June 4, 2023
Dear Parishioners:
Here we are in the month of June with many liturgical celebrations, including:
● The Most Holy Trinity (June 4)
● The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ/Corpus Christi (June 11)
● Saint Anthony (June 14)
● The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 16)
● The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (June 17)
● Father’s Day (June 18)
● The Nativity of John the Baptist (June 24)
● Saints Peter & Paul (June 29)
Also, June brings with it proms and graduations. Our prayers are with those who are graduating from 8th grade, high school, college/university, and graduate school.
It is also in this month the Church returns to Ordinary Time, which extends to Christ the King in November. This time affords the opportunity for
self-inventory and to consider what worked well over the past year and in discussion with the Parish Council and its subcommittees what we might want to reconsider for moving forward.
Yes, many parishes will be in summer mode, allowing our ministries, committees and governing boards as well as staff members to take a break. Although in summer mode, the Scriptures of Ordinary time continue some themes of the Easter season, namely, those of discipleship and mission from which we can never take a vacation as we journey closer to Jesus. Keep in mind, The Magdalene has committed to volunteering two Mondays (June 26 and August 21) at the Sleepy Hollow High School Food Pantry.
We also rely on your continued financial support while vacationing. Yes, bills have to be paid! Perhaps you might consider WeShare. As I encourage you to use WeShare, may I also encourage you to sign up for Flock Notes and The Good News Room. These communication tools allow you to remain connected during the summer months if you should be visiting other parishes while on vacation.
K.T.F
Fr. Tim
May 28, 2023
Dear Parishioners:
This weekend we celebrate the birthday of the Church, PENTECOST. Pentecost concludes the Easter Season. As the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles gathered in prayer, their courage was restored through their conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord of the universe, the Second person of the most Blessed Trinity. He reconciled them to himself so the Spirit he gave would remind them of all he told them. He also reminds us of all he taught us through His Church.
Also, this weekend we keep in special prayer all the men and women down through the history of the United States of America who fought to preserve the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution, especially those who gave their lives so we would always enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However we celebrate Memorial Day (the unofficial first day of summer) with parades, picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings, we should also not forget people in general. Furthermore, we should not forget those who have fought and died for our freedoms, and those who are still fighting to insure our freedoms and those of people everywhere.
May the Holy Spirit help us to remember this Memorial Day, the unalienable rights of our Constitution can only reach the neediest among us if we notice their need and act to help them. We know from our faith that God’s Spirit lives within each of us. By our actions of patience, and mercy with each other, we can become God’s healing presence. And may our celebration of Pentecost inspire us to be people of hope and peace.
A Happy & Safe Memorial Day!
God bless America!
Fr. Tim
May 21, 2023
Dear Parishioners:
English poet, Thomas Tusser, wrote in the 1500s, “Sweet April showers do spring May Flowers”. Along with the beautiful flowers come many May events including Mother’s Day, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Pentecost, Memorial Day, Ordinations, weddings, graduations, and yes, even bridal showers!
At this time, I wish to “shower” abundant thanks to the following catechists for their time and talents in teaching our children the Faith:
CGS Faculty: Toni O'Connor (I,II) Regina Molinelli (I,II) Rosemarie McManus (I, II)) Dorothy Haase (I)
Religious Education Faculty:
Grade 2 Maureen Ball, Maura O'Donovan
Grade 3 Susan Fiorella, Martha Maresco
Grade 4 Barbara Zegarelli, James Hornby
Grade 5 Amanda Saraceno, Christina Nappi
Grade 6 Diane Stone, James Hornby
Grade 7 Jennifer McInerney, Fiona Kearney
Grade 8 Sarah Haase, Beth Wieber, Sarina Choi
And a special thanks to parents who have assisted in their child(ren’s) religious education classes.
The end-of-the year dinner and meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Weaver Parish Hall. As we honored our biological mothers last weekend, let us also continue to honor our spiritual mother, Mary, during the month of May, showering her with our prayers and prayers in her honor, including The Memorare:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that
never was it known that anyone who fled to thy
protection, implored thy help, or sought thy
intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this
confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my
Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word
Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy
mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
KTF
Fr. Tim
May 14, 2023
A TRIBUTE TO ALL MOTHERS, Living & Deceased
TO MOTHER
When you thought I wasn’t looking,
I saw you feed a stray cat,
And I knew to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn’t looking,
I heard you whisper a prayer,
And I believed God was listening.
When you thought I wasn’t looking,
I felt you kiss me goodnight,
And I felt loved.
When you thought I wasn’t looking,
I saw tears come from your eyes,
And I learned sometimes it’s alright to cry
When you thought I wasn’t looking,
I wanted to say thanks
For all the things I saw,
When you thought I wasn't looking.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Fr. Tim
May 7, 2023
Dear Parishioners:
Jesus says, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened unto you.”
Two weeks ago, I asked for volunteers to assist in three ministries. Fourteen parishioners have expressed an interest by volunteering at the food pantry at Sleepy Hollow High School this summer. With a favorable response, the Magdalene has committed to two (2) dates: Monday, June 6 and Monday, August 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Parishioner Stepanie Fuller has accepted my invitation to serve as our Parish Representative and Coordinator. If you are interested in assisting with these dates or at other times, please contact Stephanie at stephaniefuller@mac.com.
I’m grateful to Lori Antonecchia for her fiat in taking on the leadership of our Altar Guild. If you have 1 hour a week to assist with the arranging of flowers and cleaning the linens, Lori can be reached at LoriA@outlook.com.
Finally, Rosemary Byrnes and Sharon Lavery approached me to reactivate our Social Ministry. I will be meeting with them to discuss how we can proceed.
The Building Committee and I have been meeting to assess what projects need to be done and what upgrades we’re considering. Some items on their agenda include: maintaining and scoring the parking lots, removing some overgrown bushes, updating our security system, establishing a better liturgical space for caskets during funerals, and other minor repairs. We’re the beneficiaries of their expertise, service and time.
My Administrative staff has been busy updating our Parish Roster. The number of hours spent on multiple software systems, the extensive telephone calls, and “checking the checker” for accuracy on each report will now allow us to serve you more efficiently. It is very important that we maintain accurate and up-to-date records of both Active and Inactive Parishioners (more on this at a later date).
Finally, please keep all our children, who are making their First Holy Communion and Confirmation this month, in your prayers. The “Spring Sacraments” are one of the highlights in our Parish.
Last Sunday the Church celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus portrayed himself not as the shepherd but as the gate, the door to the sheepfold, the place where the sheep are housed and protected. Every pastor has the responsibility to make sure the spiritual and temporal needs are properly managed for those who enter the doors of their house of worship. Pray for all shepherds who pasture God’s flock. We need your prayers. Recall the statistic I gave on Holy Thursday—3,373 is the number of Catholics in the world per priest according to Vatican statistics. Blessings!
Fr. Tim
April 30, 2023
Dear Parishioners:
As I sit at my desk in the rectory, the aroma of the Easter lilies and hyacinths have dissipated. However, wax and pieces of Palm strings still appear here and there in the church.
The 2023 Lenten services and events, the Sacred Triduum celebrations and Easter festivities were alive and celebratory. The number of participants and congregants was edifying as each liturgy was relevant and meaningful. We were able to bring out a wonderfully rich commentary of what we believe in our acts of worship and prayer. Questions and comments prevailed and explanations were provided as I drew from Sacred Tradition a variety of liturgical resources and pastoral experiences.
Our liturgies and parish would be quite different were it not for those parishioners who helped me pull it all together. I wish to thank:
~The Lectors and parishioners who provided meaningful and prayerful reflections during the Stations of the Cross on Friday nights, notwithstanding the wonderful presentation of The Seven Last Words on Saturday prior to Holy Week.
~The Ministry of Hospitality and volunteers for working to make our First Annual Lenten Soup Supper a HUGE success. We raised close to $1,400 for The Life Center but the greater benefit of the evening was the chance to come together to share a meal, as families so often do. I am extremely grateful for the parishioner who underwrote the entire expense of the Supper.
~The Members of the Choir who chanted the Lamentations at the Tenebrae Services, the 12 “Apostles” for volunteering to have their feet washed, those who sang the Passion on Good Friday.
~The Members of the St. Matthew’s Guild who properly sorted, opened, counted and the recorded multiple collections.
~The Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, altar servers, choir, cantor, trumpet players, and decorators who gave their time and talents.
~The parishioner who led the Divine Mercy Novena.
~Our neighbor, the PHFD, for the use of their parking lot.
~Those who brought Easter treats to 525 Bedford Road.
Our Easter Vigil was especially meaningful because parishioner Michelle Martha Herko Concha received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Michelle has now begun a new phase in her spiritual life and is engaged in a new and deeper commitment to the crucified and risen Christ.
Whether you come to worship, visit or pray, it is my prayer that the Risen Christ truly remains in your hearts as you depart The Magdalene. A L L E L U I A !
Fr. Tim
April 23, 2023
Dear Parishioners:
When I arrived in July 2022, I introduced myself to my neighbors, the owners of the local funeral homes, and a few business owners. I also received many invitations, one included participating in the Annual Thanksgiving Ecumenical Prayer Service organized by the Rivertowns Clergy Association (RCA). From that invitation, I ‘joined’ this group of clergy, which consists of roughly 12 members.
A meeting was held by the RCA with many agenda items, including: Putting in place an Ecumenical Prayer service should an unfortunate incident occur here in the Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and the Pocantico communities and inviting houses of worship to be more visible in these communities.
As an introduction, it was suggested that each house of worship help assist the Sleepy Hollow High School Food Pantry during the summer months as the pantry is ordinarily staffed by the faculty and students of the school. Summer Volunteers are needed to run the food pantry.
Our neighbor, the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, is holding an interest meeting this Sunday, April 23rd at 3:00 p.m. At this meeting, Jacki Geoghegan, an administrative staff member at the high school runs the program. Ms. Geoghegan will explain who they serve and what their needs are. I plan on attending this meeting and ask those of you who have an interest in this ‘ministry’ to attend as well. If you wish to attend, please contact me at www.TheChurchoftheMagdalene.org . The outcome of this meeting is to plan our own meeting so as to be efficient and effective. We can also partner with another House of Worship during a particular week if so desired.
Jesus continually modeled and mandated such service to others as a primary requirement for discipleship. Later, the letter of James reminds the early Christian community that faith without works is dead. (James 2:14-17) Even then the faithful were in need of encouragement to persist in lives of service to others as an important part of their Christian call. In our own time, the U.S. Bishops have issued a clear reminder to the Church of this essential element of service. In the 1993 statement, Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Ministry of the Parish, they stated: The central message is simple: our faith is profoundly social. We cannot be truly Catholic unless we hear and heed the Church’s call to serve those in need and work for justice and peace.
Please consider this wonderful opportunity by taking on this valuable community service project.
Blessings,
Fr. Tim
April 16, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
Today we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. Established by John Paul II, “Mercy Sunday” recognized the abundant mercy of God offered to us through Christ and is based on the personal revelation of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska.
Thus, to fittingly observe Divine Mercy Sunday in a solemn way, we should:
● Celebrate the Feast on the Sunday after Easter;
● Sincerely repent of all our sins;
● Place our complete trust in Jesus;
● Go to Confession, preferably before that Sunday;
● Receive Holy Communion on the day of the Feast
This celebration could be summed up in the hymn written by Frederick M. Faberf (1814-1863).
“There’s a Wideness In God’s Mercy”
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the seas;
There’s a kindness in his justice which is more than liberty.
There is plentiful redemption in the blood that has been shed;
There is joy for all the members in the sorrows of the Head.
For the love of God is broader than the measure of the our mind,
And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.
If our love were but more simple we should take him at his word.
And our lives would be thanksgiving for the goodness of our Lord.
Troubled souls, why will you scatter; Like a crowd of frightened sheep?
Foolish heart, why will you wander from a love so true and deep?
There is welcome for the sinner and more graces for the good;
There is mercy with the Savior; There is healing in his blood.
Jesus, I trust in You!
Fr. Tim
April 9, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
On this Easter Sunday, we rejoice as we celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection!
The Resurrection of Jesus can be summed up in one word—power. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ has the power to free us from the anxiety that death provokes within us. The Resurrection of Jesus has the power to not only lead us into new life after our death, but it also has the power to renew the lives we are living now. St. Peter speaks to the Apostles in Acts: “You know what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after baptism, that John preached how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.”
The unbelievable news that the risen Christ is in our midst draws us into a festival that cannot be contained in a single day. The Church in her wisdom gives us forty days of fasting (Lent), but fifty days of feasting (Easter). This tells us something important about the Christian faith: It is more about joy than about sorrow. Our faith tells us Jesus has come forth from the grave. He breaks the chains of death for us and now has POWER to save us.
Msgr. Kevin Irwin comments: “Like the celebration of the Easter Vigil, the celebration of the Eucharist on Easter Sunday is a celebration of light and rebirth by water and the Holy Spirit. Easter is indeed the celebration of the entire church year and it is the central mystery of our faith.”
Thank you from a grateful person, to you our willing liturgical ministers, altar servers, ushers, talented musicians, dedicated church volunteers, “12 apostles” faithful catechists and Staff. As you depart The Magdalene and enjoy your Easter celebration with family and friends, please take with you the beautiful sights, the great sounds and the wonderful smells of the Easter lilies, hyacinths and incense, but most of all the Easter message:
“Jesus Christ is Risen Today, Alleluia!”
Happy Easter!
Fr. Tim
April 2, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
Here we are entering the holiest of weeks, Holy Week. We begin this week with Palm Sunday, which then leads to the Sacred Triduum (the three sacred days)---Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
This coming Monday is known as Reconciliation Monday. Throughout all the churches in the Archdiocese of New York, parishes open their doors for the Sacrament of Confession, Penance, Reconciliation.
Are Catholics required to go to confession? The current law of the Church states that a person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the body of the Lord without previous sacramental confession unless there is a grave reason and there is no opportunity to confess. (Canon 916). Some may recall the “Easter Duty” which Catholics Is it time to enter the box? Far from being restrictive and mystique, “the box” of the confessional is actually a place of liberation! Our true freedom to pursue God and all that is good is restored when we are absolved of our sins.
We now have new words of absolution (in a previous bulletin), “God has poured out the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins,” There are two sides of the coin: the charism of Holy Orders to be able to absolve, (the priest’s part), and the sting of conscience in the person going to confession with sorrow for one’s sins (the penitent’s part). And of course, the priests seek God’s mercy in the same sacrament, as well. We are all sinners in need of God’s mercy.
Difficult things are easier with a friend by your side, so bring a friend to confession. Just don’t actually come in “the box” together!
As a helpful guide, one can review the 7 Deadly Sins, the 10 Commandments, the Beatitudes and the following:
Five steps for a Good Confession:
● Examine your conscience – recall the sins that you have committed since your last good confession.
● Be sincerely sorry for your sins.
● Confess your sins to the priest.
● Make certain that you confess all your mortal sins – number/kind.
● After confession, do the penance assigned.
The children in our First Penance class had to reschedule their ‘meeting’ with me twice. One parent commented, “By my child having to wait, the list of sins is growing."
Fr. Tim
March 26, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
I wish to share with you the following reflection: WHY DO WE SING ? in preparation for our Holy Week Liturgies and Easter.
For nearly six decades, the Catholic Church has been encouraging the faithful to raise their voices and sing. A priest asked several people why they sing the Liturgy. Here are answers from the people in one family: The eleven-year old boy answered that he sings because his mother sings; because that is what he is supposed to do when he is in church; and because he likes to sing—music speaks to him! His fourteen-year-old sister answered: “The content of the music tells the story of Jesus being alive; the story of Jesus comes through the words of the music better than just the words, and I remember them afterwards; and my Mom sometimes tears up when she is singing.” And the Mom answered; “It is the ‘right’ thing to do; because when I was a young girl, first I learned to do it before I knew it mattered or whether it mattered; and when I sing today seldom is there a time when I don’t get some healing from the music—the text raises my level of awareness.”Some people sing the Liturgy because they pray better. Throughout Holy Week and on Easter Sunday music will play a pivotal role in our Liturgies. Think of Jesus chanting the Jewish Liturgy with his disciples and the “hymns” he sang with them before going to the Garden of Gethsemane.
The American Bishops' important and useful document Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, opens with a wonderful chapter on “Why We Sing”. To quote just one section: “Music is therefore a sign of God’s love for us and of our love for him. In this sense, it is very personal. But unless music sounds, it is not music, and whenever it sounds, it is accessible to others. By its very nature, song has both an individual and communal dimension. Thus, it is no wonder that singing together in church expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to his people.’ (STL, 2).
We are Easter people and Alleluia is our song! Join in with us and sing our special liturgies beginning next weekend, Palm Sunday, and throughout the Easter Season.
Fr. Tim
March 19, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
This weekend we celebrate Laetare Sunday! Today is named for the entrance antiphon which sings: “Rejoice, Jerusalem!” (Laetare means “rejoice.”) Yes, we rejoice in the salvation the Lord is giving us as we continue entering into the discipline of Lent.
I encourage you to attend Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. As practiced today, the Stations represent fourteen events experienced by Jesus as he walked to his place of execution at Calvary. We genuflect, sing the Stabat Mater, expose the Blessed Sacrament and have a brief reflection by a parishioner.
On Saturday, March 25 the Church celebrates the Annunciation of the Lord (see page 3), “a mystery that belongs to the temporal rather than to the sanctoral cycle in the Church’s calendar. This feast commemorates the moment in the history of time, the moment when the Second Divine Person of the most Holy Trinity assumes human nature in the womb of the Virgin Mary''---The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch
May the following reflection put a smile on your face and lift your spirits during the Season of Lent.
One cold winter evening a priest was walking through a dangerous neighborhood. A man hiding in the shadows didn’t recognize him as a priest because the priest had his topcoat buttoned up to his chin. The man came out of the shadows with a gun and asked the priest to give him his wallet. When the priest opened his coat to get it, the man with the gun saw his Roman collar and apologized. He said, “Sorry Father, I didn’t know you were a priest. I can't steal from you. Just go on your way.`` The priest was so relieved he reached into the coat pocket and pulled out a cigar. He said, “Thank you, my good man. Let me give you a cigar.” The robber said, “I appreciate that Father, but I can’t take it. I gave up smoking for Lent.” Well, the obvious point is that whatever spiritual practice we choose to take on during Lent, it is supposed to change us, it is supposed to make us better people. Changes come in many ways. Some are good, some are not. Some are gradual, some occur with amazing speed.
[Fr. Joe Robinson’s Guiding Light: Reflect on The Word. Cycle B]
K.T.F.
Fr. Tim
March 12, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
Lent could be a challenging time for many. Challenging because it requires GREAT DISCIPLINE. What word is embedded in DISCIPLINE? Disciple. If we wish to be better disciples, we must take control of our thoughts and actions. The real challenge for all of us this Lent is to make it more meaningful than we did last year. These forty-days do something to discipline yourself. Here are some suggestions:
If you wish to practice Voluntary Acts of Self Denial may I suggest the following:
1. Participate in daily Mass
2. Spiritual studies
3. Lenten devotions
4. Stations of the Cross
5. Saying the Rosary
6. Deeds of mercy and kindness
If you enjoy reading may I suggest the following books:
1. Inspiration from Pope Francis. This collection of homilies written by Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio between the years 1988-2013 offers readers a unique glimpse into Pope Francis’ character and nature.
2. Mary: Help in Hard Times. This combination of history, stories, and prayers is an approachable and practical Marian guide bringing inspiration and hope to those who feel overwhelmed or worn-down.
3. Christ Our Midst. This book tells us how to find Christ in the people around us.
4. Inner Peace: Wisdom from Jean-Pierre de Caussade: How do we find peace of mind in our stressed-out life?
5. Secrets of the Spirit: Wisdom from Luis Martine. How do we develop a deep, loving relationship with God?
6. Why Go to Confession? Reconciliation and the beauty of God. Clear, honest, and pastorally sensitive answers help readers better appreciate this sacrament of personal encounter with the mercy of God.
To order, call Pauline Books & Media at 1-800-876-4463.
Let us keep in our prayers those who are suffering from emotional and psychological illness, the sick, the homebound, the institutionalized, and those serving in the military. They, too, face challenges, great and small.
Fr. Tim
March 5, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
Silence. Some welcome silence in a very ‘noisy’ world. Some do not welcome silence, especially for a long period of time, because it makes them nervous.
Have you ever considered “sacred silence” now that we are in Lent? “Sacred silence '' allows us to encounter the Divine, to be with the Lord whether it is in front of the Blessed Sacrament, in an empty church, or out in nature . In the revised GIRM (#45), we read, “Sacred silence also, as part of the celebration, is to be observed at the designated times.” This means that silence is an integral and important part of every liturgy . It is called “sacred” for in this silence we meet God, the Holy One.
During Lent we will be experiencing periods of silence at Mass during the penitential rite, after the readings from the Scriptures and the homily, and at Communion time. Yes, most of us don't know how to handle silence. We just wonder why nothing is happening or we let our mind wander thinking about all sorts of things. Often we are in too much of a hurry to get Mass over with.
Perhaps in periods of silence we could close our eyes, look inside ourselves and sort out our feelings. We would focus more on the presence of Jesus all around and within us. We could say quietly, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” “Lord, I just heard your Word in the Bible readings at Mass. What is it that you are saying to me personally? What answer do you want? What isYour will for me today? Come more deeply into my life.”
A brief contemplative experience can then become ours with a small effort. The liturgy of the Mass over the years can help form us in the likeness of Jesus and bring real peace and joy into our lives. This can be done if we appreciate sacred silence, especially during these forty days.
Deserts and mountains are places where we find silence. During Lent, we visit both: last week the desert, today the mountain. Every relationship needs maintenance and renewal, and our relationship of Faith in God and with His church is no different.
Perhaps we can ask ourselves these questions to open up a deeper experience of the Lord this Lent: What can I offer the Lord Jesus? What is he calling me to surrender?
During this holy season, may we silence ourselves as we prepare to celebrate the Paschal Mystery of our salvation this Easter.
Adoramus Te Christe (We adore you, O Christ)
Fr. Tim
February 19, 2023
Dear Parishioners:
This coming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. The Church begins its penitential season known as Lent. It has been a part of the Church year from the earliest days beginning at the Council of Nicaea in 325. Forty days were chosen as the time of preparation because it was symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness before embarking on his public ministry.
Have you abandoned your New Year’s resolutions? If so, the Church gives us another chance by offering Lenten “resolutions” to pray, fast, and give.
Prayer nourishes our spirits. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert where he fasted and prayed for 40 days. During Lent, we are called to concentrate more on prayer and conversion. Whether private prayer, family prayer or communal prayer, all work together to deepen your prayer life, not only during this season, but also all year long. Suggestions for Prayer: participate in daily Mass or in other forms of prayer such as Morning and Evening Prayer, or the Stations of the Cross; pray before meals; get up a little earlier to pray; visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. As disciples, we seek to follow St. Paul’s call to “pray always.”
Fasting disciplines our bodies, helps us seek the Lord with greater intensity and puts us in solidarity with those who suffer.
Almsgiving enlarges our hearts as we commit ourselves to the good of others. One can donate food to our local pantry or deposit money into the poor box; volunteer at our local food pantry, at a homeless shelter or nursing home; and donate new clothing, including children’s items.
Remember …The goal of Lent is to grow closer to God and reawaken to the bounty of God's Love; to be reconciled with God, self and neighbor; and to look beyond ourselves to the communal good of the Church and the world.
According to Kevin W. Irwin, “The season of Lent is meant to refocus our vision on the sacrificial life, death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus. It is meant to clarify our vision of what is truly important in our lives, that is our conversion to Christ in the community of the Church. It reestablishes priorities so that we may live in harmony with our identity as a people called by and converted to the Lord.”
As a parish family, let us journey together by participating in the many Lenten events and activities offered. Please accept the 2023 Lenten Insert and refer to it during Lent.
Don’t forget to get your ashes!
Fr. Tim
February 12, 2023
Dear Parishioners:
Today is World Marriage Day. It is an opportunity for us to reflect on married love as a cornerstone of the church and society. The love of a husband and wife is rooted in the selfless love that Christ has for the Church. We give thanks and praise to God for couples who “promise to be true in good times and bad, sickness and health, richer or poorer”. Let us pray for all those couples who are preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage in our parish and your families this coming year. There are 8 weddings on my calendar for 2023 and 5 in 2024.
Each year the Archdiocese celebrates the longest married couples. An announcement was published in a previous bulletin. No one responded. In some parishes, couples are recognized at a designated mass with a reception to follow. Since my arrival, I have been impressed by the number of married couples in the congregation each weekend and in “their'' pew. This weekend, at each mass, we will recognize the oldest married couple who was married sacramentally. In addition to this, a blessing will be given to all married couples.
This Tuesday, February 14, we celebrate Valentine’s Day. The history of the holiday—and the story of its patron saint—is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition . One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and was put to death. Still others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome. In honor of one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through later folk traditions, this day has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. St. Valentine’s Day has been observed for 1,527 years.
Also this Tuesday, February 14, the Church remembers Sts. Cyril, and Methodius. These brothers left a unique legacy in the Cyrillic alphabet which is descended from the written system the missionary brother devised to record prayers and liturgies in Old Slavonic. Their work overcame barriers of language and divisions between churches to make the Gospel and liturgy accessible to new populations.
Fr. Tim
February 5, 2023
Dear Parishioners:
The Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal 2023 has begun. Many of you faithfully participate in the Cardinal’s Appeal every year, and for that, I am very grateful. For those of you who did not participate last year, are new to the parish, or have never participated, please prayerfully consider this invitation.
The combined annual “goal” for all parishes in the archdiocese is $21,000,000; it is critical that we reach this “goal” because more accurately, it is not a “goal” but rather the “budget” needed to support the ministries and outreach that the Appeal funds. Indeed, all Catholics in the Archdiocese, from our “hidden gem” to Staten Island and Ulster County are called to participate. The Cardinal’s Annual Appeal helps:
~$9M in assistance to financially vulnerable parishes – providing the operational budget for parishes to remain a refuge for their communities through the sacraments and ministries
~$5M to Charitable Outreach, Pastoral Support – including administrative costs for Catholic Charities and funding for the programming of the Young Adult Outreach, Hispanic Ministry and Black Ministry offices.
~$4M to Evangelization, Communications, Catholic Education – providing resources and ministries like the GoodNewsRoom, Youth Faith Formation, and Religious education.
~$2M to Care for Retired Parish Priests – providing a refuge in their old age to those who served the Lord and us faithfully for many years.
~$1M to the Seminary – providing the formation of the next generation of priests so we may never be without the source and summit of our faith, that is, the Eucharist.
Now, for the need, our parish goal for the Appeal this year is $64,100. Last year, we were able to reach 132.45% of our goal with 123 families of our parish participating . You should have received a letter from our Archbishop, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, with a pledge card to make your gift. If not, you can pick up an envelope from the back of the Church. My invitation for each one of you is that you take that pledge card, ask the Lord how He wants you to be generous with this Appeal, and then return the card before on our Commitment Weekend on March 5th.
Please know of my sincere gratitude to you.
K.T.F.
Fr. Tim