From the Pastor
May/31/2009
Graduation ceremonies and parties are the highlight of this time of year for many of our families. We mark the occasions with celebrations that are as varied as the occasions themselves. Even the 11 Apostles graduated from their three-year course in the first Christian school of learning, at the feet of Jesus Himself!
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, traditionally called the “Birthday of the Church.” The title for this feast derives from the Greek word for fifty, since the Apostles received the Spirit that many days after the Passover. Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus promised the Apostles “another Paraclete,” or Advocate, to guide them. Obedient to the Lord’s command, the Apostles remained in Jerusalem all this time, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would fill their minds and hearts with His gifts. That Spirit would empower the faithful followers of Jesus to continue the work He began on earth. So they spent much time in prayer, choosing a replacement for Judas (in the person of Matthias), bringing their number back to twelve, significant for their witness to God as the renewed Israel (remember the 12 tribes of Israel?). While the Third Person of the Trinity is most often referred to as the Holy Spirit in the teaching, worship and devotional life of the Church, He has other titles as well. Throughout the New Testament, and especially in the letters of Paul, we read about “the Spirit of Christ.” He is also referred to as the “Spirit of glory” and “the Spirit of promise.” In the Nicene Creed, we profess He is “the Lord and Giver of life.” These titles indicate the close interrelationship of the Holy Spirit with every aspect of
Christ’s life, teaching, miracles and, most especially, His death and resurrection. We affirm that the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. This does not mean that the Spirit is third in rank or importance, or that he came to exist at a later time. Rather, He is “third” because He eternally “proceeds from the Father and the Son.” We profess that He is “worshipped and glorified with the Father and the Son,” with whom He is co-equal and co-eternal. While the Trinity remains a mystery of faith, it is a very special and splendid, life-giving mystery – the secret of God’s inward communion of life and love.
Unlike the eternal Word who became flesh, the Holy Spirit remains invisible. Yet, we know the presence and power by His manifold works. It is the Spirit who allows us to be adopted sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father, who opens our hearts in faith, and who sanctifies and guides us in the daily following of Christ. It is, likewise, the Holy Spirit who guides us andacts in the Church’s teaching office and Sacramental life. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is the “driving force” of the Church’s life. He enables us to pray and proclaim the saving Gospel of truth and love. The events of Pentecost, described in two of this weekend’s readings, certainly seem to have elements of the fabulous in them, and tough critics of Christianity have surmised that the whole “cult of Jesus’ followers” that developed in the first century Palestine (and soon spread far beyond) was rooted in the “overheated imagination of a few diehard disciples,” who wanted to believe that their Jesus somehow survived death. To counter that criticism, we can point to the Gospels’ emphasis on the historical “reality” of the risen Lord who appeared to His disciples. Additionally, having heard of how God’s Spirit was given to the first followers of Jesus, we must accept our commission to keep that Spirit alive in the world today. It is that same Spirit that we invoke to come upon us to continue the task given the first Apostles. The question is, “Are we ready to accept the responsibility and power that come to us from the Spirit?” If so, then we shall accomplish much work for God’s people.
I already see that Spirit working in our parish school and throughout much of our fine parish. For instance, it was a great joy, this past week, for me to be at the “rite of passage” of our Pre-K children to Kindergarten, and our Kindergarten children to upcoming First Grade. Along with our parish school Principal, Mrs. Delgado, our teachers of these classes, and proud parents of the students, we witnessed a delightful program from each of the classes. What a great year we have had in our school, beginning with these little ones and ending with the Class of 2009, our eighth grade graduates, who celebrate with us at this Saturday afternoon’s 4:00 P.M. Mass! It has been a real delight for me to be able to partake in so many wonderful events of this school year.Also, many parents remarked how a wonderful spirit has penetrated our school this year, and I must give credit to the leadership of our new Principal, who has done a tremendous work with the talented faculty and staff with which we are blessed. I also thank those parents who cooperate with us, and the Home and School Association under the leadership of Irene and Byard Hey and their fellow officers. They make a difference!!!
I am sure that this same spirit will extend into next year. To continue the theme of “New Beginnings,” I have asked Bishop Barbarito to mark the opening of our next year with a special Mass, and he has consented. There will be more information forthcoming on this celebration as we draw closer to that time. We will also bless all the new additions and renovations of our parish at that time that we have prepared these past two plus years. May all of you who have made this possible enjoy that upcoming occasion! I sincerely thank you for your continued support of our parish, your willingness to move forward in our parish and your affirmation of all of our priests, sisters and staff. May God’s blessings come upon you in great abundance!
Congratulations to all of our graduates of the Class of 2009 from our parish family in elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, nursing schools and other graduate schools. We are proud of you and your accomplishments! We hope that you stay close to the Lord, showing appreciation of all the gifts He has bestowed upon you. Your thanks to the Lord can be made manifest in prayer, worship and in the development and use of these gifts from God for the sake of His people, and thereby giving Him glory. May God watch over you and your family!!!
Very Rev. Canon Tom
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, traditionally called the “Birthday of the Church.” The title for this feast derives from the Greek word for fifty, since the Apostles received the Spirit that many days after the Passover. Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus promised the Apostles “another Paraclete,” or Advocate, to guide them. Obedient to the Lord’s command, the Apostles remained in Jerusalem all this time, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would fill their minds and hearts with His gifts. That Spirit would empower the faithful followers of Jesus to continue the work He began on earth. So they spent much time in prayer, choosing a replacement for Judas (in the person of Matthias), bringing their number back to twelve, significant for their witness to God as the renewed Israel (remember the 12 tribes of Israel?). While the Third Person of the Trinity is most often referred to as the Holy Spirit in the teaching, worship and devotional life of the Church, He has other titles as well. Throughout the New Testament, and especially in the letters of Paul, we read about “the Spirit of Christ.” He is also referred to as the “Spirit of glory” and “the Spirit of promise.” In the Nicene Creed, we profess He is “the Lord and Giver of life.” These titles indicate the close interrelationship of the Holy Spirit with every aspect of
Christ’s life, teaching, miracles and, most especially, His death and resurrection. We affirm that the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. This does not mean that the Spirit is third in rank or importance, or that he came to exist at a later time. Rather, He is “third” because He eternally “proceeds from the Father and the Son.” We profess that He is “worshipped and glorified with the Father and the Son,” with whom He is co-equal and co-eternal. While the Trinity remains a mystery of faith, it is a very special and splendid, life-giving mystery – the secret of God’s inward communion of life and love.
Unlike the eternal Word who became flesh, the Holy Spirit remains invisible. Yet, we know the presence and power by His manifold works. It is the Spirit who allows us to be adopted sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father, who opens our hearts in faith, and who sanctifies and guides us in the daily following of Christ. It is, likewise, the Holy Spirit who guides us andacts in the Church’s teaching office and Sacramental life. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is the “driving force” of the Church’s life. He enables us to pray and proclaim the saving Gospel of truth and love. The events of Pentecost, described in two of this weekend’s readings, certainly seem to have elements of the fabulous in them, and tough critics of Christianity have surmised that the whole “cult of Jesus’ followers” that developed in the first century Palestine (and soon spread far beyond) was rooted in the “overheated imagination of a few diehard disciples,” who wanted to believe that their Jesus somehow survived death. To counter that criticism, we can point to the Gospels’ emphasis on the historical “reality” of the risen Lord who appeared to His disciples. Additionally, having heard of how God’s Spirit was given to the first followers of Jesus, we must accept our commission to keep that Spirit alive in the world today. It is that same Spirit that we invoke to come upon us to continue the task given the first Apostles. The question is, “Are we ready to accept the responsibility and power that come to us from the Spirit?” If so, then we shall accomplish much work for God’s people.
I already see that Spirit working in our parish school and throughout much of our fine parish. For instance, it was a great joy, this past week, for me to be at the “rite of passage” of our Pre-K children to Kindergarten, and our Kindergarten children to upcoming First Grade. Along with our parish school Principal, Mrs. Delgado, our teachers of these classes, and proud parents of the students, we witnessed a delightful program from each of the classes. What a great year we have had in our school, beginning with these little ones and ending with the Class of 2009, our eighth grade graduates, who celebrate with us at this Saturday afternoon’s 4:00 P.M. Mass! It has been a real delight for me to be able to partake in so many wonderful events of this school year.Also, many parents remarked how a wonderful spirit has penetrated our school this year, and I must give credit to the leadership of our new Principal, who has done a tremendous work with the talented faculty and staff with which we are blessed. I also thank those parents who cooperate with us, and the Home and School Association under the leadership of Irene and Byard Hey and their fellow officers. They make a difference!!!
I am sure that this same spirit will extend into next year. To continue the theme of “New Beginnings,” I have asked Bishop Barbarito to mark the opening of our next year with a special Mass, and he has consented. There will be more information forthcoming on this celebration as we draw closer to that time. We will also bless all the new additions and renovations of our parish at that time that we have prepared these past two plus years. May all of you who have made this possible enjoy that upcoming occasion! I sincerely thank you for your continued support of our parish, your willingness to move forward in our parish and your affirmation of all of our priests, sisters and staff. May God’s blessings come upon you in great abundance!
Congratulations to all of our graduates of the Class of 2009 from our parish family in elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, nursing schools and other graduate schools. We are proud of you and your accomplishments! We hope that you stay close to the Lord, showing appreciation of all the gifts He has bestowed upon you. Your thanks to the Lord can be made manifest in prayer, worship and in the development and use of these gifts from God for the sake of His people, and thereby giving Him glory. May God watch over you and your family!!!
Very Rev. Canon Tom