Preparing in Time of Pandemic

Dear Parishioners:   

The Second Coming by Gustave Dore

I trust you survived the minor earthquake last Sunday morning! It occurred just as Fr. Barrow finished proclaiming the Gospel at the 9:00 AM Mass. The final line of Matthew's Gospel last Sunday was: "Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

In 2020, a year of pandemic and social unrest, many suggest it's a sign of the end of times. But I don't believe it is, I think it’s just a coincidence. Perhaps a timely reminder for us to zealously heed the Lord's call to stay awake morally and spiritually. We must prudently keep our lamps full of faith, hope, and charity, especially in a time when they are needed all the more.

In the early 1900s, The Times of London newspaper posed this question to several prominent thinkers and authors: "What's wrong with the world today?". The well-known Catholic author and apologist, G.K. Chesterton, responded with just one sentence: "Dear Sir, I am. Yours, G.K. Chesterton."

His witty reply is startling and unexpected, but certainly illustrates the attitude of someone who has grasped the message of Jesus Christ. Chesterton took to heart the words of Saint Paul to Timothy: "This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these, I am the foremost."

“The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works.” -St. Augustine

  Chesterton was allowed to point the finger of blame at anyone he could conceive of, to address any issue he felt was pressing on his society, and to speak to the sin that plagued his culture. He chose to humbly and directly address the plank in his eye.    Perhaps Mr. Chesterton's wise words might lead each of us to examine our conscience and admit our sins and weaknesses. And where we've been sinful and weak, seek to change and convert our lives more fully to Christ.

We can then confess our sins on Monday night at Confessions at 6:00 PM. Once again, two Dominican Friars join us at OLM for Monday Night Confessions. What an excellent opportunity to seek the Lord's generous mercy and forgiveness and renew our commitment to Christ.  Once we do this we begin to set our world on the right path. 

Sanitize your hands. Wear your mask. Keep social distance. Worship God!

I wish to express my deep gratitude for your continued cooperation with the COVID-19 guidelines for worship. Regularly washing and sanitizing hands, wearing face masks properly, and keeping social distance in Church work in our Catholic parishes. However, I do kindly urge continued vigilance in not forming small social gatherings outside of Church after Mass. 

 With your cooperation, and relying upon God's grace, and the assistance of our parish patroness, Our Lady of Mercy, we hope and pray the pandemic along with its restrictions might end soon. In the meantime, let's keep the faith and follow guidelines as we worship our Lord and Savior at Mass.

Last week the New England Boiler Works Company installed new boilers in both the Franciscan Convent and Mercy Convent. They were chosen after a bidding process and completed the project in one day for a cost of $16,400. This project resulted from your generous support of the Grateful for God's Providence Capital Campaign.

In the name of Sister Emma, Sister Lourdes, and Sister Jeanne, I offer my sincere thanks for your generosity. Without our capital campaign, this project and many others during this time of pandemic would not be possible. I know the good Sisters are pleased to have more efficient heating as the cold winter days approach. Thank you again for your financial support.

The Art of Thanksgiving by Norman Rockwell. 1942

Like many families, my own family is discussing how we might celebrate Thanksgiving now that there are new limits on the size of gatherings. Also traveling out of state poses a problem. These restrictions are impacting how and where families celebrate Thanksgiving.

Therefore, it is likely to be a different holiday celebration in 2020, but remember that no matter how or where our family celebrates Thanksgiving Day, we must give thanks to God for our blessings and express our gratitude for the bounty we enjoy! St. Theresa of Avila reminds us: “In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks.”

Stay safe. Be Well. Do Good! God Bless.

y

Where Do We Go From Here?

Dear Parishioners:     

             As I write this column, Election Day 2020 is upon us. And like everything else about 2020, it is very different from past election days where the campaign season ended with citizens exercising their sacred duty at the ballot box. No matter the results, we entrust all to the Lord. Amid the social unrest, political division, and living in a continuing pandemic, we might lose hope. However, I recall the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in his encyclical Deus Caritas:

"There are times when the burden of need and our limitations might tempt us to become discouraged. But precisely then, we are helped by the knowledge that, in the end, we are only instruments in the Lord's hands. This knowledge frees us from the presumption of thinking that we alone are personally responsible for building a better world. In all humility, we will do what we can, and in all humility, we will entrust the rest to the Lord." 

The social unrest and ideological combat across our nation have sparked fear and doubt about our future over the past eight months. Painful divisions have wounded families, parishes, and friendships. Social trust has broken down as the pandemic and lockdowns have further loosened the bonds of the community. Many Americans are in economic distress, many others suffer from sickness, and thousands grieve for those who have died.    What are we to do?

Perhaps the most critical action we as Catholics can take after this election is to "love one another." This election has divided and challenged even well-formed Catholics. Incivility towards neighbors and intolerance of differing ideas replace political debate and civil discourse.   There can be no future for our nation if love grows cold, especially our love for the innocent unborn child and the terminally ill patient, for the migrant and the prisoner, for victims of racism, hatred, violence, and the poor. Across the country, love is growing colder, while anger seems only to grow more heated. 

       We are all responsible for what happens after this election but most especially we Catholics, for we are expressly commanded by Jesus Christ to love others — from our enemies to our neighbors.   Love is a non-negotiable, and only love can defeat the unrest and violence in people's hearts. It is a profound love for each person made in the image of God, a love for our political enemies, and a love for our country.    Only this love can prevent disorder and help establish true justice and peace. This love starts at home, in our hearts, and it must begin with our complete obedience to what Jesus commands us.

        We are a divided, polarized, and fragmented society. No election will quickly or easily repair the torn fabric of American culture. Therefore, our calling as Catholics is not to consider the election as a finished affair. But instead to continue to bear witness to our faith following Christ's commands. Regardless of the elections' outcome, this is a moment to personally embrace the cardinal virtues and live them in our daily lives. We need to be actively engaged in the ongoing search for building up a peaceful and just society. Our mission of defending human dignity, the sanctity of human life, and exercising religious freedom does not end with any election. We must renew and reinvigorate it and make it more robust. 

  Our public institutions reflect the values and habits of the American people. To renew them, we need to seek our conversion and strengthen our virtues. We must daily convert our lives more fully to Christ.   We know as a people of faith that politics is never the ultimate end. It is not the cause of our hope, and it is not the final aim of our lives. Jesus Christ is Our Lord. At this time, perhaps more than ever, we must bear witness to this saving truth. We must entrust our nation, our future, and our lives to the Lord.

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to all who have served our country in the military as we offer prayer and thanksgiving for so many veterans' sacrifice. We celebrate our freedom and liberty. It is a time of unity and pride for our nation.   Happy Veterans Day! Stay safe. Be Well. Do Good! God Bless.

Celebrating All Saints, Remembering All Souls

Dear Parishioners:         

Bishop Evans anoints Borys MICHAEL Carrison at the OLM Confirmation Mass, October 25, 2020.

Last Sunday, we had a joyful and solemn celebration of Confirmation for our parish's young adults. We thank Bishop Evans for filling in for Bishop Matano as NY State restrictions prevented him from traveling to RI. We also thank Doug Green, Mickey St. Jean, and all those who helped prepare for this important event. Also, we thank Henri St. Louis and the musicians for the beautiful music. We especially thank the candidates, their sponsors, and their parents. We give thanks to God for these newly confirmed Catholics and ask Him to continue to bestow his blessings and grace upon them. May they grow in faith, hope, and charity. 

All Saints Tapestry from Our Lady of the Angeles Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA.

We celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints this week as November 1 falls on a Sunday. Today we celebrate the Church's saints, that is, all those both known and unknown who have attained Heaven. In a particular way, we remember in our prayers all those OLM Parishioners who have died since last November 1. Their families join us at the 10:30 AM Mass. We promise them our continued prayers during their time of sorrow and grief and for the repose of the souls of their dearly departed.  May they rest in peace, and may the perpetual light shine upon them.      

Life on earth is often difficult. "Continuous warfare," as Job said. This world is fallen, filled with obstacles to justice, peace, and true happiness. Each of us carries within us a fallen human nature that tends toward selfishness and sin, despite being loved by God and redeemed and renewed by his grace.

  As a result, the life of every Christian here on earth is a hard battle to stay faithful to Christ and to help others do the same. Therefore, the Church on earth is called the Church Militant. Official Church teaching doesn't shy away from this. The Second Vatican Council, in its Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, taught: "For a monumental struggle against the powers of darkness pervades the whole history of man. The battle was joined from the very origins of the world and will continue until the last day, as the Lord has attested." 

We know this, and we have accepted the challenge - that's why we faithfully attend Holy Mass, seek forgiveness in Confession and strive to live virtuously. And yet, at times, we get tired of fighting. We get worn out with the state of our world and sometimes the state of our own lives. That's why the Church gives us today's Solemnity of All Saints - to rekindle our hope! 

Today we take our eyes off the battlefield of the earth where the Church militant is fighting, sweating, and bleeding. And we lift our gaze to Heaven, where we see "a great multitude, which no one could count" gathered around our King, enjoying the rewards of their earthly labors, enjoying the victory.

These are the saints in Heaven and we call them the Church Triumphant. They are people just like us, from every age, experience, place, and walk of life, who "survived the time of great distress," as St John calls life on earth. Contemplating these brothers and sisters in Christ should renew our strength, inspire us, and encourage us.

We continue to remember all the souls of the faithful departed during this All Souls Month of November. Please be mindful of the souls in purgatory. The Church teaches us that praying for the dead is a spiritual work of mercy. The greatest prayer we could ever offer for the dead is the prayer of the Mass. At Mass, we unite our prayers, those emanating from our lips, our hearts, even our bodies in all types of actions of loving sacrifice for others, to Christ's prayer in the Mass. The Mass is the continuous, saving sacrifice once-and-for-all begun during the Last Supper and finished on the Cross.   

Tuesday is Election Day! All elections have serious consequences for our society.  So please prepare for Tuesday by joining in prayer on Monday.   On the eve of the election, we hold vigil for our nation. We pray for all candidates and for peace, liberty, and justice. We pray for the poor, the unborn, the vulnerable, the sick, and the weakest among us. Then on Election Day, may we cast a vote first and foremost as a Catholic with an informed conscience.

Happy All Saints Day! Stay safe. Be Well. Do Good! God Bless. God Bless America!

Citizenship and Duty, Virtue and Voting

Dear Parishioners:

In their statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. Catholic bishops remind us about the call to participate in political life. "In the Catholic tradition," they teach, "responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation."                                      

 Often when facing a tough decision, it is tempting to look for the comfort of having someone else tell us what to do.  Some people have suggested that I should be endorsing certain candidates and telling Catholics for whom to vote.     However, it is clear that no Catholic bishops, priests, deacons, or religious can endorse individual candidates or political parties, nor should they. Instead, the primary responsibility of pastors is to hand on the Church's clear and authentic moral and social teaching and teach the fundamental ethical principles that help Catholics form their own consciences correctly. In other words, proclaiming the truth of Church teaching not personal or partisan opinions. Fundamental moral principles, not politics is what is to be preached.

Indeed, every Catholic, clergy or laity, have a right and responsibility to vote with a well-formed conscience. It must be formed under the Holy Spirit's guidance through prayer, scripture, and reflecting and informing oneself about the Catholic Church's moral teachings.    Pope Francis states that the call to holiness requires a "firm and passionate defense of the innocent unborn." At the same time, he also describes as "equally sacred" "the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia, the victims of human trafficking, new forms of slavery, and every form of rejection."

The first temptation of many Catholics is to miss the ethical distinctions between different issues. As the bishops teach: "The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception to natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. It must always be opposed."  But there is also a second temptation, namely to misuse this distinction as an excuse for ignoring other threats to human life and dignity, like poverty, injustice, and racism. These, and several other crucially important issues, "are not optional concerns which can be dismissed."

“In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.”

As Catholics, we must develop the virtue of prudence, "the charioteer of the virtues." For it helps us to discern how clear moral principles apply in particular circumstances, as well as how to evaluate "a candidate's commitments, character, integrity, and ability to influence a given issue."  However, in any political consideration, the priority must always be given to protect the sanctity of human life from natural conception until natural death. Life is the most fundamental good. Therefore, our opposition to abortion and euthanasia are preeminent issues in our political considerations.  

Human life that faces grave and direct threats, as do the unborn and the terminally ill, is the preeminent concern in our political considerations. This preeminence does not mean we dismiss or ignore other threats to human life and dignity or caring for the vulnerable among us. As Catholics with well-formed consciences, we must stand firm on issues that directly attack life itself, the most fundamental good. Abortion and euthanasia are preeminent issues in the moral order and our political decisions.   

We mustn't sit on the sidelines and fail to participate in the political process. Political decisions are very challenging, especially today. However, if  Catholics fail to get involved, as challenging as it is, we forsake our sacred duty as both citizens and Catholic disciples. Pray. Form a  correct conscience. Learn candidate positions on issues. Pray again. Then vote as a Catholic.      

Sincere congratulations to our Conformandi! Pray for these 70 young men and women confirmed in their Catholic Faith this weekend.  May they grow in faith, hope, and love of Christ and His Church. 

Also prayers and best wishes to OLM parishioner and newly ordained Permanent Deacon Steven Valliere. Ad multos annos!  

 Stay safe. Be Well. Do Good! God Bless. Go Pats!!!!

Politics and Prayer

Dear Parishioners:

          A parishioner recently told me he was tuning out all the politics that dominate the news, the mail, and even our phones. He is frustrated with the television and radio ads, the campaign pamphlets, literature in the mail and on the front porch, and the seemingly endless news coverage of all things political. In many ways, I share his frustration with the political process with its infinite advertising. However, we should not grow too cynical, or worse, apathetic about politics. Pope Francis reminds us that "a good Christian actively participates in politics and prays that politicians may love their people and serve them with humility." 

The fundamental key to our participation in the political process is prayer. We must pray for our nation, state, and town as we approach the upcoming election. We should also pray for all candidates, regardless of their party or even if we do not support them. Consider praying the following prayer over the next weeks as we approach Election Day on November 3, 2020:       

"Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to understand better the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.        

We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit, and poverty.         

  We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.    

We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom. 

We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. Amen."             

If we begin with prayer, we can then start to form a conscience. It takes time to develop our consciences to make well-reasoned judgments about particular, real-life situations. The Church teaches that it is crucial to work continually on conscience formation to be prepared to make decisions whenever the opportunity arises. This is especially true as we face decisions about which candidates we cast our vote Election Day. The bishops teach in the USCCB document, Faithful Citizenship:

"Conscience is not something that allows us to justify doing whatever we want, nor is it a mere 'feeling' about what we should or should not do. Rather, conscience is the voice of God resounding in the human heart, revealing the truth to us and calling us to do what is good while shunning what is evil."         

As you consider your vote on election day, please pray and form your conscience with the teachings of Christ and His Church on the crucial issues of our day: the sanctity of all human life especially the unborn, the dignity of the human person, the common good and solidarity, matters of peace and justice, the care of the poor, the immigrant, the sick, the dying and the elderly, religious freedom and liberty, children and education, healthcare and the environment. Next, seek to learn the position of each candidate on the fundamental issues of life, dignity, and liberty. Then pray to vote as a Catholic Citizen, not a partisan party member. Pray. Inform. Educate. Vote. The Catholic Way to the voting booth!                                       

With joy, we announce that  Parishioner Steven Valliere, who serves as a Lector and Adult Altar Server at OLM, is being ordained a Permanent Deacon next Saturday. Pray for him and the other men who are to be ordained by Bishop Tobin for service in our Diocese. The Ordination Mass will be live-streamed from the Cathedral as the seating is limited.  We congratulate Steven and offer him our prayerful support. May God grant him a faithful and fruitful diaconal ministry.      

Bishop Matano of Rochester.

Next Sunday at 5 pm, we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation as 70 young adults from OLM receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We welcome Bishop Matano of Rochester, NY, to OLM, for the Confirmation Mass. Bishop Matano is a priest of Providence and I worked with him at St. Augustine Church in Providence over 20 years ago. Many of you may remember him as the late Msgr. Lolio’s dear friend and the homilist at Monsignor’s Funeral Mass.  It’s always great to have him home in Rhode Island and back to OLM!  The Mass is being live-streamed for family and friends as only the candidates, their sponsors and parents are able to attend.  Please pray for these candidates, may they grow in faith, hope, and charity!

Join us at  Devotions on Monday with guest preacher,  Dominican  Fr. Jordan Zajac, OP!  Fr. Jordan will lead our devotions and offer a reflection entitled, "The Only Bad Rosary."  Fr. Jordan and fellow Friar, Fr. Edmund McCullough, OP, the Chaplain at Brown University, will also be hearing Confessions on Monday, October 19th beginning at 6:00 PM.  

Stay safe. Be Well. Do Good! God Bless. Go Pats!!!!

Father Healey

Finances and Faith

Dear Parishioners:

In the bulletin today, you will find an abbreviated copy of the Annual Parish Financial Report for the Fiscal Year of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. In September, our parish auditors and parish finance council reviewed the report. The parish trustees approved it, and it's been duly sent to Bishop Tobin.

  It reports that our parish budget revenue declined $86,500, which is about 11% of our annual budget revenue. From March 15 through June 30, the weekly collection fell over $50,000. This decline is directly related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. It also reports that we've reduced our expenses by $98,000.

  Our parish school report shows a loss of $60,000 due partly from the lost revenue from the extended day program due to the closing of school during the lockdown. As a result of the COVID-19 Crisis, we had to cancel the school's chief fundraiser, the Annual OLM School Spring Fling. This fundraiser annually raises nearly $100.000 for the school.

Thankfully, we could participate in the Paycheck Protection Program when the Trump Administration allowed non-profits and church organizations to seek this assistance. We received a $120,000 loan for the Church and a $281,000 loan for the school. These PPP loans are only to cover the expense of payroll, pension, medical and utility costs. They are listed on the balance sheet as liabilities as of June 30. We intend to seek forgiveness for these loans, and we are currently in the process of completing the required application.   

Our weekly budget is decreasing, but I am optimistic that the more people returning to weekly Mass will help stem this loss. We are thankful for those parishioners who continue to support the parish. Also, we thank the additional fifty parish families who signed up for online giving. In a parish of some 2,000 registered families, only about 500 regularly contribute to the parish. 

The good news is that our faithful parishioners continue to support OLM generously. Over $50,000 was raised for the school by the recent raffle. These funds help tremendously with our increased expenses and health and safety upgrades for the school.

  I am grateful to the many families who have so generously responded to the Annual Parish Collection. As of this week, we have raised just over $50,000. Annually we raise over $100,000 for this vital collection. I am confident that we will reach that amount with your generosity and support once again this year.   

Please take the report home and review it. If you have questions or concerns, please contact either myself or our OLM Business Manager, David Cote. I offer my thanks to David for his expert assistance in preparing these reports and managing the parish and school. I also wish to thank our parish auditors, finance council, and trustees for their support and invaluable input and advice on fiscal matters. 

The report highlights that fewer people practice the Faith, and thus fewer people financially support the parish. Meanwhile, our maintenance costs, along with insurance, utilities, and other fixed expenses, continue to rise. Therefore I am deeply grateful for your commitment to the Faith and your continued weekly support of the parish.

Moving forward amid the Pandemic, I remain confident that more people will return to the regular practice of their Catholic Faith. We've added another Mass to our weekend schedule, and I encourage those who can safely attend to please join us for weekly Mass.

Monday, we celebrate Columbus Day. It is a day that has become controversial for some people. Many suggest he is not worthy of such an honor, and his statues have been attacked and removed. There is great disagreement about the truth about Columbus. I encourage you to read a new book, Columbus and the Crisis of the West by Robert Royal. It reveals the scholarly truth about Christopher Columbus. Royal, director of the Faith and Reason Institute, also wrote the excellent book 1492 and All That. It, too, is worth a read to learn more about Columbus. Happy Columbus Day! 

Stay safe. Be Well. Do Good! God Bless. Go Pats!!!! See you at Monday Devotions!