SCHOOL OF LEADERS by KATHY TUCKER, ASSISTANT LAY DIRECTOR

School of Leader this past Saturday was dedicated to "Mother's Day" and of course, our Blessed Mother.  We were privileged to have a Doctrinal talk by our own Father Ed Blanchett which encompassed Both Catholic Doctrinal teaching and human love and longing in a way which could only be woven by a speaker with a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and a supernatural understanding of her humanity and that of her Divine Son.

Father Ed made us realize how very much God loves us by giving us HIS very own mother.  It was also evident how fortunate we are to have such a spiritual priest guiding us along our camino. Thank you Father Ed From a grateful community.

You can read Father Ed's talk in the posting just under this one.

We also had a bit of theater, Some of the ladies dressed up as mothers from the bible. They did a wonderful job speaking in the first person without telling us who they were. Who am I??

Thank you ladies for stepping up and out of your comfort zone. Mary Vitale, Terri DeAndrea, Diane Kerrigan, Mary Weis stepping in for Janice Petruzzi who was not able to participate due to an illness. Prayers for her quick recovery. 

Next SOL will be in honor of Father's Day. Hope to see everyone there.

God Bless

HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH, OUR MOTHER by FATHER ED BLANCHETT

Mary, known as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Mary, Mary Mother of God and the Virgin Mary, is the greatest of all saints. The Virgin Mother “was, after her Son, exalted by divine grace above all angels and men.” St. Paul wrote that “God sent His Son, born of a woman,” to bring about the union of the human and the divine in Christ. As Christ possesses two natures, human and divine, Mary was the Mother of God in his human nature. This special role of Mary in salvation history is shown in the Gospel as she is seen constantly at her son’s side during his ministry on earth. Because of this role, shown by her “Yes” to Christ into her womb; her offering of him to God at the Temple; her urging him to perform his first miracle; and her standing at the foot of the Cross at Calvary, Mary was joined fully in the sacrifice by Christ of himself. Pope Benedict XV wrote in 1918: “To such an extent did Mary suffer and almost die with her suffering and dying Son; to such extent did she surrender her maternal rights over her Son for man’s salvation, and immolated him - insofar as she could in order to appease the justice of God, that we might rightly say she redeemed the human race together with Christ.” Mary possesses a unique relationship with all three Persons of the Trinity. She was chosen by God the Father to be the Mother of his Son; God the Holy Spirit chose her to be his spouse for the Incarnation of the Son; and God the Son chose her to be his mother, the way that God took flesh, into the world to redeem humanity. While she is not our Mother in the physical sense, she is a spiritual mother, for she conceives, gives birth, and nurtures the spiritual lives of grace for each person. As Mediatrix of All Graces, she is always present at the side of each person, giving nourishment and hope, from the moment of spiritual birth at Baptism to the moment of death. 

Mary is “mother” in three important senses: she is the Mother of Jesus; she is the Mother of the Church; and Mary is our mother. 

(I) Mary is the MOTHER OF JESUS 

Protestants, our separated brothers and sisters in Christ, are often horrified when we refer to Mary as the Mother, not only of Jesus, but of God. But their reaction is based on a misunderstanding of not only what this particular title of Mary means, but also who Jesus is, and what their own founders, the Protestant Reformers, had to say regarding this doctrine. Before touching on this, let’s hear what Scripture has to say in Luke chapter 1: 

"The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” 

Then the angel departed from her. Now, I skipped over Mary’s question and the angel’s reponse, but the important thing here is that Mary said “Yes” – her famous Fiat – to becoming a mother. Biologically speaking, a woman is a man’s mother either if she carried him in her womb or if she was the woman contributing half of his genetic material. Mary was the mother of Jesus in both of these senses; because she not only carried Jesus in her womb but also supplied all of the genetic material for his human body, since it was through her—not Joseph—that Jesus “was descended from David according to the flesh” (Rom. 1:3). Since Mary is Jesus’ mother, it must also be that she is the Mother of God: because, if Mary is the mother of Jesus, and if Jesus is God, then Mary is the Mother of God. 

As St. Cyril of Alexandria, the 5th Century patriarch of that city, wrote in a letter to Nestorius the priest – yes, he was a priest: clergy failings are hardly limited to modern times – who proposed the Christological error that bears his name, a heresy which denied that Jesus was one person both God and man and which also denied that Mary was the mother of God: “I have been amazed that some are utterly in doubt as to whether or not the holy Virgin is able to be called the Mother of God. For if our Lord Jesus Christ is God, how should the holy Virgin who bore him not be the Mother of God? As St. John has written, the Word made flesh, can mean nothing else but that he partook of flesh and blood like to us; he made our body his own, and came forth man from a woman, not casting off his existence as God, or his generation of God the Father, but even in taking to himself flesh remaining what he was. This was the sentiment of the holy Fathers from the beginning; therefore they ventured to call the holy Virgin ‘the Mother of God,’ not as if the nature of the Word or his divinity had its beginning from the holy Virgin, but because of her was born that holy body with a rational soul, to which the Word, being personally united, is said to be born according to the flesh.” Mary, who is the mother of Jesus, is also the Mother of God. This has been understood and believed for centuries, long before it was solemnly declared by Pope Pius XII back in 1950. 

(II) Mary, is MOTHER OF THE CHURCH 

This title has a special meaning for us this particular weekend as it will be formally celebrated as a memorial of for the first time by the universal Church on Monday. In the Gospel according to John, chapter 19 we first hear of it: “Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” Mary was given to John by Jesus on the Cross. By extension, Jesus gave Mary to be the mother of the Church. 

The title “Mother of the Church” was used by PopeBenedict XIV in 1748 and then by Pope Leo XIII in 1885. Pope (soon to be Saint) Paul VI formally conferred the title Mother of the Church on Mary during his speech at the closing of the third session of the Second Vatican Council on November 21, 1964: “For the glory of the Virgin and our consolation, we proclaim Mary the Most Holy Mother of the Church, that is, the Mother of the whole People of God, both the faithful and the pastors.” The title was used often by Pope St. John Paul II. In his encyclical Redemptoris Mater, the “Mother of Our Redemption”, the Holy Father reaffirmed Pope Paul’s statement that Mary is the “mother of the entire Christian people”. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a document which sprang from the Second Vatican Council and guided by Pope John Paul, says: “Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it.” (964) “After speaking of the Church, her origin, mission, and destiny, we can find no better way to conclude than by looking to Mary. In her we contemplate what the Church already is in her mystery on her own “pilgrimage of faith,” and what she will be in the homeland at the end of her journey. There, “in the glory of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity, in the communion of all the saints, the Church is awaited by the one she venerates as Mother of her Lord and as her own mother. In the meantime the Mother of Jesus, in the glory which she possesses in body and soul in heaven, is the image and beginning of the Church as it is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise she shines forth on earth until the day of the Lord shall come, a sign of certain hope and comfort to the pilgrim People of God.” (972)

When Pope Francis decreed that the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church be included into the Church calendar on the Monday after Pentecost on February 11th of this year, Cardinal Sarah, Prefect of the Divine Congregation for Divine Worship, wrote: “Mary is the mother of the members of Christ, because with charity she cooperated in the rebirth of the faithful into the Church … the birth of the Head is also the birth of the body, thus indicating that Mary is at once Mother of Christ, the Son of God, and mother of the members of his Mystical Body, which is the Church.”

In the Upper Room, Mary prayed with the Apostles in anticipation of the coming of the Holy Spirit, as her Son had promised. Pentecost was the birth of the Church – the Mystical Body of Christ. As mother of Christ, the Head of the Church, she also is the Mother of the Church. As Pentecost approaches each year, I find myself thinking about Mary as well as the Apostles. That’s not to say that their Pentecost experience was anything less than astounding – of course it was! But I also find myself thinking about the Blessed Mother and what her reaction might have been when, and especially after, the Holy Spirit had descended. Mary had been waiting in the Upper Room with the Apostles, her Son’s closest friends. As any good natural mother, she would have loved them because Jesus loved them. She would have wanted the best for them and likely had high hopes for them because of their closeness to him. She would have loved them despite their failure to stand by her son when things turned terrible and he was arrested, tortured and crucified. They, on their part, would have loved and honored her because she was the mother of their best friend. Yes, the Spirit’s descent was magnificent. But what about what happened afterward? Her Son’s friends – the ones who had turned on him – are suddenly and deeply converted. They lost their fears, put themselves aside, and bravely stepped out into the streets to proclaim the Good News. That’s what Mary’s Son had worked all his life for, what he surrendered himself for, what he died for. Once cowards, they were now bold, courageous men carrying out her Son’s dream! When I picture this scene, I can see Mary as the proud Mama, glowing with joy over the transformation in the Apostles, cheering them on as they went forth. Mary, present at the birth of the Church, is very truly her mother.

(III) Mary is OUR Mother

What this means to each of us here, “where the rubber meets the road”, comes from a very touching, very human, interaction between Jesus and his mother from John chapter 2: There was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him. I honestly love this Gospel passage: Mary sees a problem with the wine. She goes to Jesus who, very human son that he is says, “Yeah, so what?” but then accomplishes through his divinity what mother wants anyway! How many of us have seen our children as Jesus reacted first, and wish they would act as he did afterwards?!

“Mary is our Mother in the order of grace.” With these words from the Vatican II Constitution on the Church in the Modern World we get a brilliant insight of the Motherhood of Our Lady, and a marvelous help to understand the motherhood of all Mothers. To better understand it, we need to hear the two sentences that come before it: “The Blessed Virgin, predestined from eternity along with the Incarnation of the Divine Word, as the Mother of God, on this earth was the gracious Mother of the Divine Redeemer; His associate more than others, in a singular way, and the humble maid-servant of the Lord. In conceiving Christ, in bringing Him forth, in nourishing Him, in presenting Him to the Father in the Temple, in suffering with her Son as He died on the cross, she cooperated in the work of the Savior, in a unique way, by obedience, faith, hope and burning love, to restore supernatural life to souls. As a result, she is our Mother in the order of grace. As a result, she is our Mother in the order of grace.” An ordinary Mother does two things to gain that glorious title: she shares in bringing a new life into being, she takes care of that life so long as she is needed, as long as she is willing and able.

To put it as simply as possible, Mary’s cooperation in the Redemption is how she shares in bringing new spiritual life into being, just as any mother cooperates in bringing human life into being. But, even though Mary’s cooperation was unique, she shows how we can participate in it as well. The second letter of St. Peter (1:4) says that in it we are made “sharers in the divine nature.” This isn’t just a one-time event. As we can see in the numerous apparitions that have occurred over the centuries, Mary continues to care for our supernatural life.

Let’s try to explore that mystery a bit. St. Paul says that in heaven we will see God “face to face”. Now of course, God doesn’t have a face; souls don’t have physical eyes. But the reality is far beyond what the words can easily tell us. In this life, when I look at another person, I don’t actually take the person into my mind--I take in an image. Since the person is finite and limited, a finite image can let me know about them.

But God is infinite. No image could possibly convey what He’s like. So it must be that the Divinity wants to join itself to the created human soul immediately, without even an image in between, so that the soul can know Him even as His Son knows Him, as He knows His Son. Within that divinity there flow infinite streams of knowledge and of love. The first chapter of John’s Gospel says that in the beginning the Father spoke the Word. That Word isn’t just a ripple in the air, like our words are. No, it’s far more, it’s a person: the second Person of the Holy Trinity. Between Father and Son there is love--again, not the infintely lesser type of love we understand, but another Divine Person, the Holy Spirit, proceeding by way of infinite love. 

Only a being who is at least partly divine could possibly understand these infinite streams of knowledge and of love. But that’s exactly what it means to be “sharers in the divine nature”, which we are, by the life of grace. Mary, by offering her limited flesh for God’s purposes of expressing His divine and infinite love, helped to gain that sharing for us, at a cost so great that, as we said, only God can comprehend it. So Mary really is our Mother in the order of grace. 

But a mother does more than bring life into the world: she also takes care of that new life, so long as she is willing, able, and needed. For most of us, there comes a time when Mother isn’t so much needed, as we become adults and more independent. But in the spiritual life, we remain children – we have to, for “unless we become as little children we shall not inherit the kingdom.” Jesus tell us. Or, to put it more clearly, we always stand in the need of grace as long as we have not yet entered the mansions of our Father. That grace, every grace, comes to us through Mary for, as Vatican II taught, she is the Mediatrix of all graces.

My dear Cursillistas, I said that an earthly Mother should give care as long as she is willing and able. Sadly, some earthly mothers stop being willing. But not so our Heavenly Mother. The children she brought into life by such tremendous pain she will never forget. She is always willing. Also, an earthly mother may come to a point at which she is unable to help, howsoever she way want to do so. But not so our Mother in Heaven. Since I started my talk with a quote from Pope Benedict XV, it’s only fitting that I end it with another: he said that Mary held a “suppliant omnipotence”. This means that, while not being omnipotent herself, all that God can do by His omnipotent power, she, with and through her Son, can obtain by asking Him for it. And that she does.

Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mother of the Church, our Mother, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. De Colores! 

TOMB REFLECTION - "A BIBLICAL PHANTASY" BY SISTER CLARA SCHROEDER, CSJP

How can I be with you, Jesus, now that your pain and suffering are over?  I was able to be with you in the Garden and on your way to Calvary and then stand with your Mother at the foot of your cross.  But how can I be with you in your tomb?  

As I contemplate this, I hear Jesus say to me,  “Clara, (use your name) You can be with me in my tomb.  Just walk in and allow me to do the rest!”

With trust, I timidly enter the tomb and I huddle in a dark corner. I am not afraid!  

I can see Jesus lying on the slab.  His linens are removed!  In spite of his torn body, he seems to be restful and I don’t understand that.  

Amazed, I see his earthly father, St. Joseph hovering over Jesus.   He is gently wiping his bloodstained face.  And I also see Michael, the archangel, along with Angel Gabriel!  They, along with Joseph, are bathing his wounds with such tenderness.  

Then I see Jesus slowly opening his eyes.  His eyes meet Joseph’s tear-filled eyes.  I hear a weak whisper from Jesus. “Dad.”  Joseph has your head in his arms.  

“Jesus, my dear boy,” spoken so softly. “I am so proud of you.  You have fulfilled your Mother’s destiny and mine of raising you, caring for you, and protecting you for this moment. So long ago, I held your tiny body in my arms.  I, again, hold you in my arms with deep, deep gratitude to you for what you suffered.” 

 All of us in heaven were beyond grief at what we witnessed on earth.  Your Father sobbed almost uncontrollably.  His grief was mixed with rage at the injustice that was heaped upon you.  At one point he wanted to end it all and snatch you up.  But all of Heaven’s residents, from North, East, South and West, were kneeling with  their heads bent down.  In unison, all chanted “No, No, No.”  Father God’s sad eyes looked at all of us and all of us looked up to Father God.  He knew and we knew that all the horribleness you endured was the only way, the only way to conquer evil.”  

There was a reverend silence now from the four people in the tomb with Jesus - Joseph, Michael, Gabriel and me.  I am still huddled in the dark corner of the tomb.

All I am able to do is to stay huddled in the corner and gaze upon Jesus. I can’t move.  I’m so overwhelmed with what I am witnessing. Then I hear Jesus speak softly.

            

“Dad, when I was hanging on the cross, at one point I really felt that my Father in heaven had deserted me.  Is He pleased with me?”  “Jesus,” Joseph responds so softly,  

“How can Father God not be pleased with your total sacrifice of love?”  “He’s not here with me now,” Jesus responds. At these words from Jesus, Michael and Gabriel bow in adoration while Joseph says; “Your Father in heaven is right now preparing the grandest, and most eloquent royal banquet for you upon your return!”

“Jesus, my boy, I have a message for you from Father God”  “Your Father wants you to remain here on earth for another forty days. You need to be with your friends now even though most of them had deserted you. They were and are still so frightened at what happened to you. They are afraid of their lives. And you sorrowing Mother needs to see you. Your mission on earth will not be completed until you reassure them that you are risen, and console them, instruct them, and empower them to continue what you began.   

For the first time, I notice a smile on Joseph’s face. “Will you do that, my precious, precious boy?  We all know how eager you are to come home.”  Then I saw that irresistible magnetic smile on Jesus as he responds, “Of course,  Dad.” 

 As the three of them slowly depart, Joseph once again turns to Jesus, and with a twinkle in his eye, says, “Say hello to your mother for me.”

I am still huddled in the dark corner mesmerized by what I witnessed and heard. Then I heard Jesus say, “Clara, don’t remain in the dark.  Leave now. Go out into the Sunlight.  Tell all you meet what you have witnessed and heard here in my tomb.  My birth and crucifixion would have been meaningless without my Resurrection.  Be my voice, my hands and my feet.  Let all who see you, see me.  

Now I am no longer huddled in the dark corner of the tomb.  I am racing through the vineyards to be with Jesus’s friends.  Jesus empowered me too to continue His work on earth.  And Jesus empowered ALL OF YOU to continue what he began!  Tell ALL who believe in Jesus to be His voice, be His hands, be His feet! 

De  Colores!

I DISCOVERED by Joe Vella, Sr.

(Editor's Note: Written by Joe on his 97th Birthday. God Bless You, Joe!)

I DISCOVERED that...

• the best lessons learned were from a senior person.
• when you're in love, it glows.
• it is proper to tell the Lord: 'You've made my day!'
• when an infant wrap his/her arms around your neck....your  a captive.
• being gentle and friendly migrates to others.
• I pray first not second.
• sometimes all a person needs is faith in the Lord and be willing.
• my father never gave me a slap I didn't deserve.  
• life is just a bowl of cherries, just don't choke on the pits.
• money isn't everything, but is mighty convenient.
• it's those small daily activities that make the big enchilada.
• under everyone's hard shell is a pussy cat.
• a fact is a fact ...period.
• when you seek revenge, remember: “Forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us."
• love, not time heals better than anti-bionics.
• the sure way for me to elevate my self was to surround myself with people  that I could learn from.
• improvement and salvation are worthy goals.
• life is tough, but I am equal to the task.
• opportunities are in the eyes of the beholder.
• I wish I had the good sense to tell my Mom how much she meant to me  before she went to heaven
• one should keep his words both polite and courteous, because tomorrow we may have to eat them.
• a smile is an more than just your umbrella, it is your signature.
• everyone takes pride in achievement, but the real pride was in the struggle to attain it. 
• when I don't have enough time to do the task  the more I accomplish.
• to make sure you thoroughly read every document you sign. 
• it is better to give with a warm hand than from your last testament.
• there is love, religion, and friends, but ranking up there with all of them is FAMILY.

I DISCOVERED THAT... YOU ARE MY  FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND I AM HONORED! OF WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED

A WITNESS BY DEACON TONY MARTUCCI

Thank you, Community, for all of your prayers for me over the years. Here is an update and a witness to the Glory of God. 

Last March 28, I had emergency surgery for a strangulated hernia. During surgery the doctor found complications- a perforated upper bowel, and a VRE (Infection that does not respond to antibiotics). A call went out to community for prayers. 

I was in the hospital for 10 days and left with an open wound that had a wound vac to assist in my healing. After two months I started to see a wound care specialist every week for treatments. Two more months of visits and the wound vac came off. Other treatments were used to try to close the wound. 

Through the fall and winter I continued to visit the doctor and the wound gradually began to shrink, but stubbornly refused to close completely. Finally, on February 8 the wound appeared to be healed. I returned to physical therapy on February 12 to get my knees back into shape. The wound reopened. My wound doctor suggested that I continue therapy so I could use the stairs and move more easily, he continued to treat me.  A week later the wound doubled in size. On Tuesday, March 6, the doctor debrieded the wound again. The following morning, Pat & I attended a healing Mass. At the homily, Fr. Richard mentioned that faith is necessary for healing to take place. Although we have attended numerous healing Masses over the years, and even used St Pio's glove, but I never expected a healing. When I heard what Fr. Richard said, I was reminded of what the blind man said to Christ, "Lord, if you will, you can heal me." Christ answered, "I do will it. Be healed. Your faith has saved you. "And so I said to Christ "Lord, if you will, you can heal me.

Father then laid hands on us, then anointed us.

As Pat and I left the Church and walked to lunch,  I said to her, "I am healed." She looked surprised and a bit suspicious. The following day, Pat changed the dressing on the wound and said, "I can't find the wound!" On the following Tuesday the surgeon confirmed that after almost a full year the wound is totally healed. 

Thank you to all of you and to the power of God and Faith. I now know how I need to pray. I know how to pray in FAITH.

A MEDITATION FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT by DEACON TONY MARTUCCI

YOU CAN FIND THE READINGS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT AT THIS LINK.

When I was a teenager in high school, I answered the phone one night and learned that my mother won a car in a raffle held by a Church organization. I excitedly ran to tell my father. I won’t tell you what he said to me exactly, but he didn’t believe me and basically said I was joking. Dad went to the phone and heard for himself. All of us were excited beyond belief and couldn’t wait to pick up the new Buick. It was a beautiful car that brought us a lot of happy memories.

What great news that was at the time! But like all things in this world, it didn’t last forever. We had a lot of fun in that car, but eventually, it got old and we traded it in for another car.

Today, you are getting a message, great news. You have won the biggest lottery of all time. In all three readings we learn that, through Jesus Christ, God has offered us eternal life with him. Things in this world come and go. We are not created for this world but for everlasting life with God himself. We are here to prepare us to know, love and serve God and his people and to be happy with him forever in heaven.

In the first reading from 2nd Chronicles, we heard about God’s love and patience with the people of Israel. After giving them many chances to turn back to him, God allowed them to be taken into exile and their temple to be destroyed because of their obstinance. Later, out of his love, he returned the People of Israel to their own lands and Temple.

St. Paul also speaks of God’s love and his great gift for us:

“Brothers and sisters:
God, who is rich in mercy,
because of the great love he had for us,
even when we were dead in our transgressions,
brought us to life with Christ — by grace you have been saved —,
raised us up with him,
and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,
that -in the ages to come - He might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

Notice, Paul says we ARE raised up with Christ and seated with him in heaven- present tense- NOW- by the grace of God- a free gift. Christ comes to us to live within us today.

Finally, the Gospel reminds us of the famous John 3:16-

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.”
|
The gift is ours if we accept it. All God asks is that his people love him and love our brothers and sisters. St. John also tells us that we can reject the gift of God

“...People preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God..”

Do not be like the ancient Hebrew people who rejected God and chose false Gods. Use your gifts and talents to share the wonderful gift we have been given.

SCHOOL OF LEADERS by KATHY TUCKER, ASSISTANT LAY DIRECTOR

We had a wonderful School of Leaders Saturday Feb 17, 2018.

Father Jay Bowden gave a synopsis of his journey with the Cursillo Movement. Starting the Cursillo Movement in the Diocese of Trenton with a contingent from Buffalo NY approximately 45 years. We owe it all to Father Jay. Without his belief and total commitment to the Movement we would not have accomplished 126 Weekends since his journey began. Thank You, Father Jay.

We also had Bill Grippo give his talk on his journey through Cursillo. He relies on Study to inspire him with his daily living. Nick Grippo gave a wonderful talk about Bridging the Gap between generations. How this generation gets their information through Electronic Media (i.e.: Instagram, Twitter and other social media).
(NOTE: YOU CAN READ NICK'S TALK IN THE NEXT ARTICLE BELOW.)

I also put up a picture gallery of all the Weekends. 

Everyone really enjoyed the gallery bringing back fond memories of past and more present weekends. From the black and white to color. 

DeColores, Kathy

STUDY by NICK GRIPPO, TRENTON 125

One year ago, I made my Cursillo weekend: Trenton 125!  It’s been an amazing spiritual journey as I continue to live out my fourth day.  Also within the last year, I had the privilege of working on the team for Trenton 126.  Several personal obstacles tried to get in the way of me working with the team that weekend, but the Lord cleared the way, I said yes, and Rick, Al and others supported me and helped me join the great men of Trenton 126.  What a year.

Today I want to speak to you about the importance of study in our lives as Christians.  In my view, it is the foundation of the Cursillo movement.  Study can take many forms: reading; listening; and speaking.  Every person is different, and study may mean different things to different people.  The key is to develop study habits and to dedicate a set amount of time on a regular basis to studying the principles of our Catholic faith.  It does not have to be a lot of time; even a few minutes could suffice.

Why is this so important?  Study is a mechanism to develop tools to successfully address the challenges that life throws at us every day.  As Matthew Kelly says, life is messy.  When we are equipped with the tools of our faith, and a vibrant spiritual life, we are more prepared to handle the mess that life can create from time to time.  Health challenges, family dynamics, relationship troubles, work stress, etc.  The list goes on and on.  Studying our faith gives us the knowledge to combat these difficulties and to create hope in times of distress. 

As noted, study can take many forms.  At the most fundamental level, it is reading scripture.  That is an essential part of the study process.  Everything grows from that starting point.  Beyond that, there are endless spiritual guides, such as the Dynamic Catholic series of books and videos, which provide practical daily lessons on Catholicism and creating hope in our lives through Christian methods.

Study is particularly important in my life because I am an attorney and, as an attorney, I spend significant periods of time studying the law and then applying it to the facts of a particular case.  Being successful in law requires a relentless commitment to study.  The purpose of such rigorous study is to be as prepared as possible in handling a case.  Study in our spiritual lives serves a similar purpose – being prepared to address life’s challenges through Christian methods.  It also prepares us to go out into our communities and have a positive impact.

In thinking about study, I note that today’s young adults are part of an information generation.  We should consider ways to better deliver the Catholic message to the younger generations.  Social media, webinars, and other forms of electronic communications can be effective ways of sharing our message and the study aspect of our faith. 

In closing, my Lenten challenge to each of you is to increase your study habits over the next few weeks (in addition to, say, giving up sweets, coffee, or wine!).  If you do not have a set routine of studying our faith and learning more about it, try to start a routine.  Spend 10-15 minutes each day reading anything you elect to read that you believe will help your spiritual growth.  If you already have such a routine, try to add to it or just maintain it during Lent.

Thank you, God bless and DeColores.    

Nick Grippo            

A MESSAGE FROM MARY WEIS, LAY DIRECTOR

DeColores, Cursillistas!

It is with great pleasure to announce that we are sponsoring in partnership with Metuchen Diocese Cursillo a Cursillo de Cursillos (CDC). The CDC is a Diocesan Workshop intended for those Cursillistas who are the leaders in the Diocesan Cursillo Movement. Cursillistas who have the desire to learn about the Foundational Charism are encouraged to attend. The Cursillo Spiritual Advisors are also encouraged to attend. This can be an excellent opportunity to recharge and energize your evangelization the Cursillo way.


The CDC team consists of Regional Members and our own beloved Ronnie Martella will be on team. DATES    March 15 to 18, 2018TIMES    Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon (same as Cursillo weekend)
LOCATION    Blue Army Shrine Washington NJ  (we can carpool)
COST    $200 per person

There are two beds per room and open to both men and women.  Men, of course, will room with men, and women with women, unless they're husband and wife.

If you are interested, please contact me at weismary@yahoo.com or call me at 732-939-0172. Rooms are limited.

FOR YOUR STUDY by FATHER JAY BOWDEN

Today's Scriptures are powerful indeed. What is God saying to us today? In the 1st reading, neither the priest Eli nor young Samuel understood at first what was happening as the Lord was speaking to Samuel. Finally, Eli told him, " if ( when ) the Lord calls again, reply, ' Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.' " Sisters and brothers, you and I, AND SO MANY PEOPLE IN OUR WORLD TODAY need -- have a REAL & DEEP NEED -- to say, " Speak, Lord, your servant is listening."

We sang in today's Responsorial psalm, " Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will." YOUR will ... GOD'S WILL-- not MY WILL; not the will of the so often regarded, and self-proclaimed, " trend setters of the world ". NO !  " Here am I, Lord, I come to do YOUR will." Verse 9 from today's psalm 40, puts it loud and clear: " To do YOUR WILL, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart."

In today's Gospel, John 1: 35 - 49, Jesus issues an invitation not just to Simon Peter's brother Andrew and the other ( unnamed ) disciple of John the Baptist, not just to Simon Peter and the others, and later, to Mary Magdalen and the Samaritan woman at the well, etc. etc., but an invitation to YOU and ME, and to all the PEOPLE in the WORLD. Jesus said to them in their time, and He says to us, and to our world today, ' Come to Me; come, walk with Me; " Come, and you will see."

I began by saying today's Scriptures are powerful indeed; what is God saying to us today? Hear the words of today's second reading... from 1st Corinthians 6:(13 - 20 ): " The body is NOT for IMMORALITY, BUT FOR THE LORD ... do you not know that YOUR BODIES ARE MEMBERS OF CHRIST? Avoid immorality ... do you not know that YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ", a sacred temple of God !!

And today that temple -- those temples -- are desecrated every day and every night ! " Do you not know that YOUR BODIES ARE MEMBERS OF CHRIST ?"

Look around us -- look at the internet, the T.V., movies, books, the magazines that abound seemingly everywhere, the terrible sin and scandal of priests' sex abuse --- pornography, adultery, living together outside God's sacred bonds of marriage, fornication in other ways, self-abuse, abortion, euthanasia, drug and alcohol abuse, cutting oneself, etc. etc.
" DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT YOUR BODIES ARE MEMBERS OF CHRIST?"

Yes, it is easy, and legitimate, to point a finger at Harvey Weinstein and so many others -- famous people and not so famous alike -- who have willfully abused others, especially women, sexually and otherwise. It is right to be scandalized by, and so angry at, the sins of sexual abuse committed buy some priests and others in the Church.

Corinth, in the days of St. Paul, was known to be a hotbed for immorality, sexually and otherwise. Sadly, must we not acknowledge that the same is true in so many places and areas of life today ? But, remember the lesson of pointing the accusing finger at someone else. As Sister Mary something or other said back in our grammar school days, remember children, when you point your finger at someone else, you have three of your fingers pointing back at you ! So, let's look at ourselves! What shows do we watch? What movies do you go to, or rent? HOW DO WE CLOTHE OURSELVES ? What is our own personal dress code -- female or male ?! What about such a prevalent thing as the music we listen to, or buy?  The video games-- and what do we see exhibited there? And what about the all too readily available modern day scourge and fire of pornography ? ( pause )   What is OUR lifestyle -- in so many areas, is it that of Christ, or that which is OPPOSED to Him?

Yes, sin abounds ! The devil and his legions, his accomplices are powerful ! BUT GOD IS MORE POWERFUL ! The love of Jesus, the MERCY of God is infinite ! Hear some of the words of Jesus to St. Faustina. " I AM LOVE AND MERCY ITSELF; My HEART OVERFLOWS with great mercy for souls...let no soul FEAR TO DRAW NEAR TO ME, even though its sins be as scarlet...MY MERCY IS GREATER THAN YOUR SINS..."  ( --  from pg. 25 of the Divine Mercy booklet, Mercy and Devotion. ).   And, from page 27:  " Souls that make an appeal to my mercy DELIGHT ME. To such souls I GRANT EVEN MORE GRACE THAN THEY ASK. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to MY COMPASSION."

We have here at St. Greg's multiple times of confessions. Hear the words of Jesus in today's Gospel, " Come, and you will see."