Last Sunday we gathered with Peter, John, and James at the mountain of Transfiguration and were summoned to listen to God's chosen Son. This week the scriptures draw us into the mystery of just who that God is. The first reading, perhaps one of the best known in the Bible, recounts the story of Moses and the burning bush, when the mysterious divine name is revealed. The responsorial psalm is a hymn extolling the attributes of God. Saint Paul and the Lord Jesus describe a God who judges and metes out punishment. No matter the lengths to which the scriptures go, we know that no amount of words will ever come close to capturing who God is. Our lives and our Lents are really journeys toward that mysterious One who will one day welcome us into the heavenly home that awaits those who put their trust in God alone.
(c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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On this Second Sunday of Lent the scriptures remind us that when we have an encounter with our God, things are bound to change. In the first reading God tells Abram to raise his eyes to the sky, promising descendants as numerous as the stars. Abram's act of faith in the Lord is sealed in covenant, forever changing the course of salvation history. In the Gospel story of the Trans- figuration, always proclaimed on this Lenten Sunday, the Lord Jesus changes in appearance before the eyes of the apostles who, like Abram, raise their eyes to the spectacle in the sky. It is Saint Paul who brings it all together for us: "He will change our lowly body to conform with his "glorified body" (Philippians 3:21). Lent is all about change, all about conversion. Let us cast our own eyes to heaven, awaiting that day when we will be changed-- when we will share in Christ's glory.
(c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co
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Once again the Church invites us to enter the desert of repentance. That desert, as today's first reading reminds us, is also a desert of remembrance. This holy season summons us to remember all that God has done for us. Like the Israelites who recalled their captivity and God's work to free them from the Egyptians, we, too, recall those times when we were held captive by sin and experienced freedom through the gift of God's redeeming love.
Saint Paul tells us that the word of God is near us; it is in our mouths and in our hearts. May that sacred word prompt us to remember God's great work of reconciliation in our lives and in our community. As this season of Lent unfolds, let us take to heart these words of Saint Paul and spend these forty days calling upon the name of the Lord, asking for forgiveness and healing. (c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co. |
For those of us who live farther north, it is now the heart of winter. And for all of us, north and south, the holidays are over. We may sense the start of a long, hard stretch of blank time. These opening Sundays of “Ordinary Time” reflect this feeling of beginning.
Today’s reading from the book of Nehemiah tells with great drama how the people gathered to hear, as though for the first time, a solemn reading of God’s word. As they listened, they fell to the ground and wept. But the prophet said, “Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep” (Nehemiah 8:9).
Today’s Gospel tells a similar dramatic tale. We are presented with the very beginning of Jesus’ public life. The people gathered to listen, and Jesus proclaimed the fulfillment of the prophet’s words. To his listeners— and to us—he announced “a year acceptable to the Lord” (Luke 4:19). |
Though John mentions nothing of Jesus’ baptism, he does have a “water” story that begins his public ministry. It is at the prodding of his mother that Jesus performs the first of his signs indicating the beginning of God’s reign. The miracle deals with bringing wine out of the water. Nothing is more ordinary than water, yet in Jesus kingdom he brings forth the extraordinary out of the ordinary. In our baptisms this miracle is replicated. Through it Christ changes our lives bringing out the extraordinary within the ordinary!
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The Christmas Season ends today with the Baptism of the Lord. Following the Masses this Sunday, all the Christmas decorations will be removed, and we will enter into the Ordinary Season.
The Christmas Season basically consists of three feasts: The Nativity, The Epiphany and the Baptism of our Lord. There is a movement within the season which begins with God’s arrival celebrating the Incarnation. The Nativity is celebrated as an octave because of its importance. These are eight days to revel in God’s new way of being present—in the flesh. This is not enough however. We must come to realize the significance of the birth. God has come here to do something. The Epiphany, meaning manifestation, leads us to a deeper realization that the “wood of the crib” is the “wood of the cross.” This child is born to die, that is, give his life for us. The gifts of the magi represent the hidden purpose. Once we come to this deeper awareness, we want to rush to his baptism where he begins his “public ministry.” At the Jordan River, Jesus begins his “work” of salvation. The years prior to his public ministry are referred to as the “hidden years.”
The Baptism is also an “epiphany” or manifestation where we discover more about more about the child who is now a grown man. We hear from Luke’s Gospel how the baptism takes place. There are three things that happen after the baptism. First the heavens are opened; secondly, the Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove; and finally the Father speaks, “You are my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” The significance of this epiphany is the revelation of the Trinity intimately involved in the work of the incarnation and redemption. The profound effect is the opening of heaven. Heaven has come to earth. In Christ, heaven and earth intersect. The Father is pleased because the Son is doing his father’s will. It is Father’s will that heaven come here to earth, and this is accomplished in Christ through the Holy Spirit who is directing this “re-creation” of the world. As in the book of Genesis the Sprit of God hovers over the waters stirring them and bringing forth life to a motionless world. This is the beginning of a new age, the reigning of God on earth.
What we see happening becomes the template which is repeated in each of our baptisms. Jesus work culminates in the giving of his life for us. “I lay down my life in order that you may take it up again.” This is his mission which he embraces at the Jordan River, and will be accomplished through his death and resurrection. |
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Rapidly, we move into the 12th year of Christ’s life when Jesus is separated from his parents. In anxiety Jesus’ parents search for him. They find him in discussion with the scholars of the Law who are surprised by the young man’s learning. We discover several things about the Family. They are devout, observant Jews who study the Law, and obviously made sure their son has received instruction. Jesus has learned obedience from his parents, both of whom are models of obedience. Jesus returns to Nazareth where he continues to grow in wisdom, age and grace. This sole glimpse into the family life of Jesus is a template for all families who strive as well to grow in wisdom and grace. The family is the central social unit for society. What is grown and developed within families is foundational for all other social structures. As the family goes, so goes the world! |
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On behalf of Fr. Dan, Fr. Speicher, Deacon Sabatelle and the entire staff of Saint James Parish, we would like to wish you and your family a very blessed and Merry Christmas! |
The liturgical color changes to rose. The candle on the Advent Wreath and the priest’s vestments switch from purple to rose. The third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete” Sunday, a Latin word meaning “joy” Our anticipation of the coming Christ is so near that we can practically taste it. The color rose reflects this change in attitude.
Our preparation takes on a sense of urgency. Making room for Christ becomes a prime concern during this Season. Making ready the way of the Lord demands that we take a look at our lives, and identify those obstacles that get in the way. It is time “turn our lives around.” It is a time of reconciliation.
A Communal Penance Service will be held this coming Tuesday, Dec. 15th at 7:00 pm. There will be four priests available for our parishioners who would like to avail themselves of the Sacrament. Please consider joining us on Tuesday. |
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Christmas Eve – 4:00pm (Children’s Choir) 7:00pm Midnight (Adult & Bell Choir) (Adult choir will begin singing at 11:30pm) Christmas Day – 8:00am, 10:00am and Noon New Years Eve – 4:00pm New Years Day – 7:30am, 9:30am and 11:30am |
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Did you know that the patroness of the United States is Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception? By virtue of her role as the Mother of God, she is born without original sin unlike the rest of humanity. Tuesday, December 8 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and is a holy day of obligation for Catholics in the United States. Mass times for the holy day are as follows: Monday, December 7 (Vigil) - 4:00 pm and Tuesday, December 8 - 6:45am, 9:00am and 7:00pm. Please note that there will not be a 7:30pm evening Mass on Monday night, December 7. |
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With our Heat ‘n Park Campaign completed, I am very pleased to report that we have exceeded our goal of $250,000. The final tally is $255,555.50. The HVAC (heat & air conditioning system) has been installed, and was told would be operational for this weekend. I cannot thank you enough for your support. We are negotiating the work on the parking lot with a goal of completing it in the summer of 2010. |
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Today, begins a new church year. Advent marks “new beginnings” as the universal church yearns in anticipation. Maranatha, a word meaning: “Come, Lord Jesus, Come” is her battle cry. From the depths of our darkness, we yearn for light. In the midst of hopelessness we seek hope. At the center of our lives is a struggle between cynicism and hope. Through the next 4 weeks, our parish joins Catholics around the world in a special discipline that makes ready the arrival of hope in the person of Jesus. To help us on this Advent journey we want to offer you a special Advent gift. It is a daily meditation booklet called, The Word Among Us. Wonderful meditations are presented for each day of Advent to help us prepare “a way for the Lord.” We provide extra booklets for you to distribute among family and friends to help them share with you this special season. Please enjoy this remarkable resource. |
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Once again, Sewickley Area Ministerium, an organization representing all the houses of worship in the Sewickley area will hold their annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service. This year the service will be held at Masonic Village on Tuesday, November 24 at 7:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for the people of our entire community to come together to give thanks to God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon our community. Many of our local ministers, priests and rabbi will participate in the prayer service. There is an free will offering taken, and this year the collection will be given to the Union Aid Society and Faith In Action. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this ecumenical and interfaith service of Thanksgiving. |
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October 18 was the kick-off date for our Heat ‘n Park Campaign. Our goal was to raise $250,000 to cover costs of a new HVAC (heating/air conditioning system) and repairs on our main parking lot. As of November 10, we have raised $222,700.50. This was accomplished in a little more than 3 weeks. Though the campaign is ending, I am astounded by the generosity of our parishioners. Knowing the condition of the economy, these needs couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time. Yet, the outpouring of support from our parishioners is what makes this pastor so proud. This gives me certain “bragging rights” to tell my friends, “I’m pastor of the best parish in the diocese.” I say this not because of the phenomenal response to the campaign, but because our parish has “heart.” This is the true measure of a parish’s vitality. For many participation in the Heat ‘n Park Campaign was a real sacrifice. It was done in love, and I am most grateful. –Fr. Dan I would like to point out that all money collected from the Heat ‘n Park Campaign is “assessment” free. All the money goes directly to the parish with- out paying the regular 17% diocesan assessment. Of the $222,700.50, $175,862.50 has already been paid leaving only $46,838 in pledges. The campaign continues to bring in money raising our total to $232,275.50. Our thanks for such wonderful support!
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On Oct. 18th we began a capital campaign to raise money to cover the expenses of a new heating system and repaving our parking lot. The response has been wonderful thus far. Believe it or not we have raised $112,550 in only ten days. So far 172 families of our 1700 have responded. I am very grateful for the generous response which continues to amaze me. Each day we come closer and closer to realizing our goal of $250,000. Every contribution makes a difference. The extra bonus for us is that all the monies collected in this campaign will not be assessed by the Diocese, and are applied directly to our parish needs. –Fr. Dan |
Once again Jesus defines his life in terms of self-giving. He will lay down his life. The 12 will gradually come to understand this, but struggle with issues of pride and ambition which blind them to the way of the cross. The ministry of the word is a fundamental element of evangelization through all its stages because it involves the proclamation of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God. The word of God nourishes both evangelizers and those who are being evangelized so that each one may continue to grow in his or her Christian life.
This year, Catechetical Sunday, September 20, 2009, will focus on the theme, “Catechesis and the Proclamation of the Word.” Those who have been designated by the community to serve as catechists will be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. |
Jesus asks his disciples this question in today’s Gospel. It is a question he asks us. Like Peter we answer, “You are the Christ!” The “Christ” is the anointed of God. The anointed is someone God has picked for the purpose of accomplishing a special task. In Jesus’ case, it was to offer his life for the salvation of the world. He was asked to live his life for others. This selfless act is expressed by the cross which is like a “compass” for us which points true North! It says, “This is the way to life with God.” The tradition of making the sign of the cross over our bodies is a constant reminder of the new identity we have received through Baptism as the anointed of God.
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Today’s Gospel focuses on external, religious practices that become an end in itself. All religious practices are meant to remind of us a deeper and interior purpose: to draw us closer to God and our neighbor. Often the practice itself can take on a life of its own, and disconnects from the reason we do the practice. If we practice “fasting” as requested by Christ, then it is to be rooted in its purpose. Fasting from food creates a hunger which reminds of us of the ultimate hunger for God, and the coming of a messianic feast when all hungers will be satisfied. Fasting also puts us in solidarity with a large percentage of the world’s population who go to bed hungry every day. When we fast one hour before communion or fast during Lent, we pay particular attention to what goes into the body for the purpose of connecting us with what is at the core of our lives (our hearts), a desire to be one with God and our neighbors.
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Last week, we hinted at the growing controversy over these hard sayings of Jesus. Today, we see a large number of disciples leave Jesus and return to their former way of life, no longer accompanying him. It is good to read chapter 6 in its entirety. Beginning with the multiplication of loaves and fish, we are being led to “understand” the miracle in terms of the growing controversy over Jesus’ revelation as the “bread come down from heaven” where his flesh is real food and his blood real drink. Whoever eats this food will have eternal life.
The miracle is not a problem as long as it is a “handout” where appetites are filled, but as soon as the discussion switches to a deeper hungering and a new, radical way of filling those deeper human longings with his life there is greater resistance. These folks will accept the miracle, but only on their terms. The story of God’s intervention in human history has always been a surprise. At a certain point we must make a decision about whose “story” it is, God’s or our’s. In Christ, God has decided to become food, and this is His story. Like all food that sustains us, we come to the realization that in order for us to live something has to die. It is the nature of food to transfer life. As Christ gives us his life, he transfers his life to us. The saying “you are what you eat” has serious consequences for the disciple. His life, freely given, transfigures us into “other Christs.” As “other Christs” we too must become life-sustaining food for others. What we receive we must now give. Jesus continues to challenge his disciples as he asks every generation, “Do you want to leave me too? Hopefully, like Peter, we will say, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!” |
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As we continue the “living bread” discourse, we hear the growing controversy which will end with many of the disciples leaving Jesus. The language is hard for many to swallow. With 2000 years of history behind us, the words hardly create a stir today. Yet, as then, God is ultimately concerned with what we consume. From the time of Eden to this present moment there has been controversy about the food we eat. Today’s Gospel challenges us to take a look at what we consume and make a steady diet. Our appetites are enormous and go beyond hungers of the stomach. We look for what will “fill us up” and satisfy us. Our appetites at times are insatiable leaving us wanting more and more. Jesus challenges us by asking us to feed on him. This is the food that comes down from heaven which satisfies our deepest hunger—that empty hole that never gets filled up. It is that eternal yearning within for what will satisfy the longings of the human heart. In a world of want and need where we grow old and sick, where violence and terror overwhelm, God offers us the food that satisfies by sharing his life and love with us. In our Eucharist, we, who consume God, are ultimately consumed by the life we receive. We become what we eat. “Whoever eats this bread has eternal life.” This is wonderful fare for us, mere mortals. |
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FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY falls on a Saturday this year, and is NOT a holy day of obligation. It remains a Holy Day and all are encouraged to attend Mass in honor of our Lady. Masses for the Assumption are the anticipated Mass at 4:00pm on Friday and 9:00am on Saturday. |
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Many stories have been circulating concerning Robert’s health. As you know several month’s ago his doctors said he was cured; however with recent tests it has been discovered that the cancer has returned in his bone marrow. It was confirmed on Tuesday, this week. Robert will enter the hospital this coming week to begin a regimen of chemotherapy. Because he feels strong at this point he will continue his ministry as best he can. As in the past we ask your prayers for him and his family.
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Today’s Gospel of the multiplication of the loaves & fish is recorded five times in the Gospels. It stands at the core of God’s kingdom. The story becomes a template for a hungry world: If you take the little you have and surrender it to Christ, he can work miracles. In a world that clings and possessively holds on to the little it has, hunger multiplies. In his kingdom, when one “lets go,” he multiplies the generosity resulting in more than enough left over. Christ is bringing redemption by establishing a kingdom where he multiplies his life for the purpose of feeding a very hungry world. Central to all Catholic worship lies the theme and mystery of food. We come with our many hungers; he feeds the emptiness caused by loneliness, alienation and sin. He surrenders his life as food. In giving us his life, he multiplies it so that we too can become food for the world as “other Christs.” |
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Saturday, July 25, 2009 is our parish feast day, St. James the Greater. We first hear of St. James fishing with his brother John when the Lord calls him to be “fishers of men.” With Peter and John, James is known as the kindred spirit sharing with them the vision of the Transfiguration depicted in the beautiful stained glass window above the baptistery in our church. It is believed that James traveled as far off as Spain. It is also believed that his remains are kept in Compestelo, Spain where outside of Rome and Jerusalem is the third most popular pilgrimage site in the Catholic World. He is always shown with a pilgrims hat, and the scallop is his symbol. Legends of his travels abound, and he receives the name “Great” since he was first to be called by the Lord. He took seriously the call to become a fisher of men, and traveled the known world of the Roman Empire to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ. James’ story has been inspiring pilgrims to leave the familiar and comfortable and to go to places unfamiliar, untried and unknown. May the spirit of our patronal saint be inspiration to us as we live out the pilgrim nature of the people of God traveling through time into God’s promising future. The founding pastor of our parish was Fr. James Reid who petitioned the bishop to name us after his patron saint. Since 1863 we have been known as the people of St. James the Great. |
It is my pleasure to announce to you that the position of principal has been filled! We are very fortunate that the Sisters of St. Joseph who have a long history with our parish have offered a unique opportunity to participate in a team ministry for the role of principal.
Two sisters of their community will assume the oversight of our school beginning this month. They are Sr. Diane Cauley, C.S.J. Sr. Christy Hill, C.S.J.
As an administrative team Sr. Diane Cauley and Sr. Christy Hill bring with them a combined total of 28 years experience in elementary school administration. They, like previous Sisters of St. Joseph who have served as administrators, teachers and staff of St. James School, bring the communities charisma of unity and reconciliation to everything they do. Sr. Christy has demonstrated great leadership skills in curriculum planning, and academic development. She has successfully served as principal of three Catholic schools, taking responsibility for every aspect of administration. These school sranged in size from 185 – 380 students. Her sense of fairness and compassion has earned her great respect in the academic community through her focus on Gospel values. Her most recent position was that of principal of Mt. Gallitzin Academy.
Sr. Diane has undertaken challenges as principal of inner city schools with special needs in the areas of justice, poverty and violence. She has also served as principal in schools where parents held professional positions in the community. She, too, has lived out those Gospel values in dealing with whatever needs were presented by the people she served. With training in the area of social work, she also comes with skills in social networking, counseling and awareness of community development. She was elected and served in a high profile position for the past five years as part of the Congregational Leadership Team of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Her position required a keen focus on planning and development for the future of their religious community. The combined skills and gifts of both Sr. Diane and Sr. Christy will be used to assess and deal with the particular needs and concerns of St. James School.
We find ourselves at a special time in the history of our parish school. When Fr. Dan arrived, the school’s enrollment was down to 171 students. With the efforts of our school administrators, a dedicated recruitment committee and very committed parents, the schools enrollment had increased to 211. This past Spring with the closing of Mt. Gallitzin Academy our enrollment has increased to 241 students. The schools financial picture has also changed dramatically during that time. For a number of years the school had operated in the red, and for the second year in a row it has ended in the black. As we face our 100th anniversary in 2013, there is much to look forward to. We are very blessed to have the Sisters back in our school; they come with the kind of leadership which will live up to the tradition and legacy of “Excellent Minds, and Exceptional Hearts.”
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We pick up last week’s Gospel where Jesus is not accepted in his home town. We were left hanging knowing that Jesus was distressed at the lack of faith in his home town. The apparent inability to go beyond the narrow boundaries caused by familiarity results in no miracles worked there. With this as today’s backdrop, Jesus immediately organizes his followers so that two by two they will go out to the world as agents of the miraculous. An understanding of the miraculous lies at the root of today’s Gospel. A miracle is something “wonderful,” a wonder! The source of Jesus’ ministry lies in the discovery that in him something truly wonderful has happened. In him God has entered human history. He shows up in our neighborhoods as one of us. Jesus’ ministry is truly “boundary breaking.” In him, heaven’s potential is unleashed upon the world – God has become one with us. Through him heaven and earth meet.
God has teamed up with our race to bring about change and redemption. Lying at the core of discipleship is the word “team.” Jesus’ response to his hometown’s inability to stand by him and support him in his healing mission is to immediately “team-up” his disciples and send them out two by two. This flies in the face of a world that tries to make it on its own. Jesus reveals that it takes two to live the Gospel. The Gospel is something alive – it is what is happening between us. Long before the Gospel was written down; it was proclaimed by living out the miracle that God is with us and amongst us. Long before we distilled from the Gospel its many teachings and doctrines, the truth about God was lived between us as a living presence. The greatest proof of this miraculous boundary-breaking presence of God would be found in how we loved one another. Not much was needed – no purse, no money, no extra clothing – just each other! This is all that is needed to bring forth the miraculous in the reign of God. It is no wonder Jesus acted with such urgency with specific instructions on bringing about God’s kingdom. After his experience “at home” there was not a moment to lose for there is just too much at stake! We’re talking
about the future of the world!
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Another saying which reflects today’s Gospel is: “familiarity breeds contempt.” This proverb expresses a reality with which we struggle. Those whom we know the best—whom we think we have figured out-are often categorized by our experience of them. We know them so well that we know their faults, shortcomings or deficiencies. Breaking out of those categories is difficult because of a lack of respect. The word “respect” means “to take a second look.” Taking a second look gives us the opportunity to see the possibilities that lie within them. It is much easier to see the deficiencies rather than the possibilities. Just imagine a world or just one household that has created a climate of respect where we search for the good rather than the bad. This kind of climate sets us up for miracles and “wonders.”
Try an experiment this week. Pick just one person this week—someone close to you preferably, and take a second look. Respect them by daring to take a second look, and tell them the good you see! Let them know, and then pray for them. You are setting the stage for a miracle. If you do this each of the 52 weeks of the year, you will have touched 52 individuals whose lives will be profoundly effected! You will be well on your way to changing your world. It’s contagious—try it! |
Today’s Gospel is a miracle within a miracle. Two women, one older and one much younger, are featured. In Jesus’ boundary breaking mission he establishes a kingdom where boundaries are broken: gender, sickness and death. We are all challenged to continue building that kingdom which ends division by tearing down walls and brings forth solidarity and union.
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Last week a special page was devoted to Catholic Social Teaching. This week our feature article is the Real Presence in the Eucharist. |
With all the concern in recent days over the Swine Flu, some questions have been asked about the “sign of peace” at Mass or communion from the cup.
Common sense is the basic “rule of thumb.” It is perfectly acceptable at the sign of peace to simply turn to those around you, and simply wish them the “peace of Christ” without shaking hands. Likewise, the communion cup is optional, and should not be used if you are not feeling well or are showing symptoms of a cold or unusual coughing. We must be conscious of public health concerns, and use common sense in all these matters. |
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