We grow in trust remarkably when we feel abandoned by God. When we feel God has abandoned us to ourselves and our limited ways of coping, when God seems to have abandoned us into a dark night, when God seems to have abandoned us to the tyranny of our emotions, we grow in trust. We may think that the matter is so hopeless, only an angel from heaven arriving with fleets of space ships can save us.
Yet, Jesus comes and tells us to take heart. As if out of the eye of the storm, and says today in scripture to you and me: "Do not be afraid." How amazing that through the hardship (for Abraham it was a 900 mile journey. For some, it may have washed ashore in a difficult illness or rocky relationship or some addiction.) To all these challenges, Jesus speaks: "Do not fear."
Where is Jesus speaking to you this weekend: "Do not fear."
Lectio Divina - Monday @ 9.30
How do you deal rejection?
Monday June 11 @ 9.30 am - 10.45 am on Zoom
Mark 6:7-13 Jesus sends his disciples on mission, Jesus gives them quite specific instructions about handling acceptance and rejection, success and failure. ‘If you are welcomed, stay. If you are not, shake the dust off your feet and move on.’ It’s simple enough advice – obvious, one might say – yet not always followed. When rejected, what helps to shake off the sting? We will explore discerning others' response to our efforts to further Jesus' mission - and where Jesus wants us to focus.
For the zoom link, reach out to saintspatrickandraphael@gmail.com
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The annual cost for Parish wide access is only $1970 of which $400 have already been contributed. If you appreciate the Catholic films and are able to do so, consider helping the Parish defer the cost. Thank you. And, enjoy the films.
Fr Casey College Scholarship
Information on the Scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year is available through the Parish office: saintspatrickandraphael@gmail.com
What was your experience of the pandemic like?
The Parish will be assembling narratives of dealing with Covid-19. A collection of them will be placed in a time capsule. Jeff Welch will assist in selecting a number of these memories (some difficult and others beautiful) to assemble into a booklet to be made available to parishioners. May we grow to appreciate even better each other's experience.
@ the Clark - a new exhibit:
Nikolai Astrup - Visions of Norway
Astrup began his career following a conventional path, studying painting in Kristiania (now Oslo) and Paris. On finishing his studies abroad, he made the unexpected decision not to settle in Kristiania, the artistic capital of Norway, but to return to Jølster, the region in western Norway where he spent his childhood.
He lived in this relatively remote area for the rest of his life, producing an unparalleled body of work that celebrates Norway’s dramatic scenery, challenging climate, and rich local traditions. Despite his relative geographic isolation, he was acutely aware of, and interested in, contemporary developments in European art that nurtured his own style.
He also explored woodblock printing, adopting an increasingly complex process that resulted in almost every print being a unique impression. With intense colors, patterned surfaces, and illogical perspectives, Astrup’s art is decidedly individual and modern, and invites discovery and enjoyment.
In a number of paintings, the Norwegian artist captures contemplative moments including By the Open Door. (c 1911) Clark Institute.
Tonight: Saturday Evening August 6 @ 7 pm
Real to Reel Program on WWLP 22 will include a segment on the 125th Celebration of Sts. Patrick and Raphael Parish Church - Check it out.
What did people in say in the Synod?
This week, Bishop Byrne presented the Diocesan Synodal Synthesis. In so doing, Bishop noted a prominent theme to be a call to be a more welcoming community. His letter says in part:
Beyond what insights participants shared, what was most important was that we listened with great respect to all who stepped forward to add their voice to this global endeavor. I believe the process was as important as the product, and a model for future conversations. Our report will now be incorporated into the national report.
Locally, once we have had time to digest and discern what we have heard, the next step will be to prioritize where the Holy Spirit guides us to be the best local Church that we can be. One prominent theme that clearly emerged is a call to be a more welcoming community. How is this to be done? As the Holy Father is guiding us to be a listening Church, the answer will be part of future synodal discernment.
Check out the complete Synthesis in the link below, or pick up a hard copy in the Church vestibule.
Thanks to all who have submitted thoughts on how to enhance the accessibility, welcome and beauty of the Church entry.
Willinet Mass resumes next weekend.
Thanks
I appreciate Fr. Alex's coverage as I recovered from some vascular leg surgery this past weekend, as well as the assistance of Fr. Bill Cyr for coverage of weekday Masses. God bless them.
Weekday Masses to be held in the Parish Center June 21-28
While installation of larger fans in the Parish Center, weekday Masses will needed to be held in the Parish Center hall. Masses starting June 21 through June 28 will need to be held in the hall so as work can be proceeded unimpeded. Thank you for your understanding.
Mass -11th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Fr. Bill Cyr, Celebrant
Deacon Greg, Preacher
In the Spanish Renaissance sculpture by Diego de Pesquera who worked in Granada and Seville, completed "The Holy Family with Joachim and Ann" in 1568.
The painted wood shows two couples, with the men standing behind their seated wives - Mary and Joseph on then left and Mary's parents, Anne and Joachim on the left. Their glances and gestures focus us on the child Jesus sprawled across Mary's lap. Fingers touch and eyes glance with the ease and intimacy of a family gathering. In contrast to the adults stable stances, the Christ Child wriggles.Off balance, he causes the adults to react: they lean in and support him with their legs and hands. (Detail of the work on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art below.)
Yet, we need both: to go out to those in need and to return for renewal and recreation. We need to live compassionate action as well as take time for renewal. I am grateful that Fr. Bill Cyr will be assisting with daily Masses and weekend Masses the next two weeks, as I step apart for a break. I am looking forward to the rest. May you too find a restful and renewing break this summer.
Blessings,
Fr. John
The painted wood shows two couples, with the men standing behind their seated wives - Mary and Joseph on then left and Mary's parents, Anne and Joachim on the left. Their glances and gestures focus us on the child Jesus sprawled across Mary's lap. Fingers touch and eyes glance with the ease and intimacy of a family gathering. In contrast to the adults stable stances, the Christ Child wriggles.Off balance, he causes the adults to react: they lean in and support him with their legs and hands. (Detail of the work on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art below.)
Yet, we need both: to go out to those in need and to return for renewal and recreation. We need to live compassionate action as well as take time for renewal. I am grateful that Fr. Bill Cyr will be assisting with daily Masses and weekend Masses the next two weeks, as I step apart for a break. I am looking forward to the rest. May you too find a restful and renewing break this summer.
Blessings,
Fr. John
Lectio Divina
Resumes Monday August 15, 2022 @ 9.30 am - 10.45 am
Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 13:22 -30
When Jesus is asked, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" Jesus responds, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate." He continues, that those who claim to know him through acquaintance of religious trappings won't be recognized. He highlights people of many cultures will do what is required. "Strive" here denotes "to struggle, to strain every nerve and muscle till the winning moment of an athletic contest." While Jesus is merciful, he calls us to follow through. Sometimes, that can be quite an effort.
Join Zoom Meeting link
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87229891618?pwd=NGRLTElPdm5BYUN0eHRzclRpaTZZQT09
What is priesthood like? How do you prepare?
You have met priests. Have you met those considering priesthood? What are they like? How are they like you? And, maybe not?
For males, age 15 to 21, spend a day of brotherhood at Camp Holy Cross in Goshen in the Berkshires and see...
Are you called to lead to the Lord's people to what he has prepared?
“ … for he has prepared a city for them.” Are you called to lead the Lord’s people to the eternal city that he has prepared for them as a priest, or in the consecrated life? Call Fr. Jonathan Reardon 413-248-7034, or write: vocations@diospringfield.org
Fr Casey Scholarship Applications Available
Call the office 413.458.4946 or saintspatrickandraphael@gmail.com to request an application.
Knights of Columbus Raffle
Council # 230 will be holding a $ 250 Scratch Ticket Board Raffle with Knights making tickets available at the Parish Church entrances. Tickets are $ 5 for one and $ 10 for three. The winning ticket will be drawn August 28th.
Council # 230 will be holding a $ 250 Scratch Ticket Board Raffle with Knights making tickets available at the Parish Church entrances. Tickets are $ 5 for one and $ 10 for three. The winning ticket will be drawn August 28th.
The Knights appreciate our support.
Time to be courageous in prayer and support Life
Bishop Byrne writes "...momentous decision by the Supreme Court regarding abortion a few weeks ago has re-ignited an awareness of the issue of abortion in our country....This is a time to be courageous in our prayer and efforts to support of Life!"
If you are interested in advocating for life, consider assisting as a contact person who would advocate for life in our parish, please contact Fr. John.
The theme for this year’s Steubenville East Conference was “Fearless,” based on what Jesus said in the Gospel of John: “Take courage, I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33).
More than 1,100 teens from across New England attended the Steubenville East Catholic Youth Conference July 29-31, held for the first time ever in the Diocese of Springfield. The conference included Mass, adoration, inspiring talks, reconciliation, and praise and worship music.
“What a great blessing it was for Steubenville and Life Teen to have the conference here,” said Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne who celebrated the closing Mass Sunday morning. Bishop Byrne was present the entire weekend, along with his dog Zelie. He even participated in a live game show with some of the youth on Saturday.
Theology on Tap This Sunday - August 7, 2022 @ 6:30pm
Description: Join us for our next Theology on Tap August 7 at 6:30pm at the East Forest Park neighborhood Thomas Sullivan Banquet Hall at Nathan Bill’s for a night of fun, faith, and fellowship featuring Bishop William Byrne. First come first serve. 18+. More info at theologyontap.org
Recent Theology on Tap Session (above)
Update from our sister parish Santa Rosa
The Feast weekend celebrating our sister parish Santa Rosa located in Mazan, Peru will be celebrated in our parish on the weekend of August 27 & 28.
Padre' Kamil, their pastor explains the Santa Rosa Parish services 60 villages along the river that flows next to Mazan. Padre’ Kamil is trying to reestablish schools in each village as COVID hopefully wanes. He says that the authorities there do not provide much support and that the support of these schools mainly falls on the resources of the parish and of course on the support they receive from us.
There will be an envelope in the packet of envelopes for Santa Rosa contributions on August 28th. For those that do not receive envelopes contributions for support of Santa Rosa can be made at any time going forward by either picking up a pink Santa Rosa envelope available on the shelves at the back of the church or simply mailing a check made out to the Parish with Santa Rosa written in the memo blank.
Your continued generosity to our Sister Parish is well appreciated by Padre’ Kamil and his parishioners
77TH ANNIVERSARY REMEMBRANCE
OF HIROSHIMA/NAGASAKI BOMBINGS
Saturday August 6TH @ 10am
What will it take live in peace?
Court Square Corner of Main Street and Court Street, Springfield, MA
Co-sponsored by:
Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence, Pax Christi, JustFaith Ministries, and the Agape Community
Featuring: ❖ Dramatic reading of: “Original Child Bomb” by Thomas Merton ❖
Keynote Address: Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons/Back from the Brink, Dr. Ira Helfand, PSR, IPPNW, ICAN ❖
Catholic Teaching on Nuclear Disarmament, Bishop William Byrne, Diocese of Springfield ❖
Prayers for peace The event will be held outdoors, rain or shine. Bring a lawn chair.
“How do you catch a moonbeam with your hand?”
In the musical, The Sound of Music, Sr. Maria’s friends muse what to make of “(Sr.)
Maria”. They try to sort out who Maria is; they seek to understand Maria. Who is
she? They sit with their question which they formulate as: “How do you catch a
moonbeam with your hand?” A moonbeam is everywhere. And so is Maria.
And so is Sister Jane Morrissey of the Sisters of St. Joseph. She too is “a
moonbeam” …reflecting the light of Christ in so many places: as academician at
Elms College, as a writer, as a cofounder of organizations as varied as Homework
House and Gray House, as President of the Sisters of St. Joseph and Co-Chair of the U.S. Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph. In 2017, she was appointed Grand Marshall of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Sr Jane presence animates the residents of the North End of Springfield, where she has lived for years. Her presence comforts people grieving from violence.
The National Council of Pax Christi salutes Sister Jane Morrissey SSJ this weekend
as an Ambassador of Peace. Sister Jane has been “a moon beam”, a light of Christ,
and a source of encouragement to so many promoting peace. She has been “a
moon beam” as an Ambassador of Peace.
as an Ambassador of Peace. Sister Jane has been “a moon beam”, a light of Christ,
and a source of encouragement to so many promoting peace. She has been “a
moon beam” as an Ambassador of Peace.
Want to be holy? Children will be teach parents holiness.
Word on Fire videos available through Word on Fire Video above. Check out the selection.
A quick glance at addiction statistics in western Massachusetts points to a continuing increase in addiction-related deaths. This increase became most noticeable during the height of the COVID pandemic.
For several months, the Diocese of Springfield has been in communication with leaders of IThirst©, a parish-based addiction ministry. IThirst© would provide large group educational opportunities for parishes/schools/deaneries and specialized training for persons interested in becoming Spiritual Companions to individuals and families living with addiction. This specialized training program can be completed entirely online.
IThirst© leaders envision a partnership whereby the diocese and parishes would share the cost of group educational opportunities. Individuals being trained as Spiritual Companions would contribute to the cost of their training if their means enable them to do so.
The Diocese wants to know prior to pursuing further conversations with IThirst© leaders, it feels it would be important to determine whether this type of program would be welcomed by parishes and the diocesan agencies/ministries.
To learn more about IThirst©, click here https://ithirstinitiative.org/programs/
For several months, the Diocese of Springfield has been in communication with leaders of IThirst©, a parish-based addiction ministry. IThirst© would provide large group educational opportunities for parishes/schools/deaneries and specialized training for persons interested in becoming Spiritual Companions to individuals and families living with addiction. This specialized training program can be completed entirely online.
IThirst© leaders envision a partnership whereby the diocese and parishes would share the cost of group educational opportunities. Individuals being trained as Spiritual Companions would contribute to the cost of their training if their means enable them to do so.
The Diocese wants to know prior to pursuing further conversations with IThirst© leaders, it feels it would be important to determine whether this type of program would be welcomed by parishes and the diocesan agencies/ministries.
To learn more about IThirst©, click here https://ithirstinitiative.org/programs/
If you think it would be helpful, reach out to Fr. John or a member of Parish Council to possibly explore how Ithrist might be helpful in our Parish.
If you are, or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800.273.8255 or Text "help" to Crisis Help Text Line at 741-741
A note on ultraviolet light in the ceiling fans
The near silent ceiling mounted Haiku-UV-C fans, manufactured by Big Ass Fans of Kentucky, use disinfecting ultraviolet (UV) lights built into the base and aimed up at the ceiling. As the fan circulates air throughout the room, the UV lights kill airborne pathogens that cross their path. As the UV light can be dangerous to eyes if viewed directly, fans direct light to the ceiling. The manufacturer released results of a study from Innovative Bioanalysis, a California lab that tested the fan against the coronavirus this April. The testing report ,written by Kevin Noble, COO of Innovative Bioanalysis, states, “It can be concluded that between 10 and 20 minutes there was an overall [pathogen] reduction of 99.99 per cent or greater.” Thank you to everyone for your good spirits and continual cooperation.
Next Sunday @ 10.30 am Mass Bishop Byrne will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving on the weekend of the consecration of Sts. Patrick and Raphael Church. (The consecration of the Church was actually July 1, 1897.
Reviewing archives, listening to stories of parishioners, the activity of the Holy Spirit in this sacred space amazes me. So many people, women and men, priests and religious, contributed to the faith we celebrate. I find it so humbling that so many people brought so many skill sets, so much energy, so many different ideas, and so much support to the Church over the years. Let us honor both the space and these people who passed on a faith that meant so much to them. Their faith in Jesus changed their lives. And, the heritage of our ancestors encourage us to be just as creative, just as generous and just as thoughtful as those who gathered in the sacred space long ago.
May they be at peace. And, may they encourage our dreams for ourselves and families.
Come for the 10.30 am liturgy next Sunday. And, enjoy an outdoor reception on the South lawn of the Church.
MASSES
SATURDAY @ 4.30 PM
SUNDAY @ 8.30 AM & 10.30 AM
MONDAY @ 8.30 am
TUESDAY @ 8:30 am
WEDNESDAY @ 8.30 am Communion Service
WEDNESDAY @ 8.30 am Communion Service
THURSDAY @ 8.30 am
CONFESSIONS
SATURDAY @ 3-4 pm on the porch of the Parish Rectory, 54 Southworth St
ADORATION
SATURDAY 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm
Please remember in your prayer
Michael Blewit and Joe Vareschi who participated in a retreat at the West Hartford Retreat Center to explore serving in our area as Deacons. May they continue to be open to the Spirit in their lives and respond with generosity.
Congratulations to Monica and Stephen Lawrence, of Spice Root fame, on the Grand Opening of their management of Chef's Hat. May the meals be physically and spiritually nourishing.
Faith Formation 2022-2023 - Watch for details this coming week.
Abraham and Sarah grow in faith by exercise?
Over 4,000 years ago, God calls Abram out of the Ur of the Chaldees, promising new land and new life. Abraham, as he is later called, and his wife Sarah take each step of the nine hundred mile journey to the Promised Land in faith. (Hebrews text this weekend.)
Abraham is anything but perfect. His faith sometimes falters, and at other times fails all together (remember his "Plan B" with Hagar?) Thomas Smith writes. Ultimately, Abraham perseveres.
Rather than be scandalized by Abraham's imperfect faith, our our own, we learn that faith grows only when it is exercised. Abraham comes to realize that God is not only willing to give him the Promised Land, but also the City of God or what later Jesus identifies as "the reign of God".
Sometimes we don't feel called to a strange country as Abraham and Sarah. But, we may have a heavy load to lift. Challenges come to our door step. Abraham too comes to see it is just not about the Promised Land. He comes to look forward to what Christians call "the reign of God": a new way of relating in love.
Each time we trust God, we are a step closer to God's reign "whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10).
Where are we being called to exercise faith by trusting God?