Fr. Johnson Tharayil,
Please scroll down for Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion Dates and Times
Everyone must wear a mask when attending Mass with the exception of those under two years of age.
Everyone must wear a mask when attending Mass with the exception of those under two years of age.
- October 4, 2020 27th Sunday Ordinary Time
- Matthew 21:33-43
- Greetings from Father Johnson!
- Hope you are safe and healthy! As you may know, I have reached safely at home, and spending my time in quarantine. It provides me enough time to pray and to prepare for the future ministry in my Diocese. During this period, I can get rid of my Jet-lag and adjust to the weather and time changes.
Covid cases are increasing in my country, and in my state. That’s why; the Government announced strict orders to wear masks, adhere to social distancing, and that it is not allowing us to gather more than 5 persons in public places. Still, there is special permission to celebrate Holy Mass but with 20 people only. Let us pray and hope that we will overcome this situation soon.
Today is the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. While we reflect on today’s readings, we see some striking similarities between the First Reading and the Gospel Reading. They both focus on the same subject: ‘The Lord's Vineyard and the Vine’ in different ways and underline the necessity of bearing good fruit. Failure to produce good fruits ultimately leads to rejection.
In today’s first reading, we hear about the Song of the Vineyard. In the song Isaiah describes God as the owner of a beautiful Vineyard that has been carefully tended. The owner does everything possible to produce a healthy crop of grapes. But he winds up with sour wild grapes. Dear friends, the prophet warns the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah that they will be abandoned or rejected by God because of their injustice and non-observance of the Law.
In today’s Gospel, we hear about ‘The Parable of the Wicked Tenants.’ Here too, the Vineyard stands for God’s people, but the criticism is directed at the tenants rather than the Vineyard itself. It is not difficult to see that the owner of the Vineyard is God. The tenants are of course those who exercise moral authority: the chief priests and the elders of the people.
The owner first sends his servants, then finally his son to collect the harvest. Instead, the tenants seize, beat, stone and even kill them all. The obvious meaning of the parable is completed by the rejection of the tenants and the giving of the Vineyard to those who are prepared to work in the Vineyard to produce good fruit. The chief priests and the elders, those to whom the parable is told, fully understand that the parable is attacking them.
My dear friends, we are God’s chosen people. We are the tenants in the Vineyard. God calls us to produce the fruits of the Kingdom of God that will endure. Now, let us ask a few questions: How do we see this call? How well, have we received the message of the Lord? Do we fail to recognize the voice of God in the messengers He sends us? Over the centuries many prophets in our Christian communities have been rejected, abused and even killed. And all these martyrs have one thing in common: they were killed not by pagans but by fellow-Christians, the tenants in the Lord's Vineyard.
Today we are reminded again of what the Scripture says, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone.’ The prophets and saints may go unheeded and God’s beloved Son may be rejected, but God has not lost control. In the face of rejection and sin, he is free to provide other tenants who will produce good fruit. There is surely an implicit warning for the new leaders of God’s people. Leadership must be about service and about nurturing God’s people.
Therefore my dear friends let us pray to God to give us the grace to produce good fruits in our lives. Let us be faithful in our relationship with God and others. And finally let us be good tenants in the Lord's Vineyard. Amen!
With Love,- Father Johnson from India
-
- SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
- 4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass- No Mass Wednesday
- 6:30am Holy Mass: Thursday, October 8 and Friday October 9
September 23, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.’ Cicero. I find no better way to express my thanks and offer my departing words than through Scripture, Philosophers, and well known Writers who have gone before me. St. Paul, especially, has such warm and kind words as he writes to all the people of various regions where he spread God’s Word. ‘Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ 1Thessalonians 5:16-18.I thank all of you that expressed such warm feelings of love and appreciation as I prepare to depart this Country, this State, this Diocese and these Parishes for India after my years of Service here, all for the Glory of God. I am thankful for the demonstration of your love and I offer it back to you.
Paul said: ‘You know how I lived among you from the first day I set foot in the province of Asia – how I served the Lord in humility through the sorrows and trials that came my way . . . Never did I shrink from telling you what was for your own good, or from teaching you in public or in private . . . I know as I speak these words that none of you among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom (may) ever see my face again . . . Keep watch over yourselves, and over the whole flock the Holy Spirit has given you to guard . . .
I commend you now to the Lord, and to that gracious word of His which can enlarge you, and give you a share among all who are consecrated to Him. Never did I set my heart on anyone’s silver or gold or envy the way he dressed. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have served both my needs and those of my companions. I have always pointed out to you that it is by such hard work that you must help the weak. You need to recall the words of the Lord Jesus Himself who said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than receiving.’ After the discourse, Paul knelt down with them all and prayed. They began to weep without restraint, throwing their arms around him and kissing him, for they were deeply distressed to hear that they would never see his face again.’
‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the Heavens, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, I have considered the task which God has appointed for men’ Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 4, 10
With love and gratitude,
Fr. Johnson Tharayil
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.’ Cicero. I find no better way to express my thanks and offer my departing words than through Scripture, Philosophers, and well known Writers who have gone before me. St. Paul, especially, has such warm and kind words as he writes to all the people of various regions where he spread God’s Word. ‘Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ 1Thessalonians 5:16-18.I thank all of you that expressed such warm feelings of love and appreciation as I prepare to depart this Country, this State, this Diocese and these Parishes for India after my years of Service here, all for the Glory of God. I am thankful for the demonstration of your love and I offer it back to you.
Paul said: ‘You know how I lived among you from the first day I set foot in the province of Asia – how I served the Lord in humility through the sorrows and trials that came my way . . . Never did I shrink from telling you what was for your own good, or from teaching you in public or in private . . . I know as I speak these words that none of you among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom (may) ever see my face again . . . Keep watch over yourselves, and over the whole flock the Holy Spirit has given you to guard . . .
I commend you now to the Lord, and to that gracious word of His which can enlarge you, and give you a share among all who are consecrated to Him. Never did I set my heart on anyone’s silver or gold or envy the way he dressed. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have served both my needs and those of my companions. I have always pointed out to you that it is by such hard work that you must help the weak. You need to recall the words of the Lord Jesus Himself who said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than receiving.’ After the discourse, Paul knelt down with them all and prayed. They began to weep without restraint, throwing their arms around him and kissing him, for they were deeply distressed to hear that they would never see his face again.’
‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the Heavens, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, I have considered the task which God has appointed for men’ Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 4, 10
With love and gratitude,
Fr. Johnson Tharayil
September 20, 2020 25th Sunday Ordinary Time
Matthew 20:1-16a
As I do my final Sunday Homily for these two Parishes, reflecting upon the readings for this weekend, I thank God for being near to me. I thank God for His generosity towards me and I praise Him. It is not always easy to see, feel, or understand God’s wisdom and generosity. Just as you, I am one of God’s laborers in His vineyard, and He is generous. ‘The Lord is near to all who call upon Him.’ Yes, He is near to me and near to you when we call upon Him.
Today’s readings speak of God’s compassion and His generosity. In today’s first reading, Isaiah tells us to seek the Lord while He may be found. We know that God is near when we call upon Him. We always need to turn to Him for mercy and forgiveness. We are told in Isaiah that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and our ways are not God’s ways. We may not always see things the way God sees them; but we must know in His wisdom He will guide us if we are open to His guidance. We can also recognize that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and our ways are not God’s ways when we reflect upon the Gospel.
For Matthew’s Gospel describes how even those who came to conversion at the end and repented will receive the same reward of Heaven as those who have lived a long life of faithful service. Our Lord’s love, generosity, and compassion is such that He rewards even these laborers who came to work in His vineyard toward the end of the day. It may be difficult for us to see the fairness of this. But this shows us the greatness of God’s mercy and generosity.
Our Lord encourages us not to be envious of these people. We may question at various times in our lives: why did this happen to me, or why did that good person have an accident, or why does that child need surgery? We question God about what we feel is an inequity. We may look at things as unfair. This is because we judge by human standards but God’s wisdom is Divine. We know our God is a just God.
We are also told in Matthew’s Gospel: ‘the last will be first, and the first will be last.’ We may also feel that this is unfair; but we must understand that as laborers in God’s vineyard, God in His infinite wisdom is in charge; He is the Master of the vineyard. We must only rejoice in God’s everlasting love and compassion. He graciously gives according to His will. We must thank God for His generosity and conduct ourselves as St. Paul directed the Philippians: to live their lives in a way worthy of the Gospel of Christ. This is our challenge: to live our lives every day in a way that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
When we faithfully attend Church and fervently pray we may sometimes question why God does not answer our prayers in the way that we believe He should, or in the way that we desire. We must recognize that not one of us deserves anything from God. God in his gracious generosity freely gives just as He generously offered His only Son for our salvation.
We are reminded in the readings today of the Master’s generosity: His grace. God cares more for people than things. Thus we cannot focus on the material reward for work but rather on the Master’s generosity and love for His laborers.
Our Lord is near to all who call upon Him. I pray this for you and for me. May our Lord continue to be generous and near to each and every one of us; both near to me as I depart for a far-away vineyard, and near to you as you continue to labor in this vineyard! There is much work to be done in God’s vineyard. God calls each of us.
My dear friends, God calls each one of us to be generous. I have heard some people saying that our parishioners are very generous. Yes, I too believe so; still we must grow to be more generous and compassionate in all aspects. Amen
Malayalam Song Summary - God’s love
Words are not enough to explain God’s love and our lives are not enough to thank God. Even in the midst of difficulties God protects us in His hands. Words and expressions of love will never satisfy us.
We have nothing; everything is a gift from God. Neither money nor wealth can give us rest or peace because nothing gained in the world matters if we lose our soul.
Even if our dreams and our friends are gone; even if we are surrounded by enemies and in the midst of difficulties; we are safe and protected in God’s hands. Do not fear; for God is with us; God’s love is with us!
Matthew 20:1-16a
As I do my final Sunday Homily for these two Parishes, reflecting upon the readings for this weekend, I thank God for being near to me. I thank God for His generosity towards me and I praise Him. It is not always easy to see, feel, or understand God’s wisdom and generosity. Just as you, I am one of God’s laborers in His vineyard, and He is generous. ‘The Lord is near to all who call upon Him.’ Yes, He is near to me and near to you when we call upon Him.
Today’s readings speak of God’s compassion and His generosity. In today’s first reading, Isaiah tells us to seek the Lord while He may be found. We know that God is near when we call upon Him. We always need to turn to Him for mercy and forgiveness. We are told in Isaiah that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and our ways are not God’s ways. We may not always see things the way God sees them; but we must know in His wisdom He will guide us if we are open to His guidance. We can also recognize that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and our ways are not God’s ways when we reflect upon the Gospel.
For Matthew’s Gospel describes how even those who came to conversion at the end and repented will receive the same reward of Heaven as those who have lived a long life of faithful service. Our Lord’s love, generosity, and compassion is such that He rewards even these laborers who came to work in His vineyard toward the end of the day. It may be difficult for us to see the fairness of this. But this shows us the greatness of God’s mercy and generosity.
Our Lord encourages us not to be envious of these people. We may question at various times in our lives: why did this happen to me, or why did that good person have an accident, or why does that child need surgery? We question God about what we feel is an inequity. We may look at things as unfair. This is because we judge by human standards but God’s wisdom is Divine. We know our God is a just God.
We are also told in Matthew’s Gospel: ‘the last will be first, and the first will be last.’ We may also feel that this is unfair; but we must understand that as laborers in God’s vineyard, God in His infinite wisdom is in charge; He is the Master of the vineyard. We must only rejoice in God’s everlasting love and compassion. He graciously gives according to His will. We must thank God for His generosity and conduct ourselves as St. Paul directed the Philippians: to live their lives in a way worthy of the Gospel of Christ. This is our challenge: to live our lives every day in a way that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
When we faithfully attend Church and fervently pray we may sometimes question why God does not answer our prayers in the way that we believe He should, or in the way that we desire. We must recognize that not one of us deserves anything from God. God in his gracious generosity freely gives just as He generously offered His only Son for our salvation.
We are reminded in the readings today of the Master’s generosity: His grace. God cares more for people than things. Thus we cannot focus on the material reward for work but rather on the Master’s generosity and love for His laborers.
Our Lord is near to all who call upon Him. I pray this for you and for me. May our Lord continue to be generous and near to each and every one of us; both near to me as I depart for a far-away vineyard, and near to you as you continue to labor in this vineyard! There is much work to be done in God’s vineyard. God calls each of us.
My dear friends, God calls each one of us to be generous. I have heard some people saying that our parishioners are very generous. Yes, I too believe so; still we must grow to be more generous and compassionate in all aspects. Amen
Malayalam Song Summary - God’s love
Words are not enough to explain God’s love and our lives are not enough to thank God. Even in the midst of difficulties God protects us in His hands. Words and expressions of love will never satisfy us.
We have nothing; everything is a gift from God. Neither money nor wealth can give us rest or peace because nothing gained in the world matters if we lose our soul.
Even if our dreams and our friends are gone; even if we are surrounded by enemies and in the midst of difficulties; we are safe and protected in God’s hands. Do not fear; for God is with us; God’s love is with us!
- Weekend of September 19-20
- Greetings from Father Johnson! Hope you all are safe and healthy!
-
This is my final weekend celebration of Holy Masses at SEAS and St. Henry parishes! On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to you all for the love and support that you have given to me.
I plan to leave the Diocese of Birmingham on September 24, 2020 flying to Chicago and on September 25, 2020 depart Chicago flying to Delhi, and later reach Kochi, Kerala on the 26th, 7pm. Once again, I thank you all for everything that you have done for me.
I express my gratitude to you all for the arrangement made at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for the Drive-through Farewell on this Sunday after 11am Mass. I thank you and God bless you!
We have made a special arrangement on this Thursday 24, 2020 for the Holy Mass and it begins at 8.30am. During the Holy Mass, let us thank God for everything He has done for us through Father Johnson. I too will pray for you.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton- 4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass-
With Love,
Father Johnson
______________________________________________________________________________________________
- September 13, 2020 24th Sunday Mathew 18: 21-35
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on Forgiveness. There is a popular saying that ‘To err is human, but to forgive is divine.’ That is to say, that the one who sins acts humanly. This is because; it is part of our attributes as humans to err or to sin. On the other hand, the one who forgives acts divinely. This is because; to forgive is to participate in a very important attribute and nature of God: His divinity. It is what our God is known for. ‘He is compassionate and merciful in His love and He forgives.’
Remember, in Luke's Gospel, Jesus, on the cross, forgives the criminal hung beside Him who asks: 'Jesus remember me.' Also Jesus, speaking of those crucifying Him, begs of God: 'Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.' This is true and immediate forgiveness: Divine forgiveness.
Today’s first reading reminds us that for our prayer to be answered, we must forgive others. It presupposes that we are all sinners, in need of God’s forgiveness. So, for us to be forgiven, first, we must forgive others. Therefore, Sirac urges us: ‘Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.’
We cannot demand forgiveness from the Lord while we still nurse anger and bad feelings against our neighbor. We must first be reconciled, and let go of our anger and resentment. To underline this theme, the Responsorial Psalm portrays a kind and merciful God. ‘The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion’.
In today’s gospel, Jesus takes forgiveness to a different and practical level. This unfolds in the dialogue between Peter and Jesus. Peter asked a theoretical question: ‘How many times must I forgive my brother?’ Jesus answered him in the most practical way: ‘seventy-seven times.’ His response, simply reminds us that Christian forgiveness does not have limits.
Hence, to demonstrate this, Jesus told a parable about the kingdom of heaven. Let us reflect on how many times we have acted like the wicked servant. He was forgiven a great debt, but he could not forgive his neighbor a little debt. He was set free, but he jailed his neighbor. The message of this parable is that we must treat others mercifully. We must forgive others, because God forgives us every day.
It is easy to forgive, but difficult to forget. We may never forget the hurt we have experienced, but we can choose to forgive and pray for the one who has offended us. As life goes on and we remember an incident that was hurtful and caused great pain or anger, we need to remind ourselves that with God’s grace we have already forgiven the one that hurt us. And we must never let the person who hurt us control us.
Jesus tells us to forgive all and forever. What does it mean to forgive all and forever? It does not mean: ‘I forgive you, but we must go our separate ways, or I forgive you, but I do not want to see you again in my life, or I forgive you, but I will not forget.’ Instead, it means something much deeper. It means to restore unity, to believe that it is possible to walk together. It means to heal a wound, without leaving a scar. Just as we are reconciled with God in confession; so too are we reconciled with others through forgiveness.
It is important to add that, sometimes, one equally needs to forgive oneself for the faults committed against self. Endless grieving or a guilty conscience reduces one’s quality of life. It hinders both spiritual and material progress. So, we must forgive ourselves too, in order to continue living in peace with ourselves.-
Finally, he who forgives acts like Christ. Therefore my dear friends during this Holy mass let us pray to God to give us the grace to practice forgiveness in our lives. Amen
Weekend of September 12-13
Greetings from Father Johnson! Hope you all are safe and healthy!
I am glad to tell you that I had a beautiful time at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Henry Parishes. I would like to express my gratitude to you all for the love and support that you have given to me. As I mentioned last Weekend, I plan to leave the Diocese of Birmingham on September 24, 2020 flying to Chicago and on September 25, 2020 depart Chicago flying to Delhi, and later reach Kochi, Kerala on the 26th, 7pm. Once again, I thank you all for everything that you have done for me. I will continue to pray for you, especially during the Eucharistic Celebration and I ask you to pray for me.
During this Pandemic, if you feel sick, or have been exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and maintain Social Distancing.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
With Love,
Father Johnson
Greetings from Father Johnson! Hope you all are safe and healthy!
I am glad to tell you that I had a beautiful time at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Henry Parishes. I would like to express my gratitude to you all for the love and support that you have given to me. As I mentioned last Weekend, I plan to leave the Diocese of Birmingham on September 24, 2020 flying to Chicago and on September 25, 2020 depart Chicago flying to Delhi, and later reach Kochi, Kerala on the 26th, 7pm. Once again, I thank you all for everything that you have done for me. I will continue to pray for you, especially during the Eucharistic Celebration and I ask you to pray for me.
During this Pandemic, if you feel sick, or have been exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and maintain Social Distancing.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
With Love,
Father Johnson
- r
September 6,2020 23rd Sunday Ordinary Time
Good evening friends! I thank Deacon Tim Vaughn for this weekend Homily…
Show of hands. How many of you can recite the Ten Commandments in order according to the CCC? Most of you probably not. How many of you can at least recite most of the Ten Commandments? Some of us remember the 1956 movie The Ten commandments starring Charlton Heston acting as Moses holding the two tablets. The first tablet is for the love of God and the second tablet was for the love of neighbor. The Ten Commandments were given to us by God, first to teach us how to love and to teach us how to live according to God’s will.
If we look at this in totality, do you really think you have kept God’s commandments well enough? Do we live according to his command? The Ten Commandments are much deeper than one sentence and remember, the score needed for eternal life with God is 100%. Perfect. God does not, ask for excuses and He does not grade on a curve. St. Paul tells us in the second reading. “The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,”
But as God’s children He has given us free will on how to live. He gives us moral freedom in choosing what is right and what is wrong. The difficulty here is not usually in identifying what is right, 90% of the time, we know - if we are honest with ourselves what is wrong or in other words sinful actions. Sadly, our society has an attitude of indifference and acceptance of sinful actions, we see this everyday all we have to do is watch the news or read the internet: Let us look at just three of the commandments that St. Paul list.
Should not commit adultery – simple right, but according to the examination of conscience that I follow when I go to Confession, it has a list of 25 actions that can be considered as sins, it includes all the sins of lust. Here are a few:
· Listened to music or jokes that are harmful to purity?
· Willfully entertained impure thoughts?
· Purchased, viewed, or made use of pornography?
· Watched movies and television that involve sex and nudity?
Second: You shall not kill again, not so simple, there are 27 on the list:
· Delighted to see someone else get hurt or suffers?
· Inflicted bodily harm on another person?
· Verbally or emotionally abused another person?
· Hated another person, or wished him evil?
· Been prejudiced, or unjustly discriminated against others because of their race, color, nationality,
sex or religion?
You shall not steal:
Have I...
· Taken something that doesn't belong to me
· Cheated on a test, taxes, sports, games, or in business?
· Squandered money in compulsive gambling?
· Make a false claim to an insurance company?
· Failed to give a full day's work for a full day's pay?
All of these are perversions of the truth that lead away from God's Holiness and holy ways. We are responsible for own actions. Everyone of us have situations and trials in our lives, it is how we respond to these situations reveals if we have sinned or not. God has given us free will; we have been given freedom, to make our own choices. Freedom is something everyone talks about, but few people think about.
Jesus wants us to think about our moral or spiritual freedom. This is an ability built into every human heart. If used well, it helps us become excellent human beings, wise and honorable.
If we misuse it, we become self-centered, frustrated, and even destructive human beings; again all you must do is watch the news. This freedom matters most to Jesus.
· He wants us to use it well, to become what he created us to be. In John 14:15 Jesus says, “if you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
And Jesus makes it so easy for us to stay close to him: He gives us an unlimited free access to his own spiritual cleanliness or spiritual car wash: the sacrament of confession. We must let him teach, heal, and forgive our selfishness, sinfulness, and weakness, so that we can learn to do the same for others.
Then we need to be fed through Holy Communion, this will help us to become good solders for Christ and will help us to choose wisely using our spiritual freedom. Remember our choices matter because God has given us this precious gift. Today, let us ask Jesus’ to help us use it well - so that every single day we follow God’s commandments.
___________________________________________________________
During this Pandemic, if you feel sick, or have been exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and maintain Social Distancing.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
4.00pm: Holy Mass – First Holy Communion
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
__________________________________________________________
Good evening friends! I thank Deacon Tim Vaughn for this weekend Homily…
Show of hands. How many of you can recite the Ten Commandments in order according to the CCC? Most of you probably not. How many of you can at least recite most of the Ten Commandments? Some of us remember the 1956 movie The Ten commandments starring Charlton Heston acting as Moses holding the two tablets. The first tablet is for the love of God and the second tablet was for the love of neighbor. The Ten Commandments were given to us by God, first to teach us how to love and to teach us how to live according to God’s will.
If we look at this in totality, do you really think you have kept God’s commandments well enough? Do we live according to his command? The Ten Commandments are much deeper than one sentence and remember, the score needed for eternal life with God is 100%. Perfect. God does not, ask for excuses and He does not grade on a curve. St. Paul tells us in the second reading. “The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,”
But as God’s children He has given us free will on how to live. He gives us moral freedom in choosing what is right and what is wrong. The difficulty here is not usually in identifying what is right, 90% of the time, we know - if we are honest with ourselves what is wrong or in other words sinful actions. Sadly, our society has an attitude of indifference and acceptance of sinful actions, we see this everyday all we have to do is watch the news or read the internet: Let us look at just three of the commandments that St. Paul list.
Should not commit adultery – simple right, but according to the examination of conscience that I follow when I go to Confession, it has a list of 25 actions that can be considered as sins, it includes all the sins of lust. Here are a few:
· Listened to music or jokes that are harmful to purity?
· Willfully entertained impure thoughts?
· Purchased, viewed, or made use of pornography?
· Watched movies and television that involve sex and nudity?
Second: You shall not kill again, not so simple, there are 27 on the list:
· Delighted to see someone else get hurt or suffers?
· Inflicted bodily harm on another person?
· Verbally or emotionally abused another person?
· Hated another person, or wished him evil?
· Been prejudiced, or unjustly discriminated against others because of their race, color, nationality,
sex or religion?
You shall not steal:
Have I...
· Taken something that doesn't belong to me
· Cheated on a test, taxes, sports, games, or in business?
· Squandered money in compulsive gambling?
· Make a false claim to an insurance company?
· Failed to give a full day's work for a full day's pay?
All of these are perversions of the truth that lead away from God's Holiness and holy ways. We are responsible for own actions. Everyone of us have situations and trials in our lives, it is how we respond to these situations reveals if we have sinned or not. God has given us free will; we have been given freedom, to make our own choices. Freedom is something everyone talks about, but few people think about.
Jesus wants us to think about our moral or spiritual freedom. This is an ability built into every human heart. If used well, it helps us become excellent human beings, wise and honorable.
If we misuse it, we become self-centered, frustrated, and even destructive human beings; again all you must do is watch the news. This freedom matters most to Jesus.
· He wants us to use it well, to become what he created us to be. In John 14:15 Jesus says, “if you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
And Jesus makes it so easy for us to stay close to him: He gives us an unlimited free access to his own spiritual cleanliness or spiritual car wash: the sacrament of confession. We must let him teach, heal, and forgive our selfishness, sinfulness, and weakness, so that we can learn to do the same for others.
- To do this take time study the Ten Commandments deeply, look online for a deep examination of conscience.
- Go to the sacrament of Confession often, all you have to do is talk to Father Johnson, I have seen many parishioners stay after Mass and go to Confession, or you can go to the Shrine in Hanceville 8:00am Every Day | Tues – Sat 3:00pm
Then we need to be fed through Holy Communion, this will help us to become good solders for Christ and will help us to choose wisely using our spiritual freedom. Remember our choices matter because God has given us this precious gift. Today, let us ask Jesus’ to help us use it well - so that every single day we follow God’s commandments.
___________________________________________________________
During this Pandemic, if you feel sick, or have been exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and maintain Social Distancing.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
4.00pm: Holy Mass – First Holy Communion
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
__________________________________________________________
August 30, 2020 -- 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Matthew 16: 21-27
A certain lady who spent her time working for the Lord-visiting the sick and the bed-ridden, helping the elderly and the handicapped-was diagnosed with a knee problem needing surgery. The surgery unfortunately, was not a success and so left her in constant pain and unable to walk. It seemed that the Lord had ignored the prayers of this woman and her friends for a successful surgery. She was disappointed and her cheerful disposition turned into sadness and gloom. One day she pulled herself together and shared with her confessor what was going on in her soul. The confessor suggested that she go into prayer and ask Jesus why he has treated her this way. And she did. The following day the priest met her and saw peace on her face in spite of her pain. ‘Do you know what Jesus said to me?’ she began, ‘As I was looking at the crucified Jesus and telling him about my bad knee, he said to me, 'Mine is Worse.’ Today’s readings tell us that suffering is an integral part of our earthly life, but it is also our Road to Glory.
In today’s first reading the Prophet Jeremiah complains about his difficulties as a prophet and the pain he experienced to speak in God’s name. He has become an object of derision and scorn, and all because the Lord deceived him into this task. He feels like giving up the work assigned to him but an inner fire drives him to do what God wants.
However, Jeremiah was able to continue the mission entrusted to him without fail. Similarly, we may face difficulties like résistance, rejections, etc but we must continue the mission entrusted to us. Nothing can prevent the mission of God!
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples about the suffering Messiah who will suffer, die and rise again. Peter cannot understand why Jesus must suffer and die and tries to admonish him. He receives the reprimand from Jesus and also receives the correct teaching about the cross.
Jesus tells his disciples, ‘Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’ There are three things which a disciple must be prepared to do: First, 'The disciple must deny himself.' Normally when we say deny oneself, we understand self-denial, self-renunciation, i.e. to give up something, something we use or something we desire. For Jesus to deny oneself means in every moment of our life to say 'No' to self and 'Yes' to God.
Second, 'The disciple has to take up his cross.' This means that he must take up the burden of sacrifice. A Christian life is a life of sacrificial service. He must abandon his personal ambition in order to serve Christ and the needs of others. And finally, ‘The disciple must follow Jesus Christ.’ That is to say, he must render Jesus perfect obedience in thought, word and action.
Jesus makes it clear that he is going to the cross and the disciples must be willing to follow. The way to life is found in the way of the cross which ends not in death and defeat, but in new life, glorification and exaltation. We gain life by losing life. Suffering and death lead to life and glorification.
The true discipleship demands that each believer embrace life as fully as possible, and in doing so, that each embrace the cross. No Cross; No discipleship. No disciple of Jesus Christ would have a life free from suffering and pain. Hence, we must recall the saying; ‘There will be no Crown without a Cross!’
With Love,
Father Johnson
Matthew 16: 21-27
A certain lady who spent her time working for the Lord-visiting the sick and the bed-ridden, helping the elderly and the handicapped-was diagnosed with a knee problem needing surgery. The surgery unfortunately, was not a success and so left her in constant pain and unable to walk. It seemed that the Lord had ignored the prayers of this woman and her friends for a successful surgery. She was disappointed and her cheerful disposition turned into sadness and gloom. One day she pulled herself together and shared with her confessor what was going on in her soul. The confessor suggested that she go into prayer and ask Jesus why he has treated her this way. And she did. The following day the priest met her and saw peace on her face in spite of her pain. ‘Do you know what Jesus said to me?’ she began, ‘As I was looking at the crucified Jesus and telling him about my bad knee, he said to me, 'Mine is Worse.’ Today’s readings tell us that suffering is an integral part of our earthly life, but it is also our Road to Glory.
In today’s first reading the Prophet Jeremiah complains about his difficulties as a prophet and the pain he experienced to speak in God’s name. He has become an object of derision and scorn, and all because the Lord deceived him into this task. He feels like giving up the work assigned to him but an inner fire drives him to do what God wants.
However, Jeremiah was able to continue the mission entrusted to him without fail. Similarly, we may face difficulties like résistance, rejections, etc but we must continue the mission entrusted to us. Nothing can prevent the mission of God!
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples about the suffering Messiah who will suffer, die and rise again. Peter cannot understand why Jesus must suffer and die and tries to admonish him. He receives the reprimand from Jesus and also receives the correct teaching about the cross.
Jesus tells his disciples, ‘Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’ There are three things which a disciple must be prepared to do: First, 'The disciple must deny himself.' Normally when we say deny oneself, we understand self-denial, self-renunciation, i.e. to give up something, something we use or something we desire. For Jesus to deny oneself means in every moment of our life to say 'No' to self and 'Yes' to God.
Second, 'The disciple has to take up his cross.' This means that he must take up the burden of sacrifice. A Christian life is a life of sacrificial service. He must abandon his personal ambition in order to serve Christ and the needs of others. And finally, ‘The disciple must follow Jesus Christ.’ That is to say, he must render Jesus perfect obedience in thought, word and action.
Jesus makes it clear that he is going to the cross and the disciples must be willing to follow. The way to life is found in the way of the cross which ends not in death and defeat, but in new life, glorification and exaltation. We gain life by losing life. Suffering and death lead to life and glorification.
The true discipleship demands that each believer embrace life as fully as possible, and in doing so, that each embrace the cross. No Cross; No discipleship. No disciple of Jesus Christ would have a life free from suffering and pain. Hence, we must recall the saying; ‘There will be no Crown without a Cross!’
With Love,
Father Johnson
Weekend of August 29-30, 2020
Congratulations to St. Henry Parish First Holy Communion Children:
Lillian Rose Lovoy, Jeremy S Mixon II,
Charleigh Faith Silas, and Liam Michael Swann.
‘The Patricia (Penny) Vaughn Memorial Scholarship’ Youth Award was given to Noah Garst
and the prize money was $1000 (One Thousand Dollars). Congratulations and Good Luck with his college studies!
During this Pandemic, if you feel sick, or have been exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and maintain Social Distancing.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
August 23, 2020 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time
Matthew 16: 13-20
Christian Herter was the Governor of Massachusetts in the 1950s. One day, after a busy morning chasing votes and going without lunch, he arrived at an evening Barbecue. Herter was extremely hungry. As he moved down the serving line, he held out his plate to the woman serving the chicken. She put a piece on his plate and turned to the next person in line. ‘Excuse me,’ Governor Herter said, ‘do you mind if I have another piece?’ ‘Sorry,’ she told him. ‘I'm only allowed to give one piece to each person.’ ‘But I'm starved,’ the Governor said. ‘Sorry: Only one per person.’ Governor Herter was usually an unassuming man, but this time he decided to throw a little weight around. ‘Do you know who I am?’ he said. ‘I am the Governor of this State.’ ‘Do you know who I am?’ the woman replied. ‘I'm the Lady in-charge of the chicken. Move along, Mister.’This is a simple and humorous story about two people: Governor Herter and the Lady in-charge of the chicken, both trying to exert their authority on to the other by telling - 'Who each one is.'
In today’s readings, there is a striking parallel between the first reading and the gospel reading. The symbol of the Keys is the clear link between them, which stands for Power and Authority.
In the First Reading, the Prophet Isaiah pronounces God’s judgment of condemnation on Shebna and foretells his disgrace and replacement by Eliakim. Isaiah speaks powerfully that God will place on Eliakim's shoulders ‘the Key of the House of David.' Eliakim as the servant of God receives his authority directly from God who clothes him in robe and sash, symbols of his office.
God further describes him as a Father to the people of Jerusalem and to the House of Judah since he will give priority to their welfare. He will carry the Key of the House of David around his neck. What Eliakim shall open, no one shall shut; what he shall shut, no one shall open. Eliakim will not fail those who rely on him for support and influence.
Today’s Gospel describes a similar installation of power. Jesus gives the earthly power and authority of his Kingdom to Peter. Jesus says, ‘You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.’ Peter is the rock, the foundation of the community which will carry the name and the authority of Jesus to the whole world. On him, he will build the Church, the Assembly of God's people.
Peter is given a special stewardship and responsibility for the community. ‘I will give you the Keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’ The Keys are a sign that Jesus entrusts Peter the care of his Church. Here we see the parallelism with today's First Reading, where Eliakim is given the power and authority in a similar manner.
We must have a proper understanding of what the Church is, and our role in the Church. First and foremost, Jesus calls the Church 'my Church.' This tells us that Jesus Christ is the owner of the Church. He is the Supreme Authority. Neither Peter nor the disciples own it. Neither the Pope, nor Bishops, nor Pastors own it. We all belong to the Church of Jesus Christ.
Secondly, this passage tells us that Jesus is the one who builds his Church. He is the master builder who has the building plan in his hands. Human co-operators are like masons and carpenters employed by the master builder to help him with the building. Our role is to listen and follow his instructions, doing our own small part in the design of the master.
So, if Jesus is the owner and builder of the Church, where do we come in? We come in precisely where Peter comes in. Together with Peter we are the building blocks of the Church. Peter is the foundation rock and we are the pieces of stone with which the Church is built. Actually, the power and responsibility are shared with all the baptized. Therefore, let us try to fulfill the responsibility He has entrusted to each one of us in building up his Church.
Amen
Matthew 16: 13-20
Christian Herter was the Governor of Massachusetts in the 1950s. One day, after a busy morning chasing votes and going without lunch, he arrived at an evening Barbecue. Herter was extremely hungry. As he moved down the serving line, he held out his plate to the woman serving the chicken. She put a piece on his plate and turned to the next person in line. ‘Excuse me,’ Governor Herter said, ‘do you mind if I have another piece?’ ‘Sorry,’ she told him. ‘I'm only allowed to give one piece to each person.’ ‘But I'm starved,’ the Governor said. ‘Sorry: Only one per person.’ Governor Herter was usually an unassuming man, but this time he decided to throw a little weight around. ‘Do you know who I am?’ he said. ‘I am the Governor of this State.’ ‘Do you know who I am?’ the woman replied. ‘I'm the Lady in-charge of the chicken. Move along, Mister.’This is a simple and humorous story about two people: Governor Herter and the Lady in-charge of the chicken, both trying to exert their authority on to the other by telling - 'Who each one is.'
In today’s readings, there is a striking parallel between the first reading and the gospel reading. The symbol of the Keys is the clear link between them, which stands for Power and Authority.
In the First Reading, the Prophet Isaiah pronounces God’s judgment of condemnation on Shebna and foretells his disgrace and replacement by Eliakim. Isaiah speaks powerfully that God will place on Eliakim's shoulders ‘the Key of the House of David.' Eliakim as the servant of God receives his authority directly from God who clothes him in robe and sash, symbols of his office.
God further describes him as a Father to the people of Jerusalem and to the House of Judah since he will give priority to their welfare. He will carry the Key of the House of David around his neck. What Eliakim shall open, no one shall shut; what he shall shut, no one shall open. Eliakim will not fail those who rely on him for support and influence.
Today’s Gospel describes a similar installation of power. Jesus gives the earthly power and authority of his Kingdom to Peter. Jesus says, ‘You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.’ Peter is the rock, the foundation of the community which will carry the name and the authority of Jesus to the whole world. On him, he will build the Church, the Assembly of God's people.
Peter is given a special stewardship and responsibility for the community. ‘I will give you the Keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’ The Keys are a sign that Jesus entrusts Peter the care of his Church. Here we see the parallelism with today's First Reading, where Eliakim is given the power and authority in a similar manner.
We must have a proper understanding of what the Church is, and our role in the Church. First and foremost, Jesus calls the Church 'my Church.' This tells us that Jesus Christ is the owner of the Church. He is the Supreme Authority. Neither Peter nor the disciples own it. Neither the Pope, nor Bishops, nor Pastors own it. We all belong to the Church of Jesus Christ.
Secondly, this passage tells us that Jesus is the one who builds his Church. He is the master builder who has the building plan in his hands. Human co-operators are like masons and carpenters employed by the master builder to help him with the building. Our role is to listen and follow his instructions, doing our own small part in the design of the master.
So, if Jesus is the owner and builder of the Church, where do we come in? We come in precisely where Peter comes in. Together with Peter we are the building blocks of the Church. Peter is the foundation rock and we are the pieces of stone with which the Church is built. Actually, the power and responsibility are shared with all the baptized. Therefore, let us try to fulfill the responsibility He has entrusted to each one of us in building up his Church.
Amen
Weekend of August 22-23
Greetings from Father Johnson! One of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parishioners, Jackie Frugoli, passed away on Thursday August 13th 2020. Let us pray for her soul. May her soul Rest in Peace!
Bishop Steven Raica recognizes the present condition of Covid-19 cases in Alabama, and especially in the Diocese of Birmingham region. Therefore, Bishop decided to extend the Dispensation from the obligation to attend Holy Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation through Sunday, November 22, 2020.
St. Henry Parish First Holy Communion Children had their First Confession last Sunday August 16, 2020. They are: Lillian Rose Lovoy, Jeremy S Mixon II, Charleigh Faith Silas, and Liam Michael Swann. There will be a special Holy Mass for them this Sunday August 23rd at 4.00pm at St. Henry parish. Let us wish them God’s blessings and pray for them.
During this Pandemic, if you feel sick, or have been exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and maintain Social Distancing.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
4.00pm: Holy Mass – First Holy Communion
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
With Love,
Father Johnson
_____________________________________________________________________________________
20th Sunday of Ordinary Time August 16, 2020
During World War II, a small group of soldiers were on a special mission. Their good buddy had died of wounds and they wanted to bury him in a proper grave. They found a Church with a small graveyard. The cemetery was surrounded by a white picket fence. They asked the parish priest, if the soldier could be buried in the Church cemetery. The priest expressed his sympathy and asked if the soldier was a Catholic. They said he wasn't. The priest said he was sorry, but the graveyard was reserved for the members of the Catholic Church. He told them that they could bury their friend right outside the fence and that he would personally care for the grave. The soldiers were very grateful to the priest and they buried their friend right outside the cemetery. Finally, the War was over. The soldiers returned home. The next year, at their reunion, they made a plan to visit the graveside of their friend. They found the Church and the cemetery, but couldn’t find the grave of their friend. Then the priest came out to greet the soldiers. They told him that they could not find their friend's grave. The priest explained that it just didn't seem right that the soldier was buried outside of the fence. ‘So you moved the grave?’ asked the loyal friends. ‘No,’ said the priest, ‘I moved the fence.’
Today’s readings speak of the universal nature of God’s salvation. It is not limited only to the Jews, His chosen people, but also extends to the Gentiles and Foreigners. God is the God of all nations and He moves the fence to include all people.
In today’s first reading, the Prophet Isaiah depicts the beautiful vision of 'A house of prayer for all peoples.' Foreigners who love and serve the Lord, keeping faithfully his commands, will be brought joyfully into the Lord’s holy mountain. They will join the chosen people of Israel in divine worship.
The prophet Isaiah affirms that God’s salvation is inclusive and not exclusive. It is open to all who worship the Lord God with sincerity of heart no matter where they come from.
In today’s second reading, Paul rejoices in his ministry to the Gentiles. He trusts that the conversion of the Gentiles will prompt the Jews to conversion and he looks forward to the day when the Jews will embrace the saving mercy of God.
Today’s Gospel provides yet another insight into the universality of God’s salvation. Here, we see the healing of the daughter of the Canaanite woman. Jesus praises the faith of the pagan woman by saying, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish’ and cures her daughter. Jesus holds up the woman’s faith as reason for healing.
This event signals the inauguration of a new era, a new covenant of grace based on faith in Jesus. The act of healing in the Gospels is always a sign that the Messianic era has been inaugurated in the person of Jesus. So, the healing of the Canaanite woman proclaims that the era of the Messiah has finally dawned in Jesus, with the full implications of a prophetic word that offered salvation to all.
One day a certain curious person in heaven asked St. Peter: ‘How many Baptists are in heaven?’ Peter replied: ‘No Baptists.’ Then he asked: ‘How many Presbyterians?’ ‘Not even one,’ replied Peter. The man was surprised. He said: ‘Oh then, there are only Catholics in heaven?’ ‘No there are no Catholics in heaven either,’ replied Peter. Then he continued, ‘Heaven is not meant for a particular group of people. Here there is no distinction between Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Protestants or Catholics, for all are welcome in heaven, and there they are all children of God.’
We are the followers of Christ and we believe in our salvation through Jesus Christ. What is our view regarding salvation of others? Is there salvation outside the Church? All the three readings of today tell us that God intends salvation to be available for all persons. It is a truth of the Catholic Faith that Jesus Christ, as God made man, offers through his teaching and through his death and resurrection the way to salvation for all peoples. Though limited in historical time, his teaching, life, death and resurrection have a universal effectiveness and application. He moves the fence and includes all and invites us to do the same.
Amen
August 16, 2020 20th Sunday Ordinary Time
Weekend of August 15-16
Congratulations to SEAS parish First Holy Communion Children: Michael Alba, Chuma Anwah, Juliana Cruse, Sophie Howard, Keegan Keeley, Dominic Otero, Lily Claire Shelton, Abbie Tillman, Dalton Vu, Dason Vu, and Braxton Willis. I thank everyone who prepared these children to receive their First Holy Communion.
St. Henry parish has First Confession on Sunday August 16, 2020. PSR Director Tami Bamberry will give them immediate preparation for the Confession. There will be a special Holy Mass for them on Sunday August 22, 2020 at 4.00pm at St. Henry parish.
Saturday, August 15 celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is not a Holy day of obligation this year. In accordance with the norms established by the United States Bishops and confirmed by the Holy See, Saturday evening Mass should celebrate the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
India celebrates 74th Independence Day on Saturday August 15, 2020. India’s Independence Day reminds the country’s citizens of all the sacrifices the freedom fighters have made to secure the country’s future. Let us wish all Indians, especially Fr Johnson, A Happy Independence Day!
SEAS parish is happy to announce that ‘The Patricia (Penny) Vaughn Memorial Scholarship’ youth award winner is Noah Garst, for the year of 2020. The prize money will be given to him on Saturday August 15, 2020. Congratulations and Good Luck for his college studies! On this occasion, I express my gratitude to Deacon Tim Vaughn for providing the fund to give the Award.
Nazareth House’s Saturday program needs Catholic High School Youth to work with children having intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you are interested please call 205-907-0287 to register for a training workshop that takes place on Saturday August 22, 2020.
If you are sick, or exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and maintain Social Distancing.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
With Love,
Father Johnson
_______________________________________________________________________________
August 9, 2020 19th Sunday Ordinary Time
Matthew 14:22-33
The Church, on this nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, joyfully reminds us that even though storms are inevitable and bring us anguish, Jesus Christ is always close to us calming the storms of our life and restoring our peace.
There is something interesting in today’s readings: all the three great personalities (Elijah, Paul, and Peter) were in one way or the other embattled, and their peace was threatened. Elijah was fearful, and running away from Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel, who wanted him dead at all cost. Paul was ravaged by sorrow and anguish due to the unbelief of his people. This was a great burden that threatened his peace of mind. Peter was sinking, while trying to walk on the water, right in front of Jesus, due to fear, his lack of faith and lack of courage. Dear friends, this is the dilemma of our lives. In one way or the other, our peace is threatened.
In today’s first reading, the embattled prophet Elijah encountered God, and his peace was restored. A very significant lesson for us in this reading is that, when we are internally calm and away from the distractions of life, we hear God speak to us. To say that God spoke to Elijah after the gentle breeze, is simply to say that Elijah experienced peace of mind.
God came at the appropriate time, not in the mighty wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire, but after a gentle breeze. So, contrary to what some of us think, God speaks to us when we are internally calm. Often times, we seek God with distracted minds. In such a state, we may not encounter Him. It is when we are calm, that we hear him speak to us.
In today’s second reading, Paul expresses his grief for his people. This was because, they rejected the Good News. His sadness and grief was so great that he lamented: ‘I would willingly be condemned, if it could help my brothers.’ In other words, he was not at peace because of their situation.
Paul teaches us that we must not always think about ourselves alone. Rather, we should equally be concerned about the welfare, salvation and peace of others. It is through this, that we derive our own inner peace. When others are not safe and saved, our peace is disturbed.
In today’s Gospel, the disciples of Jesus experienced the storm of their life, and Jesus was available to calm it, and equally restore their peace. Storms (sickness, family problems, joblessness, poverty, lack of love, bad habits) are part and parcel of our human existence. They are inevitable in this world, just as the waves are inevitable in the sea, and death is inevitable to us.
Sometimes, they hit us so hard that we are crushed, devastated, and destroyed. Like the disciples of Jesus, each one of us experiences the storm in diverse ways in our lives, and the storm that robs us of our peace. However, when we encounter Christ, our peace is restored. St. Paul wrote (2 Corinthians 4: 8-9): ‘We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed, always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our bodies.’
As Christ said to Peter, so he also says to us today: ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’ So, all we need to do is to trust Him, and keep walking without the fear of sinking. Like Peter, we must step out with faith and courage against the storms of our life. Therefore, let us hold on firmly to Jesus, who calms our storms and restores our peace.
With Love,
Father Johnson
Weekend of August 8-9
Congratulations to Zane Austin Wachter who received baptism on Sunday August 2nd 2020, and I express my gratitude to his parents and god-parents.
I am glad that our people prayed for and wished God’s blessings on all the Parish Priests including me on the Feast day of St. John Vianney. Thank You!
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish has the Mini-Retreat and First Confession on Saturday August 8 from 11am to 3pm. The parents of the First Holy Communion children have to bring them to the SEAS parish hall at 11am. There will be a special Holy Mass for them on Sunday August 9th at 3.30pm.
One of St. Henry parishioners, Elizabeth Ann Myrick, passed away on Wednesday August 5th 2020. Let us pray for her soul. May her soul rest in Peace! The funeral Mass takes place on Saturday August 8th 2020 at 11 am and the visitation will begin at 10am.
Nazareth House’s Saturday program needs Catholic High School Youth to work with children having intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you are interested please call 205-907-0287 to register for a training workshop that takes place on Saturday August 22, 2020.
During this Covid-19 pandemic, we must be very careful and take appropriate precautions (hand washing, sanitizing, wearing masks, maintaining social distancing). If you are sick, or exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and maintain Social Distancing.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
11.00am – 3.pm: First Communicant’s Mini Retreat and First Confession
11.00am – Funeral Mass at St. Henry (Elizabeth Myrick)
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
3.30pm: First Holy Communion
With Love Father Johnson
_______________________________________________________________________________
August 2, 2020 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matthew 14:13-21
Today’s readings invite us to come to the Lord: with our prayers; with our needs; with our hungers; with our desires. We are told that nothing can separate us from the love of our Lord. Our Lord feeds us and answers all our need.
The first reading from Isaiah was made into a popular song by John Foley, S.J., entitled: ‘Come to the Water.’ In it he reminds us, just as Isaiah does:
‘O let all who thirst
Let them come to the water
And let all who have nothing
Let them come to the Lord
Without money, without price
Why should you pay the price
Except for the Lord?’
Isaiah is reminding us that the earthly things which we may seek will never satisfy us, will never quench our thirst. It is only our Lord who will be able to make us content, satisfied, fulfilled, and nourished.
Today’s responsorial psalm also re-assures us that it is the hand of the Lord which feeds us and only He can answer all our needs. We must remember that our Lord is gracious and merciful. He is near to us if we only call upon Him.
In today’s second reading, we are asked what separates us from Christ’s love. St. Paul answers us that not even anguish, distress, persecution, or any difficulties can separate us from God’s love. But instead, we can conquer any problems with the love our Lord has for us. This assurance is overwhelmingly powerful and comforting, particularly in any times of trial, when we may feel lost or alone in our struggles. We only need to look to our Lord who will give us strength and comfort through His love.
In today’s Gospel, we are reminded once again of the power of Christ’s love. We need not doubt, for our Lord is there for us. Our Lord performs miracles each day in our lives. From the rising and setting of the sun, to the neighbor who offers to help us just at the right time when we feel we can’t complete our task alone, to the successful surgery when we are on the operating table, to the greeting card that comes in the mail when we are feeling down.
Our Lord fed five thousand men, not counting women and children, with two fish and five loaves of bread. All were satisfied, and the fragments filled twelve wicker baskets. How much more will our Lord answer our prayers in our times of need? All we need to do is ask.
We must recognize that Jesus sympathizes and empathizes with us in our distress. He feels what we feel and comes to our aid. Whenever we come to Him, He never casts us away.
He not only makes the impossible possible but He also makes it happen just for our sake and for our good. The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves is a sign that prefigures the superabundance of the unique bread of the Eucharist and love of God which sustains us on our journey to the Kingdom of Heaven.
So let us remember: ‘Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened.’ Our Lord is there for us. And just as our Lord is there for us and is generous to us, so too we must be generous with others, with our talents, our gifts, our resources, and our possessions. When we are generous God blesses us and our efforts. As St. Francis of Assisi would say, ‘It is in giving that we receive.’ Amen
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August 2, 2020 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matthew 14:13-21
Today’s readings invite us to come to the Lord: with our prayers; with our needs; with our hungers; with our desires. We are told that nothing can separate us from the love of our Lord. Our Lord feeds us and answers all our need.
The first reading from Isaiah was made into a popular song by John Foley, S.J., entitled: ‘Come to the Water.’ In it he reminds us, just as Isaiah does:
‘O let all who thirst
Let them come to the water
And let all who have nothing
Let them come to the Lord
Without money, without price
Why should you pay the price
Except for the Lord?’
Isaiah is reminding us that the earthly things which we may seek will never satisfy us, will never quench our thirst. It is only our Lord who will be able to make us content, satisfied, fulfilled, and nourished.
Today’s responsorial psalm also re-assures us that it is the hand of the Lord which feeds us and only He can answer all our needs. We must remember that our Lord is gracious and merciful. He is near to us if we only call upon Him.
In today’s second reading, we are asked what separates us from Christ’s love. St. Paul answers us that not even anguish, distress, persecution, or any difficulties can separate us from God’s love. But instead, we can conquer any problems with the love our Lord has for us. This assurance is overwhelmingly powerful and comforting, particularly in any times of trial, when we may feel lost or alone in our struggles. We only need to look to our Lord who will give us strength and comfort through His love.
In today’s Gospel, we are reminded once again of the power of Christ’s love. We need not doubt, for our Lord is there for us. Our Lord performs miracles each day in our lives. From the rising and setting of the sun, to the neighbor who offers to help us just at the right time when we feel we can’t complete our task alone, to the successful surgery when we are on the operating table, to the greeting card that comes in the mail when we are feeling down.
Our Lord fed five thousand men, not counting women and children, with two fish and five loaves of bread. All were satisfied, and the fragments filled twelve wicker baskets. How much more will our Lord answer our prayers in our times of need? All we need to do is ask.
We must recognize that Jesus sympathizes and empathizes with us in our distress. He feels what we feel and comes to our aid. Whenever we come to Him, He never casts us away.
He not only makes the impossible possible but He also makes it happen just for our sake and for our good. The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves is a sign that prefigures the superabundance of the unique bread of the Eucharist and love of God which sustains us on our journey to the Kingdom of Heaven.
So let us remember: ‘Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened.’ Our Lord is there for us. And just as our Lord is there for us and is generous to us, so too we must be generous with others, with our talents, our gifts, our resources, and our possessions. When we are generous God blesses us and our efforts. As St. Francis of Assisi would say, ‘It is in giving that we receive.’ Amen
_______________________________________________________________________________
Weekend of August 1-2
July 26, 2020 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Mathew 13:44-52
Today, the Church encourages us to pray for Understanding and Wisdom in order to enable us to discern the true value of things, especially the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. She reminds us that the greatest of all treasures is the Kingdom of God.
Today’s first reading began in an interesting way. Interesting in the sense that it resembles a situation where a poor man is suddenly given an open check and asked to fill-in any amount he feels like having, and it will be all his. Just imagine, what would he do? Similarly, if you were Solomon what would you ask for? Some of us would, ask for more cars, houses, shoes, foods, money, power, children and much more! On the contrary, Solomon asked for Wisdom for the benefit of both his kingdom and God’s kingdom. He begged God to give him Understanding: ‘Give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.’
The book of Proverbs (2:6) says, ‘An understanding heart is God’s gift’. We need it every day in all aspects of our life to succeed. So, we must ask God: Give me an understanding to know the right thing to do. The Apostle James (1:5) encourages us: ‘If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to you.’ Wisdom was given to Solomon, because he asked for it, and it was important for his service and ministry. However, God expects us to ask wisely, reasonably and not selfishly.
In today’s second reading, Paul reminds us that: ‘All things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.’ That means God is leading us through the storms of life towards our home, and towards His kingdom. He orders all the events of our lives to lead us there. This is what we call ‘Providence.’ In other words, God’s powerful hand is active in all the circumstances of our lives.
‘All things’ is utterly inclusive and comprehensive. It has no qualifications or limits. It has no restrictions or conditions. ‘All things’ is inclusive in the fullest possible sense. It includes our present trouble, our poverty, our richness, joblessness, our success and failure, our weakness and strength, as well as our sickness and health. Indeed, everything and nothing is left out! Nothing occurs in heaven, or on earth without the knowledge of God. By saying that all things work together for us, Paul tries to reassure us that there is no discord in God’s providence. This is especially, for those who have become God’s friends.
Today’s Gospel is a continuation of Jesus’ use of parables to teach us about the Kingdom of God. Therefore, it is a call to be as wise as Solomon. Without Wisdom, we can neither understand the parables of Christ, nor seek the kingdom of God. Today’s good news is also a call to value what is most precious to us, for which God has chosen us.
Today’s parables are intended to instruct us to prefer the kingdom of heaven to this world, and to ensure that nothing prevents us from entering into it. Through these parables, Christ reminds us of the excellence and beauty of eternal life. The kingdom of God is indeed a treasure hidden from the wise of this world. Only those who are wise according to God’s standard look for it, and find it. To find it, we must first value it, and when we have found it, we must hide it in our hearts.
If we lack Wisdom and Understanding we cannot understand the parables of this Sunday which focus on the need for us to seek the kingdom of God as the most valuable of all treasures. Therefore, let us ask God for Understanding and Wisdom as Solomon did, so that we may be wise enough to discern what is good for us, and to make God’s kingdom our priority. Amen!
_______________________________________________________________________________
Today, the Church encourages us to pray for Understanding and Wisdom in order to enable us to discern the true value of things, especially the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. She reminds us that the greatest of all treasures is the Kingdom of God.
Today’s first reading began in an interesting way. Interesting in the sense that it resembles a situation where a poor man is suddenly given an open check and asked to fill-in any amount he feels like having, and it will be all his. Just imagine, what would he do? Similarly, if you were Solomon what would you ask for? Some of us would, ask for more cars, houses, shoes, foods, money, power, children and much more! On the contrary, Solomon asked for Wisdom for the benefit of both his kingdom and God’s kingdom. He begged God to give him Understanding: ‘Give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.’
The book of Proverbs (2:6) says, ‘An understanding heart is God’s gift’. We need it every day in all aspects of our life to succeed. So, we must ask God: Give me an understanding to know the right thing to do. The Apostle James (1:5) encourages us: ‘If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to you.’ Wisdom was given to Solomon, because he asked for it, and it was important for his service and ministry. However, God expects us to ask wisely, reasonably and not selfishly.
In today’s second reading, Paul reminds us that: ‘All things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.’ That means God is leading us through the storms of life towards our home, and towards His kingdom. He orders all the events of our lives to lead us there. This is what we call ‘Providence.’ In other words, God’s powerful hand is active in all the circumstances of our lives.
‘All things’ is utterly inclusive and comprehensive. It has no qualifications or limits. It has no restrictions or conditions. ‘All things’ is inclusive in the fullest possible sense. It includes our present trouble, our poverty, our richness, joblessness, our success and failure, our weakness and strength, as well as our sickness and health. Indeed, everything and nothing is left out! Nothing occurs in heaven, or on earth without the knowledge of God. By saying that all things work together for us, Paul tries to reassure us that there is no discord in God’s providence. This is especially, for those who have become God’s friends.
Today’s Gospel is a continuation of Jesus’ use of parables to teach us about the Kingdom of God. Therefore, it is a call to be as wise as Solomon. Without Wisdom, we can neither understand the parables of Christ, nor seek the kingdom of God. Today’s good news is also a call to value what is most precious to us, for which God has chosen us.
Today’s parables are intended to instruct us to prefer the kingdom of heaven to this world, and to ensure that nothing prevents us from entering into it. Through these parables, Christ reminds us of the excellence and beauty of eternal life. The kingdom of God is indeed a treasure hidden from the wise of this world. Only those who are wise according to God’s standard look for it, and find it. To find it, we must first value it, and when we have found it, we must hide it in our hearts.
If we lack Wisdom and Understanding we cannot understand the parables of this Sunday which focus on the need for us to seek the kingdom of God as the most valuable of all treasures. Therefore, let us ask God for Understanding and Wisdom as Solomon did, so that we may be wise enough to discern what is good for us, and to make God’s kingdom our priority. Amen!
_______________________________________________________________________________
Greetings from Gardendale!
Hope you are safe and healthy! During this pandemic many people, especially who are old, feel loneliness or depression; so, we need to try to make them feel happy through our emotional and spiritual support. Please make a telephone call or text message that can make miracles in the minds and attitudes of others.
During this Covid-19 pandemic, we must be very careful and take appropriate precautions (hand washing, sanitizing, wearing masks, maintaining social distancing). If you are sick, or exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and maintain Social Distancing.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
With Love,
Father Johnson
_______________________________________________________________________________
Hope you are safe and healthy! During this pandemic many people, especially who are old, feel loneliness or depression; so, we need to try to make them feel happy through our emotional and spiritual support. Please make a telephone call or text message that can make miracles in the minds and attitudes of others.
During this Covid-19 pandemic, we must be very careful and take appropriate precautions (hand washing, sanitizing, wearing masks, maintaining social distancing). If you are sick, or exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and maintain Social Distancing.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
With Love,
Father Johnson
_______________________________________________________________________________
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 19, 2020
I thank Deacon Tim Vaughn for this weekend homily. Thank You!
May I have a show of hands? Have you ever read a line in scripture that sort of slapped you right across the face? In my case it is today’s second reading from Romans 8:26 where it states, “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought.”
Wait a second here – Is St. Paul telling me that I do not know how to pray? I was baptized one month after I was born, which makes 67 years in October. I went to twelve years of Catholic schools, twelve years of teaching in two different Catholic high schools, 5 year of diaconal training and 6.5 years as an ordained Deacon and St. Paul says that I do not always know how to pray. The problem is – that he is right. That is very humbling to admit this, but I do not always pray as I should. Then what must I do to pray as I should? Good question? Not just for me but for all of us.
Why? Because often in prayer, just like in life we like to be in control. Okay God this is my prayer, this is what I want you to do. So, we are praying to God, we are trying to make God do things for us.
Trust me it does not work that way. Then what must we do? As Catholics we begin our prayers with the Sign of the Cross – “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” If we begin slowly properly then we are invoking the entire Holy Trinity into our pray. But mostly St. Paul tells us to pray in the Holy Spirit. Not to the Holy Spirit but in the Holy Spirit. It makes it a totally different prayer when we pray in the Spirit of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in your prayers.
As we pray, we should pray for the grace to teach us how to live. As we move deeper into our prayers, we then add our intentions so that all around us will lead a better life. This is one of the reasons that Jesus uses parables in His teaching. He uses clear instruction to teach His followers how to live and combat the evil one.
The parable we heard in today’s Gospel should wake us up to the reality of the evil one in our midst. The specific action of the “enemy” in this parable is disturbing. Imagine if this story was true and you were the farmer who worked extremely hard at sowing the seed throughout your field. Then, if you awoke to hear the news that weeds had been sown also, you would be quite saddened, angered, and disappointed.
But this parable is especially about the Son of God. Jesus is the one who has sown the good seed of His Word and watered that seed with His Precious Blood. But the evil one, the devil, the weeds, has also been at work trying to undermine the work of our Lord. We may have to endure evil on a daily basis and find ourselves surrounded by it at times, but our Lord’s willingness to allow evil for now is a clear sign that He knows it cannot affect our growth in virtue if we do not let it.
This is where daily prayer comes in: Again, take a moment and put yourself in the presence of the Spirit of God. It is about entering into communion with God. It is about establishing a relationship with Him in a deep, beautiful, and abiding way. Then reflect upon the reality of evil in your world that is keeping you from living the life that Jesus is teaching us. It is essential that you name evil activity for what it is. And the evil one, despite his malicious attacks, will ultimately be defeated.
Reflect upon the hope that this truth brings and renew your trust in the power of God this day. So, I leave you with this prayer. First of all take a deep breath and put yourselves in the Spirit of God: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Lord, I pray that you do deliver us all from the evil one. May we be freed from his lies and snares and always keep our eyes upon you, our Divine Shepherd. I turn to you in all things, dear Lord. Amen
Blessings,
Dc Tim Vaughn
May I have a show of hands? Have you ever read a line in scripture that sort of slapped you right across the face? In my case it is today’s second reading from Romans 8:26 where it states, “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought.”
Wait a second here – Is St. Paul telling me that I do not know how to pray? I was baptized one month after I was born, which makes 67 years in October. I went to twelve years of Catholic schools, twelve years of teaching in two different Catholic high schools, 5 year of diaconal training and 6.5 years as an ordained Deacon and St. Paul says that I do not always know how to pray. The problem is – that he is right. That is very humbling to admit this, but I do not always pray as I should. Then what must I do to pray as I should? Good question? Not just for me but for all of us.
Why? Because often in prayer, just like in life we like to be in control. Okay God this is my prayer, this is what I want you to do. So, we are praying to God, we are trying to make God do things for us.
Trust me it does not work that way. Then what must we do? As Catholics we begin our prayers with the Sign of the Cross – “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” If we begin slowly properly then we are invoking the entire Holy Trinity into our pray. But mostly St. Paul tells us to pray in the Holy Spirit. Not to the Holy Spirit but in the Holy Spirit. It makes it a totally different prayer when we pray in the Spirit of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in your prayers.
As we pray, we should pray for the grace to teach us how to live. As we move deeper into our prayers, we then add our intentions so that all around us will lead a better life. This is one of the reasons that Jesus uses parables in His teaching. He uses clear instruction to teach His followers how to live and combat the evil one.
The parable we heard in today’s Gospel should wake us up to the reality of the evil one in our midst. The specific action of the “enemy” in this parable is disturbing. Imagine if this story was true and you were the farmer who worked extremely hard at sowing the seed throughout your field. Then, if you awoke to hear the news that weeds had been sown also, you would be quite saddened, angered, and disappointed.
But this parable is especially about the Son of God. Jesus is the one who has sown the good seed of His Word and watered that seed with His Precious Blood. But the evil one, the devil, the weeds, has also been at work trying to undermine the work of our Lord. We may have to endure evil on a daily basis and find ourselves surrounded by it at times, but our Lord’s willingness to allow evil for now is a clear sign that He knows it cannot affect our growth in virtue if we do not let it.
This is where daily prayer comes in: Again, take a moment and put yourself in the presence of the Spirit of God. It is about entering into communion with God. It is about establishing a relationship with Him in a deep, beautiful, and abiding way. Then reflect upon the reality of evil in your world that is keeping you from living the life that Jesus is teaching us. It is essential that you name evil activity for what it is. And the evil one, despite his malicious attacks, will ultimately be defeated.
Reflect upon the hope that this truth brings and renew your trust in the power of God this day. So, I leave you with this prayer. First of all take a deep breath and put yourselves in the Spirit of God: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Lord, I pray that you do deliver us all from the evil one. May we be freed from his lies and snares and always keep our eyes upon you, our Divine Shepherd. I turn to you in all things, dear Lord. Amen
Blessings,
Dc Tim Vaughn
Mass Schedule for Weekend of July 18-19
Greetings from Fr. Johnson!
I am so glad to express our gratitude to God and to you for having the Columbarium in our SEAS parish. I thank you all for the effort that you took to complete this project. Thank you!
Grand Knight Ken Friedrich informed me that Michael and Donna Wallace are selected as the Knights of Columbus State of Alabama Family of the year for 2019. It’s great, and we are proud of them. Congratulations to Michael and Donna Wallace!
During this Covid-19 pandemic, we must be very careful and take appropriate precautions (hand washing, sanitizing, wearing masks, maintain social distancing). When I say this, I am well aware about the situation in our area. Some of our parishioners are affected, and they are isolating themselves. It’s spreading in Birmingham, Fultondale, Gardendale, Morris, Warrior, Hayden, etc so be watchful and careful. If you are sick, or exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and keep the Social Distancing.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish office is open this week from 9.00am to 4.30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and on Monday and Friday mornings only. When you come to the parish office, please wear masks and use hand sanitizer, and if you forget to bring them, don’t worry, we have kept masks and hand sanitizer for you to use. We are always ready to help you.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
Love,
Father Johnson
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Greetings from Fr. Johnson!
I am so glad to express our gratitude to God and to you for having the Columbarium in our SEAS parish. I thank you all for the effort that you took to complete this project. Thank you!
Grand Knight Ken Friedrich informed me that Michael and Donna Wallace are selected as the Knights of Columbus State of Alabama Family of the year for 2019. It’s great, and we are proud of them. Congratulations to Michael and Donna Wallace!
During this Covid-19 pandemic, we must be very careful and take appropriate precautions (hand washing, sanitizing, wearing masks, maintain social distancing). When I say this, I am well aware about the situation in our area. Some of our parishioners are affected, and they are isolating themselves. It’s spreading in Birmingham, Fultondale, Gardendale, Morris, Warrior, Hayden, etc so be watchful and careful. If you are sick, or exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and keep the Social Distancing.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish office is open this week from 9.00am to 4.30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and on Monday and Friday mornings only. When you come to the parish office, please wear masks and use hand sanitizer, and if you forget to bring them, don’t worry, we have kept masks and hand sanitizer for you to use. We are always ready to help you.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
Love,
Father Johnson
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 12, 2020
Mathew 13: 1-23
There is a story about a first century Rabbi, Rabbi Akiva. One day as he was shepherding his flock, he noticed a tiny stream trickling down a hillside, dripping over a ledge on its way toward the river. There was a massive boulder. Surprisingly, the water bore a deep impression in the rock. The drip, drip of water over the centuries had hollowed away the stone. He said, ‘If mere water can do this to hard rock, how much more can God's Word carve a way into my heart of flesh?’ He realized that if the water had flowed over the rock all at once, the rock would have been unchanged. It was the slow but steady impact of each small droplet, year after year, that completely reformed the stone.
Today’s readings emphasize the constant and powerful action of the Word of God to enlighten and to move our minds and hearts to believe in Him and to act accordingly.
In today’s first reading the Prophet Isaiah compares the power of the Word of God with rain, relating it to its effect on us. Just as rain falls and makes the earth fertile and fruitful, so the Word of God comes down to us and enriches our lives. He is confident that God’s Word will find fertile ground in the hearts of the people and transform them into a people equipped to nourish the nations of the world spiritually.
In today’s Gospel Jesus tells us 'The Parable of the Sower.' He emphasizes the variety of responses to the Word of God. It is not due to God’s Word that the harvest fails in some people’s lives, but the manner in which it is received.
The interpretation of the parable puts the emphasis more on us and the ways in which we can respond. The different types of soil in which the seeds are sown are metaphors for the disposition with which each individual hears the teaching about the kingdom of heaven. Some will be easily swayed away from the kingdom of heaven. Some will receive it for a time but will lose it when faced with difficulties. Some will hear the Word but will then permit other cares to choke it out. Yet some will receive it well, and the seed will produce abundant fruit. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.
In this parable Jesus himself is the sower of the seed. He is the Eternal Word incarnate. He provides the seed and sows it into the hearts of the hearers in order to provide a harvest of thirty, sixty, or a hundred fold. The harvest depends on the fertility of the soil that it gets planted in. But the Word himself will not make the soil fertile; it just depends on how much seed falls on the soil and how receptive the soil is to the Word. The Father provides Jesus with His Divine Word for the sowing, which in turn bears fruit unto eternal life for those who are willing to listen.
Jesus was aware that humankind was adept at not listening. He knew that those who should have listened most carefully were unwilling to hear what he had to say. That’s why he often said: 'Whoever has ears ought to hear.'
In today’s parable Jesus described four types of listeners, three of whom were not listeners. They were the hard-surface, the dusty-surface and the cluttered-surface types. People who either failed to hear him at all, or those who heard him but had their hearts closed. The hard-surface types were perhaps like the religious people who thought they had no need to listen to Jesus, because they already had the truth. They were not going to allow Him to change their minds. Maybe the other two types were like the people who said they would follow Jesus, but got a rather negative response from him because he could tell that they were not really committed. But there are some people who do listen, and are transformed.
We are the soil. If then, what kind of soil are we on which the seed, the Word of God, is sowed? Are we disposed to God's Word and do we allow it to grow in us and make us the person God wants us to become? Are we disposed to allow His Word to sprout in us?
Let us be optimistic: we have all of the failings which are represented by the hard-surface, the dusty-surface and the cluttered-surface, but we can have hope, because God, who chooses to use us, is the miracle worker who can bring forth more good than we could ever have imagined. Therefore, let us keep in mind always, ‘The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.’
With Love,
Father Johnson
Weekend of July 11-12
Greetings from Fr. Johnson!
The state of Alabama notices more Covid-19 cases every day and especially in Jefferson County. I have gotten a few phone calls and text messages saying people are exposed to Covid-19 cases. I encouraged them to stay at Home and watch Holy Mass online or on the EWTN channel. If you are sick, or exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home. While you are in the Church, please wear Masks and keep the Social Distancing.
We are excited to announce the blessing of our new Columbarium. We will bless the Columbarium this Sunday after 11 am Mass. We will do it in a simple way because of this pandemic situation. While we complete this project and bless the Columbarium, I thank you all especially the Columbarium committee members (Fr. Johnson, Kelly Doss, John Rogers, Donna Mealer, Travis Ramey, Ken Friedrich, Jerry Ingram, Cindy Walker, Sarah Maze, and Andy Hollis) and the Staff who helped to plan, and to implement it in our SEAS parish. Thank you!
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish office is open all weekdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm. When you come to the parish office, please wear masks and use hand sanitizer, and if you forget to bring them, don’t worry, we have kept masks and hand sanitizer for you to use. We are always ready to help you.
The parents of the First Holy Communion children of SEAS and St. Henry parishes are asked to contact their PSR director, before July 20, 2020.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
With Love,
Father Johnson
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please scroll down for Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion Dates and Times
Everyone must wear a mask when attending Mass with the exception of those under two years of age.
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Everyone must wear a mask when attending Mass with the exception of those under two years of age.
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Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 5, 2020
Mathew 11:25-30
In today’s first reading the Prophet Zechariah urges the people of Israel to rejoice because their promised leader –the Messiah- is coming. The Messiah is not coming as a proud warrior but instead He is full of humility. He is victorious but peace loving. He is triumphant but humble. This prophecy of Zechariah finds its fulfillment in the person of Jesus.
In today’s second reading Paul tells the Christian community in Rome and all of us that we have the Holy Spirit living in us. He further adds that authentic Christian life is lived in union with the Spirit of Christ and it results in the fullness of life; whereas, a sinful and sensual life is a living death and results in the destruction of life.
In today's gospel Jesus invites everyone who is humble, gentle and overburdened to come to Him. One of the burdens people bore around Jesus' time was that of a heavy, law-centered religion. Some of the religious people of Jesus' time had very strict interpretations of the Law and he challenged this overburdening religion. Dear friends, this happens in every religious community; some can be over-demanding and their piety is overbearing.
‘Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.’ ‘Come to me,’ is a great invitation from the Lord to everyone of us. This invitation is open to everyone in different age groups and to all classes of people in society. It is an invitation to all people: the working, the struggling and the oppressed. It is an invitation to those who do manual work or mental work, and Jesus offers true rest.
Many people are overwhelmed with all the duties and responsibilities they have to carry every day. Many people are carrying so many burdens and they are lost as to what to do. Many people are weighed down by some of the issues they have to confront and they become depressed. But, there is a Divine invitation from the Lord to come to Him. We need to talk to the Lord about our concerns, cares, anxieties, worries, plans, and prospects. He has not promised to take away our responsibilities but he will lighten them so that they are easier to bear.
We are asked to come to Jesus and receive the rest He alone can give. It is a call to a personal relationship with Jesus. He takes us away from the impersonal relationship of Law to a personal relationship of Love. And, He invites us to place His yoke on our shoulders and follow him.
There is a story about a small boy appearing out of the snow-storm carrying a little boy on his back. When a compassionate person observed him he said, ‘That is a heavy load for you to be carrying.’ To which the boy replied, ‘No, he is not really heavy. He is my brother.’
There is another story of a man who had a dream. In the dream he was walking along a sandy beach with Jesus and they were replaying all the important moments of his life. The man noticed that for each scene there were two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to him and the other belonging to Jesus. But he also noticed that when they came to the most difficult moments of his life there were only one set of footprints to be seen. The man could not understand this, so he asked Jesus: ‘Lord you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way. Why is it then that during the most difficult moments of my life when I needed you the most you would leave me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My child, I love you and I would never leave you. During the most difficult moments of your life, when you see only one set of footprints, those were the times I carried you.’
Similarly, Jesus carries our burdens personally, and makes our burden light. No matter who we are and what we do, we all get tired and rest is needed: we need physical, mental and spiritual rest. Jesus is ready to give us that rest. St. Augustine says; ‘Lord you have made our hearts for you and they are restless until they rest in you.’ Amen!
With Love,
Fr. Johnson
Weekend of July 4-5 -- Mass Schedule
Greetings from Fr. Johnson!
We celebrate American Independence Day on July 4th.
I wish you a Happy Independence day!
We notice more than 50000 new Covid-19 cases a day, and it continues the same in the U.S. this week. The state of Alabama has an increased number of Covid-19 cases every day and especially in the Jefferson County. In light of increased concern over Covid-19 in our area, Bishop Steven Raica has re-issued safety guidelines for our parishes.
I too have gotten a few phone calls and text messages saying people are exposed to Covid-19 cases, directly or indirectly. I encouraged them to stay at Home and watch Holy Mass online or on the EWTN channel. Dear friends, while you are in the Church, please wear Masks and keep the Social Distancing. This is very serious and we must obey the guideline our Ushers give. If you are sick, or exposed to Covid-19 cases, please stay at Home.
Bishop Steven Raica recognizes the present condition of Covid-19 cases in Alabama, and especially in the Diocese of Birmingham region. Therefore, Bishop Steven Raica decided to extend the dispensation from the obligation to attend Holy Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation through Sunday, September 6, 2020.
We are excited to announce the blessing of our new Columbarium. We bless this new Columbarium on July 12th Sunday after 11 am Mass. We will do it in a simple way because of this pandemic situation. While we complete this project and bless this New Columbarium, I thank you all especially the Columbarium committee members under the leadership of Kelly Doss, and the Staff who helped to plan, and to implement in our SEAS parish. Thank you!
St. Henry Parish has Holy Mass both outside and inside on Sunday morning at 8:00am and 9:00am. Please note the time arrangement below.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
8.45am – 8.55am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
With love,
Father Johnson
___________________________________________________________
13th Sunday of Ordinary Time June 28, 2020
Mathew 10:37-42
Today, the church exhorts us to welcome Christ in others. This is especially, through the messengers of God among us. She encourages us to be sensitive to the need of one another in order to make a positive difference in others’ lives.
In today’s first reading, the generosity of the Shunem couple towards Elisha brought them the blessing and joy of their life. They were sensitive to the plight and immediate need of the man of God. Through the act of their generosity, hospitality and sensitivity, everything turned around for their good. Their desire of the ages was fulfilled.
On the other hand, Elisha was equally concerned and sensitive to the needs of this Shunem couple. So, rather than over burden them with more requests or exploit their generosity, he prayed for them, and blessed them through his prophetic ministry. Thus, his presence was indeed a blessing to their house, rather than a burden.
In today’s second reading, Paul describes how Christ offered us new life through our baptism. He came and offered himself as a ransom, not for his own sake; but for the sake of our salvation. By accepting him through our baptism, we have become one with him in death and in life. Also, by welcoming Christ, we have received a share in his glorious life and are no longer slaves to sin and death.
We must recognize the presence of Christ in others, and we must welcome him in others, including, in the least of our brethren. We read in the gospel of Mathew 10:40 ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
In today’s gospel, Christ spoke clearly to us on the need to welcome others for His sake. This is especially, those who bear the good news of salvation. Through generosity and hospitality, like the Shunem family in our first reading, we could attract God’s blessings to our home and family. Through these, our lives and fortunes could be transformed as well.
Unfortunately, these days, we take a lot of things for granted. Some of us are so indifferent to others and their needs. This includes indifference to the presence of the messengers of God among us. I don’t want to explain the reasons for the indifference. But, I tell you ‘Yes’ from my personal experience.
You know, the Diocese of Birmingham has assigned a new Administrator for both SEAS and St. Henry parishes effective October 7th 2020; Fr. Wyman Vintson from Tuscaloosa. We need to welcome him!
It is important to ask ourselves these questions. Do we show hospitality to others? Are we generous to others? Are we sensitive to their needs? Is our presence a source of blessing to the people we meet? And finally, what can we bring to the life of others?
Like the woman of Shunem, who showed the prophet Elisha hospitality by providing him not only food but also a room with simple furnishings, we must be hospitable, as well, to all God's servants, the righteous and little ones, and provide for their needs. But remember, if we are receptive to others' needs, particularly of God's servants, then God will provide all that we need and more than we want or can imagine, as He has promised.
Amen
For a Laugh
A farmer, who went to a big city to see the sights, asked the hotel’s clerk about the time of meals. ‘Breakfast is served from 7 to 11, dinner from 12 to 3, and supper from 6 to 8,’ explained the clerk.
‘Look here,’ inquired the farmer in surprise, ‘when am I going to get time to see the city?’
With Love,
Fr. Johnson
Weekend of June 27- 28
Greetings from Fr. Johnson!
Hope you stay safe and healthy! During the last few weeks, we noticed more Covid-19 cases in California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Alabama, etc and Jefferson County is one of the most badly affected counties in Alabama, so we need to be watchful and cautious.
I ask you to please wear Masks and keep the Social Distancing wherever you go. While we are at Church, we have Ushers to assist you, and please listen to their guidance. It’s for your safety and also for the safety of others.
The installation ceremony of Bishop Steven Raica at St. Paul’s Cathedral was excellent. I expressed to Bishop Steven Raica ‘Congratulations and Welcome’ on behalf of both SEAS and St. Henry parishes. Please continue to pray for the success of his leadership (Good Shepherd) in the Diocese of Birmingham.
As you may have read in ‘One Voice’ the new Clergy Assignments were listed and become effective October 7. Reverend Wyman Vintson is being transferred from Parochial Vicar of St. Francis of Assisi University Parish in Tuscaloosa to Parish Administrator of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Gardendale and St. Henry Parish in Warrior effective October 7, 2020.
Bishop Steven Raica recognizes the present condition of Covid-19 cases in Alabama, and especially in the Diocese of Birmingham region. Therefore, Bishop Steven Raica decided to extend the dispensation from the obligation to assist at Holy Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation through Sunday, September 6, 2020.
There is a Special Collection for the Mission Cooperative Appeal this weekend. I thank you in advance for your generosity and ask for your support to help the Foreign Missions.
We are in the final stage of construction on the Columbarium project. We look forward to Dedicating and Blessing this Columbarium.
St. Henry Parish has Holy Mass both outside and inside on Sunday morning at 8:00am and 9:00am. Please note the time arrangement below.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4:30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5:00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8:00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
8:45am – 8.55am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion
9:00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10:30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11:00am: Holy Mass
With love,
Father Johnson
Greetings from Fr. Johnson!
Hope you stay safe and healthy! During the last few weeks, we noticed more Covid-19 cases in California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Alabama, etc and Jefferson County is one of the most badly affected counties in Alabama, so we need to be watchful and cautious.
I ask you to please wear Masks and keep the Social Distancing wherever you go. While we are at Church, we have Ushers to assist you, and please listen to their guidance. It’s for your safety and also for the safety of others.
The installation ceremony of Bishop Steven Raica at St. Paul’s Cathedral was excellent. I expressed to Bishop Steven Raica ‘Congratulations and Welcome’ on behalf of both SEAS and St. Henry parishes. Please continue to pray for the success of his leadership (Good Shepherd) in the Diocese of Birmingham.
As you may have read in ‘One Voice’ the new Clergy Assignments were listed and become effective October 7. Reverend Wyman Vintson is being transferred from Parochial Vicar of St. Francis of Assisi University Parish in Tuscaloosa to Parish Administrator of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Gardendale and St. Henry Parish in Warrior effective October 7, 2020.
Bishop Steven Raica recognizes the present condition of Covid-19 cases in Alabama, and especially in the Diocese of Birmingham region. Therefore, Bishop Steven Raica decided to extend the dispensation from the obligation to assist at Holy Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation through Sunday, September 6, 2020.
There is a Special Collection for the Mission Cooperative Appeal this weekend. I thank you in advance for your generosity and ask for your support to help the Foreign Missions.
We are in the final stage of construction on the Columbarium project. We look forward to Dedicating and Blessing this Columbarium.
St. Henry Parish has Holy Mass both outside and inside on Sunday morning at 8:00am and 9:00am. Please note the time arrangement below.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4:30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5:00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8:00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
8:45am – 8.55am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion
9:00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10:30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11:00am: Holy Mass
With love,
Father Johnson
Please scroll down for Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion Dates and Times
Everyone must wear a mask when attending Mass with the exception of those under two years of age.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time June 21, 2020
Mathew 10:26-33
Two adventurous explorers were on a jungle safari when suddenly a ferocious lion jumped in front of them. ‘Keep calm’, the first explorer whispered. ‘Remember what we read in that book on wild animals? If you stand perfectly still and look the lion in the eye, he will turn and run.’ ‘Yes, I remember that,’ replied his companion and continued saying, ‘my friend, you have read the book, I have read the book; but has the lion read the book?’
More than 2000 years ago, as Jesus sent forth his twelve Apostles on a mission, He gave them specific instructions which are found in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 10. Jesus knew that the world, to which they were being sent to preach the Good News, was a hostile, evil and wicked world. He also knew that the Apostles being ordinary men, would yield to the pressures of the world, and abandon their mission. So, He gave them the advice that he himself would follow later.
He told them where to go, what to say, what to do, and what not to take with them. They were not allowed to carry any gold, or silver, or money, or even a travelling bag. He warned them of serious opposition and persecution they would face as bearers of his message. He cautioned them that he was sending them out like sheep among wolves.
Today's gospel is a continuation of these instructions. Jesus exhorted the Apostles not to fear anyone but God alone, and to put their trust in Him and in His great love. ‘Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.’ The Apostles were to preach openly, without any fear, the gospel which Jesus had delivered to them in private, in secret, in parables, and in proverbs. Moreover, they were to do this publicly, as though they were proclaiming it from the housetops.
Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna’. Jesus encouraged the Apostles not to fear those who hate the gospel and persecute them for they can only destroy their body, but not their soul. Jesus wanted them to fear the One, that is, God, who has the power to inflict destruction upon both body and soul.
Jesus told them that even all the hairs on their head were accounted for. So, they were not to fear anyone and they were worth more than many sparrows. If God sustains the smallest of birds and takes interest in the little details of their lives, He would take much more interest in protecting his disciples and providing for their needs, because they are more valuable and precious to God than sparrows.
Jesus emphasized that those who would acknowledge God before others and confess Christ, despite opposition and suffering, would be remembered in His Father's presence, and be honored, blessed, and glorified by him. But, he warned that those who deny Christ would be disowned by him before God on the Day of Judgment.
The Apostles believed in the words that Jesus had spoken, and literally heeded his commands. According to Christian tradition almost all the Apostles suffered greatly for their faith, and in most cases met violent deaths: Peter was crucified upside down in Rome, Thomas was thrust with a spear and died from the wound in India, Paul was tortured and then beheaded in Rome, etc.
The martyrdom of the Apostles might appear insignificant to many of us today because it happened so long ago. But it is noteworthy that they really believed the promises God gave them; they feared God more than they feared men; they cared not for the body, but for the soul, and they were willing to suffer and die for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Today, Jesus tells us not to fear anyone because in the end, light will dispel the darkness, truth will triumph over falsehood, good will overcome evil, and ultimately life will conquer death. During this pandemic, we must recall the words of Jesus, do not be afraid.
In moments of deep disappointment and trials, Jesus wants us to stand firm for the Gospel, and not be afraid of those who may have the power to hurt our bodies, intimidate, or defeat us but have no power over our souls; rather fear God who can destroy both body and soul.
Just like the Apostles of Christ, let us faithfully follow Jesus' commands, proclaim the gospel openly, believe in the promises of God, and acknowledge Jesus before others.
With Love,
Father Johnson
Weekend of June 20-21
Greetings from Fr. Johnson!
I express my gratitude to you for participating in the weekend Masses at both SEAS and St. Henry parishes. I appreciate your interest in coming to Church even in the midst of the Pandemic.
This weekend we celebrate Father’s Day. Father’s Day is a celebration honouring Fathers and celebrating Fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of Fathers in our society. Yes, we are thankful to them, and ask God’s blessing on them. Wish you a Happy Father’s Day!
During the last week, we noticed more Covid-19 cases in Alabama, and Jefferson County is one of the most badly affected counties, so we need to be watchful and cautious. I remind you to please wear Masks and keep the Social Distancing. While we are at Church, we have Ushers to assist you, and please listen to their guidance. It’s for your safety and also for the safety of others.
The Installation Ceremony of our New Bishop Steven Raica takes place on June 23rd at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 1.30pm. Attendance is limited to invited guests. The Diocese encourages us to view the Live-Coverage via EWTN Channel, or online via the Diocesan Face book page or website, www.bhmdiocese.org
It is time for our Special Collection for the Mission Cooperative Appeal. The collection will be taken up on the weekend of June 27th and 28th. We thank you in advance for your generosity and ask for your support to help the Missions.
During the last weekend at St. Henry Parish, I inquired about the opinion of the congregation regarding the Holy Mass and whether it should be continued outside or inside. Some of them expressed their anxiety about being inside with limited space, and some expressed their difficulty in being outside with hot weather. Therefore, after discussing with certain people, I have come to a temporary arrangement. We will have Holy Mass both outside and inside. Please note the time arrangement below.
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
4.30 – 4.45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
8.00am: Holy Mass (OUTSIDE)
8.45am – 8.55am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion
9.00am: Holy Mass (INSIDE)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
10.30-10.45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11.00am: Holy Mass
With love, Father Johnson
____________________________________
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ -- Corpus Christi June 14, 2020
I express my gratitude to Deacon Tim Vaughn for his beautiful homily for the weekend of June 13-14.
What makes the Catholic Church different from all other religions? During Pope Benedict's visit to the United States in April 2008, he had a meeting in Washington DC with leaders of different religions. During that meeting, he encouraged everyone present not to be afraid to speak about the real differences between the different religions. He said, ‘Dear friends, in our attempt to discover points of commonality, perhaps we have shied away from the responsibility to discuss our differences with calmness and clarity.’
The biggest differences between the Catholic faith and different denominations is the great mystery of the Eucharist, which the whole Catholic Church, throughout the world, celebrates in a special way today, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, ‘Corpus Christi.’ This is what makes us different!
The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist: The Catholic Church has always believed and taught that Jesus Christ is really, truly present in the sacrament of the Eucharist. This makes the sacrament of the Eucharist the greatest of all sacraments. Here's how the Catechism puts it: ‘In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained’ (#1374).
That means that the Eucharist is not just a symbol of Christ's presence. But as Catholics we know that Christ is not just symbolically present in the Eucharist, he is truly, present. St. Paul, in today's Second Reading, calls Holy Communion a ‘participation’ in the body and blood of Christ.
Jesus himself, in today's Gospel Reading, repeats six times - SIX times in various ways - in just seven verses, that his flesh is real food and his blood is real drink. This is what Jesus taught, and this is what Catholics have believed since the very dawn of the Church.
Thus every time Mass is celebrated, throughout the world a real miracle occurs. Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist. Only God can do that kind of thing - only God can perform miracles.
Can we truly understand this? NO!! The presence of the risen Christ in the Eucharist is an inexhaustible mystery that the Church can never fully explain in words. That's why although we know that it happens, we don't understand exactly how it happens.
And so, every time Mass is celebrated, whether on a battlefield, in a hospital, in the jungle, or right here in our parish church, a real miracle occurs. That's why although we know that it happens, we don't understand exactly how it happens. This miraculous presence of Christ explains why we give so much reverence to this greatest of all the sacraments, the Holy Eucharist. Pay Our Lord a visit, and you will be amazed at how much silent adoration of Our Lord will help your spiritual life.
With Love,
What makes the Catholic Church different from all other religions? During Pope Benedict's visit to the United States in April 2008, he had a meeting in Washington DC with leaders of different religions. During that meeting, he encouraged everyone present not to be afraid to speak about the real differences between the different religions. He said, ‘Dear friends, in our attempt to discover points of commonality, perhaps we have shied away from the responsibility to discuss our differences with calmness and clarity.’
The biggest differences between the Catholic faith and different denominations is the great mystery of the Eucharist, which the whole Catholic Church, throughout the world, celebrates in a special way today, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, ‘Corpus Christi.’ This is what makes us different!
The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist: The Catholic Church has always believed and taught that Jesus Christ is really, truly present in the sacrament of the Eucharist. This makes the sacrament of the Eucharist the greatest of all sacraments. Here's how the Catechism puts it: ‘In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained’ (#1374).
That means that the Eucharist is not just a symbol of Christ's presence. But as Catholics we know that Christ is not just symbolically present in the Eucharist, he is truly, present. St. Paul, in today's Second Reading, calls Holy Communion a ‘participation’ in the body and blood of Christ.
Jesus himself, in today's Gospel Reading, repeats six times - SIX times in various ways - in just seven verses, that his flesh is real food and his blood is real drink. This is what Jesus taught, and this is what Catholics have believed since the very dawn of the Church.
Thus every time Mass is celebrated, throughout the world a real miracle occurs. Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist. Only God can do that kind of thing - only God can perform miracles.
Can we truly understand this? NO!! The presence of the risen Christ in the Eucharist is an inexhaustible mystery that the Church can never fully explain in words. That's why although we know that it happens, we don't understand exactly how it happens.
And so, every time Mass is celebrated, whether on a battlefield, in a hospital, in the jungle, or right here in our parish church, a real miracle occurs. That's why although we know that it happens, we don't understand exactly how it happens. This miraculous presence of Christ explains why we give so much reverence to this greatest of all the sacraments, the Holy Eucharist. Pay Our Lord a visit, and you will be amazed at how much silent adoration of Our Lord will help your spiritual life.
With Love,
- Just as Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana, at every Mass he turns bread and wine into his own body and blood.
- Only God can do that kind of thing - only God can perform miracles.
- Theologians can only describe what happens.
- They call it ‘transubstantiation.’
- This means that during the Mass, the substance of the bread and wine are changed into Christ's body and blood, but the appearance of bread and wine remains the same.
- John tells us in today’s Gospel, we were taught that the Lord wants to remain with us. Do we want to remain with him?
- How do we show that desire to remain with him? Reception of the Eucharist is a start; also, incorporating weekly Eucharistic adoration will also deepen our relationship with our Lord. EWTN is open 8:30 – 5:00 daily, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville is open 6:00 – 6:00 pm. I try to go at least once a week. There are online Adoration sites. We need to spend time with Jesus every day.
-
- Father Johnson (Deacon Tim’s Homily)
Weekend of June 13-14 including Mass Schedule
Greetings from Gardendale! I express my gratitude to you for participating in the weekend Masses at both SEAS and St. Henry parishes. I appreciate your interest in coming to Church even in the midst of the Pandemic. God bless you!
I am glad that many of our people are wearing Masks and keeping Social Distancing. But I also noticed some were not wearing Masks, while they attended Holy Mass. Therefore, I remind you to please wear Masks and keep Social Distancing. We have Ushers to assist you, and please listen to their guidance. It’s for your safety and also for the safety of others. We must realize the importance of protecting each and every one including the Old people, Sick people, Young people and Kids. If you have any doubts or difficulties, let us know so that we can help you.
As you know, the installation ceremony of our new Bishop Steven Raica takes place on June 23rd at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 1.30pm. Let us thank Bishop Robert Baker for his selfless service to the Diocese of Birmingham, and wish Bishop Steven Raica well as he begins his service in the Diocese of Birmingham.
It is time for our Special Collection for the Mission Cooperative Appeal. The collection will be taken up on the weekend of June 27th and 28th. We thank you in advance for your generosity and ask for your support to help the Missions.
They are:
- Diocese of Damascus, Syria
- Diocese of Irinjalakuda, India
- Diocese of Kumba, Cameroon, Africa
- Diocese of Timor, Leste
- Diocese of Warrangal, India.
Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 4:30 - 4:45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
· 8:00 - 8:15am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
8:30am: Holy Mass (Outside, depending on the weather)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 10:30-10:45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11:00am: Holy Mass
With love,
Father Johnson
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Greetings from Gardendale! I express my gratitude to you for participating in the weekend Masses at both SEAS and St. Henry parishes. I appreciate your interest in coming to Church even in the midst of the Pandemic. God bless you!
I am glad that many of our people are wearing Masks and keeping Social Distancing. But I also noticed some were not wearing Masks, while they attended Holy Mass. Therefore, I remind you to please wear Masks and keep Social Distancing. We have Ushers to assist you, and please listen to their guidance. It’s for your safety and also for the safety of others. We must realize the importance of protecting each and every one including the Old people, Sick people, Young people and Kids. If you have any doubts or difficulties, let us know so that we can help you.
As you know, the installation ceremony of our new Bishop Steven Raica takes place on June 23rd at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 1.30pm. Let us thank Bishop Robert Baker for his selfless service to the Diocese of Birmingham, and wish Bishop Steven Raica well as he begins his service in the Diocese of Birmingham.
It is time for our Special Collection for the Mission Cooperative Appeal. The collection will be taken up on the weekend of June 27th and 28th. We thank you in advance for your generosity and ask for your support to help the Missions.
They are:
- Diocese of Damascus, Syria
- Diocese of Irinjalakuda, India
- Diocese of Kumba, Cameroon, Africa
- Diocese of Timor, Leste
- Diocese of Warrangal, India.
Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 4:30 - 4:45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
· 8:00 - 8:15am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
8:30am: Holy Mass (Outside, depending on the weather)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 10:30-10:45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion.
11:00am: Holy Mass
With love,
Father Johnson
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Most Holy Trinity June 7th 2020
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. We begin each Mass by reminding ourselves of the mystery of the Holy Trinity when we make the sign of the cross and pray, ‘In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.’ It signifies the extraordinary importance the Church places on this singular belief: One God, in three persons.
When we make the sign of the cross: we touch our heads for the Father; the one who created us. We touch our hearts for the Son; the one who taught us how to love through his own Sacred Heart. We touch our shoulders for the Holy Spirit; the one who gives us strength, on whose shoulders we are carried, and who enables us to be God’s arms, working on earth.
Of all the world’s religions, only Christianity believes in the Holy Trinity. It’s absolutely unique to us. Still, to be honest, the Trinity is hard to understand. How can God be both one and three? How can the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be fully God and yet three distinct persons? Our minds have difficulty in grasping this concept.
The Holy Trinity clearly shows us that the Creator of the universe exists in a way that we cannot fully comprehend. Of course, that makes perfect sense, because God exceeds our ability to comprehend him fully. It’s this great and divine mystery that actually makes God so beautiful and appealing for us.
The beauty of God is one of Pope Benedict’s favorite topics. In fact, one of the symbols on his coat of arms is a seashell, which refers directly to the Trinity. The seashell comes from a story about St. Augustine, who was walking along the beach one morning, trying to understand the mystery of the Trinity. Suddenly he saw a little boy playing on the beach. The boy had made a hole in the sand and was walking back and forth between the hole and the sea. He held a little shell in his hands. When he reached the sea, he would fill up the shell with water. Then he would carefully carry it back and pour the water into the hole. He kept doing this, and after a while, Augustine asked him what he was doing. The child answered, ‘I’m going to empty the sea into that hole in the sand.’ Augustine said, ‘Son, that’s quite impossible. Look how big the sea is, and how small the hole is!’ The boy then looked at him and said, ‘It would be easier for me to empty the sea into this hole than for you to understand the mystery of the Trinity.’ And with that, the boy disappeared.
By putting a seashell on his coat of arms, Pope Benedict is reminding himself, and us, that our God is infinitely wonderful and mysterious, and we will never be able to completely understand him.
Today, as we profess our faith in our Triune God, let us thank him for the gift of his love and friendship that he offers us every day through his Son, Jesus Christ. And let us promise him that we will never take his love and friendship for granted.
Now, every time we make the sign of the Cross and pray ‘In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,’ let us renew our commitment to live our lives worthy of his love and friendship, which has been given to us through the Divine adoption that we have received through Jesus Christ.
The Trinity is a reality which is to be believed and lived. The Trinity reflects the Communion of three persons in One God. Similarly, the members of the family Father, Mother and Children form a communion of different persons. They all have different roles to fulfill for the success of their family life. Yes, the Trinity is actually the model for our Christian families.
While we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, let us ask God to give us the Divine grace to understand and experience the love and unity of the Triune God. Let us resolve to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the Family and Community, so that we shall experience the peace and joy in our lives. Amen!
With love,
Father Johnson
Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion Dates and Times
Weekend of June 6-7
Greetings from Father Johnson!
I am glad to inform you that the installation ceremony of our new Bishop Steven Raica will take place on June 23, 2020 at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 1.30pm. Let us thank Bishop Robert Baker for his selfless service to the Diocese of Birmingham, and wish Bishop Steven Raica well as he begins his service in the Diocese of Birmingham. I ask you all to pray for both Bishop Baker and Bishop Raica in your daily prayers.
Vivian Karrh and Johnny Brooklere were married last Saturday (May 30, 2020) in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Gardendale. Let us congratulate them and wish them a Happy Married life!
I am glad to express that our people are wearing masks and keeping the social distance during this pandemic. Please continue to keep the precautions when you attend this weekend for the Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion and Holy Mass. I do encourage wearing mask and it’s not only for your safety but also for the safety of others.
Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 4:30 - 4:45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
· 8:00 - 8:15am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
8:30am: Holy Mass (Outside, depending on the weather)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 10:30-10:45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
11:00am: Holy Mass
Dear friends, please follow Diocesan and State guidelines to help our community. Once again, I ask you to please wear a mask for your safety and the safety of others. God bless you!
With love,
Father Johnson
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Please scroll down for Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion Dates and Times for May 30-31
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Pentecost Sunday May 31, 2020
John 20:19-23
Greetings to you!
Today is Pentecost Sunday, the fiftieth day after the Resurrection. On this day, we solemnly commemorate the great event: the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise of sending the Holy Spirit upon his disciples.
The feast of Pentecost is the culmination of the Paschal mystery and it marks the end of the Easter Season. The Easter Candle or Paschal Candle, which has been burning since the Easter Vigil, will be set aside and used only if there is a Baptism or Funeral.
Although today we end the Easter Season, it is also a reminder of starting something new: the birthday of the Church. With the advent of Pentecost, the Church started celebrating its birthday and the Lord’s Day on every Sunday.
Today’s First Reading gives us a detailed account of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles on the day of Pentecost. The immense power of the Holy Spirit was manifested by the mighty wind, powerful sound and tongues as of fire. The coming of the Holy Spirit helped them to become bold and courageous and they started preaching openly in various languages. We read, ‘And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.’
Today’s second reading speaks of the effect of the Holy Spirit on the Christian community. We know the traditional seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. They are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. These gifts are given to different people for the service of the community.
St. Paul continues to speak that we are like a body. Each body has many parts, each with its own particular function, yet they all are ordered to one purpose: the good functioning of the body as a whole. So it is with the Christian Community, which is the Body of Christ. Each member is to be aware of his or her particular gift. This gift indicates the role the member has to play in building up the whole Body, the whole Community.
We must recognize that each one of us has a unique gift. It is through this gift or gifts that we serve and build up the community. They are not just for our families and friends. We read, ‘To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.’ Therefore we must use our gifts for the welfare of the community.
Today's Gospel gives us a vivid account of how the Risen Lord appeared to the disciples who were frightened by the death of Jesus. He gave them joy and peace as gifts and strengthened their faith by appearing to them in His risen and glorified form. He instructed them about their mission and sent them forth. His mission and that of the disciples is to do the will of the heavenly Father. He breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit. He gave them authority and power to proclaim the word of God.
My dear friends, the Feast of Pentecost invites us to become aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It tells us to live a life filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace and forgiveness and a sense of divine mission.
Let us pray: Come Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your Love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.
For some Laughs:
(Two elderly, excited southern women were sitting together in the front pew of church listening to a fiery charismatic preacher. Alleluia! Alleluia! When this preacher condemned the sin of stealing, these two ladies cried out at the tops of their lungs, ‘Amen, Brother!’ when the preacher condemned the sin of lust, they yelled again, ‘Preach it, Brother!’ and when the preacher condemned the sin of lying, they jumped to their feet and screamed, ‘Right on, Brother! Tell it like it is… Amen!’ But when the preacher condemned the sin of Gossip, they two got very quiet. One turned to the other and said, ‘He has to quit preaching and now he is meddling.’)
(A mother refused to permit her little boy to go for a picnic with his classmates. On the day of the Picnic, however, she changed her mind and gave him permission. But he sighed and confessed, ‘It’s too late Mom, I have already prayed for rain on the picnic day!’)
With Love,
Father Johnson
Weekend of May 30-31
Greetings from Father Johnson!
I hope you are fine. Please continue to keep the precautions when you attend this weekend for the Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion and Holy Mass. I do encourage wearing mask and it’s not only for your safety but also for the safety of others.
Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 4:30 - 4:45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
5.45pm: Wedding of Vivian and Johnny Brooklere. Let us wish and pray for their joyful married life.
SUNDAY - St. Henry
· 8:00 - 8:15am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
8:30am: Holy Mass (Outside)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 10:30 - 10:45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
11:00am: Holy Mass
Dear friends, please follow Diocesan and State guidelines to help our community. Once again, I ask you to please wear a mask for your safety and the safety of others. God bless you!
With love,
Father Johnson
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Father Johnson! Hope you are doing well. I am so glad and grateful to you for the Birthday wishes and prayers. The celebration was a little different this year due to pandemic, but it was fine. I thank you for remembering me and wishes on my birthday.- 51 years, Wow!!!
Now, I write this letter to inform you that one of our parishioners, Boyce Bria, died last Tuesday. He was an active and regular St. Henry Parishioner. His funeral is planned for Friday, May 29 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Gardendale. The visitation begins at 11 am and funeral mass at Noon.
I thank you for your valuable prayers for his soul. Let his soul rest in peace!
Those who plan to come should wear mask, especially for the funeral mass. It is for your safety and for the safety of others.
With Love,
Father Johnson
______________________________________________________________________________
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Father Johnson! Hope you are doing well. I am so glad and grateful to you for the Birthday wishes and prayers. The celebration was a little different this year due to pandemic, but it was fine. I thank you for remembering me and wishes on my birthday.- 51 years, Wow!!!
Now, I write this letter to inform you that one of our parishioners, Boyce Bria, died last Tuesday. He was an active and regular St. Henry Parishioner. His funeral is planned for Friday, May 29 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Gardendale. The visitation begins at 11 am and funeral mass at Noon.
I thank you for your valuable prayers for his soul. Let his soul rest in peace!
Those who plan to come should wear mask, especially for the funeral mass. It is for your safety and for the safety of others.
With Love,
Father Johnson
______________________________________________________________________________
Dear St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Henry parishioners, below is a letter from Fr. Johnson regarding the Holy Communion and scheduled Masses for May 23 -- 24, 2020. Please read carefully and share this information.
You may view Father's message for Sunday, March 24 - Ascension of our Lord - below this announcement by scrolling down.
God bless and stay safe!
Weekend of May 23-24
Greetings from Father Johnson! Hope you keep yourself ‘Safe and Healthy!’ During the summer, we may have the interest to go to Beaches and Entertainment places, but we must keep social distancing and have to be watchful wherever we go. It’s not only for our safety but also for the safety of others. Please continue to keep the precautions when you attend this weekend for the Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion and Holy Mass.
Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 4:30 - 4:45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
· 8:00 - 8:15am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
8:30am: Holy Mass (Outside)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 10:30-10:45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
11:00am: Holy Mass
Dear friends, please follow Diocesan and State guidelines to help our community. I ask you to please wear a mask for your safety and the safety of others. God bless you!
With love, Father Johnson
You may view Father's message for Sunday, March 24 - Ascension of our Lord - below this announcement by scrolling down.
God bless and stay safe!
Weekend of May 23-24
Greetings from Father Johnson! Hope you keep yourself ‘Safe and Healthy!’ During the summer, we may have the interest to go to Beaches and Entertainment places, but we must keep social distancing and have to be watchful wherever we go. It’s not only for our safety but also for the safety of others. Please continue to keep the precautions when you attend this weekend for the Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion and Holy Mass.
Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 4:30 - 4:45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
· 8:00 - 8:15am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
8:30am: Holy Mass (Outside)
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 10:30-10:45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
11:00am: Holy Mass
Dear friends, please follow Diocesan and State guidelines to help our community. I ask you to please wear a mask for your safety and the safety of others. God bless you!
With love, Father Johnson
The Ascension of our Lord - Seventh Sunday of Easter - May 24, 2020
Acts1: 1-11 Ephesians1:17-23 Mathew28: 16-20
Greetings to you!
Today is the Seventh and the last Sunday of the Easter Season. The Feast of the Ascension of the Lord that we celebrate today was actually last Thursday, exactly 40 days after Easter, but because of its importance and for pastoral reasons we are allowed to move it to this Sunday, as we have done today.
The Ascension of the Lord is a special event in the life of Jesus and an important feast in the Church. What actually is the meaning of Ascension and what is its significance for us today?
The Ascension is a glorification of Our Lord Jesus Christ and it was an event expected after his Resurrection. As a matter of fact, the Suffering and Death of Jesus, his Resurrection, Ascension and Pentecost all form one unit, and they are inseparably linked with one another. Resurrection was His victory over sin and death, and filled with joy, God the Father lifted Him up to heaven; and this we call Ascension. Now Jesus awaits us in heaven, and His Ascension gives us the hope of our glorification and a guarantee to meet Him in heaven.
The Ascension marks the end of Jesus' earthly work of redemption. In today’s readings, we hear that immediately before his Ascension, Jesus entrusted his mission to his disciples: ‘You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ The same mission is now ours, both as Individuals and as a Community of believers. The saving work begun by Jesus is to be continued by the Church through us.
In today’s first reading, we have the farewell scene, the intimate moment of separation; this shows the departure of Jesus. This could have been a sad moment for the disciples; but Jesus fills them with joy through his gifts; ‘Gift of understanding; promise of the power of the Holy Spirit; and a loving final blessing, with the promise that He will never abandon them and will be with them until the end of times.’
This belief in the after-life is what we hear in today’s second reading, ‘May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power…’ Paul makes this more explicit by telling us that God the Father has Jesus seated at his right hand in the heavens. To be seated at God's right hand means 'To share power with God.' In other words God the Father has made Jesus Lord of heaven and earth: which is what we really celebrate on the feast of the Ascension.
Today’s Gospel gives us the great commission, in which Jesus sent his followers out to preach and baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The scope of their mission is universal and they are sent to all nations. His promise to remain with them always affirms the intimacy of the disciples with their Lord: ‘And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.’
Today’s feast of the Ascension of the Lord is the hope of our glorification and a guarantee to meet our Lord in heaven. It is a reminder of our salvation, a reminder that our true home is in heaven. So, today, we are challenged to look beyond this world to the destiny which we are to share with Christ in heaven.
The Feast of the Ascension reminds us, not just of what awaits us when we die, but also of what we need to do while still on earth alive. Jesus before his Ascension commissioned his disciples and followers to be His witnesses and carry out His mission to the ends of the earth until His return. Hence, we must be the instruments of Christ to preach and help others.
Therefore let us ask God to give us the strength and courage to carry out His mission even in the midst of difficulties. Let us also increase our faith in God and hope for the day to meet Him in heaven. Amen
For a laugh:
After attending a convention led by Billy Graham a woman wrote to him. ‘Dear Sir, I feel that God is calling me to preach the Gospel. But the trouble is that I have twelve children. What shall I do?’ The televangelist replied: ‘Dear Madam, I am delighted to hear that God has called you to preach the Gospel. I am even more delighted to hear that He has already provided you with a congregation in your own home.’
With love,
Father Johnson
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Today is the Seventh and the last Sunday of the Easter Season. The Feast of the Ascension of the Lord that we celebrate today was actually last Thursday, exactly 40 days after Easter, but because of its importance and for pastoral reasons we are allowed to move it to this Sunday, as we have done today.
The Ascension of the Lord is a special event in the life of Jesus and an important feast in the Church. What actually is the meaning of Ascension and what is its significance for us today?
The Ascension is a glorification of Our Lord Jesus Christ and it was an event expected after his Resurrection. As a matter of fact, the Suffering and Death of Jesus, his Resurrection, Ascension and Pentecost all form one unit, and they are inseparably linked with one another. Resurrection was His victory over sin and death, and filled with joy, God the Father lifted Him up to heaven; and this we call Ascension. Now Jesus awaits us in heaven, and His Ascension gives us the hope of our glorification and a guarantee to meet Him in heaven.
The Ascension marks the end of Jesus' earthly work of redemption. In today’s readings, we hear that immediately before his Ascension, Jesus entrusted his mission to his disciples: ‘You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ The same mission is now ours, both as Individuals and as a Community of believers. The saving work begun by Jesus is to be continued by the Church through us.
In today’s first reading, we have the farewell scene, the intimate moment of separation; this shows the departure of Jesus. This could have been a sad moment for the disciples; but Jesus fills them with joy through his gifts; ‘Gift of understanding; promise of the power of the Holy Spirit; and a loving final blessing, with the promise that He will never abandon them and will be with them until the end of times.’
This belief in the after-life is what we hear in today’s second reading, ‘May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power…’ Paul makes this more explicit by telling us that God the Father has Jesus seated at his right hand in the heavens. To be seated at God's right hand means 'To share power with God.' In other words God the Father has made Jesus Lord of heaven and earth: which is what we really celebrate on the feast of the Ascension.
Today’s Gospel gives us the great commission, in which Jesus sent his followers out to preach and baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The scope of their mission is universal and they are sent to all nations. His promise to remain with them always affirms the intimacy of the disciples with their Lord: ‘And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.’
Today’s feast of the Ascension of the Lord is the hope of our glorification and a guarantee to meet our Lord in heaven. It is a reminder of our salvation, a reminder that our true home is in heaven. So, today, we are challenged to look beyond this world to the destiny which we are to share with Christ in heaven.
The Feast of the Ascension reminds us, not just of what awaits us when we die, but also of what we need to do while still on earth alive. Jesus before his Ascension commissioned his disciples and followers to be His witnesses and carry out His mission to the ends of the earth until His return. Hence, we must be the instruments of Christ to preach and help others.
Therefore let us ask God to give us the strength and courage to carry out His mission even in the midst of difficulties. Let us also increase our faith in God and hope for the day to meet Him in heaven. Amen
For a laugh:
After attending a convention led by Billy Graham a woman wrote to him. ‘Dear Sir, I feel that God is calling me to preach the Gospel. But the trouble is that I have twelve children. What shall I do?’ The televangelist replied: ‘Dear Madam, I am delighted to hear that God has called you to preach the Gospel. I am even more delighted to hear that He has already provided you with a congregation in your own home.’
With love,
Father Johnson
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Dear St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Henry parishioners, below is a letter from Fr. Johnson regarding the restoration of Public Masses effective May 15 & 16,2020. Please read carefully and share this information. You may view Father's message for Sunday, March 17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter below his announcement by scrolling down. God bless and stay safe!
Greetings from Father Johnson!
We have a new letter from Bishop Baker regarding the Restoration of Public Worship. I had a few phone calls from our parishioners, concerning this latest news and situation. Therefore, it’s needed to make some arrangements for Both our SEAS and St. Henry parishes in a special way based on his letter.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Bishop Baker’s new dispensation – effective May 13, 2020 until June 30, 2020
· This Dispensation is granted, recognizing that not all will feel comfortable to return to public worship right away, due to Concerns or Fears about COVID-19.
· Some who are pregnant, immuno-compromised, or otherwise in a higher-risk category will wisely wish to Wait Some Time until returning to public worship.
· Those 65 or over should most certainly exercise Caution and Stay home until it is safer to resume public group activities.
· If you feel sick, please stay home and away from Mass.
* Confession will be heard by appointment only. We will be happy to assist you. Please contact the church office at 205-631-9398 and leave a message. Or you may email the office at [email protected] to set up an appointment.*
NEW MASS PROTOCOLS
- Parishioners who are ill OR have knowingly been exposed to the virus should not attend Mass
- To ensure social distancing, every other pew will be roped off. As you enter the pews for seating, please move to center of pew so others do not have to step around you to get to the middle.
- Families may sit together, but please keep 6 ft. from others in your pew.
- Holy Communion will be distributed in the hand only.
- Everyone, 2 years and older, are asked to Wear Masks. Please remove BEFORE you receive Holy Communion.
- If you wear gloves, they must be removed before you receive Holy Communion.
- Observe the 6 ft. social distancing in the Communion line.
- Please bring your own hand sanitizer and sanitize your hands prior to receiving Holy Communion. At this time, the Church has not been successful in purchasing any hand sanitizer.
- Please do not shake hands at the Sign of Peace.
- Water fonts will remain empty.
- For the Offertory Collection, baskets will be on the table. You may drop your offering in the basket at any time.You may also mail in your Offertory donation to the church office OR sign up for online giving through Faith Direct using our parish codes:
o St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish code: 566
o St. Henry parish code:567
No Missalettes or hymnals will be used until further notice. There will be some in the vestibule for you to use, then you must take them home with you after Mass. Please DO NOT leave in the pew OR put back in the vestibule after Mass.
Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 4:30 - 4:45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
· 5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
· 8:00 - 8:15am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
· 8:30am: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 10:30-10:45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
· 11:00am: Holy Mass
Dear friends, I feel sad to say all these things to you, but at the same time, we need to be very careful at least until we are directed otherwise, for the safety and protection of all, in order to follow Diocesan and State guidelines. This is to help you and our community. I believe that you understand the situation, and will act accordingly. Once again, I ask you to Please Wear a Mask for your safety and the safety of others. Let us pray and support each other. Stay Safe and Stay Healthy!
With Love,
Father Johnson
Greetings from Father Johnson!
We have a new letter from Bishop Baker regarding the Restoration of Public Worship. I had a few phone calls from our parishioners, concerning this latest news and situation. Therefore, it’s needed to make some arrangements for Both our SEAS and St. Henry parishes in a special way based on his letter.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Bishop Baker’s new dispensation – effective May 13, 2020 until June 30, 2020
· This Dispensation is granted, recognizing that not all will feel comfortable to return to public worship right away, due to Concerns or Fears about COVID-19.
· Some who are pregnant, immuno-compromised, or otherwise in a higher-risk category will wisely wish to Wait Some Time until returning to public worship.
· Those 65 or over should most certainly exercise Caution and Stay home until it is safer to resume public group activities.
· If you feel sick, please stay home and away from Mass.
* Confession will be heard by appointment only. We will be happy to assist you. Please contact the church office at 205-631-9398 and leave a message. Or you may email the office at [email protected] to set up an appointment.*
NEW MASS PROTOCOLS
- Parishioners who are ill OR have knowingly been exposed to the virus should not attend Mass
- To ensure social distancing, every other pew will be roped off. As you enter the pews for seating, please move to center of pew so others do not have to step around you to get to the middle.
- Families may sit together, but please keep 6 ft. from others in your pew.
- Holy Communion will be distributed in the hand only.
- Everyone, 2 years and older, are asked to Wear Masks. Please remove BEFORE you receive Holy Communion.
- If you wear gloves, they must be removed before you receive Holy Communion.
- Observe the 6 ft. social distancing in the Communion line.
- Please bring your own hand sanitizer and sanitize your hands prior to receiving Holy Communion. At this time, the Church has not been successful in purchasing any hand sanitizer.
- Please do not shake hands at the Sign of Peace.
- Water fonts will remain empty.
- For the Offertory Collection, baskets will be on the table. You may drop your offering in the basket at any time.You may also mail in your Offertory donation to the church office OR sign up for online giving through Faith Direct using our parish codes:
o St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish code: 566
o St. Henry parish code:567
No Missalettes or hymnals will be used until further notice. There will be some in the vestibule for you to use, then you must take them home with you after Mass. Please DO NOT leave in the pew OR put back in the vestibule after Mass.
Mass and Drive-Thru distribution of Holy Communion
SATURDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 4:30 - 4:45pm: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
· 5.00pm: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Henry
· 8:00 - 8:15am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
· 8:30am: Holy Mass
SUNDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
· 10:30-10:45am: Drive-Thru Distribution of Holy Communion, under the Portico, for those who do not feel comfortable attending Holy Mass just yet. Please remain in your car.
· 11:00am: Holy Mass
Dear friends, I feel sad to say all these things to you, but at the same time, we need to be very careful at least until we are directed otherwise, for the safety and protection of all, in order to follow Diocesan and State guidelines. This is to help you and our community. I believe that you understand the situation, and will act accordingly. Once again, I ask you to Please Wear a Mask for your safety and the safety of others. Let us pray and support each other. Stay Safe and Stay Healthy!
With Love,
Father Johnson
Sixth Sunday of Easter May 17, 2020
Acts 8: 5-17 1 Peter 3:15-18 John 14: 15-21
Greetings to you from Father Johnson!
I hope you received my email regarding the ‘Restoration of Public Worship in our SEAS and St. Henry parishes.’ Please read it carefully and follow Diocesan and State guidelines accordingly.
We feel as if we are relieved, but remember the spread of Covid-19 Corona Virus is not over. The confirmed cases are increasing, not decreasing; the doctors and experts are in search of a vaccine. The Corona Virus doesn’t know who we are, or where we are, so we must be careful. We must obey the directives given by the authorities, and I ask you to please wear a mask for your safety and the safety of others. We must pray to God to send His Holy Spirit to protect and safe-guard our people, especially the healthcare workers, other essential workers, affected people, etc. May God keep us safe and healthy!
Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter. As we approach the feast of Pentecost, the Church invites us to celebrate the coming of the Advocate. The theme of today’s readings is the proclamation of ‘The Divine Presence of the Holy Spirit,’ and they refer to the missionary age of the Christians and the presence and guidance of God’s Holy Spirit to be given to them.
Today’s First reading begins with the persecution of the early Church in Jerusalem and yet speaks of the spread of the Church to the surrounding places. Deacon Philip preaches successfully in Samaria and the Apostles are called to lay their hands on them so that they receive the Holy Spirit. In this act of the laying on of hands for the purpose of conferring the Holy Spirit, we see the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation as we administer and celebrate it today.
In today’s Second reading, Peter says that Christ suffered for our sins once for all, the righteous person for the unrighteous, in order to bring all people to God. He urges the Christian community to be ready to engage others in order to explain Christian expectations. He implies that suffering is a likely consequence of preaching. It is interesting that Peter characterizes Christianity by its hope, its expectations of what is to happen because of Christ.
In today’s Gospel Jesus encourages his disciples to keep His commandments as an expression of their love to Him. He promises to send them another Advocate, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth to be with them always. Hence, the disciples need not be troubled or afraid because they will never be alone. The Holy Spirit will always be with them to defend them, to intercede for them and to comfort them.
We are reminded today that we are called to love Jesus; that is part of the Christian calling. Those who keep Christ’s commandments will receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, our Advocate will indicate the way to us that we should go; the paths that we need to repair; and the relationship in need of further inspection or care. For this, Advocate, the Spirit of Truth is a gift from God. Let us ask ourselves, do we earnestly and genuinely wish for the Spirit of Truth to enter into our hearts and stay with us always?
What is the commandment that we must keep in order to receive the Spirit of Truth? Mk 16:15 says, ‘Go into the whole world and preach the Good News to all creation.’ Luke 10: 27 is a command to love both God and our neighbor. When we do these, we are certainly preaching the Good News of Truth. Therefore, let the Holy Spirit come to strengthen us in the way of truth.
During this Covid-19 pandemic let us ask God to send His Holy Spirit to protect, guide and strengthen us. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen!
For some Laughs
An Indian attorney was on vacation in a small town. While walking through the streets, he noticed that a car was involved in an accident. As expected, a large crowd gathered. The attorney was eager to get to the injured, but he couldn’t get near the car. Being a rather clever person, he started shouting loudly,
"Let me through! Let me through! I am the son of the victim.’ The crowd made way for him. Lying in front of the car was a Donkey!
A lawyer’s dog, running around town unleashed, heads for a butcher shop and steals a roast. The butcher goes to the lawyer’s office and asks, ‘If a dog running unleashed steals a piece of meat from my store, do I have a right to demand payment for the meat from the dog’s owner?’ The lawyer answers, ‘Absolutely.’ ‘Then you owe me $8.50. Your dog was loose and stole a roast from me today.’ The lawyer, without a word, writes the butcher a check for $8.50. The butcher, with a feeling of satisfaction, leaves. Three days later, the butcher finds a bill from the lawyer for $100 - For Consultation.
With Love,
Father Johnson
I hope you received my email regarding the ‘Restoration of Public Worship in our SEAS and St. Henry parishes.’ Please read it carefully and follow Diocesan and State guidelines accordingly.
We feel as if we are relieved, but remember the spread of Covid-19 Corona Virus is not over. The confirmed cases are increasing, not decreasing; the doctors and experts are in search of a vaccine. The Corona Virus doesn’t know who we are, or where we are, so we must be careful. We must obey the directives given by the authorities, and I ask you to please wear a mask for your safety and the safety of others. We must pray to God to send His Holy Spirit to protect and safe-guard our people, especially the healthcare workers, other essential workers, affected people, etc. May God keep us safe and healthy!
Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter. As we approach the feast of Pentecost, the Church invites us to celebrate the coming of the Advocate. The theme of today’s readings is the proclamation of ‘The Divine Presence of the Holy Spirit,’ and they refer to the missionary age of the Christians and the presence and guidance of God’s Holy Spirit to be given to them.
Today’s First reading begins with the persecution of the early Church in Jerusalem and yet speaks of the spread of the Church to the surrounding places. Deacon Philip preaches successfully in Samaria and the Apostles are called to lay their hands on them so that they receive the Holy Spirit. In this act of the laying on of hands for the purpose of conferring the Holy Spirit, we see the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation as we administer and celebrate it today.
In today’s Second reading, Peter says that Christ suffered for our sins once for all, the righteous person for the unrighteous, in order to bring all people to God. He urges the Christian community to be ready to engage others in order to explain Christian expectations. He implies that suffering is a likely consequence of preaching. It is interesting that Peter characterizes Christianity by its hope, its expectations of what is to happen because of Christ.
In today’s Gospel Jesus encourages his disciples to keep His commandments as an expression of their love to Him. He promises to send them another Advocate, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth to be with them always. Hence, the disciples need not be troubled or afraid because they will never be alone. The Holy Spirit will always be with them to defend them, to intercede for them and to comfort them.
We are reminded today that we are called to love Jesus; that is part of the Christian calling. Those who keep Christ’s commandments will receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, our Advocate will indicate the way to us that we should go; the paths that we need to repair; and the relationship in need of further inspection or care. For this, Advocate, the Spirit of Truth is a gift from God. Let us ask ourselves, do we earnestly and genuinely wish for the Spirit of Truth to enter into our hearts and stay with us always?
What is the commandment that we must keep in order to receive the Spirit of Truth? Mk 16:15 says, ‘Go into the whole world and preach the Good News to all creation.’ Luke 10: 27 is a command to love both God and our neighbor. When we do these, we are certainly preaching the Good News of Truth. Therefore, let the Holy Spirit come to strengthen us in the way of truth.
During this Covid-19 pandemic let us ask God to send His Holy Spirit to protect, guide and strengthen us. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen!
For some Laughs
An Indian attorney was on vacation in a small town. While walking through the streets, he noticed that a car was involved in an accident. As expected, a large crowd gathered. The attorney was eager to get to the injured, but he couldn’t get near the car. Being a rather clever person, he started shouting loudly,
"Let me through! Let me through! I am the son of the victim.’ The crowd made way for him. Lying in front of the car was a Donkey!
A lawyer’s dog, running around town unleashed, heads for a butcher shop and steals a roast. The butcher goes to the lawyer’s office and asks, ‘If a dog running unleashed steals a piece of meat from my store, do I have a right to demand payment for the meat from the dog’s owner?’ The lawyer answers, ‘Absolutely.’ ‘Then you owe me $8.50. Your dog was loose and stole a roast from me today.’ The lawyer, without a word, writes the butcher a check for $8.50. The butcher, with a feeling of satisfaction, leaves. Three days later, the butcher finds a bill from the lawyer for $100 - For Consultation.
With Love,
Father Johnson
Fifth Sunday of Easter May 10, 2020
Acts 6:1-7 1 Peter 2:4-9 John 14: 1-2
During the Second World War, in Malaysia, a prisoner happened to escape from the prisoners' camp. He was assisted by a native fellow who led him through a thick forest and from there to freedom and back home. The native fellow walked ahead and the man followed him from behind. With great difficulty they were finding their way through thorns and bushes, and ups and downs, and twists and turns, and the man got very tired. He then asked the native fellow, ‘Are you sure this is the way?’ The native fellow looked at him, and said, ‘There is no way. I am the way. If you want to be free and go home, then you have to just follow me.’
My dear friends, in today’s gospel Jesus says to us: ‘I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ As we journey with Him through our earthly life in the midst of our problems and difficulties, sufferings and pains, disappointments and discouragements, stress and strain to the house of our Heavenly Father, we have to just follow Him.
Those who believe and trust in Him will inherit eternal life. Therefore, let the words of Jesus help us to walk confidently and fearlessly in these difficult times when the whole world is distressed due to Covid-19 Corona Virus.
Today’s first reading depicts a moment in the life of the Early Church and responds to a practical need. There is a division of functions to allow the Apostles to dedicate themselves to their priestly task, while consecrating others to attend to the necessary material works and charitable needs. Here, we see a necessary practical shaping of the Spiritual Edifice.
Dear friends, during this week I plan to assign some volunteers to call other families (10/12) so that we could maintain the relationship with our parish family. I will call those volunteers and they will call you on behalf of the Church and me, just as Mary McMinn and Paulette Johnson did last week. My target is to reach out to all of our parishioners and know their family. This will help us to understand each other especially during this pandemic.
Similarly, I encourage the directors and leaders of Knights of Columbus, Ladies Altar Sodality, Youth, PSR, Outreach ministry, XYZ, Crafty Ladies, etc to know the needs of others in your group, so that we can come up with a certain action plan to help and support them. Thus we become the followers of Jesus Christ and imitate the example of the Early Church.
Today’s second reading encourages us to be aware of our responsibility as living stones, with Christ as the cornerstone, to form a spiritual building. Peter praises Christians as ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God’s own people.’ Hence, we must fulfill our responsibility to others in Jesus’ name, and He will give us the reward of eternal life.
My dear friends today we celebrate Mother’s Day. Let us thank and congratulate our Mothers.
Let us be grateful to them and pray for them. Wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!
Let us pray:
Oh, Heavenly Father, bless all those you have entrusted with motherhood. Inspire them to follow the example of Mary, the Mother of our Lord, and follow her in her fidelity, humility, and selfless love. May all mothers receive Your Grace abundantly in this life, and may they look forward to eternal joy in your presence in heaven. May almighty God bless you the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit! Amen
With love,
Father Johnson
Distribution of Holy Communion
at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and St. Henry Church
Greetings to you!
Hope you are well and had a blessed week! I do appreciate your great efforts like praying the Rosary, watching Holy Mass on Television or online, calling family and friends, helping each other, etc. Please continue to maintain your relationship with God and others. I pray for you every day and may God protect us from all kinds of diseases especially Covid-19 Corona Virus.
Bishop Robert Baker has given the permission to distribute Holy Communion in the Diocese of Birmingham at this difficult time. Respecting State and city government directives, the Holy Eucharist may be given to the faithful outside the Church building at specific times a pastor may designate, following safe-distancing guidelines and proper safety precautions, according to local government directives.
Those who come to receive Holy Communion:
1. Should prepare yourself to receive Holy Communion by saying appropriate prayers (for example: ‘I confess to Almighty God…’, An Act of Contrition, The Our Father, etc)
2. Must wear a mask except at the time of receiving the Body of Christ
3. Must receive the Body of Christ in your hand
4. Must keep the social distance of six feet between each person
5. Must follow the direction of the Ushers for entrance, exit and distancing
Other restrictions and guidelines remain in effect:
1. The suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still in effect
2. If you are a senior, weakened by any condition, or are sick or experiencing any kind of symptoms of the Corona Virus you should stay at home
On this occasion, I am pleased to announce the arrangements to be done in both St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Henry parishes for the distribution of Holy Communion:
May 10, 2020 Sunday at St. Henry side door Hall entrance: 9.30am-9.45am
May 10, 2020 Sunday at SEAS car portico: 10.30am-10.45am
Congratulations!
God has blessed Mathew and Cherry Wachter (SEAS) with a baby Boy!
His name is Zane Austin Wachter and was born on May 3, 2020.
Let us congratulate and pray for them.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Let us thank and congratulate our Mothers!
Let us be grateful to them and pray for them.
We wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!
With love,
Father Johnson
at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and St. Henry Church
Greetings to you!
Hope you are well and had a blessed week! I do appreciate your great efforts like praying the Rosary, watching Holy Mass on Television or online, calling family and friends, helping each other, etc. Please continue to maintain your relationship with God and others. I pray for you every day and may God protect us from all kinds of diseases especially Covid-19 Corona Virus.
Bishop Robert Baker has given the permission to distribute Holy Communion in the Diocese of Birmingham at this difficult time. Respecting State and city government directives, the Holy Eucharist may be given to the faithful outside the Church building at specific times a pastor may designate, following safe-distancing guidelines and proper safety precautions, according to local government directives.
Those who come to receive Holy Communion:
1. Should prepare yourself to receive Holy Communion by saying appropriate prayers (for example: ‘I confess to Almighty God…’, An Act of Contrition, The Our Father, etc)
2. Must wear a mask except at the time of receiving the Body of Christ
3. Must receive the Body of Christ in your hand
4. Must keep the social distance of six feet between each person
5. Must follow the direction of the Ushers for entrance, exit and distancing
Other restrictions and guidelines remain in effect:
1. The suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still in effect
2. If you are a senior, weakened by any condition, or are sick or experiencing any kind of symptoms of the Corona Virus you should stay at home
On this occasion, I am pleased to announce the arrangements to be done in both St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Henry parishes for the distribution of Holy Communion:
May 10, 2020 Sunday at St. Henry side door Hall entrance: 9.30am-9.45am
May 10, 2020 Sunday at SEAS car portico: 10.30am-10.45am
Congratulations!
God has blessed Mathew and Cherry Wachter (SEAS) with a baby Boy!
His name is Zane Austin Wachter and was born on May 3, 2020.
Let us congratulate and pray for them.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Let us thank and congratulate our Mothers!
Let us be grateful to them and pray for them.
We wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!
With love,
Father Johnson
Good Shepherd Sunday
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- May 3, 2020
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- May 3, 2020
Acts 2: 14a, 36-41 1Peter 2: 20b-25 John 10: 1-10
Hope you are doing well! My sincere prayers and greetings to you!
I encourage you to continue to pray and stay safe. During the month of May, let us ask the intercession of Mother Mary, so that we will be safe and protected in the hands of God. I recall the words of Archbishop Jose Gomez, ‘Our churches may be closed, but Christ is not quarantined and His gospel is not in chains. Our Lord’s heart remains open to every man and woman. Even though we cannot worship together, each of us can seek Him in the tabernacles of our own hearts.’
On April 28th, Governor Kay Ivey issued a ‘Safer at Home’ order, which stated houses of worship must remain closed for public gatherings. In a joint response to this order, Mobile Archbishop Thomas Rodi and Birmingham Bishop Robert Baker decided to respect the advice and guidelines offered by state, local and medical authorities. Hence, the suspension of public masses is extended. The Diocese of Birmingham will, at the proper time, release diocesan guidelines for the return to public celebrations of the Mass.
A lady visiting the Holy Land came upon a sheepfold located high on a hilltop. Her attention was drawn to one poor sheep lying by the side of the road bleating in pain. Looking more closely, she discovered that its leg was injured. She asked the shepherd how it happened. ‘I had to break it myself,’ he answered sadly. ‘It was the only way I could keep that wayward creature from straying into unsafe places. From past experience I have found that a sheep will follow me once I have nursed it back to health. Because of the loving relationship that will be established as I care for her, in the future she will come instantly at my beck and call.’
The woman replied thoughtfully, ‘Sometimes we poor human sheep also want our stubborn ways and, as a result, stray into dangerous paths until the Good Shepherd sends sorrow and pain to arrest us. Coming then into a sweeter and closer communion with our Savior, we at last are conditioned to hear His voice and follow His leading.’
My dear friends, today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter and it is commonly known as Good Shepherd Sunday, a day in which the Church recalls the relationship between God and His people as described in the image of Shepherd and Sheep. Each year, the gospel reading of today is chosen from Chapter 10 of
St. John's gospel, where Jesus speaks of Himself as the ‘Good Shepherd.’ In recent times, this day has also become known as ‘Vocations Sunday,’ a day to pray for new shepherds and pastors to lead the faithful community.
Today’s responsorial psalm beautifully introduces the theme: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.’ Jesus is the Good Shepherd because of His gentle care and loving commitment to the flock He pastures and protects. The gospel reading of today tells us that Jesus is also the ‘Gate for the sheep’ because He is the way to salvation. As sheep gate, He leads us to eternal life.
Today’s first reading portrays Peter’s proclamation on how to return to the Lord’s flock. He urged everyone to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus to receive forgiveness of sins and the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
In today’s second reading, Peter seems to echo the words of Isaiah 53 as he recalls how we had all gone astray like sheep, each taking his own way. Jesus Christ takes on Himself the task of reuniting the sheep, as Shepherd and Guardian of our souls.
During this Covid-19 quarantine period, we must recognize that we are the Good shepherds and Sheep. We must take care of our family and others in our community: make a phone call and know their situation, help them emotionally, spiritually, and financially so that we keep our community united. I had asked Mary McMinn and Paulette Johnson to call our parishioners, and you might have received the greetings from the Church and Me. As I mentioned in my earlier email, let us know if you need any assistance during this difficult time, so that we will be able to help you as we can. I encourage you all to take care of your family and reach out to others as Good Shepherd and Sheep.
My dear friends, Jesus is obviously our Good Shepherd, there is no doubt about it but there can be a lot of doubt about whether we are the kind of sheep that we ought to be. As we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, let us pray to the Lord that we may be His good sheep, listening attentively to his voice, and following his example of self-giving love. Let us also pray for all our shepherds, especially our religious and political leaders: May they follow the example of Jesus who was willing to serve and lay down His life for His sheep. Let us pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, so that many will be inspired to show true love, to the point of sacrificing many other attractive options to become priests of Jesus, and to follow Him in religious life.
With love,
Father Johnson
Third Sunday of Easter -- April 26, 2020
Acts 2: 14, 22-33 1 Peter 1: 17-21 Luke 24:13-35
Greetings from Father Johnson!
Hope you are safe and healthy. You are always in my prayers and let us continue to pray for our parish family, nation and the whole world. Let us keep all the Healthcare Workers in our prayers.
Dear friends, we are in the Easter Season and this is the Third Sunday. During these weeks after Easter, the Church puts us in touch with the first men and women who experienced the Risen Jesus in order to deepen our appreciation and understanding of the mystery of the Resurrection.
In today’s first reading Peter proclaims to the people of Jerusalem that the Crucifixion and Resurrection were part of the plan of God, foretold by the Sacred Scripture. We see here the Holy Spirit in action, empowering Peter to speak fearlessly. Peter quoted the words of King David and his message was a call to penance and conversion. However, it was a message of God’s Love, Mercy and Forgiveness. Peter told them that the Lord would forgive them if they have a change of heart. God would welcome as His children all those who would embrace the truth, believing that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah and Savior.
In today’s second reading, Peter reminds the Christians that Jesus through His blood has paid the ransom for us, and the saving hope is given to us. He tells that all our faith and hope as believers are centered on this mystery of the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We know that the almighty God raised Jesus from the dead, and gave Him glory. So, by setting our faith and hope in the Risen Jesus, we shall also be raised from the dead and glorified according to our deeds.
In today’s Gospel, we have the beautiful story of two disciples walking with our Risen Jesus on the road to a village called Emmaus. During their walk with the Risen Lord their eyes were kept closed from recognizing Him. But later that day, when He was at table with them, their eyes were opened while He broke the bread and they recognized Him.
My dear friends, the Emmaus story is the story of our own lives. We are called a ‘Pilgrim People’ (Journey of Faith) always on the march to our heavenly home. We need to realize that we are never alone in our life's journey. The Risen Lord is with us all the time and in all situations.
The Risen Lord walks with us as a stranger when we are in deep pain and distress. He explains to us the meaning of our sufferings through the Word of God and encourages us. During the spread of Covid-19, let us turn to Jesus and ask Him to protect us from this disease. Just as the two disciples invited the stranger into their home, let us invite Jesus (to stay with us) into our homes and lives.
My dear friends, Jesus reveals Himself to us through the breaking of the bread at the Eucharist, and we used to receive Him in Holy Communion. But now, due to the Stay at Home order we are not able to gather together in the church to receive Holy Communion. I have heard from some of our parishioners that they feel thirst to receive Holy Communion. Yes, we all understand the situation, and I encourage you to maintain our faith in God and to receive the Spiritual Communion. We hope to be together soon, so that we shall receive Holy Communion and meet our parish family.
Stay home, stay safe, and be protected by the Risen Lord.
With love,
Father Johnson
Hope you are safe and healthy. You are always in my prayers and let us continue to pray for our parish family, nation and the whole world. Let us keep all the Healthcare Workers in our prayers.
Dear friends, we are in the Easter Season and this is the Third Sunday. During these weeks after Easter, the Church puts us in touch with the first men and women who experienced the Risen Jesus in order to deepen our appreciation and understanding of the mystery of the Resurrection.
In today’s first reading Peter proclaims to the people of Jerusalem that the Crucifixion and Resurrection were part of the plan of God, foretold by the Sacred Scripture. We see here the Holy Spirit in action, empowering Peter to speak fearlessly. Peter quoted the words of King David and his message was a call to penance and conversion. However, it was a message of God’s Love, Mercy and Forgiveness. Peter told them that the Lord would forgive them if they have a change of heart. God would welcome as His children all those who would embrace the truth, believing that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah and Savior.
In today’s second reading, Peter reminds the Christians that Jesus through His blood has paid the ransom for us, and the saving hope is given to us. He tells that all our faith and hope as believers are centered on this mystery of the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We know that the almighty God raised Jesus from the dead, and gave Him glory. So, by setting our faith and hope in the Risen Jesus, we shall also be raised from the dead and glorified according to our deeds.
In today’s Gospel, we have the beautiful story of two disciples walking with our Risen Jesus on the road to a village called Emmaus. During their walk with the Risen Lord their eyes were kept closed from recognizing Him. But later that day, when He was at table with them, their eyes were opened while He broke the bread and they recognized Him.
My dear friends, the Emmaus story is the story of our own lives. We are called a ‘Pilgrim People’ (Journey of Faith) always on the march to our heavenly home. We need to realize that we are never alone in our life's journey. The Risen Lord is with us all the time and in all situations.
The Risen Lord walks with us as a stranger when we are in deep pain and distress. He explains to us the meaning of our sufferings through the Word of God and encourages us. During the spread of Covid-19, let us turn to Jesus and ask Him to protect us from this disease. Just as the two disciples invited the stranger into their home, let us invite Jesus (to stay with us) into our homes and lives.
My dear friends, Jesus reveals Himself to us through the breaking of the bread at the Eucharist, and we used to receive Him in Holy Communion. But now, due to the Stay at Home order we are not able to gather together in the church to receive Holy Communion. I have heard from some of our parishioners that they feel thirst to receive Holy Communion. Yes, we all understand the situation, and I encourage you to maintain our faith in God and to receive the Spiritual Communion. We hope to be together soon, so that we shall receive Holy Communion and meet our parish family.
Stay home, stay safe, and be protected by the Risen Lord.
With love,
Father Johnson
April 12, 2020 – Easter Sunday
'Christ is Risen! Alleluia!'
Happy Easter!
Today is Easter Sunday, and on this feast day we joyfully celebrate the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. I wish you all a Happy Easter! It is the greatest and the most solemn feast in the Church, for the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest of all miracles - it proves that Jesus Christ is truly God. It is the feast of joy and triumph. It is the feast of Jesus' victory over sin and death. It is the feast of Jesus transforming us and making us a new creation: He gives us a new heart and a new life in the Holy Spirit.Easter Sunday highlights not only our faith in the Resurrection, but we are also called to joyfully proclaim and witness our faith in the Risen Lord among us. Proclamation and witness are the two central themes of today's Scripture Readings. ‘You are witnesses to my resurrection.’
Today, we celebrate Easter and joyfully acclaim: ‘The Lord is Risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!’ (Luke24:34) Let us rejoice and be glad! Jesus lives on! The empty tomb is the sign that points to the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The empty tomb that greets Mary Magdalene, and then the Apostles Peter and John, becomes the place where our faith in the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus is born, a faith that becomes the cornerstone and the object of the apostolic preaching. It is a faith that brings transformation and leads the Christian to realize that it is no longer possible to live as before: having risen with Christ, we must all live a qualitatively new life.
‘If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain; and your faith is in vain.’ (1Corinthians 15: 14) ‘If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ (Romans 10:9) ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’ (John 11: 25-26)
May the Resurrected Christ bless you all and fill your hearts with Peace and Joy!
While we celebrate Easter I would suggest a few things to do:
- Ask our Risen Lord to bless the caregivers, heal those infected, and put an end to this Covid-19 Corona Virus. The Risen Lord is our Hope, our Redeemer. (One our Father in heaven, One Hail Mary and One Glory be to the Father.)
- We missed the Easter egg hunt for our children in our parish. But you make some arrangements for your children/grandchildren in your home.
- Please call your family member, neighbor, friend and our parishioners to wish them a Happy Easter. (Minimum 5 persons)
- Ask your children funny questions like:
How does Easter end? …….. With an ‘R’
What's an Easter egg's least favorite day? ……….. Fry-day.
What happens if you tell a joke to an Easter egg? ……… It cracks up.
- Tell your family some jokes for a laugh: if you are not interested, please ignore it.
(Little Johnny and his family were invited to have Easter Sunday lunch at his grandmother’s house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Johnny received his plate he started eating straight away. ‘Johnny, wait until we say grace,’ demanded his father. ‘I don’t have to,’ the five year old Johnny replied. ‘Of course you do,’ his mother insisted rather forcefully. We always say a prayer before eating at our house.’ ‘That’s at our house,’ Johnny explained, ‘but this is Grandma’s house, and she knows how to cook.’)
(An elderly pastor was searching his closet for a tie before church one Sunday morning. In the back of the closet, he found a small box containing 3 eggs and 100--$1.00 bills. He called his wife into the closet to ask her about the box and its contents. Embarrassed, she admitted having hidden the box for the entire 30 years of marriage. Disappointed and hurt, the pastor asked her ‘why?’ The wife replied that she hadn’t wanted to hurt his feelings. He asked how the box could have hurt his feelings. She said that every time during their marriage that he delivered a poor sermon, she placed an egg into the box. The pastor felt that 3 poor sermons in 30 years was certainly nothing to feel bad about, so he asked what about the $100.00. She replied, ‘Each time I got a Dozen Eggs, I sold them to the neighbor for $1.00!’)
(‘Mom, are bugs good to eat?’ asked the boy. ‘Let’s not talk about such things at the dinner table, son,’ his mother replied. After dinner the mother inquired, ‘Now, baby, what did you want to ask me?’ ‘Oh, nothing,’ the boy said. ‘There was a Bug in your Soup, but now it’s gone.’)
Once Again I wish you a Happy Easter!
With Love,
Father Johnson
Today is Easter Sunday, and on this feast day we joyfully celebrate the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. I wish you all a Happy Easter! It is the greatest and the most solemn feast in the Church, for the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest of all miracles - it proves that Jesus Christ is truly God. It is the feast of joy and triumph. It is the feast of Jesus' victory over sin and death. It is the feast of Jesus transforming us and making us a new creation: He gives us a new heart and a new life in the Holy Spirit.Easter Sunday highlights not only our faith in the Resurrection, but we are also called to joyfully proclaim and witness our faith in the Risen Lord among us. Proclamation and witness are the two central themes of today's Scripture Readings. ‘You are witnesses to my resurrection.’
Today, we celebrate Easter and joyfully acclaim: ‘The Lord is Risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!’ (Luke24:34) Let us rejoice and be glad! Jesus lives on! The empty tomb is the sign that points to the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The empty tomb that greets Mary Magdalene, and then the Apostles Peter and John, becomes the place where our faith in the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus is born, a faith that becomes the cornerstone and the object of the apostolic preaching. It is a faith that brings transformation and leads the Christian to realize that it is no longer possible to live as before: having risen with Christ, we must all live a qualitatively new life.
‘If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain; and your faith is in vain.’ (1Corinthians 15: 14) ‘If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ (Romans 10:9) ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’ (John 11: 25-26)
May the Resurrected Christ bless you all and fill your hearts with Peace and Joy!
While we celebrate Easter I would suggest a few things to do:
- Ask our Risen Lord to bless the caregivers, heal those infected, and put an end to this Covid-19 Corona Virus. The Risen Lord is our Hope, our Redeemer. (One our Father in heaven, One Hail Mary and One Glory be to the Father.)
- We missed the Easter egg hunt for our children in our parish. But you make some arrangements for your children/grandchildren in your home.
- Please call your family member, neighbor, friend and our parishioners to wish them a Happy Easter. (Minimum 5 persons)
- Ask your children funny questions like:
How does Easter end? …….. With an ‘R’
What's an Easter egg's least favorite day? ……….. Fry-day.
What happens if you tell a joke to an Easter egg? ……… It cracks up.
- Tell your family some jokes for a laugh: if you are not interested, please ignore it.
(Little Johnny and his family were invited to have Easter Sunday lunch at his grandmother’s house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Johnny received his plate he started eating straight away. ‘Johnny, wait until we say grace,’ demanded his father. ‘I don’t have to,’ the five year old Johnny replied. ‘Of course you do,’ his mother insisted rather forcefully. We always say a prayer before eating at our house.’ ‘That’s at our house,’ Johnny explained, ‘but this is Grandma’s house, and she knows how to cook.’)
(An elderly pastor was searching his closet for a tie before church one Sunday morning. In the back of the closet, he found a small box containing 3 eggs and 100--$1.00 bills. He called his wife into the closet to ask her about the box and its contents. Embarrassed, she admitted having hidden the box for the entire 30 years of marriage. Disappointed and hurt, the pastor asked her ‘why?’ The wife replied that she hadn’t wanted to hurt his feelings. He asked how the box could have hurt his feelings. She said that every time during their marriage that he delivered a poor sermon, she placed an egg into the box. The pastor felt that 3 poor sermons in 30 years was certainly nothing to feel bad about, so he asked what about the $100.00. She replied, ‘Each time I got a Dozen Eggs, I sold them to the neighbor for $1.00!’)
(‘Mom, are bugs good to eat?’ asked the boy. ‘Let’s not talk about such things at the dinner table, son,’ his mother replied. After dinner the mother inquired, ‘Now, baby, what did you want to ask me?’ ‘Oh, nothing,’ the boy said. ‘There was a Bug in your Soup, but now it’s gone.’)
Once Again I wish you a Happy Easter!
With Love,
Father Johnson
April 10, 2020 – Good Friday
Stations of the Cross – 3pm
The celebration of the Lord’s Passion – 6pm
(The presence of the faithful is not allowed due to the directives given by the authorities.)
The celebration of the Lord’s Passion – 6pm
(The presence of the faithful is not allowed due to the directives given by the authorities.)
‘There is no greater love, than to lay down one's life for one's friends.’ (John 15:13)
Two brothers lived together in the same apartment. The elder brother was an honest, hardworking and God-fearing man, while the younger was dishonest, immoral, etc. Many a night the younger brother would come back into the apartment late, drunk and with a lot of cash and the elder brother would spend hours pleading him to mend his ways and live a decent life. But the younger brother would not listen.
One night, the younger brother came running into the house with a smoking gun and his clothes were blood stained. ‘I killed a man,’ he announced. In a few minutes the house was surrounded by police and the two brothers knew there was no escape. ‘I did not mean to kill him,’ stammered the younger brother, ‘and I don't want to die.’
By now the police were knocking at the door. The elder brother had an idea. He exchanged his clothes with the blood stained clothes of his killer brother. The police arrested him, tried him and he was condemned to death. So he died for his younger brother out of his love for him.
Yes, Jesus also gave his life for us, so that we might be saved. He took upon himself our guilt. For our sake, he suffered and died on the cross; because he loves us immensely. We do not require any further proof of Jesus' love for us. ‘There is no greater love, than to lay down one's life for one's friends.’
My dear friends, today is ‘Good Friday,’ the second day of the 'Pascal Triduum.' On this day, the Church commemorates the suffering and death on the cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, there is no Holy Mass. Instead, in sorrow, the Church mourns her Master’s death and reverences the cross on which our salvation was achieved. Let us come together in meditative faith around the cross on Calvary, and reflect calmly and serenely with great devotion on the final hours of Christ’s earthly life.
Today on Good Friday, when we commemorate the suffering and death on the cross of our Lord and Savior, we are called not to endure the cross, not to put-up with the cross, but rather to embrace the cross. The suffering of Jesus gives meaning to our own sufferings. It was through his acceptance of suffering and death that Jesus brought us life and salvation. We cannot ask God to give us a life without pain or sorrow. Nor should we feel he does not care about us because such things happen. Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.’ (Mathew 16: 24) Let us offer our fast and abstinence this Good Friday up to our Lord and Savior in thanksgiving for His sacrifice.
My dear friends, both the suffering and death of Jesus are part of God’s plan for the salvation of all. Good Friday tells us that suffering is not just a curse, an infliction, nor a meaningless waste. In the person of Jesus and in the lives of his saints, it can become a vocation and mission to save the people, to save mankind.
Therefore, let us not forget what Jesus endured for us. Each time we look at a crucifix, let us remember that the look on the face of Jesus was not a look of pain and suffering. It was a look of Love, a Love for each and every one of us. Just as His sacrifice is only explained by love, so our entire existence can have no other foundation. Hence, we are asked to live for Him and for others, not for ourselves. Remember, 'there is no greater love, than to lay down one's life for one's friends.’
One night, the younger brother came running into the house with a smoking gun and his clothes were blood stained. ‘I killed a man,’ he announced. In a few minutes the house was surrounded by police and the two brothers knew there was no escape. ‘I did not mean to kill him,’ stammered the younger brother, ‘and I don't want to die.’
By now the police were knocking at the door. The elder brother had an idea. He exchanged his clothes with the blood stained clothes of his killer brother. The police arrested him, tried him and he was condemned to death. So he died for his younger brother out of his love for him.
Yes, Jesus also gave his life for us, so that we might be saved. He took upon himself our guilt. For our sake, he suffered and died on the cross; because he loves us immensely. We do not require any further proof of Jesus' love for us. ‘There is no greater love, than to lay down one's life for one's friends.’
My dear friends, today is ‘Good Friday,’ the second day of the 'Pascal Triduum.' On this day, the Church commemorates the suffering and death on the cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, there is no Holy Mass. Instead, in sorrow, the Church mourns her Master’s death and reverences the cross on which our salvation was achieved. Let us come together in meditative faith around the cross on Calvary, and reflect calmly and serenely with great devotion on the final hours of Christ’s earthly life.
Today on Good Friday, when we commemorate the suffering and death on the cross of our Lord and Savior, we are called not to endure the cross, not to put-up with the cross, but rather to embrace the cross. The suffering of Jesus gives meaning to our own sufferings. It was through his acceptance of suffering and death that Jesus brought us life and salvation. We cannot ask God to give us a life without pain or sorrow. Nor should we feel he does not care about us because such things happen. Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.’ (Mathew 16: 24) Let us offer our fast and abstinence this Good Friday up to our Lord and Savior in thanksgiving for His sacrifice.
My dear friends, both the suffering and death of Jesus are part of God’s plan for the salvation of all. Good Friday tells us that suffering is not just a curse, an infliction, nor a meaningless waste. In the person of Jesus and in the lives of his saints, it can become a vocation and mission to save the people, to save mankind.
Therefore, let us not forget what Jesus endured for us. Each time we look at a crucifix, let us remember that the look on the face of Jesus was not a look of pain and suffering. It was a look of Love, a Love for each and every one of us. Just as His sacrifice is only explained by love, so our entire existence can have no other foundation. Hence, we are asked to live for Him and for others, not for ourselves. Remember, 'there is no greater love, than to lay down one's life for one's friends.’
‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ (Luke 23:42)
‘For God so loved the world that He gave one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ (John 3: 16)
Have a blessed Good Friday!
With Love,
Father Johnson
‘For God so loved the world that He gave one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ (John 3: 16)
Have a blessed Good Friday!
With Love,
Father Johnson
April 9. 2020 - Holy Thursday
April 9th 2020 Holy Thursday
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15
April 9th 2020 Holy Thursday
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15
Today is Holy Thursday, the first day of ‘Pascal Triduum.’ On this day we commemorate ‘Our Lord's Last Supper’ with his disciples and celebrate the institution of both the Holy Eucharist and the Ministerial Priesthood - the Feast of ‘Love and Service.’My dear friends, I am really sad to do this liturgy without you, the congregation, but we are aware about the present situation. Bishop Robert Baker did the Chrism Mass on April 7th Tuesday at St. Paul’s Cathedral without the congregation. The Pope, Bishops, and priests have to do the Holy week service, this year, without the presence of the people.
While I do the service, I will see your spiritual presence in the places where you all used to sit in our church. I know the place you all usually sit and that makes me aware of your presence. I will pray for you and your family. You too have to pray for me and all the priests.
Today’s first reading speaks about the first Hebrew Passover meal. This meal was, and still is a commemoration of one of the greatest events in the history of the Israelites as God's people, namely, their liberation from slavery in Egypt.
While I was listening to the press conference of the New York Governor two days ago, he said: ‘the Feast of Passover should help us to realize that we will Passover this present situation.’ Yes, we will, but we must pray to God, and cooperate with the directives given by the authorities.
In today’s second reading St. Paul recalls what Jesus did during that Passover meal; The Last Supper. Jesus transformed his Last Supper into the first Eucharistic celebration: ‘He took bread, and giving thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my body, which will be given up for you.’ ‘Then he took the chalice and, once more giving thanks, he gave it to his disciples, saying: take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.’
Jesus thus instituted the Holy Eucharist as the sign and reality of God’s perpetual presence with His people as their living, heavenly food, in the form of bread and wine. This was followed by the institution of the Ministerial Priesthood with the command, ‘Do this in memory of me.’
In today’s Gospel we see the act of Jesus; ‘Washing the feet of his disciples,’ and later he gives them His ‘New commandment of Love’ - ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ Today we don’t have washing of the feet, and the Eucharistic procession in our church. But this story encourages us to have the attitude of humble and loving service to others.
Let us pray for all the priests: ‘Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your kingdom. Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become instruments of your divine grace. We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.’ Amen
With Love,
Father Johnson
While I do the service, I will see your spiritual presence in the places where you all used to sit in our church. I know the place you all usually sit and that makes me aware of your presence. I will pray for you and your family. You too have to pray for me and all the priests.
Today’s first reading speaks about the first Hebrew Passover meal. This meal was, and still is a commemoration of one of the greatest events in the history of the Israelites as God's people, namely, their liberation from slavery in Egypt.
While I was listening to the press conference of the New York Governor two days ago, he said: ‘the Feast of Passover should help us to realize that we will Passover this present situation.’ Yes, we will, but we must pray to God, and cooperate with the directives given by the authorities.
In today’s second reading St. Paul recalls what Jesus did during that Passover meal; The Last Supper. Jesus transformed his Last Supper into the first Eucharistic celebration: ‘He took bread, and giving thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my body, which will be given up for you.’ ‘Then he took the chalice and, once more giving thanks, he gave it to his disciples, saying: take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.’
Jesus thus instituted the Holy Eucharist as the sign and reality of God’s perpetual presence with His people as their living, heavenly food, in the form of bread and wine. This was followed by the institution of the Ministerial Priesthood with the command, ‘Do this in memory of me.’
In today’s Gospel we see the act of Jesus; ‘Washing the feet of his disciples,’ and later he gives them His ‘New commandment of Love’ - ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ Today we don’t have washing of the feet, and the Eucharistic procession in our church. But this story encourages us to have the attitude of humble and loving service to others.
Let us pray for all the priests: ‘Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your kingdom. Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become instruments of your divine grace. We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.’ Amen
With Love,
Father Johnson
April 9. 2020 - Holy Thursday
On this day Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated at SEAS Church at 6pm.
The presence of the people is not allowed due to the directives given by the authorities.
The washing of Feet and the procession with the Blessed Sacrament are omitted, and
the Blessed Sacrament will be kept in the tabernacle, as per the Diocesan directives.
On this day, we must pray for all the priests, and pray for more vocations to the priesthood.
Even though we are not able to participate in the Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion, let us have Spiritual Communion.
Let us pray:
Oh Sacrament most Holy, Oh sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. We believe that
Jesus Christ is really, truly, and substantially present in Holy Communion. Lord Jesus Christ I love you and desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Oh sacrament divine all praise and thanksgiving be every moment thine. Amen
April 10, 2020 – Good Friday
Stations of the Cross – 3pm
The celebration of the Lord’s Passion – 6pm
(The presence of the faithful is not allowed due to the directives given by the authorities.)
With love,
Father Johnson
Begin Divine Mercy Novena on Good Friday
The Novena can on the menu above.
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April 4-5, 2020 Palm Sunday of the Passion of our Lord
The Celebrations of Palm Sunday
Greetings from Father Johnson!
I hope that you are staying well during this time, especially with the Corona Virus pandemic. I want you to know that I have been praying for your health, both physical and spiritual, every day. May God bless, and protect us all!
We used to have the penitential service and confessions in both SEAS and St. Henry churches, during the Lenten Season. But due to this present situation, we are not able to have it as we planned. Still, we understand the importance of having confession, especially during this Lenten season.
Pope Francis said if you don’t find a priest to hear your confession, talk with God, He is your Father, and tell Him the truth: ‘Lord, I have done this, and that, and that… I am sorry,’ and ask Him for forgiveness with all your heart, with the act of Contrition, and promise Him: ‘afterwards I will go to confession, but forgive me now.’ If you do this, the Pope said, you will return to God’s grace immediately.
The Holy Mass of Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord will be celebrated by Father Johnson with the assistance of Deacon Tim on April 4th Saturday 5pm in SEAS church. The palms will be available on the table, of our car-porch, both SEAS and St. Henry churches Sunday 9am to Noon. If you are not able to come and pick them up on that day, we will keep them in our vestibule, so that you can come and take them on any week day. While we take the palms, say Hosanna, Hosanna: which means save us (from this Corona Virus Disease).
It is unimaginable to do the Holy week services without the presence of the congregation (You all). But we realize the situation and condition. Even then I thought to share a few words with you through my email. Today we commemorate the Lord's triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem. Jesus entered the city to fulfill God's plan of salvation culminating in His suffering and death on the cross.
In today’s First reading (Isaiah 50: 4-7) the prophet Isaiah speaks of his own sufferings in order to carry out his mission. In spite of his sufferings Isaiah was sustained by the firm belief that God will not abandon him. The sufferings of Isaiah are a pre-figuration of the sufferings of Jesus the Messiah.
In today’s Second reading (Philippians 2: 6-11) Paul tells us that although Jesus was God, He took on Himself human condition and accepted death on the cross. So God the Father has raised Him up and made Him the Lord of heaven and earth.
Today’s Gospel passage (Mathew 26: 14 to 27: 66) gives us a detailed account of the passion and sufferings of the Lord Jesus, and how the prophecies of the scriptures are fulfilled.
My dear friends, we too are passing through the same experience today. The spread of Corona Virus has led many people to suffer and many of them to sacrifice their lives. While we pass through the same experience we need to say Hosanna, save us from this Corona Virus Disease.
Let us pray for all those who suffer the consequences of the current pandemic, that God the Father may grant health to the sick, strength to those who care for them, comfort to families and salvation to all the victims who have died. Amen
Greetings from Father Johnson!
I hope that you are staying well during this time, especially with the Corona Virus pandemic. I want you to know that I have been praying for your health, both physical and spiritual, every day. May God bless, and protect us all!
We used to have the penitential service and confessions in both SEAS and St. Henry churches, during the Lenten Season. But due to this present situation, we are not able to have it as we planned. Still, we understand the importance of having confession, especially during this Lenten season.
Pope Francis said if you don’t find a priest to hear your confession, talk with God, He is your Father, and tell Him the truth: ‘Lord, I have done this, and that, and that… I am sorry,’ and ask Him for forgiveness with all your heart, with the act of Contrition, and promise Him: ‘afterwards I will go to confession, but forgive me now.’ If you do this, the Pope said, you will return to God’s grace immediately.
The Holy Mass of Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord will be celebrated by Father Johnson with the assistance of Deacon Tim on April 4th Saturday 5pm in SEAS church. The palms will be available on the table, of our car-porch, both SEAS and St. Henry churches Sunday 9am to Noon. If you are not able to come and pick them up on that day, we will keep them in our vestibule, so that you can come and take them on any week day. While we take the palms, say Hosanna, Hosanna: which means save us (from this Corona Virus Disease).
It is unimaginable to do the Holy week services without the presence of the congregation (You all). But we realize the situation and condition. Even then I thought to share a few words with you through my email. Today we commemorate the Lord's triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem. Jesus entered the city to fulfill God's plan of salvation culminating in His suffering and death on the cross.
In today’s First reading (Isaiah 50: 4-7) the prophet Isaiah speaks of his own sufferings in order to carry out his mission. In spite of his sufferings Isaiah was sustained by the firm belief that God will not abandon him. The sufferings of Isaiah are a pre-figuration of the sufferings of Jesus the Messiah.
In today’s Second reading (Philippians 2: 6-11) Paul tells us that although Jesus was God, He took on Himself human condition and accepted death on the cross. So God the Father has raised Him up and made Him the Lord of heaven and earth.
Today’s Gospel passage (Mathew 26: 14 to 27: 66) gives us a detailed account of the passion and sufferings of the Lord Jesus, and how the prophecies of the scriptures are fulfilled.
My dear friends, we too are passing through the same experience today. The spread of Corona Virus has led many people to suffer and many of them to sacrifice their lives. While we pass through the same experience we need to say Hosanna, save us from this Corona Virus Disease.
Let us pray for all those who suffer the consequences of the current pandemic, that God the Father may grant health to the sick, strength to those who care for them, comfort to families and salvation to all the victims who have died. Amen
UPDATE ON PALMS:
Dear friends,
Good afternoon! You might have heard about the 'Stay-at-Home' order issued by the Governor of Alabama. This begins today April 4th Saturday at 5pm. USA is the most affected nation among the Corona Virus's affected nations of the world. Hence, it is necessary to prevent or control the spread of Corona Virus Disease. We must take precautionary actions not to be affected by this disease.
In this present situation, we will do the blessing of the palms today and keep it. The palms can be taken when you come back to the church, after the 'Stay-at-Home' order is cancelled. This is my first suggestion.
Secondly, we will keep some outside as I have communicated earlier April 5th Sunday 9am to Noon in both SEAS and St. Henry churches.
But, the Best Decision is Your Choice.
With love,
Father Johnson
Dear friends,
Good afternoon! You might have heard about the 'Stay-at-Home' order issued by the Governor of Alabama. This begins today April 4th Saturday at 5pm. USA is the most affected nation among the Corona Virus's affected nations of the world. Hence, it is necessary to prevent or control the spread of Corona Virus Disease. We must take precautionary actions not to be affected by this disease.
In this present situation, we will do the blessing of the palms today and keep it. The palms can be taken when you come back to the church, after the 'Stay-at-Home' order is cancelled. This is my first suggestion.
Secondly, we will keep some outside as I have communicated earlier April 5th Sunday 9am to Noon in both SEAS and St. Henry churches.
But, the Best Decision is Your Choice.
With love,
Father Johnson
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Friday, April 3, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
Good afternoon. Hope you are fine. We are approaching Palm Sunday but we are not allowed to gather as a group in our church, because of the directives given by the authorities. It’s understandable; still, we decided to bless the palms and keep it outside on the table so that people can take it to their homes. The palms will be available in both SEAS and st. Henry churches on Sunday April 5th 9:00 am to Noon. Beware of social distance.”Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” Oh Jesus, Save us from the Corona Virus Disease!
Blessings!
Fr. Johnson
Dear Parish Family,
Good afternoon. Hope you are fine. We are approaching Palm Sunday but we are not allowed to gather as a group in our church, because of the directives given by the authorities. It’s understandable; still, we decided to bless the palms and keep it outside on the table so that people can take it to their homes. The palms will be available in both SEAS and st. Henry churches on Sunday April 5th 9:00 am to Noon. Beware of social distance.”Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” Oh Jesus, Save us from the Corona Virus Disease!
Blessings!
Fr. Johnson
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March 29, 2020 Fifth Sunday of Lent
Ezekiel 37:12-14 Romans: 8:8-11 John 11: 1-45
Prayers and greetings from Father Johnson!
Hope you are fine. As I promised you, in my earlier email, I have been praying for you in my Holy Mass, Rosary, Stations of the Cross and private prayers. May God bless, and protect us all!
I watch the news and have become aware about the present condition in our state of Alabama, other states in the USA and India, and the whole world. In the midst of increasing numbers of corona virus affected people and deaths, ‘Stay home and Stay safe.’ It is very difficult to remain inside the house alone and not be able to go outside. But we need to be aware about the present situation, and have to safe-guard ourselves as best we can. Isaiah 26:20 says, ‘Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.’
Bishop Robert Baker said: ‘It is with sadness that I write to you today to say that, after consulting with our priests, public authorities, and health experts, I judge it necessary to extend the suspension of public worship that I first issued on March 17th 2020. The suspension shall now continue through the day before Divine Mercy Sunday - April 18th 2020.’
While I was reflecting on this weekend’s scripture readings, I thought to share with you a short message. The central theme of today’s scripture readings is the resurrection and the life. The three readings of today fit beautifully together as they tell us of death yielding to a new way of life.
In the first reading the Prophet Ezekiel assures the people of Israel who were under the Babylonian captivity that God's power will restore them from slavery and misery. He compares their captivity to death, and their liberation and returning home to a resurrection and spiritual renewal. He promises them that they will know and experience Yahweh as their Lord and savior.
In the second reading St. Paul reminds the Christian community in Rome and all of us that those who live according to the flesh live in accordance with their natural inclinations and cannot please God. We are in the Spirit; hence we belong to Christ. Paul assures us that it was the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. The same Spirit lives in us. So the Spirit of God will give life to our mortal bodies.
Today's gospel passage gives us a clear account of the death of Lazarus and how Jesus raises him from the dead. Jesus explains that through the death of Lazarus ‘the Son of man will be glorified’. Death of Lazarus serves to show that Jesus is the life-giver. Jesus said, ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’. When Jesus becomes the main-stay of our lives we can experience resurrection here and now.
Now, we experience death culture due to the corona virus infection and consequent deaths all over the world. We, the Americans, are on the top of the corona virus affected cases; and we should take adequate steps to control, stop and to save the life of our people. Let us pray and remember daily all who have been affected by Covid-19, including the many healthcare workers who show heroic sacrifice and generosity in responding to this crisis.
During this week, I watched a video-clip of ‘Torch of Christ ministries,’ emphasizing the need for repentance, and the need to believe in Jesus. This is recorded on a prominent street in New Orleans, Louisiana. A man, dressed in sack cloth, addresses the people of New Orleans to repent and return from all kinds of sins, addictions, and immoralities; stating: we don’t want you to perish, the street is empty, let the hand of the Lord wake you up. We are walking in darkness and need to be awakened! This corona virus situation should help us to think about our lives. Dear people, let us turn to the Lord, and he will take care of us. Repent, this is the time to repent and turn to the Lord.
My dear friends during this Lenten Season let us be aware of our sins and reconcile with God so that we will not perish, but will have eternal life. Jesus tells us, ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life.’
Amen!
With Love, Father Johnson
Hope you are fine. As I promised you, in my earlier email, I have been praying for you in my Holy Mass, Rosary, Stations of the Cross and private prayers. May God bless, and protect us all!
I watch the news and have become aware about the present condition in our state of Alabama, other states in the USA and India, and the whole world. In the midst of increasing numbers of corona virus affected people and deaths, ‘Stay home and Stay safe.’ It is very difficult to remain inside the house alone and not be able to go outside. But we need to be aware about the present situation, and have to safe-guard ourselves as best we can. Isaiah 26:20 says, ‘Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.’
Bishop Robert Baker said: ‘It is with sadness that I write to you today to say that, after consulting with our priests, public authorities, and health experts, I judge it necessary to extend the suspension of public worship that I first issued on March 17th 2020. The suspension shall now continue through the day before Divine Mercy Sunday - April 18th 2020.’
While I was reflecting on this weekend’s scripture readings, I thought to share with you a short message. The central theme of today’s scripture readings is the resurrection and the life. The three readings of today fit beautifully together as they tell us of death yielding to a new way of life.
In the first reading the Prophet Ezekiel assures the people of Israel who were under the Babylonian captivity that God's power will restore them from slavery and misery. He compares their captivity to death, and their liberation and returning home to a resurrection and spiritual renewal. He promises them that they will know and experience Yahweh as their Lord and savior.
In the second reading St. Paul reminds the Christian community in Rome and all of us that those who live according to the flesh live in accordance with their natural inclinations and cannot please God. We are in the Spirit; hence we belong to Christ. Paul assures us that it was the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. The same Spirit lives in us. So the Spirit of God will give life to our mortal bodies.
Today's gospel passage gives us a clear account of the death of Lazarus and how Jesus raises him from the dead. Jesus explains that through the death of Lazarus ‘the Son of man will be glorified’. Death of Lazarus serves to show that Jesus is the life-giver. Jesus said, ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’. When Jesus becomes the main-stay of our lives we can experience resurrection here and now.
Now, we experience death culture due to the corona virus infection and consequent deaths all over the world. We, the Americans, are on the top of the corona virus affected cases; and we should take adequate steps to control, stop and to save the life of our people. Let us pray and remember daily all who have been affected by Covid-19, including the many healthcare workers who show heroic sacrifice and generosity in responding to this crisis.
During this week, I watched a video-clip of ‘Torch of Christ ministries,’ emphasizing the need for repentance, and the need to believe in Jesus. This is recorded on a prominent street in New Orleans, Louisiana. A man, dressed in sack cloth, addresses the people of New Orleans to repent and return from all kinds of sins, addictions, and immoralities; stating: we don’t want you to perish, the street is empty, let the hand of the Lord wake you up. We are walking in darkness and need to be awakened! This corona virus situation should help us to think about our lives. Dear people, let us turn to the Lord, and he will take care of us. Repent, this is the time to repent and turn to the Lord.
My dear friends during this Lenten Season let us be aware of our sins and reconcile with God so that we will not perish, but will have eternal life. Jesus tells us, ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life.’
Amen!
With Love, Father Johnson
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Pope Francis' Blessing and Prayer for the World. March 27, 2020
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Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Bishop Steven J. Raica appointed as fifth Bishop of Birmingham
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama has a new bishop. This morning, March 25, Pope Francis named Bishop Steven J. Raica as the fifth bishop of Birmingham.Bishop Raica is currently the Bishop of Gaylord, Michigan. He will succeed Bishop Robert J. Baker, who has served the Diocese of Birmingham since October of 2007.
The Diocese of Birmingham will hold a press conference today at 10 a.m. to introduce the new bishop. However, to protect the well-being of the press and general public during this present Covid-19 crisis, the press conference will be posted on the diocesan web page, www.bhmdiocese.org. Diocesan representatives will be available to answer any questions immediately following the 10 a.m. press conference outside the Chancery building located at 2121 3rd Ave., N., Birmingham.
With the nomination of Bishop Raica, Bishop Baker’s retirement becomes effective and he becomes bishop emeritus of Birmingham in Alabama. The Holy See has appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese until the time of Bishop Raica’s installation. Bishop Baker issued a statement this morning welcoming his successor and pledging his “support, prayer, and collaboration” to the new bishop.
Bishop Raica, son of Mary and the late Steve Raica, was born Nov. 8, 1952 in Munising, Michigan. He has a younger brother, Joseph, who cares for their 93 year old mother near the bishop’s hometown. His father passed away in 1987.
At the age of 17, Bishop Raica left the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to attend Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Michigan State, he went on to attend St. John’s Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan where he received a master of divinity degree. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in religious studies from the University of Detroit.
On Oct. 14, 1978, Bishop Raica was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lansing. After his ordination, he served as the parochial vicar for Holy Redeemer Parish in Burton, Michigan and St. Pius X Parish inFlint, Michigan until 1984. He served one year as pastor of Holy Family Parish in Ovid, Michigan before becoming the co-rector of St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing, Michigan and chaplain of Olivet College in Olivet.
In 1988, Bishop Raica began studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome earning a licentiateand a doctorate in Canon Law. After completing his studies in Rome, he returned to Michigan in 1991 and became pastor of St. Mary Parish in Charlotte, Michigan until 1993. From 1995 to1997, Bishop Raica served as pastor of St. Ann Parish in Bellevue, Michigan. In 1997, he was made chancellor of theDiocese of Lansing, a position he held until 1999.
Shortly after becoming chancellor of the diocese, Bishop Raica was named as an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness, with the title of Monsignor, in 1998, by Pope John Paul II. A year later in 1999, he began a six year term as superior of Casa Santa Maria in Rome, which is the graduate studies house of the Pontifical North American College (PNAC). During this time in Rome, Bishop Raica also served as a spiritual director and adjunct faculty member at the PNAC.
Upon his return to the Lansing diocese in 2005, he was again asked to serve as the diocesan chancellor, where he served for 9 years. Pope Francis appointed Bishop Raica as the fifth bishop of Gaylord on June 27, 2014, and his Episcopal ordination and installation took place Aug. 28, 2014 in St. Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Gaylord, Michigan, celebrated by Archbishop Allen Vigneron of Detroit. Bishop Emeritus Carl Mengeling of Lansing and Coadjutor Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Newark were the principal co-consecrators.
As a priest of the Diocese of Lansing, he also served the diocesan tribunal as the promoter of justice, a tribunal judge, and a pro-synodal judge. He has also served on several boards, including that of Faith Catholic, and as vice postulator of the sainthood cause of Servant of God Antonietta Meo, an Italian girl who, in 1937, died of cancer at the age of six.
The bishop is fluent in American Sign Language and has been involved in ministry to the deaf. He also has conversational ability in Italian and Polish and has reading capability in Spanish, French, Latin, and German.
Birmingham’s new shepherd will be welcomed with solemn vespers on Monday, June 22, the night before his installation. Both the vespers and the Mass of Installation, on Tuesday, June 23, will take place at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Birmingham. More details will be published soon about the installation events.
Let us pray for him... Father Johnson
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Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Greetings from Father Johnson!
Hope you all are well. Stay Home, keep Safe and stay Healthy!
I pray for you every day.
Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. The Annunciation has its main focus on the Incarnation: God became man to save us. During this time of disease; Let us pray, God save us! We must pray for our family, parish, nation, and the whole world.
India has declared twenty one days of “Lock Down.” Though there are 500 hundred confirmed cases and 10 deaths, it may make much impact in India, because of its high population. We know the present situation in the USA; let us pray together and God will take care of us! Let us pray one our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory be to the father.
“East or West; Home is the best.
Take some rest; don’t call any guest.
Enjoy your home fest; don’t have an outgoing zest.
This is our life saving test.
So, be in your nest; this is the entire world’s request.”
With love,
Father Johnson
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March 22, 2020 Fourth Sunday of Lent
A message from Father Johnson:
My dear brothers and sisters,
My prayerful and sincere greetings to you all! Heavenly Father, save the whole world from the Corona Virus and keep us away from this disease! This is an unimaginable and very painful situation that we have now. This is very rare that the congregation is not able to have the Eucharistic Celebration in both SEAS and St. Henry churches. But we must obey the directions given by the authorities.
I encourage you all to maintain the moral obligation to keep the Sabbath holy by watching a Mass on EWTN or online; by meditating on the daily readings; by praying the Rosary; by doing stations of the Cross; by reading Scriptures and spiritual books, etc. I would like to share with you a short message for this weekend.
In today’s first reading Samuel was asked by the Lord God to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be the king of Israel. The Lord God chose David the youngest of the sons of Jesse to be the king although the prophet thought better of the other sons of Jesse. This explains to us the fact that the Lord God chooses the weak; makes them strong and works through them to manifest His power and glory. When people look at the appearances of a person the Lord God looks at the heart of that person and makes His choice.
In today’s second reading Paul reminds the Christians in Ephesus that although once they were in darkness now they are in the light of the Lord. Hence as children of the light they should bear the fruits of the light and should not take part in the unfruitful works of darkness.
In today’s gospel passage the healing of a man born blind is narrated in great detail. This man was born blind and approached many doctors and healers of that time to be healed. But none of them could heal them. Finally he approaches Jesus to be healed of his blindness. Jesus knowing his pathetic situation makes a paste and applies it to his eyes and asks the blind man to wash his eyes in the pool of Siloam. As a result he is healed of his blindness and is able to see everything.
My dear friends while the Covid-19 is spread all over the world, we don’t have proper medicine for the treatment. This reminds us of the same situation that the blind man had. So we must depend on Jesus to heal all those affected by this disease and keep us free from this disease.
Even though we are not able to participate in the Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion, let us have spiritual communion. Let us pray: Oh Sacrament most Holy, Oh sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. We believe that Jesus Christ is really, truly, and substantially present in Holy Communion. Lord Jesus Christ I love you and desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Oh sacrament divine all praise and thanksgiving be every moment thine. Amen
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Bishop Steven J. Raica appointed as fifth Bishop of Birmingham
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama has a new bishop. This morning, March 25, Pope Francis named Bishop Steven J. Raica as the fifth bishop of Birmingham.Bishop Raica is currently the Bishop of Gaylord, Michigan. He will succeed Bishop Robert J. Baker, who has served the Diocese of Birmingham since October of 2007.
The Diocese of Birmingham will hold a press conference today at 10 a.m. to introduce the new bishop. However, to protect the well-being of the press and general public during this present Covid-19 crisis, the press conference will be posted on the diocesan web page, www.bhmdiocese.org. Diocesan representatives will be available to answer any questions immediately following the 10 a.m. press conference outside the Chancery building located at 2121 3rd Ave., N., Birmingham.
With the nomination of Bishop Raica, Bishop Baker’s retirement becomes effective and he becomes bishop emeritus of Birmingham in Alabama. The Holy See has appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese until the time of Bishop Raica’s installation. Bishop Baker issued a statement this morning welcoming his successor and pledging his “support, prayer, and collaboration” to the new bishop.
Bishop Raica, son of Mary and the late Steve Raica, was born Nov. 8, 1952 in Munising, Michigan. He has a younger brother, Joseph, who cares for their 93 year old mother near the bishop’s hometown. His father passed away in 1987.
At the age of 17, Bishop Raica left the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to attend Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Michigan State, he went on to attend St. John’s Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan where he received a master of divinity degree. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in religious studies from the University of Detroit.
On Oct. 14, 1978, Bishop Raica was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lansing. After his ordination, he served as the parochial vicar for Holy Redeemer Parish in Burton, Michigan and St. Pius X Parish inFlint, Michigan until 1984. He served one year as pastor of Holy Family Parish in Ovid, Michigan before becoming the co-rector of St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing, Michigan and chaplain of Olivet College in Olivet.
In 1988, Bishop Raica began studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome earning a licentiateand a doctorate in Canon Law. After completing his studies in Rome, he returned to Michigan in 1991 and became pastor of St. Mary Parish in Charlotte, Michigan until 1993. From 1995 to1997, Bishop Raica served as pastor of St. Ann Parish in Bellevue, Michigan. In 1997, he was made chancellor of theDiocese of Lansing, a position he held until 1999.
Shortly after becoming chancellor of the diocese, Bishop Raica was named as an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness, with the title of Monsignor, in 1998, by Pope John Paul II. A year later in 1999, he began a six year term as superior of Casa Santa Maria in Rome, which is the graduate studies house of the Pontifical North American College (PNAC). During this time in Rome, Bishop Raica also served as a spiritual director and adjunct faculty member at the PNAC.
Upon his return to the Lansing diocese in 2005, he was again asked to serve as the diocesan chancellor, where he served for 9 years. Pope Francis appointed Bishop Raica as the fifth bishop of Gaylord on June 27, 2014, and his Episcopal ordination and installation took place Aug. 28, 2014 in St. Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Gaylord, Michigan, celebrated by Archbishop Allen Vigneron of Detroit. Bishop Emeritus Carl Mengeling of Lansing and Coadjutor Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Newark were the principal co-consecrators.
As a priest of the Diocese of Lansing, he also served the diocesan tribunal as the promoter of justice, a tribunal judge, and a pro-synodal judge. He has also served on several boards, including that of Faith Catholic, and as vice postulator of the sainthood cause of Servant of God Antonietta Meo, an Italian girl who, in 1937, died of cancer at the age of six.
The bishop is fluent in American Sign Language and has been involved in ministry to the deaf. He also has conversational ability in Italian and Polish and has reading capability in Spanish, French, Latin, and German.
Birmingham’s new shepherd will be welcomed with solemn vespers on Monday, June 22, the night before his installation. Both the vespers and the Mass of Installation, on Tuesday, June 23, will take place at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Birmingham. More details will be published soon about the installation events.
Let us pray for him... Father Johnson
__________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Greetings from Father Johnson!
Hope you all are well. Stay Home, keep Safe and stay Healthy!
I pray for you every day.
Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. The Annunciation has its main focus on the Incarnation: God became man to save us. During this time of disease; Let us pray, God save us! We must pray for our family, parish, nation, and the whole world.
India has declared twenty one days of “Lock Down.” Though there are 500 hundred confirmed cases and 10 deaths, it may make much impact in India, because of its high population. We know the present situation in the USA; let us pray together and God will take care of us! Let us pray one our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory be to the father.
“East or West; Home is the best.
Take some rest; don’t call any guest.
Enjoy your home fest; don’t have an outgoing zest.
This is our life saving test.
So, be in your nest; this is the entire world’s request.”
With love,
Father Johnson
___________________________________________________________________________
March 22, 2020 Fourth Sunday of Lent
A message from Father Johnson:
My dear brothers and sisters,
My prayerful and sincere greetings to you all! Heavenly Father, save the whole world from the Corona Virus and keep us away from this disease! This is an unimaginable and very painful situation that we have now. This is very rare that the congregation is not able to have the Eucharistic Celebration in both SEAS and St. Henry churches. But we must obey the directions given by the authorities.
I encourage you all to maintain the moral obligation to keep the Sabbath holy by watching a Mass on EWTN or online; by meditating on the daily readings; by praying the Rosary; by doing stations of the Cross; by reading Scriptures and spiritual books, etc. I would like to share with you a short message for this weekend.
In today’s first reading Samuel was asked by the Lord God to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be the king of Israel. The Lord God chose David the youngest of the sons of Jesse to be the king although the prophet thought better of the other sons of Jesse. This explains to us the fact that the Lord God chooses the weak; makes them strong and works through them to manifest His power and glory. When people look at the appearances of a person the Lord God looks at the heart of that person and makes His choice.
In today’s second reading Paul reminds the Christians in Ephesus that although once they were in darkness now they are in the light of the Lord. Hence as children of the light they should bear the fruits of the light and should not take part in the unfruitful works of darkness.
In today’s gospel passage the healing of a man born blind is narrated in great detail. This man was born blind and approached many doctors and healers of that time to be healed. But none of them could heal them. Finally he approaches Jesus to be healed of his blindness. Jesus knowing his pathetic situation makes a paste and applies it to his eyes and asks the blind man to wash his eyes in the pool of Siloam. As a result he is healed of his blindness and is able to see everything.
My dear friends while the Covid-19 is spread all over the world, we don’t have proper medicine for the treatment. This reminds us of the same situation that the blind man had. So we must depend on Jesus to heal all those affected by this disease and keep us free from this disease.
Even though we are not able to participate in the Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion, let us have spiritual communion. Let us pray: Oh Sacrament most Holy, Oh sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. We believe that Jesus Christ is really, truly, and substantially present in Holy Communion. Lord Jesus Christ I love you and desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Oh sacrament divine all praise and thanksgiving be every moment thine. Amen
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