July 26, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
Here we are well into the summer season with increased travel plans, pool visits, beach openings and outdoor gatherings. This season of sun and fun carries both profound joy and genuine risks. Children are out of school and require full-time supervision and entertainment.
Water safety, sun protection, and bicycle safety require greater vigilance and should be a top concern. Crowded tourist venues will occur with long lines. When tensions rise in close quarters, remember the purpose and see them as opportunities rather than obstacles. Don’t let your blood pressure exceed the temperature during a heat wave.
This is also a time to enroll kids into camps, attend family reunions, religious feasts and carnivals as well as visit and explore our beautiful trails here in Sleepy Hollow & Pocantico Hills, movies at the Kensico Dam or visits to the “ice-cream paradise,” King Cone in Somers.
Wherever you go and whatever you do, please do not forget the Third Commandment: Remember to keep the Sabbath. For Catholics, this means to attend Mass. By visiting new churches and experiencing different liturgies, may you appreciate other faith communities, and if you see something interesting and new, please let me know. I’ll take your ideas, but not a signed bulletin from the Celebrant.
Stay safe!
Fr. Tim
July 19th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
Mary Magdalene is one of the first witnesses to the resurrection. She comes to the tomb in the early morning hours but does not know it is the Lord; instead, she believes she is speaking to the gardener. Because of her great sorrow, she is weeping but she is still seeking the
Lord. It is not until he speaks her name that she is able to recognize him. She is given her mission to go to Peter and the other disciples and tell them that she has seen the Lord.
In recognition of Mary Magdalene's feast day on July 22, we are excited to announce plans for a special presentation of our Patron Saint this fall. Mary Magdalene in the Ministry of Jesus: Seeking and Proclaiming Resurrection. The exact date will be shared with you in a future bulletin.
We are thrilled to welcome our presenter Rita L. Houlihan, a respected advocate for the study of Mary Magdalene’s roles in the canonical gospel, her contributions to our faith, her significant role in the ministry of Jesus, and the significance of her name. The
presentation will address why it is important to restore our memory of her as a disciple and witness, and touch on how the denigrating legends evolved. Artwork that reflects Mary Magdalene’s importance as the first to proclaim the Resurrection will be highlighted. Rita draws on the work of many scholars, providing much that is known of our Patron Saint.
Mary Magdalene’s story continues to inspire our community, and we hope this event will deepen our understanding and appreciation of her role in our faith tradition. We invite you to join us for this meaningful occasion and encourage you to share the event with
friends and family who may be interested.
St. Mary Magdalene, prayer for us!
Fr. Tim
July 12th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
The month of June marked four events here in the Parish. We celebrated Corpus Christi with an indoor procession at the 11:00 Mass. A most delicious brunch with 75 guests followed. Later in the afternoon, we hosted our Tapestry of Sound concert, which was extremely enjoyable with fine artists and local talent. Fathers, grandfathers, godfathers and father-figures were honored at all the Masses on Father’s Day.
Throughout the month, institutions of learning held their annual commencement ceremonies. Students and the faculty were dressed in caps and gowns. Universities like Oxford and Cambridge mandated that graduates wear caps and gowns as a symbol of unification. The tossing of caps symbolizes the readiness to embrace new challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities beyond the academic realm. This time-honored tradition, celebrated worldwide, symbolizes academic achievement and the transition from student to graduate. Students walking across the stage, receiving their diplomas, and changing the tassel from left to right also symbolize the culmination of years of hard work. The stage is festive and Pomp and Circumstance by Sir Edward Elgar is played. This is a wonderful sight to behold and hear. Parents are proud and family and friends are happy. Then… the student debt that had accrued now needs to be paid! The job search and interviews begin with great hope and expectation while some graduates will continue to seek additional or higher degrees.
Fifty-five years ago, I graduated from kindergarten. Forty-four years ago, I graduated High School. Forty years ago, I graduated from college. Twenty-four years ago, I was ordained. With each of these academic events, I received a diploma, marking the completion of the work. The diplomas are stored in a fire-proof file cabinet. Surprisingly, they are not hung on my office walls. Why? I do not have a good answer to this question.
Yes, graduations on many academic levels are a special time in our lives, marking that occasion for students who have graduated from kindergarten to post doctorate studies. Congratulations to each of you!
Lord, we ask for Your clear guidance and direction for all graduates. Show them Your path, O Lord, and teach them Your ways. As they navigate new opportunities and decisions, let Your wisdom illuminate their steps. May they always seek Your will above their own and trust that Your direction leads to a life of fulfillment. Guide their thoughts, their words, and their actions according to Your plan for their future. Amen.
God’s blessings,
Fr. Tim
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
July 5th, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
This weekend America celebrates its 250th (semi quincentennial) birthday/anniversary, or as historians refer to as, the Signing of the Declaration of Independence (freedom) from Great Britian on July 4, 1776. This document formally announced the colonies’ break from Britain and articulated the foundational ideals of the United States: equality, unalienable rights, and the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. May we strive more to be united, as UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
Our celebration of the “Fourth of July” should cause us to reflect on freedom and the great price that was paid to win it. This is not the degree of outer freedom that determines our happiness or fulfillment, but the inner freedom that comes from the presence of the Spirit in our lives. This coincides with St. Paul’s view of life in the Spirit. It is the extent of our inner freedom that determines the fullness of our lives.
This is a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on the gift of freedom that we enjoy. How do we use this gift to make our world a better place? How do we show our Catholic faith? We continue to live in a climate of diminished respect and tolerance for differences. Civil discourse and dialogue seem to be less regarded as a value for building consensus.
Independence Day provides us with an opportunity to give thanks for the many and varied sacrifices of those who have gone before us in our country. It is also a wakeup call for us to consider how we are advancing the values that have long characterized the United States of America.
Let us continue to pray for all those who have given their lives to ensure our freedom and those who continue to work to keep that freedom, complete and true. This celebration causes us to build a just and peaceful society in our own nation and to be a shining example for other nations.
Enjoy your all-American favorite classics: hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans; German potato salad; Texas chili; Italian sausage and peppers, BBQ ribs, California guacamole, New England clam bake, Mexican corn---and don’t forget the ice-cream, the watermelon, and of course, FIRE WORKS!!! Happy Independence Day! God Bless America, the land that I love!
Fr. Tim
June 21st, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
I wish all fathers in the parish a Happy Father’s Day! You are to be honored with a special day just like we honor our mothers on Mother’s Day. Hallmark, American Greeting, Shoebox and many other card companies will produce nice Father’ Day cards with secular and religious message, including perhaps:
Sirach 3: 1-8 and 12-14.
1 Listen to a father’s warning, children, and act accordingly so that you may be safe.
2 The Lord gives pride of place to a father above his children and establishes a mother’s judgment above that of her offspring.
3 Those who honor their fathers will make up for their own sins,
4 and those who praise their mother are like people storing up treasure.
5 Those who honor their fathers will be made happy by their own children, and they will be heard when they pray.
6 Those who praise their fathers will live a long life, and those who listen to the Lord will give rest to their mothers,
7 and they will serve their parents as their masters.
8 Honor your father in action and word so that a blessing will come from him to you,
12 My child, help your father in his old age, and don’t give him grief during his life.
13 And if his understanding fails, be tolerant, and don’t shame him, because you have all your faculties.
14 Taking care of one’s father won’t be forgotten. It will be credited to you against your sins.
The flowers placed in front of the altar this weekend are for all fathers in our parish, living and deceased.
Fr. Tim
June 14th, 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
