June 13th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
GREEN is the liturgical color as we begin Ordinary Time in the Summer and Fall. The palette of green tones and hues is extensive. This portion of Ordinary Time is the longest season of the liturgical year. It is interesting how a season titled ‘ordinary’ would take up the majority of the year. The word ordinary might seem to suggest boring, standard, or average with no unique features or anything particularly extraordinary.
Ordinary Time, however, is not defined in the way we would normally define the word ordinary. Rather, Ordinary Time is defined by the radical hospitality, prophetic witness, and missionary discipleship that Jesus calls us to daily. It is a time in which we focus on discipleship and what it means to be a true follower of Jesus—to be extraordinary. This long season allows us all to sink deeply into Jesus’ life and ministry.
The overall thrust of the Ordinary Time message is how to live as disciples building God’s kingdom. The readings and psalms are like gems reflecting images found in the kingdom of God parables; images of grain, weeds, the mustard seed, yeast, buried treasure, the pearl of great price, the net in the sea, vineyards, a bountiful wedding feast, rich foods, choice wines, wise and foolish virgins. Throughout the Gospel readings of this season, we hear metaphors used to illustrate or define the kingdom of heaven. They depict a kingdom that is like no other we have on earth.
There are special feasts and solemnities during the period of Ordinary Time such as the solemnities of the Most Holy Trinity, Body and Blood of Christ, Assumption of Mary, and All Saints as well as the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed on All Souls’ Day. This makes Ordinary Time anything but boring, standard, or average. It is indeed an extraordinary time, especially during the ordinary everyday routine of our lives.
[2026 Sourcebook: For Sundays, Seasons, and Weekdays, Liturgical Training Press]
June 7th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
Today, as we celebrate the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), we come to the basic source of our union with Jesus Christ and the bond of charity with other Christians. We are summoned to think about the gift which Jesus gave to us, to remind us of His Paschal Mystery and provide us with his Sacrament of Salvation. We come with frequence to receive the Eucharist. We pause for a moment to acknowledge this gift. This was not always the case in the Church. Pope Pius X encouraged the frequent reception of the Eucharist and allowed younger persons to be fed with this Sacrament. We are the beneficiaries of his decision.
As we approach the altar today, may we acknowledge more sincerely the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. In our prayer of Thanksgiving, may we express gratitude for this gift we sometimes take for granted. In our devotion, appreciating Christ’s abiding love in the Sacrament of His Body and Blood, may we pray for those whose faith is less strong, for those who have abandoned accepting the Sacrament, and for those who are unable to receive the gift. May we remember the priestly prayer of Jesus who asked that we “all may be one.”
Unity is achieved through Christ in the Eucharist. There is no bond as strong as the communion we share in Christ Jesus. The Eucharist is the sacrament of the Lord’s presence in our midst. In our com-union, we are united with Jesus and in Jesus, we are united with one another.
(A note about some ‘little things”) —
When receiving Holy Communion, the response to “The Body of Christ is “Amen,” not, “Thank you.” The Amen is an act of faith that means, “Yes, I believe.”
Communion in the hand: we RECEIVE.
Communion in the palm of the hand is distinguished from TAKING Communion with our fingers.
Communion on the tongue remains OPTIONAL.
God Bless You!
Fr. Tim
May 31st, 2026
Dear Parishioners:
So, how does it work, and what goes on at 525 Bedford Road?
No, this is not a column from the Department of Labor or the Archdiocese’s Human Resources Department. This is how people often start asking curious questions about priestly life, especially this time of year when ordinations and new assignments occur. A plethora of people have questions about assignments, pay, days off, and what the rectory life is like.
Assignments: Pastors are given assignments usually for a term, which consist of 6 years (don’t worry, I am approaching my fourth year, and I am 13 years away from retirement). An additional term can be granted. The Priest Personnel Board decides where to send priests and deacons and for how long a time, upon consultation with and blessing of the archbishop.
Our salary and benefits: We do receive a monthly salary based on the number of years ordained and our title (pastor, associate, retired); medical and dental, and travel. In addition to this, we are also entitled to 4 weeks of vacation, 1 week of study, and 1 week for retreat. We are blessed to be a part of the pension plan.
Days off: As I mentioned at the end of 2025, I have officially announced, “MONDAYS ARE MY DAY OFF.” At times, this is difficult due to pastoral duties or funerals. When off, there is a secondary number for the parishioners to call in case of a sacramental emergency (The Anointing of the Sick). THE RECTORY IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS, AND THERE IS NO 8:00 AM MASS UNLESS IT IS FOR A FUNERAL OR HOLYDAY. Please respect this ‘policy.’
Rectory life: Here at the COTM, the Rectory serves as the business office as well as a residence (my home) which I can be transferred to at any time. I am blessed to be within 1 minute of the Blessed Sacrament and never need winter gear or a shovel to get to Mass. It is difficult to be in total solitude inside (monk), but a joy outside in the community. As some of you know, you will always receive some kind of hospitality should frequent the rectory. I do not have a cook due to my passion for cooking; however, I do have a housekeeper once a month, and Parish meetings and appointments are held here, as well as many socials. Yes, mi casa; su casa. Many who visit or pass by are very impressed with the beautiful grounds. 525 Bedford Road is a lovely place to work and live.
The office space is limited but very functional. We keep up with technology and maintain our sacramental records and files in a very systematic and efficient manner. Some enter via the back door while others enter via the front door. We do prefer the front, due to security and operational functionalities. New signage is forthcoming.
The above may not reflect your family life, yet at times it does… things break down, one gets locked out, one has to put out the recyclables and trash, go grocery shopping, do the laundry and dishes, change a bulb, and bring heavy packages inside. I often chuckle when my staff says to me on Thursday and Friday, “Fr., enjoy your weekend.” Oh, I do enjoy the weekend when the Magdalene family comes to their spiritual home to fulfill their Sabbath obligation at our 3 Weekend Masses.
Fr. Tim
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