May 17th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
Those who worship or visit would agree that we have a beautiful, quaint, country church here in Pocantico Hills. We would also agree that our stained-glass windows are our “pride and joy.” Recently, I visited the Retired Priest Residence in Riverdale and a priest commented, “I would buy your windows.” What a compliment!
In addition to our stain-glass windows, the altar (the celebration of the Eucharist), the presider’s chair (seat where the priest presides), and the pulpit (where the gospels is proclaimed and the homily given) are also beautiful. These three pieces of Liturgical furniture hold a prominent place in the sanctuary.
Occasionally, I am asked, by adults and children, “Father, what are the four plaques affixed to the pulpit?”. In Christian art, the four plaques represent the Four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
In the New Testament, they bear the following titles: the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of Mark, the Gospel of Luke, and the Gospel of John. They are called evangelists, a word meaning “people who proclaim good news”, because their books aim to tell the “good news” (gospel) of Jesus.
Each of the four Gospels focuses on a specific aspect of Christ’s figure:
– Gospel of Matthew ( a divine man or angel): His Incarnation
– Gospel of Mark (a winged lion): His victorious power (the Resurrection)
– Gospel of Luke (a winged ox or calf): His sacrifice (the Passion)
– Gospel of John (a rising eagle): The outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)
You are most welcome to approach and view our lovely plaques.
Peace and prayers, Father Tim
May 10th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
This weekend is a weekend of mixed emotions as we honor and/or memorialize our mothers. I buried many mothers, including mine.
The following article appeared (in brief) in Ann Lander’s column on Mother’s Day years ago:
Dear Ann Landers, I had a marvelous mother who loved, sacrificed for and helped me in every way she could. All my years of growing up. Through college and eventually marriage, my mother was by my side. When I needed help with my little ones, she was right there for me.
Today we buried that wonderful woman. Can you imagine how I felt when I returned from the service and found this poem?
THE TIME IS NOW
“If you are ever going to love me,
Love me now, while I can know,
The sweet and tender feelings
Which from true affections flow.
Love me now while I am living.
Do not wait until I’m gone
And then have it chiseled in marble,
Sweet words on ice-cold stone.
If you have tender thoughts of me,
Please tell me now.
If you wait until I am sleeping
Never to awaken
There will be death between us
And I won’t hear you then.
So if you love me, even a little bit,
Let me know it while I am living
So, I can know and treasure it.”
At the end of her letter, the writer asks for daughters (sons, too) to see this and profit from it. She signs her name: Guilty and Heartbroken.
Dear Daughter: Here is your letter—on Mother’s Day. I was deeply moved by it and am sure others will be, too. Bless you for sharing.
At some point in time, we all wish we could turn back the clocks!
HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY TO ALL OUR MOTHERS, LIVING AND DECEASED AND GRANDMOTHERS, GOD MOTHERS, AND THOSE SPECIAL AUNTS AND MOTHER FIGURES!
Fr. Tim
May 3rd, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
The recent war in Iran has brought about much controversy between the Pope and the President. As we have heard and read, both the Pope and the President have opposing views.
Popes for the last 80 years have been outspoken about their desire for peace and their condemnation of war, as well as speaking about faith and morals. It doesn’t matter who is waging war; all the recent popes have condemned violence, especially as it seems that somewhere in the world, there is always a conflict occurring. As Catholics, we are urged to support the Pope when he leads us as a pastor, not a politician.
Jesus brought a message of peace, namely, “Peace l leave with you …” Peace is always the end goal, directing leaders of countries to put aside their differences and work together to talk and overcome any barriers that may be blocking them from a permanent ceasefire and the establishment of conditions that allow human dignity to flourish.
In his address to the United Nations in 1965, Pope Paul VI stated, No more war, war never again! Peace! It’s peace which must guide the destinies of people and of all mankind. Leo, the first American pope, echoes Paul VI’s words, “pleading for peace and the end of war.
The Pope has urged the President and other leaders to find ways to reduce the violence in the Middle East, promoting peace and justice in our world, including the Military Archbishop of the United States, who states we must find an “offramp” in the war with Iran.
We must pray for peace and for the protection of human life. Our Social Justice Committee is offering an ‘off-ramp” this weekend, keeping in mind MT 22:21, namely, “Give to Ceaser what belongs to Ceaser and to God what belongs to God.” Pope Leo wishes for all peoples in every country to write their law officials, asking them to work for peace and reject war. Please obtain a copy of this weekend’s bulletin. In it, you are encouraged to participate in the Social Justice campaign if your conscience allows you to do so. A box is also in the back of the church to receive your responses.
Fr. Tim
April 26th, 2026
Dear Parishioners:
The Easter Season, the great feast of Easter, which is fifty days in length, invites Catholics to practice in their daily lives the joy of the Resurrection.
In the readings during the season, we hear stories of the Risen Lord appearing to the disciples in the garden tomb and on the road to Emmaus, in the upper room and on the shores of the sea. Jesus appears to His disciples for forty days before His Ascension, to ensure that the newly formed Church is alive in her faith. Although Jesus does not appear to us in bodily form, the Resurrection is just as real for us as it was on the first Easter morning.
We are an Easter people. We pattern our lives on the Paschal Mystery and testify that no sin and suffering can destroy the gift of life God promises us in Christ Jesus. These fifty days are an opportunity for us and the whole Church to radiate the inexpressible joy of Easter to a world waiting for peace together with Easter hope that crowns the season at the celebration of Pentecost.
Easter Prayer for Global Peace
Lord Jesus, we lift our prayers for global peace this Easter.
May Your message of love and reconciliation permeate every corner of the earth.
Bring harmony to nations torn by conflict and unite humanity in a bond of
compassion and understanding.
And help us to grow as Your people toward the fullness of eternal life with You.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Fr. Tim
April 19th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
As an Easter People, we raise our voices in song, praise, and prayer praise, singing Alleluias with joyful hearts.
During this Easter Season, I raise my voice in thanksgiving for those who have participated in our Lenten Programs & inspiring Easter Liturgies whether from the sanctuary, in the pews or standing in the back and down the aisles or via Livestream. Your participation was also evident in the form of volunteering wherever and whenever needed. Above all your financial support is most appreciated.
During this Easter Season, I wish to thank the following ministries for their hard work and long hours of service.
First, my sincere thanks to all the Liturgical ministers: the cantors, organist, trumpet players, Altar Servers, Lectors, Eucharist Ministers, Ushers, and the “12 Apostles.” Your participation individually and collectively made each of our celebrations meaningful and spiritually uplifting.
Second, my sincere thanks to the committees and volunteers, especially to the Hospitality Committee for organizing three amazing events during the Month of March—our Brunch Sunday, St. Patrick’s Dinner, and Lenten Soup Supper, and kudos to the chefs and generous donor for underwriting the entire Soup Supper. The generosity of 1 parishioner really impacted our ability to be generous to the LIFE Center, Marymount Nuns, and the Pocantico Fire Department. All have commented on how our church looked beautiful both inside and out due to the hard work of the Altar Guild and Hudson Landscaping, who donated our outdoor spring plants. One viewer commented that our sanctuary looked like a flower shop!
My sincere thanks to my staff and my sacristan. As you know, I do not have an assistant, but they certainly do the work as if I had one.
Finally, my sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to the Easter Collection.
As Jesus entered the Upper Room through the doors and offered his peace, so do I… Peace be with you!
With Easter joy and deep gratitude,
Fr. Tim
April 12th, 2026
Easter – New Life In Christ
Easter, the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection, is the oldest and most solemn feast in the Church Year. It is the “Feast of Feasts!”
The Resurrection of Jesus is recorded in the Gospels and proclaimed in the New Testament, particularly by Saint Paul, who wrote that without the Resurrection, “your faith has been in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14) because its powerful energy permeates our lives, our history and our world.
Disciples who knew Jesus was dead and where He was buried went to His tomb, but found it empty, and were told by God’s Angel, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He has been raised” (Saint Luke 24:5-6). Later, Saint Paul writes, the risen Jesus appeared to more than five hundred disciples. (1 Corinthians 15:6)
Throughout the Centuries, Catholics have continued to faithfully understand, appreciate and celebrate the significance of this most central experience in the life of the Church and their life as well.
Acknowledging the Resurrection’s mysterious depths and meaning, the Church’s Liturgical Cycle is based on remembering and celebrating Easter. Every Sunday is a memorial of Easter, a “little Easter.” Easter is the only feast in which every day of its Octave (Eight Days) is a “Solemnity,” the highest ranking given to any day. And the 50-Day Easter season, from Easter to Pentecost Sunday, is the longest in the Church Year except for Ordinary Time.
Liturgical exuberance at Easter is intended to draw you into a celebration of God’s gift of salvation and revive in you an appreciation of the promise of new life. Pope Francis reminded us that “Christ’s Resurrection is not an event of the past but contains a vital power that has permeated this world: “Where all seems to be dead, signs of the Resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force.” The Exultet at the Easter Vigil boldly declares: “O happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam, which gained for us so great a redeemer!”
To remind you that Easter joy is experienced only when you do your part, when you respond faithfully to your Baptismal Call to love God and others as yourself, on Easter Sunday, the Church asks you to renew your Baptismal Promises to reject evil and to “serve God faithfully in His Holy Catholic Church” and to continue living with faith in the days ahead
April 5th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Easter to you and all your loved ones! The Lord has risen! He is risen indeed! He is risen! The tomb is empty! Alleluia!
Experts trace the word ‘Easter’ back to an Old-English word associated with Eostre, the goddess of spring and fertility. Others point to the German word for east, which is derived from the Latin word for dawn. Regardless of these associations, Catholics found new meaning in the ancient celebration of nature’s rebirth during the spring equinox. That is, the resurrection or new life of spring over the dead of winter symbolized the triumph over death and new life of Jesus’ Resurrection.
Christians naturally celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection on Easter Sunday. But you know that Easter is much more than a oneday celebration. Why? Because Jesus’ Resurrection brings the power of His Divine Love into your life every day. That Love frees and forgives you. It’s a Love that cares for you and a Love you can share with others.
St. John Paul said that we Catholics are an Easter People, and “ALLELUIA” (Praise the Lord) is our song. In the days ahead, sing that song, and be a witness to Jesus’ Resurrection, by the love and hope that’s in your heart and life. Be a witness to the Resurrection as well by the way you share that love and hope by doing good for others, in Jesus’ Name.
Happy Easter! (English)
Buona Pasqua! (Italian)
Felice Pascua! (Spanish)
Joyeuses Paques! (French)
Wielkanocnyca Wielkanocnych! (Polish)
Santa Pascoa! (Portuguese)
Maligayang Pasko Ng Pagkabuhay! (Tagalog— Filipino)
May the Risen Christ be with you today and always. Happy Easter!
Father Tim
Jesus Christ is Risen today.
Alleluia!
HAPPY EASTER!
Fr. Tim and the Staff
March 29th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
On this Palm Sunday, “the Church celebrates Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to accomplish his paschal mystery” (Roman Missal). “Entrance” is the key to understanding the Liturgy of Passion Sunday. We enter Jerusalem with Christ. We enter also into our holiest week. We also enter our final preparation for the Easter feast with palms in our hands.
The spiritual journey of Holy Week closely follows ancient historical events. Parishioners move quickly from Jesus’ triumph in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to his passion and death.
Official church rituals and other traditions observed during this week remember and make present the passing of Jesus from life to death to new life and all creation along with him.
“All Glory, Laud and Honor” is an ancient hymn composed around 820 A.D. by St. Theodulph, Bishop of Orléans, France. It was translated from Latin by the Anglican clergyman John Mason Neal in 1854. The lyrics mention the “sweet hosannas” of Palm Sunday: “To thee before thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise. To thee now high exalted our melody we raise.”
Jesus did not come riding a high-spirited war steed or prancing white stallion, but on a colt, an animal associated with peace. The cloak he wore symbolized His kingship. Matthew, Mark, and John each used a different word for “branches.” Matthew speaks of young branches or shoots. Mark refers to a mass of straw. John speaks of palm branches. Each was right. All three were used. Each writer simply mentions the one that stood out to him. The exuberant and impetuous crowd of common people on the Mount of Olives shouted, “Hosanna,” meaning “Let even the angels in the highest heights of heaven cry unto God, save now!” (Matthew 21:9).
I encourage you to spend some time this week reading the special bulletin insert. This informative insert serves as a mini catechize and to appreciate what will unfold this week. I encourage you also to participate in them.
Have a prayerful and profitable Holy Week and pray for peace and harmony in the World.
Fr. Tim
March 22nd, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
Lent should be simple, meaningful, and peaceful. The focus should be on our sins and on the ‘doing’. However, the true focus should be on the cross/crucifix.
The cross/crucifix is one of the central symbols of Christianity. The cross contains two wooden beams without the corpus (body); whereas the crucifix consists of the cross with the corpus (body). While growing up as a Methodist, I wore a cross. When I converted to Catholicism, my mom allowed me to select a crucifix from her jewelry store. I have been wearing it for almost 45 years. Whether you wear a cross or crucifix both are a strong symbol of the blood poured out for our salvation.
In two weeks, Christians will celebrate Good Friday with a simple, meaningful, and peaceful liturgy. According to the Church’s ancient tradition, MASS IS NOT CELEBRATED ON THIS DAY. One of the most moving parts is Part II: The Adoration of the Holy Cross. The revised English translation now calls it Adoration, a word we reserve only for God. Catholics do not adore Mary, saints or statues. However, we do offer degrees of veneration.
The cross holds a special place of honor not only on this day, but at the center of the Liturgy, which begins with, “Behold the wood of the cross on which hung the Savior of the world.” It was where the limbs of Christ were stretched, on which his precious blood was spilled, and on which he died. Here, one could see how a cross is preferred over a crucifix, because we are venerating the instrument of our redemption.
The faithful will have an opportunity to come forward to venerate/adore. In some large churches, there are several stations and in others just one. The practice of kissing the cross on Good Friday dates back to the fourth century, where the faithful in Jerusalem had in their possession what they believed to be the true cross.
Today, the faithful may adore the cross on Good Friday in any way they choose: a kiss, a touch, a bow, a genuflection or standing in silence with or without their shoes. What will you do? As this act of devotion unfolds, a variety of songs are sung acapella or with minimal use of the organ, piano or a musical instrument to support this profound gesture. One of the most poignant song sung and reflects the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the nature of this day, causing deep emotions and reverence, is:
Where You There When They Crucified My Lord
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.
We Adore You O Christ, and we praise you.
Fr. Tim
March 15th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
Here we are in the middle of March and the middle of Lent. How are you progressing in terms of your Lenten resolutions? Some people think 40 days is a long period. There are many spiritual, social, and personal events taking place in March, and soon we will say, “Where has the month/season gone?” No, I am not advocating for additional days in March nor a longer Lent. Theologically and liturgically speaking the additional days of Lent will not happen, but it does make us pause and reflect on both the word and the season.
Yes, Lent is closely associated with the transition from winter to spring. The word “lent,” for example, comes from the old AngloSaxon word for springtime, lencten. It describes the gradual lengthening of daylight after the winter solstice. As the days “lengthen” we are called to consider our own lives and see how they have been “lightened” by God. We should always be in the state of lengthening our spiritual lives not only during Lent, but every day, season, and year with intensity and intentionality.
This week we celebrate two “spiritual giants” —St. Patrick and St. Joseph. We give thanks for the contributions the Irish and Italians have contributed to our archdiocese and beyond. Their forefathers have experienced the same current issues that our newly arrived immigrants are facing. New York City is truly known as the “Melting Pot,” where persons have the right to find opportunities, to support themselves and families, to respect laws, and to seek the American Dream. St. Patrick, who traveled from England to Ireland to convert the Irish and St. Joseph, the Patron Saint of the Universal Church, pray for us!
If the traditional food of these two saints (St. Patrick, the traditional “American” dinner of corned beef, cabbage and potatoes & St. Joseph, the Zeppole and…) are not appealing, why not consider the two most popular/common foods eaten during Lent—pretzels and Hot Cross Buns? Pretzels, a popular snack, had their origin in early Christian Lenten practices. Because fat, eggs, and milk were forbidden during Lent, a special bread was made with dough consisting of only flour, salt, and water. These little breads were shaped in the form of arms crossed in prayer and were called bracellae (Latin, “little arms”). Hot Cross Buns also became a popular food eaten during Lent. The custom began in England to bake buns, place icing on them in the form of cross, and eat them on Good Friday. Eventually, they were baked and eaten throughout Lent and even during the Easter Season.
Please remember to participate in our many Lenten services and events. Whatever you have decided to do this Lent, make it prayerful with hope for a joyful Easter.
It has been said, “There is always light at the end of the tunnel”. As our days become longer, spring will begin this Friday, March 20 at 10:46 am EST.
Peace,
Fr. Tim
March 8th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
I was invited to speak at the St. Dominic’s Council of the Knights of Columbus (Thornwood) on Wednesday, January 21. My talk was entitled, “Journeying with the Psalms”. The objective was to ‘introduce’ the participants to the Psalms in general while focusing on different categories. One of the categories was “The Penitential Psalms”.
God calls us to repentance not only during Lent but every day of our lives. And the need to turn and return to God is captured in the Old Testament, particularly in the psalms. Because I am limited to space (even as editor), I will briefly introduce you to the Penitential Psalms for your reading pleasure during Lent. You can google them on your own for your spiritual nourishment.
Psalm 6: “Have Pity on Me, Lord, For I am Weak” This Psalm is an example of a “prayer psalm,” in which a voice calls for God to come and act as the Savior. The voice cries out for mercy and healing.
Psalm 32: “Then I Declared My SinTo You” This Psalm opens with one of the most famous lines in the Bible: “Out of the depths, I call to you, Lord; Lord, hear my cry!”
Psalm 38: “I Am Very Near to Falling” This Psalm has raw emotions, stating the problem and the pain. The equation here is sickness and sin which is theologically problematic.
Psalm 51: “Restore to me the Gladness of your Salvation” This Psalm stands as a masterpiece in the Bible. The Psalmist opens with a cry for mercy.
Psalm 102: “They Perish, But You Remain” This Psalm mixes lament and praise with anguished resignation.
Psalm 130: “Let Israel Hope in the Lord” This Psalm opens with one of the most famous lines in the Bible. This is a psalm of hope and affirmation.
Psalm 143: “For I Am Your Servant” The Psalmist expects to triumph and have reason to hope in God’s merciful love.
The above seven psalms hold seven voices crying to God for mercy and forgiveness. You are encouraged to choose one of them. Read and pray the Psalm during Lent so to have an impact on your life.
I concluded my talk with these Key Takeaways:
*The Psalms is the longest book in the Bible
* Various authors, including King David, contributed to the compilation of the Psalms
*The Psalms offer insights into the liturgy
*They provide a means for Believers to connect with God on a personal and emotional level
* The Psalms continue to inspire and challenge readers today, offering comfort, encouragement, and a deeper connection with the Divine
Blessings,
Fr. Tim
March 1st, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
As is likely the case with many of us, I have been disturbed by the increasing violence and unrest occurring in our country and our world.
The anonymous text that is usually called the Prayer of Saint Francis or Peace Prayer is a widely known Christian prayer for peace.
I think there is no better time for the arrival of the new St. Francis statue in our prayer garden (a date for the dedication is forthcoming) and the Holy Father’s announcement of a Special Year of St. Francis in 2026.
We take comfort while reciting traditional prayers and singing great hymns. An example of this is the Prayer of St. Francis. It is my prayer that we can take some comfort and urgency in this great saint’s prayer, which asks God for the grace to sow love, pardon and joy where there is hatred, injury, and sadness.
May we pray for a true and lasting peace, following the example of St. Francis, and may we seek not to be loved as to love.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to
eternal life.
PEACE,
Fr. Tim