This is a wonderful week of great feasts and Christmas blessings. Today begins with the feast of the first martyr, Stephen, whose courage under the pressure of the treat on his life was an inspiration for the early Church. His death was not touched by fear and dread, but with a joyful spirit of love for the one that he called his friend and lord, Jesus Christ.
For the parish where I have served for the past eight years, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, this day is filled with memories that are sad yet filled with gratitude. Twenty-four years ago on this day, the day after Christmas, a fire destroyed the rectory of the parish which was attached to the church proper. Through heroic efforts, the church building was saved, and the young parish would continue. However, we lost our pastor, Father William McGuire, who had died as he attempted to exit the house. He was the second, and much beloved, pastor of this parish. His death was a great shock and loss to the community. I remember hearing of the fire from my young associate (who was home in Irwin for Christmas), and driving Route 30 from the Church of Saint Paul in Greensburg. By the time I arrived, the fire was contained, and I watched (and prayed) from a nearby parking lot. I had not yet heard of the death of Father McGuire. I remember concelebrating the funeral a few days later ... never guessing that one day I would be pastor to this parish family.
We prayed for Father McGuire at Mass this morning, and prayed for those first responders and volunteers that helped save the church building twenty-four years ago. And we gave thanks for the blessing that God has given us over these years.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Christmas Blessings
At this celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord,
when Light dispels darkness,
Truth removes doubt,
Hope is given to the downcast,
and Redemption is freely given ...
may Jesus, the Christ,
reside in your hearts and in your lives
and bring you peace!
Have a blessed Christmas!
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Refreshed by a Sabbatical
In the Fall of 1996, from late August through mid December, I attend a Sabbatical Program at SAT (the School of Applied Theology), in Berkeley, California. The program was a part of the School of Theology at Berkeley, and served women and men whose service to the Church had led them in new directions or to a much needed pause in their mid life journey. Our "class" of fifty-four were all priests, men and women religious, a deacon from Sacramento (whose son was a priest) and one lay woman (a Catholic school teacher from Ireland.) They came from the U.S. and Canada, but also from Ireland, Scandanavia, Puerto Rico, various countries in Africa, South Africa, Indonesia, the Philippenes, Australia and Eastern Europe among other places. It was a diverse group, and a delightful one ... and our four months together brought refreshment and renewal to our ministries.
As I reflect upon that refreshing period of time in my life, I am reminded of the great people that I met, the marvelous places that I visited and the experiences of God's grace that blessed my continued journey. I am also in the process of downsizing and ran across a number of picture albums of those days that refreshed my memories.
I flew out to San Francisco and had my car shipped by carrier, which allowed me to have a set of wheels. Our sessions were held in the city of Berkeley at a Dominican House with beautiful grounds.
Many stayed on campus, but there were some of us that made other arrangements. Four of us resided at Our Lady of Lourdes parish on Lake Merritt in Oakland, hosted by the late pastor, Father Saemus Genovese. Our Lady of Lourdes was a great setting and a vibrant, dynamic, diverse parish.
Our program of studies included theological updates, spiritual renewal, and as one can imagine in California, a variety of experiences such as visits to the redwoods of Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, Napa Valley, the City of San Francisco, a retreat in Del Mar (near Monterey).
I visited many of the California Missions,
as well as many parishes in the Bay area on weekends, experiencing multicultural communities and worship. I made a trip to Mendicino to the North, Yosemite (pictured below with Half Dome & El Capitan
the Russian River area, Livermore for a wine festival, as well as trips South to Orange County. I encountered Taise Prayer for the first time at the Old Saint Mary Cathedral in downtown San Francisco
and also at a convent in Menlo Park. I learned, relaxed, became more creative and found a renewed energy for ministry and service, and I saw the joy of life's journey encapsulated in those four months out West. I came home to Christmas with a renewed spirit.
It is hard to believe that it has been twenty years.
As I reflect upon that refreshing period of time in my life, I am reminded of the great people that I met, the marvelous places that I visited and the experiences of God's grace that blessed my continued journey. I am also in the process of downsizing and ran across a number of picture albums of those days that refreshed my memories.
I flew out to San Francisco and had my car shipped by carrier, which allowed me to have a set of wheels. Our sessions were held in the city of Berkeley at a Dominican House with beautiful grounds.
Many stayed on campus, but there were some of us that made other arrangements. Four of us resided at Our Lady of Lourdes parish on Lake Merritt in Oakland, hosted by the late pastor, Father Saemus Genovese. Our Lady of Lourdes was a great setting and a vibrant, dynamic, diverse parish.
Our program of studies included theological updates, spiritual renewal, and as one can imagine in California, a variety of experiences such as visits to the redwoods of Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, Napa Valley, the City of San Francisco, a retreat in Del Mar (near Monterey).
I visited many of the California Missions,
as well as many parishes in the Bay area on weekends, experiencing multicultural communities and worship. I made a trip to Mendicino to the North, Yosemite (pictured below with Half Dome & El Capitan
the Russian River area, Livermore for a wine festival, as well as trips South to Orange County. I encountered Taise Prayer for the first time at the Old Saint Mary Cathedral in downtown San Francisco
and also at a convent in Menlo Park. I learned, relaxed, became more creative and found a renewed energy for ministry and service, and I saw the joy of life's journey encapsulated in those four months out West. I came home to Christmas with a renewed spirit.
It is hard to believe that it has been twenty years.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
An early moment in the journey
While in the seminary, I had a number of summer jobs to broaden my horizons and to make a little money. For two or three summers I worked at the McDonald's in Uniontown, my home town. There are two McDonald's now, one is in a new location near the Mall, and the former is at a new location in the old Uniontown Shopping Center. The old one was "the" gathering place for the younger crowd, especially during the summer months. I worked there in the late 60's, maybe early 70"s.
They hired a lot of kids in those days, and with my age I was one of the older persons at the counter, my usual station. We worked hard, and at that time, for small wages, but it was a good experience. I remember the very limited menu (compared to today), and some of the prices: they sold a hamburger, a cheeseburger and a fish fillet sandwich (the burger was $0.20, cheeseburger a quarter, and fish was $0.35). My second year there they expanded to include a large french fry as well as the small. Drinks included coke, root beer and orange as well as vanilla, strawberry & chocolate shakes. There were also seasonal specials. But the special item on the menu was something new - the Big Mac. It had been created at our store by the franchise owner, Jim Delligatti ... marketed in the Pittsburgh area ... and placed on the menu at McDonald's in 1967. It sold in my time for $0.55. It was a hit. I remember a shift when the local Reserve unit called in an order for 55 Big Macs and other assorted items to be picked up in a short while - we hustled to get it ready along with our usual business. There is a "Big Mac Museum" at the McDonald's in Irwin, where I am now serving. It's location here has nothing to do with me, or Uniontown or Pittsburgh, but it is do to location near the highly traveled PA Turnpike (so I read).
All of this was brought to mind today as I heard the news of the death of the Big Mac creator, Mr. Jim Delligatti, at his home in Pittsburgh at the age of 98. I never met Mr. Delligatti, but his creation, and his business acumen, helped in some small way to create the memories that enriched my journey. And his Big Mac and all that McDonald's provided us over the years, has brought enjoyment to countless peoples. Remember when their signs read - "Over 1 million served".
My sympathy to Mr. Jim Delligatti's family as he is laid to rest this weekend. May he rest in peace.
They hired a lot of kids in those days, and with my age I was one of the older persons at the counter, my usual station. We worked hard, and at that time, for small wages, but it was a good experience. I remember the very limited menu (compared to today), and some of the prices: they sold a hamburger, a cheeseburger and a fish fillet sandwich (the burger was $0.20, cheeseburger a quarter, and fish was $0.35). My second year there they expanded to include a large french fry as well as the small. Drinks included coke, root beer and orange as well as vanilla, strawberry & chocolate shakes. There were also seasonal specials. But the special item on the menu was something new - the Big Mac. It had been created at our store by the franchise owner, Jim Delligatti ... marketed in the Pittsburgh area ... and placed on the menu at McDonald's in 1967. It sold in my time for $0.55. It was a hit. I remember a shift when the local Reserve unit called in an order for 55 Big Macs and other assorted items to be picked up in a short while - we hustled to get it ready along with our usual business. There is a "Big Mac Museum" at the McDonald's in Irwin, where I am now serving. It's location here has nothing to do with me, or Uniontown or Pittsburgh, but it is do to location near the highly traveled PA Turnpike (so I read).
All of this was brought to mind today as I heard the news of the death of the Big Mac creator, Mr. Jim Delligatti, at his home in Pittsburgh at the age of 98. I never met Mr. Delligatti, but his creation, and his business acumen, helped in some small way to create the memories that enriched my journey. And his Big Mac and all that McDonald's provided us over the years, has brought enjoyment to countless peoples. Remember when their signs read - "Over 1 million served".
My sympathy to Mr. Jim Delligatti's family as he is laid to rest this weekend. May he rest in peace.
Monday, November 28, 2016
A Fresh Start
There is a great tendency in our lives to run from one thing to the next, to seek after the novelty, the new thing of the day, or to wander aimlessly in life. Our reason to be is all too often rooted in the fleeting. There are occasions when we follow a particular way for awhile, resolving to "stay on course" [ as a new subscriber to Netflix, I have spent my free first month committed to watching past seasons of two tv shows that I never watched before - five seasons of the one and now three of the other - so that I can be caught up ]. But even with that I will lose interest and move on to something else, which is okay, since I have a clear idea of my reason to be, and it is not founded on being current with tv programs or the latest things.
The season of Advent began yesterday with a call to commitment, perseverance and vigilance on our quest toward our ultimate goal, not a thing or experience or hope, but rather the concrete reality of a life giving relationship to Jesus Christ. In that relationship we are embraced by the Father of all creation and possess the Spirit of love that belongs to the Children of God. It has been revealed to us that the Father has chosen us to be his own. He has called us to life and holiness. And when we struggled to find our way, he sent his Son, Jesus, as friend and brother, to show us the way home. Jesus came in time, born in Bethlehem of Judea two thousand years ago, taught us, healed us, loved us, and died for us so that we may live. He gave us his Spirit as our strength, and his Church as our family, and a promised return as our hope.
Advent reminds us to renew our journey toward Christ. We are to prepare to celebrate his birth those many years ago, but we are more importantly to welcome him each morning, actually each moment, into the depth of our hearts. And we are to ready ourselves for that moment of encounter when he comes at the end of time to walk us into the promise of an eternity of joy and gladness. He will come in glory to judge each of us and all of humanity with an embrace of love. Advent reminds us that our daily journey is a pilgrimage to the mountain of the Lord, and that his Spirit is our strength and his Church is the rope line, the thread, that makes sure that we do not lose our way.
May this Advent be a time of renewal and blessing, and a source of peace.
Our bishop, Bishop Edward Malesic, is on facebook, and his reflection yesterday was great. Check him out - Bishop Ed Malesic - on fb.
The season of Advent began yesterday with a call to commitment, perseverance and vigilance on our quest toward our ultimate goal, not a thing or experience or hope, but rather the concrete reality of a life giving relationship to Jesus Christ. In that relationship we are embraced by the Father of all creation and possess the Spirit of love that belongs to the Children of God. It has been revealed to us that the Father has chosen us to be his own. He has called us to life and holiness. And when we struggled to find our way, he sent his Son, Jesus, as friend and brother, to show us the way home. Jesus came in time, born in Bethlehem of Judea two thousand years ago, taught us, healed us, loved us, and died for us so that we may live. He gave us his Spirit as our strength, and his Church as our family, and a promised return as our hope.
Advent reminds us to renew our journey toward Christ. We are to prepare to celebrate his birth those many years ago, but we are more importantly to welcome him each morning, actually each moment, into the depth of our hearts. And we are to ready ourselves for that moment of encounter when he comes at the end of time to walk us into the promise of an eternity of joy and gladness. He will come in glory to judge each of us and all of humanity with an embrace of love. Advent reminds us that our daily journey is a pilgrimage to the mountain of the Lord, and that his Spirit is our strength and his Church is the rope line, the thread, that makes sure that we do not lose our way.
May this Advent be a time of renewal and blessing, and a source of peace.
Our bishop, Bishop Edward Malesic, is on facebook, and his reflection yesterday was great. Check him out - Bishop Ed Malesic - on fb.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Thanks for Giving
On this Thursday morning, November 24th, we are into our Thanksgiving Day celebrations. Many of our parish family joined me at morning Mass to celebratre Eucharist, our greatest act of thanksgiving as members of the Body of Christ. Along with our morning prayers, it is a wonderful way of beginning the day, and of celebrating this National Holiday. The parades are on tv (90 years for Macy's), turkeys are in the oven and foods are being prepared, families will be gathering to break bread, to share fellowship, to watch football or holiday programs, and to ready ourselves for shopping. We will be tempted to binge, but hopefully we will do everything in moderation. And most especially we will pause somewhere during the day or before digging in to give thanks to the Lord, personally and as family, for His countless blessings.
Our reason to do so is rooted in a deep seeded need, one that we may not even be aware of ... to give thanks to God for his countless gifts of love and of his infinite goodness. Our prayer is that our hearts be open to have, as the Collect of this day says, "concern for every man, woman, and child". The proper Preface of the day reminds us that with the gifts of God given to us comes a responsibility and commitment to think of others, to advance their dignity, and to share with them "the good things of time and eternity".
One of my personal practices and traditions is to express my gratitude to people, to say "thanks". I thank the people at Mass for their attendance and prayers, and often hear people say "you don't need to thank me for being here ... it is what I want to do or it is my responsibility". But I take nothing for granted, and I want them to know that they are a gift to the Church and to me. Saying thanks is such a little thing, yet such a powerful recognition of how aware I am of the blessing that have come my way. And those blessing originate with our loving Heavenly Father.
The ads for St. Jude's Hospital are a great reminder to "Give Thanks" for all of our blessings. Our Diocese has a Thanksgiving message that highlights the lessons learned and the love shared in this past Year of Mercy - the theme of which is "Thanks for Giving". And the conscious awareness of just how loved and blessed we are and how much the world needs reassurance of that love and care of God, prompts us give of ourselves for the glory of God.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all on this day ... and THANK YOU for your Faith, Hope and Love shared with me and with your sisters and brothers.
Our reason to do so is rooted in a deep seeded need, one that we may not even be aware of ... to give thanks to God for his countless gifts of love and of his infinite goodness. Our prayer is that our hearts be open to have, as the Collect of this day says, "concern for every man, woman, and child". The proper Preface of the day reminds us that with the gifts of God given to us comes a responsibility and commitment to think of others, to advance their dignity, and to share with them "the good things of time and eternity".
One of my personal practices and traditions is to express my gratitude to people, to say "thanks". I thank the people at Mass for their attendance and prayers, and often hear people say "you don't need to thank me for being here ... it is what I want to do or it is my responsibility". But I take nothing for granted, and I want them to know that they are a gift to the Church and to me. Saying thanks is such a little thing, yet such a powerful recognition of how aware I am of the blessing that have come my way. And those blessing originate with our loving Heavenly Father.
The ads for St. Jude's Hospital are a great reminder to "Give Thanks" for all of our blessings. Our Diocese has a Thanksgiving message that highlights the lessons learned and the love shared in this past Year of Mercy - the theme of which is "Thanks for Giving". And the conscious awareness of just how loved and blessed we are and how much the world needs reassurance of that love and care of God, prompts us give of ourselves for the glory of God.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all on this day ... and THANK YOU for your Faith, Hope and Love shared with me and with your sisters and brothers.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
A milestone for this blog
Recently JOURNEY THOUGHTS has reached another milestone - surpassing the 100,000 pageview mark. The count as of this moment stands at 100,425. As I have mentioned before, this author is astounded and humbled at the number of readers, frequent and occasional, that have surveyed the sight over these years. I often encounter readers in the most unusual of circumstances telling me of their loyal following of this blog. To all who have sought out these thoughts, thank you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)