You and I know the upcoming general election will be unlike any others we have ever experienced. Our great nation is facing so many serious trials during the year 2020. And, each of the serious trials has become more complicated to address because the ominous presence of the COVID-19 virus still remains with us.
Certainly, in this midst of all the hardship we face as citizens of this nation, it not my place to add to the pain by telling you how must vote in the upcoming general election. We have the freedom to vote as we please. However, I would be absolutely remiss in fulfilling my significant responsibility as your pastor, if I did not share the following information for your personal and private reflection, prior to completing your ballot on November 3rd.
As your pastor, my sharing is not an explicit endorsement of either anyone or any question noted on the election ballot. I am neither permitted to do such a thing, nor would I ever do so, if I had the permission. Rather, I share the following information as an important reminder to you, a good member of Roman Catholic Church.
Actually, it is not at all complicated. It is about truth. The truth as it was taught by Jesus Christ our Lord, which was given to His Apostles and disciples, then bestowed upon us as members of our Church. What is the truth?
This is the truth. First and foremost, you and I are a Roman Catholic Christian when it is time to complete our election ballot. We are not, first and foremost Republican, Democrat Independent or any other political affiliation. The most serious matter to God is not how well you fulfilled your responsibility on November 3rd as a member of a political party. It is how well you fulfilled your responsibility on November 3rd as a Roman Catholic Christian.
Therefore, as a Roman Catholic Christian voting during this election year, you and I must discern carefully how each candidate regards what Pope Benedict XVI stated are the “non-negotiable values” taught and held by our Church. By far, the three most important ones are the sanctity of life from conception to natural death; the sacredness of marriage between a man and a woman; and the preservation of religious liberty for all people. Understandably, there are other values which we must seriously consider and determine how each candidate regards them, before completing our ballot. But, those three are uncompromising for us as members of the Church. Anyone who does not regard them as such is in discord with the values taught by the Church in which you are a proud and practicing member.
Indeed, the 2020 general election will be unlike any others we have ever experienced. As our great, nation continues to move into the future, may our decisions as voters not compound the said serious trials by our decision on November 3rd. Instead, let us do our part to ease then by remaining in accord with what we practice and believe as members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Fr. Marc
Pastor's Message 7-11-20
A priest was accosted by a thief while walking down a dark alley. The thief demanded that he hand over his wallet. As the priest opened his coat to reach for his wallet, the thief saw the collar and realized he was robbing a priest. He immediately apologized and said, “Father, forget it! Keep your money. I had no idea you were a priest.” Then, both nervous and relieved, the priest took out a cigarette and offered one to the thief. But, the thief replied, “No, thank you Father. I gave up smoking for Lent.”
We got to be consistent as Catholics in our words and actions. When we are not, then foolish we will appear to others- much like the thief described in the aforementioned story. If someone is consistent in his/her inconsistency, the person’s words and actions create confusion in the beholder.
If you wish to be taken seriously as a Catholic Christian, be consistent. Then, the other person will follow your good example.
God bless you!
Peace, Fr. Marc
Pastor's Message 7-10-20
Not long ago, I had to put together a four piece patio chair set. I had all the parts and screws. And, in my possession was the tiny Allen Wrench to connect all the parts with the screws. I thought this was going to be an easy task, as I began.
Indeed, I know I am very distant from being the most brilliant person on the planet. My elevator doesn’t always go to the top floor! But, I found the task was not easy! The instructions were unclear. Screw holes which ought to be aligned, were not. The Allen Wrench was much too insignificant for doing the job. The task was completed, albeit longer than anticipated, but it was done successfully.
Being Christ-like in a society which at times is far from being Christian is not easy too. We have the instructions from the Holy Bible and from Catholic Church teaching. Yet, we could find what is taught to us may not be aligned to what others tell us is correct in our society. And, when seeking support for Christ-like living, we may encounter insignificant help is out there!
Nevertheless, we are called to complete the task. To live a life as the Lord has called us, even when it is not easy. We’ll be rewarded by Him if we do so, when we come face-to-face with the One who will evaluate us on Judgement Day!
Keep the faith. And, don’t give up on the “task.”
Peace, Fr. Marc
Pastor's Message 7-9-20
Perhaps, you may have asked yourself, “Is there a difference between how I pray to God in comparison to how I pray to a saint?”
According to the Catholic doctrine, the following is recommended.
Dulia- It a Greek word for “respect.” Dulia is the kind and degree of veneration given to saints and angels.
Hyperdulia- It is extended praise or veneration given to the Blessed Virgin Mary. More is due to the Blessed Virgin Mary because of her unique place in creation and her significant role in salvation history.
Latria- It is A Greek word for “service.” It is the highest form of worship. Latria is offered to God alone, since He is the source of all our blessings.
So, what should I do?
-If you have a devotion to a saint, (St. Anthony, St. Joseph, St. Therese of Lisieux, etc.), by all means remain faithful to that devotion. Pray your prayers to them. Venerate the saintly ones who have set an example for us to lead a life of holiness.
-If you have a loving devotion for our Blessed Mother, by all means remain faithful to that loving devotion. Because of all that our God has done for her and the complete cooperation she exercised, without sin, our Blessed Mother should be given praise and veneration.
-And, primarily, we should continue always and everywhere to worship God.
He is the One who unconditionally bestowed blessings on the saints, the Mother of God, and us!
Peace, Fr. Marc
Pastor's Message 7-8-20
Earlier this week, while in my car at drive-in port of a local bank, a very pleasant wish came from the teller.
Following my monetary transaction, as I was removing the items from the plastic container which defied gravity as it completed its flow through a small wind tunnel to me sitting in the car, the teller said, “God bless you!”
Indeed, it is a common phrase said in settings such as at church, among friends, between neighbors, and within the family. But, an uncommon phrase said at the drive-in port of a local bank, by the teller!
It was a very pleasant wish to hear from her. And, I didn’t even sneeze before she said it!
Maybe, like the bank teller, all of us should extend that wish to others more often, in the uncommon places we find ourselves. We all need God’s blessings. His blessings are needed especially now, when our beloved society is experiencing social unrest and healing from a pandemic.
God bless you. And, pass it on! Fr. Marc
Pastor's Message 7-7-20
Our Catholic Church has “Precepts.” A precept is “a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.” In the Roman Catholic Catechism, there are five. They are the following:
“You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor. (Catechism #2042).
Note: “servile” is an uncommon word, not often utilized in our society. In this context it defines resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of the Sunday and holy days of obligation.
You shall confess your sins at least once a year. (Catechism #2042).
You receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist, at least during the Easter season. (Catechism #2042).
You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church. (Catechism #2043).
You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church. (Catechism #2043).”
As good members of the Church, may we observe the aforementioned precepts. The Church does not provide them to burden us. Instead, she does so to enrich all we say and do as followers of Jesus Christ in the world.