Honoring Our Veterans

Dear Parishioners:                          

This weekend we mark Veterans Day a national holiday that originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11th  became a national holiday beginning in 1938.    Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. Here at OLM we mark Veterans Day with Holy Mass on Monday at 8:30am.  This Mass is offered for all veterans, living and deceased, in thanksgiving for their sacrifice and service to our nation and our freedom. That includes, especially, the freedom to practice our faith. This freedom does not come without cost. So we pray with gratitude for all veterans and those men and women who put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom.

We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those killed in the line of duty, those still suffering from the effects of their wounds from serving the nation’s call, and, of course, all those who have  retired from active duty. Let us remember those who have sacrificed so much to serve our nation  in our prayers and with gratitude on Veterans Day and always. Please be sure to join us on Veterans Day for Mass.  There is no better way to pray in thanksgiving for our veterans. 

Following the Mass the Annual Veterans Day Parade  commences in East Greenwich.  I hope you get a chance to attend and thank the many veterans who march in it.  Veterans Day is a special day to remember, to give thanks, to pray, and to salute those who serve and have served our nation.  As we honor our noble veterans, recall the words of President Ronald W. Reagan: “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But  veterans don't have that problem.”

This weekend at OLM along with parishes across the nation we have a unique opportunity to support Catholic ministry in the U.S. military and Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers by giving to a first-ever, special collection at Sunday Mass  in support of  the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved this national special collection last year and it is to be taken up once every three years beginning this year. The collection is timed to coincide with Veterans Day each year.

The Archdiocese of Military Services was established by St. Pope John Paul II in 1985. It is serves millions of Catholics across the globe providing Catholic priests who serve as chaplains in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, the service academies and the VA. There are some 1.8 million American Catholics worldwide who depend on over 1,000 Military Service priests for their spiritual care, the celebration of the sacraments and their regular practice of the faith. The Military Archdiocese receives no funding from the government, and all weekly collections at U.S. military chapels must be distributed according to military funding rules, so private donations are the sole means of survival for the archdiocese.  I know you will be generous in supporting our military chaplains and the many active duty Catholics who serve across the globe.  There is no envelope for this collection, so simply mark your check AMS.  In the name of our chaplains and they military personnel they serve, I offer my  profound thanks for your support.

The Our Faith, Our Future Capital Campaign is off to a great start as over $400,000 has been pledged toward our $2 Million goal.  This campaign is vital to advancing the good work of our parish and providing for the future of our faith here in East Greenwich.  We recall the sacrifice of veterans this weekend, let us also recall the generations of faithful parishioners who sacrificed to make OLM the tremendous family of faith She is today.  With this in mind, we ask every parishioner to pray for the campaign and consider what sacrifice they are willing to make for Our Faith and Our Future.

Happy Veterans Day! Be well. Do good. God Bless America! Oremus pro invicem! 

Caring for the Dead

Dear Parishioners:                          

             It was St. Augustine  who said: “If we had no care for the dead, we would not be in the habit of praying for them.”       This Sunday in a very special way we pray for the fifty-six souls from OLM who have died this past year.     During this All Souls Month of November we remember all our beloved deceased and also all the dead who have no one to pray for them.

The Church has consistently encouraged the offering of prayers and Masses for the souls of the faithful departed and the poor souls in Purgatory. At the time of their death, these souls are not perfectly cleansed of venial sin or have not atoned for past transgressions, and thereby are deprived of the Beatific Vision. We, the faithful on earth, can assist these souls in Purgatory in attaining the Beatific Vision through our prayers, good works and the offering of Masses.

In the early days of the Church, the names of the faithful departed were posted in Church so that the community would remember them in prayer.  Each Sunday we pray for all the living and deceased parishioners of OLM.  This Sunday at the 10:30am Mass we pray in particular for the dead whose names are posted in the bulletin. May they rest in peace. 

There is also an ancient and venerable tradition of visiting the graves of the dead especially in November. This tradition finds its roots in the scriptures.  Our Lord Jesus Christ visited the tomb of his friend Lazarus, only to call him out and raise him from the dead.  On the morning of the Resurrection, Mary Magdalene was on her way to the tomb of Jesus to pay her respects, when she discovered the empty tomb.  As we visit the graves of our loved ones, we do so in anticipation of that day when God will call forth the dead from their graves into the fullness of resurrected life.

As we mark this All Souls Month of November as a parish family I encourage every family to visit the grave of a deceased loved one, to remember them in daily prayer and to have Holy Mass offered for the repose of their souls. Also when visiting a cemetery consider finding a grave of someone who has not had any visitors  in some time and  most likely also has no one to pray for them and add them to your list of daily prayer intentions. 

Our Lord appearing to St Gertrude

St. Gertrude, a 13th century nun and mystic, received visits from Jesus.  Tradition suggests that Our Lord taught her a prayer and told her that when prayed it would release 1,000 souls in Purgatory.  It’s a short, beautiful, and powerful prayer: “Eternal Father, I offer You the most precious blood of thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, for those in my own home, and in my family. Amen.”

The most common prayer for the faithful departed is the Eternal Rest prayer.  It is my practice, and I highly recommend to all people, that during every visit to the cemetery to conclude your time with it.  “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.  And let the perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.  And may their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.”

This week all the Bishops of New England including Bishop Tobin and Bishop Evans are in Rome on what is traditionally called "ad limina apostolorum." This means "to the thresholds of the apostles" Saints Peter and Paul, who were martyred in Rome.  On their ad liminia visit Bishops meet personally with the Holy Father and also visit various Vatican Offices to report on the condition of their individual diocese. Bishops also offer Masses for their local Churches at the Basilicas of Rome and at the Tomb of St. Peter.  Please pray for them this week.

Fr. Barrow is on his annual retreat this week at Arnold Hall Retreat House in Pembroke, Massachusetts.  Each year a priest is required to make a retreat of five days.  Father departs on Monday and is to return late on Friday.  Please pray for him and the other priests on retreat this week that it may be a fruitful time of prayer and renewal. 

It’s November remember the dead and pray for All Souls! Be well. Do good. God Bless. Go Pats!  Oremus pro invicem! 

Our Beloved Dead

Dear Parishioners:                          

It’s hard to believe that October is coming to an end! So now we anticipate the month of November.  It is a month in which especially remember  the dead as it is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory.   The Church commemorates all her faithful children who have departed from this life, but have not yet attained the joys of heaven. St. Paul warns us that we must not be ignorant concerning the dead, nor sorrowful, "even as others who have no hope ... For the Lord Himself shall come down from heaven ... and the dead who are in Christ shall rise.”

The Church has always taught us to pray for those who have gone into eternity. Even in the Old Testament prayers and alms were offered for the souls of the dead by those who thought "well and religiously concerning the resurrection." It was believed that "they who had fallen asleep with godliness had great grace laid up for them" and that "it is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins."

The month of November begins with the great Solemnity of All Saints Day on Friday, November 1st.  It is a holy day of obligation and we have four masses at OLM: 5:00pm Vigil, 7:30am, 9:00am School Mass and 7:00pm.  On this great feast we celebrate all those who have attained heaven who we call saints both known and unknown,   Pope Francis suggests: “The Feast of All Saints, then, is not celebrated only in honor of those who have reached the goal and attained to heaven. It is also for the many simple and hidden people whom we may know, and who, through everyday holiness, help God to carry the world forward.”

We also mark the solemn commemoration of the dead on  All Souls Day, November 2nd. In a very special way we remember all those who have died and in particular we pray for the souls in Purgatory.  We will have two All Souls Day Masses at OLM on Saturday, November 2nd, at 8:30am and 12:00pm. You are invited to join us for these solemn Masses. Also please know we honor all our beloved dead throughout the month of November.  Your All Souls envelopes with the names of your own beloved deceased family and friends are remembered at Masses in November.

On Sunday, November 3rd we remember in particular all our fellow OLM parishioners who have died over the last year. Their grieving families are to join us at this special Mass of Remembrance.   As we pledge our prayers for our beloved dead, we are reminded of the words of Saint John Chrysostom in the 4th Century:  “Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.”  Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI teaches: “We commemorate all of the faithful departed, who have ‘gone before us marked with the sign of faith and... who sleep in Christ’ (Eucharistic Prayer I). It is very important that we Christians live a relationship of the truth of the faith with the deceased and that we view death and the afterlife in the light of Revelation.“

The Our Faith, Our Future Parish Capital Campaign has begun with a great and enthusiastic response.  Many parishioners have attended our campaign receptions to learn more about this vital effort for our parish and diocese.  I thank the many volunteers who have been helping and also the many parishioners who have pledged such generous gifts thus far.  There are more campaign receptions scheduled this week. I urge everyone to attend and learn more about the campaign. 

We’ve inherited a great legacy of faith and sacrifice in this wonderful parish of Our Lady of Mercy. The witness of those who came before us  calls us today  to continue in the same spirit of sacrifice and faith.  Please pray for the success of the campaign, attend a reception, and consider  making a sacrificial gift for Our Faith and Our Future.

Please note  next weekend is Daylight Saving Time and clocks fall back one hour. So next Saturday the 5pm Mass falls back to 4pm start time and Confessions to 3pm until April 4th! Next Sunday set your clocks back and enjoy the extra hour of sleep!! See you at Devotions! Be well. Do good. God Bless. Go Pats!  Oremus pro invicem! 

Lead, Kindly LIght

Dear Parishioners:                          

I am happy to announce that my time as Administrator pro tem at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church and St. Vincent De Paul Church in Coventry ended on October 5th.  Their pastor is back and I’m now back at OLM!  I thank Fr. Barrow, the OLM Staff and you for your patience and understanding during the eight weeks I served in Coventry.  It’s good to be back full-time at OLM!!

Last Sunday at Mass our talented  musicians sang a hymn, entitled Lead, Kindly Light.  The words  were written in 1833 by Saint John Henry Newman as a poem titled "the Pillar and the Cloud".  Newman was canonized a saint last Sunday by Pope Francis. As a young priest, Newman became sick while in Italy and was unable to travel for almost three weeks. In his own words: “I was aching to get home, yet for want of a vessel I was kept at Palermo for three weeks. I began to visit the churches, and they calmed my impatience, though I did not attend any services. At last I got off in an orange boat, bound for Marseilles. We were becalmed for whole week in the Straits of Bonifacio, and it was there that I wrote the lines, Lead, Kindly Light, which have since become so well known.”

The lyrics  of Newman’s poetic hymn read: “Lead, kindly light, amidst th’encircling gloom, lead Thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home, lead Thou me on! Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me.  I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou shouldst lead me on; I loved to choose and see my path; but now lead Thou me on!  I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!  So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on.  O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till the night is gone, and with the morn those angel faces smile, which I have loved long since, and lost awhile! Meantime, along the narrow rugged path, Thyself hast trod, lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith, home to my God. To rest forever after earthly strife in the calm light of everlasting life.”

Nearly two centuries ago, John Henry Newman was England’s most well-known Anglican priest, until he risked everything to become a Catholic. Newman was a 19th-century theologian, poet, Catholic priest and cardinal. Born in 1801, well before his conversion he was a well-known and highly-respected Oxford academic, Anglican preacher, and public intellectual.

 In 1845  his conversion to the Catholic faith resulted in the loss of many friends, including his own sister who never spoke to him again. He became a Catholic  priest in 1847 and founded the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in England.  In 1879, Pope Leo XII named him a Cardinal. Newman  was  dedicated to education and founded schools as well as the Catholic University of Ireland. His “Idea of a University” became a foundational text on Catholic higher education. He was a prolific author, poet and letter writer. Newman died in Birmingham in 1890 at age 89.

Pope Francis named Cardinal John Henry Newman a saint last Sunday and told Catholics that the goal of life is a transforming encounter with Jesus. He said: “The ultimate goal is not health or wellness, but the encounter with Jesus. He alone frees us from evil and heals our hearts. Only an encounter with him can save, can make life full and beautiful,”

The canonization was attended by Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, along with delegates from the Church of England. At the Canonization Mass, Pope Francis read a quote from one of Newman’s sermons describing the holiness of daily life . Newman wrote:  “The Christian has a deep, silent, hidden peace, which the world sees not. The Christian is cheerful, easy, kind, gentle, courteous, candid, unassuming; has no pretense  with so little that is unusual or striking in his bearing, that he may easily be taken at first sight for an ordinary man.”

On Monday night, Dominican Father Alan Piper, OP, Theology Professor at PC, leads our  Devotions and offers a reflection on the rosary. He also hears Confessions beginning at 6;00PM.  I hope you can join us as we pray the rosary.

Be well. Do good. God Bless. Go Pats! Saint John Henry Newman, pray for us! Oremus pro invicem! 

Confirmed in Faith

Dear Parishioners:                          
We had a glorious celebration of Confirmation last Sunday night.  Ninety-nine of our OLM young adults received the gifts of the Holy Spirit and confirmed their Catholic Faith. Their names are listed in this week’s bulletin, please be sure to pray for them.   In the coming weeks we will be reaching out to them and inviting them to put their faith and their talent to work for our parish and for their Church. 

At a Confirmation Mass a number of years ago, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI reminded the candidates  of their call to serve. He stated:  “Each and every Christian has received a gift meant for building up the Body of Christ. The Church especially needs the gifts of young people, all young people. She needs to grow in the power of the Spirit who even now gives joy to your youth and inspires you to serve the Lord with gladness. Open your hearts to that power! Do not be afraid to say ‘yes’ to Jesus, to find your joy in doing his will, giving yourself completely to the pursuit of holiness, and using all your talents in the service of others!” 

I thank Bishop John Noonan of Orlando who traveled up from Florida to celebrate the Confirmation Mass. He is an old friend I first met when he was serving as Rector of the Seminary in Miami.  It was good to have him here and he truly enjoyed his time with us at OLM. We  must also thank the parents and families of these newly confirmed young adults.  They first made the promise to raise them in the faith many years ago at their child’s baptism.  We are grateful they continue to bring their children to Christ and live their Catholic Faith.  The fruits of their commitment to the faith were on display at the Confirmation Mass last week.

We are very grateful to the Confirmation teachers and all those who helped make the Mass and reception such a joyful event.  In particular, we thank Doug Green, the Director of the Confirmation Program, who works so hard in ensuring a wonderful celebration. We must also thank our OLM Music Director, Henri St. Louis, and the OLM Choir for the beautiful music at the Confirmation Mass. It was solemn and joyful and truly helped to raise up our worship and praise to God.

We continue to mark the month of October by taking up the Holy Rosary.  Each Monday we gather as a parish family before the Eucharistic Lord to pray the Rosary.  Last Monday Dominican Friar, Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, offered a profound reflection on the Rosary.  As we continue to turn to our Blessed Mother praying the Rosary, I invite you to consider joining us.  IF you’ve never been to October Devotions,, you will find it  a prayerful  and peaceful time away from the noise and distractions of the world.  I encourage you turn off the TV, the phone, the computer and take up your beads!  Come to October Devotions and pray and gain   renewal and peace in your life as we turn to Jesus Christ through his Mother Mary!

St. Padre Pio, reminds us of the importance of praying the Rosary in our daily lives: “Go to the Madonna. Love her! Always say the Rosary. Say it well. Say it as often as you can! Be souls of prayer. Never tire of praying, it is what is essential. Prayer shakes the Heart of God, it obtains necessary graces!” The Holy Rosary can  slow us down, calm our hearts, and enable us to rest in God’s presence. It draws out the deepest desires of our souls, desires for God and God alone.  The repeated prayers in the Rosary help us meditate on Christ’s centrality in our lives. Such a prayerful time leads us to gain a new perspective and some peace amidst the hectic pace of our  daily lives.

This Monday at 7:00PM, Dominican Friar, Father Albert Duggan, OP, the Brown University Chaplain, will lead our October Devotions.  He will give a reflection on the Rosary entitled, “Telling the Beads.” I’m sure it will be a peaceful and perfect ending to the Columbus Day Holiday.  So join us this Monday for October Devotions at 7:00PM.

The Our Future, Our Faith Capital Campaign Receptions are underway.  I hope every parish family is able to attend one and learn about this critical campaign for the future of our parish family.  Be well. Do good. God Bless. Go Pats! Oremus pro invicem!  See you at Devotions on Monday!!

O Come Holy Spirit

Dear Parishioners:                          

This weekend we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at OLM for 100 of our young adults.  We welcome Bishop John Noonan of Orlando who has traveled to be with us and celebrate the Confirmation Mass on Sunday at 5:00PM. We also offer our prayers and congratulations to our Confirmation Candidates, their chosen Sponsors and their families.   It is a great occasion of joy, faith and hope for the newly confirmed, our parish and our Church as we celebrate Confirmation.  These young adults from our parish receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit as they confirm their Catholic Faith first given to them at Baptism. 

At the Confirmation Mass,  Bishop  Noonan will lead them in a re-affirmation of their baptismal promises. These promises were made when they were infants, but  now they will have the responsibility of making them in their own name while they stand on their own two feet. Just as Baptism gives new life, Eucharist nourishes life, and Reconciliation restores life when it is broken, Confirmation strengthens that life by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is about strengthening what God has given, and continues to give, to his sons and daughters.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is not the Catholic equivalent to the Jewish bar mitzvah. Confirmation is not a “coming of age” celebration. True, most young people are just beginning to pass into early adulthood when they receive the sacrament. But Confirmation is not about coming of age. Reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation does not mark the end of seeking faith and understanding. We never outgrow a need for a deeper knowledge and appreciation of our faith. The Sacrament of Confirmation is not a rite of passage, nor a graduation from religion class, nor a ratification of a personal faith choice. Rather, it’s all about what God is doing for his beloved daughters and sons.

In Confirmation, God is strengthening the divine life which he gave at Baptism, nourishing us in the Eucharist, and reconciling with us in Penance. God does this so that we might better defend and witness to the faith through the gifts and workings of the Holy Spirit. And there are—and will be—many situations where we  and these newly Confirmed are called upon to defend and witness to our faith. The Sacrament of Confirmation helps us remain faithful to our baptismal commitment to  bear witness to Christ and to serve others in love and with charity. The gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Confirmation are  virtuous strengths  required to live as a Christian.   They help a Catholic disciple lead a life of faith that is both fruitful and complete. Thus wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord, are the divine aids to  living a  joyful and faithful Catholic life.  So please pray for our newly Confirmed that they might continue to bear witness to Christ, remain faithful to Sunday Mass, and continue to grow in the love and knowledge God and His Church. 

I wish to thank all the many parishioners who made our Annual OLM Feast Week a successful week of faith and fun for our parish family.  We began with a great day of golf at the Annual Saints and Scholars Golf Tournament.  Neither Fr. Barrow or myself came close to winning it!  It was a beautiful day for the 128 golfers who came out in support of our parish. Our Feast Day Mass was solemn and joyful and Fr. Eric Silva gave an inspiring homily on mercy.  The Holy Hour of Mercy with our OLM Adult and Children’s Choirs singing sacred music in honor of Mary was truly beautiful. We thank Fr. Brendan Rowley for his outstanding reflection on living a life a mercy.  The Act of Mercy saw a great group of parishioners both young and old make hundreds of sandwiches and provide new socks for the homeless.  It was a great work of mercy and many benefited from it.  And our Octoberfest saw a couple hundred parishioners enjoying a night of fun as a parish family. Truly a great evening of fun and food as we welcome the month dedicated to our patroness, Mother Mary! 

Join us for October Devotions on Monday at 7:00PM. Be well. Do good. God Bless. Go Pats! Oremus pro invicem!