Known originally as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a relatively ancient celebration. We know that the Church at Jerusalem was observing the feast as early as the first half of the fourth century, and likely earlier. According to Jewish law, the firstborn […]
February 2 – Presentation of the Lord Read More »
The ancient people of Israel, as we see in the first reading, greatly prized the written Law. To be a scribe was a position of respect and veneration. The Law is read in the presence of the community, a liturgical assembly. It is really an act of worship; the written part only comes alive as
III Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle “Câ€, January 24, 2010 Read More »
“With God there is nothing without purpose, nothing without its meaning and reason. Thus the people of Israel used to dedicate tithes of their possessions. But those who have been given freedom devote what they possess to the Lord’s use. They give it all to him, not simply what is of lesser value, cheerfully and
An excerpt from Against Heresies by St. Irenaeus, Book III, Chapter 21 Read More »
When Jesus entered into the marriage celebrations at Cana, He not only took part in the joyous scene, He added to it. The presence of Jesus, His mother and His disciples at a village wedding is a lovely picture. We see them sharing the lives and the happiness of ordinary people in a domestic setting.
II Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle “Câ€, January 17, 2010 Read More »
“If in a short space of time I have become so close a friend of your bishop – in a friendship not based on nature but on spiritual grounds – how much more blessed do I judge you to be, for you are as united with him as the Church is to Jesus Christ, and
An excerpt from St. Ignatius of Antioch’s Letter to the Ephesians Read More »
I started visiting our Parishioners while blessing their homes after the Epiphany of the Lord (January 6, 2009). I visited 12 (twelve) families. Thank you very much for your kindness and generous offerings. We had no baptism in the year 2009. First Holy Communion classes started September 12. Actually we have one student – Joseph
Administrator’s brief report: Holy Ghost Parish 2009 Read More »
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 »