Pastors Notes from June 12, 2022
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June 13, 2022A pastor commented how, for the forty some years of his ministry, he has never given a satisfactory homily explaining the Holy Trinity on this feast day. Even theologians struggle to dissect this aspect of the Godhead. Bishop Christopher Mwoleka of Tanzania commented: “The mystery of the Trinity is not a doctrine dealing with division of power in the Godhead, but a statement about the way in which God shares ‘self ’ with creation and calls us who believe not so much to explain as to imitate that sharing, by sharing our own lives.” Makes sense, avoids exaggerated debate, and gets to the heart of this mystery we will never grasp intellectually, but very likely share through our unpretentious Christian virtues in our daily encounters. As the spiritual author Buechner defines this ‘Trinity’ as that of “Father, Son and Holy Spirit—the mystery that is beyond us, the mystery that is among us and mystery within us are all the same mystery.”
Of course we adhere to that mystery of our Christian faith each time we make the Sign of the Cross, whether absentmindedly or actively conscious of doing so. Often at a baptism with younger children present I appreciate a parent’s attempt to guide the child’s hand from the forehead to the chest, the left shoulder and finally to the right; at the same time the child’s bewildered look. On the other hand I’ve witnessed an elderly patient lying in a hospital bed, too weak to open her eyes or speak a few simple words—with the blanket pulled up to her neck— willfully (and with certain faith) struggle to feebly form the Sign of the Cross as we began to pray. A transmission of faith within the mystery of life and that of the Trinity inexplicably beyond us, among us and within us—always, eternally. For me, at least, such is a simple and profound truth of the Trinity actively present in our lives and within that of all creation. As far back as the third century, the Sign of the Cross was witness among believers as a ritual, a personal gesture to bless the actions of daily life. Within the Orthodox Church the Sign of the Cross moves from right shoulder to left; and the thumb, index and middle finger are held together denoting the Trinity in One, as the two small fingers are pressed against the palm symbolizing the two natures of Christ Jesus. Making the Sign of the Cross is not an outward gesture indicating our faith to another; rather it is a prayer ritual reminding us (and availing ourselves) to the mystery that is “beyond us, the mystery that is among us, the mystery that is within us.”
With the help of many volunteers and one in particular, our Sacred Heart Cemetery has been maintained and refurbished these last couple years, reflecting the dignity of the lives buried there and the many families who cherish such memories. I ask for individuals or families who have decorated graves—dignifying those lives—to please remove your flowers or ornaments if they are in ground next to the tombstone. Memorial weekend and the Mass celebrated that morning at the cemetery reflects the purpose and dignity of this sacred space. We hope to maintain such dignity by keeping the lawn mowed and properly trimmed by setting forth the policy of removing any flower or decoration, placed on the grass next to a grave to be removed two weeks following Memorial Day. Thank you for your understanding.
Within the upcoming weeks prior to the Fourth of July weekend—as Fr. Ross prepares for his new assignment—the new Mass schedule will be announced. Hopefully the diocese will allow us to share four weekend Masses, set up as best possible for families, the young and the older, to participate in the Eucharist. You are certainly welcome to share your thoughts. Bishop
Nickless has not indicated when he will select a name for our ‘re-established’ parish of St. John, St. Malachy and Sacred Heart, whether one of the four names sent in or another of his choice. Blessings to our Bishop as he turned 75, required to turn in his letter of resignation at this milestone but able to shepherd our diocese until Rome selects the individual to serve as the eighth Bishop of this Diocese.
Next Thursday the sixteenth, a Corpus Christi Procession will be held following the 5pm Mass at Sacred Heart, with music, food and refreshments for everyone on the parking lot. One of our last Spring gatherings before we enter Summer. All are welcome for all or part of the evening. On Sunday, the 19th, St. Malachy will hold a Corpus Christi Procession following the final blessing at the 8:30am Mass. As Pope Benedict XVI reminds us, “With awareness of being inadequate because of our sins, but needing to be nourished by the love that the Lord offers us in the Eucharistic sacrament ... We renew our faith in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.” May our public acclamation of the real presence humbly bring an awareness of the gift of the Eucharist before others and within ourselves.
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June.” (Al Bernstein)