October 25th, 2025
Dear Parishioners:
I am happy to announce two memorials are now available.
When we celebrate special occasions and rites of passage, we aim for the very best for our family and friends. Likewise, here at the COTM, we aim for the very best when it comes to our liturgical celebrations. With your support, we are able to decorate our church for all the liturgical celebrations. During the Christmas Season, Holy Week, and the Easter Season, we “pull out all the stops.”
Two years ago, we created a welcoming and open space by shortening the front kneeler and the first two pews on both left and right sides of the aisle. Overall, it was well received. This environmental change serves multi usages, especially for weddings, wheelchairs, walkers, and funerals. When it comes for the reception of Holy Communion, parishioners have more space to receive Our Lord. When funerals occur, there is enough space for Communicants while allowing the casket to remain in place.
Currently, we do not have a complete funeral set which consists of a pall (a white sheet that covers the casket to remind us of our baptismal garb) and chasuble (the outer vestment) that the celebrant wears. It would be nice if we had a matching set to enhance the liturgical environment in our beautiful church at every Funeral Mass offered. With this new set, the pall will be full-length, covering the Church Truck, a stand with wheels that is placed under a casket to assist the funeral director and pallbearers when moving the casket to and from the church. The celebrant’s chasuble will match the pall.
As you know, our small country church receives many compliments. The beautiful stain glass windows and the marble altar, depicting the Last Supper are beyond breath-taking notwithstanding the wood. Every bride and groom and the children receiving their Holy Communion and Confirmation are dressed in their very best. How splendid it would be to have each casket that enters the COTM well ‘dressed’! Below is a picture for your consideration.
The cost is as follows:
$2,750 for the full set:
($1,250 for the pall)
($1,250 for the chasuble)
($250.00 for the chalise veil)
One, two, or three families can memorialize a loved one(s). The name or names will be embroidered on both items. If you are interested, please contact Fr. Tim. First come, first serve!
October 18th, 2025
Dear Parishioners:
The art of communication continues to evolve from smoke signals, Pony-express, telegrams, and a variety of postal delivery systems to cyberspace. Centuries ago, news did not spread as quickly as it does today. When it did arrive, it was either too old or too late. Centuries later, sophisticated technology allows news to reach us within minutes, whether good or bad. We tweet, text, Teams, Zoom, fax, and email. We also use websites, cell phones, iPads, Instagram, Facebook, and Livestream. Most of these became popular and necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the beginning of my priesthood, parishes would receive monthly general news called the “Monthly Packet”. Years later, we use Flock Notes and Good Newsroom (this replaced CNY). However, some prefer to listen to the Evening News or read it in the NY Times, The Daily News, or The Post.
The COTM uses a variety of modes of communication as indicated in the above paragraphs. The parish bulletin continues to be standard. Articles must be submitted 2 weeks prior. Two additional modes are: Livestream and Facebook.
Yes, we have many modes to ‘reach out and touch someone’ at any time. When is it the ‘right’ time, regardless of the many modes? Whatever happened to the 9 – 5 standard business hours? Perhaps we should return to this timeslot, which will allow us to spend more quality time with our loved ones. Yes, some things can wait for a response in the morning. Years ago, while having family meals, if the phone rang, mom or dad would just pick up the receiver and place it back down on the cradle. Go out to a restaurant now, and couples and families are texting either each other or their friends.
One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to discipline myself more by practicing the 9 – 5 phone timeslots. As with most NYR, we break them within a week or so. Here at the rectory, we have our regular office hours from M – F, 9 am to 3 pm. We also have evening appointments. Saturday and Sunday are for the administration of the Sacraments and preparation for the Sabbath. Sacramental Emergencies are 24/7/365. Yes, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Now, a brief update on Livestream. First, I wish to thank you for your patience. Second, since May, we have been experiencing many interruptions. We had an IT Person who volunteered his services and worked with our livestream company. Unfortunately, scheduling both parties became problematic. So, I had to hire an IT Consultant. The Consultant and our livestream company are communicating and working in tandem to resolve our issues. This may come at a cost, but we have no other alternative. I will be sharing their recommendations with the Finance Committee, and together we will make the best decision. Until then, please pray to St. Gabriel, the patron saint of communication, as he is known for being God’s chief heavenly messenger.
Fr. Tim
P.S. If there are any changes to mailing address or email address, please let us know. Please sign up for Flock Notes and Facebook.
October 11th, 2025
Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day? Simply put…
Columbus Day is a national holiday in many countries of the Americas and elsewhere, and a federal holiday in the United States since 1937. In recent years, Columbus Day has come under criticism for its purported celebration of Christopher Columbus’ colonialism. Columbus Day officially celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ 1492 voyage.
A Columbus Day Prayer
O Lord, we humbly pray
that You will empower us to use our vision and our ability
to explore new frontiers in ways that are pleasing
to You and are empowering to all people.
On Columbus Day, we pray that we will
use our talents and strengths for Your glory.
Make us willing to challenge false notions
about our world just as Columbus challenged
the false notion of his day that the world was flat.
Give us the courage to venture forth into the unknown.
Help us believe that You will guide us,
provide for us, protect us and be with us
on our journeys of life. Amen.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the Indigenous People of North America. It is recognized in some states honoring the histories, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples. Although it is not a federal holiday, it is celebrated yearly on the second Monday of October—the same day as Columbus Day.
A National Indigenous Peoples’ Prayer
Creator God,
We look at your world and praise you for the diversity all around us.
Thank you for the gift of relationships; our connection with people and the land.
Help us, Lord, to see differences and diversity as strengths.
Help us to listen and understand; to meet one another with wonder and anticipation.
Help us to love as you love, without expectation.
Reveal to us your way of reconciliation and guide us into right relationships with all living things.
Lead us to understand how Indigenous peoples have been and continue to be profoundly harmed by settler people and institutions.
Lead us to repent when we, as settlers, deny Indigenous peoples respect, dignity and fullness of life.
Help us to listen compassionately, to speak humbly, and to act justly.
Help us to seek the peace, justice, and reconciliation you desire among all your children.
Thank you for your mercy and grace.
Amen.
(Prayer by Dianne Climenhage)
Fr. Tim
October 4th, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
Two weeks ago, on September 7, Pope Leo canonized Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Michelangelo Frassati in St. Peter’s Square, both young men who lived and witnessed to their Catholic Christian faith in recent years. St. Carlo was mentioned in the September 13 bulletin. Today, I wish to highlight St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. St. Pier Giorgio Frassati was born on April 6, 1901, in Turin, Italy to Alfredo Frassati and Adelaide Ametis.
He was a young Italian man, known for his fervent Catholic faith, dedication to social justice, and love for mountain climbing, who is celebrated for his enthusiastic witness to holiness and service to others. Frassati was a devout Catholic, passionate about the Eucharist and service to the poor. He was involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Dominican Third Order, dedicating himself to social and charitable endeavors.
Frassati embraced the “Beatitudes” and strived for holiness in his ordinary life, serving as a role model for young people in their own journey of faith.
He was a patron for World Youth Day, a Third Order Dominican, and a proponent of social reform who committed his life to caring for the poor and sick, even as he enjoyed the joys of youth and sports. His motto, “Verso l’alto” (“to the heights”), encapsulates his aspiration for spiritual growth and living a virtuous life. His final climb included writing his famous motto, “Verso l’alto”. Pier Giorgio died on July 4, 1925, and was buried in Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista in Turin, Italy.
How blessed are we to have two young saints that our children could look up to and to turn to in prayer!
Prayer for the Courage to be Great
Heavenly Father,
Give me the courage to strive for the highest goals,
to flee every temptation to be mediocre.
Enable me to aspire to greatness, as Pier Giorgio did,
and to open my heart with joy to Your call to holiness.
Free me from the fear of failure.
I want to be, Lord, firmly and forever united to You.
Grant me the graces I ask You through Pier Giorgio’s intercession,
by the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
September 27th, 2025
Dear Parishioners:
The life of the parish is now in full swing with its activities, meetings, and events; some are new and some old. Due to a very successful Tag Sale last year, we are having second on Saturday, October 18 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Yes, it is the season for tag sales and estate sales as we see the myriads of flyers and stand-up signs throughout our neighborhoods. Some people enjoy them while others deplore them.
Barbara Mora and her Committee have been diligently working on this incredible fundraiser that has created great community spirit, and, at the same time, raised funds. Monies raised will be deposited into our “Disaster Relief” established by the Finance Committee to provide emergency financial aid when requested by the archdiocese and/or to support natural disasters in our country and world. Charities and recipients are closely vetted to ensure monies are reaching those affected. Last year, the COTM and a few generous donors helped us to raise $11,039.00
On September 22, 2025, we received a communication for the archdiocese to support GAZA. Luckly, we have the monies to send a check for $1000.00 allowing us to refrain from taking a second collection, place a collection box in the back of the church, or to make an appeal from the pulpit.
As in the past and now, I am asking every parishioner to assist in some way. Remember the adage: “Many hands make light work.” Perhaps your hands can sort, price, and sell items, bake, set-up and clean-up, or write a check, we greatly appreciate it. If you did not receive last weekend’s bulletin containing the two inserts, additional inserts and sign-up sheets are at the back of the church.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” MT 6:19-21
You can drop off your ‘treasures’ at the rectory garage on the following dates and at the following times:
Mondays: September 29 & October 6 from 12 noon to 3:00 pm
Wednesdays: October 1 & 8 from 12 noon to 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Fridays: October 3 & 10 from 9 am to 12 noon.
Thanking you in advance because your past support in the endeavor has been stellar!
Fr. Tim
September 20th, 2025
Dear Parishioners:
Two special events are occurring this weekend here at the COTM. The first is Catechetical Sunday.
At the 9:00 a.m. Mass, our Catechists for 2025-2026 will be commissioned and a reception will be held in the rectory. We are doubly blessed to have a few retired teachers who have not retired from their love of teaching our children that Jesus loves them. For those who were not teachers, their years of dedication and experience here at the COTM are an asset, creating a very dynamic and dedicated faculty. ALL of them are faith-filled. If you know them by name or recognize their faces, please thank them for their ministry and for teaching our children. It is indeed a labor of love for they are not on the payroll and receive no benefits. Please welcome this year’s Catechists and keep them and our children in your prayers:
Dorothy Haase—Catechist of the Good Shepherd Level I
Toni O’Connor–Catechist of the Good Shepherd Levels I & II
Rosemarie McManus—Catechist of the Good Shepherd Level II
Maureen Ball—Grade 2 (First Reconciliation & Holy Communion)
Frances Hamilton—Grade 3
James Hornby & Barbara Zegarelli—Grade 4
Mary Morarity—Grade 5
Ryan Doherty–Grade 6
Callie Santana and Sophia Annunziato Grade 7
Sarah Haase—Grade 8 (Confirmation)
Fr. Tim Wiggins—Substitute
Dr. Edward Escobar, DRE
As we begin a new catechetical year, let us regularly remember in our prayers, those from our parish who are learning about their faith, preparing for the sacraments or charged with teaching the doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a very important ministry that is vital to the mission of the Catholic Church.
The second event is the Annual Society of the Propagation of the Faith Appeal. We welcome to the COTM, Fr. David Schwinghamer, a Maryknoll Missionary with experience in Tanzania and South Sudan as our guest speaker. Fr. Schwinghamer will speak at the Weekend Masses and share with us the missionary work of the universal Church. Maryknoll’s task is to bring God’s Word to foreign lands. Maryknollers share the Gospel, not in word alone, but in practical and concrete actions – by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving shelter to the homeless (Corporal Works of Mercy) and comforting the oppressed.
While at the parish, Fr. Schwinghamer will be happy to talk with any parishioner who is interested in doing overseas mission work as a Maryknoll Priest, Sister, Brother, or Lay Missionary. For more information, please visit www.maryknolls society.org
Envelopes are available in the pews for your financial support, and a Second Collection will be taken up. Please be as generous as your means permit.
Peace,
Fr. Tim
September 13th, 2025
Dear Parishioners:
With early bulletin deadlines and vacation, I should have been more prepared with the following announcement of St. Carlo Acutis.
Yes, what a joyful celebration the Canonization of Carlo Acutis was last Sunday, September 7 with the Universal Church celebrating the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the young Italian teenager who used his love of the Eucharist and his gifts with technology to share the Gospel with the world. Carlo, who died at the age of 15 in 2006, is often called the “Cyber Apostle of the Eucharist.” His life reminds us that holiness is possible at any age and that modern tools can be used to serve Christ and His Church. I invite all parishioners to come together for this joyful occasion as we honor the Church’s newest saint and ask for his intercession, especially for our young people and families. I encourage families in our parish to watch the Beatification of St. Carlo Acutis with your children. This is a ‘living’ catechizes on how a person is canonized.
Francesca Pollio Fenton, CNN Staff writes: Carlo Acutis was born May 3, 1991, in London to Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, and raised in Milan, Italy. Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia as a teenager. From a young age, Carlo had a special love for God, the rosary, and the Eucharist. He managed to get himself to Mass and to convince others to receive Communion daily.” Salzano spoke to “EWTN News Nightly” in October 2023 about her son’s devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. She said: “He used to say, ‘There are queues in front of a concert, in front of a football match, but I don’t see these queues in front of a church.. So, for him the Eucharist was the center of his life.
Carlo’s witness of faith as a child led adults to convert and be baptized. Carlo wasn’t afraid to defend Church teaching, even in situations when his classmates disagreed with him. Many of Carlo’s high school classmates remember Carlo giving a passionate defense for the protection of life. Carlo was a faithful friend. He was known for standing up for kids at school who got bullied, especially kids with disabilities.
Carlo was fascinated with computer coding and taught himself some of the basic coding languages, including C and C++. Carlo loved playing video games. He had conversations with his gaming buddies about the importance of going to Mass and confession and limited his video game playing to no more than two hours per week. Carlo also liked Spider-Man and Pokémon.
Carlo died on Oct. 12, 2006, and was buried in Assisi.
“Not I, but God.” – St. Carlo Acutis
Fr. Tim
September 6th, 2025
Dear Parishioners:
Now that vacations are over and we resume regular school and work activities, please reflect on the following questions:
What is Mass? The Church defines Mass as “the source and summit of the Christian life.” This means the Eucharist is the foundation of Christian life, as it makes present the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and is central to the spiritual nourishment of believers. Around A.D. 150, Saint Justin described a celebration of the Eucharist that closely resembled today’s Catholic Mass. Within the Mass itself, there are two main divisions – the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
What is Our Sunday Obligation? The present Code of Canon Law reads: “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass.” The expectation is that the person will attend a complete Mass. At no time, however, were we advised to regularly skip parts of the Mass, at the beginning or the end, because they were important and integral to the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. A Catholic Catechism quotes the Canon and states, “Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.”
Does watching Mass on TV/Livestream fulfill our Sunday Obligation? The predominant goal of Mass Livestream has been to help bring the Mass to those who would otherwise not have access. The sick and homebound parishioners were given a new way to be part of the community. During the pandemic, COVID brought about an extreme need to have the Masses livestreamed. In the age of technology and instant communication, email, voicemail, YouTube, and Livestream Masses are becoming popular and convenient. Livestream serves as a great benefit, especially for those who wish to be part of the community when sharing special ceremonies such as marriages and baptisms with families around the world.
Gathering together as a community of faith is important. Sacraments are community events where we encounter God and one another. When we gather together, we are most visibly the Church, the body of Christ. Livestream is a one-way medium. It allows us to watch without really being able to give responses. We need to take an active part in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The downfall of Livestreaming Masses is that the participants cannot receive the Body and Blood of Christ, soul and divinity. We have to work better on correcting people’s misunderstanding about the importance of in-person worship.
Please do not read this as a rebuke to anyone because no one is to judge another unless all the surrounding circumstances are known. We do not want you to lose any connection with the parish. All Catholics have the identical Sunday obligation, whether they be people, popes, or priests. Some have work responsibilities that completely prevent Mass attendance on Sunday. Others have parental or family duties that force them to be late or leave early. All of these types of factors are essential to making a sound decision of conscience about the Mass obligation.
Every last one of our parishioners is important and are needed to make our Sunday Eucharistic assembly of believers, united in prayer, in Christ. Whenever possible, we want everyone for the whole Mass: all around, those who are comfortable in the back, and those who sit in particular pews at the right, left, or center of our beautiful country church.
Fr. Tim
August 30th, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
This weekend is the unofficial end to summer! We close out the warm and hot days with Labor Day. This weekend we give thanks to God for all who still have jobs and for the blessings of human labor, also we pray to God to help those seeking employment to find it. Many of us are beneficiaries of those who have gone before us and labored hard to build the infrastructure of our nation. Some even gave their lives for this progress. Many of us are beneficiaries of those who employ workers, whether with a small payroll of 6 or a payroll in the thousands.
Cultivating a sense of perseverance and pride in our work is sometimes sorely lacking. Customer service seems to be less and less personal. Pride in one’s trade likewise seems to be on the decline, impacting God’s creatures. Place a call today and you will find out that you are no longer “Thomas Jones” or “Mary Smith”, but 111-00-1111. (Social Security)
Regardless of our place in society or our role in business, each of us has something to contribute. Each of us, too, is called to share our time and talent in the work that we choose or are given to accomplish.
First, I look back to my mom’s two careers—beautician and salesclerk—working long hours without benefits and late on Thursday nights and on the weekends. Her income was nowhere near six figures, but she worked to provide for her three sons.
Next, I look back on my grandmother’s work as a wife, mother, and devoted niece without pay. Later she became a housekeeper to her pastor and also worked and became a certified home-health aide. These jobs did not pay well, but she always had the income to assist her family in any given situation.
Finally, I look back on my work history and wish to share with you the variety of jobs that I have held since I was 14 years old. All of them taught me the value of work, which is good. Here’s my ‘resume’:
• Worked in a Jewish meat market in junior high school
• Worked in private homes as a caterer in high school
• Worked in the Dietary Department at the local hospital
• Worked in my college Career Placement Office and Sears
• Worked for a fine leather store in Stamford, CT during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays from college
• Worked at a sleep away camp during the summer months while home from college
• Worked for various food service companies
• Worked as a Substitute teacher in my high school
• Worked for Marriott Corporation
• Worked as the rectory cook before entering the seminary. Prosper the work of our hands; prosper the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)
Fr. Tim
P.S. Take the Day Off!
August 23rd, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
Did you know?
On April 8, 1808, Pope Pius VII established the Diocese of New York, covering the entire state of New York and seven northeastern New Jersey counties. It was subsequently elevated to an archdiocese in 1850.
Since that time, the Archdiocese of New York has continually adapted its ministries to serve increasingly diverse communities evolving through waves of immigration and social change. We are grateful for all the faithful who have built, sustained, and enriched this archdiocese throughout its history.
Diocese of New York (1808-1850)
LEADERS OF THE DIOCESE AND ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK
Bishops
1. R. Luke Concanen, O.P. (1808-1810)
2. John Connolly, O.P. (1814-1825)
3. John Dubois, S.S. (1826-1842)
4. John Hughes (1842-1850 as Bishop; 1850-1864 as Archbishop)
Archdiocese of New York (1850-Present)
The Diocese of New York was elevated to an Archdiocese on July 19, 1850.
Archbishops
1. John Hughes (1850-1864)
2. John McCloskey (1864-1885)
3. Michael Augustine Corrigan (1885-1902)
4. John Murphy Farley (1902-1918)
5. Patrick Joseph Hayes (1919-1938)
6. Francis Joseph Spellman (1939-1967)
7. Terence James Cooke (1968-1983)
8. John Joseph O’Connor (1984-2000)
9. Edward Michael Egan (2000-2009)
10. Timothy Michael Dolan (2009-Present)
Can you point out the similarities?
Happy 175th Birthday to the Archdiocese of New York!
Fr. Tim
August 16th, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
Vacation, “Staycation,” “Daycation,” No Vacation, which category(ies) do you fall under? I fall under three of the four categories.
In between these “cations,” many summer projects occurred here at the COTM; interacting with parish staff, consultants, contractors, repairmen, and parish volunteers particularly the Building & Grounds Committee. I/We owe tremendous thanks to the last group who put in ‘sweat equity’ because of their love of the COTM. Coffee, donuts, ice water and an occasional gift card goes along way. Here are a few happenings:
~The Weaver Parish Hall and bathrooms were painted and the floor redone along with replacing ceiling tiles and installing new bathroom mirrors. Of course, there are some touchups that need to be done, and a few enhancements will be added.
~ A few new sprinkler heads had to be replaced, and a few heads had to be raised due to the new landscaping.
~The A/C thermostat and condenser for the sanctuary were malfunctioning. Some minor repairs also were needed for two of our three condensers.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY TO THE MAINTENACE FUND THAT ALLOWS FOR THESE PROJECTS TO BE COMPLETED AND OUR PROPERTY TO BE MAINTAINED.
~From the brief survey, the Faith Formation Program, Registration, and Calendar will be undergoing new and exciting changes.
~ We inherited a new livestream company. The old company relinquished their “House of Worship” accounts to a new company which included installing new equipment.
~ A new office computer was purchased.
~ The “Calendar Meeting” took place. This is a particularly important “meeting” for planning purposes so to accommodate both parish and non-parish events.
~The 2026 Mass Book was prepared in conjunction with the “Calendar Meeting,” including the scheduling of the annual liturgical celebrations, novenas, and the Archdiocesan and Maintenance collection dates. FYI… The 2026 Mass Book will OFFICIALLY open on September 8 at 9:00 a.m. PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN YOUR REQUESTS BEFORE SEPTEMBER 8 AND UNTIL YOU HAVE THE READ THE PROTOCOLS REGARDING THE AVAILABIITY OF MASSES. FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN BACK OF THE CHURCH, IN THE RECTORY OFFICE AND ON OUR WEBSITE.
~ Our Tag Sale will be held on Saturday, October 18 (rain or shine). Start gathering your saleable items.
~Christmas Planning has begun. Our florist and I had a conversation on 7/18, she informed me that she had already placed her 2025 tree order. In a month or so, my 2025 Christmas Message for our envelope company is due.
Peace and Prayers,
Fr. Tim
August 9th, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
People often ask,
“Father, when is summer over?” (FYI… Summer is officially over September 21st .
My response is:
~When I see the newly painted school signs that read: “Schools Open, Drive Carefully” on polls near schools.
~ When I see the “Back to School” shopping commercials on TV or pop-ups on the computer that probably started back in June.
~When the Feast of the Assumption draws near.
When the new Roman calendar was promulgated after Vatican II in1969, the list of Marian feasts was reduced from 20 to 15 and relegated to one of three groups of greater to lesser solemnity.
Today’s solemnity is among the most important four, with the Annunciation of the Lord; the Immaculate Conception; and Mary, Mother of God. The second group comprises the Feast of the Visitation and the Nativity of Mary. The last group consists of four obligatory memorials and four optional memorials scattered throughout the year. Recently added to the list starting in 2018, is the ancient devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of “Mother of the Church” (Mater Ecclesiae) on Monday following Pentecost Sunday.
At the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken up into heaven, body and soul. Today’s solemnity is a source of hope for all of us, as it reveals that our full humanity is destined to be drawn into eternal life with Christ. Mary prophetically proclaims that God is at work in the world through her, Elizabeth, and their children, to establish a new way of thinking and acting.
As Mary is assumed into heaven, we might look back on her earthly life through the lens of St. Katharine Drexel: “Peacefully do at each moment what at that moment ought to be done.” If we do what each moment requires, we will eventually complete God’s plan, whatever it is.
Hail Holy Queen Enthroned Above!
Fr. Tim
August 2nd, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
On First Fridays and Saturday afternoons, we have Eucharistic Adoration. What is it? I found this explanation in my files. When Adoration is held, a period of silence is to be observed so that all can pray and enjoy being in the presence of Jesus.
What is the Eucharistic Adoration?
Understood simply, Eucharistic Adoration is adoring or honoring the Eucharistic presence of Christ. In a deeper sense, it involves “the contemplation of the Mystery of Christ truly present before us”.
During Eucharistic Adoration we “watch and wait”, we remain “silent” in His presence and open ourselves to his grace which flow from the Eucharist,
Eucharistic Adoration is “God and man reaching out to each other, at the same time!”
As Catholics, we believe that Christ is truly and substantially present in the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament is given the same adoration and devotion that is accorded to Christ.
At the beginning of the Exposition of the Blessed sacrament, a priest or deacon removes the sacred host from the tabernacle and places it in the Monstrance on the Altar for all to adore. “Monstrance” is the vessel used in the Church to display the consecrated Host during Adoration.
When the Monstrance contains the sacred Host, the priest does not touch it with his bare hands, but instead, holds it with a humeral veil, a wide band of cloth that covers his shoulders and has pleats on the inside in which he places his hands. At all other times, the reserved sacrament is kept in the locked tabernacle, so that everyone may pray in the presence of the Sacrament.
Eucharistic Adoration Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for this day! You promised that whatever I am doing, You will be there. I Know that You are with me day and night, keeping that promise.
Thank You for letting me sit with You and letting me pray and share my thoughts with you. I can talk to You about anything. By spending time with the Eucharist, I spend time with you. You are the Eucharist. Amen.
Fr. Tim