John is baptizing when Jesus draws near. Perhaps he comes to sanctify his baptizer; certainly he comes to bury sinful humanity in the waters. He comes to sanctify the Jordan for our sake and in readiness for us; he who is the spirit and flesh comes to begin a new creation through the spirit and […]
Except from a sermon by Saint Gregory of Nazianzus Read More »
The prophet Isaiah’s words today were originally addressed to a people who had spent many years away from their homeland, the victims of war, living as captives, exiled to their conquerors’ land. He offers them hope that their time of warfare is over, the time for their homecoming is drawing near, that God is going
Solemnity – Baptism of our Lord – Cycle “Câ€, January 10, 2010 Read More »
In the Gospel today, Mary and Joseph have been with the 12 year old Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a custom for all Jewish males to visit the Temple three times a year, to commemorate three major festivals: Passover, Pentecost and the feast of Tabernacles. By recording this journey, St. Luke shows
Solemnity – Holy Family – Cycle “Câ€, January 3, 2010 Read More »
“This Solemnity reminds the members of the Polish National Catholic Church to pray for the living and departed clergy of the Church, to support the need for the increase of vocations to the holy orders of our Church as well as our Savonarola Theological Seminary with their prayers, labor and finances. “It is not you
Solemnity – Humble Shepherds – Cycle “Câ€, December 27, 2009 Read More »
All are invited to join us in worship at Holy Ghost or St. John the Baptist Parishes. Holy Ghost Parish, Shenandoah, PA St John the Baptist Parish, Frackville, PA December 24, 2009 – January 6, 2010 Thursday, December 24th, 2009 – CHRISTMAS EVE SHENANDOAH: 7:00PM – Mass of the Shepherds (Pasterka), and Benediction of the
Schedule of Services during the Christmas Season Read More »
Many of our Christmas traditions were celebrated centuries before Christ was born. Giving gifts, the Yule log, carol singing, church processions and the 12 days of Christmas can all be traced back to the early Mesopotamians. Sacaea, celebrated by the Persians and Babylonians, was a similar festival during which slaves and masters would exchange roles.
A brief history of Christmas Read More »
Christmas in Poland, that the greatest moment is the evening of December 24, always remains in Poland the most important celebration. Although its origins have a religious direction, it is especially a family celebration, love, comprehension and mutual attention. It is a celebration having kept the same traditions since centuries, full with symbols, having its
Christmas in Poland, the Polish tradition Read More »
The account of the visitation in St. Luke’s Gospel culminates in Elizabeth’s proclamation that Mary is blessed because she has put her faith in what the Lord has said to her. Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, Zechariah’s wife, who herself was pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth’s greeting gave complete confirmation to all
IV Sunday of Advent – Cycle “Câ€, December 20, 2009 Read More »
St. John the Baptist is someone who quickly took center stage and enjoyed a fair measure of success as a preacher, to the point where people began to wonder whether he was the Christ. John was a success but he knew his limitations. If you are looking forward to Christmas, full of expectancy, then you
III Sunday of Advent – Cycle “Câ€, December 13, 2009 Read More »