No Greater Love than This
For we Catholics, Easter is not a one-day event but a 50-day season of celebration! Death has been defeated by the God who went down into the muck of sin and despair and arose victoriously!
"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13)
Perhaps one of the most direct and summative lines of all Scripture is this week's passage of John's Gospel. This command to love one another (family, friend, enemy, and stranger alike) is tasked to all of us who dare call ourselves Christian. It's not optional! "This I command you: love one another." (John 15:17).
"Laying down" our lives might mean embracing the inconvenience of bearing a coworker's burdens, dealing with an annoying stranger, or losing sleep because of a crying child. But these moments are little "schools" of love where our hearts are stretched to increase in our capacity for love.
"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you." (John 15:16). It should be oddly comforting that God believes us to be worthy to participate in the spread of the Gospel message, through our words and actions. If God calls us to the task, he will equip us for the job.
"God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
Love One Another
Am I refusing or receiving the love of God daily?
Do I really believe that God loves me?
Who in my life is suffering? How can I reach out to them this week?
Sixth Sunday of Easter ~ May 9, 2021
Entrance:
1. Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing;
1. Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing;
You reign now in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria.
Ave, Ave, Maria.
5. The angels rejoiced when you brought forth God's Son;
Your joy is the joy of all ages to come.
7. In glory forever now close to your Son,
All ages will praise you for all God has done.
Text: St. 1, Jeremiah Cummings, 1814-1866, alt.; sts. 2-7, Brian Foley, 1919-2000, © 1971, Faber Music Ltd.
Presentation:
1. Be joyful, Mary, heav'nly Queen,
Gaude, María!
Your grief is changed to joy serene,
Alleluia!
Laetáre, O María!
2. The Son you bore by heaven's grace,
Gaude, María!
Did by his death our guilt erase,
Alleluia!
Laetáre, O María!
3. The Lord has risen from the dead,
Gaude, María!
He rose in glory as he said,
Alleluia!
Laetáre, O María!
4. Now pray to God, O Virgin fair,
Gaude, María!
That he our souls to heaven bear,
Alleluia!
Laetáre, O María!
Text: Regina caeli, jubila; Latin, 17th C.; tr. anon. in Psallite, 1901
Communion:
A New Commandment #300 in the Missalette
Refrain: I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you, as I have loved you.
- This is my will, my one command, that love should dwell among you all. This is my will, that you should love as I have shown that I love you.
- No greater love that one can have than that one die to save one’s friends. You are my friends if you obey what I command that you should do.
- I call you now no longer slaves; no slave knows all the Master does. I call you friends, for all I hear the Father say you hear from me.
- You chose not me, but I chose you, that you should go and bear much fruit. I chose you out that you in me should bear much fruit that will abide.
- All that you ask my Father dear for my name’s sake you shall receive. This is my will, my one command, that love should dwell in each, in all.
Recessional:
1. Joyful, joyful, we adore you,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before you,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
3. You are giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
God our Father, Christ our brother,
Let your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
Reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-700703. All rights reserved.
MOTHER’S DAY
Today is Mother’s Day. May God bless our Mothers! A Novena of Masses will be offered for our mothers, both living and deceased. Mother’s Day cards and Intention envelopes are available in the church. Please write your Intentions on the envelope and mail it, drop it in the collection or drop it in one of our drop boxes.
Today is Mother’s Day. May God bless our Mothers! A Novena of Masses will be offered for our mothers, both living and deceased. Mother’s Day cards and Intention envelopes are available in the church. Please write your Intentions on the envelope and mail it, drop it in the collection or drop it in one of our drop boxes.
MAY CROWNING
All Masses this weekend will begin with a May Crowning by our First Communicants. They have been invited to wear their First Communion outfits and bring a flower for Mary.
ASCENSION THURSDAY
This Thursday is Ascension Thursday, a holy day of obligation. Masses will be offered on Wednesday at 5:30 pm and on Thursday at 7:00 am, 12:00 noon and at 7:30 pm.
ROSARY ALTAR MEETING
The Rosary Altar Society of St. Denis, St. Columba and St. Kateri will meet Monday, May 10 at 6:30 pm outdoors at the Pavilion at the Rec Area of East Fishkill by the creek and bathrooms. There are picnic tables but you may also bring a chair. Wear a face mask. New members welcome!
DONATIONS FOR INDIA
India is facing a massive surge in the virus. Cardinal Dolan invites parishes to collect funds which will be sent to the “Catholic Near East Welfare Association” a papal humanitarian relief agency which is already working in India to assist all regardless of their faith. Please put your donation in an envelope marked “India” and drop it in the collection this weekend or mail it or place it in one of our drop boxes. (Checks made out to St. Columba – one check will be sent from the parish). In recent years, our summer priests have all come from India. This is a good way to say thanks for their service.
PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council serves as a consultative group for our Pastor, Father Michael in the pastoral care of the parish. He often runs questions past the Council, and the Council, in turn, serves as a voice for parishioners. They are a valuable resource for him. The Council meets generally on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. Terms are three years for adults, and teens for one year. Nominations for the Council will be taken the weekends of May 16 and 23. You can fill out a card in the narthex or email your nomination to rectory@stcolumbaonline.org. Those nominated (adults and teens) must be registered members of the parish, fully initiated in the Faith, and living their Faith in accord with Catholic teachings. Teens must be in High School and have received Confirmation.
OUR COLLECTION HAS RETURNED
Our ushers and greeters have begun to take collections. One collection basket will remain at the entrance for your convenience. Other ways to give to St. Columba include WeShare, E-Giving or by mailing your donation. Thank you for your generosity to your parish. NOTE – we have decided that when there is a special collection, you should drop a separate envelope in the first collection. There will be only one collection taken at any Mass.
VBS – CATHOLIC KIDS CAMP
We plan to offer an in-person VBS program called Catholic Kids Camp this summer on July 12-16. As Deacon Reilly has retired, a new Director has been chosen. We are excited that Sister Cherree Ann Power, one of our Resurrection Sisters, will direct our program. Sister has over 44 years of experience in Catholic Education. Catholic Kids Camp will be supported by our Religious Education Office, so Sister Marie Pappas will also be involved. Planning has begun and we will announce the details soon! Stay tuned!
RICE BOWLS
It is time to return your Rice Bowls! Please bring them to Mass. All donations will be sent to Catholic Relief Services. Thank you for your generosity.
LOCAL FIRES AND ASSISTANCE
There have been some tragic house fires recently, and some parishioners have been affected. If you would like to help them, the best way to do so is to provide gift cards so that food, clothing, and household items can be purchased. Please – no cash. Please mail or drop your gift cards (like Shoprite, Kohls, Walmart etc.) off at the church office and we will get them to our parishioners in need.
YOUTH MINISTER INTERVIEWS
We are currently interviewing for the position of Youth Minister for our High School Youth Group. Meetings are generally held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday each month after the 5:30 pm Mass. There is a stipend. If you would like to be interviewed, please submit your resume to Father Michael.
BAPTISM PREP PROGRAM NEW LEADERSHIP
We are grateful to Deacon Bill Alvarado, who has for many years overseen our Baptism Preparation Program. He is now stepping down and has passed the reigns to Deacon Dennis McCormack. Deacon Dennis is now the initial point of contact for any families who wish to have a Baptism at St. Columba. He can be reached at 845-227-8380 x13 or at baptisms@stcolumbaonline.org
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES AT ST. COLUMBA – LAST CALL
Couples celebrating their 25th, 50th or 60th Wedding Anniversaries are invited to Mass on Saturday, May 22 at 11:30 am. Sign up now for Mass and for your special Certificate by calling the church office 227-8380. When we find out how many couples are attending, we will be able to tell you how many guests you can invite.