The geese are flying. The leaves are changing. The nights are cooler. The daylight is a little less. Yes, in deed, Fall is here. Fall is a beautiful season, but kind of “in-between”. In between the glories of summer and the gusts of winter. During Fall we recall the sunny, hazy, lazy days of summer. A lighter load, slower pace, smaller scope of things to do. We marvel at the beautiful flower beds, crisp water scenes, longer days and warmer nights. Then, in the in between, we also think about winter. For those into sports - skies and ski dos come out. Those not into these begin to get their reading list ready and their “trip down south” plans set. Fall really is in between.
What do you do with the “in between’s” ? Those in between times in your spiritual life I mean. Those times in between the glorious “summers” and the gloomy “winters” that come into all our lives. Those seasons when everything is a blessing and those moments when life is a burden.
One things I like about Fall is the time to ponder, pray and prepare that the “in between” affords. To ponder the glories that God has put into my life (family, friends, faith). To pray over the glooms that gust through my life (sadness, sickness, struggle). Praying for the strength in the “in between” to appreciate the one and get through the other. Jesus did the same. Scripture tells us that several times in His ministry He “withdrew to a place by Himself”. He wanted an “in between” moment. It is ok for us to want one too. Christ took the inbetween as a moment to reflect upon the Father’s will, to ensure that His mission was on track and that his priorities were in balance. He also took the time to pray for those who were on the journey with Him. What a great use of the “in between”.
So enjoy the Fall. It is in between. Take it in. Ponder, Prepare, Pray. Bask in those summer glories. Batten down for those winter glooms. Rejoice - a new season is here !
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
New Bishop for Hamilton Diocese
Friday morning, the Vatican announced that the Holy Father appointed Bishop Douglas Crosby, currently Bishop of Corner Brook Newfoundland and Labrador as the Bishop of Hamilton.
The Holy Father also accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Anthony F. Tonnos, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law which sets the mandatory age of retirement for Bishops at 75. Bishop Tonnos, who turned 75 in August, has led the Diocese of Hamilton since 1984.
Bishop Crosby was born on June 28, 1949, in Marathon, Ontario, after becoming a member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Bishop Douglas Crosby was ordained to the priesthood on September 27, 1975, at the Holy Canadian Martyrs' Parish, Ottawa. After serving as CCCB General Secretary from 1996 to 1997, he was ordained Bishop in Ottawa on January 2, 1998, and installed two days later as Bishop of Labrador City-Schefferville.
In 2007, he was named Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador, which comprises all parishes and missions in the former Diocese of St. George’s on the Island of Newfoundland, in addition to those in the territory of Labrador which had previously been part of what used to be the Diocese of Labrador City – Schefferville.
Bishop Crosby has been very involved in liturgical questions both nationally and internationally. He is currently a member of the CCCB English Sector Commission for Liturgy and the Sacraments, and has previously served as the Commission’s Chairman. As the previous CCCB representative on the International Commission for English in the Liturgy (ICEL), he has also served as its Secretary and Vice-Chair.
The Diocese of Hamilton has a Catholic population of 559,290 in 155 parishes and missions, served by 122 diocesan priests, 88 priests who are members of religious orders, 24 permanent deacons and 281 religious Sisters and Brothers.
We offer our prayers and best wishes to Bishop Crosby on this new pastoral assignment as well as giving thanks for the lengthy service of Bishop Tonnos. May he enjoy a well deserved retirement! One would expect an auxiliary bishop to be appointed to assist Bishop Crosby in his ministry - the timing of which only the Vatican knows..
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Fall 2010 - Untold Blessings
As we begin the Fall, we will begin a new tradition in Padre's Posts....once per month postings. In the past I have tried to post every week, however it is becoming a little more difficult to do that, however, I committ to posting once per month for sure. We hope soon to begin thru the parish an Electronic Newsletter - this will also be a great source of keeping everyone "posted" on the great things happening at St Mary of the Visitation Parish, Cambridge.
UNTOLD BLESSINGS
In St. Matthew’s Gospel (6:25-33), we are reminded that God has planned “untold blessings” for all of His faithful. When I pray about our Family of Faith, I see these blessings constantly being sent forth. God is blessing our community - with growth, with new ample facilities, with vision for our future, with appreciation for our past.
As the signs of Fall arrive, let us spend some time thinking about God’s Untold Blessings. They are present everyday, but we have to know how to see them, how to appreciate them, how to envision them and how to seek them for our life !
We have planned a schedule full of opportunities for your entire family, not to add to your calendar, but to help you take notice and experience God’s Untold Blessing for you. Whether you are a child, teen, young adult, older adult, couple, single, widowed, man, woman, mother or father, new parishioner or you have been here for a while...there really is something for everyone - I hope that you come be with us !
May Our Lady of the Visitation continue to be our inspiration, model and guide.
UNTOLD BLESSINGS
In St. Matthew’s Gospel (6:25-33), we are reminded that God has planned “untold blessings” for all of His faithful. When I pray about our Family of Faith, I see these blessings constantly being sent forth. God is blessing our community - with growth, with new ample facilities, with vision for our future, with appreciation for our past.
As the signs of Fall arrive, let us spend some time thinking about God’s Untold Blessings. They are present everyday, but we have to know how to see them, how to appreciate them, how to envision them and how to seek them for our life !
We have planned a schedule full of opportunities for your entire family, not to add to your calendar, but to help you take notice and experience God’s Untold Blessing for you. Whether you are a child, teen, young adult, older adult, couple, single, widowed, man, woman, mother or father, new parishioner or you have been here for a while...there really is something for everyone - I hope that you come be with us !
May Our Lady of the Visitation continue to be our inspiration, model and guide.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Summer Time
I am not sure if you know this or not, but one of the first inate desires of a new born child is to walk. Once the baby discerns they have feet - they want to use it - thus the reason why a child kicks in the womb.
When I was attending the Grade 8 graduations last week at our parish schools one of the common comments from parents was - just seems like yesterday they were walking for the first time on their own. All parents here - can related to the feeling that there is nothing as exciting as watching your baby go from a snuggly little lump you cradle in your arms to a roller, then a crawler, then a "cruiser," and finally a walker?
Babies seem absolutely driven to get on their feet. No matter how many times they tumble and topple, crash and burn, bump and bruise. Standing upright, walking and running with a straight back and straight legs is their goal. It is this posture that sets us apart from all other living creatures on earth. Or is it?
There is another position that reveals even more about the uniqueness of being human. Standing up defines our most remarkable physical gift. Kneeling down reveals our most miraculous spiritual gift. If you're a disciple of Jesus, to move up, move down - knelling is a spiritual gift we have. The future is on our knees; not on our feet. Insects crawl; fish swim; birds fly; humans pray. Praying, with body, heart, mind, and soul, is the hallmark of humanity.
We spend just one year learning how to stand on our own two feet, it can take us a lifetime to learn how to get back down on our knees?
In our Gospel Jesus sends His Disciples out on their own for the first time - not on a Vacation per say - but to walk on their own - to go forth. They had graduated of sort from being a crawler or cruiser who simply followed Jesus along the way -to a person who was now ready to walk on their own. Yet its interesting that Jesus said to them in our Gospel - don’t take much with you ?
★ Not sure about you but before I go any where - I make sure I have everything I need
★ Before I go on vacation - I make sure I got all my stuff packed
★ Before I even go for an evening walk - I make sure I have anything I might require with me
But Jesus says - you are going for a different type of walk - not one on your own; you are going for a walk and I will be with you - - not physically - spiritually. Just because you have the ability and the freedom - doesn’t mean you can do on your own - walk carefully with me - depend on me and spend some time not only upright but also on your knees
The summer time is a time of walking - we do lots more of that in the summer than any other time of the year - no doubt - evening strolls - vacation outings - beach or shore side adventures. It is all there; and sometimes that freedom gives us the tempation to think - well - we don’t need our knees - yet Jesus said to His Disciples - as you go forth - on a mission - you can walk now on your own - but don’t forget to depend on me - now that you know how to walk; don’t forget how to kneel.
Maybe as His Disciples today who are on Mission everyday thru Baptism
Maybe during this season in which we will do a lot more walking
Maybe during this time and age in which we will do lots on our own
- we might not also forget
The future is on our knees; not on our feet.
That our salvation is found not only in what we do during the walk - but also in the times we choose to kneel
When I was attending the Grade 8 graduations last week at our parish schools one of the common comments from parents was - just seems like yesterday they were walking for the first time on their own. All parents here - can related to the feeling that there is nothing as exciting as watching your baby go from a snuggly little lump you cradle in your arms to a roller, then a crawler, then a "cruiser," and finally a walker?
Babies seem absolutely driven to get on their feet. No matter how many times they tumble and topple, crash and burn, bump and bruise. Standing upright, walking and running with a straight back and straight legs is their goal. It is this posture that sets us apart from all other living creatures on earth. Or is it?
There is another position that reveals even more about the uniqueness of being human. Standing up defines our most remarkable physical gift. Kneeling down reveals our most miraculous spiritual gift. If you're a disciple of Jesus, to move up, move down - knelling is a spiritual gift we have. The future is on our knees; not on our feet. Insects crawl; fish swim; birds fly; humans pray. Praying, with body, heart, mind, and soul, is the hallmark of humanity.
We spend just one year learning how to stand on our own two feet, it can take us a lifetime to learn how to get back down on our knees?
In our Gospel Jesus sends His Disciples out on their own for the first time - not on a Vacation per say - but to walk on their own - to go forth. They had graduated of sort from being a crawler or cruiser who simply followed Jesus along the way -to a person who was now ready to walk on their own. Yet its interesting that Jesus said to them in our Gospel - don’t take much with you ?
★ Not sure about you but before I go any where - I make sure I have everything I need
★ Before I go on vacation - I make sure I got all my stuff packed
★ Before I even go for an evening walk - I make sure I have anything I might require with me
But Jesus says - you are going for a different type of walk - not one on your own; you are going for a walk and I will be with you - - not physically - spiritually. Just because you have the ability and the freedom - doesn’t mean you can do on your own - walk carefully with me - depend on me and spend some time not only upright but also on your knees
The summer time is a time of walking - we do lots more of that in the summer than any other time of the year - no doubt - evening strolls - vacation outings - beach or shore side adventures. It is all there; and sometimes that freedom gives us the tempation to think - well - we don’t need our knees - yet Jesus said to His Disciples - as you go forth - on a mission - you can walk now on your own - but don’t forget to depend on me - now that you know how to walk; don’t forget how to kneel.
Maybe as His Disciples today who are on Mission everyday thru Baptism
Maybe during this season in which we will do a lot more walking
Maybe during this time and age in which we will do lots on our own
- we might not also forget
The future is on our knees; not on our feet.
That our salvation is found not only in what we do during the walk - but also in the times we choose to kneel
Sunday, June 20, 2010
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Parish Feast Day - giving thanks
Last weekend was just Amazing! The goodness that this parish showed towards its neighbours (especially those in need) was wonderful. Parishioners of all ages worked together as we were able to provide a van load of items to Michael House, a truckload for the St. Vincent de Paul Store, and several car loads of household items for Bridges Shelter. This while another group prepared a wonderful supper at the Out of the Cold Program, serving and feeding about 80 people. On Saturday evening, a beautiful Marian Crowning Mass with the memorable presence of children in First Communion attire, bringing forth flowers to honour our Blessed Mother. On Sunday, our Kids Khior offered us a wonderful gift at our 9:30am Mass and at our 11:00am Mass, couples celebrated their Anniversaries of Married Life.
A Parish Feast Day tells not only of the patron we celebrate, but of those who are celebrating. The Feast of the Visitation is about welcome, caring for our neighbour and nourishing Christ within. The Parish of Our Lady of the Visitation definitely is about welcoming others (we do that every weekend). But last weekend, there was no doubt we demonstrated the care and love of neighbour. As a result of both, Christ’s presence was nourished (within us and in those we helped). It was what a Feast Day should be.
A Parish Feast Day tells not only of the patron we celebrate, but of those who are celebrating. The Feast of the Visitation is about welcome, caring for our neighbour and nourishing Christ within. The Parish of Our Lady of the Visitation definitely is about welcoming others (we do that every weekend). But last weekend, there was no doubt we demonstrated the care and love of neighbour. As a result of both, Christ’s presence was nourished (within us and in those we helped). It was what a Feast Day should be.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's Day
The month of May has traditionally been devoted to Mary. This month highlights the special sharing of our Blessed Mother in the paschal mystery of Christ, her Son. We are called to imitate Mary in her openness to God's will, in her prayerfulness of spirit and in her quiet dedication to the purpose and mission of her Son's life. Let us pray to God through Mary that every person may model her discipleship and her devotion to Christ, her Son. Our May Crowning Celebration will take place during the 5:00 p.m. Mass as part of our Feast Day celebrations on May 29th. This celebration is a part of our Parish Feast Day celebrations.
Our Parish Feast Day is a wonderful occasion to gather to give thanks - First and foremost, to Almighty God for all the blessings which He gives to us as a parish family. We also gather to give glory to our patroness, Our Lady of the Visitation, for her faithfulness to the Will of the Father in bearing the gift of God’s Son: Her faithfulness in becoming and being who the Father was calling her to be. May this Parish Feast Day inspire us to take time to consider, reflect on and become who the Father calls us to be, so that faithfulness can also be our mantel.
PRAYER FOR ALL MOTHERS
Eternal God, we ask Your blessing upon our mothers.
Bless all mothers who labour in the home for their families; give them courage and strength when the going gets rough.
Bless those mothers who are preparing for the birth of their child. Give eternal joy to our mothers whom you have called to be with You in eternal life.
We bring this prayer to Mary, the Mother of Your Only Son, so that she may intercede with Jesus our Lord who answers all our prayers. AMEN.
Our Parish Feast Day is a wonderful occasion to gather to give thanks - First and foremost, to Almighty God for all the blessings which He gives to us as a parish family. We also gather to give glory to our patroness, Our Lady of the Visitation, for her faithfulness to the Will of the Father in bearing the gift of God’s Son: Her faithfulness in becoming and being who the Father was calling her to be. May this Parish Feast Day inspire us to take time to consider, reflect on and become who the Father calls us to be, so that faithfulness can also be our mantel.
PRAYER FOR ALL MOTHERS
Eternal God, we ask Your blessing upon our mothers.
Bless all mothers who labour in the home for their families; give them courage and strength when the going gets rough.
Bless those mothers who are preparing for the birth of their child. Give eternal joy to our mothers whom you have called to be with You in eternal life.
We bring this prayer to Mary, the Mother of Your Only Son, so that she may intercede with Jesus our Lord who answers all our prayers. AMEN.
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