"Continually renewing hearts and homes, we are called to action through Jesus’ love for us and our love for Him."

March 7, 2010

Please join me in thanking Mary Riesterer, who after 24 years of tireless service to our parish family is retiring as our office secretary. When I first arrived here as a green-horn priest in 1993, Mary’s beautiful smile and reassuring words settled my nerves. Since becoming your pastor in July 2009, Mary has helped me to learn what I am to be doing, offering me timely counsel and keeping me headed in the right direction.

If you are able to send Mary a note of thanks please drop it off in the office and we gladly will deliver it to her.

Mary’s retirement leads us to consider carefully our office operations. Specifically we are discussing and deciding how to provide the most timely and complete pastoral care possible. Stay tuned.

Congratulations to our parishioner and St. Mary Central Catholic High School senior student-athlete Michael Gallagher who won the Ohio swimming state championship in the 200 Yard Individual Medley. In the process of earning his gold medal, Michael also set a new state record in the event. He placed a most impressive third place in the 100 Yard Backstroke, in which 3/10 of a second separated third from first place. Michael also competed in two relay races which included two other members of our parish family: James Alexakos and Matt Stahl. I further wish to congratulate parishioner and Perkins High School senior student-athlete Michael Mulvin for his impressive performance in the state swimming competition. These remarkable young men served notice to the entire state that there is something special around here in the water – actung, baby!

Under the spirited leadership of Karen Bush the Catholic Community Supper has relocated to Holy Angels Church and will resume serving hot meals on Wednesday, March 10. The new location makes it possible for our ministry to serve many more people who are in special need of assistance.

Please continue to pray for the men, women and children who are preparing for baptism and full entrance into the Catholic Faith at the Easter Vigil as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). During Lent, they will be present at the following Masses: (Sun) 3/7 11:30 a.m., (Sun) 3/14 9:30 a.m. and (Sat) 3/20 4:00 p.m. I encourage everyone now to mark your calendars and participate in the magnificent Easter Vigil Mass on (Sat) April 3 at 8:30 p.m. A reception will follow the Mass in the Commons giving all the wonderful opportunity to congratulate our newest parish family members. I wish to thank Marty Klupp and the members of our RCIA Team as well as sponsors who have given so generously of their time in helping to lead these people closer to Christ.

Make it a great week.

February 28, 2010

The Transfiguration of the Lord

Today’s account of the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36) occurs right after Jesus had predicted His passion to the disciples. Jesus strengthens the disciples’ faith, revealing to them in the Transfiguration a trace of the glory His body will have after the Resurrection. Jesus wants them – and us – to realize that His passion will not be the end but rather the route He will take to arrive at the goal of glory.

For a person to arrive safely at their intended destination, they must have some sense of where they are headed. An archer shoots an arrow when the target is seen. Where are you headed?

The disciples misunderstand. They think the glory of God that they behold on the mountain is the end of the story. They wish to build three tents so to capture and hold that glory (vv. 32-33). A voice from heaven booms, making clear that what they had suspected is true: Jesus is the beloved Son of God (v. 35). Friends, it is not enough simply to know who Jesus is. Let us listen attentively to what Jesus demands and make God’s way our own path.

The journey continues in order to arrive at the intended destination. In today’s Gospel, this is where the disciples falter. One is not made “Christian” by simply remaining alone on a mountain contemplating the divinity of Jesus. Followers of Jesus come down from the mountain – however glorious the encounter with Jesus – and join Jesus on His journey of love and service unto death.

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Each year my thoughtful parents send a Valentine’s Day package to their nine grandchildren. As it happened, their shipment this year was delayed and arrived at my sister’s Chicago home a few days late on Ash Wednesday. Nine year old Matt ripped open his gift only to heave a mighty sigh exclaiming, “Oh, that’s just great! I can’t even eat this Hershey bar for 40 days!”

Born a mere eight days apart in the same Wisconsin town of Fond du Lac, my parents celebrate their birthdays in early March. Mom’s mom turned 100 this past January and Dad’s mom is a remarkably robust 95 ½. So what do you think it is about Wisconsin - the cheese, the brats or the beer?

Eleven year old nephew Tom plays the trumpet. Recently he called and asked if I wanted to hear him play a song. Thirty minutes later…

Many of you have prayed tenderly for a long-time dear friend of mine who passed away on Ash Wednesday. Hers was a most remarkable life this side of heaven. Initially diagnosed with cancer in 1996, Gretchen harbored an indefatigable spirit whose generous and heroic markings empowered those whom she encountered. Four times she waged war against cancer and defeated it. Though, most amazing, was her always beautiful and grace-full style which placed others first, no matter how intense her own suffering. A devout Catholic, she lived the faith wholeheartedly and inspired those around her to do the same. Living in the image of Christ – as she dared to live - means that we live for God and other people. How can we better the time of others?

The February SECOND SUNDAY collection totaled some 300 bags filled with items for Heartbeat of Sandusky. Thank you for your inspiring generosity which will do so much to help deserving younger women and children in our own community.

The monthly Theology of the Body Adult Study Series is excellent and worthy of your consideration. The next session is SATURDAY, MARCH 6. Doors to the Commons open at 7:30 p.m. and the entertaining and informative 30 minute DVD clip shown on the movie screen begins at 8:00 p.m. This month we will learn why the Church requires priests to be celibate. Delicious appetizers, scrumptious desserts and refreshing beverages help to complete the fun evening which is for people 21 years of age and over.

February 21, 2010

The Temptations of Jesus

The devil never ceases to exploit the weakness of our human nature.

After having fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert, Our Lord must have been exceedingly weak and very vulnerable. This is no acting job. Jesus’ hunger pangs are as intense as they would be in every person. He is frail and famished. Precisely then – when vulnerability is the greatest - the tempter appears, slyly suggesting to Jesus that He ought to turn the stones lying around Him into the bread He needs and craves to eat.

In saying “no” to the tempter’s scheme, Jesus does much more than decline the food His body requires and wants. Jesus refuses to unleash His divine power to solve a “human” problem. How amazing Our Lord is in humbling Himself and accepting fully His human condition all-the-while remaining fully divine!

Today’s Gospel (Luke 4:1-13) teaches us to be watchful and vigilant, keeping lookout over ourselves as well as remaining on alert over those whom we have a special duty to help. The importance of this in moments of weakness and tiredness – when vulnerability is the greatest - cannot be overstated. Attentiveness gives us a fighting chance to do what is right when we find ourselves in a tough patch. Certain circumstances can be so overwhelming that in our exhaustion we may feel as though we possibly cannot take another step.

Friends, it is precisely at such moments that the devil tempts us most fiercely, aiming to turn us away from God’s plan so that we hurl ourselves down a different path.

In the second temptation, the devil takes Jesus to the Holy City and dares Him to throw Himself off the top of the temple. Once again, Jesus’ humility provides Him with the strength to refuse the request of the devil. Jesus will have nothing to do with performing pointless miracles which are nothing more than demonstrations of vanity. As we grow in the virtue of humility, we become stronger interiorly. The key to rejecting similar temptations of the devil that arise in our own lives is to become increasingly humble. As we rely more on God, more of His strength and power is at play in our daily living.

In the final temptation, the devil tries to seduce Jesus with all the worldly glory and power that any person could desire. Not so fast, my friend! Recall that the devil is the father of lies. Never forget that the devil always promises more than he can deliver - always.

Every temptation is nothing more than a miserable deception.

Here, the devil preys on our ambitions. The worst of all human ambitions may be the desire to get what we want at all costs. Avoid falling down also in worship of material things. When items are valued improperly, we eventually become their slave. Stated differently, material goods cease to be good if they separate us from God and others.

The longing for human power and glory is a relentless struggle. This Lent let us resolve to keep a constant watch against such temptations. Availing ourselves of the traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, may we imitate Jesus and come to serve God more obediently and joyfully

February 13, 2010

Preparing Well to Receive God’s Grace

The season of LENT begins on Ash Wednesday – February 17 – with the ancient practice of marking the baptized with ashes as a public and communal sign of penance.

Q. What do the ashes symbolize?

A. The ashes symbolize repentance and mortality. Accordingly, they also serve to remind us of God’s gracious mercy which is given freely to all those who call out to Him with sincere hearts.

Q. From where to the ashes come?

A. Ashes are created from the burned palm branches distributed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. The priest blesses the ashes and imposes them on the foreheads of the faithful, making the sign of the cross and saying, "Remember, man you are dust and to dust you shall return," or "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel."

Q. Upon whose forehead can ashes be imposed on Ash Wednesday? What about those people who are not Catholic – can they receive ashes too?

A. Any baptized Christian may receive ashes. Throughout my 17 years as a priest, I have spoken with many people who are unable to receive Holy Communion for a variety of reasons. Their inability to receive Holy Communion is a source of great suffering. It is important for them to have occasions to go forward along with everyone else toward the altar to receive precisely what everyone else receives.

Q. Does it make sense to impose ashes on infants or toddlers (i.e. those who do not yet have an awareness of sin)? Aren’t the ashes an exterior sign that implies an interior desire for repentance?

A. From a child’s perspective, I think it is good for them to receive the ashes simply because they want to participate and belong. For sure, this disposition in young children should be enjoyed as long as lasts, because it doesn’t last that long. Being included really does mean something to a child. I especially notice this when a child reaches to receive the Holy Eucharist during Communion – and sometimes are disappointed deeply when they do not receive the Sacred Host.

Very recently, my cousin explained it in this way during a conversation we shared. “I bless my infant with holy water and make my toddler cross herself when entering a church, as well as bow before the altar and kneel before the tabernacle. Likely, she doesn’t understand these practices much more or less than she would the reception of ashes. But you have to start somewhere.”

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In our culture we prepare to “give up something” during Lent. We might wonder what value there is for us in depriving ourselves of something that in itself is good and useful. We “give up something” that is good so as to make sure that no good thing in our lives somehow becomes more important than God.

Becoming more aware of others and their needs helps us to find God in our everyday life. The Church helps us to grow in this way each Lent by asking us also to “do something.”

January 24, 2010

Odds & Ends

I am filled with awe and gratitude for your remarkable generosity to the people of Haiti. Catholic Relief Services received $10,232 from our parish family – 10,232 more reasons why I am honored to be among you and serving you as your pastor.

Congratulations to our Second Grade parish family members who celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation for their first time earlier this week. We are proud of you while being reminded how healing and powerful this Sacrament is for all of us.

Confessions regularly are heard 30 minutes before every Mass, including Sundays. The Confessional is located next to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, behind the altar in the very back left hand corner of the church.

You will do well to thank Deacon Jeff and Deacon Bill for preaching last weekend which spared you the excessively long meandering homily I was sure to deliver after the devastating overtime playoff loss by the Green Bay Packers. For those who have not heard, I am rooting wildly for whoever is playing against the Vikings. Go Saints Go!

Be sure to check out the beautiful picture board of those adults and children who are preparing to enter the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Please learn their names, recognize their faces and welcome them warmly into our parish family. I wish to thank parish family member and highly-regarded local artist Laurie Rohrbacher for creating the wonderful RCIA display in the Commons.

Also in the Commons you will find computer generated drawings depicting how the parking lot expansion will appear. After viewing the drawings, take a moment just to imagine the increased convenience and safety as you look out the Commons’ windows!

The Women’s Bible Study is open to all who wish to review together the Gospel reading for the next Sunday. The WBS meets in the rectory living room 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. No knowledge of Scripture is required – only and open heart and mind to receive the beauty, goodness and truth that is God’s Word.

Make plans to see for yourselves the many exciting and impressive additions to Sandusky Central Catholic School during their Open House on Sunday, January 311:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. You can’t spell SUCCESS without SCCS!

The Holy Hour for Life takes place every Tuesday 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in church. The Rosary is prayed together at 6:30 p.m. followed immediately with Benediction and a Eucharistic Blessing. All are welcome to spend as much time as you are able with Our Lord who truly is present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

Most people have heard the "whats" of Catholic teaching, but very few have ever heard the "whys." The Theology of the Body Adult Study Series demonstrates that the Church’s teaching on sex and marriage "makes sense", in part, because it corresponds perfectly with the deepest stirrings and desires of the human heart. Everyone searching for their ultimate purpose in life is welcome to join us for our next session which will be held on Saturday, February 6, in the Commons. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the session begins promptly at 8:00 p.m.

January 10, 2010

An Impressive Commitment to Charitable Care

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God” (1822).

Since our inception as a Catholic church in 1855, charitable care has been at the heart of our mission as a family of faith. We earnestly seek to live out our faith by means of a commitment which is Christ-centered rather than self-centered.

Saint Paul teaches that if charity is lacking then we have nothing (cf. 1 Cor. 13:1-4). He goes on to explain that charity is superior to all the virtues and is the first of the theological virtues: “So faith, hope, charity abide, these three. But the greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13).

Dear friends, you have good reason to be mighty proud of the charitable care offered today by St. Mary’s.

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The inaugural SECOND SUNDAY food collection last month netted 800 bags of groceries for deserving people in our community. For those who viewed our Commons overrun with grocery bags, the sight was deeply moving. Care and Share was the beneficiary of your generosity which computed to over $20,000 in non-perishable items for those who are less fortunate and in special need. Thanks to all who participated in our new monthly initiative spearheaded by the Pastoral Council members. Here is how Second Sunday works:

Second Sunday – grocery bags with labels attached are distributed to parishioners after all weekend Masses

Third Sunday – grocery bags are collected in the Commons

Third Monday – grocery bags are distributed to the beneficiaries

I wish to thank the fine supportive people at Mark Advertising and Firelands Packaging whose generous donations have helped our newest charitable care ministry.

Please contact the parish office if you are interested and able to help with any aspect of this monthly ministry.

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The CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SUPPER provides a free, warm and delicious meal on Wednesdays 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. We are closed on the first Wednesday of the month. We currently offer this meal at the First Congregational UCC on the corner of Jefferson and Columbus. Later this spring we will be moving this ministry to Holy Angels Parish. Currently we have seven preparation and serving teams. Members from all parishes are welcome to participate in preparing and serving food.

Please contact our parish office if you feel called by Christ to assist in some manner.

I wish to thank especially the following organizations whose generosity helps us to provide needed food for so many: Routh Packing donates meat, Toft’s Dairy donates milk, Kroger gives us milk and sweets. Kindly support these generous local companies as you are able.

This wonderful social ministry now has been serving people in need for over 20 years.

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PARISH OUTREACH provides direct assistance to members of our parish family facing financial difficulties. In 2009 over 100 parishioners received assistance. All referrals made by parishioners are considered and strict confidentiality is kept. Parish Outreach request forms are available in the parish office. Further inquires will be answered gladly by Deacon Bill Burch bburch@stmarysandusky.org or 419-625-7465 ext. 15.

January 3, 2010

An Open Letter to Tiger Woods

Dear Tiger:

I’ve been working on this letter to you for quite some time. There are certain people I just do not want to disappoint me and you were one of them. When I first heard the reports about your numerous unspeakable acts I felt betrayed. Then I imagined the wave of anger and disappointment that must have engulfed your wife, children and other family members. Those thoughts made my stomach hurt. Our actions always impact others - especially those who are closest to us.

Ratings suggest far too many people are smitten by the morally depravity of soap operas like “Desperate Housewives.” Yet, the vast majority of people still hold long-term commitments to be essential for families as well as for maintaining the fabric of our nation. Being faithful is good. And being unfaithful is not, no matter who you are. Stories of your lewd and selfish actions strike at the very foundations of the sacred trust of married love and fatherhood. Maybe that’s why it hurt so much.

It will take heroic efforts to rebuild the trust you have lost. To make this happen drink the cup of humility. A good father and a loving husband do not act in the manner in which you have been accused. Unfortunately, you do not stand alone. Our debased culture is all too eager to encourage us to do whatever we want for no other reason than we can do it. In fact, one of your very own sponsors tells us to, “Just Do It.” Self-indulgent living does not lead to a life of fullness but only guarantees a desert of regret and restlessness.

You have the chance to reclaim the person you are or, perhaps, discover for the first time the person who you truly are – or rather, to Whom you truly belong. Though a fallen and faulted child of God, you always remain His child, precious and beloved in His sight.

You are not the first person who had so much of this world and found all you had to be not enough. Throughout human history original sin has fueled the urge in us all to be gods. Many people are horribly misled to believe that human fulfillment lies in gaining more sex, more power and more money. When we seek more of this world that more, however much the more is, will never be enough. Things of this world will never satisfy our deepest desires. Never. There is a yearning, hunger, desire deep within us that only can be filled by God. Why? Because every human person is both spiritual and physical. The fulfillment of all human desire only is found with God, never apart from Him.

You have been the topic of conversations everywhere. Indeed, your wealth, fame and achievement have fed monstrous gossip. And no better are those people who delight in learning that someone else is worse than them. “Comparative Christianity” is neither of God nor about Him. Spreading harmful and damaging gossip about others is a twisted way for some to boost their own deflated egos.

There is no denying that gossip harms people, destroys trust and injures friendships. It is no wonder that gossip has been condemned consistently in religious and ethical writings.

As a New Year dawns you have the chance to begin anew, to seek God whom all people need more than most people realize. Dare to do this with the same fiery passion which made you a golf champion. Allow the power of Christ to shape you into the man God created you to be. Indeed, this is the perfect resolution for us all to make.

December 25, 2009

Letting Our Hearts Become a Crib for Him

On that night silent and holy, calm and bright, Jesus, Mary and Joseph are alone.

Suddenly God’s delight bursts forth bringing into their midst the simplest of people. In haste arrive shepherds, who may have been chosen because in their humility they will not be distressed to find the Messiah in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes. Indeed, their reaction is wonder and joy!

It is precisely to these simple shepherds of the Bethlehem region that the prophet Isaiah spoke long before: “those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them a light has shone” (Isaiah 9:2).

On the first night the prophecy is fulfilled in them alone. This night they are the first and only people to hear the glad tidings and good news.

Today billions of people throughout the world know of God’s arrival in Jesus. The bright light that Bethlehem night reaches many hearts, and yet darkness still remains. The shepherds of the first night wholeheartedly welcome God and they experience great joy – joy that comes from the light and is no less than God Himself. The darkness in the world is overcome by God’s light once and for all (cf. John 1:5).

Rest assured, it does not matter that on this first night, the night of God’s arrival as one of us in all things but sin, the joy of that event reaches only a few hearts for the divine joy is destined for every human heart.

These simple shepherds go around telling others all they had seen and heard – imagine their exuberance! Scripture records the reaction: “All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:18).

In the same way Jesus reveals Himself to us in the midst of the ordinary events of every day. Simplicity and humility are required to reach Him. Throughout our lives God gives signs that mean nothing to us unless we make our way across the earthly stage with eyes of faith, seeing Jesus as our Lord, Savior and Messiah which He truly is. Expect, then, to discover Jesus in the simplicity of ordinary life, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger, free from theatrical presentations and the like. Everyone who sees Christ – who really sees God made man – feels moved to make Him known straight away and cannot wait to tell others all that has been seen and heard!

In those days it was inconceivable that anyone would make their way before a respected person without a gift. The shepherds bring what they have – perhaps a lamb, cheese, butter, milk and curd. Doubtless it is not far removed from reality to imagine the scene as it is portrayed in the countless cribs of our days and in the Christmas carols which Christians sing with simplicity and which many of us may have made the theme of our prayer.

Mary and Joseph are surprised and delighted! They invite the tepid shepherds to enter and see the Child, to kiss him, to sing to him, and to leave their gifts beside the manger.

This Christmas, what do we bring God? Perhaps that which Our Lady desires more than all else is that we bring to her Child a heart more devoted, more pure, more cheerful, and more compliant to God’s ways.

And as the New Year sets to dawn, there is no finer way to begin 2010 and every day of our lives than drawing closer to Mary. With the confidence of children let us make our way to the Mother of God and our Mother, so that she may help us to seek those things which truly are most important; so that she may give us the impulse to begin again each time we fail because we are so weak; so that she may intercede with her divine Son to lead us to real interior renewal; so that she will pray with us and pray for us to strive to grow in the love of God and in the service of others.

Please join me placing into the hands of Our Lady of Sorrows our earnest desire to identify ourselves with Christ more completely, to sanctify our professional work and to become more faithful and more joyful disciples.

December 27, 2009

Difficulties regarding the health of my father make me ever more aware of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing that which we have received, most especially our Christian faith and family. For many, these days are marked by challenges some of which can be quite daunting. I think, too, of our brave military men and women who are away from family and country and are in dangerous places to keep us and our nation safe.

Kindly say a prayer for them and their families along with all our police, firefighters and first responders.

May God pour out His choicest blessings upon you, your family and all the members of our parish family throughout this season of grace and the entire New Year.

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Let your New Year's resolutions include growing in your understanding of the Catholic Faith. Several exciting opportunities exist to help make this happen right here in our parish.

The next session of the THEOLOGY OF THE BODY - ADULT STUDY SERIES will be Saturday, January 9 in the Commons. The 30 minute DVD begins at 8:00 p.m. with doors opening and refreshments served at 7:30 p.m.

The WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY takes place every Tuesday evening 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Commons. No previous knowledge of Scripture is required, only an open heart toward encountering Jesus and listening attentively to God's Word.

The MEN'S BIBLE STUDY occurs every Saturday morning 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. in the Lower Room (rectory basement). The coffee is hot, juice is cold and fraternity is strong.

December 20, 2009

Keep Hope Alive

This side of heaven we all struggle mightily. Difficulties do not discriminate. There are moments when there seems to be no end to things causing us to lose heart and despair. Life is tough and, at times, very tough.

Hope is God’s gift that enables us to look at life a certain way. Hope is God’s gift that gives us the ability to look through difficulties, to look beyond them. St. Paul draws our attention to sterling examples of hope seen in the Old Testament beginning with Abraham and continued throughout in the longing of Israel for a Messiah. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all human desire, He is God’s Hope-Made- Flesh for us. Whenever we seek to find Christ in our struggles their burdens lessen. St. Paul understands the bruising blows of human life and exhorts us to become more hopeful by striving passionately for the greatest spiritual gifts, to set our sights on heaven. Hope is not a mind-over-matter recipe for an easy way of living. Rather, hope had to do with discovering and experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful way to life in which the deepest desires for eternal life get us through and beyond all that life this side of heaven can throw at us.

Think for a moment about this. The Christians who did the most for this age – the ones whose contributions shaped human history – were exactly the ones who thought most heavenly things while on earth: namely, the saints.

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• A timely reminder for us all: when we leave church we do so always representing our faith and parish. Some people make determinations about our parish and Catholic Faith based on our actions with them – both positively and negatively. Let’s all give people cause to want to learn more about the Catholic Faith and even to come to Christmas Mass.
• There is a good chance that your favorite pew and parking spot will be occupied by others during the Christmas Masses. How wonderful it is that people still desire so deeply to come to worship the Newborn King and to do so in our beautiful and historic church!
• In a sense our whole life is a continual Advent, that is getting ourselves ready to meet Christ one day. One of the best ways of getting ready to find Christ in this life and afterwards being with him in eternity is making a well-prepared Confession. We are pleased to provide the following special hour-long Confession times before Christmas: (Mon) Dec 21 - 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 7:00 pm (Tri-Parish Penance Service); (Tue) Dec 22 - 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 7:00 pm.
• The “Doritos and Little Debbie” drive was so successful for Fr. Jason that I now am looking for an elliptical machine. If you are using one as a clothes rack, I promise it will be put to more vigorous use in the rectory. No questions asked about your usage of such an exercise machine – only gratitude for it to be used in the rectory by one or, maybe even, both priests.

Speaking of our dutiful associate pastor and spirited Buckeye alumnus, Fr. Jason quipped that I have been easier to be around during the 5-game Green Bay Packers winning streak. Should the Packers falter, you just might want to keep the light on for him.

December 13, 2009

No to Gloom, Yes to Joy

A gloomy soul is at the mercy of many temptations. How many sins have been committed in the shadow of gloominess! In my own experience this is so true.

When our soul is happy it spreads happiness and encouragement to others just as a piping hot cup of delicious soup warms the entire body on a cold December day. When the soul is downcast it spreads misery to others and harms them. Such gloominess and misery arise from selfishness, from focusing only on oneself, from laziness and indifference, and from carelessness toward our relationship with Christ and His Church.

As we are unable to forget ourselves we are unable to know and serve Christ. So, too, are we unable to help those who need our help. True and lasting happiness, fulfillment, and meaning is found in Christ. Joy is not generated by our efforts, but rather received as His gift. Anyone excessively self-centered will find it very difficult if not impossible to discover the joy they long to know.

As we live more generously and gratefully we grow in joy. And certainly more than any words however eloquent, joy draws people to God.

St. Paul’s instruction to the earliest Christians are spoken to us as well: “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). We can often make life more pleasant for other people in little ways which have no apparent importance in themselves, but which show that we consider others, appreciate them, and care for them: a smile, a friendly remark, a word of praise, a thoughtful note, not making a great fuss over unimportant things that would be better overlooked and forgotten. In these ways we can help to make life easier for the people around us.

An important part of our Christian mission is to bring happiness to a world which is laden with sadness because it is drifting away from God.

Let us ready ourselves for Christmas by doing all we can in small ways to bring happiness and peace to those around us. People need to be convinced that Christ really has been born in Bethlehem. Nothing is more convincing that the happiness of the Christian all-the-while real struggles and challenges continue. Our Lady knew such struggles and challenges as she made the arduous trek to Bethlehem which ended with no place made by others for the birth of her Son.

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With my message of self-giving in mind, I am asking for help with Sandusky Life Teen (SLT). Specifically, SLT is in need of a couple new CORE MEMBERS for next semester. This spirited and fun-filled group of adults plans and leads the Life Nights that take place after the SLT Mass (Sundays 5:00 p.m. at Holy Angels Church). This ministry is making amazing differences in the lives of our teens, compelling them to discard the world’s gloomy message and seek the happiness offered to them by Christ. In addition, SLT needs a couple new people to help provide the meals for the teens once-a-month as part of a HOSPITALITY TEAM. Kindly contact our SLT Executive Director Brittany Taylor. Thanks for your willingness to lead teens closer to Christ!

December 6, 2009

Preparing Well for God Himself

Throughout Advent each passing day marks another step forward towards the celebration of our Redeemer’s birth. Since God is coming to us, we have to get ready for Him. Advent is all about our preparing well for the One who is no less than God Himself. I suggest beginning with the end in mind - Christmas. When Christmas arrives, Our Lord should find us with everything in order and our soul fit to receive Him. We must make the required adjustments to correct the course of our lives and turn ourselves to God.

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A thousand thanks to Laurie Rohrbacher along with all the members of our parish family who graciously donated angel ornaments for the amazing parish Christmas Tree created for the Festival of Trees Gala at the State Theater.

Fr. Jason displayed athleticism that would have won the praise of OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel. On one play during the local Turkey Bowl, our young nimble sure-handed associate pastor caught a short pass from me and proceeded to scamper the length of the field, leaving opponents sprawled across the ground in his wake. Touchdown, baby!

During my Home Listening Sessions, comments were voiced to make Holy Day Masses between all three parishes more convenient for people. On December 8 the Holy Day Immaculate Conception Mass offerings are as follows:
(Mon) Dec 7 6:00 p.m.
(Tue) Dec 8 8:15 a.m., 6:00 p.m.

In addition to Confessions heard 30 minutes before every Mass, we gladly are offering the following extra hours during Advent:
(Mon) Dec 21 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. (Tri-Parish Service)
(Tue) Dec 22 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.

There will be no 8:15 a.m. Mass on (Thu) Dec 24.

Confessions will not be heard before Christmas Masses.

On January 1 the New Year begins with the Holy Day Mary the Mother of God and we gladly are offering Masses at the following times:
(Thu) Dec 31 4:00 p.m.
(Fri) Jan 1 9:30 a.m.

The Church front doors have been restored and are back where they belong appearing as bold and beautiful as ever! I wish to thank Bob Fischer and Nick Pasqualini for their labor of love to complete the work along with timely assistance from Al Geason. Thanks also to Bob Rengel for graciously providing the space for the work to be completed.

For your Advent consideration:
Men’s Catholic Bible Study, Saturdays 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Lower Room
Women’s Catholic Bible Study, Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Commons
No previous knowledge of Scripture is required. Instead bring only an open mind and eager heart to hear God’s Word and apply it more to your daily living.

Mark your calendars now for the next amazing Theology of the Body - Adult Study Series (Sat) January 9 at 8:00 p.m. - doors open with food, drink and music at 7:30 p.m.

November 15, 2009

Praying the Mass More Wholeheartedly

One of the hallmarks of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) was the renewal of the Sacred Liturgy or, as it is more commonly called, the Holy Mass. The aim was to help inspire us to love Christ Jesus more profoundly whenever the Mass is prayed. After all, the Mass is the source and summit of our Catholic Faith and way of life.

The Second Vatican Council set forth the goal for “full, active and conscious participation of the faithful” in the liturgy. This does not mean that we should be a bunch of busybodies at Mass! Rather, what we all are to be is attentive, alert, and awake to the glorious presence of God. We are to give our best to God at every Mass, even when our best is not all that impressive.

Much has been accomplished toward realizing this goal although much work still remains to be done.

In a matter of a few short years to come, the English-speaking church (primarily North America, United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia) will receive a historic text that marks an epic moment in continuing the renewal of the Sacred Liturgy set forth by the Second Vatican Council. The text is a new English Roman Missal which is popularly called the Sacramentary (and known as the “big red book” held by the servers during the Mass).

Some people will ask, “Why do we need a new translation?” In attempting to answer that question, I think it is helpful to remember that when the Second Vatican Council called for the renewal of the Sacred Liturgy over five decades ago, the Mass was celebrated everywhere in the Latin language. In contrast to the majority of my childhood experience of the Mass prayed in the English language, my parents only knew the Mass in the Latin language until after they were married.

The Mass today which is prayed in our church as well as in all English-speaking countries is the translation of the Latin original, which remains the official text of the Roman Rite. It always was presupposed that there would be a learning curve and that the initial translations – most recently done in 1985 – over time, would need to be amended and improved.

In 2001 the Vatican announced that a new translation for English-speaking countries was in order which would more faithfully and literally adhere to the original Latin language. This week the bishops of the United States will be meeting in Washington, D.C., to approve the new translation (November 16-19). If approved – and it certainly appears this will happen – the new translation will be sent to the Vatican where it will be reviewed with painstaking care over many months. Though no specific date has been given for an official launch, it looks to be no later than by Advent 2011 that we will be using the new translation for Mass.

I do not presume that these changes will be easy for any of us. Certainly they will require great adaptation on my part too.

Yet if these adaptations lead us, as they are intended, to a greater sense of wonder, awe, beauty and splendor in our worship of Almighty God, then whatever effort is required will be well worth the sacrifice.

The latest information on the new English Roman Missal is available at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ web site:

www.usccb.org/romanmissal.

November 8, 2009

Praying for the Souls in Purgatory

Traditionally, the month of November gives us pause to ponder our own mortality as well as remembering our beloved who have gone before us in faith. The splendid colors of October give way to the banal haze of November. Almost instantly, the air becomes chilly and sunlight seems rationed as we scurry from the outdoors to inside.

November 2 commemorates the faithful departed, the Feast of All Souls. Just one day previous, the Church has us celebrate joyously and triumphantly all the saints in glory.

The Feast of All Saints sets our eyes on the living – that is, those souls who truly are living because they have entered heaven. The Feast of All Souls places before us with loving affection the dead – namely, those who died in the state of grace, yet need purification before they may enter eternal life. In this way the Church joins us in worship and prayer to the living and the dead. We are connected to them in a real and mysterious way. The altar is the crossroads between life, death, and eternal life. Atop the altar on the first two November days, we offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in honor of the saints and in prayer for those being made fit for heaven.

By means of Her supernatural mission, the Church unites us to God both here and hereafter. The priest is one of God’s key instruments in bringing about this blessed union. On the Feast of All Souls, I especially am conscious of this mission, unworthy as I am of it. We accompany our beloved faithful through the doorway of death, and we earnestly pray to our merciful God for their quick release from purgatory, to be cleansed quickly and fully so to enter into the perfect Joy that lasts forever – heaven!

The Feast of All Souls connects past, present, and future, especially at the altar. All of our lives are in the hands of a God whose mercy endures forever (cf. Psalm 118). Rest assured, the joy of heaven is guaranteed for the holy souls in purgatory, even if the experience of that joy must wait.

Imagine for a moment having the chance to meet the person whom you always dreamed of meeting. Just before you meet the person, you are told that your breath smells and clothes are ratty, but you can still move on to your meeting. Would we all not want to be cleansed first? Now imagine meeting God Himself, the glorified Christ the King? While we may suffer some, purgatory is not about pain, but rather cleansing. Contemporary spiritual writers liken purgatory to sitting in the dentist’s chair where it may be uncomfortable momentarily for the sake of getting what we need.

We can hasten the moment of perfectly and permanently being made clean through our appeals to God, in prayer and penance, on behalf of those whom we no longer see.

On the Feast of All Souls the Church says, “Remember!” We ask Almighty God to grant eternal life to all those who have gone before us, in the hope of our own entrance, one day, into the Land of the Living.

Addendum
I will be attending a conference in Chicago November 8-11 and, then, visit my sister and her husband along with their five children for a couple of days.

Make sure Fr. Jason gets plenty of Little Debbie’s and Dorito’s while I’m away!

November 1, 2009

ODDS AND ENDS

This is the first fall in several years that I will not be able to attend a Green Bay Packer football game at Lambeau Field in my native state of Wisconsin. What fun it was to cheer for my favorite team last Sunday in Cleveland! Their margin of victory had as much to say about the sad state of the Browns as it did the return of the Packers to former glory.

Earlier this week Fr. Jason and I were surprised to discover two large bags with labels on them saying “Trick or Treat.” His bag was filled with every kind of Little Debbie snack imaginable. Mine was packed full of fresh fruit. You decide.

Former Indians and Cy Young Award winners C.C. Sabathia and Cliff Lee both made it to the World Series – of course, on teams other than Cleveland. For Indians fan of which I still stand to be counted, the sore festers mightily as we crow again over what might have been…

Throughout the month of November, we remember especially those members of our parish family who have died this past year. Their names are ascribed beautifully on banners displayed on our balcony to help inspire us all to pray for them and their families. On Monday, November 2, a special Memorial Mass will be offered at 7:00 p.m. for these souls. If you are able to join us for the memorable and meaningful Mass, please do so.

Remember to vote on November 3. The Ohio Catholic bishops have issued the following recommendations for the three statewide issues: 1-Not Opposed; 2-Yes; 3-No.

Having heard regular requests for solid adult education opportunities during the Home Listening Sessions, comes an impressive collection of CD’s now available in the Commons. The suggested offering is a mere $3. Envelopes are provided which can be put in the collection or dropped off at the office.

October 25, 2009

Lord, I Want To See!

Today’s Gospel story is dominated by a single theme: to be able to see (Mark 10:46-52).

Let’s set the scene: Jesus is leaving Jericho with His disciples while a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus (bar–tea–MAY–us) sits on the side of the road. His position by the roadside says two things. First, Bartimaeus is stationary; that is, he is not a part of Jesus’ journey, he is not a part of the action. Second, as blind and poor, Bartimaeus is nobody of importance and has nothing.

In contrast to those crowding and pushing around Jesus, Bartimaeus is alone, apart and sunken in his own disappointment. No one know more than he does how needy and helpless he is. And here we have the first condition to becoming a mature disciple of Jesus: not to deceive ourselves, to see ourselves as we truly are. When honest, every human person can recognize a part of themselves in the person of Bartimaeus. After all, we all are dependent on God.

From his disappointment, Bartimaeus recognizes who Jesus truly is. Ironically, it is blind Bartimaeus who sees Jesus more clearly than anyone else present, including the disciples! Shouting, Bartimaeus makes up for what his eyes cannot see and for the road his feet cannot find. He pours his heart and soul into Jesus’ ears. Bartimaeus sees with the eyes of his heart, eyes of faith in God. He sees more deeply than those milling around Jesus who rebuke him. He does not ask for money, food, lodging or clothing – all of which would be sources of momentary relief in his suffering. No! His disappointment makes him bolder not weaker: what he demands through his shouting is no less than the compassion of God. He demands that all of God’s goodness may pour out upon him.

The best version of ourselves is seen when we recognize our need for God, when we acknowledge the disappointments marking our place and turn to Christ Jesus.

The blind beggar Bartimaeus teaches us three essential steps toward becoming more mature followers of Jesus: first, to recognize honestly our human disappointments and our deepest need for God; second, to cry out for the divine mercy to pour upon us like an overflowing torrent; and third, to persevere in the face of opposition.

When Bartimaeus hears Jesus calling him, the blind man throws off his mantle, springs up, and makes his way to the Lord. See the energy true faith in God unleashes! Bartimaeus is not going to waste a single moment in responding to Jesus’ call. We can feel his joy and enthusiasm. After having waited so long, finally his moment arrives to be summoned before the Lord. The gesture of throwing aside his cloak is no trivial detail.

• He wants to go as lightly as possible, without any more baggage, as if exclaiming, “enough already with my disappointment and misery.”
• He wants to leave behind his old life and former ways.
• He wants to hide nothing any longer before God.

His jubilation in hearing the call of Christ makes him spring up like a rocket. He does not lose a single instant worrying about cosmetic touches and the like to make for a more “favorable” presentation before God. No! Bartimaeus wants only to come before Jesus as he truly is, free of illusions and self-constructed images. Lord, I want only to see!

October 4, 2009

Living and Sharing the Faith

Our parish cherishes the call of the Church to provide fun and meaningful ways for members to grow in their understanding and practice of the Catholic Faith.

Here at St. Mary’s we start strong from the very beginning. Each Sunday so many of our little ones can gather for simple lessons and songs and prayers with Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Masses, while parents and older sisters and brothers can worship at Sunday Eucharist. During these same Sunday Mass times, our pre-school age children have the chance to learn the faith in the remarkable hands-on Montessori style program brought over from Italy called Good Shepherd.

Jesus tells His apostles to "Let the little children come to me." And how we labor at St. Mary’s for Jesus’ instructions to be lived and shared! Our excellent Catholic school includes the Early Childhood Center where children ages 18 months to five years of age receive outstanding opportunities to learn in a spacious, secure and clean facility. Day Care is open 12 months of the year from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Pre-School is in session from August through June making it possible for our little ones to be nurtured marvelously in body, mind and soul.

Our parish reaches out to our grade school students unable to attend our Catholic school with outstanding programs of religious education. Trained catechists work hard to make sure these students have at least 75 minutes of solid religious instruction each week as they contend with all their busy activities. The Holy Sacraments are at the heart of our catechetical efforts. Excellent preparations for Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation mark our efforts so that our younger children will be grounded solidly in the faith and live it proudly.

Of course we dare not stop there as a parish! I especially am proud of the important place our parish makes for our high schoolers. Sandusky Life Teen is a part of an international Catholic movement that serves the Church by providing amazing resources and faith experiences that help lead high school teens closer to Christ. This is accomplished through a vibrant Eucharistic spirituality and by creating opportunities for teens to learn and share the faith.

Our younger adults can find numerous outreach opportunities and refreshing initiatives like the Theology of the Body Adult Study Group on the first Saturday night of each month. And as many of them plan to receive the Sacrament of Marriage, they benefit mightily from direct interaction with priests, deacons and lay couples who help them prepare well for married love.

Time and again we hear from our adults of all ages that they realize that faith formation never stops. Weekly Bible Studies for men and women along with numerous service opportunities in and around our parish are available. I wish to draw special attention to our parish Community Supper whose rotating teams provide a weekly Wednesday evening hot meal to those less fortunate in our area at a neighboring Protestant church.

In a world that so challenges the teachings of Christ and His Church, I am encouraged by our parish commitment to understand and live the faith which we have received.

August 27, 2009

ODDS AND ENDS

Briefer and Meaningful Sunday Masses: 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Mass is the heart and soul of our Catholic Faith. We want to do all that is humanly possible to inspire members of our parish family to participate regularly in the Holy Eucharist.
Toward accomplishing this end, we will make an effort to accommodate the hectic schedules and needs some people are facing all-the-while being sure to maintain proper reverence of Almighty God.

For a trial basis lasting the rest of the calendar year, beginning Sunday, October 4, the 7:30 a.m. and the 5:00 p.m. Masses will be briefer and meaningful celebrations. During these two Masses some parts which we have been accustomed to singing as a congregation will be recited. Music played will have more instrumental parts, allowing for more personal contemplation. Sacred silence will have a more prominent place in worship. It is our hope and prayer that many members of our parish family will find such a style with more time for reflection and less time singing to their liking.

Briefer and Meaningful Weekday Masses: 8:15 a.m.
Beginning in October, we will begin a trial period of celebrating briefer and meaningful Masses on most weekdays. We wish to do all we can to make weekday Mass possible for more members of our parish family by being more sensitive to time demands which are placed upon you. It is our intention for weekday Masses normally to be no more than 30 minutes.

5:00 p.m. Mass Every Sunday Except Christmas and Easter
Again as a way to accommodate the members of our parish family and help more people to participate regularly in the Holy Eucharist, the Sunday 5:00 p.m. Mass now will be celebrated every Sunday throughout the year except on Christmas and Easter.

Change In Our Collection Tithing Policy
There are many wonderful ways to use well the gifts which God has given us. Please see the bulletin insert for a more complete explanation of our new parish tithing policy.

Personal Milestone
I wish to thank all of you for having helped to make my most recent birthday especially memorable. It is quite a treat to celebrate my birthday on the feast day of our parish: Our Lady of Sorrows, September 15.

On that very day I made my way to the BMV to renew my driver’s license. As fate had it a milestone was passed. For the first time since I began driving my hair color was changed from BRN to SDY. The woman behind the counter tried her best to perk up my deflated spirits by quipping, “at least it’s not GRY.”

Heck, by then I was glad I could still read most of the letters on the line and see the blinking lights! Make it a great week!
My Grandma Nuss turned 95 earlier this week. She told me that the State of Wisconsin renewed her driver’s license through the year 2017. Her candid response: “that’s just plain dumb!”

August 20, 2009

True Christian Greatness

Our Gospel for this week (Mark 9:30-37) picks up where last week’s text left off. Recall Jesus being with His disciples and asking that famous question, “Who do you say that I am?” Having clarified who He is - the Christ - and having clarified the nature of His mission—suffering love seen perfectly in the Cross - Jesus continues His journey alongside the disciples.

The scene today opens with the disciples discussing something among them. We notice that the intensity of their discussion grows quickly like a Lake Erie storm. While we might imagine they are intensely discussing Jesus’ instructions and passionately encouraging one another to take them to heart, we soon learn that what they really are doing is arguing who among them is the greatest.

Are you kidding me?!

How beautifully today’s Gospel reading anticipates all of us, all of Jesus’ present day disciples! Over and over again, we hear all about the path of suffering love. We hear it at Mass, we hear it preached, we hear it taught. My goodness, displayed before us constantly is the image of Jesus Crucified - not only in Church, but so frequently seen in art and jewelry all around us outside of Church. While we might imagine intense discussions taking place among ourselves to take Jesus’ way to heart and passionately encourage each other to make it so, we know how often we think and act just like the disciples. We suffer the same self-absorption. Pride and folly do not discriminate. We pine after power, privilege and worldly honor - arguing who among us is the greatest, positioning ourselves to be seen and noticed and adored.

For sure we do affirm Jesus is Lord, and we do affirm His path of suffering love, and yet, when push comes to shove, we are not always eager to walk His way.

Jesus patiently tries once again to explain and encourage. Taking a child, Jesus places it in the midst of the arguing disciples, and putting His arms around the child, Jesus says to the disciples: “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me, but the one who sent me” (v.37).

What does receiving a child mean? Well, it means that we are to become like the little child. What Jesus is saying is that grasping, gaining, climbing the ladder, hoarding possessions, holding off rivals - all of that - is the path of disappointment, discouragement and, ultimately, spiritual death. And, furthermore, the path of happiness, contentment, meaning and fulfillment follows the steps of the little child.

Just imagine Jesus crouching down and putting His arms around a little child and then proposing the child as the great model to His disciples! Friends, Jesus is speaking to us.

Children have an extraordinary capacity to find joy in the simplest things and simplest activities. I remember fondly as a little kid growing up in Wisconsin how I could spend hours-on-end inventing imaginary worlds. And in the same backyard hours upon hours would be spent playing baseball and football with kids from the neighborhood. Such games normally would end only when we could no longer see the ball - oftentimes the lost ball signaled the end of the game! In these moments we were not thinking about the past nor was there a worry about what we did not have or what others had that we did not. We were not consumed in bitter rivalries and petty jealousies. We simply were immersed in the present moment, enjoying fully what was right in front of us.

We all can become so preoccupied with what might be, what we don’t have, what other people might be thinking about us. Jesus proposes the child as the great model of discipleship. Live more fully in the present moment.

As disciples of Jesus, we do not set the terms in the Kingdom of God. After all, it is not a Kingdom of our making. Rather, it is God’s gift to us, for us to receive now by means of taking to heart the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus. Only in receiving will we taste the riches that Jesus makes available to us: “If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all” (v.35).

August 13, 2009

Christ’s Call To Heroic Evangelization

Every one of the 20 Home Listening Sessions during the summer included a comment expressing a sincere desire to get people back into the pews. You will recall that I stated this as a goal in my pastor letter and am inspired that this priority is shared by so many of you. Certainly, it is a noble and virtuous aim to lead people to Christ, most especially by means of His Holy Sacraments.

OK, now how are we to make this so?

There is only one way to evangelize: we are to fall more deeply in love with Christ Jesus; loving Christ Jesus ourselves to the point that we are willing to die with Him.

Parents, you know already such love is not a lofty ideal, but an astonishing reality as you would rather die than allow your child to be harmed. You know the herculean power of love-unto-death. Indeed, you labor mightily to teach your children to love no less as they grow and mature.

For sure, we can get sidetracked by legitimately good things in our quest to get people back in the pews. Of course, programs to evangelize are good things, but not when they become our will that is imposed upon others. Of course, technology is a good thing and we must use 21st century media outlets to get the message of Christ to all the members of parish family and wider civic community. But make no mistake: technology will never convert a single heart. The same is true with money.

Sometimes we can lean to heavily into thinking that something other than a person will do – a colorful flyer, a new program, a pastor’s letter, an associate pastor’s motorcycle, a cool billboard, a tweet (ask a younger person to explain this one!).

Pope John Paul II (d. 2005) wrote often about the importance of getting people back in the pews and how to accomplish this end.

“It [evangelizing] is not, therefore, a matter of inventing a new program. The program already exists. It is the plan found in the Gospel and the living Tradition. It is the same as ever. Ultimately it has its center in Christ Himself.”

John Paul continues with the plan for effective evangelization. The key is, “in Christ Himself who is to be known, who is to be loved and who is to be imitated. And with Him, then, we transform history until its fulfillment in the New Jerusalem.”

According to John Paul, our getting people back in the pews begins with our knowing Jesus. And when John Paul uses the word “know” he does not mean book learning and the like. Knowing Jesus is the same kind of knowing that a parent comes to have for a child. The parent does not come to know their child from a book. They desire to know their child; time and again they dedicate time to noticing, observing and wondering about their child all-the-while they are with their child. As they become more and more familiar, they come to know their child and the child comes to know them.

Friends, the premier way of knowing anything is to get on our knees and beg the God of the cosmos to grant our request. To know Christ is to pray. To let Him teach us who He is. Love follows because as you come to know Him, you fall in love more wholeheartedly. And it is love that compels us to sacrifice even unto death.

Join me in making a personal commitment to grow in knowledge of Jesus and His Church. When we live out of love for God, everyday difficulties become less and less brick walls and more and more open windows.

The saints never knew they were transforming the world – they never set out to leave their mark in such a way. They only sought to fall more deeply in love with Christ and His Church. The biographies of the saints chronicle their seeking and finding God’s love in daily moments. Amazingly, open windows appear in what formerly were solid brick walls.

The pews will take care of themselves. Let us set our sights on hearts – first setting our sights firmly on Jesus and then making known that He is the One who makes all the difference.

August 30, 2009

Odds and Ends

Beginning Tuesday, September 1, I will lead a weekly HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the Church. During Eucharistic Adoration, we will pray together the Rosary promptly at 6:30 p.m. followed by Benediction. Please join us as you are able.

Coming this Fall: an exciting evangelization initiative designed especially to bring back to our parish family members who have lapsed in the practice of their Catholic Faith. Kindly pray for all those members who the Lord God so deeply desires to return to His Church.

FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, is a national campus outreach that meets college students where they are and invites them to examine the meaning and purpose of their lives. Through large group outreach, Bible studies and one on one mentoring, FOCUS staff are equipped to introduce college students to the Person of Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith, empowering them to share His love with the world. Each FOCUS missionary develops a team of “Mission Partners” and in return each FOCUS missionary commits to pray daily for their Mission Partners - by name and to send regular updates on their progress on campus. We are pleased to welcome Laura Gifford to our parish family as our new missionary partner.

Thanks to the family of Al and Ginny Wintersteller for their recent donation of an outdoor statue of St. Francis of Assisi which now keeps vigil in the newly landscaped area on the east side of the garage/front parking lot.

Sandusky Central Catholic School begins on Monday, August 31. Welcome back students, faculty and staff!

Sandusky Life Teen 2.0 launches Sunday, September 13, SLT 5:00 p.m. Mass at Holy Angels Church. Let us all be sure to pray our teens closer to Christ!

NEW! A Women’s Bible Study begins on Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Commons. Colleen Wellington and I will lead the women’s group who will be studying together The Gospel of Mark for a total of 10 sessions on every Tuesday night through November 24. This is an introductory experience to the Bible. Prerequisites: only an open mind and heart to all that the Lord Jesus wishes to make happen in your life.

NEW! Theology of the Body Adult Study Group begins on Saturday, October 3, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Parish Commons. Based on Pope John Paul II’s revolutionary teaching and presented by world-renowned speaker and best-selling author Christopher West, this 8-part DVD-based study is designed to give you a solid understanding of God’s plan for humanity—a plan stamped right into our bodies! This once-a-month Saturday evening study is for anyone searching for their ultimate purpose in life, as it addresses the most basic truths and questions of human existence. Most of us have heard the “whats” of Catholic teaching, but very few have ever heard the “whys.” With profound insight and humor, Christopher West demonstrates that the Church’s teaching on sexuality and marriage makes sense, because it resonates with the deepest yearnings of the human heart.

The Men’s Group Bible Study remains open to all men who are seeking to grow stronger in their understanding and practice of the Catholic Faith. We meet on Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. in the Lower Room and discuss together the Gospel reading for Mass the following Sunday. The coffee is hot, orange juice is cold and fraternity is strong.

Make it a great week!

August 23, 2009

Facing The Challenges Before Us With Faith

There certainly are no shortages of serious challenges facing us as Catholics. The final words spoken by Our Lord Jesus to the disciples in Matthew’s Gospel are no less urgent to His followers today:

“Go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20).

We will do well to listen to Jesus’ words in light of some pressing issues facing us: the vocation to marriage, the state of Catholic parishes and schools, the great number of lapsed Catholics and the secular culture desperate to keep God and His Church out of public life.

It seems to me that the fundamental vocation crisis and the single greatest threat to the Church - far greater than the dearth of priestly and religious vocations - is the failure to see marriage as a life-long, life-giving, loving and faithful union. Far too many younger Catholics are forgoing the Sacrament of Marriage. It is vital that the vocation of marriage be cherished as the gift of God it truly is and all it entails, including the openness to life and the responsibility of the parents to raise their children in the Catholic faith. Religious and priestly vocations will increase as the vocation of marriage is restored to its proper dignity. So many of you personally know the twisted attack upon the human family waged by Satan and secularists. Instituted as a Sacrament by Christ Jesus Himself, marriage is the sign and symbol of our salvation; it truly reflects the marriage between Christ and the Church.

Since the Catholic Faith first arrived in the New World, it has been anchored by parish communities and Catholic schools. These two pillars of our faith have hatched astonishing resources that have advanced our nation - Catholics and non-Catholics alike – with the likes of Catholic hospitals and healthcare systems along with the creation of the largest non-governmental provider of social services in our nation. It is not enough to maintain what we have. We are to strengthen the pillars – more specifically, our parish and our Catholic school - so to fortify other essential faith-based services that the people of our country need.

It gives me chills that the second most identifiable religious grouping on the religious landscape of the United States is people who say, “I used to be a Catholic.” The Catholic Faith is a matter of fact. There is no such thing as a former Catholic. All members of our faith are born into the great family of Catholic Faith just like one is born into a natural family. The Church is the supernatural family and we want those who have left the family of faith to return home. Let us confidently and compassionately welcome home those who properly belong with us at Mass.

Finally, secular forces are trying vigorously to keep God and His Church out of public life. For some people of influence, religion and spirituality are seen as hobbies. Without the voice of Christ, Who is heard in the voice of His Church, everyday life becomes increasing self-centered and secular. Part of the greatness of our nation lies in the fact that religion always has had a respected and expected place at the table of public discourse and everyday life. Let us resist the so-called societal “movers and shakers” who want to muzzle God’s Word.

We have plenty to say and, darn it, we need to say it so that people will come to know and take to heart the teachings of Christ.

August 16, 2009

The Real And Hidden Presence

In Catholic theology, the words of consecration are the indisputable heart of the Mass, from which we have the real presence of Christ. At the moment of consecration, it is Jesus Himself who acts and speaks. Jesus is not seen as present merely as a sign or symbol, but on the altar in truth and in His reality.

The Church gives us a more precise explanation of how Jesus is present at every Mass:

• Jesus is truly present and not simply symbolic.
  
• Jesus is really present and not only through the faith of the believers.
  
• Jesus is sacramentally present, that is in His profound reality, which cannot be seen by the senses and not in the appearances which remain that of bread and wine.

Reverence springs naturally from faith in the real presence of Christ. As our faith strengthens so, too, do we increase in tenderness for Jesus in the Holy Sacrament.

St. Francis of Assisi (+ 1226) wrote beautifully about the deep and personal affect of the Holy Eucharist: “Surely, we cannot be left unmoved…God gives Himself into our hands; we touch Him and receive Him into our mouths.” Overcome with tenderness for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, St. Francis explained that, “It affects me like this because in this world I cannot see the most high Son of God with my own eyes, except for His most holy Body and Blood.”

Odds and Ends

• Deb Geason walked me through the new Atrium location for our Good Shepherd catechetical program (ages 3 – 6). More conveniently located for parents in our Parish Center, the Atrium is progressing wonderfully and already is impressive. Thanks especially to parishioners Tom and Teresa Sloma, Bill Klepper, Duane Sartor, Don Henry, and Jeff Meyer whose generous time and talents are creating an amazing place for young children to learn the Catholic Faith. The Good Shepherd program begins on Sunday, September 13, and again will be offered during 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Masses.
• Father Jason is away for a week enjoying a well-earned vacation. I accidently opened a kitchen cabinet door and what to my wondering eyes did appear, but an unopened bag of his favorite “family size” Nacho Cheese Doritos. Will someone kindly remind me to replace the empty bag before he returns later in the week?
  
• More than a few people have asked whether the Solemnity of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation. The answer: this year it is not. According to our bishops, when certain Holy Days fall on a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation to go to Mass is suspended. The first person to email or Facebook me with the correct list of all six Holy Days of Obligation wins the other bag of Fr. Jason’s Doritos.
• Deacon Jeff tells me there have not been any takers yet on the opportunity he extended during my time away for someone to purchase a home on Adams St. or Fulton St. as a way of helping our much needed and earnestly desired on-site parking expansion. God has blessed me with unusually big ears and expects me to use them. Naturally, I welcome any and all calls.
  
  Make it a great week!
  

July 26, 2009

Faith As It’s Meant To Be

Sometimes we hear comments about the Church that make us bite our tongue. For instance, "Well, I was raised a Catholic"; or, "Oh, I used to be a Catholic"; or, "But I come from a Catholic family"; or, “My parents still are good Catholics.” Ouch!

What do people mean when we hear such things? Actually some people are speaking positively about the difference the Catholic faith has made in their lives. These people harbor a sense of gratitude for the Catholic faith which they practiced at an earlier stage in their life. Almost always their words give indication of heartfelt desire to stop drifting away from the Church and to get back into the practice of the faith.

When I meet people like this I smile from ear to ear and welcome them back to the family! What a joy it is to invite Catholics back to Mass, assuring them that they always belong and always have a place in their family of faith.

In contrast stand others whose very same words mean very different things. With arms crossed and teeth clenched, they speak scornfully and sarcastically about the Church. They muse smugly about their having been freed from Catholic beliefs which for them amounted to nothing more than silly playground games. These people frequently strike me as working hard to convince their own selves that a vague newfound sense of freedom and spiritual enlightenment - which may or may not even include mention of God - is some kind of bold step into adulthood.

The largest religious group in our great nation remains Catholics and, sadly, researchers report the second largest religious group to be former Catholics.

We all will do well to take to heart anew the teaching of Saint Paul who implores us to “no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery” (Ephesians 4:14). Human trickery is hardly a relic of the first century for there is no shortage of ungodly, deceitful scheming in our own so-called “advanced” age.

Long before his becoming Pope Benedict XVI, Josef Ratzinger was asked why he remained in the Church. This is a marvelous question for all of us to ponder. Here are a few sentences from his much longer impassioned response:

“I am in the Church because I believe that now as ever ‘His Church’ lives behind ‘our Church’, that we cannot change this situation, and that I can stand by Him only if I stand by and in His Church. I am in the Church because, despite everything, I believe that she is at the deepest level not our Church but precisely ‘His.’”

Mature faith – the kind of faith Saint Paul inspires us to practice and the saints dared to live – has staying power. Mature faith is seen in those who are emboldened humbly, joyfully and gratefully in their Catholic faith. To be sure, mature Christians are well aware of the Church's struggles and imperfections. Concretely, they know that it is the Church that, despite all the human foibles of the people in her, gives us Jesus Christ. They earnestly seek to teach the faith of the Church to their children – her truths, her disciplines, her worship – and to share it also with all those whom they encounter.

When faith ripens, individual believers and whole parish communities suddenly know no strangers.

Now, let’s make it our aim to make this so in our parish.

July 12, 2009

Thank you so very much for your spirited support and enthusiastic encouragement as I begin what is certain to be a remarkable chapter in my priestly life and ministry as your pastor.

Thank you Father Missler, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Port Clinton and the dean of this area of the Diocese of Toledo for representing Bishop Blair at this Installation Mass. Thank you Father Jason, Deacon Bill and Deacon Jeff. Thank you Deb Geason, our Catechetical Leader and Tim Claubaugh our Director of Music – thank you all for the amazing ways you serve the outstanding people of this impressive community of faith.

My beloved brothers and sisters, especially those of you from our parish who have such a special claim on my heart, thank you.

And my dear family, all of whom have traveled considerable distances, thank you. Of all the many, many blessings God has lavished upon me this side of heaven, His greatest gift to me is that I am Bill and Lucille Nuss’ son. I am so glad my brothers and sister and their spouses, nieces and nephews, and dad and mom are here – thank you.

As grateful as I am, there is another claim on my gratitude that towers above the rest and makes all else possible. Above all, I give praise to God, our Father, for raising His Son Jesus Christ from the dead and sending us His Holy Spirit! We know that before all else today is not about Dave Nuss as your new pastor. What we are about today and every day in this historic and vibrant Catholic parish is Jesus Christ and cherishing anew the gift of life He give us as members of His Church.

Not long ago I read a true story about a hermit of some 50 years who had been sought out by a small band of people. It seems these younger people had traveled a great distance to attain the wisdom and learning the devout monk had accumulated through fervent prayer and study over the many years. [With no cell phone, Facebook and tweets, they actually were left traveling to him – call it old school!]. Upon their having found him in his hermitage, the grizzled old monk slowly looked up and summarized his 50 years of prayer and wisdom and learning in two words: “wake up!”.

From the time we are little people, expectations are placed upon us and we strive mightily to make them happen. And for far too many people, human happiness lies in achieving the expectations of others – for example, so much wealth, so much success, so much recognition, etc… And what happens? Well, we work really hard to create it, to create our happiness by means of meeting the expectations others placed upon us. And when the door doesn’t open up for us as we were deceived to believe, we are left desperately trying to knock the door down or to walk away discouraged and defeated.

In contrast, in the great Christian spiritual tradition that is uniquely ours the fulfillment of all human desire has everything to do with watching, waiting, and keeping vigil. The spiritual masters tell us time and again to wake up and remain awake! Happiness – which we all want - is found in our becoming increasingly aware of God, to remain awake and to see the door which God opens before us and, then, to go through it.

It is not about our kicking the door down nor is about our walking away dejected and giving up. Rather, it is all about our being alert and awake so when God opens the door we are ready to go through it. And open it He will!

We see this principle front and center in our readings today. In the first reading from the prophet Amos, Amos explains that he was a simple shepherd and a tender of sycamores. And then for some inexplicable reason God opens a door and invites him to walk through it.

Now, here is Amos’ point: Amos is not vying for the position of prophet. Amos is not the product of a double top secret group training to be prophets. As a kid, Amos is not sent away to summer prophet camps. He is not dreaming about growing up to be a prophet.

He does not see prophet in his career plans. All Amos does is respond when God calls. Amos saw God open a door and dared to walk through it.

How strong the temptation is to embark upon careers of our own making, seeking to fulfill all our human desires by our own efforts - only to wonder why we are so unhappy.

The great Irish writer Oscar Wilde says it wittily in this way: “The only thing worse than not getting what you want is getting what you want.”

Yes! When what I want is not of God’s making, I am better off not wanting it at all.

• How better off I am wanting first what God wants of me.
• How better off we are wanting first what God wants of us.

The very same principle is at play in the Gospel. Jesus calls the Twelve. Said differently, Jesus opens doors for them which they did not see coming.

Jesus calls them and sends them. The word “apostle” means, “to send”. “Post Office” comes from the same ancient word “apostle” [Greek]. To “post” a letter is to send a letter. Jesus’ disciples are like letters sent out,; that is, they belong to someone else, not to themselves.

• Who are disciples? Disciples go where they are told by Jesus to go.
• Who are disciples? Disciples no longer walk their own path.

And now we arrive together at this moment of God’s making! God opens wide the door!

• God deeply desires remarkable things of every one of us.
• God deeply desire remarkable things of our community of faith.

Saint Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.

July 1, 2009

Gratefully And Prayerfully

I very much look forward to keeping in touch with you by means of this bulletin column whose title is the favorite Scripture verse of one of my Wisconsin childhood Catholic heroes, Coach Vince Lombardi. For those interested, these columns are able to be viewed also on our wonderful parish web site: www.stmarysandusky.org.

First, words simply fail to express the depth of my gratitude for the overwhelmingly warm welcome you have given me. From the March day of the announcement that Bishop Blair had appointed me as your pastor, you have made sure to let me know that I am welcomed and wanted: thank you! Through your greetings, prayers, words, receptions and presence at various events, your encouragement and support have been absolutely marvelous. I find myself not only deeply grateful, but profoundly humbled. Please pray I will be able to live up to the trust you have so beautifully given me.

Second, please allow me to express a particularly fervent word of appreciation to Father Phil Feltman. From the moment I met him right here when I was assigned as a newly ordained priest in 1993, I have respected him immensely. As my first pastor, he inspired me to place the needs of others before my own and to seek God in all things. In the seminary, I learned all about the priesthood; Father Phil taught me how to live and serve as a priest. I have watched in admiration as he shepherded this historic and dynamic parish with accomplishments too many to enumerate over his impressive 18 years of pastoral service.

I thank God for Father Phil’s leadership, and echoing the words of baseball legend, Lou Gehrig, consider myself "one of the luckiest men in the world" to follow him. How glad I am that he will remain close, present and active in his duly deserved retirement.

And, finally, I ask you to renew your resolve to begin each week with Sunday Mass. The Holy Eucharist is the hallmark of our Catholic identity. It defines us as Catholics; it makes us His Church. Confessions will be heard thirty (30) minutes before every Mass including Sunday Masses.

My installation as your pastor will occur next Sunday, July 12, during the 11:30 a.m. Mass. A casual light reception will follow in the Commons. This weekend, our new associate pastor, Father Jason Kahle, is preaching at all the Masses to help us to get to know him better. He is thrilled to be here and I am excited especially to know that we will be working together as your priests.

As I place my future in the hands of the Lord Jesus, these inspired words from Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta sound in my heart: “Let God use you without consulting you.”

I am honored by the appointment to serve as your pastor and am filled with hope as I anticipate serving you and your families in imitation of Jesus.

Over the years I have come to know, love and appreciate you very much.

Thank you, God, for having brought me home safely.