April 2, 2020

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Stat crux dum volvitur orbis
The cross is steady while the world turns  

The above title is a saying of the Carthusian monks, who allegedly have more Saints than any other order. The saying means that the Cross of Christ is our strength when life throws us curve balls.

Sometimes, curve balls make us see things from a different perspective. I received an email today sharing, “A BEAUTIFUL IDEA FOR PALM SUNDAY. It’ll soon be obvious, why it reminded me of my first Palm Sunday in Moyross, County Limerick.

As a friar, we customarily had public processions on Palm Sunday. In the South Bronx, for example, every year there was a house-bound woman who would lower her basket down with twine from the fifth floor of her tenement. Every year. What could top that?

Well, in Limerick we thought we could bump it up a notch. We planned to go through the streets with all the usual fanfare. But we even had a donkey! A real, live donkey—named Bethlehem.

We thought we had everything. I mean, donkey and all. But then came Palm Sunday. Our local pastor, Fr. O’Dea, dropped off our “palms.” You should’ve seen my bewildered face when I opened the box and, low and behold, it was filled with sprigs of evergreen. Evergreen? This isn’t Christmas! It’s called “Palm Sunday” for a reason, right?

But this is how they normally celebrate Palm Sunday in Ireland, a locality not so known for its palm trees.

It got me to pay closer attention to Sacred Scripture. Consider Matthew 21:8, as follows:

The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road.

Turns out that evergreen is just a relevant at Passiontide as Yuletide.

Life is full of curve balls. The Cross of Christ is the ultimate curve ball. It even shook our Blessed Mother to the core—albeit without sin.

But here’s the point: The point is that since Jesus won our salvation by being nailed to the Cross, then we ought to cling to it wholeheartedly amid life’s crazy curve balls like COVID-19.

The cross is steady while the world turns

April 3, 2020
Faith, Hope, and Love in Time of Crisis
By Fr. Pham

In time of crisis, many people find different ways or strategies to cope with the difficulties and challenges at hand. As believers of God, we have our own unique ways. This past Friday, Pope Francis made a strong case for the Universal Church to come together to publicly make an act of faith in a special Holy Hour asking God for His help and intervention for the whole world dealing with COVID-19 virus. As I attentively observed and participated in this prayer service, I noticed the feelings of sadness and worries on the face of our pope as he prayed in front of the image of our Blessed Mother and the Crucifix of Christ. I have the same feelings as his. That evening was gloomy and rainy, and the emptiness of Saint Peter’s square made me felt even worse. This scene was an opportunity for me to place my faith in God more because no one can find the solution to the crisis now but only God alone. I invite you to continue to manifest our acts of faith personally and as a parish virtually.
Having place my faith in God, and recalling the many miracles that Jesus performed in the gospels, it gives me hope that all things are possible with God, while it is almost impossible for human beings to do or to know. As a result, I feel more at peace that this crisis will have an end, and God will be praised for His intervention.

With faith and hope, I feel the love that God continues to extend His love for me and for the whole world, as well as the love that so many first responders, healthcare professionals, and others are risking their lives to heal the sick and protect others. This is a very concrete way to live out the second greatest commandment “to love your neighbor as yourself”.

May we continue to place our faith, hope, and love in God in time of crisis!

April 4, 2020
In God’s Time
by Deacon Al LaMonaca

As we begin another week living in the COVID-19 world, with its “Up to the Minute” TV news, have you noticed the number of commercials, between the reports, featuring statements by companies telling us that, “We are here for you now during this challenging time”? Some harder hit businesses, such as those in travel, hospitality and food, after reminding us of the obvious, “We’re all in this together,” state, that when this disruption of normalcy is over, “We will be ready to serve you better than before!” In addition to television, how about all the emails and texts from every company, bank, website and internet vendor you ever logged into? They are echoing the same message.

Is it just another advertising message, or more of a plea, so we won’t forget how important we’ve made them in our lives? A relationship for which the jury is still out for determining who benefits more, Our overall well being, or our contribution to their products’ market share.

Bottom line is their assertive ad campaign is their acknowledgment that they need to be part of our lives more than we think they need to part of ours. They don’t want us to ever say, where have you been when we needed you.

Perhaps in this challenging moment in the world’s history, some of us are asking this question of God, “Where are you when we need you, God?” Maybe we think this is a fair question but certainly it’s not original.

Throughout history’s desperate times, men and women have cried out this frightened call. The Jewish peoples’ forty year trek in the desert is a prime example. Fourteen times they shouted, “Where are you God?” and fourteen times they were answered with blessed relief for their needs. Another reference is one we heard in last Sunday’s Gospel (Fifth Sunday of Lent – John 11:1-45). Because I’ve similarly experienced where she was, I believe Martha’s words, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”, were spoken out of anger with Jesus because He did not respond to her plea in the time frame she thought was reasonable. Several days before she sent out a call, “Jesus, Where are you?Lazarus needs you! Mary and I need you! Come Now!”

As He answered so many others before, God replied to Martha. And like those others, He did so in HIS time – NOT Martha’s. Why? Be assured, it was not for wanting to prolong her worry, anguish or pain. Certainly, He could have healed Lazarus by simply willing it from afar. So why His delay?

Let’s recall Martha’s other prominent scene in scripture (Luke 10:38-42), her dinner party for Jesus. She is seen as somewhat of a control freak, i.e., having things her way in her time, was her norm. In that light, although last week’s Gospel was a moment of high importance for Lazarus, Jesus recognized it was to Martha’s greater benefit for her expectations to be put in check. Jesus knew she had faith, but He also knew that too often, it took a back row seat when it came to her need to comply with cultural norms and etiquette.

Aren’t we like the Jews in the desert and Martha? We have faith in God when He acts in the role of The Loving Father. It may be during the good times when we also put our relationship with Him onto a back row seat. Then when things go bad, we turn on Him the moment He doesn’t live up to our expectations, or when it becomes necessary for Him to correct our errant behavior. Just perhaps, we begin to think He needs us more than we need Him. Too often we get into trouble when we take on the Martha attitude of thinking WE are in control. We are not.

Other than for the relatively few surviving members of The Greatest Generation, we are recognizing this fact like no other time in the world’s history. Our attitudes of, doing what we want, when we want and with whoever we want are quarantined in check, whether we like it or not.

During this COVID-19 scare we need to recognize that we need to strengthen our faith in God’s will for what He wants us to learn. Just as His answer was not in the style or time expected by Martha or during the nomadic sojourn of the Jews, God is in control of the plight we are presently wandering. His wisdom will enlighten us in His time, to learn the lesson we need to know, for why we are in the grip of this virus. It will only be then that we hopefully may be able to echo Martha’s other words in John 11:22, “But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”

With these words of Faith, Martha admitted knowing that God was always with her, Mary and especially Lazarus. Just as we can be assured that God is always with us. We need not doubt His presence just because science has not received His cure for the COVID-19 as yet. On the contrary we need to express our Faith in Him on a greater scale. Now is our time, our hour of need to proclaim, “I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” His Love and protection are the only products we need to improve our bottom line. Remembering this will always reinforce our confidence that God will always be ready to serve us better than before COVID-19.

God Bless
Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry

April 5, 2020
The New Normal
by Fr. Pham

In recent days, I have heard people saying “I just can’t wait for things to be back to normal.” I even had that thought myself. I miss celebrating Mass in a church packed with people, I miss going to the gym, and I miss my softball practices, among many other things.

I had plenty of time to pray and reflect, and I have come to realize this. I don’t want things to go back to the way they were. Here are my thoughts …

First, I pray that the next time I am celebrating Mass in church full of people and listening to the voices of praise that I take a moment to thank God for the gift of congregation and community.

I pray that the next time I come across a person or situation that needs prayer, I will pray as passionately and fervently as I have these past few weeks.

I pray that I never again take for granted the ability to hop in the car and go to a Sixers game, go to the hospital to visit the sick, eat in a crowded restaurant, etc.

Therefore, while daily life will for sure return to “normal” one day, I don’t want things to return to the way they were. I pray that we take the lessons of sufferings and challenges of the past few weeks and create a new normal in the way we live our lives.

My goal is to pray more fervently, love harder, and truly appreciate the daily abundance of blessings that I have taken for granted just a few weeks ago.

April 6, 2020
JUST DO IT!
by Fr. Mann

It is easy to under estimate the power packed into little things. Consider, for example, the nuclear power released by splitting matter the size of an atom. Or consider the damage ignited by a single spark in last year‘s devastating fires out west. And then, there is that pesky microscopic coronavirus that causes COVID-19. How can such tiny, even minuscule things package so much power?

Msgr. Mannion reminded me recently that Chaos Theory is a branch of mathematics focused on systems where seemingly-random rules of disorder are governed by deterministic laws that are highly sensitive to the initial conditions. In essence, it looks at complex systems that can be significantly impacted by just a minor change.

One of the by-products of Chaos Theory is called the “Butterfly Effect,” discovered by an American mathematician and meteorologist named Edward Lorenz. Lorenz proved that a tornado could be influenced by a tiny butterfly flapping its wings two weeks before the disturbance, which can, in turn, impact its path and strength. Essentially, one slight, consistent movement, when organized, can create an unimaginably powerful force.

Yet, the power unleashed by small things is only not about doom and gloom. Atomic energy, for instance, may be used for good or evil. It is also worth noting that God was not found by the prophet Elijah in the raging storm or earthquake. Rather, God was found in the whispering wind – a small thing. Indeed! The smallest particle, or even piece of a particle, of the Eucharistic host is more powerful and greater in goodness than the mightiest nuclear energy, for it is God Himself.

Take not for granted the good you can do with the gift you have, perhaps unopened and untried; the dream you hold, perhaps unspoken; the care you feel, perhaps yet to be done; the love that is yours, perhaps not yet. shared. Opportunities and situations await your action and response, that others may be helped, inspired, gratified by the presence of the unique person that is you.

What does that little thing even meaning to do but just don’t seem to get to it just because it won’t make that much of a difference anyway? Just do it!

Helping one another can easily inspire others to do the same, for Compassion is Contagious.

April 7, 2020
No Chrism Mass? Commitment Remains!
by Deacon Al LaMonaca

As is my daily prayer, my hope that you and your families are well in all things, and in particular, have managed to escape the daily threat of the health effects of COVID-19, goes out to each of you.

Today in the Camden Diocese, the Tuesday of Holy Week, has traditionally been when our Bishops have celebrated The Chrism Mass. But this year, in accordance with our current need for social distancing, it is not taking place. Another wise and prudent decision by Bishop Dennis Sullivan for assisting to bring an end to the grip of this virus. He has announced to all pastors this Mass will be celebrated on a future and safer date. (As a point of clarity, Holy Thursday is the official day for the Chrism Mass, and is separate from the celebration of The Liturgy of The Lord’s Supper which always stakes place in the evening of Holy Thursday. Universally, diocesan bishops have the option of moving the Chrism Mass to another day in Holy Week.)

I am confident that most of you are able, by its title, to determine what takes place at this celebration. Yes, the Sacred Chrism is consecrated, and two other sacramental oils, used in the administering of the Sacraments are blessed by diocesan bishops throughout the Catholic world.

As the science world seeks to find a medicine to totally eradicate COVID-19, slow it down or at least build up our immunity, this may be an appropriate time for remembering the physical, but more importantly the spiritual curing and strengthening capabilities of the sacred oils which the Church has been using for centuries.

The Chrism Mass has another significance that I believe also needs to be remembered in this time of fear due to the unknowns surrounding the COVID-19. The fear that prompts us to ask, “What will happen if I or my loved one needs help?” That help of course, will need to come from the people that we have learned to respectfully title, “heroes”, and rightfully so.

Compiling the short list of heroes for immediately saving life is easy. No one needs much help with that one. EMT’s, police officers, emergency room staff, doctors, nurses, let’s not forget the researchers. Then there are the lists that have what some may also lavish “hero” because as these quarantine days multiply, we come to the realization of how much we need each other, as opposed to the popular thought of, “It’s all about me.” That list might even contain the truck driver delivering toilet paper to my Shop Rite store, but I’ll stop there for now.

Getting back to the importance of the Chrism Mass. As I write this I am impelled to suggest that perhaps this liturgy is mistitled or at least needs to be co-titled to include what I think is highly important and noteworthy. Because what contributes to it being one of the most beautiful and important liturgies celebrated during the liturgical year is what happens at the end of the bishop’s homily. Every priest present rededicates themselves and their service to him and to the Church. An action that may precede the necessity for oils, in light of our understanding to be that the Eucharist is the summit of our Catholic Faith and the forgiveness and absolution through Penance cannot be exercised without our priests commitment to their vocation to their priesthood.

These priests, among them Fr. Mann and Fr. Pham, are on my list of heroes. Their reception of Holy Orders at their ordination and their recommitment at every Chrism Mass solidifies their devotion to God and energizes their daily dedication to our Church. Their promise is what allows them to care for us in the normal times of our lives. Their commitment is what awakens them from much needed sleep so they can anoint the sick and dying with the oils sacramentalized at the Chrism Mass. Blessings that are made regardless of the hour, weather, or health-risking pandemics.

Regardless of when Bishop Sullivan dates the Chrism Mass or if the oils need replenishing, I am very confident our priests’ will hold true to their commitments. Let us remember them in our daily prayers and be thankful for their commitment to their vocation.

Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry.
God Bless.

April 8, 2020
Surely It Is Not I
by Deacon Aaron Smith

“Surely it is not I.” In today’s daily Mass Gospel reading (Matthew 26:14-25) we hear Judas Iscariot respond this way during the last supper when Jesus tells his Apostles that he will be betrayed by one of those present. Now, from our present age we can be very quick to point out how naïve of Judas to think that he can fool Jesus. It was both Judas’ arrogance and selfish ignorance that got him to the point where he thought he could sin without Jesus knowing. But, don’t we do the same thing? How often do we find ourselves going back to the same sins that we confessed years, months, weeks or even days ago? We act in the same manner as Judas when we promise to sin no more during the Act of Contrition but then place ourselves near the same people, places or things that led us to sin prior. We must remember, it wasn’t out of the blue that Judas betrayed Jesus. Judas grew in his comfort of sin over the years. In another Gospel (John 12:1-6) we learn that Judas as keeper of the group’s money bag was secretly (so he thought) stealing from them. Judas most likely started sinning in small ways that led to stealing donated money and eventually led to him accepting money for information on Jesus’ whereabouts. By Judas providing Jesus’ location, it led to Jesus’ capture and eventual death.  Imagine being responsible for any normal person’s death, let alone be responsible for Jesus’ death. How terrible an idea. But, it’s not just a thought, it’s reality. Jesus died on that cross not just for those sins committed by Judas, he died for all of humanity’s sins since Adam and Eve, right up until today with our individual sins. There’s a saying that there’s no Easter Sunday joy without the Good Friday pain.

For many of us, the last month or so living in the world with the Coronavirus may have felt like endless pain. Many of us may have been laid off or furloughed from work, some of us may have cared for a family member that tested positive, some may have relatives or friends that died due to this virus and we weren’t allowed to attend the funeral. Perhaps a few of us may have tested positive ourselves. For many, it seems like life has been at a standstill for most of this Lent. I have found myself far too many times since March just trying to remember what day of the week it was as the days keep merging into each other during this national shut down.  Hopefully each of us over the next few days of Holy Week will take some time to reflect on this experience. Have we helped our neighbor by dropping off some food to the local food pantry? Have we faithfully “attended” Mass every Sunday by watching the Parish web-site live Mass videos? Have we given alms to the poor via mail or online? Have we eaten too much out of boredom instead of fasting for Lent? Have we found ourselves during this time doing the same old sins? Overall, when we get to the end of our life’s journey what will our response be to Jesus when he asks, “have we spent our time, talent and treasure wisely?”. Hopefully to that question, your answer won’t be, “Surely Not I”.

April 9, 2020
WHY is this Night Different?
by Fr. Mann

Believe it or not, today is only Thursday. Our Christian Passover has arrived. Add a Jewish Passover meal, which is the context of the last supper, the youngest present—typically a child—asks why this night is different from any other night. We might ask ourselves that same question in terms of our Christian passover.

In the Jewish Passover, the elder—serving as the father and presiding over the rituals—reminds all those present of the marvelous things God accomplished through Moses and the events of the exodus, from slavery in Egypt. From a Christian perspective, this obviously foreshadows our great exodus from slavery under Satan and exile outside the kingdom of God. The fruit of our Christian exodus, presided over by Christ, is that we now can live in the freedom of the children of God, destined for our final redemption in heaven.

The obvious answers to what makes this night different for Christians is of course the Jesus instituted the priesthood in the Eucharist, which are inseparably linked. These two mysteries, the priesthood and the Eucharist, are inseparably enshrined in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Saint John Paul the great wrote in one of his encyclicals that without the priesthood there would be no Eucharist, and without the Eucharist, there would be no Church. In short, our very existence depends on what happened on this holy night and continues to happen in each and every Sacrifice of the Holy Mass—right to this very moment.

As amazing as these truths are, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out something else that distinguishes this night from all others. On this night, Jesus Christ—GOD—surrenders Himself into the human condition at its very worst. Betrayal. False accusations. Political intrigue. Denial of truth. Cowardice. Ultimately, scourging, mockery and crucifixion.

As horrible as COVID-19 is, in the balance it is nothing compared to the pandemic of sin unleashed by Adam, a spiritually infectious disease that plagues humanity—that led Jesus to the Cross. So, the critical question is whether we surrender ourselves to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior in the confident knowledge let this night does not end in doom and destruction, but in resurrection and life.

Pope Francis spoke these words on Wednesday, 8 April 2020:

Dear Brothers and Sisters:
At this time of anxiety and suffering caused by the current pandemic, we all face uncertainty and may ask where God is to be found in this situation. During these days of Holy Week, we can find solace in the account of the Passion of Jesus. Our Lord also faced questions, with many wondering whether he really was the promised Messiah. It was only after his death that a centurion confirmed that Jesus truly was the Son of God. He did this after seeing Christ suffer silently on the Cross, which teaches us that God’s power is revealed in humble and self- sacrificial love. We, like the disciples, may have preferred the Lord to manifest his strength by resolving our problems according to our own measure of what is right. Yet the death and resurrection of Jesus show that while earthly power passes away, only love endures forever. Dear brothers and sisters, let us draw courage from our crucified and risen Lord, who embraces our fragility, heals our sins, and draws us close to him, transforming our doubts into faith and our fears into hope.

The Passover and exodus were only the beginning for the Jews. Then there was the trials of 40 years in the desert for their purification. Only then, did they enter triumphantly into the holy land.

So, it begins our Christian passover with the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. His very Flesh and Precious Blood will nourish us in our Eucharistic meal—or at least our Spiritual Communion. Holy Saturday might remind us of our journey into the desert. It seems to me, that this time of coronavirus quarantine is just that—a desert for purification of the human race.

But then comes the great news: JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE TOMB!

As we contemplate and celebrate the Paschal mystery, albeit from the desert, may the Lord grant us renewed strength to fully surrender ourselves to Him, Who first surrendered Himself into our hands.

April 10, 2020
Positive thinking in time of crisis
by Fr. Pham

Normally speaking, no one wants to be in crisis. From my personal experience, I would feel scared, confused, and greatly upset because I find my normal routine has been greatly disrupted. Because I am in a new life situation now that I’m not familiar with. As I try to cope and adapt with the new lifestyle, the frequent result is stress and worse of all is depression. A few weeks ago, I read on the news of some people who are not able to cope with the sheltering at home and social distancing lifestyle that they committed suicide. I felt very sad knowing that news.

A few years ago, I had my own “personal crisis” that caused me great sadness and stressed me out. I even had a mild depression. As I was finding people and ways to help myself, I was able to come to find a book called “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman. The number one key to deal with crisis is positive thinking. Because in time of crisis, our minds naturally fill with negativity, as I could attest to this truth. Positive thinking is very powerful tool to combat negative feelings and negative thinking. I took the advise to heart and began to think more positively of my personal crisis situation by counting my many blessings from God that I still have. As a result, a great sense of relief rushed into my mind and my heart. I picked myself up from the pit and was motivated to find the solutions to my life’s personal crisis. From that point on, I always recommend to anyone, who comes to me for confession or advice in time of their own personal crisis, to have positive thinking in time of crisis by counting their blessings that they still have and that there’s always a solution to any issue or crisis in life.

As we continue to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, I invite you to join me in having positive thinking to get through this crisis individually and together as a whole by naming all the blessings that you still have now and then thank God for them. Recently I come to find the following chart to help us to use positive thinking in time of crisis.

April 11, 2020 – Holy Saturday
Nothing is Unknown to Him
by Deacon Al LaMonaca

Like the Lenten Season we have just completed, this Triduum will continue to be one of firsts. The normalcies of these three sacred days are passing by with but a fraction of their beauty exercised and experienced by Catholics, and as well for the majority of the Christian world.

For us Catholics, Holy Thursday’s Mass of The Lord’s Supper did not offer us the reminder of practicing humility via our priests washing the feet of parishioners, or allow us to witness the procession of Christ’s Holy Eucharist from its centralized Tabernacle. Its absence served another reminder, that as a community, we would not be able to physically participate in the celebration of Mass in our traditional manner the following day.

Again, yesterday on Good Friday, the absence of the public commemoration of The Passion of the Lord with its veneration of the Cross by our fellow global parishioners was another Church first. And locally for us at Christ the Redeemer, the suspension of physically gathering in real time for our Live Stations was disappointing. Thankfully technology permits us to appreciate the 38 year tradition.

And today, Holy Saturday’s Easter Vigil liturgy will also be scaled to the world’s bishops’ local guidelines appropriate to their dioceses. These modifications are disappointing of course, but I believe it is necessary for all humanity to recognize, that because God love us, in God’s wisdom and His will, there is a purpose in His mind for them at this moment in our lives. This, I believe, and it is why I write at the end of these reflections Padre Pio’s words, “Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry!”

Remember these lines from Proverbs (3:5-6, 11-12);

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
on your own intelligence do not rely;
In all your ways be mindful of him,
and he will make straight your paths…
The discipline of the LORD, my son, do not spurn;
do not disdain his reproof;
For whom the LORD loves he reproves,
as a father, the son he favors.

Certainly, there are unknowns right now, and there are things missing from the general normalcies of life, particularly in our traditional Church liturgies this year. But we should continue to have faith in the purpose I speak of, and believe. This moment, however long, is temporary both in our timeline and God’s. We need to be patient as well as faithful, not just in the short term but for the long haul.

Imagine Jesus’ disciples on that first Saturday after that first Good Friday 2000 years ago. Today we have the benefit of knowing what they did not – Jesus rose from the dead. Talk about the “unknown”. What we fret about is nothing in comparison. For some of them, the man they were hoping would free them from so many more serious conditions, were left with not only disappointment but fear of being subject to a similar end. We have seen the benefits of believing. We have the benefits of witnessing the testimonies of saints and accepting the countless miracles serving as evidence of God’s hand in our lives. These are the proofs that the disciples hoped for on that Saturday 2000 years ago. When we are patiently faithful, we need not fear what appears to be unknown to us. Nothing is unknown to Him.

Have a Happy and Blessed Easter Season.

“Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry!”

April 12, 2020 – Easter Sunday
Jesus conquers COVID-19 by His Resurrection from the Dead
by Fr. Pham

Jesus fully aware that He must face His passion and death at the hands of His enemies for the salvation of mankind. Therefore, He embraced this hardship wholeheartedly by taking upon Himself all of our sins so as to be “a sinner” and paid at the cost of His life on the cross. With the view of his upcoming resurrection that His passion and death would not end in destruction, He knows that His resurrection will be the victory of sin and death. As we just completed our Holy Week 2020, this makes me think of our current crisis that we have been facing for almost a month now, and we are still very much in the midst of this crisis leading up to Good Friday that Christ endured. More restrictions are being placed upon us and social distancing is probably going to be at least a few more months. The gloomy of the passion and death are still upon us because no true cure or vaccine are confirmed yet. Nevertheless, I think of what Jesus went through during Holy Week as a source of strength and motivation because this crisis will pass. It will not be here forever. We will beat this virus and move on to newness of life after the crisis. The victory will be ours. I think of us going through a major hurricane with strong winds, heavy rain for several inches, and hail big as a golf ball. It certainly causes much destruction as it goes through like uprooting trees, fallen trees onto streets and homes, flooding, and car accidents, where people are ordered by the state governor to stay home, and travel only when necessary, or find a safe place to stay for safety. Nevertheless, the hurricane does not stay here forever, and eventually all those negative forces will go by and the sun will come out again, and at times rainbow comes out to display the beauty and goodness of new life after the hurricane.

Just as Jesus conquers COVID-19 by His resurrection from the dead, we too, with the help of God, will beat this virus and get through this crisis.

May God be praised, now and forever!

April 13, 2020
He Has Risen!
by Deacon Aaron Smith

He has risen!  Our Lenten journey has come to an end!  We have completed Holy
Week.  Good Friday has passed and Easter is here!  The hard part is over, right?
Well, not so fast.  The Easter Monday morning routine we may have had last year is a bit different this year, ok a lot different.  Instead of spreading some Easter joy to co-workers or eating leftover candy or driving out of town relatives back to the airport, instead of our kids beginning their Easter break from school, we are all on a “break” from the world courtesy of the coronavirus.  Many of us probably were dressed in our Easter best pj’s this year and participated in Mass from our living-room pew.  Some may have even spent the day thinking it would have been better if the Pope just moved Easter to a Sunday in May or June where it would be alot more convenient.  But, if we take a step back, this “new” virus world is a great reminder that we too often put off Jesus from our lives until it’s much more convenient.  Too many of us hold off on speaking to God until we find an extra minute that never arrives.  Some of us over the years may have even skipped a Sunday Mass or two thinking, “Well, I’ll just go next Sunday, after all I gave God three of my four Sundays this month”.  As we sit in this adult version of “time out”, maybe we are missing the point.  Yes, our government leaders rightly are telling us that we must stay inside to protect each other’s lives.  But, what if God also wants to tell us something during this time?

If we return to our “normal” lives in (hopefully) a few weeks and we haven’t changed, then how sad; what a missed opportunity if we walk back into the world the same.  Yes, it might be a great time to repaint our houses or fix that fence that we’ve been meaning to complete, but if we don’t use this time to deepen or mend our relationship with God, then all of this home time truly will be wasted.  If we haven’t felt the loss of the Eucharist, then maybe it’s time we talk to God.  If we haven’t felt the loss of seeing each other at Mass and exchanging the sign of peace, then maybe it’s time we pick up the phone and call a fellow parishioner.  If you haven’t felt a loss in not being able to go to confession, then maybe it’s time to have a conversation with Jesus.  In life we usually get to pick convenient times to reach out to family and friends and drive around South Jersey when we feel like it.  Fortunately for us, Jesus didn’t wait until it was convenient for him to hang on that cross and he didn’t wait until it was convenient for him to rise from the dead.  So, maybe just maybe, each of us will find the time now and after the virus is behind us to deepen that personal daily relationship with Jesus.  After all, he’s been patiently waiting for you.

May God be praised!

April 14, 2020
Trusting in the Mercy of God

If you dropped an object into the middle of the vast ocean you would know, with deep certainty, that this object would get wet.  The immensity of the ocean would consume it.  So it is with the Mercy of God.  It is immense and infinite.  Therefore, if you trust in His Mercy, you can have a deep certainty that you will obtain it (See Diary of St. Faustina #420).

Do you trust that God will bestow His infinite Mercy upon you?  The goal is to be certain of this.  We do not arrive at this certainty because of our own goodness; rather, we arrive at it as a result of the unfathomable and infinite Mercy of the Most Holy Trinity.

Lord, I love You and I desire to trust in Your perfect Mercy to the point that there is no doubt in my mind and heart that You will bestow this precious gift. Help me to trust in Your Mercy because of Your infinite goodness.  Purify me of all doubt, dear Lord, and help me to trust You more.  Jesus, I trust in You.

April 15, 2020
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
by Deacon Omar Uriarte

*We welcome Deacon Omar as a guest author for today’s reflection.  As you may recall, he was with us at the beginning of March to preach our parish Lenten mission.

Right now I am thinking, “How is my business going to survive through this pandemic? I have to re-tool and figure out how I am going to advertise my products for the manufacturing market before my line of credit runs out!” (When I am not doing ministry, I run a small machining business with my brother.)  I have to pay the bills and provide for my family like everyone else.  Since this pandemic hit, the phone stopped ringing and the emails stopped coming in.  Oh no!  Being self-employed you have to stay on top of things, figure out new strategies to market yourself, or else you don’t eat.

And yes, I will admit that my thoughts turn into worries with how am I going to pay the bills?  While I am trying to cope with all of this that is going on and the reality that we are in as a nation — my buddy, Fr. Mann asked me to contribute a reflection for the parish’s website.  My first thought (before I said, “Yes, I would be happy to do so”) was “What I am going to share with the people of Christ the Redeemer Parish Community?  I am so uninspired right now.  My mind is too preoccupied with worries.”

And then it hit me as I was doing my evening prayer — I heard that loud voice inside of me — “You BIG DOPE!  Have some faith!  Wake up!  Then the memories began to come back of all the previous tough times I experienced in life and I began to put the pieces together of how the grace of God had always lifted me up during those times of worry and stress.  Then I recited the Lord’s Prayer — I mediated for a while on the words, “Give us this day our daily bread….”

In one way or another, the Lord always takes care of us.  Today as I write this reflection, the business phone rang in the morning, and a customer who runs an essential business placed a large order for an immediate delivery.  This order gives us “bread” for next month!  Praise God!

So what is the lesson learned from all of this — that is OK to worry and still have faith.  What is most important is to still make time to pause and pray even if you do have a long list of worries.  Do not let those worries take you away from nourishing your spirit with prayer.  Share those worries with the Lord, and keep the faith that God may close doors, but He will open other doors.  He will provide, and more importantly we will become a better version of ourselves persevering through our trials.

April 16, 2020
It Requires Teamwork to Beat the COVID-19 crisis
by Fr. Pham

As I reflect on the current crisis that we are in right now. I realize that it is utmost important for all of us to have teamwork in able to beat the COVID-19 crisis which has caused our country and the world greatly for over a month now. This pandemic is a great enemy that is not easily beaten because we have not found its weaknesses and ways to defeat it yet, that is, the cure and vaccine for us to defeat it.

This makes me think of major sports in our country. About 3 years ago, the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl VII. It required much teamwork in able to achieve their major goal. Through out the season and even in the playoffs, some keys players got hurt and those backup players had to fill in and stepped up to their new challenge that they had never encounter before. Most players and coaches had never been to the Super Bowl before either and tremendous pressure were placed upon them to succeed in a single game. Through out the big game, they had to work together well each in their own position for each particular play. The one well known play that has been mentioned much and will become a part of history whenever this super bowl game is mentioned is “Philly Special”. It showed great teamwork for it to work well and was successful.

As we are in this crisis together, we really need to have teamwork in able to beat this crisis. We often hear on the news about the healthcare professionals and first responders being in the front line in this battle. They need us to fight with them as well by sheltering at home, wash your hands regularly, and keep social distancing to slow down the spread of the virus. Otherwise, we ourselves and those around us will increase the number of those being infected and those in the front line will not be able to take care of us all. Therefore, I hope each one of us do our part in this battle and work together as a team to beat the great enemy, COVID-19 crisis.

The Risen Christ has defeated sin and death, and brings newness of life. With His help, may we together as a team defeat this crisis soon and have a newness of life as well.

April 17, 2020

To Whom Do YOU Belong?

Once upon a time, as a Corporal in the Marines, I was assigned to a crowd control detail at MCAS El Toro, California. It may not sound like a big deal, but it was at the time the second largest annual event in the United States—just under the Indie 500. There were well over one hundred thousand on-lookers over the weekend.

It was in no way an easy assignment. The week leading into it involved training in crowd control techniques—in the intense California summer heat on the blacktop tarmac. We mostly had to stand in one place for seemingly endless hours literally baking in the sunshine. Our feet paid the price worst of all: First, we were standing all day long without a break. Aggravating the matter, however, is that the uniform of the day was service charlies. That uniform requires spit-shined dress shoe. My feet were actually red from the heat. I don’t think there were a hundred of us assigned to this mammoth crowd; we could have been overrun so easily. But we had to hold the line, which we did.

For all of our troubles, each Marine was sent home with a rather ridiculous, if not humorous, souvenir—sarcastically called “a combat V.” It was the mark left on all of our forehead caused by the part of our service cover (i.e. hat) that was not exposed to the sun like the better part of our foreheads.

For the most part, the week was without incident—except for that man who was suddenly stricken by a heart attack. Sprung into action according to the protocol as per our crash course training. Basically, we called for medics and formed a perimeter to make space for the victim to preserve his privacy and to make room for the medics. At the same time, there was a bulging crowd constantly pressing forward. We had to hold them back.

The adults were challenging enough, but there was a little girl—seven or eight years old at most. She proved quite pesky. Despite repeated warnings to stay behind the established line, she kept crossing over. Not once. Not twice. But three times—at which point I yelled at the girl, “Where is your mother!” She burst into tears, but she no doubt found her mother. (I did feel bad because I didn’t mean to make her cry.)

Where is your mother? That’s just another way of asking the little girl, “Who is responsible for you? Who gives you security?” Ultimately, “To whom do you belong?”

I am very grateful for your prayers and support during these times which, like the crowd at that air show, might seem so overwhelming. I certainly pray for all of you.

Many people inquire in one or another way as to how I am doing. Personally, I’m fairing quite well. Honestly, I don’t have time to be anxious or panic-stricken. That being said, I also sense a lot of angst in many of you. So I don’t mean to be dismissive of how folks deal with things emotionally.

Actually, my point is to simply share with you a verse in Sacred Scripture that is the source of my strength and courage in adversity. Romans 14:8, which is as follows:

For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

Remembering to Whom I belong, remembering the Cross upon which He proved the magnitude of His love, and remembering His promise: “The gates of Hell will not prevail;” is where I find peace and security.

How about YOU?

April 18, 2020
We are in the Recovery Process from the Crisis
by Fr. Pham

We are in the fifth week of the crisis now as I reflected on this journey that we are in. I am sure that many if not all would agree with me my following reflection. The first two weeks of lockdown with one restriction came after another every single day from our governor and our bishop, it was traumatic for me because the events that were planned for the next few months were being cancelled or postponed until further notice, causing me to constantly making adjustment and feeling frustrated and disappointed. I felt overwhelmed, and mentally and physically drained. The number of people being infected rose quickly and the number of deaths from the virus reported was high for a single day everyday. I think this crisis caught all of us by surprised and no one was ready for it. Hence we panic and try to get a handle of it as a state and as a country.

As we move on into the third and fourth weeks, I notice that we have a lot of resources in our country that could aid us quickly to provide the help where needed and to flattening the curve. In this fifth week, our country is making plans to reopen the economy and helping us to get back to our normal lifestyle. This I call it “the recovery process”. This saying makes me think of my first year in the seminary right after high school, I had a hairline fracture of my right wrist from playing indoor soccer. I slipped and fell awkwardly. I felt so much pain and swelling, and couldn’t do anything with that right hand. Hence I had to go to the hospital for help and the doctor put a cast on my right wrist. After that, I was officially in recovery process, which included that I had to wear this cast for a month, and dealing with much discomfort and inconveniences, and even after the cast was taken off, it took me two more months to fully recover from this injury. I am sure you have your own story of an injury that you had which involved much more things to be done and longer time to recover.

This current crisis is a major injury that we have and therefore requires a longer time to recover from it. In the meantime, I don’t think we are still being hurt by it at its peak. Rather I believe that we are in the recovery process now, despite any discomfort or inconvenience that we have to endure. I am certain that eventually we will make a full recovery and become stronger than ever before in all aspects.

April 19, 2020
Divine Mercy Sunday

April 20, 2020
Time To Make The Donuts
by Deacon Aaron Smith

You may recall an old TV donut commercial where the local store owner would get up very early every morning and always tell his wife before leaving the home, “time to make the donuts”. For many of us today, we might wish we were that donut maker for a few reasons: he actually gets to leave the house in a world without the coronavirus, he’s got a job to go to and he’s got a good daily routine that doesn’t consist of having to decide between wearing the casual sweatpants or the more formal pj’s. If we are not too careful, we might even fall into a routine of forgetting about our faith by rationalizing that it’s ok to put God on hold for now until we are allowed back into the Church building for Mass. Having this national shut-down can make it very easy to put our prayer life on hold- “oh, I’ll say that rosary once we get back in the pew” or “no use checking on other Church members, I’m sure they’re ok and just going through the same stuff I am daily” or “well, no sense in watching that daily or Sunday Parish Mass on the internet since it’s not the same as being there” or even “well, no sense in mailing in or submitting online my weekly offering even if I have the money as God will understand”. All things that probably crossed (no pun intended) our minds since our lives were placed on “hold” in March. So, what should our daily routine look like then?

Each of us has been bonded together by our baptism and this doesn’t change just because the outside world has changed. We are still called to love and serve the Lord in this life so we can live with him for all eternity once this life’s journey is over. As baptized Catholics we are still called to a daily personal relationship with Jesus. We are still called to care for our neighbors even if we can’t stand face to face with them right now out of health concerns. We are still called to be the Church and not just wait till we can sit in a Church building. At the end of every Mass, even those online, we are not dismissed to go sit in our living-rooms. We are instructed by the Deacon or Priest to go back into the world to bring Christ to others and then return the following Sunday again to be refreshed and renewed for another week in the world announcing the Gospel to others. That duty to go and glorify the Lord by our lives of service to others is needed even more today. Be creative in how you serve God and others: buy a little extra at the store for a food pantry, donate what you can to a worthy charity, watch Mass online to receive Jesus spiritually and to receive his call to serve. Set a daily schedule of prayer and action during this “downtime” in our lives. Then, just like that donut maker, you can rise each morning and remind your family and yourself that it’s time to make good on your baptismal promises.

May God be praised!

April 21, 2020
We Are All Essential
by Deacon Al LaMonaca

Happy Easter!

Each year, during the Easter Season we hear passages from St. Luke’s Acts of the Apostles, as offerings for The Holy Mass’ First Readings. In them we are reminded of the early evangelical encounters of the apostles and others, after being filled with the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus. On the Wednesday of the Easter Octave in Acts 3:1-10 we heard of Peter and John passing through one of the 8 gates leading to the Temple area on their way to celebrating one of the holy Jewish feasts. At this “Beautiful Gate” there is a beggar who is crippled. Luke makes a point to inform us that this man needed to be carried and brought to his spot at the gate every day. He had to rely on the help of others or eventually he would die.

The beggar gets their attention by his cries for financial help. But they let him know that financially they are no better off than he is. But Peter doesn’t ignore him either. This is what he offers, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.” And as Luke tells us, Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong.

Peter did what he was able to do because of the power and Spirit of Jesus. He could not give the man lunch money or a more comfortable mat to lay on, but he shared with him the gifts that Jesus gave to him. At this moment in time we all find ourselves along with our fellow brothers and sisters, somewhat crippled. Not shackled by useless limbs at a public gate, but pacing to and froe in our quarantined spaces, begging for an end to our confinement. Like the beggar at the gate, we are in need of relief, and like him we cry out for help. Fortunately, there are many good people from countless professions listening to the global shout for assistance. For this we should be thanking God for their willingness to dedicate their skills and tireless efforts, to bring the relief available, as well as their continued attempts for finding a lasting remedy to this virus.

Just as those who are working towards an end to this pandemic, we, in turn, should reflect on what our contributions can be. Taking a moment to do so, will certainly alert us to the skills we possess via the gifts we have been given. Gifts that we can bring to the aid of those we hear cry out.

A simple question to ask ourselves may be this, “Have we done what we could to assist those we have passed since this crippling virus incapacitated their lives?” We may not be part of the essential workforce on the front lines of combatting COVID-19, but, we all can be like Peter and John by offering what we do have in the name of Jesus. Think about these for example:

1) Pray…

a) For the those providing frontline care,
b) For our leaders that correct decisions are made,
c) For our homebound and reach out to them frequently,
d) A prayer of Thanksgiving, that you and your family are healthy.

2) Don’t forget the Rosary – Mary has answered the cries of so many of her desperate children throughout history. She will today as well. Let’s not forget what we have the ability to do in name of her son, Jesus Christ. Never Forget —- because of His unconditional love and infinite mercy we are all essential.

Pray — Hope —- Don’t Worry.

April 22, 2020
Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel
By Fr. Pham

At Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia where I was trained and formed as a priest, there is a long tunnel that connects the two major buildings, one for college seminarians and the other one is for those in graduate study of theology. One of the main reasons for having this tunnel at the time of its creation is for the protection of seminarians in time of persecution of the Church. While I was there, I used it mainly during cold weather or snowing or raining. The tunnel is equipped with lights to guide along the path. One day while I was using it, the whole seminary’s power went out. It was pitch black. Hence I panic and felt scared because I could not see a thing around me. I froze for a few minutes to cope and adapt to this sudden change in my life. My hands were moving around to feel things as though I was blind. Thanks be to God that the thought of using my cellphone to provide light to guide me along came together mind. Hence I quickly took out my cellphone and turned the phone light on. I was in the midst of uncertainty each step from there on as I walked slowly and carefully. The road to the other end of the tunnel took much longer than normally. As I got closer to the end of the tunnel, the power went back on. The tunnel was filled with lights again. I was jumping for joy because all my fears and worries were quickly dismissed. The tunnel that I know of and the things surrounding it came back to me. I was happy and thanked God for the lights.

We have been in the darkness of this crisis for over a month now, and we are “seeing the light at the end of the tunnel” because our president, a few days ago, came out with a plan for each state to reopen economy and promising to monitor and provide whatever is needed for each state. In response to that, our Governor Phil Murphy said on Monday the 20th that within the next few days, he will announce plans to reopen our state.

I feel uplifted and excited just to know that. Even though we may not end this crisis altogether or get back to normal right away, at least “we see the light at the end of the tunnel” which will dismiss fears and worries. Let us keep moving along safely and protect each other as we are about to arrive to the end of the tunnel.

May the light of the Risen Christ shine in our hearts and guide us along each day of our lives!

April 23, 2020
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT!
by Fr. Mann

The following quotation recently came across my path: “Find your purpose, your passion, your unique place in the world… and fight for it.”  I have no idea who to whom to attribute it, but it rings true. It rings true existentially (i.e. for each individual), and it rings true ecclesiastically (i.e. for the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ).

This raises two key questions. What is YOUR purpose, YOUR unique place in the world? What is the purpose of the CHURCH in the world?

Interestingly, the answers to both questions are interrelated. The purpose of each human life is to achieve beatitude—that is, to get to Heaven. The Baltimore Catechism answers the question as follows: “To know, love and serve God in this life, and to be happy with him in the next life.”  The Church was established to get each soul to Heaven through the ministries of teaching, governing and sanctifying—all in the manner of Jesus Christ, Who is Prophet, King and Priest. This tripartite mission of the Church is integrally bound to the preaching, hierarchy and sacraments, all ordered to the salvation of individual souls.

So, what then do we need to fight for?

The worldly culture of death holds the utilitarian notion that to be human is to be resourceful, to be useful. Life has purpose only to the extent one do something of value to others outside of one’s own person. When a person is no longer useful, he or she becomes disposable. At life’s extremes, we can think of utterly helpless preborn babies as well as the aged and infirm. Abortion and euthanasia are the utilitarian solution to useless people. Hence, the Church’s unswerving defense of the sanctity of the human person as an existential reality above and beyond each person’s utility.

Another false notion of the human person is called philosophical materialism, which either outright rejects or simply ignores human beings as spiritual beings created in the image and likeness of God. Those who espouse this view reduce men and women to being only bodily beings with no reference to the soul. We see this in our current COVID-19 crisis. Clearly, the soul is being written off as less important than the body.

This hit me hard yesterday. One of our parishioners is on a ventilator with COVID-19.  The prognosis cannot be good. As one entrusted with the care of souls, I made every  reasonable attempt to provide the sacraments of the Church (our most powerful help to  get to Heaven). But to no avail. The best I could do was to drive the hospital and offer absolution and the final blessing from a distance. It was my most sad hospital visit ever.

Now, I trust that God desires the salvation of souls more than I do. I know first and foremost that He is not bound by the sacraments as we are. I know too that the Church, ever solicitous for the salvation of souls has made special provisions for the faithful who are deprived of the sacraments through COVID-19. I have every confidence that God will be merciful to those who desire the sacraments and are unable to receive them for one reason or another.

THAT IS NOT THE POINT.

The point is that the freedom to practice our Catholic Faith is a basic human right, enshrined in the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution. The point is that it is inordinate to value the services of those who care for the body to the detriment of those who care for the soul. It simply is not the same for a doctor to lose a patient as it is for a priest to lose a soul. The difference is immeasurable.  We have to take the coronavirus seriously. But social distancing cannot mean sacramental distancing. We have to fight for the freedom to worship (with reasonable constraints). We have to fight for the rights of the faithful to never be denied the sacraments in their most needful moment by government fiat—or that of some hospital administrator not operating with the proper priorities.

WE HAVE A LOT TO FIGHT FOR!

April 24, 2020
Giving the Next Hour Over to God
by Michael Vitarelli, candidate for the permanent diaconate

As this quarantine began, I was very nervous of how things in life would go over the next few months.  Work for myself and my wife, school for my kids and life in general. Once we settled in for a week, I started to understand that we did so many activities outside of the house on a weekly basis. In themselves these activities are completely harmless, even beneficial for the kids in their social growth.  However, I did start to understand how, if done in excess and not in balance with our family life at home, they could lead to a separation of our family values. This made me feel better about the situation we found ourselves, despite some of the negative effects it was having on the country and the world.  Now I will be able to spend more time with the kids, now I will be able to pray more with my family like I always said I was going to do. Well we did, at least for a few days, and then somehow, we became distracted again. How was this possible? We are in the house together with no outside activities, yet we have become distracted from each other!

You see what I realized is that although I thought the distraction lie with external things like sports, dance, piano, meetings, dirt bikes, etc.… they don’t. The real distraction lies inside of me! Because even with all of these things gone, it is still happening. Our fallen nature still tempts us to ignore God at times, but the Holy Spirit that dwells within us compels us to turn back to God. So, I got back to the basics, the fundamental lesson I learned so long ago. The call to be holy. It is our universal call to holiness as Christians. But what is holiness? How can we achieve it? How can we be holy if we are all stuck in our homes?

We have to take each and every moment during the day and give it over to God. When I wake up in the morning, I offer the next hour to God and ask his will to be done just for that hour. I will pray, read a good book or do some work if I need to. You see, if you take the time and just go through your day with God one hour at a time, it doesn’t seem so overwhelming, so daunting. The more and more we do this, the closer we come to holiness. Holiness is simply giving of ourselves and our own will and humbling ourselves to ask God what he wants of us, and then trying our best to do it.

When this all passes and we get back to all the visual distractions in our lives we will be better equip to balance them out with our family life, prayer life and social life. Try it now, give this next hour over to God and allow him to work in your life.

May God bless you all!

April 25, 2020
The Voice that Makes Things Normal
by Deacon Al LaMonaca

In addition to those of us who have been contributing reflections to this website, a common lament shared in a COVID-19, quarantined lifestyle, or perhaps more often, bemoaned about by the general populace, is, “When will normalcy return to the world, and more importantly, to my part of it?” Unfortunately, as of this writing there is still no clear idea of the answer. Consequently, enhancing our need to remain patient, calm, and prudent as we search for additional, novel ways to deal with this novel Coronavirus continues for all of us.

While preparing my reflection for celebrating Holy Hour this past Wednesday, I was moved to attempt to recapture a concentration on the Jesus Himself and deemphasize the virus. In doing so I recalled my past, spiritually beautiful moments I was privileged to experience before His Blessed Presence. Most of my greatest encounters with Him took place during my 28 years of Private Adoration, as a retreatant at the Malvern Retreat House. It was then, I realized that my annual June trek to St. Joseph’s In The Hills would also be on hold until we return to normal. Moving along in my prep I recalled all the graces received during those private moments at Malvern and how they helped shape the person I am right now. In the early years, the “Red” retreat manual contained a prayer that set the stage for those encounters: THE VOICE FROM THE TABERNACLE. That prayer was and is my connection with what remains normal in my life. A normal that I hope you share as well. Our connection with Jesus in the Eucharist is what we share not only within the walls of our churches but universally in our whole beings. This connection is our knowing that regardless of the scope of our shared trials or individual struggles, Jesus knows and understands them, and is ready to refresh us. That is what this prayer tells me. I pray you will hear it also for helping whatever is burdening you. Jesus makes everything normal.

God Bless. Pray — Hope — Don’t Worry

THE VOICE FROM THE TABERNACLE

“Come to me all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will refresh you.”

Come to me you who are bowed with years, for I am older than the eternal hill…“before Abraham was made, I am.”

Come to me you who are bowed down with cares. I can refresh you, for I am bearing the burden of the world. You are alone; your parents have gone to their reward; and those of your own age are dropping along life’s wayside, one by one. Perhaps there is one who cares or will understand. I can understand. I can help you to carry your cross. My sympathy and understanding will refresh you.

Come to me who are still young, for I am youth Eternal. Lay all your plans, your dreams, your hopes before me. Bring me your thoughts; I can understand. I never change. I am always young. Come to me in the freshness of your young life, and I will listen to you. Is something breaking your young heart? Do others fail to see as you see? Perhaps you are misunderstood by those who are near to you. Come to me, for I can understand. I was misunderstood, also…men mocked me; they laughed at me; they called me a fool. My heart often ached as I walked among men.

Come to me you who are bearing a burden of sorrow, and I will refresh you. Have your friends proved false? Come to me: I will understand. I was betrayed by a friend; I was forsaken by my own. Come to me; I will understand fully. Bring me the burden of your grief, the cup of your sorrow.

“All you who pass by the way, see if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow!” My heart was broken; the weight of a world of ingratitude was upon me. I know and I understand. Are you sad because you are lonely? I was alone on the Cross. My friends left me all alone. I dried the tears of others – Come and let me refresh you!

Come to me whose heart is glad. Bring me your joy and share it with me. I rejoice with those who found the Way, the Truth, the Life. The birds are my choristers; the flowers my hymns of joy. Bring me your glad heart. Let me rejoice with you! Let me smile with you!

Come to me who lead a good, decent life! Come to me you who are patient, resigned, faithful. I understand. I know. I lived in the quiet of Nazareth. I know how the indifference of men pains you. I know how your heart grieves at the boldness of sin in the world about you. Bring me your resignation, your prayers, your sacrifices. Come to me and I will refresh you!

Come to me who have tasted of sin; and I will refresh you. I know how weak men are. Do not shrink from me, ashamed. I died on the Cross for you. My sufferings were for you. In Gethsemane, I saw the horrors of sin; and the burden of man’s sin made me sweat blood. Come to me in your repentance, your remorse, your shame. You have found that sin leaves you disgusted with yourself. You come to me on your knees…Much is forgiven you, for you have loved me much. Be of good heart. Sin no more!

Come to me, all you who are heavily burdened. Who is not heavily burdened? Who can say this cry is not for him? Lift up your hearts and soul. No man is unimportant. Courage… persevere to the end!

1. The flood lasted 40 days during Noah’s period.
2. The Israelites spent 40 years in the desert before their entrance into the Promised Land.
3. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai to get the 10 Commandments.
4. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert after His baptism by John the Baptist.
5. There are 40 days in the Season of Lent.
6. The Risen Christ spent 40 days on Earth before His Ascension back into Heaven.

April 28, 2020
Need For a Booster Shot
by Deacon Al LaMonaca

In the days when Polio was still causing some havoc on the health of the world’s young people in the mid-20 th century, there was a need for vaccinating those vulnerable with a “Booster Shot” for warding off the lingering potential of contracting the disease. Although there is still no specific serum against COVID-19, perhaps, as we begin the second 40 days of quarantine, there may be a need for such a booster shot to help strengthen our patience for fortuitously staying the course in exercising the prudent practices of our current normal.

I also think we may need a booster shot for strengthening the spiritual practices we may have begun or bolstered when our quarantine began in March. We may still be struggling to understand why God hasn’t responded to our prayers for ending this pandemic. Just perhaps, as I’ve suggested in the past, He’s not quite finished teaching us what we need to learn. He may be telling us that a “Booster Shot” is needed for our spiritual healing. Or, just perhaps, He’s waiting for others to stand in line for their initial dosage.

A booster Shot may have been what Jesus was administering in this past Sunday’s Gospel (4/26/20). We encountered the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Luke (24:13-35) provides a lesson for us, one that is especially helpful in these times. The lesson is this: God works in a way that we cannot always see. Only later — when we look back — do we recognize what He has been doing.

Consider the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They could not understand the events of the crucifixion as anything but a tragedy. They didn’t know what to make of it. They didn’t even recognize Jesus when He was walking on the road beside them. Only later, after the “breaking of the bread” with Jesus, did they recognize Him. Only then did Jesus’s words make sense. They then said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning [within us] while He spoke to us?” (Lk 24:31-2).

This happened to all the disciples. Think of Peter, who was completely befuddled when Jesus stooped to wash his feet. Jesus said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later” (Jn 13:7).  In such cases throughout the Scripture, the same principle is at work: God’s plan and presence is not always clear until later. As for the disciples, so for us. For reasons that are too deep to fully understand, God’s plan for our lives is not always clear.

This time of pandemic is such a moment. It is hard to see what God’s plan is in the midst of these trials. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we may be discouraged and perplexed, we may be anxious and fearful, because we do not understand why he is allowing this. We do not see how a global pandemic could fit into the plans of a good and gracious Lord. But one thing we do know: God is active in our lives, and he is even now walking next to us.  We are not alone.

Of course, we’re still left with question of what to do when we are unable to see the point of God’s plan?The answer is that we only need to focus on the next step — just the next step. And this kind of guidance, the step-by-step guidance, the Lord always provides. We can know the next step through our understanding of what is good, right and just, and what our Catholic faith has taught us about loving and serving others. We take the next step by keeping his commandments, and by acting faithfully to our commitments as Catholics. We gain light from prayer, from reading the Word of God, from the voices of others whom we love and trust, perhaps even through signs and wonders.

Whatever tools He uses, the Lord will guide us, one step at a time. We know that this step-by-step road will end well, because we follow the God of the Universe. He has things in hand. He knows what he is doing. And He is good. We know the depths of the Lord’s love for us from what it cost him to save us. And so, counting on His goodness, we follow and obey, one step at a time.

So, while we may see only one or two steps ahead, we will not be shaken. Let’s keep our hearts full of courage, and let’s not allow our stride to slacken. His presence may not be clearly visible in the news, in the halls of global power, in the hospitals, or even in our homes. But He is present. He is acting. He is working. He is calling. And we will follow Him receiving a booster shot each step on the way.

Pray – Hope – Don’t Worry

April 30, 2020
Expect the Unexpected and First Things First
By Fr. Pham

As we go through each phase of our life, naturally we have expectations and hopeful for good things to come our way. This is a good approach to have in life. Nevertheless, it can be harmful or destructive when we are overly hopeful or overly optimistic because when what we expected to happen do not occur or come our way, we feel frustrated, disappointed, and discouraged.

As I reflected on the whole journey of this pandemic, I never expected for the crisis to be this serious and deadly and last this long. This is the seventh week now and still not sure when it will end. I felt frustrated, disappointed and discouraged when the virus spread to our country, our state and eventually our county. The increased number of people infected or death reached way beyond my expectations. I never expected no public masses, cancellation of parish events, public events and sporting events, etc.

In the last two weeks, it was encouraging to see different states reopening slowly, and I expected the same for our state. Hence I was looking forward to our governor’s daily conference announcement a few days ago on Monday expecting to hear some concrete dates to reopen our state. I was greatly disappointed because my expectation was not meet because no concrete dates were mentioned. I felt sad and quickly try to find ways to help me to get out of this destructive mindset. After much prayer asking God for help, the two thoughts came to mind are “expect the unexpected” by not having any expectation of my own and let things naturally come my way. For example, on Wednesday our governor starts the reopening of our states by opening up parks and golf courses with some restrictions this Saturday. I never expected this to happen. I hope more good unexpected things come my way while I try not to be so hopeful.

The second thought is “first things first”. This is a great way to help those in recovery of a crisis or an addiction. This saying implies that there is a long way to go in the recovery process and it can be overwhelming to see the whole journey. Therefore, just focus on the present moment and do what you can right now that is good, productive, and meaningful in your life.

May 1, 2020
Essential & Diaconal
by Deacon Al LaMonaca

In the first readings of the Mass Liturgies during our Easter Season, we continue to hear about the events involving the principle characters of the early Church, immediately after Pentecost. Two weeks ago, I related, Peter’s & John’s encounter with the crippled beggar at the “Beautiful Gate”. I hoped to point out that, just as they gave him from what they had, vs what the Beggar was asking for, it could serve as an example, of how we could also contribute what we have, during this COVID-19 Crisis.

Although our gifts and talents may not fall under the CDC’s category of “Essential”, thereby, putting us on the front lines in the battle, or allowing us to work at our regular jobs, they could serve as a resource for assisting others during our quarantines.

We saw this in Chapter 6 of Acts with the call of Stephen and 6 other ordinary men to be the first Deacons. When the tasks of building the expanding new church became too great for the Apostles, these reliable community members rallied to the cause, by utilizing their God given, natural gifts, and learned talents, to do whatever was needed to be done. They did this to the best of their abilities, even to the sacrifice of their own lives, as we heard Stephen do in Tuesday’s reading of Chapter 7:51-60.

During this challenging period, many of you have proven your reliability by becoming very diaconal. You have done this by serving your families, neighbors and fellow parishioners outside of your regular job descriptions with your available resources. And in many ways you have dug down deep, to become creatively diaconal beyond them. In doing so, you may have even acknowledged an appreciation for the gifts and talents of those people in your lives you may have taken for granted before COVID-19. I’m confident that we all have come up with a list.

Regardless who is on yours, the important thing for each of us to do, is to remember to thank them personally and prayerfully. Not only now, but long after this crisis has melted into history. As followers of Jesus, this is one of the primary teachings we should be practicing each and every day. Just as He loved every one of His Father’s children, He called us to the same. He considered all of us to be Essential, and capable to the call of being Diaconal to each other.

And if by chance, some people don’t show us some of that diaconal love, let’s remember Stephen’s last prayer, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60)

Pray – Hope – Don’t Worry.

May 2, 2020
You Shall Know the Truth, and the Truth Will Set You Free
by Fr. Mann

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is also called, “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Each of the readings chosen by Holy Mother Church invite us to reflect on one or another aspect of being good shepherds.

Of course, in Church life, we tend to think of shepherding in terms of the pastoral ministry of the clergy. There is no doubt that that is part of it. The first reading this weekend gives a stupendous example of Saint Peter as the first chief shepherd of the Church. Saint Peter speaks boldly to the whole house of Israel in Acts 2. He tells them, as follows:

Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has
made both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.

Peter is not specifically addressing the scribes and pharisees in that moment. There is no indication of any even being present. Rather, he speaks to the “whole house of Israel.” Saint Peter literally accuses them of crucifying Jesus.” Not terribly pastoral by today’s wishy-washy standards.

To be clear, Saint Peter was not intent on being harshly judgmental, much less condemnatory. He was intent on speaking the truth, even when the truth is painful. So, one thing we can say is that good shepherding and truth telling go hand in hand. Perhaps that moral message is at the heart of the children’s story, “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.”

The truth is that scribe, pharisee or not, the “whole house of Israel is responsible for Christ’s crucifixion. Indeed, all the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve are responsible. YOU and I are responsible. That is the truth.

But the Gospel message isn’t one-sided. The shepherds are not the only ones called to be good. The sheep also need to be good. Not only must the truth be spoken boldly. It must lead to repentance and conversion. It must’ve been quite the scene. Three thousand baptisms in a single day. I’m not sure we do that many in a year in the diocese! All because the first chief shepherd, Saint Peter, spoke the truth—and people responded. Good shepherd. Good sheep.

In an analogous way, Moms and Dads (and grandparents) are called to be good shepherds in the home—the domestic Church, as Saint John Paul the Great calls it. And what parent doesn’t want good sheep, right? Unfortunately, there are forces in our society whose shepherding is much more like the Pied Piper of Hamelin. His enamoring tune led to the children’s demise, much like the lies of the boy who cried wolf left his sheep utterly defenseless against the big, bad wolf.

As priest-shepherds, sometimes we have to confront God’s people with the truth when it is not palatable, not popular and quite possibly painful. We do this in a posture of love, like Saint Peter and the Apostles. We pray for the People of God to respond faithfully. We also pray for those who may need a little more time. In the end, it will be our good example beyond our good words that will win hearts that are open to God’s good graces.

As parent-shepherds, I urge you to read the Bible daily and read the catechism or other educational sources officially approved by the Church. Avoid at all costs sources that are wishy-washy or that play a tune like that of the Pied Piper. Nourish your children with the truth like a good shepherd—seeking only the most lush and lovely pastures to graze in. But don’t take my word for it. Hear the voice of THE Good Shepherd:

Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.

May 3, 2020
The only way we can get through this pandemic is to think of WE, not ME.
By Fr. Pham

I recently saw a very meaningful clip about the power of sharing and taking care of each other during these challenging times and it really resonated with me.

In the video clip, a young man went to different stores to hoard necessary things during the pandemic by clearing all the shelves of all lysol wipes, hand sanitizers, syringes, etc. and he then set up a stand to resell them at 5 times the original price. His mentality was that given all the uncertainties, he does not know how long this pandemic will last, so he needs to worry only about himself.

An older woman came to his stand and asked to buy syringes to apply her insulin because she’s diabetic. The young man told her that he would sell the pack for $50 (5 times the normal price). Out of desperation for her health, the woman gave him all the money she could find in her pocketbook, and she was still short 25 cents. She pleaded, but he remained firm with the price, refusing to give her even a 25 cents discount. The woman continued to search and finally found a quarter in her pants’ pocket. She gave it to the young man, and he sold her the syringes.

Right after she left, the young man’s mother called him. His mother was sick and bedridden. The young man hurried back to see his mom to find out that his mom had used her last syringe. She went out to different stores to find some, but they were all sold out, and now she cannot take insulin without them. As a result, her health declines greatly. The young man realized that he had just sold the last pack, and as he was worrying and thinking how he could find more syringes for his mother, the doorbell ran, and his mother’s friend came by to check in on her.

Long and behold, his mother’s friend was the exact woman who had bought the syringes from this young man. The friend came to see if his mom needed the syringes because she knew his mom was diabetic and may have needed them. The young man was overjoyed and offered to pay his mom’s friend whatever price she wanted to buy back the syringes. But his mother’s friend did not take his money. She smiled and said, “just remember, the only way we can get through this pandemic is to think of WE, not ME.” This struck a cord, and it made the young man understand how selfish he was and it changed his life and himself to be a better, more giving person. At the end of the video clip, the young man stood at his stand saying out loud if anyone needs any of these necessities. Another woman came by and willing to pay for what she wanted, but he replied saying that it is all free. She thanked him by saying “God bless you”. He then said happily with a smile “God bless you too”.

For us now, more than ever before, we each need to do our part, each in our own way. We have to be selfless, we have to be considerate, we have to think of others, and we have to care about the people around us.

Therefore, the next time when you go to the grocery store, please buy only what you need and leave the rest for others. Remember, we are all in this together, and if we each do our part, we will all pull out of this pandemic together and be stronger as a community.

May 4, 2020
We Have Mulch To Be Thankful For
by Deacon Aaron Smith

For those parishioners (and hopefully others) who are taking the time to read this reflection, don’t worry, that title is not a typing error. Let me explain. This past weekend I’m sure you noticed how nice the weather was on both days. After having been stuck in our homes most of the day for almost two months, I am sure many of us ventured out a little longer Saturday or Sunday to take advantage of the comfortable temperatures and fresh air. Whether you spent some time walking, running, doing yard work or just sitting on the porch, how nice it was to regain some sense of the outdoors. You may have even seen me patiently waiting in line with my son at the local gardening center to buy some flowers, top-soil and mulch to do that yard work that has been patiently waiting for me to complete (or as my wife liked to remind me several times since March, the yard missed me). Picking up those bags of mulch, putting them in the car and taking them back out of the car once I got home made me remember that I have made the same trip to the store year after year since we moved to Atco in 2004. Looking back, no matter what was going on career-wise, church-wise or family-wise, I made that same yearly trip to buy those bags of mulch. Even now, with a world-wide virus crisis going on, I still found myself doing that same ritual of putting down that mulch to help the yard look a little better (and hopefully my wife a little happier with me). We may not realize it all the time, but there is much peace and comfort in following the same rituals week after week, month after month and year after year.

One ritual (the most important ritual) that we have missed during this national coronavirus crisis is our in-person participation at Sunday Mass. How much we miss that feeling of sitting, standing and kneeling with our Parish family as we come together to praise God, hear his word, receive him in the gentle embrace of the Eucharist and receive that mandate at the end of Mass by the Deacon or Priest to ‘Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord’ to all those unable, unknowing or unwilling to sit among us as active Christian believers and servants. Hopefully you have at least been able to virtually attend Mass via the internet live-stream video that the Parish produces daily on our web-site. We as a Parish should be glad to have the technology that allows us to view the Mass ritual. Some may remember, this equipment was made possible through a generous donation several years ago; I’m sure the donors had no idea at the time just how important this technology would be for a Parish of total homebound parishioners. What a blessing it truly has been to all. However, I pray daily that we will soon return to

in-person Church attendance. We miss the ‘smells and bells’ of a Mass ritual where the people are gathered and then sent back into the world to do our best to love and serve our family and friends, our co-workers, our communities and most importantly the one and only true God who was willing to suffer and die the most painful of deaths so we would have eternal life. Hopefully during this time of personal homebound retreat each of us will find reasons to say we have mulch and much to be thankful for in our lives.

May God Be Praised!

May 5, 2020
Farewell to Altar
by Fr. Mann

As you know, the Roman Catholic Church is comprised of both eastern and western rites. For example, our former church building, Saint Lucy (now Saint Jude), has been changed from the Latin Rite (western) to the Syro-Malabar Rite (eastern).

The Latin Rite traces it origins to Saint Peter, who founded the Catholic Church in Rome.  The Syro-Malabar Rite traces its origins back to the Apostle Thomas, who founded the Church in Syria and in Malabar (modern-day Karola, India).

A little-known fact is that Saint Peter not only founded the Church in Rome; he also established the Church in the ancient city of Antioch. This gave rise to another eastern rite—the Maronite Rite. Many times on my annual retreat, I’ve attended what they call the Divine Liturgy (verses the Holy Mass). A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. It is absolutely beautiful.

Consider the timely thoughts of one Maronite–Chorbishop John Faris, KC*HS, as follows:

At the end of the Divine Liturgy as it is celebrated in the Maronite Catholic Church, the priest silently recites this prayer as a Farewell to the Altar:

I leave you in peace, O holy Altar,
and I hope to return to you in peace.
May the offering I have received from you 
be for the forgiveness of my faults 
and the remission of my sins, 
that I may stand without shame or fear
before the throne of Christ.
I do not know if I shall be able to return to you again
to offer you another sacrifice.
I leave you in peace.

I must confess that at times I quickly recite rather than pray these beautiful words.  Perhaps the most poignant phrase is, “I do not know if I shall be able to return to you again to offer another sacrifice.”  As we finished our Masses several weeks ago, did we pastors realize that we would not be able to gather around the Altar with our flocks for a period that is still indefinite? Holy Week came and went, no washing of the feet, no processions, no visits of churches and their altars of repose. Easter came and went without baptisms–or even a congregation. The Catholic Church all over the world had changed. We did not gather for the Eucharist-we livestreamed.

Like the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21), the Church can construct buildings, programs and policies thinking that we shall be secure. A virus taught us otherwise. Just as we should not take false confidence in material goods, we should not take spiritual goods-Word and Sacraments-for granted.

This covid-19 pandemic can be a teaching moment. It may sound strange, but I was inspired when I announced to a group of faithful who came daily to the Divine Liturgy that our parish church was going to be closed indefinitely until this pandemic had worn itself out. The expressions on their faces inspired me; they were shattered, lost and afraid. This is a good thing! It revealed how very much the Eucharist means to them-and what it should mean to all of us.   
 
Like the disciples at the table in Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), we know Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Deprived of the Eucharist, we Christians are left with the question, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

On the occasion of their ordination to the priesthood, some priests print remembrance cards with the phrase, 

Priest of Jesus Christ, celebrate this Holy Mass as if it were your first
Mass, your last Mass, your only Mass.

I, personally, pray these words before EVERY Mass I celebrate.  We must never take the celebration of the Mass for granted because truly we don’t know if we will be able to return to the Altar. Without knowing when, we know that there will be a Mass that will be our last.

May 7, 2020
What have I Learned?
Michael Vitarelli 

As we slowly start to come out of this lock down over the next weeks and months, I cannot help but wonder what I have truly learned from this experience. I have been rereading a book by Mathew Kelly entitled “Rediscover Catholicism.” I highly recommend this book, if you haven’t read it yet, and if you have, read it again! I believe that this is what I have truly been learning during this crisis!

I have been rediscovering Catholicism, rediscovering what it means to be a Catholic, what it means to become the best-version-of-myself, an ongoing theme in all of Mathew Kelly’s books.  Today especially, we sometimes lose the connection to our Catholic roots. It is sometimes hard to relate to many of the stories in the Bible and those of the early Church fathers because the world was so different then. However, with the current pandemic, it can put their experiences into perspective.

I’ve also realized that, although we have a great economic crisis on our hands moving forward,we also have a spiritual crisis as well. I say this because I have seen first-hand how, even if I am hunkered down in my house, I can still find things to distract me from my prayer life, from my connection with God.

There is a beautiful document that came out of Vatican II entitled Gaudium Et Spes thatanswers this burning question. The Latin title of this document translates to “Joy and Hope” and it starts, “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people of today, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the same joys and hopes, griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.”

You see this is it! This is Catholicism in every age and in every generation. This is how we can relate to all those stories from the Bible and our early Church fathers, because there is always going to be, in our own lives and the lives of everyone we know, joys, hopes, griefs, and anxiety.  There are always poor and afflicted brothers and sisters around us, the followers of Christ.  Because we are all one body in Christ, we are able to unite ourselves to them spiritually and share the load.

The message of the Church is the same now as it was then and will be forever.  It is our universal call to holiness that starts with the beautiful and straight-to-the-point opening to Gaudium Et Spes. All people are God’s children, all people are our brothers and sisters, and we all experience joy and grief in different ways.

So, as we start to live our semi-normal lives again, let us not forget to put aside that very valuable time for God and for those whom we come into contact with throughout our days. And with every conversation or ear we lend, we will inch that much closer to becoming who God intended us to be, to becoming the best-version-of-ourselves!

May 8, 2020
As Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are on the horizon, here is a simple reminder that parenthood is a call to sainthood.   
Fr. Mann 

Beatification Processes of St. John Paul II’s Parents Inaugurated
by Pawel Rytel-Andrianik

The first session in the processes of beatification and canonization of the Servant of God Emilia Wojtyła née Kaczorowska and the Servant of God Karol Wojtyła, parents of St. John Paul II, took place on 7 May in the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Wadowice.

Once the tribunals have been established to examine the sanctity of both candidates for the altars, Archbishop Marek Jędraszewski, Metropolitan of Cracow, presided over a solemn Holy Mass for the successful course of the process.

The postulator of the canonization processes of Karol and Emilia Wojtyła is Fr. Sławomir Oder, who was also a postulator of the beatification and canonization process of John Paul II.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, a long-standing personal secretary of Archbishop Karol Wojtyła and Pope John Paul II. “I want to testify here, at this point, in the presence of the Archbishop and the assembled priests, that as a long-standing secretary of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła and Pope John Paul II, I heard from him many times that he had holy parents,” said Cardinal Dziwisz.

“There is great joy of starting the beatification processes and great gratitude to God for the life of Emilia and Karol Wojtyła and for the fact that we will be able to get to know them more and more. They will become a model and example for many families who want to be holy,” said Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik, the spokesman of the Polish Bishops’ Conference.

May 9, 2020
Wearing a face mask is essential to our new norm
by Fr. Pham

“Wearing a face mask” sounds simple enough, right? Everyone understands what that phrase means. The literal translation is putting on a covering to cover up part of your face, as we see all around us these days. There are various opinions about it. Some may like it, some may not. For me, it is uncomfortable and unnatural. When I first started to wear it, I had difficulty breathing in it, it makes me hot, and it hides my true self and my true identity. Every time I am out running errands, I couldn’t wait to get back into my car so that I can take off my mask and return to my own self. Don’t get me wrong, having said all that, I still agree to wear that mask to protect myself and those around me during this time of crisis.

Today, I want to explore a different aspect and meaning of wearing a mask. Have you seen the movie “The Mask” with Jim Carrey? In this movie, Jim Carrey found a mask floating on a river thinking that it was a human person being drown. He jumped into the river to rescue the person but eventually found out that it was just a mask. The mysterious aspect about this mask is that whenever he put that mask on, he turned into a different person. He did great things when he wore it, but at the same time, he also did horrible things when he had that same mask on, like stole money from banks, which he was ashamed of and fearful for his real life when polices were investigating his real person for the crimes. Most of the times though, he wasn’t himself when he wore the mask because he eventually lost control of the totally new person that he became. Therefore, at the end of the movie, Jim Carrey decided to throw that mask away and back into the river where he first found it because it changed him, he was not who he truly was.

Normally we want to be who we truly are, and especially as believers of God that we are made in His image and likeness and through baptism, we even become sons and daughters of God, that is, who we truly are, our true self. Therefore it is important for us to always remember to be our true self. You can wear that physical mask, but don’t put on a moral mask. For example, when we live out the commandments to love God and our neighbors, make sure we do it for real from the bottom of our heart and not because we are seeking some other gain or recognition.

I have a mysterious mask too as you can see the picture below : )

I can do amazing things with that mask on. Nevertheless, I prefer not to wear it because I want to be my true self as Fr. Pham

May 10, 2020
A Blessing for Mothers 

Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your Church. Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

May 11, 2020
Lobbing Cans Of Beets Over The Wall
by Deacon Aaron Smith

For weeks now, I have been writing a weekly reflection centered on dealing with how to get through the day-to-day of this coronavirus shutdown. There are still people testing positive for the virus along with those dying from it. We continue to pray that God will embrace each of them and their families in his never-ending mercy, peace and love. While we continue to pray, let us also start to turn our minds and hearts to what (hopefully in a few weeks) our daily lives will look like once the shutdown is over. Although it’s been a rough time for our country, our state and our personal lives over these past two months, we have had the full attention of our Church, our Government, our Neighbors and our families all focused on helping one another. It’s comforting to have this support when dealing with sickness, job-loss, hunger, worry and sadness; having people in our lives who can relate to the same pain we experience helps us realize we are not alone. But what will our attention be as a nation, as a church and as individuals once life returns to “normal”?

If you happened to drive through East Camden over the past decade, you may have driven past the Romero Center that is on the parish grounds of St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral. If you haven’t had the opportunity, I highly recommend you find a way to connect with this Center once the world “re-starts”. The Romero Center is a great resource to our Diocese that provides direct interaction with and education on Catholic Social Teaching and Social Justice. The main meeting room of the Center has an eye- catching wall decoration. Painted in big, bold letters around the room is the question, “You say you love the poor, then name them”. The former Director of the Romero Center, Larry DePaul- who passed into eternal life several years ago, would often caution volunteers and retreatants to not just lobb cans of beets over some random wall and think they were done helping homeless people. Larry instead highly encouraged visitors to take the time to learn the individual names and stories of each of the

homeless they encountered. As he would often say, we all have stories to tell and the homeless are no different. He would also remind us how sad it was that the homeless may go months, if not years without anyone calling them by their name. He also encouraged us to literally and metaphorically ask our homeless brothers and sisters if they even liked to eat beets. His point was that we shouldn’t give to others the things we ourselves would not want; why expect gratefulness from others when we give them things we are just throwing away.

Hopefully this gives you some pause and reflection for what being an active Catholic will look like for you once we return to the pews for Sunday Mass. If we return to our Church buildings no different, or even worse- angry, bitter and without concern for the poor then we are truly the ones who are sick and poor in the ways of our faith. When this crisis lockdown is over, will we find ourselves still caring if our neighbors have food, housing, employment and love or will those thoughts leave us since our lives are “normal” again? Will we be willing to walk around the walls of society to meet face to face with those in need? We say we love the poor, but will we be able to name them?

May God be praised!

May 12, 2020
To help us prepare for the Novena tomorrow…

The Story of St. Rita

EARLY LIFE
Rita was born in the year 1381 in the village of Roccaporena, near Cascia , Italy . Her parents, Antonio and Amata Lotti, considered her birth a very special gift from God, for Rita was born to them as they were already advancing in age. As a young girl Rita frequently visited the convent of the Augustinian Nuns in Cascia and dreamed of one day joining their community. Her parents, however, had promised her in marriage, according to the custom of the day, to Paolo Mancini, a good man of strong and impetuous character. Rita accepted her parents’ decision, resolved to see this as God’s will for her.

MARRIED LIFE
The young couple was joined in marriage and soon twin boys were born to them. Rita found herself occupied with the typical concerns of a wife, mother, and homemaker of Roccaporena, while Paolo was employed as a watchman for the town. In Cascia, as elsewhere, a great rivalry existed between two popular political factions, the Guelphs, and the Ghibellines. As a minor official of the town, Paolo often found himself drawn into the conflict, and the strain that this caused probably accounts for the tension, which he sometimes brought into the Mancini household. By her prayer, patience, and affection, however, Rita was able to ease the stress and worry her husband experienced, but she was not able to shield him altogether from the dangers to which society exposed him.

DEATH OF HUSBAND AND SONS
One day as Paolo was returning home from work he was ambushed and killed. The pain which this unexpected and violent death inflicted upon Rita was only compounded by the fear she felt that her two teenage sons, moved by the unwritten law of the “vendetta,” would seek to avenge their father’s death. Rita’s only recourse was to prayer and persuasion. As it happened, the death of both boys from natural causes a short time later removed them from physical and spiritual danger. Despite her great burden she could still thank God that they had died in peace, free of the poison of murder to which hatred and revenge might have otherwise drawn them.

PEACEMAKER
Now alone in the world and without family responsibilities, Rita once more turned her thoughts to the desired vocation of her youth, that of joining the Augustinian Nuns of Saint Mary Magdalene Monastery. Some of the religious of the community, however, were relatives of the members of the political faction considered responsible for Paolo’s death, and so as not to tempt the harmony of the convent, Rita’s request for admission was denied. Fortunately, she was not to be easily dissuaded from following what she knew to be God’s plan for her. She implored her three patron saints — John the Baptist, Augustine, and Nicholas of Tolentino to assist her, and she set about the task of establishing peace between the hostile parties of Cascia with such success that her entry into the monastery was assured.

THE GIFT OF THE THORN
At the age of thirty-six Rita pledged to follow the ancient Rule of Saint Augustine. For the next forty years she gave herself wholeheartedly to prayer and works of charity, striving especially to preserve peace and harmony among the citizens of Cascia. With a pure love she wanted more and more to be intimately joined to the redemptive suffering of Jesus, and this desire of hers was satisfied in an extraordinary way. One day when she was about sixty years of age, she was meditating before an image of Christ crucified, as she was long accustomed to doing. Suddenly a small wound appeared on her forehead, as though a thorn from the crown that encircled Christ’s head had loosed itself and penetrated her own flesh. For the next fifteen years she bore this external sign of stigmatization and union with the Lord. In spite of the pain she constantly experienced, she offered herself courageously for the physical and spiritual well being of others. During the last four years of her life Rita was confined to bed and was able to eat so little that she was practically sustained on the Eucharist alone. She was, nevertheless, an inspiration to her sisters in religion and to all who came to visit her, by her patience and joyful disposition despite her great suffering.

THE ROSE
One of those who visited her some few months before her death — a relative from her hometown of Roccaporena — was privileged to witness firsthand the extraordinary things wrought by Rita’s requests. When asked whether she had any special desires, Rita asked only that a rose from the garden of her parents’ home be brought to her. It was a small favor to ask, but quite an impossible one to grant in the month of January! Nevertheless, on returning home the woman discovered, to her amazement, a single brightly-colored blossom on the bush where the nun said it would be. Picking it, she returned immediately to the monastery and presented it to Rita who gave thanks to God for this sign of love. Thus, the saint of the thorn became the saint of the rose, and she whose impossible requests were granted her became the advocate of all those whose own requests seem impossible as well. As she breathed her last, Rita’s final words to the sisters who gathered around her were, “Remain in the holy love of Jesus. Remain in obedience to the holy Roman Church. Remain in peace and fraternal charity.”

DEATH
Having faithfully and lovingly responded to God’s many invitations to her in the course of her seventy-six years, Rita returned to God in peace on May 22, 1457. Her body, which has remained incorrupt over the centuries, is venerated today in the shrine of Cascia, which bears her name. Her feast is observed on the anniversary of her death, 22 May.

Source: https://st-rita.org/the-story-of-st-rita-of-cascia

May 13, 2020
What will you do when things start to reopen again?
by Fr. Pham

Does anyone know what day of the week it is? What date is it? Is tomorrow Christmas? I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been able to keep track of my days. Everyday I struggle to figure out the most basic things. Now, being in the 9th week, this whole quarantine thing is driving me, and many others, crazy.

However, having said all that, have you looked at the news recently? Have you followed Gov. Murphy’s news briefings? Have you been talking to people about what’s happening around us? I have, and things are looking like they are moving in the right direction. Several weeks ago, Gov. Murphy announced a 6-point plan for reopening our state. In it, he mentioned things like the number of infections has to decline steadily, the number of hospitalizations has to go down, current testings must be doubled, and contact tracing must significantly increase, etc. And, for the last few weeks, things are heading in just that direction. We are getting all the right indications that a reopening is happening real soon. I am very happy to see this because it means that all of our collective sacrifices staying at home all this time is actually working.

I also read that sometimes this week, Gov. Murphy will announce his plans, with concrete dates of when to begin to reopen our state, given all these positive indicators. This gives me hope, excitement and motivation to continue to do my part. I can sense that the end is near and my hard work will pay off. Also, in response to the governor’s announcements, our bishop has also sent a memo out to all the parishes asking us to start planning for reopening. We have to submit a plan to the diocese to outline how we would reopen as a parish, with details following social distancing guidelines. I am very excited about this and doing what I can to offer my suggestions to Fr. Mann and the team.

And, in the meantime, while the team is working out the details of how to bring public masses back, I am also looking into other recreational events to consider. Today, I called the person who runs the softball league. He and I had a very productive conversation about the possibility of bringing softball back towards the end of the season, possibly in July or August. Everything is still uncertain, but at least we have a plan to execute immediately if and when we are given the green light.

So, what will you do when things start to reopen again? Do you have a plan? Whatever your plan is, may you remember the lessons learned from this entire crisis. We live and learn and we grow everyday, stronger and better than the day before.

May God bless you and your family!