Spiritual Reflection 2/12/23

+ Dear Saint David Parishioners,

Once there was a man named Charlie who was feeling quite unsettled with his life, but couldn’t really put his finger on the reason why. He was happily married to Sarah, was blessed with three beautiful children, and was satisfied with his work. Charlie reflected on his life and considered himself a decent human being; he thought of himself as a reliable and responsible person, a satisfactory husband and father, and one who occasionally helped those who were less fortunate. Even though these were acceptable qualities, something was just not right. Nothing major was happening in his life; it was the same ol’, same ol’. One day while he was taking a walk in the park, he heard an inner voice say to him, “Charlie, what you are missing is Me.” “What?” Charlie spun around to see if anyone was around, but there was no one. Charlie thought to himself that he must have imagined it. Again, the inner voice repeated, except this time a little louder, “Charlie, what you are missing is Me!”

Charlie realized that the inner voice was Jesus. He thought, “I am no Saint Paul falling off a horse, but this is realI know it is.” Charlie didn’t want to tell anyone for fear that he/she would think that he did fall off a horse. Instead, he stopped into Saint David Church where it just happened to be a day when the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for adoration. Now Charlie remembered that when he attended Saint David School, his teacher taught that Jesus is actually present in the Blessed Sacrament. As Charlie knelt down before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, he found himself pouring out his heart in prayer – explaining to Jesus all that he was going through, even though he realized that Jesus already knew, but Charlie continued anyway. He then sat back, not thinking or saying anything, but just gazing at Jesus in the monstrance. He thought, “Wow, this is really amazing that our God came down from heaven, was born of the Virgin Mary, became a baby, grew up as all of us do, began His public ministry, was crucified, and rose from the dead to save me and all of us from sin. How remarkable!” Charlie then just sat back in the pew and let himself process this experience. Charlie relished this personal encounter with Jesus and felt an inner peace that he had never experienced before.

As time went on, Charlie made it a weekly practice – sometimes once or twice a week to stop into adoration. He then began attending weekly Mass with Sarah and the kids. Sarah never asked why the sudden change, but she did notice that Charlie was becoming more attentive, patient, and generous with his time with her and the children. Even some of Charlie’s friends mentioned to Sarah that Charlie seemed different, but in a good way. Finally, one day Charlie shared with Sarah all that he went through and invited her to join him in going to adoration. Together, their marriage became stronger because they would pray together, share their thoughts on Scripture passages, discuss the weekly Sunday readings as a family, and participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a family. During Advent and Lent, they prayed a decade of the rosary as a family. These shared practices deepened not only their marriage but their family bonds as well. Charlie remembered one of his religion teachers telling the class, “The family that prays together, stays together.” Charlie felt blessed that he had taken the time to get to the bottom of his unsettled feelings and as a result, his Catholic faith became an integral part of his everyday life. Jesus now had a central place in his life and in his family’s life and life felt more manageable and less anxiety-ridden with Jesus by their side! Charlie gave thanks and praise to God for this awesome experience and explained to those who would listen how Jesus wants to have a personal encounter with each one of us– we just have to be willing to stop and listen.

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

Week of February 12, 2023

Saturday February 11th Our Lady of Lourdes
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday February 12th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19 & For Peace in Eastern Europe
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday February 13th
6:30 am Special Intentions of Paul Morrow

Tuesday February 14th Ss. Cyril & Methodius
6:30 am † Edward Barry Conn

Wednesday February 15th
6:30 am † Cosmo Fiorino

Thursday February 16th
6:30 am † Leonard Dutkiewicz

Friday February 17th Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
6:30 am † Vernon Morgan

Saturday February 18th
8:00 am † In Thanksgiving


Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Teresa Riegal, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, Thomas McLaughlin, Laverne McPhail, George Weatherford, Kathleen Lochner, Imelda Kormos, Kay Kenney, Howard J. Drager, Michael Boyle Sr., Eddie Quintana, Ralph Cosgrove, Anne & Mike Butera, Robert Mehlbaum, Eleanor Soboleski, Joseph Bellisari, Philip Bell, Joyce Drexler, Maria Gulach, Sherry Burke, Earl T. Bauder, John Flickinger, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased… Sister Mary A. Leonard, IHM; Sister M. Jane Frances Rearden, IHM; Thomas Carroll; Paul Oneto…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Spiritual Reflection 2/5/23

My Dear Friends,

This weekend, the Church throughout the world is invited to think, to thank, and to pray for and about vocations to the Consecrated Life.

In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted “World Day for Consecrated Life” as a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed, symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is celebrated in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church.

Those of us of a certain age were very familiar with the female and male Religious who populated the parochial schools, secondary schools, and Religious Education programs of our youth. In many ways, they were the Church for us. They shared their Faith and their enthusiasm with us and we were enamored of them. We are the practicing Catholics that we are today mainly through their efforts and our parents’ example. We as individuals and as a Church owe these good women and men a tremendous debt of thanks.

The story and the history of these dedicated Religious has yet to be written. When it is, I recommend this as the title of the work: All This, and Long Division Too.

Here at St. David Parish we are blessed to have the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, ministering in our school and in our parish. As you remember the Sisters and Brothers of your youth, please take a moment to think about them, to thank them and to pray for them. You can be sure that they prayed for you then and that they still do. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God’s gift of their vocation.

God Bless You,
Father Kennedy

Week of February 5, 2023

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

Sunday February 5th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19 & For Peace in Eastern Europe
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday February 6th St. Paul Miki & companions
6:30 am † Christopher, Maybel, and David Andersen

Tuesday February 7th
6:30 am † Joseph R. Serianni

Wednesday February 8th St. Jerome Emiliani; St. Josephine Bakhita
6:30 am † Michael Slezak

Thursday February 9th
6:30 am † Liam J. Lockrey

Friday February 10th St. Scholastica
6:30 am † Catherine Larkin

Saturday February 11th Our Lady of Lourdes
8:00 am † John J. Brown


Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Teresa Riegal, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, Thomas McLaughlin, Laverne McPhail, George Weatherford, Kathleen Lochner, Imelda Kormos, Kay Kenney, Howard J. Drager, Michael Boyle Sr., Eddie Quintana, Ralph Cosgrove, Anne & Mike Butera, Robert Mehlbaum, Eleanor Soboleski, Joseph Bellisari, Philip Bell, Joyce Drexler, Maria Gulach, Sherry Burke, Earl T. Bauder, John Flickinger, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased… Christopher Walsh…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Spiritual Reflection 1/29/23

Instructions

       Most of us have had the experience of putting something together, like a piece of furniture or that dreaded toy that Santa left that needs to be put together on Christmas Eve. Sometimes this can be a horrible experience. The instructions can be very vague or maybe in another language. Sometimes one or more of the parts are actually missing. Often we begin to try and put the toy or piece of furniture together without reading the instruction first. When we finally look at the instructions, we realize that we missed a step and must start over again. We may be so bold as to claim that we do not need the instructions, attempting to assemble it on our own. Anyone of these experiences can leave us with a product that is either incomplete or not what it was meant to be. This same situation can occur while we are building and strengthening our Faith. This is why we need to start from the beginning. We need to start with Christ.

It is not a coincidence that the first teaching Jesus gives us after he proclaims the coming of the Kingdom through repentance is the Beatitudes. Christ tells us to repent or rethink the way we see the world to the way His Heavenly Father sees it. Our questions back to Jesus are “How do we do that?” and “What do you mean, ‘repent’?” Christ doesn’t wait for us to ask the questions; He gives us the Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes are teachings that absolutely turn the world upside down. No longer are teachings like “an eye for and eye” and “tooth for a tooth” relevant. The Kingdom that God brings us is not based on riches or accomplishments of this earthy world. It is based on our relationship with God first and how we love and treat each other. Blessed are we who search for the wisdom and virtue of God and blessed are we who care for and protect others.

Our Lord knows these instructions to follow Him into God’s Kingdom will be difficult. The world does not want to change and will push back very hard at times. This is a broken world and just like an injured animal it will lash out at us if we try and help.  This world may even turn on us when we are on the path to the Kingdom. But never lose heart. If we start at the beginning and follow the instructions from Christ and build a good foundation of faith, we will accomplish our journey to the Kingdom for blessed are the persecuted – theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

May Jesus live in our hearts forever.
Deacon Chris

Week of January 29, 2023

Saturday January 28th St. Thomas Aquinas
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday January 29th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19 & For Peace in Eastern Europe
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday January 30th
6:30 am † Mary Garofalo

Tuesday January 31st St. John Bosco
6:30 am † Joseph Tholey

Wednesday February 1st
6:30 am † Cosmo Fiorino

Thursday February 2nd Presentation of the Lord
6:30 am † Catherine M. Tobin

Friday February 3rd St. Blaise; St. Ansgar
6:30 am † Intentions of Luke Trombetta

Saturday February 4th
8:00 am † Robert S. Crawford Jr. — 60th Anniversary


Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Teresa Riegal, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, Thomas McLaughlin, Laverne McPhail, George Weatherford, Kathleen Lochner, Imelda Kormos, Kay Kenney, Howard J. Drager, Michael Boyle Sr., Eddie Quintana, Ralph Cosgrove, Anne & Mike Butera, Robert Mehlbaum, Eleanor Soboleski, Joseph Bellisari, Philip Bell, Joyce Drexler, Maria Gulach, Sherry Burke, Earl T. Bauder, John Flickinger, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Spiritual Reflection 1/22/23

“Unleash the Word of God.” This call brings the power of the Scriptures into the brokenness and messiness of people’s lives.  It brings the conviction that it can heal things in our lives, our families, our schools, our workplaces, and this culture. Only this life-changing power of God, the one that raised Jesus from the dead, is the source of hope for this world and this culture. Nothing else will work. History has proven it time and time and time again. 

The Scripture is not merely words. It is power. It is a love story. This story tells us that God is passionately in love with you and me, though at times we don’t think or act in this truth.  We don’t allow our minds and our hearts to be drawn to this Light of Scripture; instead, we allow them to be drawn into the darkness. If we stay in this darkness too long, our mind’s eyes will be deceived.  If you have ever been in a dark place for a while and look into a bright light right away, it hurts. It can be painful to the eyes. However, it only takes the eye five minutes to adapt to light once exposed to it. When we stray from the Light of God’s Word, we too become starved and straining for something more satisfying.  If we live in that darkness for a prolonged period of time, we even forget what the true colors of life hold for us, and it can seem painful at times when God asks us to change. 

We hear this in the First Reading.  Israel forgot about God’s word and moved away from him.  They were living in darkness, but God who is all-loving and all-powerful will give something great to illuminate the world.  Isaiah speaks of the moment when Israel will be delivered from the prolonged darkness and oppression it has suffered as a result of its infidelity to God.  Our Father didn’t want Israel to stay in the darkness. He promised them a great light to bring them back to Him.  And so, what did God do? The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. 

When Jesus came into our world, everything He did and lived during His earthly mission was an example of bringing Light to the world. His word and action brings light to people with a sinful past, an allusion to the darkness.  His Light draws others to Him not only so that they can see the way, but so that they can someday bring Christ’s Light to others. 

Every one of us at some point in our lives has felt overwhelmed and disoriented and has questioned the meaning of life or how we are living it.  This distress doesn’t just focus on that moment we are trying to face. It makes us think of the road traveled and where we want to go.  It is in that moment that Christ wants to be our Light if we let Him.  So let Him. Have we ever really allowed our minds and hearts to be challenged by learning the truth in the Scriptures and praying with them? Have we done our homework each week by learning about Him more than the previous week? 

His love wants to break into the messiness of our lives. Don’t be mistaken. We all have different things in our lives that we need to work on. Trust me when I tell you that I definitely do. God wants to bust into your messiness. You and I can change. We can get more and more life and Light within us. 

Maybe you walked into Mass today bitter, angry, or resentful. Maybe you are going through real pains in your life, such as a bad marriage, a physical disease, or abuse.  Maybe someone you know has gone through an addiction that not only ruined their life, but hurt yours too.  Everyone here has some kind of scar, wound, and pain. If we could see all of the prayers that people around us are praying right now, we would know that we are not alone in this world. 

God hears our prayers, and here is the good news: He wants to help. He wants to help all of us, but we have to want it. So is there anything keeping us from diving deeper into His life? Is there anything stopping us from learning and accepting His truthful, life-giving messages to us? Can we fight though those obstacles in our lives that are keeping us from Him, those things that are keeping us in the dark? 

Jesus is extending His hand to us right now to bring us into His Light. All we have to do is grab it. Wouldn’t it be great to walk out of here knowing that we are not alone? That we have a God who walks the journey of life with us. That He is ready and waiting to speak His Light of Truth and love in the midst of the darkness around us. 

Well, He is ready to unleash His powerful, life changing words to us in Scripture — He is ready to move from the Word to the flesh in the Eucharist. When we accept His help, the difference in our lives will be night and day. 

Week of January 22, 2023

Saturday January 21st St. Agnes
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday January 22nd
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19 & For Peace in Eastern Europe
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday January 23rd
St. Vincent; St. Marianne Cope Day of Prayer for Unborn Children
6:30 am † Mary M. Rosenbaum

Tuesday January 24th St. Francis de Sales
6:30 am † Clara Wilson

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

Thursday January 26th Ss. Timothy and Titus
6:30 am † Matthew Connell

Friday January 27th St. Angela Merici
6:30 am † Christopher Messina

Saturday January 28th St. Thomas Aquinas
8:00 am † Clara Wilson


Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Teresa Riegal, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, Thomas McLaughlin, Laverne McPhail, George Weatherford, Kathleen Lochner, Imelda Kormos, Kay Kenney, Howard J. Drager, Michael Boyle Sr., Eddie Quintana, Ralph Cosgrove, Anne & Mike Butera, Robert Mehlbaum, Eleanor Soboleski, Joseph Bellisari, Philip Bell, Joyce Drexler, Maria Gulach, Sherry Burke, Earl T. Bauder, John Flickinger, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Maureen Hegerich…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Spiritual Reflection 1/15/23

The Call of God in Our Lives

       “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will.” The Psalmist in this Sundays’ Responsorial Psalm gets excited about the call of the Lord. He has experienced the presence of God and wants to serve the Lord. We often desire to feel the presence of God but less often do we get excited about serving the Lord. Our own needs and concerns seem to be so many that we forget the call to serve.

       Isaiah and Paul both recognize that they are servants of God, filled with the Spirit and ready to go forth and fulfill the mission God has entrusted to them. It takes the call of God first to recognize we are servants of the Lord, and He is calling each and every one of us to hear and respond.

       This Sunday’s Gospel continues the theme of being called and recognizing God’s call. It focuses on John the Baptist who is called to prepare a way for the Lord. When he encounters Jesus, he gets excited and proclaims that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. John goes even further and declares that Jesus is the very Son of God.

       Where are we being called? Where do we experience the presence of Jesus in the world today? How do we serve the Lord? These questions do not have easy answers because they require faith and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit to lead us. We need to take the time to pray fervently, and patiently wait in silence for the whispers of the Spirit of God within us. It might not be the call we want or expect, but God is faithful and will answer our prayer.

       How will we know it is the call of God? We will know it is the call of the Lord when we grow in confidence and clarity. We will recognize Him in the Body of Christ directing and guiding us. We will find consolation in the words of those around us and in the words of Scripture. We can discern the call of the Lord through constant affirmation when we go deep within and discover the peace that He will grant us.

       What if we are wrong? What if we answer a call that is not from the Lord but from other powers and influences in the world? We stop, pray, listen and start again. A Christian who is listening, praying and calling upon the Lord cannot fail in God’s eyes. We might stumble and get off the track, but the call of the Lord is strong and will bring us back if we just listen and pray.

       “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will.” These words of Scripture need to be proclaimed in our prayers throughout all the seasons of our lives. When we open our hearts to the grace of the Holy Spirit, He will give us peace in following the call to love and serve the Lord, as we journey home to our eternal reward with Him in Heaven.

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

Week of January 15, 2023

Saturday January 14th
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday January 15th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19 & For Peace in Eastern Europe
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday January 16th
6:30 am † Clara Wilson

Tuesday January 17th St. Anthony Abbot
6:30 am † Anna Hoffman

Wednesday January 18th
6:30 am † Joseph Mahon Jr.

Thursday January 19th
6:30 am † Rory McCafferty

Friday January 20th St. Fabian; St. Sebastian
6:30 am † Lester Blum

Saturday January 21st St. Agnes
8:00 am † Harold Kormos


Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Teresa Riegal, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, Thomas McLaughlin, Laverne McPhail, George Weatherford, Kathleen Lochner, Imelda Kormos, Kay Kenney, Howard J. Drager, Michael Boyle Sr., Eddie Quintana, Ralph Cosgrove, Anne & Mike Butera, Robert Mehlbaum, Eleanor Soboleski, Joseph Bellisari, Philip Bell, Joyce Drexler, Maria Gulach, Sherry Burke, Earl T. Bauder, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Sister Marita Immaculate Buckley, IHM; Sister M. Anne W. Kelly, IHM…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Spiritual Reflection 1/8/23

+Dear Saint David Parishioners,

On this feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, we can join the Magi by seeking Jesus in our daily lives. Jesus makes His presence known to us in a variety of ways. We each must have an open mind and heart in order to recognize Him in the smile of a loved one, in the courtesy of someone who holds the door for us, of one who motions to let us out of the parking lot, or by a song or scripture verse that resonates with us. Pope Francis has said that our God is a God of Surprises. God loves us unconditionally and wants to be an intimate part of our everyday lives.

Therefore, as we begin this New Year, let us be like the Magi and seek the Lord each day. When we encounter Jesus, we are changed forever and cannot go back to the way things were, but travel in a new direction with our loving Savior by our side.

Keep in mind that the Magi’s trip was not an easy one; they traveled nearly a thousand miles before finding Jesus. When life’s journey is long and tiresome, we can strive to imitate the Magi’s perseverance and continue moving forward because encountering Jesus is a treasure we do not want to pass up. May we, like the Magi, come to give Jesus homage!

May this New Year be one of happy surprises and one in which we experience the deep love, peace, and joy that Jesus wants to share with us.

Happy New Year blessings!
Sister Mary

Week of January 8, 2023

Saturday January 7th St. Raymond of Penafort
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday January 8th The Epiphany of the Lord
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19 & For Peace in Eastern Europe
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday January 9th The Baptism of the Lord
6:30 am † Anthony Delzingaro

Tuesday January 10th
6:30 am The intentions of Albert Buccini and Family

Wednesday January 11th
6:30 am Edith Santone

Thursday January 12th
6:30 am † Intentions of Nina Ferraro

Friday January 13th St. Hilary
6:30 am † Ruth McKee

Saturday January 14th
8:00 am † Tindaro Salvatore Corso


Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Teresa Riegal, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, Thomas McLaughlin, Laverne McPhail, George Weatherford, Kathleen Lochner, Imelda Kormos, Kay Kenney, Howard J. Drager, Michael Boyle Sr., Eddie Quintana, Ralph Cosgrove, Anne & Mike Butera, Robert Mehlbaum, Eleanor Soboleski, Joseph Bellisari, Philip Bell, Joyce Drexler, Maria Gulach, Sherry Burke, Earl T. Bauder, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Josephine Rocchi, and Joseph D. Martin…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Spiritual Reflection 1/1/23

Happy New Year! May the year 2023 be one which draws you closer to God and to your loved ones.

I once had a person ask me a funny question, funny in the sense of unique. She asked me what mark of punctuation did I see myself as being. That question set me back a bit. What was she getting at? Was it a trick question? She asked, “Was I emphatic as an exclamation point (!)? Was I one-and-done as a period (.)? Was I inquisitive as a question mark (?)? Was I a coma (,) stringing things together?” I must admit that the question got me thinking.

After I wrestled with this question for a while, I finally concluded that I was an ellipsis
 (. . . ), the punctuation mark that indicates that something was omitted or perhaps more in my case and I hope yours, something that was on-going or unfinished. Once I became comfortable with this idea, I began to see how true that mark was in my life.

Like all of you, I am on the way. I am changing. I am not finished. And all of this can be attributed to God’s presence in my life. God is not finished with me or with you. God has an interest in who we are, and what we are becoming.

The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to look within ourselves to see what is unfinished. What still has need of God in your life. So now I ask you the same question, What mark of punctuation best describes you? Answering the question may get you off to a good start in this new year of God’s grace and favor.

God Bless you!
Father Kennedy

Week of January 1, 2023

Saturday December 31st St. Sylvester I
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday January 1st Mary, Mother of God
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19 & For Peace in Eastern Europe
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday January 2nd Ss. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen
6:30 am † Ernest and Mary Kroupa

Tuesday January 3rd Most Holy Name of Jesus
6:30 am † William McKenna

Wednesday January 4th St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
6:30 am † Deceased members of the Link & Simpson families

Thursday January 5th St. John Neumann
6:30 am † Vincent Rudi

Friday January 6th St. Andre Bessette
6:30 am † John Moran

Saturday January 7th St. Raymond of Penafort
8:00 am † Betty and Thomas Mahon


Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Teresa Riegal, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, Thomas McLaughlin, Laverne McPhail, George Weatherford, Kathleen Lochner, Imelda Kormos, Kay Kenney, Howard J. Drager, Michael Boyle Sr., Eddie Quintana, Ralph Cosgrove, Anne & Mike Butera, Robert Mehlbaum, Eleanor Soboleski, Joseph Bellisari, Philip Bell, Joyce Drexler, Maria Gulach, Sherry Burke, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Rita Webster & Leon Gonshor…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Spiritual Reflection 12/25/22

Dear Friends in Christ,

            Merry Christmas! On behalf of our Priests, Sisters, and Staff, I sincerely hope that the remembrance of Christ’s birth brings you much peace and hope. As we celebrate Christmas, I would like to thank you for your presence and prayers with our parish family of St. David Catholic Church. I extend a special welcome if you are joining us for the first time, if you are visiting from any other places or faith traditions, or if you do not worship with us on a regular basis. Be assured that you are welcome here. Just as the shepherds were led to a humble stable in Bethlehem to worship the infant Jesus, so have we been led to be together at this time and in this place to sing with the angels: Glory to God in the highest and peace to all people on earth! I hope that God’s presence will be made known to you not only today but every day.

Know that we pray for you, your loved ones, and your intentions. Thank you for lifting us in prayer as well. May you have the grace to find happiness and joy this Christmas and throughout the New Year… and may we meet each day in our prayers!

In joyful hope,
Father Windle

Week of December 25, 2022

Saturday December 24th Christmas Eve
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners
8:00 pm Intentions of the Presider

Sunday December 25th Christmas Day
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19 & For Peace in Eastern Europe
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday December 26th St. Stephen
8:00 am † Mary Fitzpatrick

Tuesday December 27th St. John the Apostle & evangelist
8:00 am † Albina DeSantis

Wednesday December 28th Holy Innocents
8:00 am † George Polleck

Thursday December 29th St. Thomas Becket
8:00 am † Barbara Eisenhart

Friday December 30th The Holy Family
8:00 am † Amado Leo

Saturday December 31st St. Sylvester I
8:00 am † John and Marion Suchanic


Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Teresa Riegal, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, Thomas McLaughlin, Laverne McPhail, George Weatherford, Kathleen Lochner, Imelda Kormos, Kay Kenney, Howard J. Drager, Michael Boyle Sr., Eddie Quintana, Ralph Cosgrove, Anne & Mike Butera, Robert Mehlbaum, Eleanor Soboleski, Joseph Bellisari, Philip Bell, Joyce Drexler, Maria Gulach, Sherry Burke, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Spiritual Reflection 12/18/22

God With Us: A Mystery of Love

             As the birth of our Savior draws near, the liturgy of this Fourth Sunday of Advent is characterized by the theme of closeness…God’s closeness to humanity. In our Gospel, Matthew highlights the two people who were intimately involved in this Mystery of Love: The Virgin Mary and her husband Joseph. They are the two culminating persons of the Season of Advent, exemplary models to us of drawing near to God.

The glory of Mary is brought to light by the prophet Isaiah, who is quoted by Matthew in the Gospel: “Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” Jesus, the Son of God comes into Mary’s womb in order to become man and she lovingly welcomes Him. Thus, God draws near to humankind, taking on flesh through a woman. He also draws near to us through His grace, in order to enter our lives and offer us the gift of His Son. Do we welcome Jesus and let Him draw near, or do we reject Him and push Him away? As Mary offered herself to the Lord, and joyfully welcomed Him to dwell within her, so we too, by seeking to follow Him each day in love, can open our hearts to our Infant King so He can draw close to us.

This Sunday’s Gospel passage reveals to us the greatness of St. Joseph’s heart and soul. When he realized that Mary was pregnant, he seeks to do the will of God and is ready for the most radical renunciation. Rather than defending himself and asserting his rights, Joseph chooses what for him is an enormous sacrifice, as he loves Mary very much. “Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly” Mt. 1:19. This was a great trial that Joseph had to endure in the days preceding Jesus’ birth. It was a trial similar to the sacrifice of Abraham, when God asked him for his son Isaac: to give up what was most precious, the person most beloved. As in the case of Abraham, the Lord intervenes: He found the faith He was looking for and He opens up a different path, a path of love and happiness. “Joseph, He says, “do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” Mt. 1:20.

As we prepare to celebrate the coming Birth of Jesus, let us open wide our hearts and joyfully welcome our King and Savior, as He draws near to dwell within us. In welcoming Jesus, we commit ourselves to strive to resemble Mary and Joseph, who were the first to be captivated by this Mystery of Love, through faith in the power of the Holy Spirit and a strong desire to do God’s will. Come Lord Jesus; come and dwell in our hearts!

Christmas Peace and Joy!
Sr. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, IHM

Week of December 18, 2022

Saturday December 17th
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday December 18th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19 & For Peace in Eastern Europe
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday December 19th
6:30 am † Deceased members of the Brown & Casey families

Tuesday December 20th
6:30 am † Helen and Norman Ramsden

Wednesday December 21st St. Peter Canisius
6:30 am † Margaret M. Morrow

Thursday December 22nd
6:30 am † John Dugan

Friday December 23rd St. John of Kanty
6:30 am † David Eisenhart

Saturday December 24th
8:00 am † Louis P. Troisi


Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Teresa Riegal, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, Thomas McLaughlin, Laverne McPhail, George Weatherford, Kathleen Lochner, Imelda Kormos, Kay Kenney, Howard J. Drager, Michael Boyle Sr., Eddie Quintana, Ralph Cosgrove, Anne & Mike Butera, Robert Mehlbaum, Eleanor Soboleski, Joseph Bellisari, Philip Bell, Joyce Drexler, Maria Gulach, Sherry Burke, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Sister Agnes Hughes, IHM; Sister Anna L. Bradbury, IHM; Sister Helen Maureen Campbell, IHM…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Spiritual Reflection 12/11/22

+Dear Saint David Parishioners,
              Third Sunday of Advent – ALREADY! Oh my, there is still so much to do in preparation for Christmas – writing cards, buying and wrapping gifts, getting ready for gatherings – and yet in the entrance antiphon we recite, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.” We may make the words of Isaiah in today’s first reading our own by asking God to: “Strengthen the hands that are feeble (from making all those Christmas cookies), make firm the knees that are weak (from climbing up and down the ladder to decorate), say to those whose hearts are frightened (there are not enough hours in the day): Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, … He comes to save you.” (Yes, I certainly need saving from this hectic pace!). These words, not in parentheses, can calm us in these frenzied days, and give us pause to slow down and consider what is the true meaning of this beautiful season – it is JESUS, Who has come to save us!

Therefore, there is cause for rejoicing. Saint James encourages us to be patient, “because the coming of the Lord is at hand.” We may feel frantic, but placing our hope and trust in Jesus will help us to recognize the good in others, rather than complaining and judging them. When we are uncharitable, this does not bring us peace, but the opposite – we become upset within and it also creates disharmony among others – definitely not what Jesus wants for us. He wants peace and harmony to reign in and among us.

Saint John the Baptist was the great prophet who announced the coming of the Savior of the world. As he lay in prison, he began to doubt whether the One for whom he was preparing everyone was actually the Messiah. He sent some of his followers to ask Jesus. Jesus responded and cleared up John’s ponderings by having his followers state what He was doing: “Yes, I am He. The blind can now see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, etc.” Jesus explains to John’s disciples that although John is the prophet; “yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” In other words, “Here I am, the Savior is standing right in front of you!” This definitely is a reason to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near” (Phil 4: 4-5)!

May these final days of preparation for Christmas bring you and your loved ones, great peace and joy. Christmas and New Year blessings to all!

GAUDETE!
Sister Mary

Week of December 11, 2022

Saturday December 10th
4:00 pm Intentions of the Parishioners

Sunday December 11th
7:00 am Intentions of the Presider
9:00 am For those affected by COVID-19 & For Peace in Eastern Europe
11:00 am Intentions of the Presider

Monday December 12th Our Lady of Guadalupe
6:30 am † Maria Kovacs

Tuesday December 13th St. Lucy of Syracuse
6:30 am † Mary Leo

Wednesday December 14th St. John of the Cross
6:30 am † Rose Pasquarella

Thursday December 15th
6:30 am † Dorothy Galow

Friday December 16th
6:30 am † Deceased members of the McMahon & Reilly Family

Saturday December 17th
8:00 am † Harry Weckerly Sr.


Remembering in our Prayers…
… all those who are sick … Mary Trauger, Loretta Boyle, James Dehan, Eric Bull, Bruce Seth, Vanessa Wismer, Karen Dale, Agnes Neas, Maria Pinto, Ernestine Spinello, Andrew Wolford, Bryce Cassidy, Marta Gomeztor, Marion Price, Ed Bergan, Evelyn Griffin, Ray Wilson, Teresa Riegal, Bob Bohrer, Loretta Ceniviva, Regina Poskus, Joe Rosales, Pedro Flores, Thomas McLaughlin, Laverne McPhail, George Weatherford, Kathleen Lochner, Imelda Kormos, Kay Kenney, Howard J. Drager, Michael Boyle Sr., Eddie Quintana, Ralph Cosgrove, Anne & Mike Butera, Robert Mehlbaum, Eleanor Soboleski, Joseph Bellisari, Philip Bell, Joyce Drexler, Maria Gulach, Sherry Burke, and the residents of Garden Springs and the Landings.

… all those who are deceased…Rosemarie Johnson, Aleta Ostrander, & Charles Wilson…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.