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.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Praying for our Holy Father
PRAYER FOR POPE BENEDICT XVI
Lord, source of eternal life and truth,
give to your shepherd, Benedict, a spirit
of courage and right judgment, a spirit
of knowledge and love. By governing
with fidelity those entrusted to his care,
may he, as successor to the Apostle
Peter and Vicar of Christ, build your
Church into a sacrament of unity, love
and peace for all the world. Amen.
V/ Let us pray for Benedict, the pope.
R/ May the Lord preserve him,
give him a long life,
make him blessed upon the earth,
and not hand him over
to the power of his enemies.
V/ May your hand
be upon your holy servant.
R/ And upon your son,
whom you have anointed.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Holy Week Celebrations
HOLY THURSDAY - MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
On Holy Thursday we commemorate the Last Supper that Christ had
with his Apostles. At the Supper he anticipated his death and offered
them his Body and Blood under the appearances of bread and wine.
He commanded his apostles to repeat this action saying “Do this in
Memory of Me”. At the beginning of this Mass, the tabernacle is
empty, since we are remembering the First Eucharist.
This evening we also remember the “New Commandment” that Christ
left us at the Last Supper, “Love one another as I have loved you”.
Some parishioners will have their feet washed by the priests to
remember how Christ humbled himself and washed his disciples feet.
As Christians we are called to humble ourselves and serve others. It
is only by frequently receiving Jesus in Holy Communion that we can
be transformed into his likeness and love as he loved. After this Mass
is concluded, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession to the lower level of the Church for prayer and adoration. This is to recall
Christ’s Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane where he went to pray
with his disciples. Peter, James and John fell asleep. Christ asked them
“Could you not spend one hour with me?’ We spend time in prayer
and adoration this night to make reparation for all the times we have
fallen asleep and failed to keep vigil with Christ. We are pleased to welcome Bishop Ustrzycki to lead us in this celebration which begins at 7:00 p.m..
GOOD FRIDAY
On Good Friday, we commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross for
our salvation. There will be two celebrations on Good Friday, 11:00a.m. and 3:00 p.m. On this day our parish also sponsors a Fishy Fry from 4:00-7:30pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall. We also mark the Stations of the Cross (lead by our youth) at 7:00pm.
HOLY SATURDAY
Holy Saturday remains a day of mourning, fasting and prayer – joining
Christ in his descent among the dead. We commemorate the
“absence” of Christ by refraining from celebrating the sacraments
during the day.
We mark the custom of blessing the food for Easter celebrations at 1:00pm
EASTER VIGIL
The Easter Vigil, which begins at 7:00p.m., is the highest point of our Liturgical year. On this night we commemorate Christ’s Glorious Resurrection from the dead.
The evening begins in complete darkness – to represent the darkness that
covered the world without Christ. The Easter fire is lit at the back of the
Church and blessed. From this fire we light the Easter candle, which
represents the risen Christ emerging from the tomb and enlightening the
world. The congregation carries small candles of their own which are lit
from the Christ candle. As the presider reaches the front of the Church,
he chants an ancient hymn known as the “Exultet” announcing the
Church’s joy at the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Vigil continues with a series of readings from the Old Testament,
beginning with the Creation of the world, and summarizing the whole
history of Israel. We reflect upon all of the great deeds God has done for
us throughout history. Before the New Testament Reading and Gospel,
the Glory to God is sung – and the lights in the Church are raised to full
power as we hear of the greatest deed of God – the death and resurrection
of his Son, that has saved us from sin and death.
After the Homily, the Baptismal font is blessed and together the
congregation renews its baptismal promises. It is Jesus Christ, risen
from the dead, who gives the baptismal water the power to forgive sins.
Those who have been preparing to become Catholic receive the
Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. They will make their First
Communion that evening as well. We are welcoming 11 new members into our faith this evening.
While it is true that the Easter Vigil is the longest rite in our Liturgical
Calendar (2 ½ hours), the solemn and celebratory spirit makes it move
quickly. It is an opportunity to support those entering the Church and to
reflect on our own Baptism and Confirmation. While it may be difficult
to attend with small children, it is a wonderful opportunity for older
children to witness the richness of our Catholic Faith. The vigil Mass is
usually less crowded than the Masses on Easter Sunday. Please plan to
attend with your family this year.
EASTER SUNDAY
The Easter Sunday Mass is the model for all of our Sunday Masses
throughout the year – each and every Sunday is like a “little Easter” –
where we participate in the death and resurrection of our Lord. On
Sunday Morning, we continue the joy that filled the Easter Vigil. We
will renew our Baptismal promises and the presider will sprinkle the
congregation with Holy Water. The victory over sin and death that we
have received in Christ must permeate the rest of our year.
On Holy Thursday we commemorate the Last Supper that Christ had
with his Apostles. At the Supper he anticipated his death and offered
them his Body and Blood under the appearances of bread and wine.
He commanded his apostles to repeat this action saying “Do this in
Memory of Me”. At the beginning of this Mass, the tabernacle is
empty, since we are remembering the First Eucharist.
This evening we also remember the “New Commandment” that Christ
left us at the Last Supper, “Love one another as I have loved you”.
Some parishioners will have their feet washed by the priests to
remember how Christ humbled himself and washed his disciples feet.
As Christians we are called to humble ourselves and serve others. It
is only by frequently receiving Jesus in Holy Communion that we can
be transformed into his likeness and love as he loved. After this Mass
is concluded, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession to the lower level of the Church for prayer and adoration. This is to recall
Christ’s Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane where he went to pray
with his disciples. Peter, James and John fell asleep. Christ asked them
“Could you not spend one hour with me?’ We spend time in prayer
and adoration this night to make reparation for all the times we have
fallen asleep and failed to keep vigil with Christ. We are pleased to welcome Bishop Ustrzycki to lead us in this celebration which begins at 7:00 p.m..
GOOD FRIDAY
On Good Friday, we commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross for
our salvation. There will be two celebrations on Good Friday, 11:00a.m. and 3:00 p.m. On this day our parish also sponsors a Fishy Fry from 4:00-7:30pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall. We also mark the Stations of the Cross (lead by our youth) at 7:00pm.
HOLY SATURDAY
Holy Saturday remains a day of mourning, fasting and prayer – joining
Christ in his descent among the dead. We commemorate the
“absence” of Christ by refraining from celebrating the sacraments
during the day.
We mark the custom of blessing the food for Easter celebrations at 1:00pm
EASTER VIGIL
The Easter Vigil, which begins at 7:00p.m., is the highest point of our Liturgical year. On this night we commemorate Christ’s Glorious Resurrection from the dead.
The evening begins in complete darkness – to represent the darkness that
covered the world without Christ. The Easter fire is lit at the back of the
Church and blessed. From this fire we light the Easter candle, which
represents the risen Christ emerging from the tomb and enlightening the
world. The congregation carries small candles of their own which are lit
from the Christ candle. As the presider reaches the front of the Church,
he chants an ancient hymn known as the “Exultet” announcing the
Church’s joy at the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Vigil continues with a series of readings from the Old Testament,
beginning with the Creation of the world, and summarizing the whole
history of Israel. We reflect upon all of the great deeds God has done for
us throughout history. Before the New Testament Reading and Gospel,
the Glory to God is sung – and the lights in the Church are raised to full
power as we hear of the greatest deed of God – the death and resurrection
of his Son, that has saved us from sin and death.
After the Homily, the Baptismal font is blessed and together the
congregation renews its baptismal promises. It is Jesus Christ, risen
from the dead, who gives the baptismal water the power to forgive sins.
Those who have been preparing to become Catholic receive the
Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. They will make their First
Communion that evening as well. We are welcoming 11 new members into our faith this evening.
While it is true that the Easter Vigil is the longest rite in our Liturgical
Calendar (2 ½ hours), the solemn and celebratory spirit makes it move
quickly. It is an opportunity to support those entering the Church and to
reflect on our own Baptism and Confirmation. While it may be difficult
to attend with small children, it is a wonderful opportunity for older
children to witness the richness of our Catholic Faith. The vigil Mass is
usually less crowded than the Masses on Easter Sunday. Please plan to
attend with your family this year.
EASTER SUNDAY
The Easter Sunday Mass is the model for all of our Sunday Masses
throughout the year – each and every Sunday is like a “little Easter” –
where we participate in the death and resurrection of our Lord. On
Sunday Morning, we continue the joy that filled the Easter Vigil. We
will renew our Baptismal promises and the presider will sprinkle the
congregation with Holy Water. The victory over sin and death that we
have received in Christ must permeate the rest of our year.
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