A continuation from last week....Catholic traditions encompass liturgical practices, sacraments, devotions, feast days, and cultural customs that connect believers to their faith and community.

As I mentioned a week or two ago, we are in need of a few people who would like to build a team to run and oversee our parish’s Street Sandwich Ministry (SSM). I have one person who would like to be involved with a few others to make this ministry continue. If people are uninterested, perhaps then the ministry has run its course? What is involved?

Two weeks ago I spoke at the Masses about parish repair and refurbishment projects that are requited. We are prioritizing what has to be done—and what can practically be done—as we cannot do everything simultaneously. These projects are not inexpensive, and they are basically due to old age: our parish just celebrated her 50th anniversary and as with all things, time takes its toll.

Catholic traditions are not merely man-made practices but rather are gifts from the Holy Spirit to the Church: Jesus promised, “When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all Truth.” (John 16:13), and “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you,” (John 14:26). From its very beginning, the Church lived this reality.

Sometime ago, I was told of an unfortunate happening at the St. Mary School (SMS) playground: a DUI driver made a mess out of the nearly 20-year old playground at St. Mary School. And, unfortunately as I understand it, the driver was either un- or under-insured, leaving the school with a nearly $125,000 replacement bill.

Maryellen Bailey, who for more than ten (10) years has prepared the linens for the celebration of the sacred Mass here at St. Catherine of Siena Church, has for various reasons, decide to “retire from this special job.” I cannot thank Maryellen enough for her dedication, concern and good works at preparing the sacred linens for the praise and glory of God

After the 11 a.m. Mass this Sunday, June 7th, we shall add the Eucharistic Procession to the end of the Mass. Traditionally we have exited the Church with the monstrance and processed to an altar in the rear field, complete with songs, the Litany of the Eucharist, adoration, prayers and a special Blessing over the people with the monstrance and Body of Christ.

Late May and early June provides the Church with a few solemnities to celebrate—in late May we celebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost, and last week was The Most Holy Trinity, and this Sunday is what is traditionally called Corpus Christi and is now commonly referred to as the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, as we acknowledge our belief in the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ in the Eucharistic meal, which He instituted and gave to us at the Last Supper.

As the headline notes, this Sunday’s Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is the heart of our faith: Belief in One God—One Essence—yet Three Distinct Persons. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) puts it this way: “By sending His Only Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time, God has revealed His innermost secret: God Himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and has destined us to share in that exchange.”

This Sunday we shall celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, when we mark the birthday of the Church and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is sent both corporately, meaning to the whole Church and the Holy See as well as to us individually as the Paraclete and guide to all (The) Truth

In this the seventh Sunday of Easter our readings center on Glory, Prayer, and Revelation. What do these three things have to do with us today? It might seem obvious, but there is a deeper meaning than just the basic understanding of those three words. Let’s consider the following:

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear (meaning awesome respect) of the Lord, seven in total. These gifts are believed to be bestowed upon individuals to help them live out their Christian life and grow their faith. The Holy Spirit, known as the Magisterium of the Church, is also meant to guide the Church and keep her safe from error in her proclamation of the faith to the world.

Tuesday, the State House of Representatives voted for the first time since its adoption 33 years ago to modify the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). All the Republicans were joined by 12 Democrats in voting against the legislation. The federal government and 21 other states have RFRA laws. This is the first time that any state or Congress has modified their RFRA statutes to exclude a specific category of laws from its protections.

This fourth Sunday of Easter, Jesus the Christ presents Himself as the Good Shepherd who enters the sheepfold not by force but by the gate, and calls His sheep—hopefully us—by name. We must then ask ourselves: what good reasons am I giving the Christ to ‘know’ my name? As Roman Catholics celebrating the Easter season, we focus on the Resurrection of Christ and the role we are called to play in living out our faith, so that if ‘we are ever accused of being called a Catholic in a court of law,’ which will happen on Judgment Day, there might just be enough evidence to convict us

This third Sunday of Easter has us now traveling on the road to Emmaus, just as the two disciples did on the day of the Resurrection. Those two disciples, one named Cleopas, a follower of Jesus, and the other is never named in the biblical texts, thus the anonymity of the text invites us to see ourselves in the story, as a follower of Jesus.Before we begin, a few key points to keep in mind as we make our journey: this event takes place on the day of the Resurrection; two disciples are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus discussing the recent events of Jesus’ passion and death

One of the multiple good things about ritual is that it becomes a “tradition” in our lives that we not only depend upon, but count on. Throughout human history, ritual has given people hope and established a commonality of pride among peoples. The traditions, whether national, familial, or religious becomes the fabric of our lives. These rituals such as the national Pledge of Allegiance, to familial traditions including but not limited to the opening of Christmas presents (on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day), the menu at a Fourth of July cookout, or the religious traditions of Easter and Christmas instill in us confidence, hope, community, security and more

As we enter into Palm Sunday with the coming of Holy Week and the Easter Season, we should reflect on our Lenten journey that each of us has made over the last five weeks—intended to grow and strengthen our spiritual life as we seek to progress towards Christ.

Take this journey with us- When we left for Boston on Thursday evening, I was filled with anxiety and anticipation, this being my first mission trip. As we arrived at Hillside Community Church, teens got right to work setting up our sleeping quarters and unloading the bus. The way they worked together immediately reminded me of the community that Christ shared with his disciples. In the evenings, we reflected on our days, sharing where we saw God and praying together.

In this gospel, we have a family waiting in sorrow. Martha and Mary send for Jesus while their brother Lazarus is sick. Jesus delays his arrival and Lazarus dies. Often times we may pray to the Lord for help and it seems like He delays His answer, His help. This waiting, this silence can resonate in our lives of faith too

This year, Peter Pabich was selected as our community’s nominee and he was accepted by Archbishop Coyne to receive the St . Joseph Medal of Appreciation! The ceremony is this Sunday at 2:30 pm at which time Archbishop Christopher Coyne will bestow the Archdiocese’s medal of appreciation, the St. Joseph Medal, on those nominated by their pastors for outstanding service to the parish.