Fr. Thanh’s Lenten Reflection

St. ’s Reflections is the The holy season of Lent will magazine of St. Joseph’s , Jacksonville, Florida. It is soon be upon us. Change published in celebration of Lent is one of the main themes and Participation Sunday. of the liturgy of the Word The mission of St. Joseph’s during this season. Reflections is to build community “Change your ways and by informing and educating parish members, strengthening the bond believe the Good between them, inviting and News” (Mk 1:15). Change inspiring their participation in parish to what? It would, perhaps, ministries and activities, and encouraging and supporting their be better to say, change to outreach to the Jacksonville whom? To Christ! This is community. how He said it: “Anyone Spiritual Director and Pastor who loves his father or Father Thanh Nguyen mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Mk 10:37). Parochial Vicars Rev. Bernard Ahern To change means to accept Christ as our only Lord and Rev. Philp Timlin King of our hearts, so that we become a useful servant to

Editors Him. To change implies discovering Christ in every event in Patty & Robert Clayton human history—and in our own personal history too—while Patrick Kinnare realizing that He is the origin, the core and the end of all Mary Monfort Susana Suarez History and that everything has been redeemed by Him, Russ & Carron Tooke and, in Him, everything attains its maximum plenitude. And many other dedicated people To change also implies living with hope, for He has defeated Sin, the Evil One and Death, and the Eucharist is Design His guarantee. Carron Tooke To change involves loving Our Lord more than anything else Printing Representative Bill Guthrie in this world, with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength. To change postulates to deliver our intelligence St. Joseph’s and our will to Him, in such a way that the Episcopal motto Catholic Church of John Paul II, “Totus Tuus,” that is, “All yours, my 11730 Old St. Augustine Rd. God,” is made true by our lives. And all, means time, Jacksonville, Florida 32258 904-268-5422 qualities, possessions, illusions, projects, health, family, work, 904-292-0248 (Fax) leisure, everything.

Please visit us at: Therefore, to change requires us to love God's will in Christ www.stjosephsjax.org, over all things while enjoying it, which means to be grateful www.facebook.com/stjosephsjax, for whatever He may care to send us, even if it is or www.twitter.com/stjosephsjax contradiction, humiliation or ailment, and accept them as treasures which allow us to express more clearly our love for

God: “If You want it like that, so do I!”

Download our parish app at It is my hope and prayer that all of us will be open to this myparishapp or search your phone’s app store Lenten message so that Christ may be everything for us. for My parish 2 A Note From Our Pastor

I would like to take this us to reschedule the event to opportunity to thank you for One of these communal D e c e m b e r , your patience while the St. events was Participation and I thank J o s e p h ’ s Reflections Weekend. Building upon a l l t h e newspaper went through the success of previous members of some renovations. After years, Broach, the Parish many years of dedicated along with the Men’s Council and service to the Parish, Angela Club, CCW, and Knights c o u n t l e s s Allala has stepped down as of Columbus all came volunteers editor. I am extremely grateful for together to showcase the many w h o the wonderful work she did in ministries that make up St. continued to publishing our church newspaper. Joseph’s Parish. I am deeply support the She will be greatly missed. We are grateful for the work of all those Fall Festival in light of the new blessed that Carron Tooke has involved with Participation date. stepped in to fill this vacancy. Weekend. Carron worked very hard to As you are reading this, republish the paper in the another major parish event new format you see is on the horizon, namely the today. St. Joseph’s Day Ce l eb rat i on . I hope you enjoy the many wonderful articles written by your fellow parishioners. As always, the ministries here at St. Joseph’s will need your support. I encourage all of you to become fully involved in the life of our parish.

During the last year, we had two Participation weekend also major parish events that would not begins the march towards have been possible without the the Fall Festival. John dedication of the Parish Council Holecheck, Patrick Kinnare, and and several all the members of the Fall k e y Festival team worked for months volunteers. I preparing for this wonderful day would like to of parish fellowship. As you all Once again Bishop Estévez will join highlight our know, Hurricane Matthew forced us on Sunday, March 19 at the P a r i s h noon Mass to honor our Patron C o u n c i l Saint. A grand reception will P r e s i d e n t follow in the Cody Center. This M i c h a e l event draws from all the ministries Broach who, in the parish and requires the help over the past of many volunteers. I am asking year, has all of you to support the efforts of restructured the Parish Council, and Parish Staff the Parish as they begin the planning and C o u n c i l execution of the St Joseph’s Day meetings to bring the ministries Celebration. together in the spirit of community. 3 Lenten Schedule

Ash Wednesday—March 1 Masses: 8:15 a.m., 12:00 noon, 7:00 p.m.—Main Church

Rice Bowl Rice Bowls will be distributed on Ash Wednesday and the first Sunday of Lent They will be collected the fifth Sunday of Lent and Palm Sunday

Stations of the Cross and Confession Each Friday in Lent—7:15 p.m.—Main Church Please note there will not be Stations of the Cross on Friday, March 24

St. Joseph’s Feast Day Celebration—Sunday, March 19 12:00 noon Mass celebrated by Bishop Estévez—Main Church Reception following Mass at the Cody Center Bishop Estevez will present awards to the ministry of the year and volunteer of the year

Eucharistic Congress—Friday, March 24 & Saturday, March 25 Prime Osborne Convention Center

Parish Mission—Monday, April 3—Thursday, April 6 Mission talk daily at the conclusion of the daily Mass in the Historic Church Mass each evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Church—The homily is the mission talk Confession will be available at the conclusion of Mass

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday—April 9 Masses: Saturday Vigil, April 8—5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9—8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m.—Main Church 5:00 p.m.—Youth Mass—Historic Church

Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper—April 13 7:00 p.m.—Main Church Following Mass, Adoration will be in the Marian Center until Midnight Please note: There will be no daily Mass

Good Friday—April 14 Solemn Stations of the Cross: 3:00 p.m.—Main Church Veneration of the Cross and Solemn Liturgical Observance with Holy Communion: 7:00 p.m.—Main Church Please Note: There will be no daily Mass

Easter Schedule

Easter Vigil, Saturday—April 15 Mass: 8:30 p.m. (RCIA Candidates will be received into the Church)—Main Church Please note: There will be no daily Mass or 5:30 p.m. Mass

Easter Sunday—April 16 Mass: 6:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m.—Main Church

Divine Mercy Novena and Sunday of Divine Mercy—April 23 The Divine Mercy Novena begins on Friday, April 14 in the Marian Center following our Good Friday Service It will continue daily at 3:00 p.m. in the Marian Center through Saturday, April 22 Sunday of Divine Mercy, April 23—3:00 p.m.—Divine Mercy Prayer Service—Main Church

4 Other Important Dates

March May  Friday, March 3—Men’s Club Lenten Fish Fry  Saturday, May 6—PREP First Holy Communion  Saturday-Sunday, March 11 & 12—Women’s CRHP  Sunday, May 7—SJS First Holy Communion Weekend  Friday, May 26—SJS 8th Grade Graduation Mass  Friday, March 17—K of C Lenten Fish Fry  Friday-Saturday, March 24 & 25—Eucharistic Congress July  Friday, March 31—K of C Lenten Fish Fry  Saturday, July 15—CCW Bunko Night

April August  Sunday, April 23—Divine Mercy Sunday  Saturday-Sunday, August 26 & 27—Participation  Saturday-Sunday, April 29 & 30—Men’s CRHP Weekend Weekend

Our Upcoming Parish Mission This year’s Lenten parish mission will be given by Fr. Brian Mullady OP. The theme of the mission is Conversion of Heart and Growth in Prayer. Fr. Mullady will preach on how conversion of heart is the foundation of growth in the depth of prayer. He will use the great spiritual authors like , Teresa of Avila, and . The mission will occur daily beginning on Monday, April 3 through Thursday, April 6 and consist of a morning and evening session. Both sessions will be composed of the same talk. The morning session will take place at the conclusion of the daily Mass in the Historic Church. The evening session will consist of a Mass in the Main Church, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in which Fr. Mullady’s homily will be the mission talk. Confession will be available each evening o n c e Mass has ended. A love offering will b e taken up on Thursday in support of Fr. Mullady and the work of the Dominican Order. Below is a brief biography of Fr. Mullady. Fr. Brian Mullady is t h e son of an Air Force officer and was raised throughout the United States. H e entered the Dominican Order in 1966 and was ordained in Oakland, California in 1972. Fr. Mullady has been a parish priest, high school teacher, retreat master, m i s s i o n preacher, and university professor. He received his Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) from the A n g e l i c u m University in Rome, Italy and was professor there for six years. He has taught at several colleges and seminaries in the United States. Father Mullady is currently a mission preacher and retreat master for the Western Dominican Province. He also teaches two months of the year at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, CT. He has had twelve series on Mother Angelica's EWTN television network. He is the author of four books and numerous articles, and writes the Answer column in Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He is also designated as an official Missionary of Mercy by for the Year of Mercy.

5 The Good Shepherd Debbie D’Ambrosio How could In the farm and the night. (How often do we pasturelands a few forget that Our Lord is carrying us miles north of Rome, in the same way, when we feel God send Italy, I first met Valentino, a weak or overwhelmed by all that Shepherd. He was short of stature, goes on in our world, our lives, his only son brown and wizened from years of and our hearts?) working outdoors. In all seasons, to die? One day, we came upon he had draped across his Valentino kneeling by an old shoulders, an old sport coat. In a ewe, smearing a poultice of plastic bag, he carried his lunch of herbs and mud on her legs, and Because and Eve bread, cheese, fruit and wine,, then hobbling her so she could sinned, we needed a Savior and that, too, was slung over one not walk. He gently pushed her shoulder, together with a large, to pay the price and save us down so she would rest. From black umbrella. His dog, Leone (a from sin and death. “For time to time during the black and white mutt whose only God so loved the world that afternoon, we would see claim to fierceness was a slow Valentino or Leone go to her to he gave his only Son, so that lifting of his upper lip to display his see how she was. She was apart everyone who believes in long, yellow teeth), accompanied from the rest of the flock, but him. him might not perish but never really alone. (Our Dear might have eternal Valentino had just come over a Shepherd does the same for us ... life” (John 3:16). While it was hill, the sheep slowly grazing and healing us in our pain and walking before him. He had two despair, soothing the hurts until not easy for God to send his newborn lambs hanging upside we are ready once more to join Son to die, he did it because down around his neck. They were our human family as a part of the he loves us and wants us to bleating pitifully and their little whole.) be with him in Heaven. heads were bobbing and hitting It once bothered me to think that Valentino's legs with every step he we were compared to sheep, took. How uncomfortable they However, this does not but when I saw the care, the must have been; how cruel it mean God the Son was tenderness, and yes, even the seemed. My husband and I harshness that was done out of forced to die for us. Jesus waved and, seeing the appalled love that Valentino gave to his said, “No one takes [my life] look on our faces, Valentino flock, I could think of no better from me, but I lay it down on explained that it was necessary for comparison. He loves us ... Our the lambs to hang in that position my own” (John 10:18). Lord ... This Good Shepherd. in order for the mucus to drain Jesus’ sacrifice was freely from their lungs and that while it offered to the Father on our might be uncomfortable for a little behalf. “Indeed, out of love while, it would save their lives. for his Father and for men, (Sometimes, like those lambs, we are filled with the poison of anger, whom the Father wants to being unforgiving and save, Jesus freely accepted judgmental. Our Good Shepherd his Passion and will let us feel uncomfortable as death” (Catechism of the we squirm and twist until we come Catholic Church, No. 609). to the realization that we must let loose those poisons in order to The love of the Father and save our souls.) the Son for us was proved to

Many times, Valentino would be the end on the Cross. carrying a lamb in his arms, one too weak or too small to keep up -Growing in Faith with the others. He would carry March 2016 the lamb for hours until it was time for the sheep to be penned up for Creative Commons 6 Paula Veloso Babadi

But if we acknowledge our sins, he who is just can be trusted to forgive our sins and cleanse us Commons Creative from every wrong. - 1 John 1:9

I used to be afraid of going to confession. It was mainly dread at having to face the priest with the same sins over and over again, or giving voice to any sin at all. For most of my life, I viewed had done. Her tail gyrated at Early in the retreat book, “The One confession as a burdensome part hurricane wind speed, and I Thing is Three”, Father Michael of being Catholic. A simple knew. I never feared Dallas Gaitley so beautifully writes, incident with my son’s dog again and we “smile” at each “Wonder of wonders! Jesus coupled with discussions during a other on a regular basis, now that remains truly with us, not just in our Hearts Afire parish retreat I understand her intent. We are minds through his Word, not just in reminded me of a key life lesson - friends, family. our souls through faith and grace, we fear what we don’t truly know but also bodily present with us in or understand. Jesus removes that I am not saying facing confession his Sacraments, where he fear. was the same as facing a continues to bless, forgive, menacing dog with bared teeth. When one of my sons moved cleanse, unite, heal, strengthen I am saying, once I understood back home with his American Pit and make all things new.” (The what was really going on with Bull Terrier, Dallas, I was quite One Thing is Three – How the Most Dallas, fear left me. Growing up I reserved and mildly fearful around Holy Trinity Explains Everything; Fr. knew confession was good for her stocky brown frame and Michael E. Gaitley, MIC). me, providing sacramental thickly-muscled broad head. As I grace and lifting the burden of Just as understanding Dallas’ came through the front door tired guilt from my soul, but I was still intent in greeting me at the door from a long work-day, Dallas fearful. Until, through the parish allayed my fears, understanding greeted me with bared teeth and based “Hearts Afire” program, Jesus’ intent in leaving behind the heavy breathing back and forth fear really left me as I became miraculous sacrament of through her menacing aware of Jesus’ intent; his intense Confession changed me. While I canines. Unsure and still at the longing for friendship and union don’t pretend to understand it all, I door, I called for my son. He with us - his body, the branches know in my heart that Jesus laughed when he saw me of his vine. Jesus is rooted and instituted confession as a means standing, briefcase still in hand, waiting at the threshold to for us to grow closer to him, to while Dallas, “smiling,” waited for embrace, forgive, love, console, keep getting up from the depths me to greet her. My son and commune with us – with me! of the fall, and continue reaching explained she was not baring her upward toward his light. teeth to scare me; she really was Hence, declare your sins to one Confession is still uncomfortable, smiling because I was part of her another, and pray for one but Jesus’ ocean of mercy covers pack and she was happy to see another, that you may find all. And for the repentant heart, me. With my son close by, I healing. - James 5:16 then comes intimate communion stooped down and grinned back It’s been a journey to embrace through Jesus with God by the at Dallas, pushing air back and confession and appreciate Our loving bond of the Holy Spirit. forth through my teeth, just as she Lord’s wisdom in leaving this gift.

7

God is Love Father George Maloney explains prayer as an act of love towards God: “The purpose of our life is to contemplate God everywhere, for that is where he is. Discover him as Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” since “it is in him that we live, and move, and exist…” (Acts 17:28). This Trinity abides in us (John 14:23) and yet surrounds, permeates, invades, and bombards us from all sides, within all creatures that we encounter.

Receiving God’s love invites us to return that love in our thoughts, words, and deeds by praising and glorifying God by our life. This love, in turn, brings us closer to our brothers and sisters in Christ. As a mother and grandmother I

Introduction relate God’s love with the love of Fr. Knight in his book His a child. Just look at the love Way tells us that: “The test of lay between a parent or grandparent spirituality is not the devotion a and a child. They all love the child person experiences in church, but with great joy. At the same time, the reflection of Christ’s attitudes the child receives their love. The and values in his life—at home, at child learns to love those around work and at play.” him/her: parents, grandparents, teachers, playmates, etc. Neither St. Paul challenges us to “Pray the lover, nor the child receiving without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians the love, are constantly repeating 5:17). How is that possible with our the words: “I love you.” However, busy lives? We have families, jobs, they know and feel the love. ministries, houses to take care of, and so many other responsibilities. In a similar way, our relationship Where and how do we find the with God develops as we become PRAY time to “pray without ceasing?” Is more aware of the loving that an attainable goal? presence of God in our lives. God is present to us all the time. Sr. Joye During his visit to Cuba in 2015, WITHOUT Gross tells us that: “We are always Pope Francis said: “Faith makes us in the presence of God and open to the quiet presence of sometimes we notice it.” God at every moment of our lives, CEASING in every person and in every Gladys Stewart situation.” Now, that’s prayer! Ways of Prayer

How does a person pray without There are many ways of praying: ceasing? At first, it would seem when we wake up in the morning, like an unreasonable challenge in we pray a morning offering. One our ever so busy lives. We are of my favorites is: Lord help me to see your face in every person I ChurchArt online ChurchArt always on the go. How can we pray without ceasing? Only when meet today. Matthew Kelly prays: we realize that to pray means to Jesus open my eyes so I can see be aware of God’s presence in every person I encounter each one’s life. day as you see them.

8 Some of us are blessed to be able Jesus, Mary and Joseph, bless us him and make our home with to attend daily Mass. By being fed now and at hour of our death. him” (John 14:23). by the Word and receiving the At the end of the day before The book of Wisdom tells us: Eucharist, we can bring God’s going to bed, we stop and pray “Wisdom is the reflection of the presence to those we meet during and ask ourselves: where did I everlasting light and a spotless our day. We can pray other see God in my life today? In mirror of the power of prayers such as the Rosary, the every person I met? God” (Wisdom 7:26). Every day Divine Mercy chaplet, and many look into the spotless mirror that is other beautiful prayers by which Jesus Christ, and study well your we honor Jesus and His Mother Ancient Prayers reflection. In that way, you may Mary. Others pray the Divine A very wise and prayerful Jesuit adorn yourself, mind and body, Office and the Book of Readings priest who was my spiritual with every virtue. (these two are not just for teacher for many years until his ordained priests, deacons, death in 2005, introduced me to To pray without ceasing does not religious sisters, or for seminarians a beautiful and contemplative mean that we have to spend our like Matt King). Another powerful prayer: whole day in church. Thomas way of praying is by spending The Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Merton tells us: “As soon as a man half an hour to one hour of Christ, Son of God, have mercy (or woman) is fully disposed to be meditation, either before the on me, a sinner. This is the prayer alone with God, he is alone with Blessed Sacrament or in a quiet of the Tax Collector of the Gospel God no matter where he/she may place. of Luke 18:13-14. This simple be—in the country, the monastery, prayer can be prayed at any the woods or the city.” Prayers at mealtime are important time: in the car, on the way to to teach our children. Pray them the store, while exercising, while “Do you want to be happy?” This even when you go out to a waiting in a traffic jam without is a famous question Father restaurant. You never know becoming impatient, etc. Anthony de Mello, S.J. used to ask whose heart you will touch. at retreats. “He suggests that we One can also pray this prayer in a can always learn to experience What happens when we get so quiet setting, synchronizing it with our happiness. We can learn to busy with our daily responsibilities? your breath, such as in Adoration wake up, to let go, and to let Do we forget that the God we or in private praying time, like this: God. We can start to give prayer received in the Eucharist is still with Lord Jesus Christ (Inhale) its place in our lives.” us? Son of God (Exhale) May these words be an invitation That brings me to the awareness have Mercy on me (Inhale) to strengthen our life of prayer of being in the presence of God a sinner (Exhale) and our relationship with God, at all times. A very wise and holy And thus integrating your mind, and neighbor. May you be Sister of St. Joseph always reminds body, and spirit in what is called blessed to experience that love of me of what she calls “the touch- the Prayer of the Heart that the the God that dwells in your heart! ins,” such as praying a short act of early Fathers of the Church love, faith, and hope as we go taught their disciples and passed References: about our day. There are so many down to us.  Knight, D. (1977). His Way. short prayers that “connect” us The Jesus Prayer is widely Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony with God and our Blessed Mother. practiced in the Eastern Christian Messenger Press These are called aspirations, such Churches (those in full  Maloney, G. (1980). Alone with as: the Alone. Notre Dame, Indiana: communion with the Holy See, as Holy Spirit, command me to do well as in the Orthodox Church). Ave Maria Press  Gros, O.P., J (2001). Theological your will! Reflection. Chicago, IL: Loyola Press Blessed be God!  Kelly, M. (2015). Rediscover Jesus. Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in A life in union with God What keeps us united to God in Erlanger, KY: The Dynamic Catholic Three! Institute prayer is the measure of our love Jesus I trust in You.  Merton, T. (1958). Thoughts in for God and the depth of our Jesus, Son of David, have mercy Solitude. New York, NY: on me, a sinner. intimacy with God. St. John tells Farrar.Straus.Giroux O Mary, conceived without sin, us: “If anyone loves me he will  DeMello, A. (1997). Praying Body pray for us who have recourse keep my word, and my Father will and Soul. New York, NY: The to thee. love him, and we shall come to Crossroad Publishing Company

9

Saint , Powerful with God! Jim Wasel

redited with called to Emperor Diocletian. and is the patroness of purity, of countless miracles Once there, Philomena was children, of Mary, and of the living and intercessions asked to become the wife of the rosary. Many miracles have been Emperor. She firmly refused, as attributed to her, including, giving since the discovery of her she had dedicated herself to sight to the blind, giving hearing to tomb in the most ancient God alone. Her parents pleaded the deaf, saving from death those catacombs of St. Priscilla in with her to accept, since she who were at the point of dying, Rome in 1802, St. Philomena would be helping to save their and also many spiritual is prayed to by people of country from the invasion of the conversions. Saint Romans. She still would not give and Saint Pius X had a great diverse ages, cultures and in. When Diocletian heard of this, devotion to her, and so did social standing around the he had her thrown in prison. Blessed Pauline Jaricot, whose world. The young who After 37 days, Mary appeared to cure of a grave heart problem was martyred at age 13, her with the Divine Child in her was due to the intercession of willingly traded her earthly arms. She spoke to her, and Saint Philomena. It has also been gave her the , said about Saint Philomena that, life for heavenly salvation as her guardian. After this, like Mary, anyone who does and continues her work Philomena was scourged, then anything in her honor will be today promoting the virtues cast back into prison. Two angels rewarded, and no prayer said to of purity and sanctity among then appeared to her and her will ever be unheeded or the world’s youth and healed her wounds. When unanswered, even if not as Diocletian heard, he had an expected. bringing the faithful closer to anchor tied around her neck, our Blessed Mother and and thrown into the Tiber river. In Saint Philomena, pray for us! Jesus Christ. It would seem the sight of all, angels brought her back to land, dry, and she was held in quiet reserve by God for nearly seventeen unharmed. On account of this, many were converted. She was God, who in Thy centuries and summoned at then dragged through Rome, great might didst a time when so much and shot with arrows. After this, raise up martyrs uncertainty and absence of back in prison, she fell into a even from among the faith abound. deep sleep, and was revived once more. Then the evil weaker sex, grant, we servants of the Emperor were told beseech Thee, that we who Saint Philomena was a girl born in to shoot her again. He was celebrate the feast of Thy Greece, was conceived after her obeyed, but when the men bent parents' conversion. Her parents blessed Virgin and Martyr, their bows, the arrows would not Philomena, may be led by were the rulers of that part of leave them. So they were Greece in which she lived. At age commanded to put fire on them. her example and brought by thirteen she and her parents were Once more the Emperor was her to thee. Through Our obeyed. This time, though, the Lord Jesus Christ Who, with arrows went, but stopped half the Father and the Holy way, and turned back, killing the Spirit, liveth and reigneth one men who shot them. Diocletian was enraged, and finally had her God, in perfect Trinity, for beheaded. Her last words were ever and ever. Amen. words of forgiveness. Philomena entered Paradise at 3:00 p.m. on a Friday at the age of thirteen.

Her feast day is August eleventh, although she died on the tenth. She was canonized in the 1800s

10 Pondering the Pater Noster Sr. Andrea Zbiegien, SFCC/D.Min

The Lord’s Prayer provides food for thought, for meditation, for contemplation, for application to our daily lives. As the prayer begins, we hear Jesus’ teaching for each of us in ways special to each of us.

One day as I taught religion, some time ago, I had given small papers with phrases of the Lord’s Prayer to our 9th graders who were preparing to confirm the faith of their earlier Baptism. One of the candidates retorted, “Sister, I honestly can’t say I understand this one.” I said, “Please read it for us. Matt clearly replied, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” He added, “Now, what does that mean?” Rachel, a young Jewish

convert, raised her hand to say, “That’s simple, we Photo: ChurchArt Online ChurchArt Photo: each have enough spiritual business of our own to attend to. We should not trespass into anyone else’s personal concerns. So, mind our own spiritual business; such stuff is between us and God.”

Throughout my life, I have frequently reflected back on the wisdom of that exchange between fourteen to sixteen year olds. This has occurred particularly as situations have arisen in life or work and I have been being so rampant at the time, it was only upon tempted to judge others. In contemplating the proper recitation of the Lord’s Prayer that they would meaning of that phrase from the Lord’s Prayer, I also be granted entry to Celebration of the Lord’s Supper. have come to recognize any kind of “temptation” as an opportunity to choose, to make the better One of the first special rites of entry to the Rite of decision for implications in my own spiritual life Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is Presentation of challenges. By our willingness to cooperate with the the Lord’s Prayer; [later in the process is the Grace of God we can do things that ,otherwise, may Presentation of the Creed]. The Lord’s Prayer is seem impossible. perfectly outlined for us. Also, at each level of our maturing in the faith, we can pause for recognition Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Light.” of how we address the Father, our Creator, the The earliest followers of “Christ - The Way” were Source of our very existence, ever more called “Christian” for the first time in Antioch of Syria. meaningfully. Tradition tells us that when early Christians would knock for entry into the place where they would What does the Lord’s Prayer say to you on this day? participate in prayer and in remembering the Lord’s How does it resonate for you in this particular stage Supper, they would secretly be greeted with “Pater of your life? Noster. . .” and be expected to complete a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. With persecution

Our Lips and Ears A poem from The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett

If you your lips would keep from slips, If you your ears would save from jeers, Five things observe with care: These things keep meekly hid: Of whom you speak, to whom you speak, Myself and I, and mine and my, And how and when and where. And how I do and did.

11

Catholic News World friend Archbishop Andrew Deskur to read to him the Diary of St. Faustina which had just recently been published, Divine Mercy in my Soul. After reading these documents, Pope John Paul realized that his life had been saved by Our Lady’s intervention. “One hand shot, and another guided the bullet” was how he put it. But then he pondered, why did Our Lady save him?

The answer is that it was her wish for him to become the great Mercy Pope and promote the devotion to Divine Mercy as his task before God. He worked tirelessly for this end. He canonized St. Faustina as the first saint of the new millennium. He established Divine Mercy Sunday as the Sunday after Easter, a universal feast day of the church. He consecrated the whole world Now is the Time of Mercy to Divine Mercy. All this because Carolyn Laing he knew that Mary’s God-given is to draw us to the pierced side of Jesus, her Son, and to His As Catholics, we all know the first chose as his papal motto “Totus Merciful Heart. “Hail to you who Greatest Story Ever Told, the story tuus” which means “I am totally are wholly united to the of salvation history, that begins yours,” and he faithfully lived his redeeming consecration of your with and ends with total consecration to Mary Son!” John Paul said on May 13, Revelation. It includes prophets throughout his life, praying the 1982, at the occasion of his and kings from the Old Testament, long form of St. Louis de consecration of the world to and Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the Montfort’s consecration prayer Mary’s Immaculate Heart. apostles in the New Testament. every day. So, following Pope St. John Paul II’s But have you heard about the The first apparition of Our Lady of example, when we consecrate second greatest story ever told? Fatima to the three Portuguese ourselves to Mary, we are relying This story was recently unfolded to shepherd children occurred on on her to help us consecrate me at a retreat in Plantation, FL, May 13, 1917, at 5:00 p.m. Pope ourselves more fully to Jesus and given by Father Michael Gaitley, John Paul II was shot in Rome on His Divine Mercy. On May 19, MIC, who is the author of the May 13, 1981, at 5:00 p.m., 1982, in a general audience in books of the HeartsAfire program. exactly 64 years later. While he Rome, Pope St. John Paul II said: The main character, the hero, of was recovering in the hospital, he Last week I myself went on his book, The Second Greatest thought about the date and pilgrimage to Portugal, especially Story Ever Told: Now is the Time of asked that the papers containing to Fatima, in order to give thanks Mercy, is St. John Paul II, and the the Third Secret of Fatima be that the mercy of God and the story involves his being the great brought to him. He had never protection of the Mother of Christ Marian pope and the great Mercy read it before, and when he did had saved my life last year. The pope. finally read it, he realized he was message of Fatima is more urgent the bishop dressed in white that St. John Paul II made the Total than ever, when evil is threatening the secret was referring to. In the Consecration to Jesus through us through errors based on denial secret, the bishop had been shot Mary when he was eighteen, and of God. The message of Fatima and killed. But Pope John Paul he testified that the consecration invites us to approach the had been shot and survived! At was a turning point in his life. He Fountain of Mercy by an act of the same time, he asked his

12

consecration. Mary wishes us to draw near to this fountain, each Honduras Medical Mission: one of us, each nation, and the Thoughts and comments from some of the whole world.

We have three , John Paul St. Joseph’s team members II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, telling us that now is the time of Lisa English: I recently returned from a medical mission trip to Yoro, mercy, the time to consecrate Honduras, and I am truly humbled by all the thanks and praise from ourselves to the Immaculate Heart my family and friends. I feel slightly guilty because in my opinion, I got of Mary and the Sacred Heart of to do the fun part by traveling to another country and meeting new Jesus, the “two hearts.” In the people and having new experiences. I got to enjoy the gratitude and face of the extraordinary evil of love of the Honduran people. So I would just like to extend that our time, God is offering gratitude to all the missionaries that did not get to come along, but extraordinary grace and mercy. were an essential part of the success of this mission: the missionaries that donated clothing, money, toothpaste and toothbrushes, reading It’s up to us to respond. Last year, glasses, medications, helped count vitamins and prayed for us daily. 2016, had an amazing Your charity was greatly appreciated by us all. We could not have convergence of events for the done it without you! feast of Divine Mercy Sunday which had its beginning on the Carlos and Izette: This mission has showed us how God unites people vigil. That vigil, Saturday April 2, with different abilities and talents because they answered “Yes” to his was not only the vigil of Divine calling. By answering to his calling we were able to impact the lives of Mercy Sunday, It was also the First so many people in need in a positive way. We are blessed and Saturday of the month, the day privileged to be a part of such a great team that was mainly led by requested by Our Lady of Fatima the power and love of God. to go to confession, Mass, pray the rosary, and spend 15 minutes Lisa Comeaux: This is my third mission trip to Honduras and I usually in meditation on the mysteries of work in dentistry. It was our goal this year to make sure that every the rosary in reparation. On April person who came to the clinics (even if they did not come for dental 2, 2005, the same occurrence issues) would get a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste to take happened. It was the date of the home. Because of the generosity of our church members who vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday and placed these items each week in the Honduras basket in the foyer of first Saturday. And it was also the the church, the ladies from the CCW group who collected these items date that our beloved John Paul II for us all year long, and the dentist offices who made donations, I can died! He died in the arms of Our safely say of the 2300 people we saw this year, 95% of the Honduran Lady of Fatima (first Saturday) and adults left the clinics with these items in their possession and every on the vigil of Divine Mercy child left with their own toothbrush and tube of “pasta”. We, as Sunday. Amazing graces flowed Americans, use these items daily and take for granted that they will out on all of us last year as we be available when needed, but to the Hondurans these are celebrated First Saturday, the vigil considered to be luxury items. of Divine Mercy Sunday, and the remembrance of Pope St. John It is always amazing to see how well total strangers from different Paul II’s passing all on the same walks of life, come together as one unit to provide medical services to day. individuals and families in need. It reminds me of Romans 12:6: “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of And now, on May 13, 2017, we will us is to exercise them accordingly.” Each missionary plays a unique celebrate the 100 year role in the mission…from doctors, to nurses and pharmacists, but we anniversary of Our Lady’s first also have team members who have no medical experience at all. appearance at Fatima. She Whether it is counting out 1000s of vitamins, handing out eyeglasses or saved St. John Paul II from death holding a flashlight so that teeth can be extracted, these are also vital by an assassin’s bullet and gave roles that make a mission successful. him to the church as a special gift. Let us thank her for that gift by Although each team member may come on the mission trip for a heeding her request to pray the different reason, we all leave with a special bond and memories that rosary daily and to make the 5 First will be talked about for years to come. God brings us together as Saturdays Devotion to her strangers, but we leave the mission as a FAMILY. Immaculate Heart.

13

Blessed to See the Fruits of Prayer Matt and Kim Breen

While the number of priests in the an increase in vocations to the world has remained steady in priesthood, religious, and number since 1970, the Catholic consecrated life, and we devote population has increased the hour to three seminarians dramatically. Between 1965 and within our diocese. Our diocesan 2014, the number of US parishes seminarians know of our prayer without priests increased from 549 intentions and some have joined to 3,496*. Today our priests face us in prayer while others have great challenges, yet they bear it written to say they will spiritually A letter to the all with love so long as they can join us during that time. All express see God’s love take root in the gratitude and take strength and Honduras Medical hearts of those they serve. It’s a courage in knowing of our support spiritual battle for souls that can for them. Missionaries only be conquered through One doesn’t always have to look prayer, and while the harvest is far to see the fruits of prayer. Dear Medical Brigade, great, the laborers are few. We When I take a look around during need more men and women who First of all, thanks to you all for the holy hour I see a beautiful and will be light in the darkness of the great job you did this year. You vibrant picture of faith and hope. world and salt to free us from the worked hard and the people Families, priests, deacons, appreciated all you did for them. corruption of sin and evil. seminarians, parents of I’m grateful for the medicine you In recent years the Church has seminarians, and our parish youth gave me for my cough and for been blessed with a resurgence of all joined together in prayer before the statue of Our Lady of men and women who have heard our Eucharistic Lord. I am Guadalupe. And please excuse God’s calling to the religious and privileged to witness the hand of me for not doing much more consecrated life. They responded God in so many lives. Please join than being there with sore throat willingly, but face challenges and us, your prayers mean so much. and all. I guess I’m wearing out. need our support. St. Joseph’s

Anyway, I thank God that Padre Adoration for Vocations ministry

Randy returned from Belize in meets for prayer once a month for time to celebrate the Mass in La a holy hour. We offer the hour for *Georgetown studies Habana and meet you all. It’s too bad that he’ll be leaving Yoro in May.

Since I don’t have Padre Ron’s address, please give him my thanks for all he did while here. He’s great. And that I can say about you all -- you are a great team.

May God bless you all and repay you for all you did to help us. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you again next year, or maybe sooner. Finally, please keep praying for us and all our problems in Honduras.

Gratefully yours, Fr. John Willmering Yoro, Province of Yoro Honduras

14 We’ve Got to Get Back to the Garden Robert Clayton

As we celebrate Easter each year, God is meting out the very cycle of the seasons punishments to man, reminds us of the miracle of the woman, and serpent death and resurrection of Jesus. (read devil), he is Lent gives way to Easter, our time promising the offer of of darkness moves into the light. hope in a redeemer to This is reflected in the vestments come. The Church sees worn by the priests; the purple of in Genesis 3:15 a Lent symbolizing penitence, and protoevangelium, or white and gold for Easter bringing “first gospel.” “I will put to mind joy and purity. The enmity between your liturgical seasons reflect the offspring and hers; he earthly seasons, with the decay will strike at your head, and death of Fall and Winter while you strike at his heel.” The accomplished through him (53:10), being followed by the rebirth, “he” and “her” in these verses and through his suffering the growth and fruitfulness of Spring are seen as Jesus and Mary, and servant shall justify many (53:11). and Summer. For Christians this so from the very beginning we The redeemer is the Holy One of dying and rising is manifested in have the promise of a redeemer Israel (54:5), who, though he had the life, death, and resurrection of for mankind. briefly abandoned his people, will Jesus. Jesus himself says in John with great tenderness take them The prophet picks up the 12:24, “unless a grain of wheat falls back (54:7). Because of this the image of thorns and thistles to the ground and dies, it remains mountains and hills will break out in representing sin in the Vineyard just a grain of wheat, but if it dies it song, and all the trees will clap Song in chapter five, and we can produces much fruit.” their hands (55:12). In place of the also see it in the Passion thorn bush the cypress will grow, From the very beginning God has accounts in the gospels. Isaiah and instead of nettles, the myrtle. blessed mankind with the fruits of speaks of a friend who cleared Sin, represented by thorns and the land. He placed Adam and and tilled the land, built a wall nettles, is giving way to the grace Eve in the Garden of Eden, the and a watchtower, and planted and glory of God and his earthly paradise, telling them, choice grapevines. But instead Redeemer, represented by fertile “See, I give you every seed- of choice grapes it yielded wild cypress and myrtles. bearing plant all over the earth, grapes. The friend and the and every tree that has seed- grapes represent the Lord and his The fruitful garden can also be bearing fruit on it to be your chosen people, the people of seen in the New Jerusalem in food” (Gen 1:29). God’s creation Israel who had gone astray; “he Revelation. Here we see a river of was “very good”, and his looked for judgment, but see, life-giving water, beside which generosity was boundless. But bloodshed! For justice, but hark, grows “the tree of life that through the temptation of the the outcry!” (Is 5:7). As a result produces fruit twelve times a year, serpent sin entered the world. the Lord will tear down once each month; the leaves of Adam and Eve were banished and give it over for the animals to the trees serve as medicine from the garden, and what was graze. “Yes, I will make it a ruin: it [healing] for the nations. Nothing once a basket of plenty now had shall not be pruned or hoed, but accursed shall be found there to be worked for and toiled over. overgrown with thorns and anymore” (Rev 22:1-3). This is a “Cursed be the ground because thistles” (Is 5:6). Once again, we new creation, made possible by of you! In toil shall you eat its yield see thorns and thistles as the the life, death, and resurrection of all the days of your life. Thorns and result of the people’s sin. But in Jesus Christ, foretold from the very thistles shall it bring forth to you as Isaiah, as in Genesis, there is the beginning, from Genesis, through you eat of the plants of the field. promise of a redeemer. Isaiah the prophets, and the gospels. By the sweat of your face shall you chapters 53-55 tells the story of Jesus took upon himself the sins of get bread to eat” (Gen3:17-19). the suffering servant, the one the world, represented by a crown Thorns and thistles, pain and who bore our infirmities and of thorns during his Passion, and punishment, are the result of and endured our sufferings (Is 53:4). turned it into an actual crown, the the symbol of sin. But even as But the will of the Lord will be crown of Christ the King.

15

Crucifixes and Crosses to follow his Father’s will, suffering in the redemption of mankind Alan M. Rees achieved through his own death Many Protestants prefer to wear a in 2004. An issue of on the cross. Pope Benedict XVI plain cross while Catholics select a Entertainment Weekly named the wrote in his encyclical Deus crucifix. Catholic tradition recalls Passion of Christ the most Caritas Est: “This is love in its most the Passion of Christ. The crucifix controversial film of all time. radical form … It is from here that with its corpus of Jesus focuses our Robert Ebert described it as “the our definition of love must begin.” attention on the Passion and the most violent film I have ever Christ was obedient unto death, a events leading up to the arrest, seen,” with 110 minutes of explicit death on a cross through which trial, scourging, torture, and death portrayal of violence, torture, we are saved. St. Augustine wrote of Jesus followed by his blood, and intense suffering. “In order to be healed from sin, resurrection. Catholics believe Gibson defended his portrayal gaze upon Christ crucified.” By that praying in the presence of this way: .“I wanted it to be raising our eyes to the crucified the crucifix can greatly strengthen shocking, and to be extreme. So one, we adore Him who came to and deepen prayer life. Our Lord that people see the enormity of take upon himself the sin of the revealed to St. Gertrude the that sacrifice; to see that and still world and give us eternal life. On Great that, “It is very agreeable to come back with love and the Cross, Jesus assumes the see you honor the crucifix. It is forgiveness, even though with weight of all the sufferings and always an effect of Divine Grace extreme pain, suffering and injustice of humanity. when men’s eyes meet the image ridicule. The actual crucifixion Catholics have a crucifix to remind of the cross; and never once do was more violent that what was them of the suffering of Christ. A they rest upon it but their soul is shown in the film.” plain cross has no blood and nail benefited.” We should not object to the holes—no trace of suffering—yet it For many of us, our understanding movie shocking us into a was the love of a suffering God of the Passion of Christ was realization of the enormity of that saved the world (Pope Pius profoundly influenced by Mel Christ’s suffering in expiation of XI). A true crucifix has Christ Gibson’s film, the Passion of Christ our sins. He loved us by choosing crucified not a risen Christ. When

16

Photo: Bert Brohman—Image of Christ on the Tabernacle in the Historic Church a cross is plain, we are deprived of illiterate and uneducated. the sign of a Christian and the seeing this truth, and realizing how  Catholics do not want to indication of Christian victories. much God loves us and how He remove the Passion from our Cross and Blood—what must proved that love. lives—in fact we want it that wood have looked like always in front of us—it is the after the death of our Lord? Possession of a personal crucifix symbol of our salvation. the Cross was soaked in the has many advantages: Redeemer’s blood, and so  The crucifix represents an The also offer consolation when you see a Cross, think of historical reality, the most and hope in their meditations on the blood of Christ, poured out important in the history of the the crucifix: for you, and don’t deny him human race.  “Let the crucifix be not only what he is asking you for.” St.  Jesus on the cross is, in fact, in my eyes and on my breast Josemaria Escriva, founder of the key element in God’s plan but in my heart.” St. Opus Dei for the justification, . redemption, and salvation of  “Look at His adorable face. On Good Friday, we pray: mankind. Look at his glazed and sunken “Ecce lignum crucis in quo salus  The crucifix assists us in eyes. Look at his wounds. mundi pependit, venite experiencing contrition for our Look Jesus in the Face. There, adoremus”—This is the wood of sins. you will see how much he the Cross on which hung the  The crucifix comforts us in our loves us.” St. Thérèse of Savior of the World. Come Let Us sorrows. Lisieux, Adore Him. These words recall for  The crucifix reminds us of the  “Never let your home be us the mystery of our faith. Man truth of Christ’s words in the without a crucifix, to the end does not have the possibility of life Gospel of John: “No one has that all who enter it may know after death without Christ’s greater love than this, to lay that you are a of a crucifixion. Christ death on the down one’s life for one’s Crucified Lord and that you cross on Good Friday leads to friends” (John 15:13). are not ashamed to own it.” Christ risen from the tomb on  The crucifix is a “gospel in St. John Vianney Easter Sunday. miniature” even for the  “Let us adore the Cross. It is

17

Growing In Faith Mary Monfort

Are you searching for something Since I enjoy retreats so much, I class; you can choose which time to improve, revitalize, or kick-start had no hesitation in signing up of day is better for you, and you your spiritual journey? Maybe, like for the Hearts Afire Parish-based can swap between times if you me, you’ve been raised in the Program retreat a couple years have conflicts. The retreat this faith; maybe you are a recent ago. Fr. Michael E. Gaitley of the year runs from May 18 – June 22, convert; or maybe you are Marians of the Immaculate with Consecration to Jesus someone intent on finding God’s Conception (MIC) created this through Mary after the 8:00 am will for your life and wondering if program and initially offered it as Mass on June 24. The book for the He is calling you to the Catholic weekend retreats. They became retreat is divided into chapters faith. If so, then I want to tell you so successful that he could not with short, daily reading about a fabulous program we meet the demand for them. So, assignments for the six weeks. Four have taking place at St. Joseph’s. at the request of his religious of the weeks are spent reflecting order, he devised a way of on different Marian saints: St. Louis Before I get to that, let me back making the retreats available to de Montfort, St. , up a little. I want to tell you a little everyone. To accompany the St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. something about my spiritual material in his books, he John Paul II. The book is easy to journey as a born and raised recorded DVDs of his talks to be follow because Fr. Gaitley is an Catholic. Along the way, I found presented at weekly retreat amazing writer, synthesizing even that retreats helped me to focus meetings. difficult subjects into interesting, on what really matters in my informative, and understandable spiritual life. In fact, the Church The Hearts Afire retreat program readings. His DVD talks add highly recommends yearly retreats is divided into two stages. The further information that enhances for all Catholics. I have been on first stage is called “The Two your understanding of Marian all kinds of retreats: high school Hearts” and is divided into two Consecration. CYO retreats, a graduate school parts, The Immaculate Heart and “Encounter With Christ” retreat, The Sacred Heart. Part 1 – The Following the 33 Days to Morning the RENEW process our diocese Immaculate Heart – uses Fr. Glory retreat, you can continue on offered 30 years ago, a CRHP Gaitley’s book: 33 Days to by participating in Part 2 – The weekend at St. Joseph’s, silent Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Sacred Heart, which uses Fr. retreats, a Marriage Renewal Retreat in Preparation for Marian Gaitley’s book: Consoling the weekend, and the Hearts Afire Consecration. It is a retreat held Heart of Jesus. It is a 10-week retreat program. I find that all for six weeks on Thursdays each program that introduces the retreats, and I also want to include spring in our parish, under the theme of consoling Jesus on the Lenten Parish Missions, help to guidance of Carolyn Laing and cross – how our love for Jesus can strengthen my faith and center Sue Haywood. There is a console him in his deep thirst for me on my spiritual journey. morning class and an evening souls from the cross. Fr. Gaitley 18 says, “Jesus’ need for our love is through two small-group purchase are the books that because he knows how retreats based on the books accompany each retreat. Fr. desperately we need his love – he 33 Days to Morning Glory and Gaitley is an excellent speaker – knows that, for us, it’s a matter of Consoling the Heart of Jesus. down-to-earth, self-deprecating, life and death” (Consoling the These retreats focus on easy to understand, and earnest in Heart of Jesus, p. 59). Much of our developing a deep, personal his message, all of which is understanding of Jesus’ merciful relationship with Jesus in his embellished by his joyful humor. love comes from two great saints, mercy, through Mary. Next, He will inspire you! St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. the intellectual formation I have to admit that I already had , both of whose begins with a small-group owned Fr. Gaitley’s Consoling the spiritual insights Fr. Gaitley explores study based on the book The Heart of Jesus book for a few in his book. Rather than daily ‘One Thing’ Is Three, which years, and I even had read part of readings, this retreat has you covers the entire scope of it on my own one Lent (it has the reading a set number of pages at Catholic theology. The focus subtitle A Do-It-Yourself Retreat). your leisure over the course of then turns to pastoral However, I wasn’t very successful each week. formation through the reading in finishing it. If you’re like me, and group discussion of the The second stage of Hearts Afire, being part of a group with set book You Did It to Me, which is called “Wisdom and Works of meeting dates and required a practical guide to putting Mercy,” is covered in another 10- reading assignments gives you mercy into action. Finally, week retreat. It is based on two of accountability. If you think you human formation takes place Fr. Gaitley’s books, The ‘One can do it on your own – or even through the small-group Thing’ is Three and You Did it to want to form your own group of meetings themselves, which Me: A Practical Guide to Mercy in friends to do the retreat – then I engage the participants in Action. The former book is a encourage you to do so. I have listening and sharing from the condensation of St. Thomas been leading a small group of heart.” Best of all, just as a Aquinas’ great Summa friends through the 33 Days to seminarian would graduate Theologica, beautifully simplified Morning Glory retreat in my home from his time of formation in in Fr. Gaitley’s nimble writing style. on Sunday mornings, thanks to the seminary and become This book introduces you to the having the videos and workbook something special (a priest), so concept of “communion,” our available on Formed.org. Anyone also, anyone who completes everlasting goal of living in can form a group and participate the formation described communion with God the Father, in a retreat in this manner, and I above can also become God the Son, and God the Holy highly recommend it. something special (a Marian Spirit. The goal of communion is Missionary of Divine Mercy). Fr. Gaitley has written two more one that we live out on earth by books that also can be used in practicing merciful love, which is Don’t just take my word for it! I conjunction with the Hearts Afire highlighted in the latter book. It is invite and encourage every one Program, 33 Days to Merciful Love the synthesis of everything learned of you to sign up for these Hearts (all about St. Thérèse and her in the past books/retreats – and a Afire retreat programs. If you are offering to Merciful Love) and The blueprint for how to truly live out truly uncomfortable participating Second Greatest Story Ever Told our Christian mission with joy. in such group settings – or unable (all about St. John Paul II), with to meet at the given times – you Here is an explanation of the accompanying DVDs also don’t have to miss out. Fr. Hearts Afire Parish Program (HAPP) available for them. It is suggested G a i t l e y ’ s b o o k s a n d in Fr. Gaitley’s own words, in case that these books be studied accompanying participant kits you’re still trying to comprehend it: before becoming a Marian are available for individual “Hearts Afire: Parish-based Missionary of Divine Mercy. Fr. purchase from AllHeartsAfire.org. Programs (HAPP) are Gaitley’s books and video lectures Our parish currently has a structured on the four pillars of are incredible tools of subscription to Formed.org, formation used to train priests evangelization for the Church in which anyone can sign up for in seminaries around the the modern world. I promise you and have free access to all of Fr. world. Those pillars are as that your faith will grow and be Gaitley’s DVDs, as well as the follows: (1) spiritual, (2) deepened if you immerse yourself retreat companion guides. Just intellectual, (3) pastoral, and in the Hearts Afire Parish-based go to Formed.org and enter the (4) human. The programs Programs! parish code, M8WPH7. The only begin with spiritual formation items you really need to 19

Honduras Medical Mission 2016 Mary McCormick, Team Leader

When our team left for Honduras, with no room for both we carried with us 45 suitcases busses to pass as the filled with medications, supplies, road was so narrow. and medical donations totally Without any words, the approximately 2000 lbs! I cannot second bus began to thank the St. Joseph’s community back up until a wider enough for such amazing support. space was found and Please do not ever doubt your the busses were able to importance to our Parish Medical pass each other. Both Mission. drivers tooted their horns at each now waiting for the physicians other, as if to say “Thank you” grew as well. At the peak of the I learned 2 lessons through the once we passed. afternoon, this line zig-zagged the actions of my team members, length of the inside of the building. Honduran partners, and the poor Upon arrival at the village, I It required two people to direct people that we served. The first is immediately saw a large line of traffic. I was positioned close to that we truly are one body of people waiting at the front door the nurses, to direct people to the people under God. The end of . A Honduran s e c o n d i s t h a t volunteer was at the end of the communication takes many room directing people to the end forms other than words. I of the line, as it could not be seen. would like to lead you As a non-Spanish speaker, I was through one of our mission doing this entirely without words. I days and how those lessons could not even talk with my were demonstrated to me. partner at the other end, as he did While in Honduras, the 23 not speak English. I used arm team members, along with gestures or sometimes just resorted our Honduran partners to taking people by the hand and treated close to 2300 guiding them. people. Our second clinic The patience and love of the day began with a bus ride of Honduran people simply amazed about 90 minutes on a very me this day. The total time in line narrow dirt road up a must have been 2-3 hours, mountain. We drove through of the building we would occupy perhaps even longer. People small streams and enormous and knew this would be a very came from several villages puddles of water. We even came busy day. The building we were surrounding this one. The village head to head with another bus given to use was one very large furthest from us required a 4 hour room, slightly longer than a walk to get to us and then back school gymnasium. I realized home when finished. These immediately that crowd control people started to arrive late was going to be an issue. morning. The suggestion came from the crowd of people in line The lines of people grew and outside to allow these people to grew. The line waiting to enter to go to the front of the line and be begin screening zig-zagged the seen first to allow them to start the length of the building several long walk back home, as early as times. It looked a bit like a possible! We agreed and crowd, as the lines squeezed implemented this immediately. together to share the shade of the building, as the sun was quite I remember telling myself that I intense. The line of people who must never forget this scene. I will had been screened and were remind myself of it whenever I’m

20

getting impatient at a long line to toothbrushes we gave away check out of Walmart. Certainly, I throughout the week. will think of it when waiting, sitting I had my “magic medicine” in in a nice chair, in an air- my pocket at all times. When I conditioned waiting room, with would see a child crying, my cell phone and internet to frequently from fear or anxiety, I keep me company when waiting would reach in and hold out a for a doctor visit. small lollipop. My magic Fr. Ron came in and played with medicine dried many tears. The some of the children in the line. smile and laughter from one of He simply had a beach ball at one the Honduran doctors who point. He would throw it back and witnessed this several times, said Hondurans, English speakers, forth to various children. The more to me than any words ever Spanish speakers, and some giggles of the children were could have. bilingual, we all worked as one amazing despite the heat and I received some of the nicest team. We were one team amount of time they had been hugs of my life during this week. working to fulfill God’s Plan. waiting. What was even better, were the smiles I watched my team and laughter of the adults members work on and on watching this scene. throughout the day in the intense heat. Many simply Some of the dental referred to it later as working volunteers came down to in an oven. I was amazed at the line and started everyone’s patience, teaching the children how conviction and dedication. to brush their teeth. Since By the end of the day, the I could not spare an team had treated 690 interpreter for this task, it people! I estimate that was done entirely without each physician saw speaking for the most approximately 125 patients part. The children would that day. The pharmacy run grinning back to their filled between 2,000 and 4,000 parents in line with their new A hug transcends any language. individual prescriptions in that one toothbrush and toothpaste. I was Some of these hugs are forever day alone. The volunteers in the simply horrified when I saw inside etched in my memory. My best reading glasses area dispensed the mouths of these small children. hug came from a frail, elderly approximately 150-175 pairs of Plaque and cavities covered most woman visiting the clinic with her reading glasses. I have no idea of the teeth I saw! I gave a silent granddaughter. She had the number of children who prayer of thanks to all those difficulty walking due to sores on learned how to brush their teeth responsible for the 3,000 one of her feet. I took her hand that day. Through it all, we had and guided her through the tried our best to not only provide crowds to fill her prescriptions the medical care needed, but and to the nurse providing also to convey the feeling that we wound care. At one point, I felt simply loved and cared about like parting the sea of each of them as well. We are one people to get her through the people in God’s Kingdom. I pray crowd. When I went to leave she our message of love and care gave me the best hug of the sent by means of medications, week. That hug relayed more to reading glasses, dental care, hugs, me than any spoken “Thank you” balloons, stickers, face paint, ever could have. songs, etc., was received. I am The team members worked reminded of the famous quote of together as one unit. It was hard St. , “Preach the to believe it had been only days Gospel at all times. When since some of us had even met necessary, use words." each other. Americans and

21 St. Joseph’s Art Connections The Crucifixion of Jesus in art Becky Colangelo

When did images of the Crucifixion start? Images of the Crucifixion of Christ were very rare in the early Church. Unlike Judaism and pagan religions of the time, Christianity was a missionary religion which spread throughout the Roman Empire by word of mouth from the apostles, other witnesses, and converts. During the first centuries of the spread of Christianity, the Crucifixion did not appear in art, mainly because the attracting of converts was enhanced more by the nurturing images of Jesus, particularly as the Good Shepherd, than by images of a horrible death associated with criminals. But after Constantine’s mother is believed to have found the relics of the True Cross, the image of the Crucifixion increased in popularity.

Crucifixion or Crucifix? What is the difference between these two terms? Put in a simple way, the Crucifixion is an event and can be illustrated in sculpture or painting with many people included in the scene. Paintings, just by the nature of the medium and the illusion of space that can be created, can be expanded to include figures other than Jesus, such as the two criminals crucified with Jesus, Roman soldiers, and followers of Jesus that Biblical records say were there. The Crucifix generally refers to a sculpture of only Jesus on the cross. Some paintings are called a Crucifix if they are simpler than expanded Crucifixion scenes. One example is Cimabue’s Crucifix discussed below. You can understand a Crucifix necklace as a form of sculpture. It is usually three dimensional and created by a casting process also used in larger cast sculpture.

The Crucifix, some comparisons The Crucifix on the cover of the Lindau Gospel Book from the Lindau Gospel 9th century shows Jesus on the cross but not suffering. This is Book cover typical of early Crucifix images. The Gero Crucifix shows Christ suffering. This was done about 100 years after the 9th Century Lindau Gospel cover.

Shows The painted Crucifix (late 13th century) by Florentine artist, Cimabue, is the first large Crucifix I studied while a student in non-suffering Florence, Italy in 1968. It is about 14 feet in height. It follows Christ the tradition set by the Gero Crucifix to show the suffering Christ. However, I never got to see it in its original condition, because it had been badly damaged by a devastating flood in 1966. We studied it only from pictures. I was, however, able to see it from a distance as restorers were working on it. It was originally over the altar of an earlier version of the Gero Crucifix, Franciscan church of Santa Croce in Florence. It is constructed of several pieces of wood cut into the shape of 965 a cross and contains small images of the two followers of Cologne Jesus most associated with the Crucifixion, the Virgin Mary, and St. . It expresses the physical Cathedral, suffering of Jesus, not found in many earlier examples, which Cologne, Germany often show Jesus standing on a platform and relaxed but not suffering, such as the Lindau Gospel cover (below). Over 6 ft.

The Gero Crucifix was the largest and most influential Carved oak, Crucifix north of Italy when it was created in about 965. It is painted and gilded probably the oldest image of the dead Christ and it became a model for later Crucifixes, such as the Cimabue 22 Crucifix by Crucifix and the St. Joseph’s Crucifix. The Gero Crucifix may have been hung in the chancel arch (a type of triumphal Cimabue arch over the altar) of its original church. This became the 13th Century traditional place to put the Crucifix in a church and Cimabue’s Crucifix followed that tradition. Photo taken The Crucifix in St. Joseph’s (behind the choir area) shows the before the flood broken, suffering body of Christ. It follows the tradition of the last thousand years of Catholic art by reminding us of his of 1966 sacrifice and s u f f e r i n g . Crucifix Even though St, Joseph’s it is not in the traditional placement above the altar, it is close enough to Catholic Church be easily seen by the community at Mass. It is hard for me to tell whether Christ is depicted as in the process of dying or already dead. There is not a lance wound in his side, which would definitely show him as already dead. But the position of the head and body would seem to indicate death or shortly before. Regardless of which state the artist intended, it expresses the immense sacrificial love of God. As a convert from Protestantism, it helps me feel so much more connected to a God who loves us than the empty cross does. And it encourages me to look for ways to show sacrificial love to others. What a blessing to be Catholic!

The Honest Boy Richard Stritter

Our family was on a trip to Monterrey, Mexico sponsored by the USO Club of San Antonio, Texas. My Dad was Director of the Club located close by the Alamo.

About 34 people travelled by bus for a two-day tour of Monterrey, Mexico. We saw the Cathedral of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, near the center of downtown. Then we all rode burros from one area to the next. Pictured is my Mom, myself, and my brother, Tom. Dad took the picture.

When we returned to our hotel, I noticed a young boy standing on the sidewalk, about my age, selling Mexican souvenirs. I saw he had a nice selection of leather lariats around his neck. I chose one, he handed it to me and said, “Only 2 dollars.” All I had was a ten-dollar bill. As I handed it to him he said, “I don’t have change but I’ll get some and be right back.” I said, “O.K.”

After waiting about 10 minutes, it hit me. I’ll never see him again! I’ve been robbed! My parents will not be happy. I waited a few more minutes and began to slowly walk away. Just then the boy came racing around the corner saying “Senior, here is your change! I had to go several places, sorry took so long.”

Ever since that event I have admiration and respect for the folks in the many countries we have visited through the years, all due to that honest Mexican boy who worked hard to get me the change. Photo: Richard Stritter

23

Parish Medical Mission Sponsorship Update – 2016 Effort Greg Hemsoth, Director

Parish, others join You can donate anytime for our us from around the next 2017 parish medical mission to diocese and from Honduras! Our team and all of the as far away as poor people, who received health Kansas! Our team care and medicines, wish to thank and Friends of the all of our donors and especially Missions, Inc. is the Full Mission and the Day grateful to you all Sponsors! for your financial If you can help by donating now, donations for the you may mail a check made out medicines. to: The team prayed Friends of the Missions, Inc. for all of our donors And send to: while on the 2643 Tacito Trail mission this past Jacksonville, FL 32223. February, but here On the memo line please write: we highlight by Honduras Mission name our largest We are a Tax Deductible, 501 (c) 3 sponsors. Please Not For Profit Humanitarian Group see the 2016 Yoro and have worked with SJCC for Medical Mission Our Medical Mission Sponsorship over 10 years. Donors will receive a Sponsor graphic in this section. Program continues to grow and Thank You Letter-Tax Receipt and GRACIAS to all for your gifts and for the 2016 mission we had more be included in a Mass of prayers! donors get on-board with our . Sponsorship Giving Plan to help us finance the mission costs for all of the medicines we take to 2016 Yoro Medical Mission Report Honduras. Full Mission Sponsor—$7,010.87 We exceeded our $10,000 budget for purchasing medicines by SJCC Parishioners $2,000. The excess paid for with 2016 Second Collection additional medicines we needed while in Honduras. Thank You!

We thank everyone who donated Five-Day Sponsor—$2,500.00 whatever amount they could afford. You all are what makes a Dick & Diane Erickson mission happen! You are our “At- Home” missionaries. Without your donations and prayers, there are Four-Day Sponsor—$2,000.00 no medicines for our medical and Dr. Ray & Maribel Pumarejo dental mission! Any size donation is welcome, as it all adds up and all donors are in our prayers. One-Day Sponsor—$500.00 Although many on our mission team are from our St. Joseph’s Allan & Rosemary McCorkle

24 The Blessed Mary Widows Jeanne D’Amico

In 2009, one Saturday night when the Catholic faith. As a matter of Blessed Mother every day for this leaving Mass, I was talking to fact, all of us were baptized and wonderful group of Mary Widows. Carolyn Kirspel who said to me, all were married at St. Anthony’s I don’t wish for you to be a widow, “Why don’t you start a widow’s Church. This church is gone now; but if you are, come join us on the group?” I was floored when she Elmira College bought it out. I first Tuesday of every month. We said that, for I had always wanted am so sorry to say many Catholic sometimes break bread together to start a group. I had so much churches in the north have at a restaurant or at the Cody love and support from family and closed, or they’ve combined Center. Watch the bulletin each friends when my husband passed, churches. We are so truly month for details. Wherever we and I have always wanted to give blessed here at St. Joseph’s to are, we pray and enjoy our back. have such a faith-filled parish. I fellowship together. We also do felt the Holy Spirit the day I movie lunches, and we are open I talked with Father Cody, and he walked into St. Joseph’s. Without to any suggestions. gave me his blessing. The first a doubt, I know God put me meeting was at my house in April By the way, Carolyn Karspel, who here for a reason. I was brought 2009. When we got to be too is now Carolyn Laing, joined the up with the rosary, so when many for my home, I asked for group for a while until she married originally starting the “Merry” permission to have it at the Cody a wonderful man she knew from Widows, the one thing I wanted Center. It was set up for the her school days. I guess that to do was to honor our Mother second Tuesday of each month, means you can be a “Mary” Mary and say the rosary. but it coincided with the CCW Widow until you “marry” someone meeting so a couple of widows When coming out of Mass one new! couldn’t attend because of the morning, Mary Warner said, “Why I also want to thank God for Father conflict. We decided to changed don’t you call it the Mary Thanh and all of the St. Joseph’s it to the first Tuesday of the month Widows?” What a great idea! I priests that help support us! I am at 1:00 p.m., which was better for ran it by Father Cody, and he so thankful to belong to St. all of us as some of us are getting said, “Wonderful!” and “Go for Joseph’s and the beautiful on in years. We’ve had ages from it.” We certainly never know how community that we have! 40 to 90 years, so everyone is God’s going to work in our lives, welcome. but He helps us through I’m blessed! everything no matter what. We Growing up, as a child my mom have a great group of ladies – I was always cooking, baking, love each and every one of crocheting, or saying the rosary. I them. God knew we needed said to her one day, “Why are you each other. Some have made always saying the rosary?” She great friends. I feel we are one, said, “If you had nine kids, you’d big, happy family, and everyone always be saying the rosary too.” I pitches in and helps with have always been so thankful for everything. I thank God and our my parents bringing all of us up in

25 The Seventh Word: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit Patrick Kinnare

A pious custom in our Catholic faith during the The continual commencement of Christ’s spirit was Lenten season is to prayerfully mediate upon what is an activity in which the entire temporal existence of traditionally referred to as the seven last words of Jesus participated. Jesus was never not turning over Christ. The seven last words, gathered from the four his will, spirit, heart, mind to God. Through the grace Gospels, are seven separate and distinct spoken of the hypostatic union, God in the second Person of statements uttered by Christ as He hung upon the the Trinity fully and completely brought/united to cross. When searching the depth and mystery of Himself full human nature and existence. In Christ these statements we must recall to mind the physical there was no separation between God and man. In state of our Lord while He gave them. Jesus had Christ there was no confusion or mixture of God and already spent a sleepless night in jail (Holy Thursday), man. The humanity of Christ fully and completely was beaten beyond recognition, dragged His experienced God. That unmediated experience of instrument of death through the streets of Jerusalem, God compelled the human will of Jesus to and finally suffered a death of slow suffocation. The perpetually surrender itself unto God. The lesson for very fact that He could say anything at all after his us is to not wait until our last breaths are upon us and gruesome torture should compel us to study those our beloved Priests have furnished us with the last statements with even greater zeal than those given rites, but rather look to the entire life of Christ as the at other times in His public life. sending over of our souls into God’s outstretched hands. Take each moment of life and surrender it to It is important to bear in mind that every moment of God. The cross gives us freedom. To accept such a His life is ripe for our reflection and orientated noble gift requires only the loss of our wills/spirits in the towards our salvation. All of his discourses, spread vast ocean of God’s love and mercy. throughout the Gospel pages, provide an inexhaustible treasure for prayer, study, and spiritual 1Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Introduction to Christianity, growth. However, those seven statements uttered (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2004) 206 under the agony of the cross hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the faithful. They are uniquely special in His ministry because they come at its culmination and climax. Upon the cross, our Lord received His coronation1. It is in the gut-wrenching agony of the crucifixion that God’s love and humility break the bondage of death and sin. Through His death, Christ liberates us and provides concrete meaning and purpose to lives.

The last words spoken by Christ are “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” These words spoken by Christ as the last breaths of air escaped His broken and dying body are ones that can and should be recited by each of us on a daily basis. Christ existed as one who was constantly in prayer with the Father. His entire life was one of constant unity with the Father. The Father was in Him and He was in the Father, as St. John records in his Gospel. The last words of Christ are a prayer of surrender, a giving over of the heart, mind and will into the loving providence of a Father tenderly referred to as Abba by Christ. Christ’s prayer of surrender was a daily occurrence for Him, a lifetime of surrender to God’s will allowed Him to embrace His passion. Through a union of the human will with the Divine, God redeems the world. Photo: ChurchArt online 26 “In service to one- In Service to All” Knights of Columbus Ed Kiely, Grand Knight, Saint Johns River Council #10850

Today’s Knights: What we do Santa, our two Lenten Fish Fry’s, our annual Golf From the moment of our founding in 1882, charity Tournament and our individual Knight’s personal has been the first principle of the Knights of contributions to fund our Diocesan seminarians, Columbus. We are men of faith and men of action. called the RSVP fund.

Some of our volunteer services include: Our coat On a worldwide level drive and our 40 cans of food for lent, Citizens with In 2015, the Knights of Columbus set a new all-time Disabilities (dodging cars to collect donations), the record for the 17th consecutive year. Our charitable Fall Festival, just to name a few. For our youth, we donations increased from 2014 by more than $1.5 run, on a local, state, and national level, a soccer million to a new total of $175,079,192. In addition, challenge, a basketball free throw, a poster contest, we achieved our highest level of charitable service a spelling bee, an Essay contest, as well as several in 2015, volunteering more than 73.5 million hours of scouting events. And, yes, all the Knights that service. The number of service hours contributed by interact with our youth are certified in our Diocese Knights rose in 2015 by more than a million over the with Protecting God’s Children. previous year’s total. In all our events, we work together relying on our Our charitable activities encompass an almost Catholic faith, beliefs and principles. So, let me ask, infinite variety of local, national and international not just the men of our parish, but the wives and projects. From international charitable partnerships better halves. Shouldn’t you give your man a friendly with Special Olympics, the Global Wheelchair nudge to find how he can be more connected to his Mission and Habitat for Humanity to our own Food for faith and take the journey of a lifetime with us? Families and Coats for Kids projects and other local charities, the opportunity to work together with Why not check out how you can join our great fellow Knights and their families is virtually endless. organization. Most of our Knights are involved in other ministries in our church. Look for us at Mass and "We are answering Pope Francis’ call to go to the other events wearing our jackets and hats. Please peripheries,” Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said. ask a Knight one question, “are you proud to be a “We can reach half way around the globe to help Knight of Columbus?” those in need and we can reach out to our neighbor next door. And we do that every day. That makes I can promise you one thing. If you become a knight, You WILL be a better Catholic gentleman. us witnesses to the faith." We, as Catholic gentlemen, need to be seen and The Knights of Columbus: We are men of heard. There is no better way to stand up and be faith and men of action: On a Local level proud of our Catholic faith than to join us as a Knight.

In our council here at St. Joseph’s, as in all councils If you would like to be a part of an international worldwide, all our fundraising money raised goes organization of more than 1.9 million Catholic men 100% to local charities that our members vote on. whose principal work involves helping others in need, Not one penny goes to the operation of our council. we would like to meet you and invite you to join us.

Just to mention a few charities that we helped this For more information on how you can help make a past year were our own Divine Mercy House, the positive difference in your Church, in your Mandarin Food Bank, Girl Scouts Gateway Council, Community, in your faith, and in your personal life, Camp I am Special, BSA Special Needs Camporee, ask any Knight. He will be happy to assist you. Or our own, Pastor Fr. Thanh, for vocations, and Bishop contact Grand Knight Ed Kiely at 904-509-2550 or Estévez, for our local Diocesan Seminarians. We Membership director Bruce Allen at 904-874-6633. funded these with our Drive-by BBQ, Keep Christ in Christmas card sales, Turkey Bingo, Breakfast with God Bless You All.

27 The Power of Prayer When There is No Doubt! Ella Omemma Simmons, Your Sister in Christ

Dedicated to Charles N. Simmons III Death leaves a heart ache no one can heal; True love leaves memories no one can steal.

come when we want it, but it is revered tradition from the Old and always on time when we need New Testament scriptures. In the it.” Lord’s Prayer, forgive us our trespasses” actually translates into “Blessed be the Lord who daily “forgive us our debts.” Almsgiving loads us with benefits” (Psalm is not just a handout to others; 68:19). Starting today, make almsgiving also means giving our pleasing the Lord the first item on time and attention. Almsgiving is your list. Be willing to deal with not just a duty of the financially any issues God brings to light fortunate giving to those less through the power of prayer. Graphic: ChurchArt online financially fortunate, but it’s a way Make the decision to daily put “If you pray, you’ve got the key to of helping others to become Him first and keep your heart pure the kingdom. And by faith, you’ll almsgiving themselves. There is a before Him. Every time you pray, unlock any door. If you fall on spiritual investment in almsgiving. always pray In the Name of Jesus. your knees, let the Lord give you Matthew 6:2- 4 says, “When you ease. He is near and He’ll hear, “Listen to my voice in the give alms, do not blow a trumpet when you pray!” This is still one of morning, Lord. Each morning I before you as the hypocrites do in my favorite gospel songs. This bring my request to you and wait the synagogues and in the streets song was sung a lot back in the expectantly” (Psalm 5:3). As we to win the praise of others. Amen, 70’s. Nothing has changed. celebrate the Seasons of Lent I say to you they have received Prayer still works as long as your and Easter, each of us is their rewards. But when you give faith is strong. The book of James reminded of God’s promise after alms, do not let your left hand 1:6 reminds us, “Only it must be in he rose on the third day, as Jesus know what your right hand is faith that he asks with no wavering had foretold. Our Savior hears doing, so that your almsgiving may (no hesitating, no doubting). For the prayers of all of us but is most be secret. And your Father who the one who wavers (hesitates, pleased when the faithful believe sees in secret will repay you.” doubts) is like the billowing surge in his promise to be with us Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, out at sea that is blown hither and always. almsgiving, a time to work on our thither and tossed by the wind.” What is Lent? Prayer, Fasting and spiritual discipline, a time for dying Experiment with the power of Almsgiving. Lent builds a to ourselves and living for Jesus, a prayer—test it out for yourself and foundation so that we can serve time to daily remind ourselves of see what happens. God and others. We have talked our weakness and dependence The sun rises every day in the East about prayer; let us focus on on Jesus, a time to not make too and sets in the West, oak trees Fasting. Fasting is meant to many promises of what we are grow from acorns not from apple prepare us for spiritual hunger. going to give up for Lent but focus seeds, the sun and stars move Are we masters of our appetites on what we are giving up for life through space in a recurrent or are our appetites the masters and to “Let Go And Let God” pattern in the same way each of us? There are forty days of guide our footsteps, to become day. God stays the same in the Lent but 50 days of Easter. more patient and peaceful with life of every living person; we must Fasting is meant to get us in our spiritual life when we are just have absolute belief that he touch with our spiritual hunger. confronted with the temptations of hears our prayers. The answer is Only if we are masters of our life, to reach out in compassionate our faith that God hears each and physical appetites can we charity to help others as an every prayer and, for firm become masters of our hunger experience of God’s unconditional believers, God always answers our for the infinite banquet. love, and last but not least, to prayers positively if it is good for Almsgiving is the Greek word for learn to love like Christ. Lent is a our wellbeing. There is an old compassion. Lent is giving so that time of journeying from the desert saying in regard to our prayers, others might flourish. Almsgiving to the foot of the Cross on Good “An answer to our prayer may not has been a long and ancient Friday.

28 A Dog Comes Home Igino DiPaolo

My customers Claire and Tom had a rug store on 14th Street in New York City. For six years they drove back and forth to the store with their dog Jack in the back seat. One very hot day they were in a terrible traffic jam so they had the windows open and Jack managed to jump out of the back window. He took off running and was soon lost in the traffic.

Every day Claire and Tom went out looking for Jack. They put up posters all over the city. They even ran ads in the newspapers. They walked the streets and asked pedestrians and store owners if they had seen their beloved Jack. They prayed every day that they would find Jack. But all their searching and praying was to no avail.

One day the kennel called them. They had a dog fitting Jack’s description. They hurried to the kennel, but it was not Jack. Another day a lady called from Central Park. She had found a dog wandering through the park. Claire and Tom rushed to meet her, but it wasn’t Jack. They were so unhappy and depressed.

Some weeks later, as Claire and Tom were driving on the parkway they saw a group of stray dogs. One of the dogs looked like Jack. They pulled over and went back to get a better look hoping it was their beloved dog. They were so disappointed when it wasn’t Jack.

Three months went by without finding Jack, and Tom, who was a heavy smoker, had become very ill with cancer. One morning Claire went to shop at the A & P across the street from their apartment building. As usual, Tom stayed home. When Claire came back home she found Jack in front of the building. He was very skinny and dirty, but it was Jack! Claire dropped her packages and ran to embrace Jack. Finally, their prayers had been answered! She led Jack into the apartment and brought him in to see her husband. Tom, with tears in his eyes, jumped up from his chair and kissed Jack.

The joy and happiness that Jack’s return gave to Tom helped his health to improve greatly. Tom and Claire realized that God brought Jack back into their lives when they needed him most. For many years after the three of them continued taking their trip into New York City every day.

Photo: Creative Commons 29 Adopt an Island and Walking Rosary Garden Ministries Karen and Paul Belkot

The Adopt an Island and Walking Rosary Garden Ministry’s mission is “Give back to God what is His.” We do this by praising and thanking God for the beauty that surrounds us on the extensive St. Joseph’s campus with the commission of land beautification. Currently, there are approximately 89 islands throughout the parking lots of the main church. Each island is named after a saint and is adopted by parishioners dedicated to upkeep and care of their island. Upon adoption, the commitment and responsibility of the family or group is to maintain the island on a year round basis. This includes weeding, planting, watering and mulching. The parish provides the mulch for the islands. We currently have some islands available for adoption.

The Walking Rosary Garden is a beautiful tribute to Our Lady, providing a comfortable location to either walk or sit while saying the rosary, and a wonderful site to teach the children how to pray the rosary. We are currently seeking team leaders, as well as team members, for our Walking Rosary Garden Maintenance Teams. Each team consists of a team leader and 4-5 members who get together 2 times per year to tend to the Rosary Garden by trimming and pruning the plants, pulling weeds and removing leaves and debris from the pathway.

We would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all of our loyal islanders who have said “Yes” to this awesome calling by sharing their love of God, working together as a church community, and sharing their time, talent and treasure in an effort to keep our church grounds pleasing to God, fellow parishioners, and visitors.

Anyone wishing to join our ministry is welcome, whether you adopt an island or join the Rosary Maintenance Team. Please contact us by e-mail at [email protected] or phone 716- 2119. Photos: Karen Belkot 30 It’s only a plot, it’s not a lot Russ Tooke Such is my affluence now that for the also a scattering of cousins near by. I mention this first time in my life I went out and a not to brag, I just don’t want to be accused of bought a piece of property without bringing the neighborhood down. shelling out a down payment and being saddled For twenty years I lived next door to an old and very with a mortgage. The new land is a lot smaller than unkept cemetery. The place had no grass or bushes, our current home because we are getting older and several dead trees, many unmarked graves, and a one day will not be able to tend to what we have very old unfinished block building with no door, now. It is only prudent to prepare for the future, windows or roof; the owners are probably still considering it will be significantly more difficult to waiting for the contractor to return their calls. shop for burial plots once we are deceased. Anyway, I’m not sure if the structure was to be a Yes, Carron and I decided to take the pressure off of mausoleum or just installed for aesthetic purposes our children and purchase a double plot in the St. but the effect is fairly spooky. At night the fog would Joseph’s cemetery. One less decision they will have come up out of the river and settle in like a blanket to make at a difficult time. Frankly I wasn’t all too just about high enough for the tombstones to break concerned with decisions the boys will have to make the surface. If the fog happened to roll in on a full except for maybe picking out a headstone. After all, moon night the scene would become terrifying I’m not so sure it is a good idea to leave the selection enough to make Vincent Price scream like a little girl. of one’s perpetual memorial in the hands of those Better than anything Hollywood could conjure. who may not be all too excited about their meager Thankfully, here at St. Joseph’s, we have a beautiful, inheritance. Who knows what would end up marking old, and well manicured cemetery. Nothing spooky my final resting place. I can just image my kids one at all about it. It is where the remains of some very day arguing over who’s turn it is to re-inflate the old close friends of mine are entombed. It is holy ground curmudgeon’s “monument”. By the way, in case and a great place to go sit and pray surrounded by anybody is wondering, we have no immediate plans the earthly remains of many very faithful and holy of taking up residency in our new plots. So, at this people. Spend an afternoon walking through it. time, our mailing address will remain the same. Read their names and get to know them. Ask them Actually, making our final arrangements was to pray for your intentions. But as you walk around, Carron’s idea. We were laying in bed one night and at peace, absorbed in your meditations and prayers, she wanted to calmly discuss dying, funerals, caskets, try not to walk on my plot - it gives me the creeps. and wills. She might have been planning a vacation trip but to me it seemed just a mite too morbid to contemplate when I was already trying to shut out all my sleep-robbing worries and fears. She asked if I would consider cremation and I whispered “No” from under the sheets. I only meant, no I did not want to consider it - not now, not at night, not in bed. but she took it as a rejection of cremation in general.

Since I clearly wasn’t going to get any sleep anyway we discussed it and I agreed to the purchase of two, presumably, unoccupied plots. I did reject the suggestion that I construct our caskets myself to have ready when the time comes. Constructing one’s own casket just seems too much like digging one’s own grave. Besides, just where the heck would you store two caskets? Use them as coffee tables? People would talk.

Our new plots are next to my parent’s still vacant plots. Only a few yards away are my Great uncle, Great Aunt, and Great Grand parents. There are Sketch: Russ Tooke 31 Fasting and Abstinence You are reminded of the Catholic Church’s laws for fast and abstinence during Lent.

 Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting. Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are permitted one full meal and two lesser meals per day (which together should not equal one full meal), with no eating between meals.

 Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence. Catholics who are 14 years or older should abstain from meat entirely. Soups and gravies made from meat are permitted.

Lent is upon us! Below is a nice recipe for a meatless supper.

Lentil Soup A recipe from St. Elizabeth’s Circle, Confessions of a Cooking Circle

1 1/4 cups brown-green lentils, preferably the small variety 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 onion, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, sliced into thin batons 1 carrot, sliced into thin discs 1 14-ounce can chopped tomatoes 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 4 cups hot water Salt and ground black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh herb leaves

Rinse the lentils thoroughly, drain them and put them in a large pot with cold water to cover. Bring the water to a boil and boil for 3-4 minutes. Strain, discard the liquid and set the lentils aside.

Wipe the pot clean and add the extra virgin olive oil. Place it over a medium heat until hot, then add the thinly sliced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the sliced garlic; when it becomes aromatic return the lentils to the pot. Add the carrot, tomatoes, tomato paste and oregano. Stir in the hot water and a little ground black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and cook gently for 20-30 minutes, until the lentils feel soft but have not begun to disintegrate. Add salt and the chopped herbs just before serving.

Helpful hint: Put the rest of the tomato paste into a small freezer bag and flatten. Then put it into the freezer. When you need a bit of tomato “richness” just break of as much as you need of the frozen paste for your dish.