has written 14 novels and sold over 15 million books, the latest of which was published just last year. I have read all of the books (before Nook, they came from Randy's paperback lending library), and I have enjoyed the series.
I saw on the news today that Vince Flynn, the author and creator of Mitch Rapp, died at the age of 47 in St. Paul, Minnesota, after a two year battle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife and three children, family and many close friends, and a legion of devoted readers like myself. Selfishly, this is a sad day. But not for Vince.
I read previously and have seen it stated in the press releases today that Vince was a life long Roman Catholic whose faith was vitally important to him. In the Obituary that I read from Associated Press it mentioned that a life long friend stated that he was surrounded by the people that he loved as they prayed the rosary and entrusted him to the loving care of the Lord. What a way to let go, even at such a young age. Thank God for faith. And I join with others who thank God for the creativity of this good man. May he rest in peace.
Interested in action packed political thrillers, here is the chronological list of his books. I found them good reading:
"Term Limits" (without Mitch Rapp); "American Assassin"; "Kill Shot"; "Transfer of Power"; "The Third Option"; "Separation of Power"; "Executive Power"; "Memorial Day"; "Consent to Kill"; "Act of Treason"; "Protect and Defend"; "Extreme Measures"; "Pursuit of Honor"; and "The Last Man". A part of the creative legacy of Vince Flynn.
I began the practice about three years ago when I had my knee replacement during the summer months and spent loads of time on the porch recuperating. A parishioner and friend who is on our Finance Council - Randy Anselmino - got me hooked on the exploits of a character named Mitch Rapp, a CIA counterterrorism operative, a creation of author Vince Flynn. Since 1997 when he wrote "Term Limits" which is the only one that did not include Mitch as a character, Vince Flynn has written 14 novels and sold over 15 million books, the latest of which was published just last year. I have read all of the books (before Nook, they came from Randy's paperback lending library), and I have enjoyed the series.
I saw on the news today that Vince Flynn, the author and creator of Mitch Rapp, died at the age of 47 in St. Paul, Minnesota, after a two year battle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife and three children, family and many close friends, and a legion of devoted readers like myself. Selfishly, this is a sad day. But not for Vince.
I read previously and have seen it stated in the press releases today that Vince was a life long Roman Catholic whose faith was vitally important to him. In the Obituary that I read from Associated Press it mentioned that a life long friend stated that he was surrounded by the people that he loved as they prayed the rosary and entrusted him to the loving care of the Lord. What a way to let go, even at such a young age. Thank God for faith. And I join with others who thank God for the creativity of this good man. May he rest in peace.
Interested in action packed political thrillers, here is the chronological list of his books. I found them good reading:
"Term Limits" (without Mitch Rapp); "American Assassin"; "Kill Shot"; "Transfer of Power"; "The Third Option"; "Separation of Power"; "Executive Power"; "Memorial Day"; "Consent to Kill"; "Act of Treason"; "Protect and Defend"; "Extreme Measures"; "Pursuit of Honor"; and "The Last Man". A part of the creative legacy of Vince Flynn.
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