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St. Mary's Catholic Parish: From the Pastor Fr. Paul E. Desmarais, Pastor - St. Mary's Parish
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For the Week of December 25, 2011
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling
among us and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only
Son, full of grace and truth.”
This is taken from the gospel of John on Christmas morning. The Son of
God coming to live with us, be with us. He comes to us to forgive us,
cure us, heal us, feed us, and love us and in doing so, bring us our salvation.
We see the glory of God today in the simplicity of the manger. We will
later see his glory on the cross and rising from the tomb. While he was
with us here on earth we witnessed his grace and his truth. We see the
power of the love of this day over come the darkness of this world. We
hear the truth Jesus speaks showing us the way to the Father and how we
should treat and love one another. Jesus lives and moves about among his
creation. God comes to us this day as the living presence of God among
us. Let us thank God this day for the greatest gift we can receive.
For the Week of December 18, 2011
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power
of the Most High will over shadow you.” This promise is made to
Mary that she will be the mother of the Messiah. The Holy Spirit and the
power of the Most High will always be upon her throughout her life. She
will always have the guidance and love of God watching over her. At our
Baptism the Spirit of God came upon us and the power of God over shadowed
us. The Spirit of God guided Mary throughout her life. The Spirit of God
guides us each day. In all the joys and sadness of Mary’s life God
was by her side.
God is always at our side to watch over us as He watched over Mary. God
guided and led Mary on this life’s journey. He will surely lead
us and guide us on our life’s journey. Mary had complete faith and
trust in God. Our faith calls us to have that same trust and confidence
in Him. It calls us to open up our lives and hearts to be led by the Holy
Spirit. We can all turn to Mary this Advent season to ask for her divine
intercession in helping us grow closer to her Son and place our faith
and confidence in Him as she placed her faith and confidence in God.
For the Week of December 11, 2011
The angel says to Mary: “Hail Mary, full of grace
the Lord is with you.” These are certainly words all of us want
to hear for ourselves. In fact all of us are filled with the grace of
God each and every time we receive Him in the Eucharist. The Lord is with
us. Why would we want to deprive ourselves of that grace by not receiving
Him each week at Mass.? Mary was full of grace because she allowed herself
to accept the invitation of the angel to be the mother of God. She allowed
Jesus presence to be within her. She is the example for all of us of how
we can receive her son within our own hearts. In faith she said: “Let
it be done to me as you say.” That simple yes to the will of God
changed her forever. She says to us that when we accept her son as she
accepted him, our lives too will change. We too will be full of grace.
Mary was filled with the grace of God before she gave birth to Jesus.
By living a life of devotion and prayers to God, she allowed God’s
grace to enter into her before the birth of Jesus. She is a role model
to us of faith and trust in God. To put our lives in the hands of God
and have faith and trust in His mercy to each of us.
For the Week of December 4, 2011
St. Peter says that we are to conduct ourselves with “holiness
and devotion.” There is today as there was in the time of the Lord
much talk about the end times. What St. Peter is saying to us: “Live
a life of holiness, pray to God each day, and leave everything else to
him.”
We have no control over the future, we cannot control what happens to
the world, but we can take control over what we say and do each day. We
find the peace Jesus talks about in the way we treat one another. When
we are kind, understanding, merciful, patient, forgiving; our Lord gives
these gifts back to us. We prepare the way of the Lord each day in words
and actions of kindness and goodness.
In all the business of this season let us not loose sight of the goal
which is to make a place in our hearts for the Lord. The Christmas manger
is a sign to us of what lives in our hearts, not only Christmas day but
every day of our lives.
For the Week of November 27, 2011
This weekend begins the 1st Sunday of Advent and the use
of the new Roman Missal.
“Grant your faithful, we pray almighty God, the resolve to run forth
to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that gathered
at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom.”
We are challenged by this prayer that all that we do this Advent season
be righteous. As we enter into the business of the season we remember
why we do this. Our actions, words bring us closer to God the opening
prayer reminds us. Our actions, our gifts that we bring, are an expression
of the love we have for God and God for us. The prayers of the new missal
help us focus in a deeper way the love we have for God and God’s
love for us.
Advent is a time of waiting for the fulfillment of this promise. In the
prayer after Communion we are told that the fulfillment of this promise
is, “to love the things of heaven and hold fast to what endures.”
For the Week of November 20, 2011
We have in our culture a fascination with celebrities.
They can be movie stars or athletes, or rock stars, TV stars, you name
it, and we are fascinated by their lives. They weave and cast a certain
spell over us. A good example of the power of celebrity was earlier this
year when it seemed everyone was captivated by the royal wedding of William
and Kate and the kind of dress Kate would wear at the wedding. Also happening
that day was the Navy Seal raid that took out Osama bin Laden.
It does seem unusual to call today the Feast of Christ the King because
he never wanted to be treated as a celebrity or a king as we know it.
Jesus said things like “If you want to be the greatest, you must
be the servant of all.” How we care for one another and love one
another is the sign of greatness in the eyes of Jesus. He did not come
into the world to be a dictator. Jesus came to show us how to use the
blessings of our lives for the care of each other.
As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, it is a time to pause
and reflect on the blessings of our lives. We not only give thanks to
God for the material goods of our lives, but we also give thanks for all
the relationships and friendships that are important to us. On behalf
of myself and the entire staff of St. Mary’s Parish, Happy Thanksgiving
to all of you! Our Thanksgiving Mass will be at 8:30 am at St. James.
For the Week of November 13, 2011
As we approach the end of ordinary time in the church
calendar the readings of the Mass remind that the destiny and home is
the Kingdom of Heaven. We also hear from certain people that we are in
the final times. They talk about the natural disasters taking place in
the world today. They forget that these things have taken place throughout
the history of the world. The new prayers we will be praying at Mass remind
us that heaven is our true home and that we are called to be people of
the light. We are called to be people of mercy, forgiveness, compassion
and understanding. We are people not of fear but people of the light.
We are not people of hopelessness but people of hope. This hope we profess
and proclaim each time we come to celebrate Mass. We see over and over
again that the darkness of death and sin cannot extinguish the light shining
with us.
It takes bravery at times to witness to our faith and be that light for
others, especially when people ridicule us for our beliefs. When people
see our goodness and kindness, people then come to understand what we
believe and why we believe. In all the talks about gloom and doom we hear
going on in the world today we can be the people of goodness, compassion
and love others need to see.
For the Week of November 6, 2011
The three new memorial acclamations after the consecration
once again help us focus on the mystery of the cross and resurrection.
A) We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until
you come again.
B) When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death,
O Lord until you come again.
C) Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you
have set us free.
The Mass is the celebration of our Lord’s death. His sacrifice on
the cross we remember each time we celebrate Mass. The cross is the victory
over sin and death. The resurrection shows us that sin and darkness have
no power over our Lord. We thank our Lord for this grace each time we
come to Mass. The prayers of the Mass remind us that we are receivers
of this grace and nothing can take this away from us unless we choose
not to partake of it in our life.
For the Week of October 30, 2011
New translation of the Roman Missal
The Nicene Creed is the statement of our faith that was developed at the
Council of Nicea. We state that we believe in one God. We don’t
say He is the greatest among many other gods; rather He is the only God.
He is God of the material world and the spirit world. We then pray, “I
believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of
the Father, (this was God’s promise to Adam and Eve). We then pray
that Jesus consubstantial with the Father. We are saying Jesus is unique
and separate from the Father yet one God with the Father. We then say
Jesus was incarnate of the Virgin Mary. We say that He totally united
with Mary not just God who happened to live within her.
The changes in the Creed help us to better understand God and Jesus relationship
to the world. The Creed emphasizes to us how closely tied to the world
God and Jesus belong to the world.
For the Week of October 23, 2011
Sunday, November 27, the First Sunday of Advent we will
introduce new changes to the wording of the Mass. The changes will introduce
more scripture to the prayers of the Mass and allow us to see and hear
more of the movement of the Holy Spirit in the celebration of the Mass.
One change you will see is when the priest says “The Lord be with
you.” The response will be “And with your spirit.” We
want to acknowledge the unique presence of the Spirit of God within. We
want to acknowledge the Divine Presence of God within us. We want to show
that something very powerful is happening when the priest says, “The
Lord be with you.” Before we can begin anything in the Mass we are
reminded of God’s presence in us and the parish community.
In the Penitential Rite three times we say “Through my fault.”
We remember Peter’s denying the Lord three times. We strike our
hearts three times to remind us that sin goes right to the heart of who
we are and we show our repentance of the sins we have committed. The changes
in the wording of the Mass can bring us to a deeper appreciation to the
presence of God in the Eucharist and within us.
Other changes in the wording of the Mass will take place in the weeks
to come so save your bulletins.
For the Week of October 16, 2011
“I am the Lord there is no other”. Is 45:6
Isaiah tells us we worship one God, there is no other God. There may be
things in or life that we treat like gods. Some people need the latest
gadget or car or home or cloths that show to others our outward statue.
Things according to some people are what make us important or feel important.
Things can become god in our life. Others look to things to bring them
peace or happiness.
St. Augustine after his conversion said that his heart was not at rest
until it rested in God. God became his peace, his serenity. St. Augustine
learned that all he needed came from his love for God and God’s
love for him. His happiness came because he knew God would forgive him
of his sinfulness. When his life was so focused on God and God’s
love for him; he said living in this world was like being an alien in
a foreign land. The attractions of the world offered him no peace or satisfaction.
We are bombarded each day with all sorts of enticements that are supposed
to bring inner happiness. Ultimately our peace and true happiness come
from knowing God and Our Lord. The peace and happiness we seek come from
the forgiveness, mercy and love that God Our Lord so abundantly give us.
For the Week of October 9, 2011
Each week we are called to share in the greatest gift
God can give to us; the gift of the Eucharist. Each week the Lord is ready
to shower us with his love and mercy. Each week we are fed by his body
and blood and his word. Do we take advantage of it or do we have all kinds
of reason for not coming to Mass? Do we see the Mass as one more thing
to do in a busy week, so if I miss Mass I don’t see it as a problem?
Why then is the Mass so important for us and for our Lord. When one falls
in love we want to be with that person, we want to spend time with that
person. We want to know more about the one we love. Our Lord wants to
spend time with us because he loves us and cares about us. He wants you
and I to be with him. What about our love for him? Is it hot or cold,
on fire or lukewarm? Do we treat our Lord with love or indifference? How
would people feel if we only came to them when we needed something? How
soon before people got tired of seeing us? Start by praying five minutes
a day, work your way up to a longer time, pray a few verses of the bible
each day. Come to Mass each weekend; see that a difference this can make
in our relationship with our Lord and his relationship with us.
For the Week of October 2, 2011
“Have no anxiety at all but in everything by prayer
and petition with thanksgiving make your requests known to God.”
How can St. Paul say to us have no anxiety at all? How can we go through
life with no stress or anxiety? It is a part of life that we will have
stress, we will have to worry about car payments, rent or the mortgage,
paying tuition for someone in school. We can be blind sided by loosing
a job or sickness or the death of someone we love. St. Paul reminds us
that God is at our side. He does not abandon us. He does not leave us
alone.
These are hard words to believe in, especially in a world full of uncertainty.
We have to remember that we are God’s creation. We are his sons
and daughters and that He looks after us with the power of the Holy Spirit.
When we put our lives in God’s hand and trust in him St. Paul says
we can find the peace and strength we need.
For the Week of September 25, 2011
The responsorial psalm this weekend tells us “Good
and upright is the Lord, he shows sinners the way.” God has no interest
in condemning us because of our sins. God wants to show us the way to
forgiveness, mercy, and friendly solutions.
“He guides the humble to justice and teaches the humble her way.”
We simply need to live the life of justice, goodness and grace. The Eucharist
is the strength and power we need to live the life he calls us to live.
When we become discouraged by our challenges, we find our help and hope
in the Lord. The people many saw as sinners found their hope and inspiration
in the grace of God. We too find grace and inspiration when we turn to
the Lord when we ask the Lord to show us the way. Trusting in someone
we cannot see or hear, but our Lord says he will bless us when we place
our faith and trust in him.
For the Week of September 18, 2011
St. Paul says that Christ will be “magnified in
his body.” He says, “for me life is Christ.” St. Paul
understands the grace and mercy of God. Here is a man who persecuted the
church now being called to preach on its behalf. Jesus would go beyond
Paul’s sinfulness to make him into one of our greatest evangelists.
St. John reminds us that God so loved the world that He gave us his only
Son so that all who believe in Him might be saved. The mercy of God is
for all of us. The blood shed on the cross is for all to receive. All
of us can receive forgiveness of our sins no matter how long we have been
away from confession.
The gospel today points out to us the generous mercy of God. This is what
St. Paul discovered in his life. Do we become jealous or envious when
someone who has been away from the church all their lives come back with
all their sins washed clean and we are envious of it? Let us be thankful
that God’s grace and mercy are for all of us and His love and mercy
is greater than the sinfulness of our lives.
For the Week of September 11, 2011
“Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. The vengeful will suffer the Lord’s vengeance for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor’s injustice, then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.”
This reading from Sirach is a warning about not forgiving.
It warns us about what can happen when we hold onto anger, or hate or
not forgiving. Hatred, not forgiving and, resentment, can make us bitter
people. How often does pride get in the way of saying I’m sorry
when a wrong has been done? How often does pride get in the way of saying,
“I forgive you.” What can help us in allowing the grace of
God to enter our hearts to change hatred to mercy, anger to forgiveness?
When we come to realize our own faults and failings we can better understand
the love and mercy God has for us and others. If we want our own sins
to be forgiven, we are going to have to be ready to forgive others. We
pray this each time we pray the “Our Father.” Forgive us or
trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Hard words
but the grace and mercy of God can help us achieve it.
For the Week of September 4, 2011
Jesus tells us today not to be afraid to storm heaven
with our prayers and petitions. We should not be afraid to bring our petitions
to the Lord. We should not be afraid to pray for what we need. The woman
in today’s gospel wasn’t going to take no for an answer. She
was not going to back off from asking the Lord to heal her daughter.
The Lord certainly answered her prayer because of her perseverance. Do
we pray with confidence and perseverance? Do we pray with confidence and
perseverance? Do we pray believing our Lord hears our prayers? Are we
fearful when we pray? Our Lord says to the woman, “I woman, great
is your faith!” St. Thomas Aquinas said this is how we should pray.
“Lord, you see all things. Lord you know all things. Lord, have
mercy!” Our Lord knows our needs, wants and desires. We simply can
turn to him in all things and say; Lord have mercy.
For the Week of August 28, 2011
Jesus tells us today not to be afraid to storm heaven
with our prayers and petitions. We should not be afraid to bring our petitions
to the Lord. We should not be afraid to pray for what we need. The woman
in today’s gospel wasn’t going to take no for an answer. She
was not going to back off from asking the Lord to heal her daughter.
The Lord certainly answered her prayer because of her perseverance. Do
we pray with confidence and perseverance? Do we pray with confidence and
perseverance? Do we pray believing our Lord hears our prayers? Are we
fearful when we pray? Our Lord says to the woman, “I woman, great
is your faith!” St. Thomas Aquinas said this is how we should pray.
“Lord, you see all things. Lord you know all things. Lord, have
mercy!” Our Lord knows our needs, wants and desires. We simply can
turn to him in all things and say; Lord have mercy.
For the Week of August 21, 2011
Once again it is that time of the year when the Propagation
of the Faith of the Diocese of Providence invites us to give prayerfully
and generously of ourselves to the Missionary Efforts of the Church. Saint
Mary’s Parish has been assigned to the Franiscan Friars –
the Order of Friars Minor – the Province of the Immaculate Conception
of New York City – to be with us this weekend of August 20th and
21st.
Friar Louis M. Pintye, O.F.M., from Saint Joseph’s Parish in Winsted,
Connecticut will preach on the ministry and good works of the Friars among
the good people of Hungary. He will share an overview of the People of
God especially since the Fall of Communism in November, 1989.
The Franciscan Friars were sent to Hungary by Saint Francis of Assisi
himself in 1224 to bring the Magyar People into a deeper relationship
with Jesus Christ and each other. It was through Gospel simplicity and
an authentic living out of the Good News that through friaries, parishes,
retreat and shrine center, faith formation and catechetical programs that
the Spirit of Saint Francis continues to live among the Hungarians. The
Friars even up until today are affection ally known as the “Jo Barat’
– the Friends of God’s people.”
We ask that you welcome Friar Louie’s message with empathy and compassion
and extend your prayerful solidarity and generosity of your stewardship
with the Franciscan Friars who share God’s love, mercy and zeal
with the Hungarian People who count so much upon you.
May the words of Saint Francis of Assisi resonate in your hearts and spirits:
“For up until now we have done what we discerned Almighty God has
been asking of us. Now it is your turn to do what you believe God is asking
of you.”
For the Week of August 14, 2011
Jesus tells us today not to be afraid to storm heaven
with our prayers and petitions. We should not be afraid to bring our petitions
to the Lord. We should not be afraid to pray for what we need. The woman
in today’s gospel wasn’t going to take no for an answer. She
was not going to back off from asking the Lord to heal her daughter.
The Lord certainly answered her prayer because of her perseverance. Do
we pray with confidence and perseverance? Do we pray with confidence and
perseverance? Do we pray believing our Lord hears our prayers? Are we
fearful when we pray? Our Lord says to the woman, “I woman, great
is your faith!” St. Thomas Aquinas said this is how we should pray.
“Lord, you see all things. Lord you know all things. Lord, have
mercy!” Our Lord knows our needs, wants and desires. We simply can
turn to him in all things and say; Lord have mercy.
For the Week of August 7, 2011
I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone
whose hard work, generosity and time spent made the parish picnic and
tent revival the wonderful events they were. A lot of work and effort
go into making these days successful and enjoyable for everyone. Many
people give of their time, talent and treasure to make our events a good
experience for everyone who comes to them.
We have a lot to be proud of in all that we do. All the work that is done
on many levels is something that we can take pride in as St. Mary’s
Parish. Thank you for all you do and give to our Parish Family.
For the Week of July 31, 2011
“Come, Holy Spirit.” Come into our souls,
into our church, into our world.” This is the theme for this year’s
tent revival. What a difference the Holy Spirit can make in us, our church,
our world, when we open up our hearts to accept Him. We have received
the Holy Spirit in baptism and confirmation, but have we allowed God’s
Spirit to guide and direct our lives to the will of God.
I invite all of you and your friends and family to attend our Tent Revival
this week, August 1, 2, 3, from 6 – 8 pm at St. James. A Mass of
healing will be celebrated on Wednesday night and confession will be offered
each night. I hope you can make it to some or all of the nights.
For the Week of July 24, 2011
This weekend our responsorial psalm says, “Lord,
I love your commands”. The psalmist also says that the commands
of the Lord give us understanding. In a world full of voices that tell
us what can bring us peace, or joy or happiness; in a world that tells
you and I; how we look and dress and what we own will make our lives simpler,
easier, etc, following the will of God is all we need to do. In doing
God’s will we find our peace and happiness. God’s love for
us is our peace and we find our joy and happiness in doing his will.
Our blessed Mother found her peace, joy and happiness in doing God’s
will for her. “Let it be done to me as you say.” She put her
future; she put her life in God’s hands. All of us can follow her
example; all of us can turn to her asking for her help in following the
will of God. Pray the rosary every day and watch the change that will
come over you. See the peace that the rosary will give to you when you
pray it. Our Lady helps us find her Son’s peace in our hearts, His
peace brings to us our joy and true happiness.
For the Week of July 17, 2011
“The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for
we do not know how to pray as we ought.” Rom 8:26
We are promised that the Holy Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness.
How many times have we been frustrated by prayers? How many times do we
feel that God or Jesus does not hear us when we pray? When hard times
hit us, when we face a serious illness, it can be hard to pray. It is
at these hard moments in life that the Holy Spirit prays for us on our
behalf. The Spirit we received at Baptism and Confirmation intercedes
for us during these moments of need. We are reminded that we are not alone.
The very presence of God within us is giving us strength we need. We do
not need to feel hopeless; we only need to trust in the presence of God
already within us.
What is so hard is having faith in something we cannot see or touch. When
times are desperate, this is all the harder. Jesus promised his disciples
that he would send the Holy Spirit to teach them and help them, to have
the trust and faith they need to put their lives in God’s hands.
The Holy Spirit within us is teaching us each day how to place our lives
in God’s hands.
For the Week of July 10, 2011
When we hear the word of God spoken to us at Mass, how
much do we remember later in the day or during the week? Do we hear the
word on Sunday and pay attention to it or are we distracted by things
going on around us? Do we try to live out the word each day? Are we as
loving and kind as the word of God calls us to be? Listening to and living
out the word of God can be difficult when it is a message that is something
we don’t want to hear. Forgiving someone who has hurt us can be
hard even though we pray for it each time we pray the “Our Father.”
We hear Jesus say to us in the readings to forgive. It can be extremely
hard to put it into practice.
The word of God is our guidepost in this life. It is giving us direction,
it gives us hope, it teaches us how to pray, and it gives us strength,
comfort and support. Try reading a little bit of a gospel or one of Paul’s
letters each day. Let the word of God guide and comfort us in our life’s
journey.
For the Week of July 3, 2011
As we join family and friends this weekend to celebrate
Independence for our country, let us pause and reflect on what freedom
means to us. It is more than doing anything we want because we are free
to do it. Freedom is not an entitlement; it is a responsibility and a
privilege. Freedom is something we build together. People from all different
races and nationalities are coming together to build our society. Freedom
building is mercy work. Too often we hear of different groups of people
barely tolerating each other.
Our country’s history is full of ups and downs in regards to how
people have treated one another. This 4th of July has helped us to see
we have come a long way as a country, but we still have a long way to
go. We still have to work at respecting each person as a creation of God.
We are one nation under God, and ideal we still need to work for. Let
us thank God that we have these freedoms our country gives to us, freedom
we need to renew by God’s grace each day.
For the Week of June 26, 2011
“I have life because of the Father, so also the
one who feeds on me will have life because of me.” John 6
We are called never to stay far from the Eucharist or to stay away from
it. The source of our life, and our faith. If we stayed away from physical
food it would be starvation and physical abuse not to care for the body.
The same can be said for not receiving the Eucharist; it would be starving
our spiritual life and a form of spiritual abuse. The most precious gift
God has given to us is the body and blood of his son and yet it is the
gift we take most for granted.
How often do people miss Mass and it doesn’t bother them. People
come in late for Mass and leave after communion before the final blessing.
When we stay close to our Lord we can count on his love, strength and
blessings to be with us. We can recognize and see him in the most difficult
times of our life. Jesus tells us that whoever eats this bread will live
forever. What a wonderful promise he makes to all of us.
For the Week of June 19, 2011
(PROVIDENCE, R.I.)- The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop
of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, today announced that Pope
Benedict XVI has named Rev. Albert Kenney ‘Chaplain of His Holiness’
with the title ‘Reverend Monsignor.’
‘Chaplains of His Holiness’ is a Pontifical honor in recognition
of the recipient’s service and commitment to the Church.
“The Diocese of Providence is very grateful for the news that Monsignor
Kenney has been selected as a Chaplain of His Holiness,” said the
Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence.
“This selection is a wonderful recognition of his service to the
Church as Rector of the Seminary and now as Vicar General and Moderator
of the Curia. As I have said on so many occasions, the priests of the
Providence Diocese are remarkable men, in love with the Lord, faithful
to the priesthood and very generous in their many ministries. “
Monsignor Albert A. Kenney was born and educated in Massachusetts. He
studied for the priesthood at Providence College and the Pontifical North
American College in Rome. Bishop Louis E. Gelineau ordained him to the
priesthood on September 3, 1994 in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul
in Providence. He served as assistant pastor at St. Mary, Pawtucket (1996);
part-time chaplain at LaSalle Academy (1997-2010); and as assistant vocations
director, Seminary of Our Lady of Providence (1998).
We at St. Mary’s Parish offer our congratulations and prayers for
Msg. Kenney who has helped to celebrate weekend Masses with us during
the summer months. The church of the Diocese of Providence has been enriched
by his ministry and service.
For the Week of June 12, 2011
“Receive the Holy Spirit.” “Peace be
with you.” With these words the apostles are filled with the power
of the love of God. They are filled with a love so intense; it frees them
from the darkness of fear. It allows them to cure people from their sickness.
It fills them with wisdom, knowledge, understanding, piety, fortitude.
It gives them patience, kindness, mercy, compassion, love. We too are
blessed with these most powerful gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Do we think enough or reflect upon how the power of the Holy Spirit works
in our everyday life? We use the gifts and fruits and don’t even
realize it.
Pentecost is our celebration, our feast day. It is the celebration of
the mercy of God working in our everyday life. Ho often do we remember
that the wisdom of the Spirit is with us? How often each day do we turn
to the Holy Spirit asking for help, guidance and advice? Happy feast day
everyone! May the Spirit of God bless, keep you and watch over you!
For the Week of June 5, 2011
It seems odd that St. Paul would ask us to rejoice when
we share in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. We don’t associate rejoicing
with suffering. Living out the word of God in our life will have its share
of suffering. The parent whose son or daughter doesn’t attend Mass
suffers in their heart. Watching someone force a drug addiction causes
suffering in the life of the person who loves and cares for the addict.
When we live the word of God in our everyday life, it is going to be a
challenge for all of us. We have Jesus assurance He will be with us. The
love, patience, kindness, and understanding we need will be with us; that
is His promise in the gospel. When we know God, we have eternal life.
Someone who sees our kindness, or generosity, our goodness has a seed
planted in them that will allow God’s goodness to grow in them.
For the Week of May 22, 2011
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts
be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” Jn 14:
1-2. There are many things in life that can trouble us in life. The economy,
paying bills, being unemployed, an illness. We worry about our children
and their future. More than ever we need to hear the voice of the Lord
that says, “Have faith in me.” In these hard times he calls
us to have faith in him. He may not miraculously fix everything, but he
will guide us through these hard times. He can help us find the comfort
and peace we need. He is our Lord, we are his creation. It is why he calls
us to have faith in him.
There is a lot of hard work we have to do in life; we don’t have
to do it alone. Have faith and trust in God to be with us. He has promised
not to leave us alone. He has told us, “I am the way, the truth
and the life.”
“In you is the source of life and in your light we see light.”
Ps 36.
For the Week of May 15, 2011
“If you are patient when you suffer for doing what
is good, this is a grace before God.” 1 Pt 2:20. We have all had
our share in suffering for doing something good. A parent suffers from
lost sleep when a child is up all night. When someone is caring for a
sick friend or relative it can be a drain on one’s time, energy
and resources. We all make sacrifices for one another. We all give of
our time and effort to help someone in need. Peter reminds us that when
we suffer for something that is good we are graced by God to receive what
we need to help others.
When we feel tired and weary the strength of our Lord helps us to continue
to do what we need to do. The grace we can receive is the knowledge that
we get back more than we give when we reach out to others. They give back
to us in so many unexpected ways, we feel enriched by their lives. These
are the fruits and gifts of giving to others no matter how painful it
may feel. God will always bless what we do.
For the Week of May 8, 2011
Two disciples discouraged and in despair are leaving Jerusalem after the crucifixion of our Lord. They have lost hope. They feel the pain of the loss of their friend. When they meet Jesus on the road to Emmaus their hearts are on fire hearing Jesus talk to them. Then that night at supper they recognize him in the breaking of the brad. The fear and sorrow are gone. They leave the dark of night to go back to Jerusalem to share their good news. The love of the Lord overcomes their fear. It overcomes darkness. Their fear is gone and their faith is restored. The resurrection is about overcoming fear, darkness and evil in our world and finally death itself. This is the great hope and promise of the Easter season.
For the Week of May 1, 2011
Last week we celebrated our Lord’s victory over
death, this week we focus on his Divine Mercy. Divine Mercy Sunday is
the reminder of our Lord’s victory over sin.
Our lord when he appeared to Sister Faustina told her that his mercy was
greater than the sinfulness of our lives. No matter how serious our sins,
his mercy is greater than our sinfulness. This is the lesson that Peter
learned but Judas forgot.
Peter after the denial came back seeking forgiveness. Judas could not
bring himself to seek the Lord’s mercy even though he regretted
his betraying the Lord. Our first Pope denied knowing the Lord. Jesus
mercy towards Peter was greater than his sin. We celebrate Jesus victory
over sin and thank him that his Divine Mercy can forgive us of the sinfulness
of our lives.
For the Week of April 24, 2011
All of us at St. Mary’s Parish wish you a Holy and Blessed Easter Sunday. In times of turmoil and uncertainty in our country, Easter reminds us of Jesus victory over death. The officials could kill him, put him in a tomb, roll a stone in front of the tomb, put guards around the tomb, but they could not destroy him or keep him in the tomb. Darkness could not conquer death. Evil could not destroy Jesus.
We celebrate today the new life our Lord has given us through the power of the resurrection. St. Paul would later ask the question, “Death where is thy sting? Where is thy victory?” The victory of course belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ. The church now enters into the octave of Easter. Octave means “eight”. For the next eight days we will focus on Jesus victory over death and next Sunday which is Divine Mercy Sunday, we will focus on Jesus victory over the darkness and evil of sin. Today we celebrate the light which brings hope to a world where our worldly institutions seem to give us little hope. We as a resurrection people know that our Lord’s victory over death gives us the hope and certainty in life we look for!
For the Week of April 17, 2011
We now enter into the holiest week of the church year. The passion, death and resurrection of our Lord create for us the foundation for which our faith rests upon.
Our salvation from death and sin are once again brought to life as we celebrate Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is a time of thanksgiving for all the Lord has done for us. The parish bulletin gives the times of our Holy Week events and all are once again invited to come. St. Paul says, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.” Let us be glad for the grace we receive to help us in our life. Let us be glad because we receive the grace that forgives us our sins. Let us be glad because these are the events that give you and me new life.
For the Week of April 10, 2011
“O my people! I will put my spirit in you that you may live.” What a wonderful promise. God puts his Spirit in us so we can have eternal life. Today the very Spirit of God lives in us. It is the Spirit of God guiding and directing our lives. It is the Spirit that gives us wisdom and fortitude, strength and courage. These are all gifts of the Spirit we need.
We all need wisdom in the decisions we make for our lives. We need strength; and fortitude when we deal with life’s challenges. In the joys of our life as well as the hard times; God’s Spirit lives within us. As we approach Holy Week, we focus on the price our Lord paid so that we could have the Spirit live within us. “God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. Eternal life is this, to believe in the one whom He sent.” This time of Lent will help all of us better understand the Spirit of God working within us.
For the Week of April 3, 2011
On Monday, April 11, Tuesday, April 12 and Wednesday, April 13, we will be having our Parish Lenten Mission. We have invited a priest from Rwanda now serving in the Diocese of Boston to come and share his personal story with us of how he overcame the trauma of the massacre of his family, to find Reconciliation, Forgiveness and Healing.
His story is about how he found the grace of God in the darkness of his life. Fr. Romain will share that story with us. His story is a remarkable one. He will lead us on a journey of how we can hope and have mercy even when it does not seem possible to see it in the middle of such evil. He had to face the evil of what was done to his family and overcome it with the help of God. It is in the evil done to his family that he found his vocation to the priesthood. I invite all of you to come and hear the story of this remarkable man and priest. The mission will be from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
For the Week of March 27, 2011
In our life’s journey the Lord does not leave us
alone. The Israelites in the desert journey often wondered where God was.
How come we can not see him or find him. Many times they felt they were
alone, on their own. God had to teach the Israelites to trust in him.
He had to teach them that he would be there for them if only they would
place their faith and trust in him. He fed them on their journey; he gave
them water to drink when they were thirsty. When the Israelites rebelled
against God, he did not abandon them. When God punished them for their
rebellion and lack of faith, he did not stop loving them.
On our life’s journey our Lord is truly at our side. In the most
beautiful moments, the saddest moments or darkest times our Lord never
leaves us alone. We need however to turn to him each day with our prayers
of petition and prayers of thanksgiving. It is only then that we can see
him working in our lives. It is only then that we can recognize his hand
watching over us and leading us on this life’s journey.
For the Week of March 20, 2011
In Jesus transfiguration story today, He allows three of his disciples to see his glory. They are able to see Jesus as the Son of God. They will however, all abandon Jesus on Good Friday. Peter will even deny knowing our Lord. The experience of seeing Jesus glory does not fully penetrate their hearts. Peter will learn later that the glory he saw is greater than the sin of his denying knowing the Lord.
Jesus seen as Messiah is about the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus is the power behind Peter’s conversion and our conversion. The grace of our Lord can penetrate our hearts and help us be the people we were created to be. We are reminded that we are created in His image and likeness. Jesus did not reveal his glory for show, but to be a sign of hope for the disciples later in their life.
The Lenten season is the sign of hope that we can overcome our sinfulness and be changed and transformed into the people God has created us to be.
For the Week of March 13, 2011
Temptation, we all face it, it happens to each of us. We are tempted in life to do all kinds of things that are sinful. Pride, envy, jealousy, hatred, and resentment can tempt us to do things that are hurtful and harmful to others. Jesus was no exception, He to faced temptation in his life. In the gospel today He is tempted by the devil to sin. Jesus realized the source of his strength and power came from his Father. He knew his Father’s love for him. Jesus was here on earth not to build up a name for himself; rather he was here to serve the Father. Humility guided our Lord’s life. Love was his power.
We enter into the holiest season of Lent to become ever stronger in love for God, others and ourselves. Lent is the time to see what prevents us from growing in love. It is time to put aside those obstacles to love and let the power of love grow ever deeper and stronger in us.
For the Week of March 6, 2011
Today we hear a warning from our Lord about going through
the motions concerning faith; doing things because we are supposed to
do them. Acting out faith without any conviction. People come to Mass
late with no excuse. Watch people come into Mass late and leave Mass after
communion to beat the traffic out of the parking lot. Mass is just going
through the motions. How many other aspects of our life do we arrive late
and leave early? We hear people talk about making a token visit to someone
or some event. We can also treat Mass that way, “just something
we have to do.” We are called to put our heart and soul into our
relationship with God. We become so busy that the Mass is just one more
thing to do.
Jesus is asking for more. He wants our heart and soul and is asking for
more than “going through the motions”. Many people see and
find Mass the source of strength needed to live out the demands of everyday
life. When we give our hearts to the Lord, we find the peace and strength
we need for our everyday responsibilities.
For the Week of February 27, 2011
“I tell you do not worry about your life.”
This is certainly a hard gospel to trust in today. There is so much uncertainty
in the world today, in our own communities, even in our own home. It’s
hard to say to someone unemployed with payments to make on the house,
a car or credit card. What are people supposed to do? This is the hardest
challenge of faith: to trust in the unknown, the unseen.
How can God help me in this situation? How can God watch over me if things
are falling apart? Sometimes the only thing that can get us through these
hard times is courage or strength or fortitude and faith in God and ourselves.
Easier said than done. In the Psalm, “The Lord is my Shepard.”
It says; “even though I walk through the valley of death, your right
staff is there to guide me and save me.” Our faith does not prevent
the dark valleys of our lives but our faith and our Lord walk with us
and guide us during the dark times.
For the Week of February 20, 2011
“Brothers and Sisters: Do you not know that you
are the temple of God and that God’s spirit lives within you. (Cor
3: 16). How many of us reflect on the fact that we are considered to be
temples in which God lives? Do we reflect on and remember that God is
within us each day of our lives? Do our words, and actions, reflect the
presence of God within us? Do we treat others with the love of God that
is within us? How different things would be if we all reflected to each
other the love that is within us. Many people have commented on how the
world seems to be a meaner place to love in. People seem angrier to each
other, less kind to each other. People have less respect than in times
earlier. We hear more and more stories about rage. All this reminds us
that we have to keep reminding ourselves that God lives in each and every
person.
We are called to treat each other with love, dignity and respect. Each
person has the Divine Life of God living within them. The presence of
God is all around us, especially in the people we encounter. St. Paul
is reminding us that all people are holy and that we must treat everyone
with the dignity, respect, kindness and love they deserve because God
is living in each and everyone of our hearts.
For the Week of February 13, 2011
The book of Wisdom tells us today that “if you trust
in God, you too shall live.” God clearly in the readings today gives
us the blueprint to ever lasting life. How well we treat one another is
the path to everlasting life. Charity, kindness, goodness, forgiveness
of sins, is the virtues the readings in today’s Mass call us to
live. The most important of all virtues is forgiveness. How often do we
forgive those who sin against us? How often do we ask for forgiveness
for those we have wronged or hurt? How often do we go to confession to
say to God we are sorry for our sins?
Do we remember well growing up that we were taught about our Easter duty.
Go to confession at least once a year. Many people have not gone to confession
in years, but when people come back to the sacrament they say a weight
has been lifted from their shoulders. Couples know that the two most important
works in a relationship is “I’m sorry” and the three
most important words are, “I forgive you.” Those five words
do so much to heal a relationship. They are the most important words that
we can say to someone, “I love you”, that Jesus has set on
this path. He has given us the blueprint, the road map to salvation. The
readings at our Mass today call us to follow them.
For the Week of February 6, 2011
Jesus tells us in the gospel today; our light must shine
before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify your heavenly
Father. Our goodness, kindness and mercy bring glory to God. The way we
treat one another brings glory to God. All that we do here each week is
the source of the power of love that we bring to one another. Goodness
is a hard thing to live out each day of our life. It can be hard to be
nice to someone when they are angry or unkind or mean to us and others.
It takes virtues like strength, courage, love, forgiveness to overcome
someone’s unkindness. We have our Lord to show us the way, to show
us how love can overcome the darkness around us.
We are called to have faith in the power of the Lord that we cannot always
see. We have to have hope that the strength and power of love will be
here for us when we are in need of it. The Eucharist,: the body of Christ
we receive each week is the source of that power, strength and goodness
we need to follow the call to bring our Lord’s light and love to
one another.
For the Week of January 30, 2011
“Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.”
St. Paul reminds us that all that we have is a gift from God. From our
material wealth to our own gifts and talents, these are God’s blessings
to us.
Once again St. Paul reminds us that we are to be people of thanks and
gratitude for all that has been given to us. Thanksgiving should not be
just a one day celebration in November, everyday we should set aside some
time in prayer to thank God for all he has done for us. St. Paul also
reminds us that the greatest gift we have received is Jesus Christ himself;
because of this gift we have righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
In a world consumed with having material possessions; righteousness, sanctification,
and redemption are the greatest gifts we can have. Let us give God the
thanks that is due for all He has given us.
For the Week of January 23, 2011
Jesus call to the disciples today is to teach them how
to love. Calling people to repentance, healing and curing people and feeding
hungry people is about loving people. Jesus had to teach his disciples
how to love others.
To love, the disciples would have to learn how to serve. Take the gifts
given to you for the service of others. How else can Isaiah’s prophecy
be fulfilled; people walking in darkness have seen a great light, in the
land of gloom a light has shone. The yoke, the pole, the rod are smashed.
How can people change unless they have hope? How can someone be open to
thee grace of God unless someone gives them hope?
Jesus called his disciples and calls us to be people of love, hope and
service for one another. The grace of the Eucharist is the source of love
we need in order to go out and be messengers of love and hope for one
another.
For the Week of January 16, 2011
“To you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus
called to be holy.” We may never think that St. Paul’s call
to be holy means us. Holiness after all is for the saints, not for me.
Holiness after all is about being perfect, never doing anything wrong.
Mother Teresa of Calcuttta; herself a saint, says that holiness and being
a saint is about doing the ordinary things of life with extraordinary
love. The challenge that St. Paul and Jesus gives us is to love one another
as best we can.
When John the Baptist asked if Jesus was the one to come, Jesus answered
by saying, “Look, the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed,
and hungry people are fed.” All the actions are acts of love. Do
we love as best we can? Does the love of God show itself through us? Do
we bring the compassion, mercy and forgiveness of God to each other? Are
we patient, kind, understanding people? This is Jesus message to the world
through us. Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is at hand. We can make it
a reality in our world.
For the Week of January 9, 2011
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Because of God’s perfect love for His Son, as St. Paul says, “God
anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.” Jesus
then is able to go about doing good and healing all those oppressed by
the devil.” Behind the power of Jesus ability to do good is God’s
love. Jesus is that message of God’s love for the world. All that
Jesus did is a result of that love. All that we do in our life should
also be a reflection of that love. As other people saw the love of God
for them through Jesus, so too, others should see the love of God for
them through us. We can speak words of kindness to someone, we can forgive
someone, and we can be a healing presence in someone’s life. We
can volunteer our time to a favorite charity. We should be a reflection
of God’s goodness to our world.
Jesus baptism is about hearing the words that God spoke to him. “This
is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” God spoke these
words to us at our own baptism.
For the Week of January 2, 2011
St. Paul talks about being a steward of God’s grace,
a witness of God’s grace to the world. The feast of the Epiphany
is about seeing the grace of God present in our world today. The Magi
came to see for themselves that God is now present in the world in a new
way; a way never known or seen before. With the presence of Jesus in the
world, the fullness of God’s love is with us. Through Jesus birth
we have the forgiveness of sins. We have through Jesus the healing presence
of Jesus in our world.
The gifts the Magi offer to Jesus are symbolic of thee gifts God offers
the world through his son. Jesus birth is a new beginning for our world
and each Christmas season we are renewed by the hope that Jesus presence
in the world brings to us. In a world that seems to be consumed by hatred,
violence and indifference to human life, the birth of our Lord and His
presence in our world is the sign we need to see not only at this time
of year but everyday of our lives.
From the Pastor: June to December 2010
From the Pastor: January to May 2010
From the Pastor: June to December 2009
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