When I applied to enter the seminary, I had interviews with professionals in the field of psychiatry, psychology, and public speaking besides the people of the diocese. One comment that the Director of Vocations asked: “Are you sure that you are not going to change your mind and become a monk rather than a diocesan priest.” Thus, evidence was there to have a tendency of tucking myself away into a life a prayer. I certainly recalled this as we experience social distancing or even isolation. It is not a secret that I am in a high risk group and my doctors affirm that reality. So, I have been praying more intentionally for all. We do have that part of the Mass where we mention our intercessions. When I do intercessory prayer, I find it hard to stop since there are so many needs and people to pray for. Community, families, national and international causes come to mind and heart. As I try to end I remind myself that God already knows our problems, concerns, and need. The content or structure of the Good Friday liturgy is one of the oldest. One key part is General Intercessions. Recall how the Deacon states an intention, we pause and then the priest leads the prayer. This year the Universal Catholic church has added one to overcome the coronavirus. I wanted to assure you that we are still in communion with one another in prayer and other ways.
We have become aware ourselves of some of the dynamics we are going through. A priest from Ireland pointed to what was verified by the Cathedral in Philadelphia: the very high number of people using their online prayer services. Another dynamic, people have offered to help one another. We have seen creativity in the number of ways to be present to one another even if not physically. We will become aware of parishioners and relatives of parishioners affected in tragic ways by this virus. We have increased awareness and prayers for the doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals especially those that belong to our parish community. As many have pointed out they are heroes.
God will deliver us as God led the chosen people of Egypt and out of slavery of various forms. Continue to be the best version of yourself. I thank you for all that you are doing and for all your prayers.
Christ be with you,
Bill Graney
As we know from years past, the Christmas season continues well into the New Year. So, from the whole staff, Fathers Greg and Bill, Debbie, Elaine, Anne, Tina, and the unpaid leaders, we wish you a beautiful New Year and an enjoyable Christmas time as we nourish ourselves on the grace of the Child born in the manger. This is a great time to renew and deepen our faith, hope, and love. It is much easier to be giving, to be charitable, when we can join thousands of others in big and small gestures of charity. To begin, we remind ourselves that our ability to practice the virtues of charity, hope, and faith is because God had given us or infused those virtues or habits into our minds and hearts. We are truly blessed.
How do we renew ourselves? A look back on our parish history shows it was people desiring a more authentic experience of the nourishment that a parish can give to one another. From putting up chairs and an altar in Shue School and then St. Mark’s School, people shared a renewed spirit of faith in God, Christ, and sacraments. Our history recalls renewal programs/ processes shared on weekends or in groups meeting during the week. But presently, the pandemic caused by viruses and variants, we have found ways to connect with one another. Most of us have learned of Zoom and other online resources. Printed materials such as Word Among Us, Give Us this Day, to Morning and Evening Prayers also have online versions. Also, many have found online worship with various preachers and styles. We are hoping you are making use of these resources. The parish is blessed with people who have achieved a deeper level of spirituality. The staff can help those interested to connect with others. Matthew Kelly of Dynamic Catholic is determined to help you become “the Best Version of Yourself” through books and talks. Try putting “Catholic Spiritual writers or speakers” in the search engine to find nourishment that appeals to you taste.
Our church is open for private time or public worship. Check the bulletin for timing and more information. My main point is to make use of our God given gifts to lead us to a renewed and deeper communion or relationship with God. Christ was born, became one like us, so that Christ could reveal God’s plan, God’s beauty and truth, to us. Make use of opportunities and we will be strengthened in our journey, our quest, to find deeper union with God and one another: Gifts meant to be enjoyed.
My best to you, Fr. Bill Graney