From our Director of Adult Faith Formation                                           
April 27, 2008

 Scripture Reflections for the 6^th Sunday of Easter

 1^st Reading: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

The readings for the 6^th Sunday of Easter are a great preparation for the powerful feast of Pentecost in just two weeks. We hear on this 6^th Sunday of Easter about Jesus’ promise of an advocate after he has gone, and we hear of some of the fruits already seen by those who have embraced this advocate. This “life in the spirit” is so crucial to our Christian living that when the apostles hear that some converts in Samaria were baptized only in the name of the Lord Jesus and not that of the Holy Spirit, they immediately send two of the leading figures in the early Church, Peter and John, to confer the gift of the Spirit. “Life in the Spirit” is not just an aspect of our Christian life – it IS our Christian life.

2^nd Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18

One of the fruits of the gift of the Spirit is the ability and desire to share the good news of Jesus with others, what is sometimes called “evangelization”. While this may be a term that many Catholics shy away from, the reality, as described here by St. Peter, is something all of us, with the Spirit’s prompting, should be able to carry out. As Peter writes, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence… .” In other words, to evangelize does not necessarily mean to knock on doors or wear “Jesus Saves” t-shirts. It means, instead, to live your life in such a way that people will naturally be curious. That is, when people see the joy and peace you routinely demonstrate, they will inevitably be led to ask, “How do you do it?” or “Where does this come from?”  And then “gently and with reverence” you can tell them your good news.

Gospel: John 14:15-21

Perhaps every Christian who has ever lived, at one time or another, has speculated about what it would have been like to live during the time of Jesus and seen him face-to-face. This is only natural. But the surprising thing is, as we learn from today’s gospel, is that there is an experience of Jesus that surpasses this. And that is having the indwelling Spirit of Jesus within us. This is what establishes that intimate union with Jesus that far surpasses simply seeing him in the flesh. This is what allows us to know the Father. This is what allows us to bear fruit in God’s name.

Let us pray fervently these next two weeks for a new outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit this coming Pentecost.
 

Of other things….

I would like to personally thank the 68 parishioners who took the time after last weekend’s Masses to sign the petition in support of House Bill 333 which would place a cap on the interest rates charged by Payday Lending Institutions. I have sent your petitions to Columbus. Together we can make a difference.

Next weekend we will celebrate First Communion with 35 of our young people. The children, under the instruction of Cindy Bernsten, Sandie Hoy, Debbie DeBrosse and Carolina Van Luvender, have been preparing for months. They will all participate in Jesus Day this Tuesday at the United Theological Seminary as a special retreat day in anticipation of this sacred moment. Keep them in your prayers.

A Word from our Music Director
April 20, 2008

Summer Regional Mass 

Several years ago when the churches of the Dayton Deanery were given the charge to begin the dialogue on regionalizing, the time to share a weekend liturgy seemed very far away.  Now, in the spring of 2008, we are within weeks of beginning our Saturday Regional Mass at Precious Blood during the summer months, when worshippers and liturgical ministers from all three parishes will come together.

In preparation for the summer transition and to address the concerns of parishioners from all three parishes, there will be Question and Answer sessions in each parish next Saturday evening after Mass.  Precious Blood has Mass at 5 p.m., while St. Rita and St. Paul celebrate Mass at 4:30 p.m. The sessions will take place in church immediately after each Mass. Parishioners are invited to share concerns and ask questions. If you are attending Mass that day in another church in our region, you may participate in their session. In the absence of Fr. Bill, members from Precious Blood who are on the Regional Planning Committee will be on hand for that session. Those members are Linda Bany, Denny Gorman, Bonnie Ekhart, and Luke & Judy Albers.

During this coming week, all parishioners of the three parishes will receive in the mail a cover letter (which appeared in the bulletin on March 30), a copy of the results of the survey which was done in January, and a copy of a Question and Answer booklet compiled after the survey was completed.  Included in the booklet are questions which surfaced from parishioners on the survey forms. You are invited to read through the booklet and keep it for future reference as we prepare for our summer regional Mass to begin.

And of course, there will be a few changes as we attempt to meld together the customs and norms of each parish into one Regional Mass. Perhaps the biggest change for Precious Blood is the time change.  Our 5:00 p.m. Mass will move to 4:30 p.m.  This and other related issues will be addressed in The Seed on May 18. 

Welcome Father Mencsik

We are proud to welcome Fr. John Mencsik, C.PP.S who will be with us at Precious Blood Church for the next two weeks. Fr. John, who hails from neighboring Troy, has served pastorates in Virginia, Florida, Indiana and Ohio.  Please welcome him and introduce yourself.

Of Other Things…

Mark your calendars for the Ecumenical Spring Concert next Sunday at 3 p.m. at Precious Blood.  This has become an annual event, and this year there will be choirs from nine churches and Trotwood High School participating.  The free-will offering is for Trotwood Handivan Ministry, a transportation service for senior and disabled residents of the area.  It is worth attending.

This weekend our Confirmandi have been participating in their final retreat in preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation which will be on Saturday, May 10. Our young people spent time listening to the music and witness of Dayton musician Nick Cardilino followed by reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and various opportunities for meditative prayer. On Sunday the retreat concludes with the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Pray for these young people as they continue on their spiritual journey.

Workers in the Field - This coming Wednesday evening, members of our parish will deliver the food donated to the migrant workers as part of the almsgiving that set apart our journey in faith during the Lenten Season. Our sharing with these farm workers, with those who will come as strangers among us during the spring, summer and early fall and help provide the food that will grace our meal tables is a wonderful testimony to the generosity of our people. It is also an expression of our gratitude and respect for the hard word of the farm workers. It is one of the beautiful ways in which we celebrate the life of the Risen Lord among us.

Happy Easter – In the name of the pastoral staff, I want to extend to all our people the joy and new life that the Easter Season proclaims and that which we seek to live as a parish family. I also want to extend a special welcome to anyone who is visiting with us this weekend. If you are looking for a church family, please consider Precious Blood.

A Good Friday Prayer

O Dear Lord, what can I say to you on this holy night? Is there any word that could come from my mouth, any thought or sentence: You died for me, you gave all for my sins, you not only became man for me but also suffered the cruelest death for me. Is there any response? I wish I could find a fitting response, but in contemplating your holy passion and death I can only confess humbly to you that the immensity of your divine love makes any response seem totally inadequate. Let me just stand and look at you. Your body is broken, your head wounded, your hands are split open by nails, your side is pierced. Your dead body now rests in the arms of your mother. It is all over now. It is finished. It is fulfilled. It is accomplished. Sweet Lord, gracious Lord, generous Lord, forgiving Lord; I adore you, I praise you, I thank you. You have made all things new through your passion and death. Your cross has been planted in this world as the new sign of hope. Let me always live under your cross, O Lord, and proclaim the hope of your cross unceasingly. Amen.

Henry Nouwen, A Cry for Mercy

March 9, 2008 

Lazarus, Come Out!

Jesus promised Martha (and us) “that whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” The amazing fact of our living the paschal mystery is that we already share in eternal life. Its fullness will be known only after we die, to be sure; the grace of it, however, is already received. This is so because we already live in the Spirit (second reading).

This grace provides a new freedom for all of us as it did Lazarus, Martha and Mary. “Untie him and let him go free!” There are so many things that enslave us and prevent us from living life fully. When all was said and done, it was the faith that Martha put in Jesus that empowered her to confront the disappointment, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died”; and at the same time renew her faith that God’s promise revealed in Jesus would be her lasting hope. If we are honest, there are many times in all of lives when there is little to hold onto other than the words of Jesus, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” I have noticed in my own ministry as I visit someone suffering greatly and many times near death, the only words I can come up with that make any sense are: “You have trusted in God you whole life; God will not let you down now.” These words are also true for our community as we go through some difficult times of loss and transition as well as for those caught in these troubling economic times. The promise of new life is for our community and for all our people. 

Next Sunday, The Church begins the most solemn week in the Liturgical year, Holy Week. Palm Sunday remembers the triumphant journey of Jesus into Jerusalem amid the shouts of “Hosanna to the Son of David!” as the crowds waved palm branches in their excitement. This is a haunting moment because we know that in a few days, those same crowds will shout, “Crucify Him!” Palms will be blessed and available at all the Masses. The solemn blessing and procession will take place at the 10:30 Mass on Sunday. Those attending this Mass are invited to gather, if weather permits, outside the front of the church for the blessing, and then to take part in the simple procession along the asphalt path into the church.

Also, our times invite prayer and renewed faith. The celebration of the Sacred Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, The Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday are sacred moments in our life together in faith as we celebrate in word and sacrament that sacred mystery that holds our lives together, gives them meaning in good times and bad, and grounds the hope that is ours as we look to the future. Now more than ever, we need to come together. Please join us for any or all of these gatherings in worship as we all celebrate our faith in and hunger for the Risen Life of the Lord. This coming week you will receive my Easter letter and a reminder of the Triduum Schedule.

Of Many Things…There will be a communal reconciliation service with individual confession at Saint Paul Parish in Englewood on Monday evening, March 10 beginning at 7 PM. Please take advantage of this opportunity, if you have not done so already, to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in anticipation of Holy Week and in preparation for the Easter Sacraments.

Please continue to pray for the Elect and the Candidates for Continuing Conversion as they enter the final days of preparation for the Easter Sacraments of Initiation.

Thanks to all who braved the difficult weather last Tuesday evening, March 4, to attend the Open House at Precious Blood School and Preschool.

The Jubilee Singers will lead us in the Stations of the Cross on Sunday afternoon beginning at 4 PM. Any one who has been with us in the past knows what a beautiful gift the Jubilee Singers bring to our Lenten prayer. Please join and encourage others to do so as well. As most already know, our own Skip Ekhart is an important and gifted member of this group. Help us fill the church. 

On Tuesday evening of Holy Week, March 18, at 7 PM, the members of the local presbyterate and representatives from all the parishes gather with the Archbishop at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Chains for the Chrism Mass during which the priests present renew their commitment to ministry and the holy oils are blessed and set apart for sacramental use. These oils are used for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, the Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders. All the members of our parish are more than welcome to attend. The oils for our parish use will be accepted by Deacon Dick as is his custom and presented by parish ministers involved in these various sacraments at the Holy Thursday Liturgy.

Lenten Almsgiving – The yearly Lenten almsgiving collection of food and clothing in support of the Migrant Workers who will work in our area this summer continues under the leadership of Karl and Mary Lou Weingart. This is a wonderful Lenten tradition that has been such a great source of blessing for the migrant workers for years. Now more than ever, in these stressful economic times, I ask for your generosity and support.

We also join in prayer for Daniel Nevins, our neighbor and friend to many in our community who died this past week. May he rest in peace. The Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, March 8 at Precious Blood with burial at Calvary Cemetery.

March 2, 2008 

     Lord, I Want to See!
 

“God does not see as man sees; man looks at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart.” Most of us have blind spots – presumptions, ideas and perceptions that we don’t even think about changing or at least examining. These blind spots can be major roadblocks in our spiritual journey. They can cause untold harm to others and to us.

At the heart of many crises in our world today is the crisis of blindness. We are not seeing one another clearly enough. And so we grow to hate and fear one another, or, at the very least, we dismiss others as not worthy of our respect or concern. We tell ourselves that we would not go out of our way to get to know certain types of people. Perhaps they’re overweight or their personalities are irritating or we feel we have nothing in common with them. So why bother with them. At the extreme end of our blindness, we wage war on one another and kill each other in the name of protecting our own small vision of life.

We also want to drive people away when we perceive that they are too different from us. Their differences become some sort of threat to our own lives. When we create categories and proceed to slot people into them; the poor, the aged, the handicapped, the one who speaks a different language, dresses differently, come from a different culture, races; we push them out of our field of understanding. We don’t want to know them or we think we know them without really understanding. We don’t want nor do we try to learn about the richness of their lives and what they can and do contribute to our life together. And so, in our minds and hearts, we build walls and fences or draw conclusions that are incomplete at best or flat wrong. 

We need each other to see correctly. When I am writing a text for whatever reason, I can see at times with eyes that are impaired. I see things as I would like them to be, not what they are. It is important for me to have one or more individuals correct my writing and edit my text, and they usually find things that are obviously incorrect but I did not see. The same applies to life. The story of the Man Born Blind offers great wisdom and insight for all. It is a call to conversion for all of us during this Penitential Season.

Of Many Things…I am deeply grateful and proud of those members of our parish who are participating with the Sisters of the Precious Blood and other religious communities and neighborhood organizations in the prayer vigils that are now taking place at the site of homicides within our community. Last Saturday, Mark Moorman led the vigil for Christopher Stafford on George St. near Saint Mary’s Church, off of Xenia Avenue. Of all the time we gathered over the past few years, this was the first time that the place where we gathered was still stained with the blood of the victim. It was a painful but sacred moment. We could not run from the reality of the sacredness of each human being or the tragic loss to family, community and the future that each homicide inflicts on all. Each time we ask why. Let us continue to pray.

In contrast I went from that prayer to the banquet sponsored by the Athletic Association honoring our basketball program, its athletes, coaches, Association leaders and families. Our young people and those adults willing to give their time and make life giving activities available to our young people truly make a difference. They are a profound sign of hope in these challenging times. Thanks to all who serve our children. Let us continue to pray.

Enter to Worship; Leave to Serve

I hope that everyone received their copy of the parish newsletter, The Font, this past week. It is another testimony of who we are as a faith community and the mission we joyfully take on through the mandate of our baptism. Congratulations to all who contributed to this edition of the Font. Once again, we can all be very proud.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Second Communal Reconciliation Service within our pastoral region with the opportunity for individual confession will take place on Monday evening, March 10^th at Saint Paul in Englewood beginning at 7 PM. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity as we move within days as a faith community to Holy Week and Easter.

Sacramental Preparation

As we are mindful in thought and prayer of those preparing for the Easter Sacraments, I also invite your prayer for our young people preparing for Confirmation and First Communion. Confirmation will take place on Saturday evening, May 10 at the 5:00 PM  Mass and First Communion  will take place on Sunday, May 4 at the 10:30 Mass.  

Open House

February 24, 2008 

Putting Down the Water Jars

After speaking with Jesus and learning that he might be the Christ, “The woman put down her water jar and hurried back to the town to tell the people…” For the evangelist, John, the Samaritan woman’s need for water was a symbol of all the many thirsts in her life. When she put down the water jar, John is telling us that she finally recognizes the deeper need in her life. She clearly saw that what she thirsted for was not another drink nor another husband, but the God who gives her living water. Her desires and thirsts seem real but they were taking her in the wrong direction. Now she knows where to seek the living water.

What does ordinary physical thirst make us do? Normally, it just pushes us in the direction of something to drink. But when our thirst gets much greater, it can become a preoccupation. At some point, we find ourselves thinking only about getting something to drink. We ignore everything else and channel all our efforts into quenching our thirst. We carry our empty water jars around with us, looking to fill them with whatever will satisfy us.

It seems that our first Lenten task is to recognize the thirsts that exist within us. Once we do this, then we will have a better chance of not always giving in to those thirsts. There are some clues that can help us. Outside of our daily obligations of work and school, where do we spend our time and money? What takes us away from our family or from other obligations? What do we spend our time thinking about or wishing for? These, and other questions that you can come up with yourself, will help you discover which thirsts are taking you away from the essential thirst for God, which we all have deep within us.

Water

Years ago, I heard a talk given by a business entrepreneur to high school seniors. His talk was about the kind of world they would be entering and the kind of opportunities and needs that could be translated into opportunities for creative entrepreneurs as they entered the work force. His initial observation got my attention. He made the claim that has been reiterated over and over since that time, that there is a growing and critical need for drinking water in many places in the world. We need to create technologies to provide for the thirsty. I cannot imagine a more basic human need throughout the globe than fresh water. In the spirit of today’s gospel, take some time to educate yourself to this critical twenty first century need. As responsible stewards of God’s great blessings, we are called on to ask “What can we do?” and “How can we share in the solution to this critical need?”

Catholic Ministries Appeal

Please pledge your support for six of our very important regional church ministries through the Catholic Ministries Appeal. 100% of your contribution goes to Catholic Social Services, campus ministries, lay and ordained ministries, education, Saint Rita School for the Deaf, support of our retired archdiocesan priests and chaplains of our hospitals and prisons. Our parish goal this year is $32,000. Please visit www.CatholicAppeal.info for more information.

Precious Blood Pastoral Council will meet this coming Monday, February 24 at 7:30 in the Church meeting room.

Open Houses for Precious Blood Elementary School and Preschool will take place on Tuesday evening, March 4. Please pass the word on to interested neighbors, families and friends.

Four members of our parish have died since January 29. On that day, Mary Jane Balacz died at the age of 84. We extend our sympathy and prayers to the Balacz family. The Mass of Christian Burial was held on February 1. May Mary Jane rest in peace.

Charles Ashe died at the age of 61 on February 3. I extend our parish’s prayers to his family and grandchildren. The Mass of Christian Burial was held on February 9. May Charles Rest in Peace.

Joseph Fenley died at the age of 74 on February 5. We extend our sympathy to his wife and family. The Mass of Christian Burial was held in the church on February 8. May Joe rest in peace.

Joseph Mauro died at the age of 74 on February 6 survived by his wife Jo Ann and children. We extend our prayers and sympathy to them. The Mass of Christian Burial was held on February 11. May Joe rest in peace.

February 17, 2008

Self Sacrifice: Lent, Lourdes and Marriage

We are facing the second week of February and as we adjust our lives to the winter cold, ice and snow, the Church enters the Season of Lent, preparing us for Easter.

On February 11, the church celebrated the 150 Anniversary of our Lady’s apparitions at Lourdes, France, and reminds us of those who are particularly cared for at the Lourdes grotto, the sick. I have been to Lourdes once. It is beautiful and sacred. The many chapels that are part of the Shrine are stunning. But nothing was more sacred or grace filled for me than the care given to the sick as the ministry of Lourdes.

On the Second Sunday of February, we mark World Marriage Day. On St. Valentine’s Day, many think of romance, wonderful as it is, in the context of marriage and family.

A common thread running through all these events is our joining human suffering to that of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice in order to participate in his glory and eternal joy.

During the six weeks of Lent, we fast from food on Fridays pray more resolutely and attend special devotions, especially the Stations of the Cross; and give alms more generously. I was pleased that attendance at the Stations now held at 4 PM on Sunday afternoon doubled from last year. Please join us for this wonderful Lenten prayer. Many thanks as well to all who contributed to the Scouts Lenten gathering of canned goods.

Pope Benedict made almsgiving the theme of his Lenten message to the church this year. The pope calls almsgiving “an exercise in self denial to free us from attachment to worldly goods.” Our hearts are inwardly cleansed when we give to the poor, the hungry, and the abandoned. Charity demands interior conversion, because it means we place God and others at the center of our lives. For this reason, “charity covers a multitude of sins.” (1Peter 4:8)

Giving alms generously is therefore a penitential exercise that is an important part of our observance of Lent. Everyone should take some time to plan his or her charitable giving during the weeks that are given us to prepare for Easter. In the parish we continue to depend on your charitable giving to support our charitable works of mercy that so many depend on. In a special way we collect food and clothing for the Migrant workers who will come to the Miami Valley to serve the farming community this spring. Please be generous.

Catholic Ministries Appeal 

Please pledge your support for six of our very important regional church ministries, through the Catholic Ministries Appeal. (This is the former Archdiocesan and Archbishop’s Fund Drive Appeal) 100% of your contribution goes to Catholic Social Services, campus ministries, lay and ordained ministries education, Saint Rita School for the Deaf, support of our retired priests, and chaplains for our hospitals and prisons. Our parish goal this year is $32,000.00.

Regional Planning – Many thanks to all who took time to fill out our regional planning survey regarding the weekend Mass schedule. The input was important and the suggestions provided will become part of our discussion.  I am encouraged by people’s interest in our planning and their desire to be supportive as we plan for our future together.

We Need Your Help – This is the time of year that the recruiting effort for our parish school kicks into high gear. We need your help. Pass on the good news about our school ministry to others. Of all our efforts, personal promotion is the most effective. Now more than ever, Precious Blood School and Pre School serves the parish and our community in a very important way.  Information about these ministries can be secured by calling the school or preschool office.

Let us Pray and Act with Hope

Many have shared with me in recent days their discouragement over the closing of some important businesses in our community and the perception that we live in a deteriorating area that will only get worse with time. These are undoubtedly disappointing times that should have us all concerned. Giving up, however, is not the answer. Let us pray and let us find ways to act and make the situation better for us and for the future.

February 10, 2008

Lent Begins…

The Season of Lent that began on Ash Wednesday offers us a chance for transformation – a time to seriously open ourselves to the holiness of God. In doing so we are turning away from sin and toward God’s love revealed in the shedding of Christ’s Blood. During the penitential season of Lent, we have the opportunity to refocus our lives, to check and see if we are living according to God’s purpose and plan. This is the time for resolutions – ones that will be kept, not only during Lent but hopefully throughout our lives.

We have been given three ways of re-centering our lives – fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Fasting means letting go of the unnecessary so to better concentrate on what is important and required as God’ people. Perhaps we need not only to fast from food, but from those things that have cluttered our lives because they have become too important. Each person is invited to self examination that no one can do for another. However, we can support and encourage each other. This is our chance to re-order our lives so that our day to day choices reflect what we say is important. This is the time to see what activities we can cut back on, as individual and families, so as to have more time for God, for each other and for service.

Almsgiving is sharing our resources with someone in need and so to conform our lives to the life of Jesus who made service to the poor a central dimension of gospel living. We do so because others need our help and in doing so we are helped as well. And this is much more than giving out of our surplus; it is giving as an act of sacrifice. We have been given so much – it’s our privilege to share our riches. And almsgiving is more than simply giving to those in need – it is also being responsible for their welfare. As we all can see from the example of Jesus and the teaching of the church, it is more than reaching into our pockets for spare change. As we have done for years, we will collect food and clothing during Lent for delivery to the local migrant workers in Tipp City on Easter Wednesday.

Prayer of course, is the center of every Christians’ life – communal prayer and individual prayer. During Lent we take extra time to pray, to live in God’s presence and be still. Here’s our chance to deepen and strengthen our prayer life; Lent is also a time to be enriched by the many communal ways in which we pray. I have always been personally and spiritually moved by the Stations of the Cross prayed each Sunday afternoon in Lent. The more we are involved in the community, share our stories and build up bonds of friendship and faith, the more we are aware of what each person brings to our prayer. 

This Lent is a holy time, a precious time, a time for learning and growth, for renewal and reconciliation as we turn from sin and seek to faithful to the Gospel. What a great gift given to us by the church and by our faith tradition! Let us not lose one moment of these 40 days, but live them open to God’s transforming love.

The Rite of Sending - This Sunday at the 10:30 Mass we send our catechumens, candidates and the RCIA team to Immaculate Conception Church on Sunday evening where the Catechumens will be accepted as the elect and the candidates will be called to Continuing Conversion in preparation for their celebration of the Initiation Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Please continue to pray for these adults who are entering into their final weeks of preparation for their sacramental welcome into the life of the church.

The Stations of the Cross – We will gather as a parish family to pray the Stations of the Cross on Sunday afternoons during Lent at 4 PM. We will close this prayer with Benediction. Please join us.

Of Many Things… 175+ were in attendance at the Parish and Family Mardi Gras held last Tuesday evening. A great time was had by all. Thanks to members of the parish staff, as well as the adult and youth volunteers who made this event possible.

Thank you to Liturgy Planners – The beginning of Lent and all the worship and prayer events during this season make me especially mindful of the Liturgy Planning Committee that works so hard all year long in planning our life together in prayer and worship. Thanks and keep up the great work.

February 3, 2008

 Will you turn from sin and be faithful to the gospel?
Remember you are dust and unto dust you shall return!
Take your pick.

Once again we will celebrate Ash Wednesday as we embark on the Holy Season of Lent. Lent is a time of preparation for Easter and for us to appreciate the new life we receive in Baptism. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days. It is a time to remember Jesus’ words, “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel” Lent is more than a time to give up something. Rather it is an opportunity to change our minds and hearts; to work toward a whole new way of thinking and acting. This means taking a look at where we are and where we ought to be as individuals and as a people of faith.

This holy season of Lent provides us with yet another opportunity to participate in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the traditional Lenten practices by which the church has prepared itself to commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Prayer during Lent should draw us closer to the Lord. We might pray especially for the grace to live out our baptismal promises more fully. We might pray for the elect who will be baptized at Easter and support their conversion journey by our prayer. We will focus this Lenten Season on the Stations of the Cross. We will pray them led by a lay minister in our community on Sunday afternoons at 4 PM. This prayer will conclude with Benediction. The Lenten booklet was mailed this past Wednesday to all our parishioners. Please take time to read it. Another change this year has to do with the Lenten Daily Meditations that we are using from the Precious Blood Leadership Conference. It can be found on our parish web page. Hard copies will be available in the gathering space. I think that you will find these wonderful meditations for this penitential season.

Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control. It is often an aid to prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God. Fasting should be linked to our concern for those who are forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from the injustices of our economic and political structures, those who are in need for any reason. Fasting is also linked to living out our baptismal promises. By our baptism, we are charged with the responsibility of showing Christ’s love to the world, especially to those in need. Fasting can help us realize the suffering that so many people in our world experience every day, and it should lead us to greater efforts to live in solidarity with those in need and to help alleviate their suffering.

Almsgiving is the third traditional pillar linked to our baptismal commitment. Almsgiving not only opens our hearts to those who need our help but also unites us with the poverty of Christ who advised the rich man, “Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven.” It is a sign of our care for those in need and an expression of our gratitude for all God has given us. Works of charity and the promotion of justice are integral elements of the Christian way of life we began when we were baptized.

Lent is also the season of final preparation for those who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil. The Church invites its members to pray for the catechumen, but also to renew their own commitment to the life that began in them when they were baptized and so became members of the Body of Christ, the Church. This year we have catechumens preparing for baptism and candidates preparing for full communion as well as one adult Catholic who will be confirmed. We rejoice and find new hope in these persons, children and adults, seeking a home in our faith community.

Our catechumen and candidates for full communion will join with the other members of the RCIA team in celebrating the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion as part of our local church on the First Sunday of Lent, February 10^th at Immaculate Conception Church. We also need to pray constantly for the ongoing conversion of the church in these troubling times. We have a long way to go but I believe the journey has begun and there is no turning back. 

Lent offers all Christians an opportunity to prepare for Easter by serious discernment about their lives with particular attention to the Word of God which enlightens the daily journey of all believers. Finally, Lent prepares us for Holy Week, for those most sacred days in the Church’s year when we celebrate the suffering and death of Jesus, the Lord’s gift of himself in obedience to the mission he received from his heavenly Father.

Lenten Regulations

During the Season of Lent the Church urges the faithful to reflect a spirit of penance in their daily life through performing acts of fast and abstinence. FASTING requires that only one full mean be taken per day. Two other smaller meals may be taken during the day to maintain physical strength. Fasting obliges all those who have reached the age of 18 and continues to oblige until age 59. Those not specifically obliged to fast are encouraged to join in the discipline of fasting to the extent that they are able.

ABSTINENCE prohibits individuals from eating meat on a particular day. Abstinence obliges all those who have reached the age of 14 and continues to oblige throughout their entire life. Those not specifically obliged to abstain (health reasons) from eating meat are encouraged to join in this discipline to the extent that they are able.

ASH WEDNESDAY and GOOD FRIDAY are days of fast and abstinence.

FRIDAYS in Lent are days of abstinence.

January 27, 2008 

We are Many Parts; We are All One Body 

This time in January is filled with special events that invite our prayer and reflection. On Monday we honored the life and legacy of Doctor Martin Luther King as we seek to keep his dream of racial justice and equality alive in our hearts and in the life of our nation. This past week the nation remembered the Supreme Court Decision making abortion on demand the law of the land.  Thousands gathered in Washington including several of our parish youth to protest and pray and, in so doing, give witness to firm conviction of the church that life, all life, is a gift from God that deserves our respect and the protection of law.

 Last Sunday, we also began the octave of prayer for Christian Unity. From the gospel of John and the words of Jesus, we have a mandate that our life in faith is a journey to unity in Christ. The history of the church has certainly fallen short in its efforts to realize unity in the church and among all believers. Regrettably we have a history of division and conflict that has produced denomination after denomination. We also find ourselves deeply divided among ourselves. Some would call the church polarized as so many issues have caused deep divisions and conflicts. We are once again challenged but what we know was Christ’s farewell message calling the Church to live in peace and unity.

 The celebration of the Unity Octave of Prayer invites a recommitment to dialogue in the church and among all believers that is built on the centrality of the gospel and respect for each other. It does not equate unity with uniformity. There must be a respect for diversity and a firm conviction that all share some of the wisdom of God’s saving grace and presence. This is far more than tolerating differences but, letting our differences be a source of enrichment for all while we focus on those core gospel truths and values that we all share. There is much that divides us but far more that will unite the hearts and lives of believers if we let it. It begins with prayer and dialogue.

 The covenant made two years ago between the United Theological Seminary and the Sisters of the Precious Blood and Precious Blood Parish is a concrete expression of our commitment to work together as the Body of Christ committed to the common good. (a framed copy of that covenant hangs in the gathering space) Many of our other ministries including our elementary school reach out beyond the boundaries of denomination and the local neighborhood for we are all God’s children.

 That call for unity built on dialogue and respect is also a compelling challenge within the church itself during these painful times. The alienation and division so apparent in the life of the church is very disturbing and invites our attention. At the same time, when there are so many serious issues causing conflict and division, I am repeatedly amazed and filled with gratitude at the faithfulness and commitment of our people. It reminds me that the unity Christ prays for and asks from us is possible.  

Catholic Schools Week 

Starting today, Sunday, January 27^th the Church in the United States honors the ministry and life of our Catholic School System. The history of the Catholic School System in the United States is an extraordinary story of vision, leadership, dedication and sacrifice. The same vision and commitment that brought about our school system and Precious Blood School almost 60 years ago is critical today as we assess the opportunities and challenges that confront us as we plan for our future.

We have an educational tradition of excellence thanks to the dedication and commitment of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, parents, parishioners, students and alumni. Many families sacrifice a great deal to send their children to our school. We have come a long way by faith and because of the commitment of so many. The Church and our community are enriched by the adults who were educated and formed at Precious Blood School. We have many reasons to be proud.   

As we celebrate Catholic School Week, may I express my deep gratitude and thanks to all who make our elementary school what it is today. In a special way I want to recognize our principal, Dan Mecoli, for his faith-filled and dedicated leadership of our school community as well as the faculty, support staff and volunteers for their dedication and commitment. Dan’s inspiring and professional leadership has lifted the spirit of our school family and I am grateful. In a very special way, I want to recognize and thank Kathy Moosbrugger for her years of service as school secretary. It is no secret that in most schools it is the secretary who holds the house together day in and day out. Once again thanks, Kathy!

 As we celebrate and honor Catholic Schools, I want to lift up in gratitude our Preschool program under the great leadership of Kate Reynolds and her dedicated staff. It is abundantly clear from professional educators that to form our children effectively in these challenging times, educational formation must begin in a professional preschool program. We have met that challenge and will continue to do so. 

I am also deeply grateful to the School Advisory Council, the Home and School Association and the Athletic Association for their important contribution to the life and future of the school. As I recognize the support staff, I want to lift up in particular our cafeteria staff under the direction of Ginny O’Hearn and Sharry Robinson and the school and parish janitorial staff. Bill Wilbanks, Larry Sutherland and Claude Jones do an outstanding job day in and day out serving the school community and the parish as well. Keep up the great work, guys! 

Of Many Things… 

The Parish Pastoral Council meets on Monday, January 28^th beginning at 7:30pm in the Church meeting room.

Are you aware that our parish provides 400 meals a month to feed the homeless at Saint Vincent Hotel? We could always use more help. Call the office if interested in this ministry.

 I was honored to offer a prayer for the state in our name as part of the Martin Luther King Breakfast held on Friday morning, January 13^th at the Dayton Convention Center. I was also present last Monday afternoon at Saint Mark in Cincinnati to participate in the “Keep the Dream Alive” celebration. It was a graced moment. 

I am grateful to the members of the Athletic Association for their recent donation to the educational ministry of the parish. These funds were raised at their golf scramble held in October. The donation amounted to over 1400 dollars. Thanks again.

 As I celebrate the 31^st anniversary of my ordination on Monday the 28^th, I am ever mindful of how I have been graced by the faith, wisdom and good example of so many over the years. Thank you.

January 20, 2008 

 Martin Luther King 

Monday is a national holiday honoring the birth of Doctor Martin Luther King. His life ministry provided the leadership and vision so needed in our country as we sought and continue to seek to be faithful to our national identity expressed in the Declaration of Independence that “All are created equal with certain God given rights of which include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This vision and promise has sustained our nation for over two hundred years. But not all have been extended these rights given them by their Creator or by the Declaration. The Civil Rights movement of the 60’s challenged the nation to find room at the table of our national life for all. Much has been accomplished due to the courageous leadership of people like Doctor King who put their lives on the line in challenging the nation to be faithful to our identity. Some like Doctor King gave their lives in service to this cause. Laws have been changed and our national life has been transformed as some barriers to equality have been removed. But much still needs to be done as racism still infects our national and personal lives. Beyond racism is the reality of poverty and the hard truth that in a nation as rich as ours, many are still left behind. As we honor Doctor King, we re-commit to his vision for America and the world at large as we seek to “Keep the Dream Alive.” Now more than ever hearts need to be transformed as we seek to continue to work together and ensure the dignity and worth of all God’s children as we confront the evil of racism and poverty and seek the way of peace and justice together.

Choosing Life

This coming Sunday, January 22^nd the nation will once again remember the anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade Decision made by the Supreme Court in 1973 making abortion on demand the law of the land. As the church warned at that time and what has clearly been the case, the sacredness of life across the spectrum has been eroded to the point that as Pope John Paul claimed during his pontificate, we have become a culture of death. Once the fundamental right to life is compromised or denied all life is put at risk. As we once again stand proudly for the right to life as a gift from God, we reject abortion as the taking of innocent human life. We extend our concern to what the Pope calls a consistent ethic of life that embraces all of those issues that threaten or uphold the dignity and worth, beauty and goodness of all human life. From conception to natural death, all of life is sacred and worthy of our protection and respect.

An Invitation to Celebrate and Give Thanks 

I hope that all of our people received their invitation this past week to our parish party and reception to honor all of those who serve the numerous volunteer ministries that make up our life together in faith, community and service. It will take place on Friday evening, January 25^th at 7 PM in the Parish Activity Center. Rob’s Restaurant will cater the meal. Mike Handy will once again be disk jockey. This is the parish’s small way of saying thank you to so many who are dedicated, faithful and hard working in their commitment to our church family. Please call the rectory by January 22^nd to make your reservation. I look forward, along with the parish staff, to be with you and to share a wonderful evening. The Blessing Cup Awards will be given that night as well. Please join us as we together give thanks. 

Of Many Things… 

As we journey through cold days of winter, don’t forget to check on friends, relatives and neighbors who are elderly or live alone. The winter weather can easily be dangerous for many and we need to watch out for each other.

Regional Mass Schedule Survey – Many thanks to all who have turned the survey in to the church office. I am encouraged by the number of people who responded and express their opinions about this important matter. The deadline to return the survey is Thursday, January 31^st.

Over the past several weeks, several of the senior members of our parish family died. As a parish we gathered with many family and friends to honor their lives and commend them to the new life promised them in Baptism. In the name of the parish I express our sympathy and prayers to Emma Rosengarten and her family at the death of her husband Louis Rosengarten at the age of 82 on December 12^th. His funeral was held on December 15^th. I also extend our prayers and sympathy to Norma Mescher and her family at the death of her husband Alvin Mescher at the age of 86 on December 30^th. Alvin’s funeral was held on January 2^nd. I also extend our sympathy and prayers to the Haines Family at the death of their mother Mary Haines at the age of 94 on January 5^th. Mary’ funeral was held on January 8^th. Finally, we also extend our sympathy to Barnes Family on the death of their mother Marie Barnes at the age of 97 on January 6^th. Marie’s funeral was held on January 11^th. May they rest in peace.

As you can tell, the Bereavement Ministry has been busy. In the name of the parish I want to extend a special word of thanks to all involved in the bereavement and hospitality ministries that so set our parish apart and of which so many are served. God’s blessings and thanks to all who work so hard and give so much time to be of service to our parish and families.

January 13, 2008

 The Baptism of Jesus

Today we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. It brought the Christmas Season to a close. It marked the beginning of the public preaching ministry of Jesus. For us, baptism, according to the gospel, has to do with our identity as God’s children, our sense of belonging as part of the Body of Christ and our mission and purpose in life within the community of the Church.

A few random thoughts strike me as we bring the Christmas Season to a close and return to Ordinary Time. We have now been in our new church for over seven years and have become comfortable and at home in our new worship space. I hope it is clear to everyone that the design and the placement of all the church appointments (pews, altar, ambo, immersion pool etc.) were arranged to express the truth and meaning of our liturgical and prayer life. One specific choice when it came to the design was the placement of the immersion baptismal font. It sits in the entrance way of the church to express our belief that it is through baptism that we are incorporated into the life of the church and take our place around the Eucharistic table. The immersion pool also expresses the faith conviction that through baptism we are immersed into the mystery of the dying and rising of Jesus. This is wonderfully made visible for us in the baptism of new members by emersion at the Easter Vigil.

From the gathering space of our lives we enter the community of the Church through the baptismal waters and take our rightful place in the life of the church. This is all possible because of the salvation won for us in the dying and rising of Jesus. Every time we enter the church we pass by the waters of baptism and sign ourselves with the waters through which we find our identity and our place in the community. If baptism is fundamentally about our relationship with God and the church, it invites our openness to the grace received and a commitment to the relationship the sacrament expresses. All the sacraments and baptism, in particular, celebrate a relationship in faith and love as the Body of Christ and require our openness and commitment. The baptismal instruction of parents required by our parish is for the purpose of instructing adults and godparents as to the meaning of what we are celebrating in faith and what it means to be incorporated into the life of the church. At the bottom line, God’s grace shared in the sacrament is an expression of a relationship that requires our response to God’s invitation.

Regional Planning Survey 

This past week, we mailed to all of our registered members a cover letter and survey regarding the Mass schedule and a proposal regarding the Saturday Mass schedule for June, July and August of ‘08. One of the most important but challenging parts of our regional planning is for us to take a look at the Mass schedule for all three parishes given our need and the available priests and lay ministers as we look to the future. Any change that takes place should be thoughtfully planned and will require adjustment on the part of all. As the Eucharist is the center of our Catholic lives, no dimension of our planning is more important. Please carefully review, complete and return the survey either in the Sunday collection, directly to the parish office or through the mail. Many thanks for your time. Your input is important in the regional planning process.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

As I indicated in last week’s Seed, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins this Friday, January 18^th. Please make this important intention part of your prayer. Now more than ever we need to extend our hands in friendship, faith and prayer to our brothers and sisters throughout the Christian World and beyond. May Jesus’ words be our  prayer, “That all may be one.”

Parish Appreciation Dinner

There was also in the mailing this past week an invitation to join the parish as we honor all of our lay ministers and volunteers. This annual event will tak