Be a True Witness        

              When someone is on trial for a crime of some sort, sometimes they will have a character witness come and testify for them. This person will usually sit on the witness stand and testify how good the person on trial is and how they never could have committed the crime they have been accused of. It is a very important choice the accused has to make on who this witness is. They cannot just put anyone on the stand to speak for them. They need someone of high moral character because the jury is judging the truths their advocate is speaking on their behalf. You would not want to pick someone you may have met in jail, but you would pick maybe your first-grade teacher. Let just say the words either of those people would say could be true, and the jury will put more validity in the person they see as more truthful person. We have seen this in our own Church with the recent scandals. Even though the words and teachings of Christ are good, true, and complete, they are damaged when the messenger has been tainted.

The truth is we are all called to testify for Christ because Christ’s trial truly never ends. We are all His character witnesses. The type of person we are and our own moral character is important not only for ourselves but for the good word of Christ we are all called to proclaim. All of us at times in our lives have not lived up to this responsibility. This is because we are all sinners. It is through Christ though we can repair these character flaws and become good witnesses again and again. We can use this time of Lent that is coming to us this Wednesday to make those repairs. In essence, we can prep ourselves for the witness stand.

The Gospel today talks about bearing good fruit. It reminds me of another Gospel where Jesus speaks of a landowner who wants a tree cut down because it is not bearing fruit anymore. The gardener pleas for time to care for the tree, to prune it and treat the soil around it. This is our time to be a gardener for ourselves…to renew the soil around us and prune out what is needed for us to start bearing good fruit again. A good place to begin this would be joining our parish in the 40 Hours of devotion to our Lord. It is a great time and place to slow down, take a breath from the world and spend time with Jesus. Christ is the true gardener, and he will teach us how to prune away those things that are keeping us from Him if we allow Him into our lives and into our hearts. Please join us.

May Jesus live in our hearts forever.
Deacon Chris

Saturday February 26th
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday February 27th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday February 28th
6:30 am † William Neas

Tuesday March 1st
6:30 am † Katherine Neas

Wednesday March 2nd Ash Wednesday
6:30 am † Martin Kelly
9:00 am Intentions of the Parishioners
7:00 pm Edith Santone

Thursday March 3rd
6:30 am † Joseph and Marietta Johnson

Friday March 4th St. Casimir
6:30 am † Joy Burns

Saturday March 5th
8:00 am † Joseph & Edna Dougherty

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Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Nina Ferraro, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Adriana Sproehnle, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Eileen Snipas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Msgr. Michael Flood, Teresa Riegal, Betty Rufe, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Delbert Wallace, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, George Pollock, Dorothy Hammar, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Marie Hagan & Robert Farrell….

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

What is a friend?  Here is how you know someone is your friend: you can share bad news and they will listen without trying to one up you with their bad news. You can tell them good news and they will celebrate with you and won’t be jealous. Friendship is about wanting the best for us as they support the best part of us. Friendship supports us in our vocation either in marriage, single life, religious life or priestly life.

Friendship never pushes us down, even when hard things need to be said. Friendship builds us up and encourages us. Friendships doesn’t say I told you so when we fall down in life, but instead is ready to pick us up when we do. Friendships is not one-sided. It is about giving to one another. True friendship never keeps score of how much one did for the other. Friendship is love!

How are our friendships with one another? How is your friendship with the Lord? What do we need to work on?

  Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve, our friendship with God has been strained.  Ever since that day, God continually shows us that He would rather die than spend all eternity without us. Soon, we will have our parish 40 Hours Devotion and right after that Lent begins. Is the Lord calling on us to take a step closer into this friendship? Let us reflect and think about these things as we continue to grow in our friendships with Him and with one another.

Saturday February 19th
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday February 20th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday February 21st St. Peter Damian
6:30 am † James Whyte

Tuesday February 22nd Chair of St. Peter
6:30 am † Claire Agnes Mansfield

Wednesday February 23rd St. Polycarp
6:30 am † Claire Mansfield

Thursday February 24th
6:30 am † Craig Harrison

Friday February 25th
6:30 am † Craig Harrison

Saturday February 26th
8:00 am † Edith Santone

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Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Nina Ferraro, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Adriana Sproehnle, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Eileen Snipas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Marie Hagan, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Msgr. Michael Flood, Teresa Riegal, Betty Rufe, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Delbert Wallace, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, George Pollock, Dorothy Hammar, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Sister Mary Winifred Feeney, I.H.M., Sister Maria Patris Hogan, I.H.M., Sister Marita Louise McGee, I.H.M….

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes in the Gospel, as well as this Sunday’s other Scripture Readings, offer a contrast to many of the messages we hear in our society today. If we were to accept uncritically the “get ahead” messages of our culture, we would think that happiness means having money, possessions and being successful in other’s eyes. Not only will we not find happiness in these things alone, but our misplaced trust in them may lead to our demise. Our lives must be firmly rooted in trust in God and care and concern for others. Our vocation as Christians is not to be first in this world but to be first in the eyes of God.

         So, do we have to believe that anyone who has more than sufficient or even just enough money, will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven? Do we have to believe that anyone who has abundant or sufficient food cannot enter the Kingdom? Do we have to believe that all those who laugh are not going to enter God’s Kingdom? Probably not! In proclaiming these ‘blessings and woes’ Jesus is referring to the inner attitudes that all of us have in our hearts.

         The temptation for everyone is to seek to acquire riches, possessions, a good reputation, and a life filled with laughter, while forgetting and ignoring the poverty and suffering of others. This seems to be why many times the poor are very generous and those who possess much are afraid to give to others what they can for fear of ending up with less or without enough. This is an inner attitude that is against the Gospel. Laughter is good for body and soul, but never at the expense of forgetting entirely those who suffer. Jesus is rebuking the inner attitude of one who only laughs but pays no attention to the mourning that is all around them.

         In today’s first reading the prophet Jeremiah calls us to a very deep reflection. We must ask ourselves, in whom, and in what have I put my trust? Putting our trust in God is the best approach to life. Certainly, we must do our best and put forth effort. However, we must not forget that it is God who sustains and blesses our ways and efforts.

         Christ is truly risen! St. Paul tells us this so very strongly. If Christ has been raised so will we be raised. If we hope only for this life, we are to be pitied. It is when we begin to hope for eternal life that we can accept giving to others and helping others. It is in hope that we can fast so that others might have food. It is faith that we can cry when we see the misery of our sisters and brothers and finally find the compassion and mercy to help them.

         May God lead us all into His Kingdom and keep us on His path.

God love and bless you!
Sr. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, IHM

Saturday February 12th
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday February 13th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday February 14th Ss. Cyril & Methodius
6:30 am † Jean McIntyre

Tuesday February 15th
6:30 am † Faye Malick

Wednesday February 16th
6:30 am † Joseph A. Ventura

Thursday February 17th Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
6:30 am Linda Nichols

Friday February 18th
6:30 am † John Raymond Barone

Saturday February 19th
8:00 am † Joseph Wright, Jr.

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Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Nina Ferraro, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Adriana Sproehnle, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Eileen Snipas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Marie Hagan, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Msgr. Michael Flood, Teresa Riegal, Betty Rufe, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Delbert Wallace, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, George Pollock, Dorothy Hammar, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Sister Mary Ann Evans, I.H.M. & Manfred Schuster…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

“Here I am, Lord! Send me.”

              When one is called by the Lord — and we all have been summoned by virtue of our baptism—it is natural to be a bit fearful. We may entertain negative thoughts, such as, “I must be mistaken; God wouldn’t be calling me.” or “I don’t know enough. What could I do?” or even, “I’m not comfortable with sharing my faith; besides, I have enough on my plate, I don’t have the time.” We should not let these pessimistic thoughts overpower us because God’s grace is sufficient. He will provide all that we need to complete our mission in life. You may ask, “Mission, I have a mission?” The answer is a resounding, “YES!”

God has a special purpose for you alone. You were created to fulfill God’s work. It does not mean you have to become a priest, or a religious brother or a religious sister, although that may be a possibility. By fulfilling your particular role in life to the best of your ability, you are carrying out your mission in life, and this brings glory to God.

As a parent, creating a loving, accepting, and peaceful home is an awesome task. As your child/ren’s first and most important teacher, you can cultivate in them a love and understanding of the Catholic faith. Through your witness of making prayer and participation in the sacraments a priority in your family, you are developing in them a love for Jesus, His teachings, and His Church. If you are single, your participation in the sacraments is a witness to your fellow parishioners. For us priests and religious sisters, teaching and bringing Christ to the world is our mission.

Each of us is called to be all that God is calling us to be in our particular station in life. Being kind, charitable, and respectful to all those we encounter on a daily basis is definitely fulfilling Jesus’ commandment to love one another. We need not be afraid because with God’s life and grace in us, all things are possible. Therefore, in confidence we can proclaim, “Here I am, Lord! Send me.”

In Mary’s Immaculate Heart, I am,
Sister Mary 

Saturday February 5th St. Agatha
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday February 6th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday February 7th
6:30 am † Alfred Messina

Tuesday February 8th St. Jerome Emiliani; St. Josephine Bakhita
6:30 am † Catherine Altmeier

Wednesday February 9th
6:30 am † Richard C. Zane

Thursday February 10th St. Scholastica
6:30 am † Carol Pradel

Friday February 11th Our Lady of Lourdes
6:30 am † Claire Mansfield

Saturday February 12th
8:00 am † Intentions of the Kenney Family

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Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Nina Ferraro, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Adriana Sproehnle, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Eileen Snipas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Msgr. Michael Flood, Teresa Riegal, Elizabeth Ruth, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Delbert Wallace, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, George Pollock, Dorothy Hammar, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Catherine Nuccio & Marie Hagan…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

While in the seminary I studied the subject of Homiletics, the art of presenting a homily. For four semesters I was taught how to prepare a homily.  We were shown how to create its content and what type of structure it should take.  Knowing your audience and awareness of recent events should also be considered.  The one thing our teachers never taught us is what should be in a homily itself, what we should preach on.  Of course the homily should pertain to the scripture readings of the day, but what we are actually presenting was not up to our teachers or ourselves.  What we were asked to do was to spend time with the scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.  The Holy Spirit should be the author.  Because of this fact we were instructed not to look for praise or compliments after we have preached.  We were told that there may be times when we are preaching that it seems no one is listening or even paying attention to what we were saying.  On those days there may be a full Church but the Spirit, through us, may be speaking to only a few or one person on that day.  To spread God’s message of love to just one person is just as important as it is to preach to many.  On those days we were told not to lose hope, we are still doing God’s work.

This may happen to all of us when we try to do what we are all called to do, spreads God’s Word.  It is very difficult in today’s world to do this.  The pushback from society against anything that seems religious or spiritual is real.  Just because it is hard to do does not relieve our responsibility to do it.  In fact, the first reading today tells us that we were formed in the womb to prophesize to the Nations.  We were made to prophesize.  We were not only made but anointed at our Baptism to this vocation and sealed with it at our Confirmation.  So, we should not lose heart at each rejection because the Holy Spirit is working inside us.  The Spirit will give us the strength and the words of what we need to say at the time.  Take any rejection as motivation because you are in good company with Christ himself.  He who received the ultimate rejection beginning with his own friends and relatives.  Remember there may be that one person out there who is waiting for you to bring them the Love that God offers us all.  So, as we leave Mass today let us leave with joyful hearts and a resounding “Thanks be to God!” knowing we are on our way to do God’s work.

May Jesus live in our hearts forever.
Deacon Chris

Saturday January 29th
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday January 30th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday January 31st St. John Bosco
6:30 am † William Ness

Tuesday February 1st
6:30 am Ellen and AJ McClatchy

Wednesday February 2nd Presentation of the Lord
6:30 am † Thomas Flaherty

Thursday February 3rd St. Blasé, St. Ansgar
6:30 am † Alfred Messina

Friday February 4th
6:30 am † Adele Tiburzio

Saturday February 5th St. Agatha
8:00 am † James Purvis

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Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Nina Ferraro, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Adriana Sproehnle, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Eileen Snipas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Marie Hagan, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Msgr. Michael Flood, Teresa Riegal, Elizabeth Ruth, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Delbert Wallace, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, George Pollock, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Edward Doherty & Carmela Janetti…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Here is a great explanation of the importance of 40 Hours and what you can expect written by Christ the King Parish in Tampa, FL.

The Forty Hours Devotion

The Forty Hours Devotion provides a wonderful opportunity for the spiritual growth of each person and the parish as a whole. In a world where temptation and evil abound, where devotion to the Mass and our Lord in the Holy Eucharist have declined, where the practice of penance and confession have been forgotten, we need the Forty Hours Devotion more than ever.

Over these 40 hours, our faithful will gather in the church for personal or public prayer in adoration of our Lord. There will be various prayer services and devotions offered during our celebration, but most often we will offer periods of prayerful silence. All parishioners and friends of St. David Catholic Church are welcome to attend as much of the forty hours devotion as their schedule permits. Registration is not required, however a sign up has been created to ensure the Blessed Sacrament is never left alone.

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What is Forty Hours Devotion?

The Forty Hours Devotion is a special 40-hour period of continuous prayer made before the Blessed Sacrament in solemn exposition. Of course, the focus of this devotion is on the Holy Eucharist. The Forty Hours Devotion can be seen almost like a parish mini-retreat or mission in which the faithful are invited to come spend time with the Lord.

Why the number 40?

The number forty has always signified a sacred period of time: the rains during the time of Noah lasted 40 days and nights; the Jews wandered through the desert for 40 years, our Lord fasted and prayed for 40 days before beginning His public ministry. The 40 Hours Devotion remembers that traditional
“forty-hour period” from our Lord’s burial until the resurrection. Actually in the Middle Ages, the Blessed Sacrament was transferred to the repository, “the Easter Sepulcher,” for this period of time to signify our Lord’s time in the tomb. 

What does Forty Hours Devotion entail?

The Forty Hours Devotion begins with a Solemn Mass of Exposition, which concludes with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The Blessed Sacrament remains on the altar in a monstrance. During the next 40 hours, the faithful gather for personal or public prayer in adoration of our Lord. There will be various prayer services and devotions offered during our celebration, but most often we will offer periods of prayerful silence. We will mark the conclusion of 40 Hours with a prayer service and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Lord has great things in store for us.
Don’t miss this opportunity to spend time with Him.

Saturday January 22nd St. Vincent
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday January 23rd
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday January 24th St. Francis de Sales
6:30 am † Janet Perretti

Tuesday January 25th Conversion of St. Paul
6:30 am † Mary and John Kenney

Wednesday January 26th Ss. Timothy & Titus
6:30 am Keith Jung

Thursday January 27th St. Angela Merici
6:30 am † Victoria Mulligan

Friday January 28th St. Thomas Aquinas
6:30 am † Dr. Louis Welsh

Saturday January 29th
8:00 am † Mary Garofalo

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Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Nina Ferraro, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Adriana Sproehnle, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Eileen Snipas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Marie Hagan, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Msgr. Michael Flood, Teresa Riegal, Elizabeth Ruth, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Delbert Wallace, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Patricia Kensey, Sister Marie Lorraine Bruno, IHM; Sister M. Rita Charles Smith, IHM; Sister M. Elizabeth Jane Murray, IHM…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Spiritual Gifts: Given To Be Shared

One year, a husband bought his mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift. The next year, he didn’t buy her a gift. When she asked him why he replied, “Well, you still haven’t used the gift I gave you last year!” How many of us would hear a similar reply from God when asking for new gifts? Do you use your God-given spiritual gifts to benefit others, especially in your parish community?

In our second reading today, St. Paul exhorts the Christians of Corinth not to use their God-given gifts for self-glorification but rather for the benefit of everyone in the community. He reminds them that every believer is given at least one spiritual gift, and that having one gift or another makes no difference, since they all come from the same God. These freely bestowed gifts are workings of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, all Christians are called to minister to others with the gifts they have received.

Some are given the gift of wisdom, knowledge, or faith. Others are blessed with the gifts of mercy, kindness, compassion and healing, to care for the sick, the poor, and the needy. A few are given material wealth to share with those less fortunate. Others are given the gift of leadership, to organize and take charge of a parish ministry. Some are called to be Christian parents, catechists, teachers, lectors, ushers, or cantors in Church. One or more of these gifts are bestowed on everyone so we learn to depend on and appreciate one another.

What are your spiritual gifts? If you are not aware, it is important that you discover them. Pay attention to what stirs your heart and pray to God to reveal His gifts to you. You can also ask others who know you and share your Faith what strengths they see in you. A true friend in Christ will help you discover your God-given gifts. When you know your gifts, then, nurture them by using them to benefit others. Our gracious God, who freely bestowed these gifts on you, expects you to share them freely with others. However, keep in mind that God cannot be outdone in generosity.

May God bless you always!
Sr. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, IHM

Saturday January 15th
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday January 16th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday January 17th St. Anthony of Egypt
6:30 am † John Murray

Tuesday January 18th
6:30 am † Edmond Dalpe

Wednesday January 19th
6:30 am Special Intention

Thursday January 20th St. Fabian; St. Sebastian
6:30 am † Ronald Garges

Friday January 21st St. Agnes
6:30 am † Jennifer and Moose Beerley

Saturday January 22nd St. Vincent
8:00 am † David Korn

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Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Nina Ferraro, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Adriana Sproehnle, Karen Dale, Robert Farrell, Agnes Neas, Eileen Snipas, John Flickinger, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Marie Hagan, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Pat Kensey, Msgr. Michael Flood, Teresa Riegal, Elizabeth Ruth, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Mary Rombola…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

+Dear Parishioners,

            As we begin 2022, what are your wishes for this New Year? I imagine for most of us, near the top of the list may be an end to the COVID pandemic and a return to “normalcy.” On this beautiful feast of the Baptism of the Lord, may we also include on our list of resolutions ‘to deepen our relationship with our Savior, Jesus’.

            Why did Jesus ask John to baptize Him in the River Jordan? Surely it was not due to any sin on His part…definitely not; then why? It was because Jesus took on the guilt of our sin so that we may be saved from the grips of the devil. Jesus came to restore the broken relationship that our first parents (Adam and Eve) caused when they turned their backs on their loving Father, and instead listened to the lies of the Evil One. 

            Which loving parent would not give up his/her own life to save the life of a child? God our Father so loved the world, and each one of us, that “He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John 3:16). At our own baptism, we were cleansed from original sin and from the power of the devil. We became children of God! We received God’s life in us – grace – and we participate in the life of the Trinity. Bishop Robert Barron explains that, “Many of the early Church Fathers understood that by allowing Himself to be baptized, Jesus sanctified the waters of Baptism for all Christians who would come after Him. He went into the waters so we could join Him, arising as new creations. He raised Baptism from the level of cleansing rite to sacrament.”

            What an awesome gift that has been bestowed upon us. This is the reason why when we have babies baptized, it is a day of rejoicing. We celebrate that this infant has now joined God’s family, the Church. As a result, parents and godparents pray and guide the child throughout his/her journey of life and faith. Becoming a member of God’s family is certainly a cause for celebration. Be sure to thank God for this great gift as God the Father says to each of us as He said to Jesus, “This is My beloved son/daughter; with you I am well pleased!” May 2022 make us ever more pleasing to God ?

In Mary’s Immaculate Heart, I am,
Sister Mary

Saturday January 8th
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday January 9th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday January 10th
6:30 am † Deceased Members of the Link & Simpson Families

Tuesday January 11th
6:30 am † Joseph A. Duffy Sr.

Wednesday January 12th
6:30 am † John Nolan

Thursday January 13th St. Hilary of Poitiers
6:30 am † Ruth McKee

Friday January 14th
6:30 am † William and Helen McMahon

Saturday January 15th
8:00 am † Lenna Gaiomino

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Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Nina Ferraro, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Adriana Sproehnle, Karen Dale, Robert Farrell, Agnes Neas, Eileen Snipas, John Flickinger, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Marie Hagan, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Pat Kensey, Msgr. Michael Flood, Teresa Riegal, Elizabeth Ruth, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Dolores Purtell, Silvio Antonelli, John T. Cooke, Robert Degnan, Estelle Weinrich…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Kings

              Today, we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. This is the day we celebrate the visitation of the three Magi, or Wisemen, bearing gifts to our newborn Savior. We all know of the lavish gifts these Three Wisemen, or as some refer to them, Three Kings, brought to the King of the Jews. We all would love to be able to give such great gifts but being normal everyday people, our access to gold, frankincense, and myrrh is quite limited.

Could we even afford such gifts? What kind of gifts should we bring? We are not kings. Or are we?

At our Baptism we were anointed priest, prophet, and king. So, in the eyes of Jesus, who completely adores and loves us, we are also royalty. As royalty, any gift we may offer Our Lord would also be coming from a king. But still, we have the issue of the value of what our gift would be. What we need to realize is that the value of a gift is not specified by the person who gives it but by the person who receives it. Our Lord values love and kindness above all other things. We may not be able to give the gift of gold to Christ, but we can give the gift of love to him by loving each other. Small little acts of kindness we can offer each other every day would please Jesus more than anything. Opening the door for someone at Wawa. Letting a car in front of us in traffic. Offering encouragement to someone who is down or even just offering a smile. A small note to your husband or wife letting him or her know that you love them. Lending a helping hand when someone needs it. These are all incredibly valuable gifts.

Saint Therese knew this very well. In fact, she called it the “Little Way”. She knew and felt Jesus’ total love for her, but knew due to her age and position she would never be able to give back in grandiose ways. She found ways to give back and show Christ love with little acts of love, one at a time. Over time all, these little acts add up to be those grandiose gifts that come from a king or queen. May we all be able to follow the Little Flower’s example and continuing our own little gift giving throughout all the seasons of the year.

May Jesus live in our hearts forever.
Deacon Chris

Saturday January 1st Mary, Mother of God
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday January 2nd
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday January 3rd Most Holy Name of Jesus
6:30 am † Anthony Neri, Sr.

Tuesday January 4th
6:30 am † Mary Schluckebier

Wednesday January 5th
6:30 am † Vincent Turco

Thursday January 6th
6:30 am † Marilyn McLaughlin

Friday January 7th St. Raymond of Penafort
6:30 am † Mary M. Rosenbaum (30th Anniversary)

Saturday January 8th
8:00 am † Lenna Gaiomino

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Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Nina Ferraro, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Adriana Sproehnle, Karen Dale, Robert Farrell, Agnes Neas, Eileen Snipas, John Flickinger, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Marie Hagan, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Pat Kensey, Msgr. Michael Flood, Teresa Riegal, Elizabeth Ruth, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

When I was growing up, my dad made a promise with my brothers and me that if we all got good grades throughout the year, he would buy us a Nintendo gaming system.  We were so excited about the possibility of getting it, so all throughout the year we challenged each other and helped each other to make sure we all did well.  All throughout the year we would report back to dad our grades. When we told him our grades, he would just look at us, smile, and never say anything about his promise.  When the end of the year came, we all did well in school and were so excited that we rushed home to call dad at work.  

When we talked to him, it was a quick conversation, and he got off the phone very abruptly.  He did not sound excited and never mentioned honoring his promise to us. We were in disbelief, thought he forgot, complained, and were miserable the rest of the day.  Later that night, as we were sulking in the living room together, he entered the room with his arms full.  In his arms was not only the Nintendo system, but also some of the best games and accessories for it.  He said he was so excited after we called that he rushed to finish his work so he could buy it for us.  We were embarrassed; I was embarrassed in thinking that our dad forgot about us.

How many times in our lives do we think God forgets his promises towards us? Life sometimes has a way to do that to us… we may get angry with Him at times because life doesn’t always go the way we want it to. We may even lose our way and think God is not loving.  If we stay in that mindset for too long, we will not see God as a loving Father who wants the best for us.  We will not see him as a Father who loves to give his children gifts.  We may not even see him as Our Father at all. 

Over and over throughout the scriptures, we hear that the proper term for God is Our Father. Not a Father, but THE Father, the one from whom all fatherhood comes.  The one who picks us up when we fall down in life, and the one who loves us greatly.  The one Father who is not flawed, never forgets his promises to His children, and always delivers. One way to grow is to remember daily that Our Father never forgets us, and that we are all part of His family.  Our Father in Heaven is always standing at the door of our hearts.  His son Jesus is still present in the world today.  He is present in the mysteries of the sacraments. When we receive the Eucharist, we receive Him, and He wants us to make Him present to others.

This Christmas Season, are we willing to open the door of our hearts to Him?  Are we willing to open our hearts as a family of faith here at St David’s parish, to come to know Him and love Him in this life and the next? The Holy Family is Holy because they opened their hearts to Our Father. They trusted in God’s Word even when they lost their son. Mary trusted in God’s promise even when she watched her son die on the cross. My prayer for all of us this Christmas is that we open the door of our hearts even wider to faith, hope and love, and to Christ’s promises to us. When we do, we will see that Our Father’s promises are so much greater than we could have ever expected.

Merry Christmas!!
Fr. Windle

Sunday December 26th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19
11:00 am † Intentions of the Presider

Monday December 27th St. John the Apostle & evangelist
8:00 am † Mary Fitzpatrick

Tuesday December 28th Holy Innocents
8:00 am † Dolores Anderson

Wednesday December 29th St. Thomas Becket
8:00 am † George McGinn

Thursday December 30th
8:00 am † Barbara Eisenhart

Friday December 31st St. Sylvester I
8:00 am † Frank Day

Saturday January 1st Mary, Mother of God
10:00 am † Joseph Herbert

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Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Nina Ferraro, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Adriana Sproehnle, Karen Dale, Robert Farrell, Agnes Neas, Eileen Snipas, John Flickinger, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Marie Hagan, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Pat Kensey, Msgr. Michael Flood, Teresa Riegal, Elizabeth Ruth, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Charles Barnes Jr….

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.