Peace of Christ Parish

If it's Sunday morning as you read this and you just walked into church and wondered why everyone was walking out, it is because you forgot to spring your clock ahead one hour last night before you went to bed. It is also Laetare (“Rejoice”) Sunday, thus the rose color vesture. The 2nd collection today is the annual one for Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Your gifts to CRS will benefit greatly their ongoing care not only for Haiti , but Chile as well (and any other spot on our globe touched by natural disaster where people need assistance). This evening, our Web Site Committee meets to continue its care for our parish web site. Be sure to check it, especially in the weeks ahead for all our special Holy Week services.

Monday, beware the Ides of March! Why? Google it and see.

Tuesday is our final 5:30 P.M. Lenten Mass and saints reflection followed by soup supper—this week at St. John's . Do join us, please!

Wednesday is our Irish Cultural Celebration. Mass at 5:00 P.M. in St. James will be celebrated by Jesuit Father James J. Coughlin, Principal of McQuaid, and son of parishioners Tom and Nickie Coughlin. The traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner follows in the church hall. Be sure to get your tickets today as you leave church. This year, they're only $11. Hope to see you there.

Thursday each week, we get a special Weekend section in the morning newspaper. It's not a bad day for us to make ready for the weekend spiritually as well. What do we need to do to adjust our calendar to assure that we and our family can get to one of our six Masses sometime on the weekend? Indeed, do we need to get to Confession for the Sacrament of Penance? The schedule is in the column to the left of this one. Have we read over the readings ahead of time at home (the following week's readings are cited in each week's bulletin on page 2) so we will be able to get the most out of our weekly worship? If you're in one of our Small Christian Communities, you automatically do this, AND have an opportunity to discuss these with one another. Lastly, are you up to where you want to be in your stewardship regarding your support of the parish and its ministries? No matter what comes in the collection each week, the parish always gets its bills regularly from the electric company, the phone company, the gas company, the water authority, etc. Thank you for whatever you can do in staying faithful to a regular contribution amount— and for your faithfulness in pledge redemption toward both the parish's “Peace of Christ Campaign” which is caring for the parish infrastructure and the diocese's “Catholic Ministries Appeal” which supports services to us in the parish.

Friday is the Feast of St. Joseph. Sanctify it in some way.

Saturday, Spring begins at 1:32 P.M.!

Next Sunday, we'll be only one week from Holy Week. Note that the Passion on Palm Sunday (March 27-28) will be acted out as in the past few years for the Gospel of our Mass, but only at the 4:30, 9:00, 9:45 and 11:00 Masses. The 8:00 and 5:00 will simply have it read.

—Father Schrader

March 7, 2010

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Before I go into items for this week, I simply have a few reflections

on the week gone by (I'm writing this on Tuesday morning, the

2nd of March). It is always amazing to witness so much life going on

around our very vibrant parish. The wonderful first of the four Lenten

soup suppers (at St. James), the awesome Fruit of the Vine event (at

St. John's ), and the dedicated Festival Committee already meeting in

preparation for this coming June (at St. Ambrose) revealed many ardent

volunteers working side-by-side from all three of our sites for all

three of our sites and the many activities that are so much a part of our

communal life as a parish. May we spend at least a few moments of

our daily Lenten prayer in the “Thank You” mode giving praise to our

God for so much divine vigilance over (and camaraderie in) all we are

about here at Peace of Christ!

Today at our 9:00 and 11:00 Masses, we will be blessed to hear

the first notes of a new (to us) piano for our liturgical use. Over the

past several months, a group has been raising funds for this instrument

by way of doing concerts and accumulating donations. When this

current Mason & Hamlin piano became available, those funds together

with monies in a parish budget line designated for such use

were identified for addressing this liturgical improvement. Indeed,

over the years we have striven to keep all of our instruments (organs,

pianos and sound equipment—all three sites have hearing assistance

now available) in good stead and properly maintained. Many thanks

to all who play a part in these matters so caringly for us all!

Monday is the birthday of David Tedesche who is one of our diocesan

seminarians studying over in Rome and who worked with us

here at Peace of Christ Parish doing pastoral work just a few years

ago. Keep him in your prayers, and if you e-mail any greetings for

him to our parish e-mail address (rpeace@dor.org), we'll be happy to

forward them on for you.

Tuesday brings us to our next special 5:30 P.M. Lenten weekday

Mass and Soup Supper. This one is at St. John's . Three more modern

saints will be our focus (Isaac Jogues, Kateri Tekakwitha, Pedro Arrupe)

and the word for this entire week is “Vigilance.”

Wednesday is the 100th anniversary of Film Director D. W. Griffith's

finding the perfect place for making movies. It was a little town

known as Hollywood , California . And the rest is history! Why not

celebrate (in a reserved Lenten way) by coming to our weekly Community

Coffee Hour in St. James Church Hall, anytime between 7:00

and 9:00 P.M. Bring a board game or puzzle and enjoy a great crosssection

of people who participate each week.

Thursday would have been Bishop Hogan's birthday. May he rest

in peace!

Friday as you make your envelopes ready for the weekend, remember

the 2nd collection of Catholic Relief Services who are working

so diligently now in helping the people of Haiti , Chile , and more.

Next weekend, don't forget to spring ahead one hour for D.S.T.!

—Father Schrader

February 28, 2010

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

On this 2nd Sunday of Lent (as our 2nd month of the year winds to a close), we can take comfort that Spring is right around the corner—and Easter not far behind. Many gyms and health clubs now have people working very hard to shed those post-holiday pounds in preparation for the warmer months. In a spiritual sense, that is what we do internally during this season of Lent. The entire month of March falls within that season, so even if we haven't yet begun a meaningful Lenten discipline, let it begin today as we focus on Lent's traditional three themes:

Prayer —Many of us have personal prayers we may say during Lent, such as the Stations of the Cross. As a parish, we are offering a new opportunity for a more communal observance this year, especially for those for whom a morning or daytime Mass is just not possible. Every Tuesday through March 16th, we have a 5:30 P.M. Mass with a focus on more recent saints and followed by a Soup Supper. Just think: dinner is included! Also, a different “word” is key for each of these weeks of Lent as well. Last week (as you may remember) the word was “Desire.” This week, it is “ Transfiguration !” Say it, share it, see it happen again! Plus many are in our new (and old) Small Christian Communities as well.

Fasting —Of course, there is the traditional fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for those 18-59 and the abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent for those 14 and up; but it is even more important to identify those habits and attitudes that have crept into our lives from which we should fast regularly. Confessions are every weekend (see column to left) and Penance Services are the week of March 22nd.

Almsgiving —Our care for those less fortunate is so very important (placing ourselves in their position would certainly give us a new perspective). Many opportunities were outlined in the bulletin 2 weeks ago: our “Aid to the Starving” envelopes which support local food cupboards; our Operation Rice Bowls to help the hungry both domestically and abroad; the Birthday Kit Project so that local children in indigent families can at least have a happy birthday; Church World Service Hygiene Kits to help in disaster areas like Haiti; H.O.P.E. to help Haiti specifically through local connections; our regular parish envelopes to assure ongoing ministry for our parishioners; the Catholic Ministries Appeal to fund diocesan initiatives which assist us; and the payment of our Peace of Christ Parish campaign pledges, especially at tax return or bonus time.

A blessed Lent to all—may we stay in prayer for each other!

—Father Schrader

February 21, 2010

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Today, we have the Rite of Sending at the 9:45 am Mass for Caroline Rhoads, Tara Amico, Brian Davis and Nancy Langenbahn who will then receive the Rite of Election at the Cathedral this evening from Bishop Clark. Let us keep them in our prayers from now through Easter when they will receive their Sacraments of Initiation at the Vigil Service on Holy Saturday.

Today, also, thank you for your regular contributions for the needs of the parish in the first collection, as well as for your gifts via your final “ Fuel Collection” envelope for the season (last month's was displaced by the Haiti collection) and for the annual 1st Sunday of Lent “Black, Native American, and Hispanic ” collection for those special ministries right here in our own country—these latter two envelopes and any loose offerings may be placed together in today's 2nd collection.

Monday is a day of remembrance of both our first Pope (the feast of the Chair of St. Peter) and our first President George Washington's 279th birthday. Let us pray for issues of both church and state.

Tuesday is the first in the series of our Lenten Program on the Saints. At St. James, we will have Mass at 5:30 P.M. with a homily on Pope John XXIII, Padre Pio, and St. Katherine Drexel. This will be followed by a soup supper afterwards in the Church Hall. Why not plan to make Tuesdays your special Lenten day of prayer for the duration of this holy season!

Wednesday is the first of this week's traditional Spring Ember Days which always fall on the Wednesday/Friday/Saturday after Ash Wednesday. Their threefold purpose has been to be days on which to thank God for the gifts of nature, to teach us to use them wisely, and to assist the needy. In addition, ordinations to the diaconate and priesthood were normally celebrated on Ember Saturdays. At present, we do not have any particular liturgies for the Ember Days, but their spirit is worth honoring for it focuses our energies on some very basic Christian goals: gratitude, wisdom, and charity.

Thursday brings us to only 10 months left 'til Christmas! Are you ready?

Friday once again is a day of Abstinence : no meat for those of us 14 years of age and older. As this helps us actually to feel penitential, may our self-sacrifice also be translated into action by implementing the three hallmarks of Lent of which we heard in the liturgy of Ash Wednesday:

—Prayer: Even a few moments of quiet reflection counts.

—Fasting: Focus on those sins from which to fast forever.

—Almsgiving: Parish campaign/diocesan appeal/weekly offering.

Saturday is our annual Wine Tasting event. Even if you didn't get a ticket, you can participate in the fun and help it be a success by way of the raffle tickets still available at this typing for the Entertainment Package (42” Plasma HDTV, Blu-ray, installation…$10 or 3 for $20).

Next Sunday is our next CMA Roster of Appreciation listing all gifts received through to date. It is also the Jewish feast of Purim, and the Full “Snow” Moon (on the close of the Olympics). Peace to all!

—Father Schrader

February 14, 2010

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Happy Valentine's Day to you all! Indeed, may everyone be as loving as possible toward one another all year round!

More formally, it is also “ World Marriage Day. ” We are blessed here in the parish with a wonderful Pre-Cana Team that prepares our young couples not only for their wedding days but for their entire married lives together. Their most recent meeting was last weekend, and those at the 5:00 P.M. Mass were blessed to witness the latest batch of engaged couples as they asked blessings upon their fiancé(e)s. The team is always looking for other young married couples to join them in this ministry of preparing our engaged couples for the sacrament of Matrimony. If you can help, give me a call for more info and I'll tell you all about it. The next Pre-Cana meeting isn't until the Fall, and there are only two per year. All orientation is provided.

Today is also Chinese New Year 4708 . God's many blessings upon all of our Asian parishioners and all with relatives or friends in or from our ever-shrinking globe's Orient.

Monday is Presidents' Day . It is both a holiday and the beginning of a whole week off for the school due to Winter Break. The Parish Office is CLOSED this day as well, though Mass will still be at 7:45 A.M. at St. James.

Shrove Tuesday brings us to our Mardi Gras celebration, 6:00-8:00 P.M. in Dailey Hall at St. John Neumann School on the St. Ambrose campus. For all who signed up at church or at the office, we'll have the traditional Pancake Supper with activities for the kids, a Mardi Gras Parade, an intro to the parish “Rice Bowl” project for Lent, and then at 7:30 P.M. the grand finale in the parking lot as we burn last year's palms (which hopefully you brought to church today) in order to make the ashes we will use tomorrow for the start of Lent,

and then a Prayer Service in the Church.

Ash Wednesday , our Masses are at 6:30 A.M. at St. James, 12:10 P.M. at St. Ambrose, and 7:00 P.M. at St. John the Evangelist. Ashes are distributed in the middle of the Mass immediately after the homily. Please, remember that today (similar to Good Friday) is a day of Fasting (one or two smaller meals may be taken on those days, but may not total one full meal, and the required fast does not allow eating anything between meals—this applies to all Catholics who are between their 18th and 59th birthdays) AND Abstinence (no meat for anyone 14 and older).

Thursday is the 80th anniversary of the discovery of Pluto —which was a planet until August 24, 2006.

Friday (as with all Fridays of Lent) is a day of Abstinence just as Ash Wednesday was: again, no meat for anyone 14 and older.

Next weekend, as we prepare our envelopes for the collection, thank you in advance for your regular contributions (hopefully, we can get our “Variance” [on page 3] back on to the positive side), your gifts to our final “ Fuel Collection” envelope for the season (last month's was displaced by the Haiti collection), and all gifts to the annual 1st Sunday of Lent “Black, Native American, and Hispanic ” collection for these special ministries right here in our own country. These last two will be collected together in the 2nd collection. Pax!

—Father Schrader

February 7, 2010

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Today is World Day for Consecrated Life. Let us be mindful especially of the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of St. Joseph who reside in our very parish buildings, and of the Basilians and Jesuits (and all others) who have roots in our parish. Indeed, may we pray for all in religious life both in our diocese and in the wider world as we celebrate this day dedicated to them. May God bless them in their current vocations and in those that will be forthcoming from amongst the people (yourselves!) in the years to come!

Also, though most readers of this column may not be professed religious, we can be there for one another spiritually by participating in one of the Small Christian Communities that are forming this Lent. A number of such groups have been around, even for more than 15 or 20 years, so there's got to be something that is working right among them. This weekend is the deadline for turning in your form to register for one of these groups. Please, be sure to leave your form at church today to give this goal a try.

Today also ends Catholic Schools Week. The future of our Catholic Schools depends on ourselves. If you have any school age children, please at least contact St. John Neumann or one of the Catholic Middle or High Schools in the area to see what might be possible for your child this coming year.

Monday is the actual 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting (both Boys and Girls) has been an important part of the life of a number of our young parishioners through the years. May the values to which they aspire (patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred values) serve them (and all whose lives theirs intersects) well!

Tuesday, Happy Birthday to Pat Lawlor, our Director of Faith Formation! This day also brings us to February's Pastoral Council meeting, during which we'll have updates on the Youth Group, our Welcome Home Weekend initiative, and our Vision Statement Goals' implementation; a financial report; a review of the Covenant; a report by Karen Rinefierd of the diocese's Pastoral Planning Office on Urban Ministry objectives; and a Nominating Committee report.

Wednesday, we have February's Finance Council meeting. With Lent coming up next week, neither the Pastoral Council nor the Finance Council will be meeting after this week until April.

Thursday is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Fittingly so, it is also designated World Day of the Sick. May we be mindful of all who are infirm, whether in hospitals, nursing facilities, or home—and of all who care for them physically, psychologically, and spiritually!

Friday is Lincoln 's birthday. He would have been 201! This is a good day to pray for our current civic leaders and all who are willing to serve the public interest.

Next weekend, thanks ahead of time for your regular and Maintenance offerings, for payments on your Peace of Christ Campaign pledges, and for your gifts to the Catholic Ministries Appeal . Pax!

—Father Schrader

January 31, 2010

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

In the Church of the youth of many of us, last weekend would have been the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany bringing an end to the time of the liturgical year focused on the Incarnation (there was no “Ordinary Time” back then), and today would have been “Septuagesima” Sunday beginning the time of the liturgical year focused on the Resurrection. The word itself means “70 days” just as next Sunday's old moniker, “Sexagesima,” means “60 days,” and the next one just before Ash Wednesday, “Quinquagesima,” means “50 days”—all referring to the length of time remaining before Easter. Now, we know that a week is not 10 days long. “Septuagesima” would more properly be referenced as “the Sunday within the 7th decade of days [61-70] before Easter,” and so on with “Sexagesima” being within the 6th decade of days [51-60] and “Quinquagesima” being within the 5th [41-50]. To be precise, they are exactly 63, 56, and 49 days before Easter respectively. As of this Sunday, we would have started to wear purple vestments, and both “Alleluia” and the Gloria would have been banished until Easter. The liturgies of these three pre-Lenten Sundays would have focused on our sinfulness—the very reason for the need of our Redemption on that first Easter—and their tone would have been dour, to say the least.

In the Church of our present youthfulness (aren't I diplomatic ? ), we are focusing our hopes for Lent (and beyond) on the possibilities that Small Christian Communities might afford us. Please, consider joining (or forming) one by signing up on the forms in the pews and getting them back to us (in the collection or at the office) by the end of this week. These weekly times to reflect on the following Sunday's readings will provide a wealth of insight for all involved.

Monday begins Catholic Schools Week. The theme for the week is “Dividends for Life: Faith, Knowledge, Morals, Discipline.” There will be a 9:00 A.M. prayer service in St. John Neumann's Dailey Hall.

Tuesday is Candlemas Day, the Feast of the Presentation. Candles will be blessed at the beginning of the 9:45 Mass at St. Ambrose. Feel free to bring your candles from home to receive this blessing. In the evening, our Liturgy Committee will gather to plan.

Wednesday is St. Blaise Day. Throats will be blessed at St. James' 7:45 A.M. Mass and at St. John 's 12:10 P.M. Mass. In the evening, Stewardship Committee meets at coffee hour.

Thursday, as you prepare for the weekend, please remember any payments toward your pledges to our Peace of Christ Campaign, and any pledges toward the diocesan Catholic Ministries Appeal (at this typing, we still need about $27,000 to be pledged toward our goal by May or we will lose that amount from our savings to pay this quota).

Friday, happy b-day to our Business Manager, Carmen Sanchez!

Saturday, as we assemble our gifts for the weekend, let us remember our February offering and our envelope for the 1st Sunday's monthly “Buildings and Maintenance” 2nd collection. Many thanks.

Lastly, next Sunday is the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America and World Day for Consecrated Life. God's blessings to all!

—Father Schrader

January 24, 2010

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

News about Haiti 's earthquake reached us just as last week's bulletin was going to press. As you know, last weekend a special second collection replaced our normal January Fuel Collection so that we could help the people of Haiti to begin the long and arduous job of rebuilding their lives. Through your generosity, we were able to send $7,387.46 thus far to this effort. I had also put an address, phone number, and web link in my column for those who wished to donate directly to Catholic Relief Services, and further information is in this bulletin. Thank you for your kindness in this matter. May we continue to be supportive of the people of Haiti for a long time to come!

Congratulations today to Jack Carroll and to Joseph Carroll and to Marissa Domicello who make their First Communion at our 9:45 A.M. Mass. May the Lord in the Eucharist always keep you strong!

Tomorrow is the end of this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity . Ironically, one comment that was in last Monday's paper was about how all religions merged into one in Haiti on that first Sunday since the earthquake: people of all denominations prayed together in the streets to the one God who is over us all.

On Tuesday of this week, our staff will step aside for a day of prayer. We are grateful for our hearty volunteers who will staff the office that day so we can have this once-a-year opportunity to go to an out-of-the-way place together to spend some special time with the Lord. You will be in our prayers that day; please, keep us in yours!

On Wednesday, I will be covering weekday Mass over at St. Thomas More. Indeed, in this month of January alone, Fr. Werth and Fr. Carpenter and I are covering Masses at over 15 different places . Many priests go away during this month, and being one of the only parishes in the diocese with three priests, we do get tapped for coverage during this period. Among the places we are covering besides our own St. Ambrose, St. James and St. John the Evangelist on Humboldt Street, are Cedarwood Towers, Blossom Nursing Home, St. Thomas More, Our Lady Queen of Peace, the Monroe County Jail, the Mercy Motherhouse, St. Christopher's in Chili, Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. Michael's in Lyons, St. Patrick's in Savannah, St. John the Evangelist in Clyde, St. Rita in Webster, and the U of R. It is always interesting to experience other communities, but then it is always good to come home as well.

Thursday concludes the 4th week of the year. How are those resolutions coming?

Friday as you prepare your envelopes for next Sunday, please remember that that Sunday is the last day of January. Thank you for your monthly contributions which enable us to pay our bills and support all the ministries we provide on a daily basis.

Saturday we'll have the Full “Wolf” Moon at 1:18 A.M. Let me know how it was.

Next Sunday is the 12th anniversary of the death of Father Feeney , first pastor of St. James. May he rest in peace! —Father Schrader

January 17, 2010

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Hopefully, this will be a less snowy and warmer weekend for us all. Thank you ahead of time for whatever you may be able to give in the 2nd passing of the basket today for the Fuel Collection (this is a seasonal collection on the 3rd Sundays of November-February).

Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day . As a holiday, the office is closed . May it be a day to remember Dr. King's legacy and do something proactive to honor his passion for equality and justice. Father Bob Werth is one of the key organizers of the day's events beginning down at the Eastman Theater. Perhaps you could attend by way of solidarity and support. Meanwhile, our neighbors to the north are celebrating this being the 93rd anniversary of Yellowknife becoming the capital of the Northwest Territories . Way to go, eh!

Tuesday evening, please, gather with us at the Laurelton United Presbyterian Church on the corner of Helendale Road and Empire Boulevard at 7:00 P.M. for the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service . The theme this year is “Witnessing To Christ Today” and members of our own staff will participate in the service. Of course, Tuesday is also the 170th anniversary of Charles Wilkes' discovery of Antarctica as a continent, so we can pray in thanks as well!

Wednesday, we have our monthly Finance Council meeting. We can all be grateful to Ron Bess and Chad Scoma of St. Ambrose, Ray Brecker and Andy Zona of St. James, and Tom Kubus and Gary Smith of St. John the Evangelist for their collaborative vigilance over the finances of Peace of Christ Parish. In our own outward vigilance, any who can make a donation to help the people in HAITI , please do so via Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore MD 21203, or 1-800-736-3467 (8am-11pm), or http://crs.org/ on the web.

Thursday is the 220th anniversary of the demonstration by Dr. Joseph Guillotin of his cutting-edge invention in Paris , France (just a little slice of history for you).

Friday is the annual Day of Penance for our church in the United States : as the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court Decision Roe vs. Wade , it is a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion. Please, spend some moments in prayer this day for all who are facing such a decision, that they may choose life; and for all who may have chosen against life in the past, that they may seek restoration of themselves through Project Rachel ( www.hopeafterabortion.com or by phone at 1-888-9RACHEL ).

Saturday, we have First Eucharist conversations with those preparing for their First Communion next Sunday. Let's pray for them all!

Next Sunday brings us to the last Sunday before the old Season of Septuagesima—in other words, Lent is getting close. We have mentioned by both bulletin and pulpit the opportunity that will be afforded us all to try out a Small Christian Community during Lent: gathering to reflect on the following Sunday's readings and forming an action plan. Please, think about this for yourself in these next weeks!

—Father Schrader

January 10, 2010

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Today's feast of the Baptism of the Lord brings to a conclusion the Christmas Season of this liturgical year. On behalf of all of us at the office and the rectory, I wish to thank those who may have sent over any gifts (mostly edible) during this holiday season. Though I believe we have formally thanked everyone for whom we had a name and address, I do know that a few came anonymously or separated from any initial tag that may have been originally attached to them. Thank you one and all, and may we all stay mutually in prayer during 2010 and all that its many weeks and months will bring.

The Catholic Church in the United States begins today to celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, January 10-16 : "This week provides the opportunity for parishes across the country to promote vocations through prayer and education," said Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston , chairman of the Bishops' Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. "It is our responsibility to encourage young people to be generous in their response as they discern the possibility of a call to service in the Church. We must also ask parents, families and our parish communities to assist with this work; vocations are everyone's business. As we pray for an increased number of seminarians and candidates for religious life, we recognize the importance of safeguarding the gift of vocations."

In our own Diocese of Rochester, we celebrate with Bishop Clark the publication of his new book, Forward in Hope: Saying Amen to Lay Ecclesial Ministry . In his book, our bishop speaks beautifully of the gift that dedicated lay women and men in ministry have been to our diocese.

Please take this valuable opportunity during National Vocation Awareness Week to speak about and celebrate all the holy vocations among us - married life, lay ministry, ordained, and consecrated life - and to pray together that young people will generously discern God's call to serve our local Church.

Monday begins Ordinary Time . Back to the green!

Tuesday, we have Pastoral Council at 7:00 P.M. in the church hall at St. John the Evangelist. After the Open Forum at 7:15 P.M., we will discuss Councilors' Concerns, receive a report from our Faith Formation Committee, go over the latest financial report on the parish, do the annual review of the Parish Covenant (viewable on our web site under the Pastoral Council button), have updates on recent parishioner registration and on our Vision Statement implementation (viewable on our web site under “Envisioning the Future” and then “Goals and Objectives” at the bottom of that page), and hear Youth Concerns and a CYO update.

Wednesday, we finalize plans for our 1/19 Week of Prayer event.

Thursday, Benedict Arnold would have been 269!

Friday is Martin Luther King, Jr. 's 81st anniversary of birth.

Next weekend is our January Fuel Collection . Thanks for your generosity, not only in this but in all of your parish support. Peace! —Father Schrader

January 3, 2010

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

On this long New Year's Weekend, we wish a happy birthday both to Chung Ma (1/1) of our maintenance staff at St. John the Evangelist, and to Augie Misiurewicz (1/2), our Parish Visitor.

Today, we celebrate the Epiphany, when the magi came bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Infant Savior. As such, it also begins National Migration Week when we are particularly mindful of all who move among the countries of our globe providing labor in the fields and/or seeking asylum, security and peace. If you really want to do some self-development in this issue, I would heartily recommend a reading of This Flowing Toward Me: A Story of God Arriving in Strangers (ISBN 978-1-59471-197-8). I had mentioned it before as a good Advent book, but it is even more appropriate at this time and can be ordered right through our web site (see bottom of column to the left of this) by clicking the button on the opening screen labeled “Recommended Reading” (or just go directly to http://www.peaceofchristparish.org/books.php and you'll be right there). The Foreword to this book is written by Sister Helen Prejean ( Dead Man Walking ) who will be our parish speaker here on Monday, May 3rd. Let us also be mindful in this week of all the migrant workers who come each year to work the farms of our area so that their crops are harvested before they would rot where they grow.

Monday is a good day to make sure that all last-minute donations have reached our parish office if you wish them to be counted toward your charitable giving for your 2009 tax year. All checks dated December 31st or earlier that reach us no later than this Wednesday Noon will be accepted as 2009 donations. Any donations dated January 1st or later, or that reach us after Noon on this Wednesday, will be counted as 2010 donations. This applies to all of our regular parish contributions, payments toward our “Peace of Christ Campaign” pledges made last year, or payments toward the current 2009-2010 diocesan Catholic Ministries Appeal . Dropping all these off today instead of waiting until Wednesday, though, would be most helpful.

Tuesday is the feast of St. John Neumann, the patron of the Catholic School here at our parish. That same night, our Liturgy Committee will meet to get working on Lent, Holy Week and beyond.

Wednesday is the feast of Brother Andr é who is now a Blessed. He is most associated with St. Joseph Oratory on Montreal 's hilltop.

Thursday, we wish a Merry Christmas to all our Orthodox friends.

Friday is the 358th anniversary of the death of Galilieo.

Saturday, our latest sunrises of the year (which have been the same since December 29th) begin to yield as our solar star rises ever earlier each day all the way to the summer solstice next June.

Next Sunday brings us to the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord which ends the Christmas Season. As it concludes, I want to thank all who worked so hard on all the liturgies, giving trees, food baskets, poinsettia deliveries, etc. of the season to make it so special for so many. May 2010 be a peaceful and prosperous year for us all!

—Father Schrader

December 27, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Welcome! Many of our parishioners' family members visit us this time of year. Welcome to you all, and be encouraged to check in on us occasionally at http://www.peaceofchristparish.org from afar.

The Bible has occupied the opening portion of this column since the beginning of August back in 2008. Each week, we have taken one of the 73 books found in the Catholic Bible and given an overview and some background on the book of the week. Parishioners have been invited to read a book a week and spread the reading out over the past 17 months. Last week, we finished with the Book of Revelation. If any of our readers have actually stayed with this project all these many months, I'd love it if you would contact me to let me know how it went for you. Most people have a Bible somewhere on their bookshelves for occasional reference, but the feat of having actually read the Bible in its entirety is not a common one, at least for Catholics. By the way, even if you weren't able to be a part of this most recent read-through, there is never a bad time to start reading the holy book. In fact, with the new year at our doorstep, what a wonderful New Year's resolution to make: to spend some time with God's Word on a daily basis. I do know that one of the reasons people give up on reading the whole Bible is because they get weighed down with all the heaviness of the Old Testament. One remedy for that is to read one of the Bibles that are themselves laid out to be read in a year's time. They usually present the Bible in daily chunks of both Old and New Testament so that one not only can read the entire book but receive some spiritual guidance by way of how such editors connect the Old and New Testament passages of each day—and it doesn't really matter which date of the year you start on; you just go to that section and begin, and pick up the parts earlier in the book at the beginning of the next calendar year. One such Catholic Bible is My Daily Catholic Bible: 20-Minute Daily Readings published by Our Sunday Visitor, ISBN # 978-1-59276-067-1 listing for $21.95, though I have seen used copies as low as $6.91 on amazon.com. By the way, if any of my book-by-book introductions that appeared here over the past 17 months may be helpful, you can find them on our parish web site at http://www.peaceofchristparish.org/Pastor%20Column/Bible_Summaries.php ready for referral.

As this year draws to a close, thank you to all who are able to make year-end contributions to “Peace of Christ Parish,” or to the “Peace of Christ Campaign” which is funding the current 5 years' worth of needed maintenance issues so we can properly house our ministries, or to the Catholic Ministries Appeal of the diocese which funds needed services used by all parishes. I know that economic times have been difficult for many, and this usually also means for the Church as well. So thanks for whatever can be done this week.

Masses for New Year's, a Holy Day of Obligation, are on the Eve (with its Full “Long Night's” Moon) at 5:30 PM at St. Ambrose, and on the Day at 9 AM at St. James and 11 AM at St. John's . Peace!

—Father Schrader

December 20, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Revelation brings us to the 73rd and final book of the Bible. We have been using Timothy P. Schehr's The Bible Made Easy: A Book-by-Book Introduction to help us on our journey through each book of the Bible, and he sums up well this final book on this 17-month pilgrimage we have been on: “As the title suggests, this book reveals. It reveals the overpowering majesty of God, from the victory of Jesus over sin and death, across the wide expanse of time, all the way down to the end of the ages. Its purpose is to encourage us to remain faithful to the Lord. If we do so, we will share in God's final victory and enjoy eternal life in the kingdom of heaven” (p. 237). This final book was written at a time of great difficulty for the Church, so it should have relevance for most folks in most years of their lives because all of us have our share of challenges. It conveys its message in a series of images whose meaning is well worth pondering: letters to 7 churches, a scroll with 7 seals, the sounding of 7 trumpets, 7 bowls of judgment, the Lamb, a woman clothed with the sun, the Dragon, the Archangel Michael, and much more. In the book's pages, we read how John, the author, is on Patmos (ch. 1), we find references to Philadelphia and to the familiar image of Christ knocking at the door (ch. 3), we hear of horses of 4 different hues (ch. 6), we encounter the 144,000 saints (ch. 7), we are told of a star named Wormwood (ch. 8), we meet up with scorpions one more time before the Bible's end (ch. 9), we meet up with the famed “666” beast (ch. 13) [6=1 less than 7, the perfect number; so 666=triple imperfection], and we encounter once again the Tree of Life which had been off limits since the first book of the Bible (ch. 22). When you finish this book, you will have read 73 (100%) of the 73 books of the Bible, and 1,334 (100%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

One revelation that had come unto me a week ago concerned the very members who make up our Peace of Christ Parish. It was Saturday, December 12th. The day began with numerous volunteers gathering to deliver Christmas baskets and gifts given by numerous other parishioners so that yet others in our parish area could experience a bit of Christmas joy. The large amount to be transported was a testimony to your generosity at such times of need, and the large number volunteering to pack and to transport another such testimony as well. Then, that evening, numerous parishioners and friends gathered for our annual St. Lucy's celebration. The Mass and the dinner came together only because of such overwhelming generosity on the part of so many. Indeed, some worked on both projects of that day and went to bed very tired that night. On behalf of so many, thank you to all who helped in any way that weekend to put the gospel into practice and to celebrate such an important part of the tradition of our saints!

Our final Penance Service is Monday 12/21 at 7 PM at St. John's . For our schedule of Christmas Masses , see page 3 . Many thanks for all year-end donations to Peace of Christ Parish or the Catholic Ministries Appeal! God's many and abundant blessings to you and yours!

—Father Schrader

December 13, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Jude is the 72nd book in our Bibles. Jude is very much concerned with keeping his readers focused on Jesus and not being led astray by others. The author, though probably not the apostle by that name, may have been a relative of Jesus, such as the brother of James of Jerusalem. This book probably comes from the last decade of the 1st century since II Peter (believed to be the latest book of the New Testament) quotes it. Jude claims to have fought hard for the faith. Further, he is certain of punishment for the false teachers of his day, and encourages his readers to build themselves in the foundation of their faith. Many strong and straightforward images will be found in Jude's verses describing those who had become askew. He even quotes the apocryphal Book of Enoch in describing the punishment that will be theirs. When you finish this book, you will have read 72 (98.6%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,312 (98.4%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

We welcome Father Edison Tayag from the Cathedral parish as he presides in Italian at our St. Lucy's Mass this weekend. Father just returned this year from his seminary and post-ordination studies at the North American College in Rome where all his courses would have been taught in Italian. We are joyful to have him on this Rejoice Sunday, formerly called Gaudete (Gow-DAY-tay) Sunday. Gaudete means “Rejoice” and is the first word in the Latin translation of the opening antiphon for the Mass of this Sunday. Rose is the more joyful color for the candle and vesture of this 3rd Sunday of Advent.

Monday is not only the 210th anniversary of the death of George Washington, it is also the evening for our Finance Council meeting. We can all be grateful for the diligence these six members of our parish provide in watching over our fiscal resources. Indeed, in that regard, please remember there are ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS for making contributions (either to the parish, or toward your Peace of Christ Campaign pledge payments, or toward your diocesan Catholic Ministry Appeal pledge payments) that you wish to have a possible positive effect upon your taxes for the 2009 calendar year. Thanks!

Tuesday our staff gathers to meet and then to celebrate the holidays—keep these hard-working parish ministers daily in your prayers!

Wednesday begins Las Posadas and Simbang Gabi, special pre-Christmas novenas in Latino and Filipino cultures.

Thursday begins the Church's “O Antiphons” in Evening Prayer (also used for the Gospel Acclamations of the weekday Masses). They recount 7 titles of Jesus, the first letters of which in Latin when placed in backwards order form a reverse acrostic spelling “Ero cras” (Tomorrow I will come). Our first of three Penance Services is Thursday night at 7:00 P.M. at St. Ambrose.

Friday (like Wednesday and Saturday) is a winter Ember Day. Friday is also the Islamic New Year's Day (1431).

Saturday, our 2nd Penance Service is at 11:00 A.M. at St. James (the 3rd one is Monday, 12/21 at 7:00 P.M. at St. John's ). Pax to all!

—Father Schrader

December 6, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

III John is our 71st book of the Bible. It is the third of three letters in the New Testament attributed to John, and is another which is only one chapter long. In this third Johannine letter, John's joy continues as he points to the example of one named Gaius who welcomes missionaries into his house. This is as opposed to another named Diotrephes who is not so hospitably oriented. While John is concerned that Gaius not be negatively influenced by Diotrephes, he is also confident that when he himself (John) is on the scene, even Diotrephes' approach can be addressed. John does vouch for one named Demetrius, though, as a missionary who can be trusted. When you finish this book, you will have read 71 (97.3%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,310 (98.3%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

This is a week of many markings. Today is the traditional feast of St. Nicholas from whom the tradition of Santa Claus derived. Indeed, there are a number of signs of the approaching birthday of the Light of the World. Not only is this the feast day of Old St. Nick, there is also the lighting of one more candle on the Advent Wreath, and nature itself will begin to stay brighter at the end of each day in very short order: the earliest sunsets of the year began this past Friday and will stay at the same time until next Sunday, the feast of St. Lucy (whose name means “light”) when one more minute of sunshine will be added to our afternoon. On an unrelated note, today is the quasquicentennial anniversary of the completion of the Washington Monument which shines a light out in the middle of the great mall in our nation's capital midway between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial.

Monday of this week is the feast of one of our three patrons, St. Ambrose of Milan . It is also Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Our Facilities Committee will have their final meeting of 2009 as well.

Tuesday is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, our national feast day—and a Holy Day of Obligation . Masses are at 6:30 A.M. at St. James, 12:10 P.M. at St. Ambrose, and 7:00 P.M. at St. John the Evangelist—an abbreviated December Pastoral Council will follow with time for Youth Items of Concern and an Urban Ministry discussion with our diocesan liaison, Karen Rinefierd.

Wednesday is the 30th anniversary of the death of our 6th diocesan bishop, Fulton J. Sheen. May he rest in peace.

Thursday brings us to the 10th of the month. We have only 3 weeks left if we wish to take advantage of possible 2009 tax savings by making a contribution to Peace of Christ Parish, or our Peace of Christ Campaign, or to the Catholic Ministries Appeal.

Friday brings the 100th anniversary of the first demonstration of color motion picture film. It was in New York City in 1909.

Saturday is the 1st Day of Hanukkah (best wishes to our Jewish neighbors) and our St. Lucy's Mass and Dinner.

And next Sunday is Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be at 3:00 P.M. at Saint Anne's on Mount Hope with local dignitaries such as WXXI's John Andres.

—Father Schrader

November 29, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

II John brings us to the 70th book in our Bible. It is the second of three letters in the New Testament attributed to John, and is one of the few books of the Bible (1 in the Old Testament and 4 in the New) that is only one chapter long. In this second Johannine letter, John has found the joy he was looking for in the first. In its verses, we find that the letter is addressed from “the Elder” to “a Lady who is elect and to her children” although we do not know how many communities this may refer to. He calls the letter's recipient(s) to love one another and to obey the commandments, and he warns against antichrists who will try to be deceptive and misleading. He closes sending greetings from the children of the recipient's “elect Sister,” that is, another community. When you finish this book, you will have read 70 (95.9%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,310 (98.2%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

A very Happy New Year to you all! Indeed, being the First Sunday of Advent in liturgical “Year C,” it is now the year in which we will listen to Luke's gospel at Mass on most Sundays. Luke's gospel has many favorite passages not found in any of the others: the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Birth of the Baptist, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the Finding of Jesus in the Temple (which is the only story of him between his infancy and his adulthood), the Widow's Son at Nain, the Good Samaritan, Mary & Martha, the Friend at Midnight, The Prodigal Son, the Healing of the Ten Lepers, the story of Zacchaeus, the Healing of the High Priest's Servant's Ear, the Road to Emmaus, and the Ascension among others. As we begin this New Church Year of ours, we are very happy to give you all today a 2010 Parish Calendar, compliments of Crawford Funeral Home, Inc. at 495 North Winton Road and The John M. Hedges Funeral Home at 1717 Portland Avenue . Please, share a copy with any homebound family members or friends as well.

Thank you for all Catholic Ministries Appeal pledges received last weekend on the “In-Pew Sunday” of this annual campaign. Due to the holiday bulletin printing scheduled, this bulletin may not reflect all gifts given last weekend. But please know that all pledges received by early-to-mid December will be reflected in our year-end Roster of Appreciation that will appear in the bulletin at the end of next month. Indeed, if you pledged and do not see your name there, please give a call so we can track down the parish to which your gift was mistakenly credited. We do have to make up the difference between whatever is raised and this year's $118,729 goal, so thank you for whatever special sacrifice can be made in this regard!

Happy Birthday this weekend to Rita Lee whose family surprised her a fortnight ago for her very special milestone. Tuesday is Liturgy Committee, AND the 50th anniversary of The Antarctic Treaty (read its 14 articles at http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/antarct/anttrty.jsp ). Wednesday is the Full “Cold” Moon, and Friday our earliest sunset. Saturday, blessings on our young ones making First Penance. Peace!

— Father Schrader

November 22, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I John is our 69th book of the Bible. It is the first of three letters in the New Testament attributed to John. In this first of these, John really wants us to know that he personally witnessed the Lord, and now he wants through his words to invite each of his readers to do the same. John emphasizes the need for a right relationship with the Lord, and refers to this as “fellowship” with the Lord. He names a number of things which we shall find on this letter's pages to help us strengthen that bond between the Lord and ourselves. By the time of his writing, some in the community had begun to deny that God had indeed become one like them in the person of Jesus. These were sometimes referred to as “antichrists” whose very stance kept them from realizing that they themselves were privileged to be children of God. To counteract this, John is very repetitive in conveying that, as God's children, we are to love one another. The book is believed to have been authored around the end of the 1st century. In this book's pages, we read that John wants the letter's recipients to share what has been seen and heard, that God is light, that no darkness abides in God, and that we must acknowledge the Son in order to be forgiven (ch. 1), that Christ is our Advocate with the Father, that we will know Christ if we obey the Commandments, and that we must be detached in order to live forever (ch. 2), that we are God's children and the reason we are not acknowledged is because the world never acknowledged God, that the reason for Jesus' appearing was to undo the work of the devil, and that we are to love one another (ch. 3), that there will be false prophets (so we should test the spirits), that we should love God because love is of God Who loved us first, and that we can't love God without loving our brothers and sisters (ch. 4), and that our faith will bring victory over the world, that there are 3 witnesses (the Spirit, water, and blood), that if we know that God listens to us then we will have what we ask, and that not all sin leads to death (ch. 5). When you finish this book, you will have read 69 (94.5%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,309 (98.1%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Today is “In-Pew Sunday” for this year's Catholic Ministries Appeal. Our goal this year is $118,729 and we have just passed the halfway mark. Acknowledging that this year is a challenging one for some, please make a pledge today in whatever amount may be most possible simply by filling out the card in the pew. No funds are needed today, just an indication of what you can intend to give between now and May. Any shortfall will need to come out of parish operating funds, so thank you ahead of time for pledging today!

End the Year of Mark by hearing our parish gospel proclaimers proclaim the gospel by heart at Sacred Heart Cathedral today at 1:30 P.M. On Tuesday , join us at Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church , 1000 N. Winton Road , at 7:00 P.M. for an ecumenical Thanksgiving service—our Fr. Brian Carpenter will preach. Then on Thursday , our parish Thanksgiving Mass will be at St. James at 9:00 A.M. A very Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours!

— Father Schrader

November 15, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

II Peter is the 68th book in our Bible. At the time of the author's writing it, the belief was that the day of the Lord was approaching. Peter wanted to be sure everyone was ready, and thus the focus of this book. There was a false teaching going around in his day that persuaded some to cling to the things of this world and deny the life to come. Yet Peter's conveyance of his concern is tempered with the same patience that the Lord once had to have toward him when Peter thrice denied even knowing the Lord at all. By this book's conclusion, we are convinced that Peter is ready for his own personal day with the Lord. While this book would have had to have been written by 65 A.D. in order to have Peter as its author, there is also other evidence that it may have been the latest of the New Testament books to have been written (around 100 A.D.) and, therefore, was “merely” attributed to Peter. In this book, we learn that God gave us all we need, that the divine nature has been shared with us, that we are to support our faith with 7 qualities, that our body is like a tent [not meant to last], and about the Transfiguration (ch. 1); that there will be fake prophets, that God punishes angels and men as appropriate yet saves the good, that some people have an insatiable capacity for sin, and that it is better not to know rather than to know and yet to desert the known (ch. 2); and that scoffers will come, that there will be a Day of Judgment, and yet that a day is like a thousand years: it will be slow to come, the Lord is patient, we must be saintly (ch. 3). This last chapter also contains the first reference in the Bible to part of the New Testament itself as being part of the Bible (see 3:15-16). When you finish this book, you will have read 68 (93.2%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,304 (97.8%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

At the 11:00 A.M. Mass today, we bless the youth and staff (Fr. Brian Carpenter and Alison LeChase) going to the National Catholic Youth Convention this week in Kansas City . Bishop Clark will also be present there. May the Lord bless them all! Monday, Happy Birthday to Judy Brawley! Thursday evening, Urban Choice Charter School in the old St. John the Evangelist School and Sullivan Center buildings will be holding an open house from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M.—parking is at #28 School down the street with shuttle service provided. On Friday at 7:30 P.M., the Diocese of Rochester and the Rochester Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians cordially invite us all to Sacred Heart Cathedral for the annual evening of prayer and music in honor of the Feast of St. Cecilia, patroness of church musicians. This year, the concert is dedicated to Sr. Margaret Caufield, RSM and Sr Josepha Kennedy, SSJ both of whom died this past year. Next weekend, an opportunity will be afforded at each of our Masses to make a pledge to this year's Catholic Ministries Appeal for those who have not yet had a chance. Lastly, come to the Cathedral again next Sunday (1:30-4:30 P.M.) to hear our Peace of Christ ensemble (including Fr. Bob Werth and myself) present The Gospel of Mark one final time (many thanks to Gloria Ulterino & Ken Klamm).

— Father Schrader

November 8, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I Peter is our 67th book of the Bible. It is the second of the seven “catholic,” or universally addressed, epistles found in the New Testament. Peter assures his hearers in a world that was rejecting them that they had a home, and it was among those who held true to their convictions, no matter what the cost. They were simply to be encouraged not to backslide into the sinful ways of their world, and he offers practical advice for every member of the household. Timothy Schehr points out that parts of this brief book are quoted in Tuesday Night Prayer ( like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around ) and among the Prefaces of Mass ( you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation… ). It contains the only scriptural reference to Rome being the site of Peter's martyrdom. The context points to the author's composition being from the time of Nero, about 65 A.D., shortly before Peter's death. In this book's pages, we read that even without seeing the Lord we can love him and believe in him, and that we have a call to holy living (ch. 1), that we should be without criticizing, drink milk, be “living stones” (in the words of the pastoral letter by our former diocesan leader, Bishop Hogan) (ch. 2), that there are proper ways for Christian spouses to treat one another (ch. 3), that suffering alleviates sin, that the end is near, that love covers a multitude of sins, that we are to be good stewards, and that we are to give thanks if we are judged worthy of suffering for being a Christian (ch. 4), and that we are to give a shepherd's care, be humble, unload our burdens on God, and stay sober and alert (ch. 5). When you finish this book, you will have read 67 (91.8%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,301 (97.5%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Some have asked what we are doing about the H1N1 virus. At this typing the basic rule is common sense: if you are ill, stay home; you are excused from your Sunday obligation. If you are present and don't feel up to par (or feel that some around you are not), please refrain from drinking from the cup, and from shaking or holding hands—and if someone near you does not offer a hand, please understand and honor their discerned decision. Updates as warranted.

Tomorrow is the feast of the dedication of the pope's cathedral, the Lateran Basilica. Tuesday is Pastoral Council meeting at 7:00 P.M. in St. John's Church hall (open forum is at 7:15 P.M., and we'll also discuss more on our web site, our finances and our vision statement). Wednesday is Veteran's Day. Our Men's Club President, George Perrotta, was one who went last weekend on an Honor Flight to Washington . Thursday brings “Indian Summer.” Friday fetes our 1st American saint, Frances Xavier Cabrini. Saturday we have First Penance conversations. Next Sunday, thanks for bringing in all remaining Catholic Ministry Appeal pledges to help wrap up everything by Thanksgiving. Be sure also to check our web site (Recommended Reading) for a super book for Advent to help experience the Lord's coming via new and unexpected people in our lives: This Flowing Toward Me by Marilyn Lacey, a Sister of Mercy. God's peace to all!

— Father Schrader

November 1, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

James is the 66th book found in our Bibles. It is the first of the seven “catholic” epistles found in the New Testament. That is, since they by and large were not addressed to specific communities, they were judged to have been addressed to the entire (universal, that is, “catholic”) Church. James identifies for all his readers four examples of faith which he holds up as ones that can help them (us) on our journey of faith: putting our faith into action, making good use of the power of speech, being detached from the things of this world, and asking for the gift of patience with our brothers and sisters. James the brother (cousin) of Jesus and leader of the Church in Jerusalem is said to be the author of this book. In its pages, we will read that our trials should lead to perseverance, that we should pray with confidence, that temptation is from the self and not from God, and that we are to act on the Word (ch. 1), that there is to be no partiality for the rich, that mercy trumps judgment, and that faith without works is deadly (ch. 2), that one must tame the tongue as one would a horse's bit, a boat's rudder, a flame, or a pest (ch. 3), that if we do not have that for which we ask from God it must be because we have asked wrongly, that when we give in to God the devil leaves, that we must think twice before passing judgment on another, and that we are each like naught but a fleeting mist (ch. 4), and that we must be patient like the farmer awaiting his crop's growth, that we should say Yes for yes and No for no and not need anything further, that the power of anointing is ours and we should get into the practice of confessing, and that a return to the faith will serve to cover many sins (ch. 5). When you finish this book, you will have read 66 (90.4%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,296 (97.2%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

This weekend we remember Fr. Jack Dugan, C.S.B., who had helped at St. Ambrose when I first arrived. He would have been 80 on Saturday (10/31). Sunday, if you're sitting in church wondering where everyone is, you probably forgot to wind your clock back last night. Sunday is All Saints Day. It is also the last day of Jim Whitaker's presence with us as Music Coordinator at St. John the Evangelist. Jim leaves this month to work for Princess Cruises on their Caribbean circuit. Jim, we wish you well! Come extend your own wishes in St. John's hall after the 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Masses. Sunday evening, our Web Site Committee meets. Monday is the Full “Beaver” Moon (at 2:14 P.M.) and our parish Catholic Ministries Appeal Team meets in the afternoon. Thank you to all who have already made a pledge to this year's campaign. All who have not yet done so will receive a letter from the diocese later this week. Our goal is $217,000 and we must pay it either by pledges or a withdrawal from our operating funds. Thanks for whatever pledge you can send in by mid-week ! Facilities Committee and Liturgy Committee meets (Sally Krowl is or new chair) meets Monday evening. Tuesday is Election Day. Happy birthday Thursday to Dane Noble-Rosema. Mass of Remembrance on Saturday at 10:00 A.M. at St. James! Pax!

— Father Schrader

October 25, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Hebrews brings us to our 65th book of the Bible. Timothy P. Schehr's The Bible Made Easy: A Book-by-Book Introduction (ISBN 978-0-86716-598-2) states in his opening lines on Hebrews : “If you are looking for a boost in your spiritual life, you will find it in this book! The author of Hebrews wants to light a fire in our hearts. He knows our struggles; he knows some of us may even be on the verge of giving up altogether. His advice to us all: Stay focused on the Lord because the Lord is the perfect mediator between God and humanity” (p. 214). We learn in Hebrews' pages that Jesus is above the angels and, like Moses' Passover, his offers life instead of death. Jesus is seen as the perfect priest whose single sacrifice of himself surpasses all other sacrifices ever to be made. While this letter is found with Paul's letters on a 2nd century manuscript, modern scholarship leans away from Pauline authorship. The book seems to pre-date the Fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. since it does not mention that event. Due to its content for believers facing great difficulty, it probably comes from the time of the ruler Nero (54-68 A.D.). In Hebrews' pages we read of Jesus being higher than the angels (ch. 1), of how Jesus' sufferings enable him to identify with and help others (ch. 2), of how one's refusal to believe will be the cause of one's lack of entry to the kingdom (ch. 3), of how it's never too late to change and we need to stay in the Now (ch. 4), of our need to get to consuming spiritually solid food (ch. 5), of how “hope” can be our anchor (ch. 6), of how priests themselves are called to tithe (ch. 7), of how Jesus mediates a new covenant—and we read the longest Old Testament quote (Jeremiah 31:31-34) in the New Testament (ch. 8:8-12), of earthly and heavenly sanctuaries and the descent to the dead (ch. 9), of how we should not skip church and how sin leads to hopelessness (ch. 10), of how faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen, of the Assumption of Enoch, and of our real home not being our origin but our goal (ch. 11), of the benefit of keeping our eyes on Jesus and the loving reason why we are disciplined (ch. 12) and of the need for us to welcome strangers, for in doing so we may be honoring angels from God (ch. 13). When you finish this book, you will have read 65 (89.0%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,291 (96.8%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Thanks once again for sponsoring Sr. Marlene, Fr. Brian, and any others for today's Mercy Bowl-a-thon. Today is also the Priesthood Sunday within the Year For Priests ( www.priestsunday.org/ ). Tuesday, happy birthday to Jeff Carter of our Peace of Christ maintenance staff. Wednesday would have been the birthdays of Bishop Kearney (125) and Bishop Hickey (95). May they rest in peace. The market crashed 80 years ago Thursday. Friday, thanks for making out your CMA pledge for the weekend. Wind your clocks back Saturday night. Nov. 1 is Jim Whitaker's final Sunday with us—reception following 9:00 & 11:00 A.M. Masses. We wish him well as he begins his new job with Princess Cruises in the Caribbean ! Peace to all!

— Father Schrader

October 18, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Philemon is the 64th book in our Bibles. It is the first 1-chapter book we have encountered since Obadiah in last April 19th's bulletin. This letter of Paul is really about the size of a letter we might write, and is written in Paul's own hand. Paul writes to Philemon who is in Colossae (which is in modern day Turkey ). Somehow, Philemon's slave, Onesimus (whose name means “useful”) had escaped and wound up with Paul in prison. While together with Paul, Onesimus was baptized, and now Paul tries to be the peacemaker pleading with Philemon (whose name means “loving”) to welcome Onesimus back as a brother in faith. We don't know for sure where Paul was when he wrote the letter, but some posit it was Ephesus , making the date of its composition somewhere in the mid 50's A.D. In its verses, Paul gives thanks as he usually does in his salutations; he also asks Philemon to prepare a room for him, and sends greetings not only from himself but from 5 others as well. When you finish this book, you will have read 64 (87.7%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,278 (95.8%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Today is World Mission Sunday. The gifts of our prayers and special offerings today will help the missionaries of our Church to continue to take the Gospel message to the ends of the earth. Indeed, we have two missionaries of sorts present among us this weekend. Fr. Brian Cool, Chaplain of the University of Rochester, will preside and preach at the 8:00 A.M. Mass today and Fr. Raymond Booth, retired and in residence at St. Louis in Pittsford, will preside and preach at the 9:45 A.M. Mass today. They are here (and we are very grateful for their presence) because of overlapping flight schedules: Fr. Brian Carpenter went to Indiana last Tuesday for a home visit and won't be back until tomorrow, and my own annual professional development opportunity this year is in October instead of the summer and requires an early Sunday departure with Father Kevin McKenna of the cathedral for Edmonton, Alberta. (As I'm typing this on last weekend, my brother just called from Rawlins, Wyoming where he and his wife are stranded because of snow as they drive back home from a wedding in Portland, Oregon—Lord knows what type of weather Fr. Kevin and I will experience 1,027 miles north of Rawlins!)

Tomorrow is the localized feast of Ss. John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues and their companions who were martyred right down the Thruway in Auriesville. Tuesday marks the 65th anniversary of the return of General MacArthur to the Philippines as promised. Wednesday is the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Guggenheim in New York . In 1836 on Thursday's October 22nd, Sam Houston became President of Texas. On Friday (feast of St. John of Capistrano), the swallows leave Capistrano , California until March 19. Saturday is Pele's birthday (when the Olympics come to his Brazil in 2016, he will be 75). Next Sunday is the Mercy Bowl-A-Thon. Thank you for sponsoring Sister Marlene and Fr. Brian or any other bowler. Thanks, too, for all CMA pledges being sent in. God bless all that we are about!

— Father Schrader

October 11, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Titus brings us to our 63rd book of the Bible. It is the third of the “Pastoral Letters” in the New Testament, and, as the letters to Timothy were written to the one Paul left in charge at Ephesus , Titus is written to the one he left in charge on Crete . Paul pleads with Titus to lead by good example, as that more than anything else will help to lead those to whom he is sent to the Truth and away from those things that initially occupied the bulk of their attention, that is, their more selfish passions and pleasures. Eternal life is a much more lofty goal on which to focus. If this letter is indeed from Paul's own hand, then it is written after his house arrest in Rome (after 63 A.D.) since he is available to meet with Titus in Nicopolis (see 3:12). In the verses of this book, we read about the coming-into-focus of church offices that are familiar to us (such as bishops) and we learn of the qualifications required of ones to occupy those offices (ch. 1), the types of behavior that those who are older in the community should display and the fact that God's grace is to save all of humanity and not just a certain people (ch. 2), and a call to be obedient to authority, to be gentle, to be kind and to be realistic: if after two times others choose to persist in their sinful ways, just move on (ch. 3). When you finish this book, you will have read 63 (86.3%) of the 73 books of the Bible (only 10 more to go!), yet 1,274 (95.7%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Major tragedies in Samoa and Indonesia of recent days have taken a severe toll on surviving citizens of those jurisdictions. To aid in the recovery, donations may be directed to Catholic Relief Services, 228 W. Lexington St. , Baltimore , Maryland 21201-3413 (888-277-7575) http://www.crs.org . For those who can not thank you, thanks!

Today is National Children's Day. God's blessings on our kids! Blessings, too, on our elderly and infirm: the Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated this afternoon at 2:00 P.M. at St. James. Fr. Brian Carpenter and Fr. Hoan Dinh (two priest interns of our diocese) will administer this holy anointing. Speaking of oil, it was 50 years ago today that I was confirmed. I'm still smarting from the smack on the cheek! Tomorrow is Columbus Day (and Happy Thanksgiving to our neighbors to the north). Tuesday—in addition to having Staff and Pastoral Council meetings (with Open Forum for your concerns at 7:15 P.M.)—is the birthday of Janet Andrychuk-Tedesco of our Peace of Christ music ministry. Wednesday—in addition to having Finance Council—is the birthday of Laurie Maier of our Peace of Christ pastoral staff. Thursday, be sure to check out the Women of the Well presentation at St. John the Evangelist at 7:00 P.M. We have so much to offer right here at home, may we avail ourselves of these treasures and grow in spiritual depth as well. Friday is National Boss Day.

Thank you to all who have already made a pledge (via mail or the Sunday collection basket) to our Catholic Ministries Appeal for 2009. As we saw in the materials, so much of what we do as a parish is supported by these funds. Looking outward, next week is World Mission Sunday . May our support help in taking the Gospel to the world! Pax!

— Father Schrader

October 4, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

II Timothy is the 62nd book in our Bible. It is the second of the “Pastoral Letters” in the New Testament and yet it is the last that Paul would write before his death around 67 A.D. in Rome . He writes this time to Timothy to buoy up his spirits. It appears that Timothy (in his diligence to proclaim the gospel authentically) had gotten into an argument with two individuals named Hymenaeus and Philetus. Paul rather encourages Timothy to come to see him so that both can gain from mutual support while they are still on this side of eternity. Such writing gives one pause to reflect on our use of letter-writing to bolster one another along our ways through life: How many of us even still write letters? Those that do, what content fills their pages: is it focused on stories about me, or inquiries and concern about the other? How might some form of meaningful communication beyond a mere “tweet” make for more purposeful presence of ourselves to the other? In the pages of this book, we read of Paul's recalling Timothy's grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (ones whom Paul obviously knew sufficiently by name) and an admonition by Paul that Timothy fan into flames his gift (a good prescription for ourselves as well) (ch. 1); Paul's mention of sports, of farming, and of keeping the gospel unchained, as well as of godless philosophy, gangrene, and being gentle (ch. 2); Paul's assessment of the dangers of the last days and of the necessity to be less self-centered, and of his knowledge of the names of Pharoah's magicians in Moses' day, Jannes and Jambres (names with a non-Biblical etymology) and of the usefulness of all inspired Scripture (ch. 3); and Paul's call to proclaim the gospel whether welcome or not, to fight the good fight, to run the race, and to bring his coat and books from the lost-and-found in Troas (ch. 4). When you finish this book, you will have read 62 (84.9%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,274 (95.5%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

By this time, we all should have received our 2009-2010 Catholic Ministries Appeal information in the mail. Indeed, the first “Roster of Appreciation” is found in this bulletin in gratitude with the first pledges already received. Information is provided at today's Masses along with this year's DVD explaining very musically how our CMA gifts are put to good and necessary use year-round. Thanks for whatever pledges you can give this week even if the funds themselves will be later forthcoming.

If today were not a Sunday, we would be celebrating the Mass for the feast of St. Francis of Assisi . We are, however, having a Pet Blessing at 1:00 P.M. in Dailey Hall at St. Ambrose. God bless all our furry (and non-furry) friends! Today is also the Full “Harvest” Moon (at 2:10 A.M. for those desiring to see it at its fullest). God bless all farm laborers working beneath its rays! It is also Respect Life Sunday. May all we do be in respect for each person from womb to tomb. Meetings this week, among others: Facilities on Monday, Liturgy on Tuesday, and Stewardship on Wednesday. Next Sunday is the Anointing of the Sick at 2:00 P.M. at St. James. Blessings, all!

— Father Schrader

September 27, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I Timothy brings us to the 61st book in our Bible. It is the first of the “Pastoral Letters” in the New Testament and addresses Timothy who had accompanied Paul on his journeys to Corinth and Thessa-lonica. Timothy was now pastoring the flock at Ephesus , a port on the western coast of Asia Minor . Paul here addresses distortions to the gospel that had come about and writes to Timothy as one pastor to another. Paul addresses many practical matters, even what to wear in the small house churches of that area so as not to distract from the One who is the focus of the liturgy. It is felt that this letter was written sometime in or after 63 A.D. after Paul's imprisonment in Rome and probably from him in Macedonia . In this letter, we hear Paul: instruct Timothy to stay in Ephesus and work against the false teachers in that area and that Jesus came to save sinners of whom Paul self-identifies as one of the greatest (ch. 1); offer a liturgical prayer and give instruction on proper liturgy by way of offering petitions, lifting hands up, and being silent at times (ch. 2); give qualifications for anyone who is a bishop (be husband of one wife and not a new convert) or a deacon (ch. 3); condemn false asceticism and tout the usefulness of religion and warn folks not to reject Timothy because of his youthful age (ch. 4); teach how to speak to elders and to care for relatives living with you and to treat widows and to drink a little wine for the stomach (ch. 5); and give a few words on slavery, the usefulness of religion, and on love of money being the root of all evil (ch. 6). When you finish this book, you will have read 61 (83.6%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,270 (95.2%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Sometime this past week, we all should have received our CMA (Catholic Ministries Appeal) letter and pledge card from the diocese. Our goal this year is $118,730, it is less than last year and more in keeping with our overall actual membership and resources. The theme is “Keeping the Spirit Alive” and the campaign does, indeed, strive to keep many of the ministries and services used by the parish alive and available throughout the year. This is all spelled out in the materials mailed to each of us and will be reviewed next weekend at church. Early pledges will be included in our first weekly Roster of Appreciation in the October 4th bulletin next weekend. Thank you, one and all, for your prayerful and financial support of these endeavors!

Tomorrow, on Yom Kippur, may we keep our Jewish sisters and brothers in prayer on this high holy day of theirs. Tuesday, all diocesan priests are invited to spend a day with our bishop to reflect on our vocations as served out in this diocese over the past many years and decades. Wednesday, our staff has its September meeting. Pray for these hard workers as they daily minister so faithfully for us all. Thursday begins October and the final quarter of the year. Thank you for your regular generosity in supporting the parish, as well as your ongoing care in redeeming all pledges toward last year's capital campaign. Our facilities are now truly in good shape because of it. Friday is Guardian Angels day. Next Sunday we bless pets at 1:00 P.M.

— Father Schrader

September 20, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

II Thessalonians is the 60th book of our Bible. [Last week, by the way, this column began by referring to “Colossians” which had been the subject the previous week. The book actually addressed last week was I Thessalonians —pardon the error, though know that it appears correctly in the web site summary of all these columns at http://www.peaceofchristparish.org/Pastor%20Column/Bible_Summaries.php which is updated weekly.] This second letter to the people of Thessalonica according to the Bible introductory book by our friend, Timothy P. Schehr (ISBN 978-0-86716-598-2), finds just as much energy as in I Thessalonians but this time it is Paul's and not the people's. Theirs had waned as the time went on, and Paul here tries to re-motivate them. When they had heard about the Second Coming of the Lord from Paul earlier, in their understanding of it as being about to happen at any moment, some of them had given up expending energy of any type but rather chose simply to wait for the end's arrival. In this second letter, he counsels that they will experience various challenges to their beliefs and must be ready to endure hardship because of these. Paul holds himself up as an example for them to follow: he was a hard worker and expects them to be such as well. In this letter (written perhaps a year after the preceding one), we'll hear Paul's opening of thanks for the Thessalonians and their faith, a faith he tries to buoy up for the future (ch. 1), Paul's admonition not to be deceived by alarmists' false prophesying about the end time, and then a word of further thanks (ch. 2), and a plea by Paul for prayers to be preserved from bigoted people, and a call not to be idle (ch. 3). When you finish this book, you will have read 60 (82.2%—over 4/5!) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,264 (94.8%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

On this Catechetical Sunday , we are grateful for all the many volunteers who labor throughout the year to help the Christian Formation of our youth and families. This is how our faith is passed on from generation to generation. Today is also Human Development Sunday . Sister Beth LeValley of our St. Ambrose Convent mentioned the other day that the Credit Union where she works received this year a grant from last year's Human Development collection. So, please know that our own neighborhood benefits from these funds which will be used locally. Indeed, some of our own parishioners are customers of that Credit Union and yet others have devoted countless hours toward its success for the good of our whole community. So thanks much for your support. Also today is our Parish Picnic . I look forward to seeing as many of you as may be able to attend on this final weekend of the summer. Monday is our bishop's feast day. Tuesday, autumn begins (at 5:19 P.M.). Wednesday is Padre Pio's feast day. Thursday is the 75th anniversary of Babe Ruth's last game. By Friday, we all should have received our annual letter inviting us to participate in this year's Catholic Ministries Appeal . These funds help us in the parish in many ways which will be shared with you on October 3-4. Thank you for all early pledges to make this a success!

— Father Schrader

September 13, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Colossians brings us to the 59th book in our Bible. Though it is almost midway amongst the 27 books of the New Testament, it is actually the earliest of those books to be written. One commentator describes it as being more like one-half of a telephone conversation than like any type of theological book, because it is penned by Paul from Corinth around the year 50 in his care and concern for the people of Thessalonica among whom he had previously spent time preaching the good news. They and Paul are decidedly excited, for at the time they felt that the Second Coming of the Lord would imminently be upon them. Still, Paul himself does not know exactly when this will occur, so he simply advises that they constantly live according to gospel values in order to be in a continuous state of readiness for the Lord's return. The book is written less than 20 years after the Lord's resurrection, and it seems Paul is correcting some who had come along trying to make profit off of the gospel. He also calms those concerned because some of their loved ones had died already before the Lord's return. In these pages he builds up the Thessalonians as he congratulates them for their faith and example (ch. 1); he reminds them that God gave them courage for times of opposition, and he refers to himself in the role of mother and in the role of father toward them (ch. 2); we hear how Paul had sent Timothy to look in on them and how Paul was grateful for the report he received back from Timothy about them (ch. 3); he tells them that they are doing good, but that there is always room for improvement, and we also find an often used funeral reading here, one which some link with Revelations 20:4 to posit a Rapture beginning a 1000-year Reign of Christ (ch. 4); and Paul closes out this book with a reference to the “Day of the Lord”, the admonition to be always ready for the Lord's return even should it come at night, a call to respect their spiritual leaders and always be joyful, and a warning not to stifle the Spirit (ch. 5). When you finish this book, you will have read 59 (80.8%—over 4/5!) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,261 (94.5%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Happy Grandparents Day to all who are grand ones! See Fr. Brian and Youth Ministry Director Alison LeChase play soccer at the Rhinos' stadium at Noon today on behalf of our youth! Monday, our Joint Facilities Committee meets (much to talk about these days). Tuesday is the 60th anniversary of the Lone Ranger hitting our little Black and White TV screens. Wednesday is a Fall Ember Day as well as the next meeting of our Finance Council (on their behalf, I thank you for your sacrificial giving each Sunday as well as for any Vacation Make-up offerings you may have made, and for your ongoing payment of pledges to last year's Capital Campaign which is enabling all our repairs to be made even as I type). Thursday is the feast of St. Robert!! Friday is the 200 Club Dinner. Saturday is Jewish New Year 5770. Next Sunday, our Parish Picnic Mass at Ellison Park is at 11:30 A.M. (no 11:00 A.M. Mass at St. John 's next week). Peace!

— Father Schrader

September 6, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Colossians is the 58th book of the Bible. Though it is thought that Paul wrote this from his house arrest in Rome back to the people of Colossae, some have argued (from the vocabulary that is used) that it may actually have been written after his death and ascribed to him as being in keeping with what he would have written. In either case, it is filled with a number of vivid images which help to convey his message. For Colossians' author, Christ was the image of the unseen God: to look at Jesus and observe his actions was to see God's own self, and Paul was there to bring this message to the Gentile converts as Peter had brought it to the Jewish converts (ch. 1); in Paul's concern for the Colossian's faith, he told them to “Beware of Philosophy” as he was particularly concerned with various cosmic ones that were prevalent at that time, and he referred to Baptism as the “Christian Circumcision” and also advised that folks “Beware of Angels” and “Beware of Visions”—there was much to beware of in those days (ch. 2); he warned the Colossians regarding uncontrolled passion, spoke of “greed” as being against the 1st Commandment (worshiping wealth as a false god), then went on (in what is a common wedding passage) to describe what spiritual clothes to wear (a fitting image since Colossae was the heart of a thriving clothing industry in its day), wrote of the “peace of Christ” in the only verse of the Bible to use the name of our parish (3:15), wrote again regarding kind family relationships, and encouraged that whatever our work is in life we should put our heart into it (ch. 3); then he ends this book with a call to perseverance and to pray for himself, an encouragement to add a little salty wit to our speech with one another, a mention of Onesimus (to be encountered again in the Book of Philemon), a mention of house churches, an invitation to the Colossians to share this letter with the Laodiceans (Ephesians?) and exchange it with theirs, and an assurance that this is by his own hand—it is certainly in his own spirit (ch. 4). When you finish this book, you will have read 58 (79.4%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,256 (94.2%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Tomorrow is our Labor Day 9:00 A.M. Mass in the Father Zimmer Peace Garden at St. John's (in the church in case of rain)—though there will be the normal 7:45 A.M. Mass at St. James and a Communion Service at Cedarwood at 10:00 A.M. as well. Tuesday is our first Pastoral Council meeting of the year (7:00 P.M. at St. John's) and after its 7:15 P.M. “Open Forum,” we'll cover our new parishioner welcome process, our campaign and finances update, our committee report form, the Vision Statement implementation, and more. Wednesday, our ecumenical neighboring clergy gather for discussion/planning. Thursday is Arnold Palmer's 80th! Friday (9/11) is Patriot Day, and the 9:15 St. John Neumann School Opening Mass at St. Ambrose. Saturday is the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson heading up the river. Next Sunday is Faith Futbol (see p. 2). Spirit Alive Year 3 Bible reading of “Acts” begins this week ( " p. 6, col. 1).

Thanks for all “Campaign” and “Vacation Make-Up” gifts! Pax!

— Father Schrader

August 30, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Philippians brings us to the 57th book in our Bibles. This brief letter (only 4 chapters) packs quite a bit in its verses. It is obvious that Paul is writing to a community he had come to love and had been very supportive of his ministry, but he is probably writing it from his prison cell of house arrest in Rome near the end of his life. Paul writes a wish (found in today's ordination rite for deacons) that the one who began God's work in them will bring it to completion in them, and he also expresses to them that it matters not whether he himself lives or dies, for Christ will be proclaimed through him in either case (ch. 1); Paul strives mightily for the Philippians' unity among themselves in focusing on one another's needs rather than on each of their own, and he also utters a prayer which captures the very kenosis (complete emptying) of Jesus for us on the cross (indeed, this has been set to music and was one of the scriptural passages used at my priesthood ordination back in 1978): we are to shine like stars amidst all of such self-emptying among ourselves (ch. 2); Paul speaks of the true way of Christian salvation in one's breaking with the past as it may hold one back, and he even posts the only “Beware of the Dogs” sign in the Bible as he warns against those “dogs” insisting on practices no longer required to be numbered among God's People—in fact he goes so far as to point to himself as the reformed example that they should follow, and one section of his letter is often used at funerals as it identifies our true homeland as being heaven (ch. 3); and finally he closes with a “Don't Worry, Be Happy” outlook as he thanks his readers for their donations in the past and sends greetings from Caesar's household [which is his imprisoning “host”] (ch. 4). When you finish this book, you will have read 57 (78.1%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,252 (93.9%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

This week we mourn the death of the fourth pastor of St. Ambrose Church, James J. Marvin (1971-1995) who died last Sunday morning. Throughout my priesthood I have known him as one who has given his all to whatever he was about, whether it be to his pastoring, his work in and for the diocese, his family or his friends. May he rest in peace, and may we now carry on such practice of commitment as his!

Today, we welcome Basilian Father Thomas Rosica to our 9:45 Mass. Fr. Tom (at whose First Mass then-Pastor Jim Marvin had preached here at St. Ambrose on April 20, 1986) currently ministers in Toronto both on the General Council of the Basilian Fathers and as Chief Executive Officer of Canada's Salt & Light Catholic Television Network. He very graciously hosted me a couple weeks ago in Toronto , and we are grateful for his presence now with us today here in Rochester . Monday is 12 years since Princess Di's death. Tuesday re-starts our Liturgy Committee for the year. Wednesday is the 40th anniversary of the ATM machine in the U.S. (gee, Moon Walk, Woodstock , and ATM all in 1969!). Thursday is Flag Day in Australia . Friday is the Full “Corn” Moon. Safe Labor Day next weekend!

— Father Schrader

August 23, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Ephesians is the 56th book of the Bible. Timothy P. Schehr in his The Bible Made Easy (ISBN 978-0-86716-598-2) sees the two main divisions of this book as being “God's loving plan” (chapters 1-3) and “Our loving response” (chapters 4-6). He also points out that the letter is not specifically addressed to the church at Ephesus, but rather seems to have been directed to the wider area of western Turkey, Ephesus being where one might best send a letter in that day for such broad dispersal. Paul stayed in Ephesus for several years (54-57 A.D.) and it is felt that he probably wrote this letter back to the church of this area from the time of his house arrest in Rome (61-63 A.D.), though some believe it may have even been sent from the hand of one of Paul's disciples sometime after Paul's own death in 67 A.D. In the words of this letter, we find a much kinder salutation than had been sent to the Galatians and also the message that those addressed were chosen (before the world began) to be holy as adopted ones of God sealed by the Holy Spirit (ch. 1), an assurance that they were saved not by things they did to “earn” salvation but by God's own good grace and, further, that they were aliens no longer but were now one with those who had formerly been the only ones to be considered as God's chosen people (ch. 2), a description of Paul's ministry to the Gentiles and a prayer by Paul for his Ephesian readers (ch. 3), a call to unity that is often read during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and a list of rules for the new life now to be lived [including the beautiful one which calls us never to end the day angry with another] (ch. 4), a prescription to take God as our pattern, to avoid foul behavior and speech, to be of the light, and to ascribe to certain morals in the home [Paul gets himself into trouble with many modern readers when he gets to the parts about submission] (ch. 5), and a call to children to be obedient especially since the 4th commandment is the 1st one to come with a promise [which will sound familiar to Star Trek fans of the Vulcan Spock: “Live long and prosper”] (ch. 6:3)—he also goes on to call for a new wardrobe for the believer: wear the armor of God and shoes of eagerness (ch. 6). When you finish this book, you will have read 56 (76.7%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,248 (93.6%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

For 2 Sundays, we are covering the 8:30 A.M. Mass in Sodus Point—Fr. Carpenter will be there this week, Fr. Werth next. Monday is the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of St. James Parish. Tuesday, our staff has its summer meeting. Wednesday brings the 89th anniversary of Women's Right to Vote. Thursday would have been Mother Teresa's 99th birthday. Friday, Peace of Christ will be well represented at the Red Wings game (watch their scoreboard throughout the evening). Saturday, our Pastoral Council gathers for a time of prayer for all of you in the parish and for all their work in the year to come (it will also have been 4 years since Hurricane Katrina). Next Sunday, welcome Basilian Father Tom Rosica at our 9:45 Mass. Pax!

— Father Schrader

August 16, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Galatians brings us to the 55th book in our Bible. Some believe that Paul wrote this letter at the completion of his first missionary journey, around the year 50 A.D., which could make this the earliest written book in the New Testament; but that distinction usually goes to I Thessalonians. A strong belief, rather, is that this was written during the period when Paul settled in Ephesus for a few years in the mid-50's A.D. since the nature of the writing is to correct a few communities where folks had started (after Paul departed them) to believe counter-beliefs brought to them by others of questionable credentials. We will see a great deal of emotion in Paul's words here because he is truly upset. In Galatians' pages, we'll read an opening to a book by Paul that is not all prayerful and supportive as most of his letters begin, but rather one that goes so far as to say that even if an angel shall appear with a contrary message, that being shall be cursed [one can find these words within the sanctuary of the Roman Catholic cathedral in Salt Lake City] (ch. 1), an account of how Paul stood up to Peter himself in Antioch when Peter changed his own behavior among the Gentile converts whenever Jewish converts were present instead of honoring the properness of the Gentiles' customs which were not guided by the Law but by their Faith in Jesus (ch. 2), the most accusatory opening of a chapter in the Bible where Paul writes, “You stupid Galatians!” because they could not see that Abraham, the Father of those of the Jewish faith, himself was found acceptable to God—and he was 430 years before the Law ever came via Moses to the people [one wonders whether Paul ever had a beer with the Galatians afterwards to apologize for his choice of words] (ch. 3), Paul's insistence that God is crying out a self-identity of “Abba, Father” even to the Gentiles, and Paul's feeling that he has wasted time in his ministering among the Galatians and that they all need to be re-born (ch. 4), Paul's going so far as to wish self-castration on some who have led in the wrong direction, and his insistence that freedom is not for license but rather to love [he goes on to list 15 works of the flesh to avoid in using one's freedom, and 9 fruits of the Spirit for which to strive] (ch. 5), and his seemingly calmer ending in the final chapter [after he blew off all his steam] calling for correcting gently, helping to carry burdens, and a note referencing his penmanship which seems to have given itself over to a large script in the surge of emotions pouring forth from his quill (ch. 6). When you finish this book, you will have read 55 (75.3%—over 3/4!) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,242 (93.1%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

As you read this, I am in the middle of a brief respite to visit some old acquaintances in the Midwest . By this weekend, I'll have driven northward and be in Manitoba and Saskatchewan . After a drive back east over the top of the Great Lakes , I'll be back home Friday evening. Be assured of remembrance in my prayers along the highway this week. May these final weeks of summer be kind to us all! Pax!

— Father Schrader

August 9, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

II Corinthians is our 54th book of the Bible. Written as much as a year after I Corinthians (and after yet another letter mentioned in II Cor 2:4), it appears that some other apostolic-type persons had visited Corinth in the interlude with great boasts about their credentials. Paul in this letter shows great concern as a shepherd for the young Corinthian church and lays out for them what boasts should really most concern them. Indeed, the word “boast” appears more than 20 times in this letter (depending on the translation you are using). See if you can find them (or their equivalent if your translation uses a different word) as you read, for they may be things about which WE might look to boast as well. You will encounter a much more emotional Paul in this letter than in the preceding one. He is so because of his great passion for the authentic Gospel message and because of his love for those in the Corinthian Church . In this second biblical letter of Paul to the Corinthians, we find that Jesus is not “Yes” one minute and “No” the next but always “Yes” for us and our needs (ch. 1), that some passages of Scripture can almost be smelled (ch. 2), that letters of recommendation sometimes come in human form (ch. 3), that wonderful funeral readings can be found among Paul's words (ch. 4), that ambassadors are not only found in embassies (ch. 5), that resolute perseverance finally does pay off (ch. 6), that there is some “distress” or “grievance” that is good for us (ch. 7), that we should be encouraged to be generous (ch. 8), that if we sow sparingly we will reap sparingly (ch. 9), that Paul was able to defend himself (ch. 10), that Paul was a little like Robin Hood (ch. 11:8), that though we may have a thorn in our life, God's grace is enough for us (ch. 12), and that witnesses are important when charges are made (ch. 13). When you finish this book, you will have read 54 (74.0%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,236 (92.7%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Thank you ever so much to all who planned, staffed, or attended this past week's Summer Session . This week, there are several important birthdays and feasts. Monday, Herbert Hoover would have been 133. Tuesday, our own Fr. Werth will be less than half that age. Wednesday is the feast of St. Hippolytus who is credited with the Second Eucharistic Prayer which we use at Mass. Thursday is the 351st birthday of NYC's men in blue as the first American police force. Friday, we wish a Happy Birthday to Herm Wunderlich of our Peace of Christ Maintenance Division. Saturday is the solemnity (feast) of Mary's Assumption; since it falls on a Saturday, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation; however, we will have a Mass that morning at 9:00 A.M. at St. Ambrose to celebrate it. And next Sunday is the 110th anniversary of the birth of the inventor of the Bunsen Burner.

Please note that during this month, all our parking lots are being paved and roof work is being done as well. Funerals are being scheduled for whichever churches are most accessible during this period. Thanks for understanding as this seasonal work is being done.

— Father Schrader

August 2, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I Corinthians ( St. Paul 's first letter to the people of Corinth ) is the 53rd book in our Bible. Paul spent some 18 months in Corinth spanning from 49 to 51 A.D., and would have been able to support himself by his trade as a tentmaker from all the commerce in the area which was quite substantial because of the two main ports that served it. Even before How To Win Friends and Influence People, Paul knew that the best way to begin his writing was to compliment his readers on their strengths, and then to motivate them to get even stronger (an Olympian thought!) by nourishing their spiritual gifts. Yet he did have to admonish his readers to keep their focus on Jesus and not on God's instruments (himself, Apollos, etc.), to resolve their disputes among themselves rather than resorting to secular courts, to be willing to sacrifice for the greater and more-lasting values of heaven, and to cherish their giftedness in the Lord. Paul wrote to this church in Corinth about 5 years after his stay there. Apparently (from I Cor. 5:9) there was a letter which preceded I Corinthians; this next letter was written to Corinth from Ephesus, and one of its motivating factors was the weakening of the church of Corinth since Paul's departure. In this book's pages, we hear of Paul calling for no factions, admitting that his own preaching seemed a “folly” for some (ch. 1), of the power of assessing things by the mind of the spiritual person (ch. 2), of the divisions which had developed within the Church of Corinth (ch. 3), of stewardship, being a fool for Christ, and Paul's self-description of himself in the roll of “father” [4:15: Greek pateras as opposed to Aramaic Abba used in Matthew 23:9] (ch. 4), of incest, yeast and judgment (ch. 5), of judging angels, a theology of the body, and all being permitted (ch. 6), of marriage, the Pauline Privilege, and pre-marital matters (ch. 7), of idol food and scandal causes (ch. 8), of Paul's compulsion to preach and of his days as a boxer (ch. 9), of never being tested beyond one's strength (ch. 10), of the oldest record of the Last Supper [even before the gospels] (ch. 11), of spiritual gifts, being one body with many parts, and our being the Body of Christ (ch. 12), of the ranking of spiritual gifts and a nuptial passage used at almost every wedding (ch. 13), of prophets and tongues and women of silence (ch 14), of Paul being abnormal, like Popeye [“I am what I am”], and teaching that bad company corrupts (ch. 15), and of a collection sent from the missionary country back to the sending church of Jerusalem (ch. 16). When you finish this book, you will have read 53 (72.6%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,223 (91.7%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible. [Note: Genesis was 1 year ago this weekend!]

Thank you ever so much to all who organized, worked, or patronized last weekend's 2009 Garage Sale . Its success is truly a blessing for our parish! Monday brings Summer Session ; Tuesday is the feast of St. John Vianney, patron of parish priests; Wednesday we have the Full “Sturgeon” Moon (eclipsed as it sets); Friday, Fr. Brian closes Summer Session with a “Teaching Mass” at 2:00 P.M. Peace to all!

— Father Schrader

July 26, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Romans is our 52nd book of the Bible. As Timothy P. Schehr notes in The Bible Made Easy (ISBN 978-0-86716-598-2), “The letters of the New Testament apply the gospel to daily life in much the same way the wisdom books apply the message of the Old Testament to daily life” (p. 169). First amongst these we have the letters attributed to St. Paul , some written to communities to address problems and some written to individuals. Then comes the Letter to the Hebrews, and finally the “catholic epistles” (those with a wider range than Paul's letters) such as James; I, II, and III John; I & II Peter; and Jude. The letters of Paul are not arranged chronologically. Rather, the oldest known manuscript (3rd century) arranges the first 8 of them according to length, thus Romans is first. In Romans, Paul is not trying to correct any abuses, but rather to lay out the basic teaching of the gospel: that Jesus came to die for all, Jew and Greek, that they may be saved. Paul wrote this letter around 58 A.D., but did not finally get to Rome until 61 A.D. In Romans' pages, we'll find the power of the gospel to offset the guilt of us all (ch. 1), the powerlessness of the Law or of circumcision to save one apart from one's being a person of the Law (ch. 2), the justification of us all by God's good grace (ch. 3), the ancestry of Abraham being for Jew and Gentile alike (ch. 4), the posturing of Adam and Jesus (ch. 5), the wages of sin being death (ch. 6), the difficulty in doing the good we desire to do (ch. 7), the confidence of the believer in that, if God is for us, who can be against us? (ch. 8), God's election of Israel (ch. 9), our justification by faith (ch. 10), the ability to be grafted back on to God after sinning (ch. 11), our being one Body with many parts (ch, 12), a call to stay alert (ch. 13), an admonition against causing scandal (ch. 14), the sharing of Paul's plans to reach Rome (ch. 15), and a recounting of Epaenetus, Asia's first convert (ch. 16). When you finish this book, you will have read 52 (71.2%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,207 (90.5%—less than 10% left for all the rest of 2009) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Many thanks to all who have worked so diligently on our parish Garage Sale this weekend. Be sure to check it out in Dailey Hall today, Sunday, 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.. Monday is the 101st anniversary of Father Feeney's birth. Tuesday is the 141st anniversary of the passage of the 14th Amendment (now go find out what it is). Wednesday is the Feast of St. Martha: let us be busy about many things. Thursday is the 55th anniversary of Elvis Presley's first appearance in Memphis and the 34th anniversary of Jimmy Hoffa's dis appearance. On Friday, I'll say Mass at Camp Stella Maris (as Fr. Carpenter did on July 17th and Fr. Werth will on August 21st). Saturday is the Teddy Bear Picnic for families of children baptized this past year. Sunday, it's been 100 years since Lincoln 's head first appeared on our pennies. Spend yours wise ly ! Midsummer peace to you all!

— Father Schrader

July 19, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The Book of Acts of the Apostles is the 51st book in our Bible. It is really Part 2 of the Gospel of Luke, since it has the same author. Indeed, similar to the gospel, Acts begins with an Infancy Narrative of sorts—however, here we are talking about our birth as a Church: the Holy Spirit continues a very active presence as in Part 1 (Luke's gospel account) and all that transpires in these early years of the Church does so only under such divine tutelage. Besides the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles (like a reversal of Genesis 11 where all were struck with an inability to understand one another at Babel because of their trying to act as their own gods rather than as the one God would have them do), we have the choice of Matthias to replace Judas (ch. 1), the conversion of 3,000 people and the start of “daily Mass” (ch. 2), Peter healing as Jesus had done (ch. 3), a rocking house (ch. 4), a healing shadow (ch. 5), the first 7 deacons now that the gospel was to go to Gentile as well as to Jew (ch. 6), the intro of Saul who would be Paul (ch. 7), an attempt to buy the Holy Spirit (ch. 8), the conversion of Saul [1st of 3 such accounts] (ch. 9), angelic appearances (ch. 10), people called “Christians” for the first time (ch. 11), Rhoda (ch. 12), Saul becoming Paul (ch. 13), 2 “apostles” called “gods” (ch. 14), the 1st Council of the Church (ch. 15), a quaking jail (ch. 16), the identification of the Unknown God (ch. 17), a haircut (ch. 18), the calming job of the Town Clerk (ch. 19), a sermon much longer (and more tragic—poor Eustychus!) than any you'll ever hear at Peace of Christ (ch. 20), the reappearance from chapter 11 of the prophet Agabus (ch. 21), Paul saved by his citizenship (ch. 22), Paul taken to the top cat, Felix (ch. 23), a pre-Gunsmoke Festus (ch. 24), Paul's appeal to Caesar to save him (ch. 25), Paul's deferred release because of his appeal to Caesar (ch. 26), a Nor'easter striking Paul (he would have loved Rochester!) en route to Caesar (ch. 27), and the revelation that Syracuse was on the way to Rome just as it is for us on the Thruway (ch. 28). When you finish this book, you will have read 51 (69.9%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,179 (88.4%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Congratulations today to Sister Mary Ann Brunett, SSJ, who celebrates her 50th Jubilee at the 9:45 A.M. Mass. Monday, we welcome Father Ray Quetchenbach back with us for 2 weeks. Tuesday, the moon is the closest it will be to us all year—but you won't see it because it's a New Moon (and you won't see the sun either if you go to India because the New Moon there is eclipsing it). It was 389 years ago Wednesday that the Puritans left for America . And it was 162 years ago Thursday that the Mormons reached Salt Lake City . Friday, our Garage Sale Wine & Cheese Party ($5) begins at 7:00 P.M.. Saturday, come to the Garage Sale itself in Dailey Hall (9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.), and again on Sunday (11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.). Peace to all!

— Father Schrader

July 12, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

John is the 50th book in our Bible. John, as the non-synoptic gospel account, is not rooted in Mark and the “Quelle” source for its basis. As the Beloved Disciple, John has much first person credibility on his own. Unlike Matthew and Luke, John's account does not begin with an Infancy Narrative. But there is an interesting point that I have noted in my own reading of the 4 gospel accounts. Though scholars differ, one very dependable one, Passionist Father Carroll Stuhlmueller, posits that the gospel accounts were written in this order: Mark, Matthew, Luke, and then John. It seems that the importance of Jesus in the history of salvation is able to be seen earlier and earlier in time as the post-resurrection years add up. That is, Mark begins his reference to Jesus with the ministry of John the Baptist; Matthew traces Jesus' roots back to Abraham; Luke traces them all the way back to Adam; and John goes the furthest of all: “In the beginning was the Word.” The longer we ponder the mysteries of life, the more we too can connect all the dots right back to the earliest of connections with Jesus and all that is truly foundationally important in the world. Just a thought. As for the structure of John's account (dated back to the last decade of the first century A.D.), our dear friend, Timothy P. Schehr in his The Bible Made Easy (ISBN 978-0-86716-598-2), labels the structure in this way: first is “The Word” which used to form the old “Last Gospel” read in Latin at the end of the old Mass (ch. 1); then the “Book of Signs” which relates the miracles of Jesus pointing to his glory (ch. 2-12); third is the “Book of Glory” which details Jesus' “Hour” of his fulfilling the Father's saving plan (ch. 13-20); and, fourthly, the “Faithful Responses” from Jesus' post-resurrection appearances (ch. 21). In chapter 3, we have the first “Nick-at-Nite” with Nicodemus approaching Jesus nocturnally to find out what it means to be “born again;” yet he speaks by day in Jesus' defense in chapter 7—and is the one in chapter 19 who comes to the tomb with oil to anoint Jesus' body after his death. What strikes you as you read? When you finish this book, you will have read 50 (68.5%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,163 (87.2%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Our summer communal celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick is this afternoon at 2:00 P.M. at St. Ambrose. Tomorrow, Vacation Bible Camp begins. May it be a week of holy refreshment for our campers! Tuesday is Bastille Day. Wednesday is Bishop Clark's birthday, and it's also the traditional St. Swithin's Day—pray that it doesn't rain, or we'll be soggy for 40 days! Thursday evening is the special bi-lingual Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mass at 7:15 P.M. at St. Ambrose. Friday is 50 years since Billie Holiday's passing.

As we live this summer's days, may each one be an occasion of experiencing God in some unique way: in the places we see, in the books we read, in the people we encounter. God be with us all today !

— Father Schrader

July 5, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Luke brings us to our 49th book of the Bible. Luke depends for much of his information on Mark's gospel account. For other sections, he and Matthew draw from a different source known simply as “Q” (for the German Quelle meaning “source”); and for yet other sections, Luke draws on a source wholly his own: Luke, for example, is the only gospel account to contain the stories of the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan, Zaccheus, the Good Thief, and the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. Luke was reportedly a physician, so healing and forgiveness are strong components in his account. Luke is also very balanced in his story-telling: whenever he tells a faith story involving a man, he also tells one of a woman. The Holy Spirit is also important in his writing, and we see this both in his gospel account and in The Acts of the Apostles which is the 2nd part of his Biblical offerings. Like Matthew, Luke's account begins with an Infancy Narrative, but unlike Matthew's, Luke's is less interested in showing the events of Jesus' early life as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies than he is in showing that his life story was no threat to the Roman Empire into which he was born. We also see much more about Mary (Annunciation, Visitation, Presentation, Finding of Jesus in the Temple ) than we do of Joseph through whose Jewish lineage Matthew traced Jesus' roots. Interesting note: In Luke, John the Baptist is arrested before Jesus is baptized; Luke's account does not say who baptized Jesus (it's surprising what you find when you read slowly!). At the end of Luke's account, Jesus ascends to heaven—which is where Luke's Part 2 ( Acts ) begins. When you finish this book, you will have read 49 (67.1%—that's over 2/3 of the Bible, and the last 24 books average only 8 chapters each: 1 for each day [and a bonus one for each Sunday] for the rest of the year) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,142 (85.6%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

This is the first weekend in our new program-and-fiscal year. Thank you very much for honoring all Time-Talent-Treasure commitments. It is only with such regular stewardship that the pastoral needs of all the parish can be dependably met and the facilities for our ministries can be responsibly cared for. In that regard, our Facilities Committee meets tomorrow (Monday) evening to continue monitoring and planning all work to be done in the summer with the funds generated in our capital campaign (you'll be seeing roofing, paving, and plumbing trucks on the grounds over the next few months). Tuesday is the Full “Buck” Moon at 5:21 A.M. Wednesday, our neighbor ecumenical ministers will gather for conversation. Thursday is the relatively new feast of St. August Zhao Rong & Conpanions. Friday, our new Pastoral Council Executive Committee meets. Saturday, Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities is 150 years old. Next Sunday, our Anointing Service is at 2:00 P.M. at St. Ambrose. God's peace to all!

— Father Schrader

June 28, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Mark is the 48th book in our Bible. [In my reference to it last week, I meant to say that it is the earliest recorded Gospel account, but errantly wrote that it was the oldest New Testament book. The “oldest” is I Thessalonians. Sorry for the inaccuracy!] It was written sometime in the 60's A.D., as Mark speaks of the Fall of Jerusalem (70 A.D.) as a future predicted event. Also, if Matthew and Luke based so much of their accounts on Mark, then Mark's account cannot be later than this. Mark is painfully aware of the slowness of the disciples to grasp all that Jesus had proclaimed: he is the only evangelist to tell the parable of the seed and its slow growth, and the only one to depict Jesus having to touch the blind man's eyes twice in order for full clarity to be restored. Mark is also known for the “Messianic Secret” theme which has Jesus' identity as the Messiah only gradually grasped, lest a too-easy grasping lead people to follow Jesus for the wrong reason—that is, what they can get out of such a relationship for themselves. Rather than beginning with an Infancy Narrative, Mark begins his gospel account with reference to John the Baptist and Jesus being the fulfillment of John's prophecy. Mark's gospel is then less developed theologically than Matthew's: it is, rather, developed geographically with Jesus' Galilean Ministry coming first, then his Journeys Outside Galilee, and then his Jerusalem Ministry. As with the other three gospel accounts, Mark's concludes with a Passion and Resurrection narrative, though there are several “endings” found in chapter 16 (be sure to read your footnotes carefully for this chapter). Some have posited that the man who ran off naked in 14:52 when Jesus was arrested was the author, Mark himself. When you finish this book, you will have read 48 (65.8%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,118 (83.8%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Today, we have our annual Strawberry Social following the 5:00 P.M. Mass at St. Ambrose. Monday concludes the Year of St. Paul (on the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul ) with a special service at 7:00 P.M. at St. Paul 's in Webster for our Northeast Monroe County Region of the diocese. Hope you can come (turn left off Rte 104 at Hard Road ). That night is also the 5th anniversary of the arrival of Fr. Bob Werth and myself here in the parish. Tuesday, Fr. Brian Carpenter begins here at Peace of Christ—though don't look for him on site that night as he'll be at a Rhinos' game. Wednesday, brings July and Canada Day—congratulations to our neighbors to the North! Safe driving Thursday as you may head out of town for the holiday weekend. Friday, the “dog days of summer” begin. Saturday, meet Fr. Brian in the Fr. Edward Zimmer Peace Garden as he presides at our Independence Day Mass at 9:00 A.M. (bring a lawn chair). Check out our graduates on page 6 today—kudos to all! A blessed week to everyone!

— Father Schrader

June 21, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Matthew is the 47th book in our Bible, and the first of our New Testament. Though it appears first in the New Testament, it is not the oldest New Testament book: rather, Mark is. However, the oldest textual fragment of a synoptic gospel (that is, of Matthew, Mark or Luke—much of their writing comes from the same source, and so it is labeled “with one eye” [= syn-optic ]) is a segment of 24 lines of chapter 26 of Matthew. That fragment which was found around the year 200 A.D. is called “Papyrus 64” and if you go to the Magdalen College Library in England , you will find it there. By tradition, this gospel was recorded by the apostle/tax-agent named Matthew sometime in the 80s A.D. So it is written by a Jewish author with a message for the Jewish community that the prophecies they believed had come true in Jesus. Unlike the rest of the New Testament which was written in Greek, Matthew's original was in Aramaic, the common language of Jewish people of his day. Matthew relies heavily on Mark's gospel, but also on a 2nd source called “Q” (for Quelle , which is German for “source”) as does Luke. Matthew is more structured than Mark, and in using Mark and Q and some of Matthew's own material constructs this first gospel in the New Testament in seven books. First is the Infancy Narrative (ch. 1-2) with a genealogy tracing Jesus roots back to Abraham. Next are five discourses of Jesus, each led up to by narratives of Jesus' activity: the Jerusalem Bible labels these as “The Kingdom of Heaven Proclaimed” (ch. 3—7), “The Kingdom of Heaven is Preached” (ch. 8-10), “The Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven” (ch. 11-13:52), “The Church, the First-Fruits of the Kingdom of Heaven” (ch. 13:53-18), and “The Approaching Advent of the Kingdom of Heaven” (ch. 19-25). Finally, we have the account of Jesus' Passion and Resurrection. When you finish this book, you will have read 47 (64.4%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,102 (82.6%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

A Blessed Fathers Day and First Day of Summer to all! Monday is the patronal feast of our diocese, that of St. John Fisher who became bishop of Rochester , England in 1504. Tuesday is the annual Men's Club Bocce Tournament on the lawn at St. James (register to play today if you haven't already); our Liturgy Committee also gathers for picnic and meeting as well. Wednesday, staff has its last meeting of the season. Thursday, we're 6 Months ‘Til Christmas! Friday is Bishop Clark's 30th anniversary of his installation as our bishop. Saturday is the birthday of our Volunteer Party emcee—one can only wish for great surprises in his life all year round! Next Sunday is our annual Strawberry Social immediately following the 5:00 P.M. Mass at St. Ambrose. In this summer, may we each take time to rest, read and reflect—before autumn returns and we're off to the races again!

— Father Schrader

June 14, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Malachi is the 46th book in our Bible, and the final book of our Old Testament. There are 3 or 4 chapters in this book, depending on which edition of the Bible you are reading (some end with 3:24; others end chapter 3 with verse 18 and the remaining verses are numbered as chapter 4:1-6)—we're counting 3 chapters toward our 1,334 total. Malachi is a good one to end the Old Testament and lead into the New Testament because his writings look forward to a time when God's messenger will come to prepare the way for the promised one. The author's writings are dialogues between God and God's People. In Malachi's pages, we read of the corruption of the people who do not offer proper sacrifices (ch. 1); we also hear some pretty strong language about God's displeasure with their human obstinacy (ch. 2); finally, we hear of the coming messenger, and there is final mention of Moses and Elijah who will appear in the opening books of the New Testament in the scene of the Transfiguration (ch. 3-4). When you finish this book, you will have read 46 (63.0%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,074 (80.5%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

A profound thanks to all who worked or attended Festival this weekend. This longstanding tradition not only supports the parish but builds it as well, as “community” simply happens! In Church, today is the Feast of the Body and Blood of the Lord (for the Orthodox, it is All Saints Day). In our nation, it is Flag Day. May the Lord bless both religious and patriotic spheres of our lives.

Monday evening at St. James at 7:00 P.M. , we have a very special event for anyone whose household has been affected by job loss in our current economy. We'll have multiple resources (people and handouts) available related to consumer credit counseling, credit unions, resume writing, financial planning, refinancing mortgages, health care for low income households, psychological fallout experienced by families in economic crisis, networking with others at such times, successful interviewing, affordable food sources, and placement agency information. Spread the word! This is tomorrow only !

Tuesday, St. John Neumann 6th graders are on retreat. Prayers! Wednesday, we have everything from Kindergarten graduation to Finance Council. Thursday, St. John Neumann's 6th graders graduate. Kudos! Friday, happy birthday to our Director of Youth Ministry, Alison LeChase; and it is the opening of “The Year of the Priest” (see http://www.usccb.org/yearforpriests/index.shtml for more details).

Congratulations to Bob Crego, Karin Kellogg, Doug Nordquist, Dave O'Keefe, Kay Reagan and Shannon Wollschleger who join Pastoral Council; and to our new chair and vice-chair, Joanne Insull and Rena LaBue (full roster to be printed later). Many thanks to all who have served so faithfully, both outgoing and continuing members. A blessed week to all!

— Father Schrader

June 7, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Zechariah is the 45th book in our Bible. After this one, we have only one more book until we reach the New Testament. This book is tied with Amos (14 chapters) as the longest of the twelve minor prophets on this final single scroll of the Old Testament. During Zechariah's prophesying, Darius the Great was ruling Persia (522-486 B.C.). Zechariah has great expectations for God's people, but these will not be realized until the people themselves have a change of heart from their evil ways. His book is filled with vivid imagery: many horses of various hues, a golden lampstand, and even a scroll flying through the air. As Timothy P. Schehr explains in The Bible Made Easy (ISBN 978-0-86716-598-2, pp. 138-140), the riders represent God's ministers patrolling the earth, the lampstand denotes God's guidance, and the flying scroll is the Word of God flying over all the earth. In his pages, we'll encounter a summons for Israel's conversion, a two-way Divine-Human commitment, and the 1st of 8 visions (ch. 1), a 2nd and 3rd vision (ch. 2, although in some Bibles the 2nd vision is at the end of ch. 1), a 4th vision involving Joshua's investiture and Satan (ch. 3), a 5th vision with the lampstand and some olive trees (ch. 4), the 6th and 7th visions with the flying scroll and a basket headed for exile in Babylon (ch. 5), an 8th vision of 4 chariots with different colored horses (ch. 6), a chastisement for hypocritical fasting, rejecting God's commands, and applying the law unfairly (ch. 7), God's covenantal promises to Jerusalem (ch. 8), the Old Testament roots of one of our Palm Sunday readings (ch. 9), the restoration of Judah and Israel and God's anger at the shepherds (ch. 10), the roots of Judas' 30 pieces of silver (ch. 11), a spiritual hernia (ch. 12:3), the roots of the shepherd being struck and the sheep being scattered for Mark 14:27 (ch. 13:7-9), and, once again, the Day of the Lord (ch. 14). When you finish this book, you will have read 45 (61.6%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,071 (80.3%—that's over 4/5) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Today, we welcome Fr. Casimir Mahimbo who is this year's preacher for the annual Mission Co-op Weekend. Father Casimir will speak about his native Diocese of Tanga in Tanzania and our 2nd collection today will be for this mission Church. Thanks for whatever you can do! (Please, place any regular 1st Sunday “Building & Maintenance” offerings in the 1st collection with our normal weekly envelopes.) Our support for the missions will make today's Full “Strawberry” Moon all the brighter clear around the world!

This Tuesday is our final Pastoral Council meeting of the season at 7:00 P.M. at St. John the Evangelist in the church hall. Open Forum is at 7:15 P.M. We'll also do Vision Statement follow-up and election of 2009-2010 officers.

Remember, FESTIVAL is this Friday and Saturday. Come one and all! Lastly, the evening for individuals/families impacted by the economy and unexpected joblessness is Monday, June 15th. Peace!

— Father Schrader

May 31, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Haggai brings us to the 44th book of our Bibles. Haggai wrote in the year 520 B.C. and his book is only 2 chapters long. He points out the failure on the part of the people and their need to shape up spiritually if they want their lives and their world to change for the better. His main challenge to the people is to rebuild the temple (both the physical building and the interior disposition within each of them). He points out that they had sown, eaten, drunk, clothed, and earned, but gotten little by way of return: the temple rebuilding will help to rectify this situation (ch. 1); he then focuses on the future glory of that temple, consults the priests, and promises great agricultural prosperity—a timely prophecy, as he was speaking thus during the growing season of the local region (ch. 2). When you finish this book, you will have read 44 (60.3%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,057 (79.2%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

On this Pentecost weekend, we identify 5 new members for our Pastoral Council. Indeed, may the Spirit bless all our nominees!

Beginning this evening, Father Bob Werth and I will be on our canonically required annual Priests Retreat. Please, pray for us through this Thursday, and be assured that you will be in our prayers as well. During these days, Communion Services will replace our weekday Masses (Monday through Thursday), and several priests who will not be on retreat have been identified for our parish office to contact in the event of a funeral during these days.

Summer Ember Days are this Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Next weekend, two important events are on our doorstep. At 10:30 A.M. on Saturday (June 6th), Brian Carpenter will be ordained a priest at Sacred Heart Cathedral . You may remember him from when he spent the summer of 2005 with us as a seminarian. We are delighted now to be receiving him back here for his 3-year priest intern appointment. Brian hopes we'll all come to the ordination. Also, next weekend (June 6-7) is the annual Mission Co-op Weekend. Fr. Casimir Mahimbo of the Diocese of Tanga in Tanzania will preach at all Masses, and our prayers and 2nd collection will be for this mission Church. Thanks for whatever you can do! (We can place any regular 1st Sunday “Building & Maintenance” offerings in the 1st collection next week with our normal weekly envelopes.)

Remember, Festival approaches, June 12-13. Then on Monday, June 15th, we have a special evening for families of ones out of work.

Lastly, some have asked about the once-every-ten-years Passion Play produced in Oberammergau , Germany . While I myself will not be leading a tour, Fr. Michael Schramel (formerly at St. Ambrose) will be, August 2-14, 2010. Having gone on this pilgrimage with Fr. Mike in 1990, I know that those who accompany him will not be disappointed—and you'll not find a better priced trip to this holy event anywhere! Contact him (247-4322 or schramel@dor.org) soon! Pax!

— Father Schrader

May 24, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Zephaniah is the 43rd book in our Bibles. Zephaniah prophesied in the late 7th-early 6th century time period. Since his book identifies itself as being during the reign of Josiah (640-609 B.C.), his would have been just before the prophecy of Jeremiah. When pictured, this prophet usually has a lantern in his hand. In 1:12, we see him exploring Jerusalem with lamps, seeking out those who had become too complacent about things in life. He speaks of the Day of the Lord—not the Sabbath, but a time of judgment on the peoples for not being guided by God's command (ch. 1); then, Zephaniah warns Israel's enemies: they should not think of themselves as being all perfect just because the Divine Being is using them as a corrective measure against God's people (ch. 2)—you'll get a hoot out of 2:14; finally, all ends on a positive note with a Song of Joy and the return of the exiles (ch. 3). When you finish this book, you will have read 43 (58.9%) of the 73 books of the Bible (only 30 more to go!), yet 1,055 (79.1%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

On Memorial Day Weekend, we recall those who gave their lives in service of their nation and continue to pray for our women and men in the service now, that God keep them safe from harm. We also mourn locally the death of Eric Wunderlich, son of Peace of Christ maintenance worker, Helmut “Herm” Wunderlich, and his wife, Lynda. God's peace to them and their family at this time of such loss.

Tomorrow, we have our annual Memorial Day Mass in the Father Zimmer Peace Garden at our St. John the Evangelist site. This year is special, as it is the actual 30th Anniversary of the Ordination of our own Father Bob Werth who will preside at this 9:00 A.M. celebration—bring your lawn chair. Refreshments are served afterwards. If it rains, all is moved to the church. A Blessed “ Pearl Jubilee,” Father Bob. Shucks, may the oysters of your life yield you 30 more!

Then Tuesday is the birthday of Sr. Marlene Vigna , and Wednesday is the Pearl Jubilee of Bishop Clark becoming a bishop. Those who were present for our Volunteer Appreciation Party last week got an early opportunity to sing Happy Anniversary to him (and to Fr. Werth), as the bishop was a special mystery guest. Many thanks to John Driscoll for orchestrating this surprise for all our volunteers! Thursday is the feast of the Ascension for our Orthodox sisters and brothers, and Friday is the feast of Shavuot for our Jewish sisters and brothers (commemorating God's giving Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai ). Friday would also have been the 92nd birthday of President Kennedy. Time passages! Then Saturday is the birthday of Peace of Christ Music Minister, Jim Whitaker . Also in the music world, that day would have been the 100th birthday of Benny Goodman, so when you come to church next week, Sing, Sing, Sing! Next Sunday is Pentecost, so keep your Whits about you.

Finally, remember that Brian Carpenter will be ordained a priest on June 6th at 10:30 A.M. at Sacred Heart Cathedral . Come1&all!

— Father Schrader

May 1 7, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Habakkuk brings us to the 42nd book in our Bible. The name is pronounced with the accent on the 2nd syllable: Ha-BAK-kuk. His time of concern in the Old Testament would involve the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and the Fall of Jerusalem in the early part of the 6th Century B.C. We already met Habakkuk back in the Book of Daniel where he appeared in the last chapter with a meal prepared for the people working in the fields; he also gives food to Daniel in the lion's den. Habakkuk utters the cry that perhaps many of us have also made from time to time: O Lord, how long shall I cry for help and you will not listen?” (ch. 1). Though he admits that the people may deserve some correction, he ponders why God might allow an enemy (the Chaldeans) to make life so difficult for the people who—for the most part—are more righteous, and he gets his answer in the realization that the upright will survive by way of their faithfulness to God (ch. 2). He also gains an awareness that the timeline is God's to work out and ours to accept, and so he prays for deliverance and is given a theophany (a vision) of God's approach; we also encounter an ancient name for God, Eloah, in the final chapter (ch. 3). When you finish this book, you will have read 42 (57.5%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,049 (78.9%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Brian Kumar Carpenter will be ordained a priest 2 weeks from this Saturday (that is, on June 6th ) at 10:30 A.M. at Sacred Heart Cathedral . Brian invites all of you to attend. As shared earlier, he has no relatives in Rochester and is the only one being ordained. So that he doesn't have an empty cathedral, please plan on attending if at all possible, especially if you've never witnessed an ordination. Given our bishop's retirement in 2012 and there being no ordinations in the pipeline until 2013, this will be Bishop Clark's final ordination for the Diocese of Rochester. Father Mike Schramel would have been in Bishop Clark's first ordination class in 1980. So, do put it on your calendar. This will be a special occasion on many levels.

Today is Diocesan Missions Sunday. Our prayers and 2nd collection are for the missions in Brazil and Chile staffed by our Sisters of Mercy and Sisters of St. Joseph. Today is also the final day for names for Pastoral Council: five new members will be selected at the Masses of Pentecost Sunday two weeks from today. Tuesday evening is our 2009 Volunteer Appreciation Party. The doors open on Dailey Hall at St. Ambrose at 6:30 P.M. (and not a moment sooner—so don't come early); it should be a fun and memorable night for all! (A week from Tuesday is the 2nd Early Bird Festival drawing!) Wednesday, our Finance Council meets to try to finish the draft of our 2009-2010 parish budget. This Thursday is the feast of the Ascension , a Holy Day of Obligation: Masses are 6:30 A.M. at St. James, 12:10 P.M. at St. Ambrose, and 7:00 P.M. at St. John the Evangelist. Lastly, thanks for all Time-Talent-Treasure forms turned in to date. The year ahead will be as engaging and peer-ministering as we choose! Peace to all!

— Father Schrader

May 10 , 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Nahum is the 41st book of our Bibles. It begins the second half of the 12 Minor Prophets whose writings are all on one scroll and conclude the Old Testament. Nahum is a 7th Century B.C. prophet whose prophecy concerns the period between the fall of Thebes to Assyria in 663 B.C. and the fall of Nineveh to Babylon in 612 B.C. He has good news for the People of God: they will once again be free from fear and oppression, for God's power will overcome the human weakness of their day. The first seven verses of the book start out alphabetically like a number of the psalms had (that is, with each succeeding verse's first word beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet), and in those verses we learn that God is a jealous God, yet at the same time mercifully slow to anger (ch. 1). Then we hear the familiar and comforting phrase regarding how on the mountains are the feet of one who brings glad tidings (ch. 2). Both Thebes and Nineveh are then mentioned (ch. 3) as the book's message of hope comes to its conclusion. When you finish this book, you will have read 41 (56.2%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,049 (78.6%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

A very Blessed Mother's Day this Sunday to all mothers in our parish! May God's blessings be yours in abundance on this day and throughout the year ahead!

Last Sunday's proclamation of Mark's Gospel by heart was most moving for all who were able to attend. Many thanks to Gloria Ulterino and Ken Klamm who worked so hard with their 14 co-proclaimers since last Thanksgiving to help make this presentation possible. This 2nd year of the diocese's 3-year Spirit Alive spiritual renewal process has truly been alive here in Peace of Christ Parish, and hopefully will continue to reap graces for all who crack open the Holy Book's pages in our churches and homes alike!

Tuesday is Pastoral Council at 7:00 P.M. in the church hall at St. John the Evangelist. Open Forum is at 7:15 P.M. Then our main item will be follow-up to yesterday's day-long session on our parish Vision Statement. Please, give councilors any input as you see them at Mass today. By the way, we are seeking nominees for 5 council seats that need to be filled. Please, drop your nomination in the basket at collection time so we can contact all possible nominees before the May 31st selection. Thanks. Wednesday is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. I would like to gather with any who are available to have some prayer for all those affected by our economy. We'll gather at 7:00 P.M. in St. James Church. Your ideas on what might be most helpful by way of a parish response to this issue will also be most welcome as we plan a special evening for early June. Such input can be shared at the Wednesday evening coffee hour after our prayer. Lastly, the final campaign roster will be in the bulletin in early June. CMA-related gifts for 2008-09 must be in by May 31. Many thanks for sacrifices so lovingly made to date (see pages 6-8). Peace to all!

— Father Schrader

May 3 , 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Micah is the 40th book in our Bible. Its seven chapters give one-per-day for those reading a book a week. If Micah were to be made into a TV special, it would appear as an 8th Century B.C. courtroom drama. In chapters 1-2, there is a summons to the trial: Jerusalem is nicknamed “the sin of the House of Israel” and Judah experiences “no cure for wounds by the Lord”—the people have been unfaithful to the One who is always faithful (ch. 1); then we hear the specific social evils denounced, a prophecy of misfortune, and yet the possibility of restoration (ch. 2). In chapters 3-4, the charges are leveled: the wicked rulers and prophets have skinned and flayed the people, chopped them up and eaten them—ouch! (ch. 3); and they are then told that peace and security will come only through obedience, that their swords must be beaten into plowshares (just as in Isaiah 2:2-4), and that restoration (post-exile) will then be possible (ch. 4). In the next chapter, we have the Christmas promise that a future ruler of Israel will come from Bethlehem (ch. 5). Finally, we have God's decision in the case: after a Good Friday lamentation (“My People, what have I done to you!”), we hear that passage Jimmy Carter used in his inaugural address regarding what God wants of them—indeed, of us (“to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God”) (ch. 6); and then we hear a call to penitence and trust to God, followed finally by the post-exilic restoration (ch. 7). When you finish this book, you will have read 40 (54.8%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,046 (78.4%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Much going on these days! Today, Mark's Gospel will be proclaimed in its entirety by heart in St. Ambrose Church starting at 1:30 P.M. At the same time in Dailey Hall, this year's CROP Walk for hunger commences. Today is also World Day of Prayer for Vocations and I am delighted to share with you that Brian Carpenter (to be ordained a priest on June 6th) will join us on staff on June 30th. More later on that, but it is truly a tribute to Peace of Christ Parish itself that Bishop Clark would send us the diocese's only ordination of the year—indeed, the final ordination of Bishop Clark before he retires in 2012. Today is also Stewardship Sunday. Thank you for dropping your Time-Talent-Treasure responses in the collection with your regular offering today. Today's economy has affected us all. But it is obvious (reinforced by the bishop's assignment of Brian here) that we have much worth supporting in our pastoral program. Monday evening, our Joint Facilities Committee will meet at 7:00 at St. John's to continue monitoring the application of last Fall's capital campaign funds to our ongoing physical plant needs. Tuesday night, Liturgy Committee meets at St. Ambrose; and Wednesday night, Stewardship Committee meets at St. James. Thursday is the 58th annual National Day of Prayer. Happy Birthday, Friday, to our Office Manager, Colleen Griffith. Saturday's Full “Flower” Moon brings a day for Vision Statement development, and next Sunday is Mother's Day. Pax to all!

— Father Schrader

April 26 , 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Jonah is our 39th book in the Bible. Four times longer than the previous book of Obadiah, it has four whole chapters! The story of Jonah is set about seven centuries before Christ, though it may well have been written a few centuries later. Jonah is not one who was thrilled with his prophetic mission. The first chapter tells us right off that, when sent by God to Nineveh (a city in the heart of Israel 's enemy, Assyria ), he ran the other way. Stowing away aboard a ship, the vessel is tossed about in a storm until the sailors determine that it is because of Jonah's running from God that the storm is upon them. They throw him overboard, and the sea is calmed (and they pray to Jonah's God as a result). Jonah is also saved, sings a psalm of thanksgiving, and is spewed upon the shores of Nineveh 's country by the large fish that had swallowed him, all in chapter two. Then, in chapter three, much to Jonah's surprise (and apparent disappointment), the people of Nineveh turn from their evil ways when Jonah prophesies (he had actually wished that the Lord would have cause to follow through with divine punishment instead). Though all of these would have provided lessons enough for us to ponder (unnecessary fear while doing God's will, the inability to run permanently from God, the inevitability of God's will being carried out whether we agree with it or not, and the very nature of God's forgiving heart), it seems the chief lesson of the book lies in the fourth and final chapter: that we mustn't be upset if God is more merciful than we are. Indeed, if Jonah can be upset about the qiqayon plant (which he had nothing to do with growing) that withers, can we expect God not to be concerned about a whole city of people who realize their errors and return with contrite hearts? Certainly there is much for our attention in this brief book! When you finish this book, you will have read 39 (53.4%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,039 (77.9%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

We wish John Griffith of St. James maintenance staff a very happy birthday today. This Sunday afternoon, we have an Anointing of the Sick service at St. John the Evangelist at 2:00 P.M. Monday evening is Eastertime Lessons and Carols at 7:00 P.M. at St. Ambrose. Also on Monday the annual Time-Talent-Treasure mailing will go out to all registered parishioners. Last year, we assured the fiscal ability to support the infrastructure of our three-site parish by way of the capital campaign. Now, we have the opportunity to show how we are going to support the ministry to be carried out at those three sites and show how we are going to staff (by employees and ourselves as volunteers) these ministries. Please, review the mailing and drop your response forms in next week's collection if you would, please. Thursday, our Festival Captains meet at 7:00 P.M., and next Sunday we have the CROP Walk outside and the presentation of Mark's Gospel inside, both at St. Ambrose. What a wonderful way to celebrate this year's focus on Mark: hear the whole gospel in one day!

— Father Schrader

April 19 , 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Obadiah is the 38th book in our Bibles. It is also one of the shortest (tied with four books in the New Testament) at only one chapter in length. For those reading a book a week, this week you'll only have to read three verses a day! Obadiah writes from over 500 years before Christ. His name means “Servant of God,” and he is such by taking the people of Edom to task for forgetting their ties to the people of Judah going way back to the twin sons of Isaac and Rebecca: the Edomites descended from Esau, the Israelites from Jacob. When Jerusalem fell in 587 B.C., the Edomites mistreated the people of Judah . Obadiah points out in verses 12-14 eight things the people of Edom should not have done, and he tries to break the cycle of violence by prophesying what lies in store for them if they have no change of heart. In sort of a backward golden rule, he writes in verse 15 that “as you have done, so will be done to you.” As with many of the other prophets, Obadiah writes of the Day of Yahweh (verses 16-18), and then speaks more hopefully of a New Israel. Timothy P. Schehr, author of The Bible Made Easy which has been quoted a few times earlier (ISBN 978-0-86716-598-2), shares three spiritual lessons from Obadiah: “This world is a gift from God to be enjoyed. Human plans should be in accord with the plans of God. The misfortunes of others should stir up within us feelings of compassion” (p. 125). When you finish this book, you will have read 38 (52.1%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,035 (77.6%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Today is the end of the Easter Octave, it is Low Sunday, it is Divine Mercy Sunday, it is Orthodox Easter, and it is the 4th anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict XVI. It was on this feast two years ago that Bishop Clark blessed our new Peace of Christ Offices. Tomorrow, Monday the 20th, Father Bob Werth and I will be going to the annual Convocation with Bishop Clark. This year, it is in Ithaca , and we shall be there until Wednesday afternoon. Our weekday liturgies on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week will, therefore, be Communion Services, and I am grateful to our Pastoral Staff for providing these in our absence. May we pray for one another during these days. Tuesday itself is also Holocaust Remembrance Day: let us be mindful of all who suffer abuse in any way. Wednesday is both Earth Day and Administrative Professionals Day. Thursday is the 30th anniversary of Bishop Clark being asked to be our bishop. Friday is National Arbor Day: be sure to take a tree to lunch! Saturday is the Feast of St. Mark. There is a group of parishioners who (one novena of days from St. Mark's Feast) will proclaim the entire Gospel of Mark by heart. Do plan to witness this unique presentation in St. Ambrose Church at 1:30 P.M. on Sunday, May 3rd. And next Sunday, we have the first of three annual Peace of Christ Services of the Anointing of the Sick at 2:00 P.M. at St. John the Evangelist Church . May this week be truly blessed for all.

— Father Schrader

April 12 , 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Amos is the 37th (and, therefore, the middle) book we meet in our Catholic Bibles. Further—for those who have been reading a book a week—since the books in the first half of the Bible are longer (containing over 3/4 of the chapters of the Bible), we have yet to read less than 1/3 of the amount we've already read until we get to the end! Amos is the 3rd to be found on the single scroll of the 12 Minor Prophets who complete the Old Testament. Amos is an 8th century B.C. prophet from Judea in the South, yet he prophesies to the people of Israel in the North—just as Hosea (who himself was from the North) did earlier on this scroll. The first 6 chapters are a warning of judgment that shall come upon the people because they should have known better; the last 3 chapters are the judgment carried out. In Amos' prophecy, we read of the judgment that will come upon Damascus, Gaza, Philistia, Tyre, Phoenicia, Edom, and Ammon (ch. 1); then we move on to the judgment for Judah and Israel themselves (ch. 2); we hear how those who are comfy on their divans in Damascus will not be spared (ch. 3); Amos then does not exactly make points with the women of Samaria whom he likens to the “cows of Bashan” (ch. 4); we then hear several important passages: a lament for Israel, the fact that there is no salvation without repentance, the reminder that we are to seek good and not evil, a preview of the Day of Yahweh, an encounter with a lion and a bear and then a snake, and the guideline that it is justice and not sacrifice that God desires most (ch. 5); we are told that complacent self-indulgence (more lying on divans) will be punished (ch. 6); we witness 3 visions: one of locusts, one of a drought, and one of a plumb-line (just as such a tool tells the builder that the wall is straight, so too was Amos to Israel regarding its moral straightness before the Lord) (ch. 7); then we have a 4th vision, one of a basket of fruit (ch. 8); and finally a 5th vision, one of the destruction of the sanctuary and of Israel when one will not be safe even in heaven or hell from the judgment of the Lord (ch. 9). When you finish this book, you will have read 37 (50.7%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,034 (77.5%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

A Blessed Easter to all parishioners and guests with us this day, many thanks to all who have made our liturgies of Holy Week so profound, and congratulations to all who were fully initiated into our Faith at the Easter Vigil (see p. 2)! Per the above paragraph, we have been focusing on the Bible in this 2nd year of the 3-year diocesan Spirit Alive spiritual renewal process, and this column has been commenting on a book of the Bible each week since last August and will complete its Scriptural journey at the end of this December. See our web site for all the summaries (a new book is added each week.)

This week in the parish we have Pastoral Council at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday at St. John the Evangelist in the Church Hall. Our main focus will be on our Vision Statement and on our Nominating Committee. Wednesday, Finance Council meets. Peace of Christ to you all!

— Father Schrader

April 5 , 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Joel is the 36th book of our Bibles. It is one of the briefer Old Testament books being only four chapters long. The name Joel itself means “The Lord is God.” The first two chapters deal with a famine—it is a spiritual famine in that the people were not too good at remembering that the Lord was their one and only God. The last two chapters deal with a time of plenty—when we do remember that the Lord is our God, we do not have want. The prophecy dates from the 6th century B.C., and is a good one for our reflection at any time of the year. In Joel's pages, we will read of a lament over the ruin of the country and a call to repentance and prayer (ch. 1), the inevitable “Day of the Lord/Yahweh” that appears in all these Old Testament prophecies, and the familiar refrain from one of the Weston Priory hymns of decades gone by: “Come back to me with all your heart” (ch. 2), an outpouring of the Spirit that saves the day and a prophecy that Peter will quote in chapter 2 of the Acts of the Apostles (ch. 3, which is the end of ch. 2 in some Bible translations), and a passage about the judgment of the nations and ploughshares becoming swords (ch. 4, which is ch. 3 in some Bible translations—for our purposes, I am counting 4 as the number of chapters when I tally up the 1,334 chapters at the end of each of these Bible paragraphs). When you finish this book, you will have read 36 (49.3%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,025 (76.8%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

It was great to share with you last weekend the pictures and memorabilia of Antarctica . At this point, anyone can watch these pictures via a link on our parish website that will take you to Kodak's gallery for that travelogue. Just be patient when you click it. After about 30 seconds of a mostly black screen, the travelogue comes up. When the map of Antarctica appears a few moments after that, just hit the arrow for the 408 pictures at about 5 seconds each. Enjoy!

I am truly grateful to Gloria Ulterino and Ken Klamm for their help in working with all of our proclaimers of the Passion for this Palm Sunday's liturgies. It has been a religious experience for all involved to learn the entire Passion by heart, and hopefully our religious experience will become yours as the story of Christ's Passion is told once again. Monday evening, we have an ecumenical Tenebrae service at St. Ambrose at 7:00 P.M. Then on Tuesday, we have our final Tuesday Lenten series program with soup at 6:00 and Stations at 7:00 at St. James. Wednesday evening, our RCIA catechumens and candidates will be making final preparations for the Easter Vigil. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Morning Prayer will be celebrated at St. John's at 9:00 A.M. Thursday evening (Full “Pink” Moon), our Mass is at 7:00 at St. John's with solemn adoration afterwards at all three sites. Good Friday, we'll be at St. James from Noon to 3:00. The Easter Vigil Saturday is at St. Ambrose at 7:30 P.M., and on Easter Sunday there is an extra Mass at 11:30 A.M. at St. James. May this week ahead be our holiest all year. A very blessed one to you all!

— Father Schrader

March 29, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Hosea is the 35th book in our Bible, and technically it begins the final scroll of the Hebrew Bible, our Old Testament. The last 12 books of this first of two Testaments in our Christian Bible are those of the Minor Prophets, and all are found on one scroll in the Hebrew Bible, unlike the Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel) each of whom was on a separate scroll. All of these final twelve, similar to the other four, move in their message from challenge to promise. Hosea is married to Gomer, and her unfaithfulness is a sign of Israel 's unfaithfulness to her God. Similarly, just as Gomer comes back to Hosea, so too Israel 's people to God. Hosea is an 8th Century B.C. prophet, and, according to commentator Timothy P. Schehr cited in earlier book summaries, three spiritual lessons found in Hosea that are paramount (and useful for ourselves) are: “No matter where we have strayed we can always come home to God. Nothing is more valuable than a relationship with God. Faith can transform a desert into a garden.” [ISBN 978-0-86716-598-2, p. 119] In Hosea's pages, we will read of Hosea and Gomer's 3 children each of whom had a name signifying something about God's relationship with Israel's people: God Make Fruitful, She Is Not Pitied, Not My People (ch.1); we see elements of punishment and redemption, good Lenten themes (ch. 2); we see how love of raisin cakes is right up there with idolatry (ch. 3); we journey to Beth-Aven [House of Evil] (ch. 4); we see the effects of stubbornness (ch. 5); we read a wonderful passage as we prepare for our own personal times of Penance celebration (ch. 6); we encounter conspiracy (ch. 7), apostasy (ch. 8), futility (ch. 9), and captivity (ch. 10); fortunately, we also witness God's compassion despite Israel's ingratitude (ch. 11); we meet rebellion and perversity (ch. 12), judgment and ruin (ch. 13), but finally repentance and conversion (ch. 14). When you finish this book, you will have read 35 (47.9%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,007 (76.5%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Many thanks to all whose names appear on the Roster of Appreciation (either specifically or by way of “Anonymous”), for your gifts in our capital campaign are enabling our continued presence in each of our three neighborhoods by allowing us to maintain our facilities in good stead for all. Indeed, on Monday evening, we have our Joint Facilities Committee meeting to gather the write-ups of the most urgent work to be done so we can bid it out and get it started by this summer. Tuesday brings our 1st of three Lent Penance Services, this one at 7 pm at St. John the Evangelist. Wednesday evening, why not celebrate April Fools day by stopping down at Coffee Hour (7-9 pm at St. James)! Thursday is our 2nd Penance Service at 7 pm at St. James. Friday, though not celebrated liturgically, is the feast of St. Richard (of Chichester ). Saturday is our 3rd Penance Service at 11 am at St. Ambrose. Next weekend is Palm Sunday. Final opportunities for Penance are “Confessions” as listed in column to left. Peace!

— Father Schrader

March 22, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Daniel brings us to the 34th book of the Bible. It is about the days of the Israelites exile in the Babylonian Empire in the 6th century B.C., yet it is written in the 2nd century B.C. during the Maccabean Revolt. That way, the author could give hope to those being persecuted by Antiochus Epiphanes in that later revolt without fear of retribution by Antiochus because he would think it was being written about the earlier Nebuchadnezzar—it was sort of like writing in code. The name Daniel itself means “God is my judge” and that is what Daniel was trying to convey, that divine protection was for more than Daniel and those in the story being read; it was for all who were doing the reading. In Daniel's pages, we'll hear the story of the four young Israelites (Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) whom we know better by the names given them in Babylon (Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) and who did better on vegetables than those who ate meat that had been sacrificed to false gods (ch. 1); we'll hear about Daniel's ability to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dreams (ch. 2) and we'll read a section that was originally written in Aramaic ( 2:4b-7:28) except for one part that was written in Greek (3:24-91a); we'll read a very long chapter that tells of a failed attempt to burn the three young men in the furnace and then relates two songs which are very prayerful (ch. 3); we'll then read of Belshazzar profaning the stolen vessels of the Temple and of the writing that is on the wall for him (ch, 5); we read of how Daniel is one of three Presidents over the satraps of Greece, and yet of how he is thrown into the Lion's Den (ch. 6); we have the vision of the four beasts (ch. 7); we encounter Gabriel interpreting for Daniel just as Daniel interpreted for Nebuchadnezzar (ch. 8); Archangel Michael reenters the scene (ch. 10); then Antiochus Epiphanes is met (ch, 11), and we encounter a pre-Christ notion of Resurrection of the dead (ch. 12); chapters 13 and 14 are in the Greek but not the Hebrew Bible, and there we'll read the beautiful story of Susanna, a woman of virtue (ch. 13); and finally, Daniel kills a dragon and Habakkuk stews (ch. 14). When you finish this book, you will have read 34 (46.6%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 1,007 (75.5%—over 3/4) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Many thanks to all who made last Tuesday's Irish Cultural Celebration such a success! Also, congratulations to Peace of Christ's own Joseph Lobozzo who was honored at Catholic Family Center 's annual Gala this past Friday! While I am in Baltimore this weekend for the Spring session of the National Advisory Council, I am grateful to Fr. Robert Bradler for covering Masses for me here in the parish. Today is Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday. It's also our annual Daffodil Sunday and the Catholic Relief Services collection as well. Join us Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. at St. Ambrose for the Scriptural Rosary. Lastly, a number have asked to see the pictures I captured of Antarctica , so this coming Saturday, March 28th , I'll do a 1-hour Travelogue at 2:00 P.M. in St. John the Evangelist church hall . All are welcome!

— Father Schrader

March 15, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Ezekiel is the 33rd book in our Bibles. In this prophet's text, we will find themes of judgment and restoration regarding God's people. It recounts events of the 6th century B.C. (the First Deportation to Babylon in 598, the Fall of Jerusalem in 587, and the End of the Exile in 537). The author is among the exiles along the rivers of Babylon . While God seems distanced by the people's turning to idols (leading to their subsequent defeat), we find God very much present to them by the end of the story. In Ezekiel's pages, we'll encounter a powerful vision at the very beginning, the public reading of which was restricted by the rabbis of old (ch. 1), scorpions and the eating of a scroll (ch. 2), a wonderful Penance preparation reading (ch. 3), calls for no tossing or turning (ch. 4), more cannibal themes (ch. 5), some doom-ish passages that are not uplifting (ch. 7), the Glory of God leaving Jerusalem (ch. 10), folks in a stew (ch. 11), a new teaching of Individual Responsibility and a warning about 4 particular scourges [sword/famine/wild beasts/plagues] (ch. 14), a parable of The Useless Vine (ch. 15), another great Penance preparation chapter (ch. 18), an allegorical history of Jerusalem itself—and a few notes about Egyptians I can't repeat here because this is a family publication (ch. 23), a revelation that it was God's own self Who put the sword into the hand of the king of Babylon (ch. 30), the familiar tenet that the bigger they are the harder they fall (ch. 31), the assurance that God is our true Shepherd (ch. 34), the exchange of hearts of flesh for hearts of stone (ch. 36), a powerful Old Testament vision of resurrection [story of the dry bones] (ch. 37), the bellybutton of the world (ch. 38), a pre-Eucharistic eating of flesh and drinking of blood (ch. 39), the use of vestments (ch. 42), the return of Divine Glory to the Temple (ch. 43), sweating (ch. 44), weighing (ch. 45), exiting (ch. 46), flowing (ch. 47), and God's future name (ch. 48). When you finish this book, you will have read 33 (45.2%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 993 (74.4%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Many thanks to those who gave to the special second collection last weekend to aid our poorest urban children in our school. Today's is the 2nd of two such special second collections for that purpose in case you were unprepared last weekend. Tuesday is St. Patrick's Day. I look forward to being with you for a Teaching Mass at 5:00 P.M. at St. James followed by the Irish Cultural Celebration on which so many have worked so hard (coordinated by Fr. O'Werth). Friday brings Spring (at 7:44 A.M.). Lastly, a repeated thanks to all who have supported our parish capital campaign. You'll see work commencing soon at each of our three sites. The monthly updated roster of appreciation will next appear in the bulletin on March 29th. Please, remember to make all checks payable to “POC Campaign” (if you make it payable to Peace of Christ Parish, we'll presume you intend it simply for the regular collection). Using the special envelopes at each church will also direct it correctly, and save us billing costs. Thanks!

— Father Schrader

March 8, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Baruch brings us to the 32nd book of our Bibles. With only 5 chapters last week in Lamentations and now only 6 chapters in Baruch, for those of you who have been reading a book of the Bible each week since last August along with this column, these two weeks must seem like recess: instead of having to read over 21 chapters a day as in Psalms or even 7 or 8 chapters a day as in Jeremiah or Isaiah, here we have but one chapter a day and even a few days off. Baruch was Jeremiah's secretary, and he thus lived in the 6th century B.C. (though some conjecture that the book is only attributed to him but may have actually been written in the 2nd century B.C. to give people hope during the Maccabean Revolt). Baruch's book offers the People of God in either century (and our own) a second chance and reasons for hope. In his pages, we'll read of the Jews in exile in Babylon and of his call to pray for them, send them funds, and even pray for the ruler there, Nebuchadnezzar: delivery into his hands had been God's will, and now the people were to pray for forgiveness of their sins (ch. 1); we hear more about cannibalism in the next chapter, as well as a wonderful Prayer for Deliverance (well worth our own occasional saying) and the promise of a new Covenant ahead (ch. 2); then comes a beautiful poem on Wisdom which should serve as a guide back into God's graces (ch. 3); this poem continues into the next chapter which then launches into encouragement for those in exile not to lost heart because help is on the way and they will be free—perfect Lenten themes (ch. 4); then, just as in other places in the Bible God gives people new names when a new divine-human relationship is struck, so too the whole people God is saving receive new names: “Peace-Through-Justice” and “Glory-Through-Devotion”—God was into hyphenated names (ch. 5); the final chapter in some older Bibles actually appears as a separate book between Lamentations and Baruch as it is a Letter of Jeremiah which Baruch, his secretary, here incorporates into his own book: it reiterates that the people's long captivity was due to their having turned in the past to foolish idols (ch. 6). When you finish this book, you will have read 32 (43.8%) of the 73 books of the Bible, yet 945 (70.8%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

This weekend is a special 2nd collection related to our Catholic Schools. Page 6 explains it more, but this collection (special envelopes here in church) will most help the poorer children in our St. John Neumann School and in the Cathedral School, the two that serve the vast majority of Rochester's city students. If you were caught unawares, it will be repeated next week. Our Tuesday Lenten program continues along: hope to see you Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. at St. James for Evening Prayer on the night of the beautiful Full “Worm” Moon (watch where you step!). Can it be that Pope Pius XII became pope 70 years ago Thursday?! Lastly, turn Friday the 13th into your lucky day by attending The Power of Forgiveness by Rev. Imani Dodley at 7:00 P.M. at St. John's . Continued blessings on your Lenten journey!

— Father Schrader

March 1, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Lamentations is the 31st book in our Bibles. You may recognize

a number of passages in these five chapters, as this book composes in

large part the source for our Tenebrae service of Holy Week. T imothy

P. Schehr (in his The Bible Made Easy: A Book-by-Book Introduction

that we have cited occasionally—ISBN 978-0-86716-598-2)

writes “This is a book for the homesick. It contains the lyrics of sad

songs lamenting the fall of Jerusalem . Perhaps they were some of the

songs mentioned in Psalm 137 and sung by the people as they sat

along the canals of ancient Babylon pining for happier times in the

Promised Land” (p. 103). This book was written sometime between

the Fall of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. and the Return from the Exile in 537

B.C. It is attributed to Jeremiah and is, at the least, in his style. Each

chapter is written in Hebrew alphabetically, with the first letter of

each succeeding verse being the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet—

although this breaks down a bit (possibly because the author himself

was breaking down and couldn't keep to this regiment) with the final

chapter. The 1st lamentation might best be titled “ Jerusalem , the Deserted

City, Weeps,” and as you read its very first verse, thoughts of

9/11 may even come to mind (ch. 1); the 2nd lamentation could be

called “God's Warnings Fulfilled: A Day of Wrath,” and you'll read

of hungry children and of parents hungry for their children (ch. 2); the

3rd lamentation might be “A Word of Hope: God's Steadfast Love

Endures,” which reminds us of our own bishop's motto (God's Love

Endures Forever) and teaches us the value of waiting in silence (ch.

3); the 4th lamentation would onerously be titled “Images of Death:

The Punishment of Zion,” and here we read of a preference of death

by sword over death by famine—and a bit more on cannibalism as

well (ch. 4); and our 5th and final lamentation we more hopefully

could call “A Plea for Mercy and Restoration” (ch. 5). When you finish

this book, you will have read 31 (42.5%) of the 73 books of the

Bible, yet 939 (70.4%) of the 1,334 chapters of the Bible.

Thanks for sponsoring us bowlers for this afternoon's Mercy

Bowl-a-thon. Proceeds will help very needy individuals. Pray also

for those celebrating their Rite of Election this evening at the cathedral

(see page 4 for names). Last Tuesday, we had 238 people for our

first Tuesday in a series through Lent. This Tuesday, be sure not to

miss Father Sebastian Falcone as he presents insights on St. Paul in

this Year of St. Paul (he taught both Fr. Werth and myself in the seminary!)

Wednesday (and Friday and Saturday) we are in Ember Day

mode, and Wednesday evening is our next Stewardship Committee

meeting at St. James downstairs amidst the weekly Coffee Hour.

Next Sunday begins Daylight Savings T ime. Also it is the birthday of

seminarian David Tedesche who helped out here last year (cards can

go to him at: North American College , Vatican City State, Europe

00120). Lastly, see page 8 about a school offering on 3/8 & 3/15—it

will help greatly the WIN children in our St. John Neumann School !

— Father Schrader