Message from the Pastor

- Parish Information

March 25, 2021

Dead Battery?

Several weeks ago, I did what I have not done in quite a while. I had to “jump start” my cousin’s vehicle because it had a dead battery. The “jump start” worked! I got his vehicle back on the road.

A dead battery is not a good thing! It cannot do much. And, without a “live battery” the other electrical and electronic components of a vehicle are useless!

On March 28^th, our Church begins the holiest week of the year. If there is ever a time you may want to “jump start’ your spiritual life, Holy Week is it. Perhaps, you may have not done much for Lent 2021. Forget about it. You cannot go backward in time. Rather, walk into the future to get back “on the road” to holiness. Enter into Holy Week to “jump-start” you faith!

Participate in a sacred mass on Palm Sunday!
Come to the beautiful mass on the evening of Holy Thursday.
On Good Friday our parish has two sacred liturgies.
The most solemn mass of the year will occur on Easter Vigil.
Easter Sunday we will have three holy masses. It is the sacred day of our Lord’s resurrection!

Check the parish website, www.stjamesofthemarches.com for the times of the aforementioned religious services.

God bless you!
Fr. Marc
March 24, 2021

A House Blessed

Not long ago, I had an interesting experience in regard to a request for a house blessing.

A good Catholic gentleman asked to have his house blessed, after a very upsetting occurrence in his home. In summary, the very upsetting occurrence was a woman who very much seemed to have been either oppressed or possessed by a demon, entered into his house. While in the house, she manifested behavior which was extraordinarily revolting, he said. It was a total surprise to everyone present. But, maybe, it was not such of a surprise for her. Anyway, the details are not necessary to be shared here. However, based on his sharing about what occurred, it was the correct decision to have his house blessed by a Catholic priest.

I did bless his beautiful home. And, I noticed as I was doing so, in room after room of his house, holy symbols! There were crucifixes; images of the saints; small statues of angels; and a lot of religious artwork. Of course the woman who seemed to have been either oppressed or possessed by a demon manifested! Why? Surrounding her in each room were signs of the holy! The house was protected by their presence, preventing evil from making its home there. My priestly blessing simply complimented what already existed as a sanctified house.

Is your home sanctified? Is it protected from any threat of an evil force from invading your household? Each Catholic home should have a crucifix hung on one of the walls. And, having displayed an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a saint and/or an angel would be very wise thing to do too!

Just as we protect our home with door locks, a security camera and alarms for fire, we should be vigilant in having “ammunition” against the evil that lurks through the world. There is evil seeking to get inside of our homes. Look around your house. Are you prepared? Also, has the time arrived to have your home formally blessed by a priest?

Peace,
Fr. Marc
March 23, 2021

An Interesting Saint

The Roman Catholic Church has canonized many men, women and children. As of the writing of this Message, I believe there are more than 10,000 canonized saints! However, my guess is you may not be aware of the holy, yet unusual behavior, of the fifth century man, St. Simeon the Elder.

The following is an excerpt from his biography as it is penned online.

“The son of a shepherd, Simeon entered a monastic community but was expelled because of his excessive austerities and became a hermit. His reputed miracle-working generated popular veneration to such a degree that, to escape the importunities of the people, he began his pillar life northwest of Aleppo about 420. His first column was 2 meters (6 feet) high, later extended to about 15 meters (50 feet), and the platform is said to have been about 1 square meter (about 11 square feet). He remained atop the column for 37 years, permanently exposed to the elements, standing or sitting day and night in his restricted area, protected from falling by a railing, and provided with a ladder to communicate with those below or to receive meagre gifts of food from disciples. Visitors sought spiritual counsel, relief from sickness, intervention for the oppressed, and enlightenment in prayer and doctrine. Simeon apparently converted many people, and he influenced the Eastern Roman emperor Leo I to support the orthodox Chalcedonian party during the 5th-century controversy over the nature of Christ. When he died, his body was found by a disciple and was apparently stooped in prayer.” https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419

The good Lord allows saints to come to us when we need them most. Obviously, a man like St. Simeon, as unusual as his behavior may have been to the people living near him, made a positive difference in the world at that time in the history of humankind. He did so by providing “spiritual counsel, relief from sickness, intervention for oppressed and enlightenment in prayer and doctrine.” The Church remembers him fondly.

Be a saint in the world which sometimes seems to be lacking so much holiness! Stand tall as a Catholic Christian! Be a pillar in your community by living the faith.

Peace,
Fr. Marc
March 22, 2021

Why Did I Worry?

Here is a true story- briefly penned.

Not long ago, one of the parish priests with whom I lived in the rectory became very ill with cancer. The cancer in his body was quite advanced. When diagnosed it was Stage IV.

He was young. A vibrant, gifted and generous priest! And, I, as well as many, many parishioners truly loved him. It was not long after his reception of the devastating diagnosis, he requested, “Marc, I want to stay at the rectory and not go anywhere else during this time of my life.”

In truth, the request from my brother priest stirred some worry in me, as the pastor. First and foremost, worry he will absolutely be provided with the perfectly best care during his illness, while residing in the rectory. Second, worry about the impact it would have on the rectory staff if I tried to achieve his and my want to keep him at the rectory, especially when his illness becomes even more difficult for him to endure. Finally, worry in regard to what ways I could assist him to fulfill his call as a parish priest when the cancer may become debilitating for my dear friend.

My confession to you is all the time I spent worrying about the aforementioned was so wasteful! Fulfilling his request was exactly the right thing to do for everyone- me, the rectory staff, the parishioners and most importantly, for him! Everything each of us did to take care of him will never be forgotten as other than a tremendous blessing!

Father William, thank you for your request. You taught me, family, friends and those with whom you lived and worked, worry is a useless waste of time- a cancer that destroys faith in God. Always what is needed is trust. Trust all things are possible with God.

Don’t worry! Believe.
Fr. Marc
March 21, 2021
Particular Judgment.

“Death puts an end to human life as the time open to either accepting or rejecting the divine grace manifested in Christ. The New Testament speaks of judgment primarily in its aspect of the final encounter with Christ in his second coming, but also repeatedly affirms that each will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith (Catholic Catechism #1021).” The said verdict rendered by Christ, before “the final encounter with Christ in his second coming” is defined as the “particular judgement.”

There are three possible outcomes to the particular judgement for each one of us, at the end of our human life.
1. Those whose love for God has been perfected in this life are taken straight to heaven.
2. Those who die in God’s love, but still love God imperfectly must be purified in the intermediate state of purgatory.
3. Those who reject God’s love by mortal sin and die without repenting are condemned to the everlasting torments of hell.
Believing there is a particular judgment for all of us after death is not beyond human comprehension. In truth, “particular judgements” of our words and actions by those with authority occur throughout our lives.

Have you ever had to be judged to determine if you may receive the privilege of a driver’s license? Or, have you ever been judged by a teacher in regard to grade on an exam? Maybe, you experienced the judgment of a perspective employer after he/she completed the interview for a job desired. All of those are “particular judgments” in this life!”

Therefore, as you did your best to prepare for some of the said particular judgments in this life, as well as others not mentioned here, do the same for Jesus’ after death. It would be wise to do so. The one after our human life has an impact on where you will spend your life for all of eternity!

Peace
Fr. Marc
March 20, 2021
What Is That?

Have you ever spent a minute or two considering the meaning of the eighth commandment? The eighth commandment is “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Not that you wish to do so, but what does it mean to “bear false witness” against someone?

Here are the following ways sin is committed against the aforementioned commandment:
1. False witness- a public lie about him/her.
2. Perjury- lying under oath.
3. Rash judgment- creating a verdict about him/her without sufficient evidence.
4. Detraction- disclosing another’s faults without sufficient reason.
5. Calumny- speaking falsehoods about another, thus trying to destroy his/her reputation.
6. Compliance- praising the sinful words and/or actions of another.
7. Gossip- speaking about a person instead of keeping the information unsaid.
And, here are some ways the previously mentioned sin is avoided:
1. “If you have nothing good to say about someone, don’t say anything about him/her.” Aesop.
2. If you must testify about the truth of a person, do just that and nothing more.
3. Do not judge anyone quickly. You may not know everything about him/her.
4. If I do not want my reputation to be damaged, then I should be careful about his/hers.
5. Another’s words and/or actions are not praiseworthy, if they are sinful. So, don’t continue the sin by speaking about them in a positive manner.
6. If you are not happy with your own life, then don’t become busy speaking about someone else’s by gossiping.
7. And, finally, as George Bernard Shaw stated, “The things most people want to know about are usually none of their business.”
Become a master of the eighth commandment, now that you have become more acquainted with it!

Blessings!!!
Fr. Marc

March 19, 2021

Saint Joseph

During the Year of Saint Joseph, which lasts from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021—the use of the Litany of Saint Joseph has been included among other prayers to St. Joseph enriched with a plenary indulgence. The said indulgence may be earned once a day subject to the usual conditions: sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Pope, and a total detachment to all sin, including venial sin.

Lord, have mercy.	Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.	Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.	Lord, have mercy.

God our Father in heaven,	have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,	have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,	have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,	have mercy on us.
Holy Mary,	pray for us.
Saint Joseph,	pray for us.
Noble son of the House of David,	pray for us.
Light of patriarchs,	pray for us.
Husband of the Mother of God,	pray for us.
Guardian of the Virgin,	pray for us.
Foster father of the Son of God,	pray for us.
Faithful guardian of Christ,	pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family,	pray for us.
Joseph, chaste and just,	pray for us.
Joseph, prudent and brave,	pray for us.
Joseph, obedient and loyal,	pray for us.
Pattern of patience,	pray for us.
Lover of poverty,	pray for us.
Model of workers,	pray for us.
Example to parents,	pray for us.
Guardian of virgins,	pray for us.
Pillar of family life,	pray for us.
Comfort of the troubled,	pray for us.
Hope of the sick,	pray for us.
Patron of the dying,	pray for us.
Terror of evil spirits,	pray for us.
Protector of the Church,	pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,	have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,	have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,	have mercy on us.

God made him master of his household,	And put him in charge of all that he owned.

O God, who in your inexpressible providence
were pleased to choose Saint Joseph
as spouse of the most holy Mother of your Son,
grant, we pray,
that we, who revere him as our protector on earth,
may be worthy of his heavenly intercession.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Peace
Fr. Marc

March 18, 2021

“You Shalt Not Make The Name Of The Lord God In Vain.” (Deut. 5)

Blasphemy is the purposeful use of the holy name of God in an offensive manner. The misuse of the holy name, “inwardly or outwardly, is attaching the name of God to words of hatred, reproach or defiance. That is gravely sinful. (Catechism #2148).

Ponder the following: In Hebrew, the holy name of God consists of four letters YHWH. To safeguard against blasphemy, our Jewish brothers and sisters absolutely refuse to spell the name at all! So sacred is the name of God!

A true story: At a local parish, I was with a large group of teenagers practicing for the soon to occur Confirmation Mass with our bishop. As we rehearsed the mass, I stood at the place which the bishop would stand as he confirmed each teen. Part of the Ritual of Confirmation is to ask each person, “What name do you choose?” This question is asked by the bishop immediately prior to his confirming the person with the sacred chrism.

During the aforementioned practice, as one of the teenagers, whom was not from any country in which you ordinarily find males with the name of the Lord, approached me. As the bishop planned to ask, “What name do you choose?” With a mischievous smile on his face, he responded loudly, “Jesus.” I replied, “What!…you cannot select that name. It is a holy name…the name of the Lord.” He answered defiantly, “I want to have the name of Jesus.” “No, on Confirmation Day select another name,” I said.

On Confirmation Day, I was standing next to the bishop as he was confirming the teens, one after another. Then, my good friend arrived in front of the bishop to be confirmed. “What name do you choose? asked the bishop. My friend looked at me very quickly. I looked at him with some fear. Will he respond with the Holy Name or not? Will he create a moment of embarrassment? Will my friend misuse the Holy Name for his unsuitable purpose? After what seemed like forever, he answered the bishop, “Michael.” I was relieved. No hint of blasphemy!

Each of us, no matter what is our vocation in this world, has an obligation to “cultivate a persistent reverence for the Holy Name of our Lord (U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults, page 355).” If you have a mild tendency to break the second commandment either in anger or in any other manner, make an effort to correct the bad habit. It does require discipline. But, you can do so by considering how much it would hurt you, if someone abused the name of a beloved spouse or child of yours.

Holy God, we praise thy name!

Peace
Fr. Marc
Pastor's Messages February 2021
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Saint James of the Marches

Totowa, NJ

Message from the Pastor

March 25, 2021

March 24, 2021

March 23, 2021

March 22, 2021

March 21, 2021

March 20, 2021

March 19, 2021

March 18, 2021

Pastor's Messages February 2021

Pastor's Arcived Messages