Friday, December 31, 2010

NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH JUST THIRTY MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT...........

In the lyrics of Barry Manilow, "It's Another New Year's Eve"; and in the signature New Year's Eve song of the late, Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, "Auld Lang Syne";  and we are down to thirty minutes before Midnight and the ushering in of  2011 !!!!!!!!!!!  With thirty minutes to go the late night countdown show of the 39th annual Dick Clark's Rock'in New Year's Eve 2011 has begun, as Americans on the West Coast of the United States prepare for the ball drop heralding the beginning of 2011..........Since celebrating the 5 pm New Year's Vigil Mass here at OLOL, which was offered for the elevem parishioners who passed on during 2010, plus our three deceased former Pastors. founding Pastor Msgr. John Terwilliger, and Fathers William Broderick, and Cornelius O'Donnell;  47 persons were present tonight; we have only one New Year's Day Mass in the morning at 10:30 am - which means my long. leisurely, evening of a quiet dinner, Hallmark Channel movies, a nap, late news, and now counting down these thirty minutes to a brand New Year !!!!!!!!!!!, was my preferred recipe in bidding 2010 goodbye.  The earlier Vigil Mass totalled 223 Masses at the end of my first 6 months as Pastor of OLOL, I have celebrated and concelebrated since arriving on July 1.  Adding that to the 172 Masses, I celebrated and concelebrated, while In Residence at Sacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento, from January 1 - June 30, 2010; afforded me the opportunity to offer Mass 395 times this year.  For all my parishioners, now - this year - and the past twenty three years; - for my family members - friends - colleagues - and co-workers; for my doctors, nurses, medical personnel, and all who have assisted me in any way; - I say Thank You for Sharing 2010 with me - God Bless You And The Lord Be Gracious To You, Everyday of The New Year, which in just thirty minutes will be,  2011 A.D., in our lives of Faith, Fellowship, Family, Friendship, Fraternity, and Fidelity...........Come O Eighth Day Of Christmas And Day One OF Our New Year Of The Lord,   Father Troy David Powers

COUNTING DOWN THE HOURS OF THE LAST DAY OF 2010..........

We are down to a handful of hours in a year that was one of continuing economic challenges and high unemployment, in the United States of America and in much of the World.  A nearly century year old goal on the part of Presidents from Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, John Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, came to fruition as the Obama Administration and the Democrats in Congress, succeeded in enacting a National Health Care Reform Law.  The Tea Party became a contemporary political reality in the midterm election campaigns of the Republicans in US House and Senate races, in several states throughout the country.  The British Petroleum (BP) Oil Spill on the American Gulf Coast spread out over several months, adversely affecting the living conditions and livelihoods of millions and for nearly five months - despoiling with an uncontained daily waste of oil spilling into waters and washing up on beaches, in the Gulf coast.  Circumstances in the Afghanistan War after nine years of American combat activity led to our committing more troops, even as an exit strategy was being put into place.  And in California the seven years of, "The Governator" Arnold Schwarzenegger's tenure in the Governor's Office, drew to an end with mixed results at best; while his elected successor as the 39th Governor of California, will be the 72 year old, who was the 34th Governor from 1975-1983, Jerry Brown; who defeated Silicon Valley Billionaire Businesswoman, Meg Whitman, who spent an astronomical $141 million of her personal fortune on her gubernatorial campaign.  The economic and political governance challenges facing the incoming Governor Brown, who will be sworn in this coming Monday, will be daunting and difficult; with a State deficit of nearly $3o billion.  Tonight, in these fleeting hours of 2010, our attentions are on counting down to the arrival of a New Year 2011, with its promise and potential for better, brighter, times for California, the United States, and the World.  Wherever, however, you are marking this 7th Day of Christmas and the Last Day of 2010, may you and yours, be filled with the hope filled expectation of a New Year and a productive journey ahead for all in the experiences that will be the Year of Our Lord, 2011 A.D. ..........Fr.  Troy

THE 7TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MEMORIALIZES ST SYLVESTER I, POPE..........

This 7th Day of Christmas, the last day of  Year 2010, is here and revelry, and looking back on the 365 days now ending. is the key to the day.  After 8 am Mass, I must see that the 20111 Parish Calendars, and Sunday Offertory Envelopes, are set out for distribution tonight, tomoroow, and Sunday.  I will ask some of the parishioners present to help do that.  Late morning I will be returning my Enterprise Rent a Car, and picking up my 2005 Chevrolet Malibu from Paul Blanco EZ Auto.  Then, I must fine tune my New Year's / Solemnity of Mary Mother of God  homily for tonight and tomorrow; and the Epiphany homily for Sunday.  New Year's Eve in my family growing up as a boy to young adult, was a low key occasion, spent in my grandparents Corey home, enjoying Portruguese food and snacks, watching Guy Lombardo and in the latter years, Dick Clark.  I have kept that family tradition and will do likewise tonight.  Today's liturgical focus in addition to being the 7th Day of Christmas, is St. Sytlvester I, a Pope of the Church in the 4th Century, 314-335 A.D., during the reign of Emperor Constantine.  St. Sylvester was Pope when the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica occurred.  He also sent two legates to the Council of Nicea, in 325 A.D., at which the original Profession of Faith, (Nicene Creed) was formulated.  Pope Sylvester was also a staunch opponent of the heresy, Arianism.  The Christmas Gospes l at Mass on this 7th Day, is from John's First Chapter and the Prologue proclaiming, "The Word Made Flesh Who Dwells Among Us", from the third Christmas Mass - During the Day, last Saturday December 25th..........Prayers And Peace, As You Experience This 7th Day Of Christmas And Last Day Of The Year of Our Lord 2010,   Fr.  Troy

Thursday, December 30, 2010

6 + DAYS OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATED; 10 MORE DAYS OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON COMING..........

I had dinner tonight with Paul Friedrich, a Presentation Church parishioner in Arden-Arcade, who is a second year Permanent Deacon candidate for the Sacramento Diocese.  It is very possible he may be doing some of his formational ministry with me here at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.  We had a very conversational at Paragary's on 28th Street iun downtown Sacramento, and held our monthly discussion about the the progress with his diaconate formation, and possible ministries he might assist with as an internship practicum here at OLOL.  On the drive home to the parish, and since I have back in the rectory, our conversation has had me thinking about how this applies to the message and spirit of Christmas.  If the Messiah's long awaited Coming was to bring the Gift of Salvation to God's People, then everything we do for God's greater glory and the Common good, is a fruit of the salvific Gift.  Thus the ministries Paul will serve in OLOL Parish during his diaconate formation and ultimately as a Deacon in Presentation Parish will be fruits of the Gift of Salvation that is at the heart of Christmas.  From my Installation onward I have preached and will continue to that parish ministry belongs to every member of the Community of Believers, and every parishioner must take up a ministry of parish life and contribute by their service to the betterment and furtherance of the parish, as we live a Disciple's response tom the Gospel of Jesus.  That is what distinguishes Chreasters, the Christmas and Easter Catholics, from truly committed and practicing Catholic-Christians.  So with 10 days of the Christmas Season remaining on our calendars,  what will you do to serve in one of the ministries of your parish community now and in 2011, that truly denotes you as someone who takes seriously sharing the Gift of Salvation with others out of more than seasonal sentimentality..........Fr.  Troy 

LESS THAN 35 HOURS TO THE END OF 2010 : THE YEAR OF, "BETTY WHITE"..........

2010 A.D., opened with the fall-out from the 2009 Christmas Day bomber in Detroit, Michigan USA, and the devastating Earthquake in Haiti.  2010 A.D., is closing with a political shifting in the United States, and continuing unsteadiness in the World Economy, despite some improvement, since the near collapse occurred two years ago.  On a brighter and surprising note much of 2010 has been what not only me, but many people have referred to as the Year of, "Betty White".  Having turned 88 years old in January 2010, she staged a continuous year long comeback.  A more than sixty star of television and movies, with highly memorable tv roles as, "Sue Ann Nivens", in the, 'Mary Tyler Moore Show', in the 1970's; and, "Rose Nylund", in the, 'Golden Girls', from 1985-1992.  Starting with a Facebook campaign earlier in the year to get her a Host invitation for an episode of NBC's 'Saturday Night Live'.  The millions of Facebookers who expressed support for her as an SNL host, led to her being slotted for the May 8th Mother's Day weekend episode of SNL.  Her episode was the highest rated SNL episode in the ratings since the November 2008 Election episodes.  Then in June, this veteran comedic actress premiered as a co-star with actresses, Valerie Bertenelli, Jane Leeves, and Wendy Malek, in the TV Land cable comedy, "Hot In Cleveland".  The initial summer episodes aired became the highest rated cable comedy series of 2010.  The success of the Facebook SNL campaign, also led to another Facebook effort to have Betty White named Host of the 2011 Academy Awards Cremonies.  Whether or not she is made Host, my guess is this phenomenal actress, will be prominently included in the Oscar telecast.  The second season of, "Hot In Cleveland", begins January 19, on TV Land, and the word is actors and actresses are clamoring to be guest stars on the show.  Mary Tyler Moore is supposedly lined up to guest star, perhaps as soon as the season premiere episode, January 19.  So in many ways, given all the news events of this year, if Time Magazine's Person of the Year was Facebook's founder; then there is equal reason to propose that 2010 has been the Year of Betty White..........Fr. Troy
'Television' Powers

THE 6TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - THIS YEAR THE PENULTIMATE DAY OF 2010..........

This 6th Day of Christmas, is just that - Christmas; without a Memorial or Feast of its own, unlike the last three days or tomorrow.  Next Monday January 3, the tenth day of Christmas will be likewise, as will be Saturday January 8, the fifteenth day, but all the other days in between wil have a Saint of the day to commemorate.  Therefore, we renew our focus today on the spirit of the Christmas Season, as the Calendar Year 2010, arrives at its second to last day.  For those of us Catholic Christian Disciples who are liturgical adherents, and do our most to celebrate the Seasons of the Church Year in their fullness, we welcome the opportunity to refresh and renew our energies on the Holy Birth of the Savior, Jesus The Christ.  Our Sacred Scriptures for this 6th Day of Christmas speak to us of the  Blessed Nativity through the prism of, John the Evangelist and the Gospel of  Luke.  In today's First Reading, 1 John 2 12-17; we read of the Evangelist's summons to fathers and young men, to be stellar in their response to God's Call,  in carrying out their Discipleship of the Christ.   In the Gospel Proclamation, Luke 2 : 36-40; the continuing sharing of the Lukan Infancy Narrative of Jesus as the Savior of the World, we hear part two of yesterday's proclamation.  Following on Simeon's declaration yesterday's Gosapel, today we hear about Anna, a widowed prophetess, who has lived a long life quietly and faithfully in the Temple daily, awaiting the Coming of the Light of the World.  In the Christ Child being presented in the Temple by Mary and Joseph, she finds and testifies to Him.  How will you and I, witness to the spirit and truth of all the Holy Birth and Presentation in the Temple of Jesus represents to us, as God's Christmas People today ?  Perhaps today, we can write and send a few more Christmas cards, or gift in a spiritually significant way, someone - perhaps even someone we do not know.  Or as the Christmas Season proceeds and 2010 draws to a close, perhaps you and I can call a person we haven't spoken to or seen in awhile, especially those at a distance from us, or shut-in from others.  My point is make this for yourself, a Christmas Day, and not just (yawn) aniother day after Christmas, - the day before New Year's Eve.  May the Light and the Word, illuminate your lives today in increasingly spirited ways..........Giving Continuing Christmas Thanks To God For Our Redemptrion,   Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

THE CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE AND THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD...........

The Gospel of Luke : 2:22-35, which tells of the Presentation in the Temple of the Child Jesus, by his parents Mary and Joseph, in accordance with the Jewish rite of purification; is the basis oif our Christmas scriptural focus today.  Formerly, and unoficially, the Christmas Season in the Church span until February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.  Fidelity to the Law, particularly in bonafided religious observance, underscores the purpose and fulfillment of the Christmas mystery, God becoming Man, in order to bring about the Gift ofd Salvation and Human Redemption.  This 5th Day of Christmas also being the optional Memorial of St. Thomas A Becket, also shares a link between the Christmas Event and the Purification rites in theTemple.  Thomas Becket's fidelity to God and his Faith, mirror the fidelity of the Holy Family in fulfilling their commitment to God and religious obser vance, by presenting the Christ Child in the Temple.  Today's Gospel Proclamation went on to share the Canticle of Simeon, which we pray in the Liturgy of the Hours at Night Prayer, daily.  Simeon prophetically proclaimed God's fulfillment of letting him live to see the Coming of the Promised One.  Passing the midway point of this first week of Christmastide, may what you have celebrated the past five and one third days,  have welled up in you the desire to make the two thirds of our Christmas Season ahead, an equally significant and celebratory time of Faith, Fellowship, Family, and Friendship, in fidelity to our Love of God, and the Incarnation for our Salvation..........Fr.  Troy
   

ERNEST BORGNINE : "A GRANDPA FOR CHRISTMAS"

One of the several Hallmark Channel Christmas movies I have watching this month, is a 2007 production, "A Grandpa For Christmas",  starring veteran American actor, Ernest Borgnine.  In it he plays the grandfather of a ten year old granddaughter, who didn't know he had until his estrangled daughter is in a serious accident, and the granddaughter is placed in his temporary custody.  It is a compelling and very moving story and a film I highly recommend to you.  The most remarkable thing for me is that Ernest Borgnine was 90 years old when he made this movie, yet I say looks like a man in his seventies.  An Academy Award winning Best Actor in 1955, for the motion picture, "Marty", in the 1960's he starred on television in, "McHale's Navy", with Tim Conway and Joe Flynn; and in the 1980's returned to telecvision, co-starring with Jan Michael Vincent in, "Airwolf".  Borgnine also had a role in the classic 1977 Franco Zeferelli miniseries, "Jesus of Nazareth".  I remember hearing and seeing seeing news reports in 1964-85, of his brief, stormy, marriage to Ethel Merman.  Next month in Hollywood the Screen Actor's Guild will present the now, 93 year old Ernest Borgnine, with their Lifetime Achievement Award.  He is one of those few old school actors who is truly beloved for his career in films and television.  Thanks Mr. Borgnine, may your wonderful acting continue to entertain us..........Fr.  Troy

5TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - ST. THOMAS BECKET AND CONSUMATE FIDELITY TO THE SUPREME KING..........

On this 5th Day of Christmas, I am resting my body after Morning Mass, on my last day off of 2010.  I went to bed and woke up tired, aure sign that the physical workout of Advent and Christmas Eve to now, is saying, hey time out, please !!  Ha Ha !! He He !!  I will take my Christmas days off from next Sunday to Friday afternoon.  They will be a combinatiuon of relaxing, recreating, and re-grouping for three days locally, then going to Dallas, Texas for 2 days for the first Memorial Service for my Sacramento State alumni friend and fraternity brother, Brian Welch.  Thomas Becket, the English saint, who was Chancellor and then A Bishop of the Church, in Canterbury, England is on the liturgical calendar today.  A loyal servant of the King of England Henry II, Becket refused be unconditionally subservient to the King, putting his Christian Faith first, and thus was martyred.  St. Thomas Becket popularly referred to, as a Man For All Seasons, was unwavering in his belief, trust, and devotion, to God and the Church.  He can teach us who live at a time when increasingly even Catholic-Christians regularly selectively choose what they belief or practice, indifferent to placing any preference on how diligently they carry out their Discipleship, persons of Faith and commitment like St. Thomas Becket, are a healthy reminder of the call of our Lord and Savior, to constancy in practicing the Catholic-Christianityt we profess.  To live the mystery of believing, not approaching believing as magic we can turn on and off, as we choose.  Faith and Belief are the fabrics of our lives, not merely options we exercise when we feel like it.  As we inch near the finish line of 2010, how well are you keeping the Christmas Season.  Please God, you are being People of the Season, continuing to believe, trust, and devote, yourself to the Incarnate Word of God's Love..........Happy 5th Day Of Christmas / St, Thomas Becket Pray For Us,   Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

CELEBRATING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IN ONE OF MY FAVORITE WAYS - THE ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS...........

Since 1978, the year The Kennedy Center Honors began in Washington, D.C., it has been one of my must see Christmas week viewing pleasures.  Tonight is no exception.  My car buying and other afternoon appointments, had me out of the rectory until the dinner hour, so having eaten, I am now ready for the start of this year's festivities starting at 8 pm Pacific Time, on CBS 13, in Sacramnento.  Oprah Winfrey, Bill T. Jones, Jerry Herman, Merle Haggard, and Paul McCartney, are this year's honorees.  Scheduled guest presenters are meant to include  many past Kennedy Center honorees from the arts; and other current perfornmers in film, stage, music, art, dance, song, and literature.  Presented with the American President and First Lady always seated with the newest honorees, from above the proceedings, down on the stage,  it is always a very enjoyable and entertaining.  Perhaps you too, will enjoy viewing it..........Fr.  Troy

BUYING A CAR ON THIS 4TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...........

After four hours of parish work from the 8 am Mass through to the lunch hour, following my midday meal, I am out the door of the rectory to meet Victor Herrera, at Paul Blanco E Z Auto Center on Fulton Avenue, between El Camino Avenue and Cottage Way, here on the north side of Sacramento.  The twelve years, and seven parishes, the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu purchased as a parish car at Hobby Chevrolet in Orovile. and which followed me to Citrus Heights,. Del Paso Heights, South Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, and East Sacramento, went kaput in late September, putting me in a rental car, the past three months as I determined what I was looking for to replace it and the cost of the vehicle, coming out of my personal finances, not the OLOL parish budget.....6:24 pm.....I decided to buy another used Malibu hoping to find a more recent model at my preferred price with less than 50,000 mileage on it.  Choosing to deal with Paul Blanco, I asked for a 2005 or 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, whose total cost with tax, license, registration, and warranty guaranty, for less than my supreme maximum cost.  Paul Blanco  had a 2005 black Chevy Malibu in my preferred price range, the only thing I sought that they could not provide being the car mileage, they had none in my required price range with less than 50,000 miles on it.  The 2005 model has 63,000; and given the price was right and the test drive passed Victor's and my muster, I purchased the car and will be in it on New Year's Eve.  So going into 2011, and hopefully many years to come, this 2005 Chevy will equal its predecessor's providing me with dependable transportation and fuel efficiency, at a reasonable price..........Fr.  Troy

THE 4TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS..........

This Tuesday December 28, is the 4th Day of the Christmas Season, and the liturgical Feast of the Holy Innocents.  The Holy Innocents are the two thousand boys age 2 and under, King Herod had massacred in his attempt to eradicate the infant Christ Child.  Herod's jealousy and insecurity that the, "newborn King of the Jews", was a threat to his own kingship, led him to declare the slaughtering of the Holy Innocents.  We believe they shed their blood in martyrdom, for the Messiah, Jesus The Christ.  Our celebration of Christmas, and commemoration of the Feast of the Holy Innocents, is kept alive in the Year of the Lord 2010 / 2011, by the Catholic practice on this day in the Sacramento Diocese and in other dioceses around the country, of a Pro-Life Procession in Faithful Witness to current day "holy innocents", the unborn, who are terminated between conception and birth, by the massacre of abortion.  We do this in accordance with the teachings of Catholic-Christian morality, that proclaims we are to be Pro-Life, from the moment of conception to natural death.  No person, doctor, counselor, government official, political candidate, jury, or judge, especially who are Catholic-Christian Disciples, has the moral authority, or have the right to compromise, or disvalue, the dignity and sanctity of human life, by advocating for an infringement on human life.  That means not only no to abortion, but also no tro capital punishment, and all violations against life inbetween them.  As we seek in Christmas Joy, Peace, and Light, to follow the path of Justice and Righteousness, in fulfillment of God's Commandments and Gospel Values, have a Happy 4th Day of Christmas.....In The Name of Our Lord And Savior Jesus, The Light Of The World,   Fr.  Troy

Monday, December 27, 2010

WHAT WE DO.....WHAT THEY DO.....AS THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS CONTINUES...........

The latest I was in Ireland before the Christmas Season begins, is December 23, 1984, during my second year as a seminarian at St. Kieran's in Kilkenny.  That is a whole story in itself, I will share later this week.  But something that stands out in my mind about how the Irish families celebrate Christmas and we Americans do, is this :  we frontload it and put it away too quickly; they take the time to let Christmas arrive and families gather, not just for a day, but for several days, perhaps even a week, and continue the Christmas celebration each day.  They hold lunches and dinners, going to the pubs, and other entertainment venues, from movies to pantomines. They visit friends and neighbors, and share a glass or two of Christmas spirits.  The Christmas Season is more appropriately honored and bonds of affection renewed and strengthened, by having such a Christmas.  I was stunned this morning to hear even the venerable tv host Regis Philbin, an Irish-Italian American Catholic, proud of his Catholic heritage say, "(Now) we are through with Christmas and look forward to New Year's".  Then I learned this afternoon that Sutter General Medical Center, I commended a few days ago for their living Pine Christmas Tribute Trees, began taking them down, removing the lights and decorations this morning, leaving the soon to be departing trees looking naked.  This is what our American secularist, work a day world, has created.  I am grateful not to have seen any sign of dicarded Christmas trees in Del Paso Heights today.  Perhaps the poor and struggling have a deeper appreciation for keeping the
Christmas Season alive longer.  I hope wherever you are, in the USA, or any other country of the World, - that you are celebrating what this year for us who are Catholic-Christians, the 16 and 1/3 Days of Christmas, from now to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  For us in the Roman Rite that is thirteen more days to savor and share in a spirited and festive way..........Happy Third Day Of Christmas,   Fr.  Troy

MONDAY OF CHRISTMAS WEEK : SQUARING AWAY THE WORK OF 2010..........

It is the Monday of the week in the Octave of Christmas, but the work of pastoral ministry and parish administration, continues.  That means a morning to midafternoon flurry of parish office jobs to be done.  Checking the Christmas Collection and Sunday Offertory counting sheet; working with the Parish Bookkeeper in getting parish bills paid; answeing the rectory door and phone; as Tuesday is only day the Parish Secretary will be working.  As it is a part-time position, he is only her for 15 hours a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  Like last Thursday and Friday, this Thursday and Friday are diocesan holidays for Christmas and New Year's.  I have one last scheduled appointment away from the parish, and will return for dinner and a relaxing Christmas evening chillaxing in the spirit of the Season.....More about this in my next blog column.....Happy 3rd Day Of Christmas To All,   Fr.  Troy

THE 3RD DAY OF CHRISTMAS - FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST...........

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"....."The Word was made Flesh and dwelled among us".....(John 1 : 1 following.)  On this 3rd Day of Christmas, we honor the beloved apostle, as we celebrate the Feast of St. John the Evangelist.  The Faith and Fidelity, with which John the Evangelist lived his Discipleship of Jesus The Christ, the Lord and Savior of God's People, the season of whose Holy Birth we continue to commemorate, was exemplary.  John the Evangelist opens his Gospel with the telling of the Christmas Story, not with an Infancy Narrative, but with a deeply, profound, theological proclamation of the Son of God, and Redeemer of Humankind, as The Word.  As we honor John with a Feast of the Church liturgically today, may his holy example of being a loyal and fervent follower of The Word, the Light of the World, Jesus The Christ  - inspire us to ever greater Fidelity in our Catholic-Christian Discipleship, and the Joy and Peace, of Christmas..........Fr. Troy

Sunday, December 26, 2010

LIFE, LIGHT, LOVE, COMPRISE THE CHRISTMAS FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY - OF JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH,...........

Only 208 persons attended Mass at OLOL, on this 2nd Day of Christmas, and the Feast of the Holy Family.  It is the lowest Sunday Mass attendance here in the twenty six weeks, since I became Pastor of OLOL in July.  This has a tendency to occur when Christmas Day falls on Saturday, and the Feast of the Holy Family on the next day.  Not only do the Chreasters : Christmas and Easter Catholics - not appear, but many of the Faithful take a holiday from Sunday Mass today, too.  Jesus, Mary, Joseph, as the Holy Family in their home in Nazareth provide us with insight into how our interpersonal and nuclear familes, as well as the Family of God and Faith, and the Family of Humankind, should live.  We must place a priority on the Life we lead as Believers in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  We are also called by our Holy Redeemer to follow the Light of Salvation, the Christ Child shines forth in the homes of our hearts.  And we are meant to discover and experience the Love of the Messiah, for us and all God's People.  The Feast of the Holy Family teaches us to fortify our own families in the Joy and Peace of the Christmas Season.  May your family celebrations of Christmas Faith, Fellowship, and Friendship continue the next two weeks in ways that shine forth the authentic Life, Light, and Love, we receive as our mutual share in the Holy Birth of Jesus The Christ..........Fr.  Troy

CHRISTMAS HOLY FAMILY DAY @ OLOL INCLUDES A BAPTISM..........

Earlier this month we put into effect the practice of celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism. at one of the three Sunday Masses each month in rotation. Today is a last exception to that schedule, due to the homecoming of the father from Iraq, of the newborn being baptized.  Underscoring the practice of the Catholic-Christian Faith and our Discipleship in Jesus the Christ our Lord and Savior, is imperative to making and keeping Baptismal promises, and the institutional Church, as well as individual parishes, priests, and deacons, must be committed to challenging our people and expect them to meet standards of practice, participation, and presence, in the life of the Community of Believers. Before Baptism is celebrated with persons and families who are dwelling in the shadows of our religious Faith, barely on the periphery the Church, they must show evidence that practicing their Catholic-Christianity is a priority for them.  For far too long, the institutional Church sanctioned an approach of baptizing everyone who walked through the doors, without requiring anything of them but a perfunctory promise to fulfill their Catholic-Christian duties.  Thank God, the post conciliar Vatican II, Catholic-Christian Church requires sacramental preparation for the parents and godparents of infants and children under age 6, requesting Baptism.  And the Rite of Christian Initiation for adults and children, above the age of reason -  goes a long way to assuring there is some sincere and regular practice of the Faith, beginning with Sunday Mass attendance on the part of baptismal families.  The example of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, in keeping the precepts of Judaism, is a vital reflection of the way of life we as Catholic-Christian Disciples must maintain, if we are to be true to what we profess.  Baptism and the Sacraments are not magical moments, or a big event, detached from practicing the Faith we profess. Being baptized is integral to sharing in the sacred mystery of Living our Faith not by lip service or showmg up at church on special occasions only, but by witnessing daily and weekly to the primacy of our Discipleship in Jesus the Messiah, our Lord and Redeemer...........Fr.  Troy

THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS 2010 / 2011 : FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY...........

On the second day of Christmas, this year Sunday, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we continue our Catholic-Christian Discipleship celebrastion of the mystery pof the Holy Birth of the Messiah, Jesus The Christ,. God's Redeeming Son.  As we savor the Gift of Salvation attained for us by God taking on our human flesh, we look to the outstanding example of Faith, Family, Fellowship, and Fidelity, found in the loving interpersonal relationships in the Home at Nazareth, between the Christ Child, and His Blessed Mother Mary, and her Faithful Husband and Jesus' Adoptive
Father, Joseph.  First and foremost, The Holy Family were People of Faith.  They believed in God and were true to the practice of Judaism, and as His parents, nurtured and developed the Faith of their young son, preparing him lovingly for his Public Ministry and Paschal Mystery, as the Co-Eternal Son of God the Father and Redeemer / Reconciler of Humankind.  Family Life was at the heart of their Home and they lived it out as every human family should, with unconditional Love for one another.  Mary caring for her husband and so tenderly and true; Joseph teaching his trade as a carpenter, to the Child Jesus; and Jesus obediently learning and valuing the example of Holiness and Unity they achieved as a Family.  The Fellowship of God's Spirit in generosity and hospitality, were also central attributes of The Holy Family.  Like Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we too - are challenged by the Law of Love, and God's Commandments, The Beatitudes, The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, and Gospel Values, to be generous, hospitable, and socially, interactive with our Families, Friends, Fellow Believers, and even Strangers.  Fidelity to the Life, and Salvation, that are ours in God's Anointed One and Our Lord and Savior, is also an essential practice of our Families, exemplified by The Holy Family.  And so, in the continuing affirmation of Christmas, may you and your families be blessed on this Feast of the Holy Family, with authentic Faith, Family, Fellowship, and Fidelity..........In The Light Of The Incarnate Word That Is Christ Jesus The Lord Of All Creation,   Fr.  Troy

Saturday, December 25, 2010

O HOLY NIGHT.....CHRISTMAS NIGHT WHEN THE LIGHT OF OUR SALVATION FIRST SHONE ON EARTH WITH JOY AND PEACE..........

The 8:30 am and 10:30 am Christmas Day Masses at OLOL this morning were attended by  63 persons at the first one, and  75 persons at the second one.  Reverend Father Anthony Traynor, our Pastor Emeritus, (1988 - 2004) presided and preached at the 8:30 am Mass, which I concelebrated with him; and I celebrated the 10:30 am Mass.   The Canossian Sisters, Sister Felicity and St, Theresa, with Delores Rhodes Culpepper, our St. Vincent DePaul Ministry Coordinator, provided small Christmas gift bags, for the children and our seniors, at the front doors of the church this morning, an excellent act of giving and generosity that is the true spirit of Christmas.  Out in the wider community I have been favorably struck by the spirit of Christmas at Sacramento and Roseville's Sutter Hospitals.  My first hospital affiliation and ongoing relationship has been with the Mercy General and Mercy San Juan Hospitals.  Having been born, operated on for eye surgery as a child at Mercy General, where all my brothers and sisters were born and my mother died twenty eight years ago; and serving as Relief Chaplain at Mercy San Juan the first five years I was a priest in 1987-1992; but for the past eight years plus my medical team of doctors who are associated with Sutter Roseville Hospital, I have had my medical procedures and hospital stays there.  This Christmas Sutter has a set of living Donor Trees up in the Hospital, the largest approximately 15-20 feet high and wafting a fragrant pine scent through the lobby and on the second floor, where my most recent appointments have been.  That too, is the spirit of Christmas - generously showing care for others, and not with artificial glitz, but the real thing, Christmas trees that are alive, as I believe they should be.  This afternoon before my Christmas Dinner, I spoke with friends on the telephone I did not see yesterday or today, including some of my friends in Ireland.  The late afternoon and early evening I have been watching Classic Christmas shows on TV Land.  The, "Bewitched", 1964 first season Christmas show and The Andy Griffith, 1960 first season Christmas show, being two of all my all time favorites.  Celebrating Christmas Evening Prayer, listening to Christmas Carols, and watching a couple of Hallmark Channel Christmas Movies, will round out this Holy Night of the Christ Child's Nativity.  Stuffing the Feast of the Holy Family Sunday Bulletins for tomorrow and setting out the 2011 Parish Calendars, and Offertory Envelopes, are on tap tonight as well.  Here's hoping you and your families are burning the home fires of the spirit of Christmas tonight and will continue to, for the next 16 Days of the Christmas Season...........I Am Gratefully Yours In Our Messiah Jesus The Christ - The Lord Of Light And Redeemer Of Humankind,   Fr.  Troy

CHRISTMAS DAY : O COME ALL YOU FAITHFUL TO ADORE THE MESSIAH AND KING WHO IS THE WORD AND LIGHT OF LIFE..........

As Christmas Day morning dawns in and around  California, the Joy, Peace, and Light, of the Christ Child prepares to rise over the day and our lives, as we enter into the Gift of Salvation the Infant Jesus presents to us being now as He is, God Made Man, "The Word Made Flesh".  To the manger in Bethlehem, the House of Bread, that places Jesus in the House of David, as was prophetically proclaimed through the significant centuries of watching and waiting by God's Chosen People, has Come the Messiah, the Anointed One, of the Heavenly Father, Who is Jesus The Christ, the Redeeming and Saving Son, of the Living and True God of All Creation.  In OLOL 's Parish a people no longer in darkness will gathered in the church, before the altar, sanctuary, and in the nave, festively attired with the signs and symbols of the Christmas Season :  Nativity Scene, Trees, Evergreens, Poinsiettas, placed near and around the Altars and the Pulpit, as an outward representation of our belief and love for our Lord and Savior, the Messiah of the Universe.  "Joy to the World, the Lord is Come" !!!!!!!!!!, and faithful and fervent Disciples of the Redemmer of Humankind, affirm their Faith in the Gift of Salvation Jesus brings, by sharing in the Sacred Liturgy of God's Word and the Eucharist, in Christmas Joy.  May your Christmas Day 2010, include a heartfelt focus on the Savior, as you join with your family, friends, and fellow believers, in authentically celebrating the Reason for this day and season, JESUS, the one True LIGHT of our lives and God's Creation.  A full Day of Christmas Peace, Joy, Light, Faith, Family, festive Foods, Fellowship, and Fidelity, Be You And Yours..........In Jesus The Christ Our Lord And Savior,   Fr.  Troy

THE LIGHT OF OUR SALVATION COMES ON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR IN OUR LADY OF LOURDES PARISH @ SOLEMN MASS IN SACRAMENTO / DEL PASO HEIGHTS / RIO LINDA / ELVERTA / ROBLA / IN CALIFORNIA USA..........

173 persons attended OLOL's Midnight Mass, which concluded just twenty minutes ago.  The Tongan Choir enhanced the beauty and splendor with their melodic voices, singing Christmas Carols and Mass parts in a mixture of English and Tongan.  After Holy Communiuon they sang in Tongan, a glorious rendition of the awesome Christmas song,  "O Holy Night".  My Sacramento State University Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity brother Scott Vogelsang, was present tonight, for his second consecutive year attending the Midnight Mass I celebrated.  Tonight, his daughter Gabriela, and a friend Rebecca, were with him.   I again preached the Christmas message of the Gift of our Salvation in Jesus the Christ, Who is God Made Man, and the long awaited Messiah of God's People.  I stressed the Chreasters need to be present and participating in the Parish Community throughout the year.  It was a solemn, but simple Liturgy well received and faithfully celebrated, although lacking the use of Incense for the first time at Midnight Mass in my 24 Christmases as a priest, as the altar servers were unprepared to provide it at the times it would be used.  I got past that better than I usually respond to liturgical faux pas' like that, and noted one more way the altar servers training needs to be tweaked.  Celebrating the Holy Birth of the Christ, incense or no incense, is the more important thing.  Thus, as we approach the 2 am hour on Christmas Day, 2 of our 4 Christmas Eve and Day Masses are complete.  Now for the 8:30 am & 10:30 am Masses in the morning, after a few hours of sleep.  But before bed I will partake in my family's post Midnight Mass tradition of eating an orange, some mixed nuts, and a little Christmas punch..........In The Light Of The World Jesus The Christ This Holy Night,   Fr.  Troy

..........>>>This year's Pastor's Christmas punch is a blend of Cranberry, Orange Pineapple Apple, Juice , Schweppes Ginger Ale, and Spring Water<<<..........

Friday, December 24, 2010

CHRISTMAS EVE 5 PM MASS LIGHTS THE WAY TO MIDNIGHT MASS..........

With the Christmas Eve Vigil Mass celebrated and the children of OLOL's having presented as beautiful a Christmas Pageant as any in the Universal Church tonight, and the congregation moved to contemplate their ongoing invitation to worship our Savior and the grace of our Redemption, each Sunday of the Year; to be more than, "Chreasters", at Christmas and Easter; but faithful and fervent Disciples of the Messiah whose Holy Birth into our lives as God Made Man, is the beginning of our Salvation, CHRISTMAS 2010 / 2011, has begun - let our celebrations unfold.  In these hours between the Vigil Mass and our Midnight Mass, like most Catholic-Christians I am having my Christmas Eve Dinner, listening to Christmas Carols, watching favorite Christmas movies, like the 1946 Classic, "A Wonderful Life", with Jimmy Stewart; sipping some Egg Nog, Fruit Juice, and Ginger Ale, and munching on Mixed Nuts, as I ponder the mystery and the marvel of this Holy and Joyous night.  Later some of the broadcast prayer and worship services and one last go at prepping my Christmas homily for this solemn night.  My thoughts and prayers are with family, friends, fellow believers, and all the faithful followers of the Christ Child born this night, Living and Dead, and ask the Lord God of the Universe to be with you, as we celebrate the Light of Eternal Light, Who Is Jesus The Christ; as we keep the festival of His Holy Birth into the World.  May you and yours walk in the Light of the Redeeming Christ Jesus tonight and forever..........Remembering He Comes Upon the Midnight Clear,   Fr.  Troy

CHRISTMAS IS COME !!!!!!!!!!!..........THE INFANT JESUS IS BORN INTO A JOYFUL WORLD...........

Away in a lowly manger, Son of God though He is, Jesus the Christ was born into the World over
two thousand years ago, being the long awaited Messiah of God's People and the Redeemer of Humankind.  Tonight on Christmas Eve 2010, we remember and commemorate the Holy Night on which Jesus was born, as the one true Light that breaks the darkness of sin and death, and becomes The Light of the World and Everlasting Life.  OLOL's First Mass of the Christmas begins in less than an hour, and is our parish's Children's Christmas Liturgy.  Dressed as Mary, Joseph, the Angels, and Shepherds, they will act the Gospel of Luke's telling of the Christmas Story, as I proclaim.  The church will be full, if not overflowing,  as it is around the globe on Christmas and Easter, and I have a well rounded homily message prepared for our faithful parishioners and what LTP's Liturgy Almanac now refers tom  as, "Chreasters", Christmas and Easter Catholic-Christians.  My point in preaching my Christmas message is to underscore the preciousness of the Gift of Savation Jesus accomplished for ALL of us, and the  everyday opportunity we possess by virtue of our Baptism and Discipleship, to be present and practicing every Sunday and Holyday, in addition to seeing the poinsiettas of Christmas and the lilies of Easter.  Our Redemption in Christ is not a light switch we turn on and off as we choose, but a constant Light of Living Faith.  Wherever you are reading my blog tonight, may your corner of this big blue marble, be filled with serenity and peace, as you affirm your belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, this CHRISTMAS..........  A Very Happy Christmas To You, EveryOne,   Fr.  Troy

THE CHRISTMAS EVE CRUSH OF SHOPPING, SOCIALIZING, SPIRITUALIZING, THE SEASON OF WHICH JESUS IS THE REASON..........

I am up extra early on this Christmas Eve morning to watch my News 10 friend and Good Morning anchor, Dan Elliott and his colleagues with the day's first news.  Dan and company have just reported Santa has been making his rounds since about 3 am our time, and has just left New Guinea, on the way to Australia.  On the sadder side they are also reporting a five employee theft at an Auburn UPS Store, of a customer's Christmas package, containing a laptop.  All five employees were fired for their conspiracy of stealing the package !!!!!  Final hours of Shopping comprise much of today for many people, including me; let me explain.  Christmas shopping in my family only began on Christmas Eve afternoon, when my father was paid at the Campbell Soup Company for Christmas.  Thus I have maintained as an adult and a priest, the tradition of doing some of my Christmas shopping today, as I will this morning, in memory of my mother and father, and our family Christmases.  As I am a vehement advocate of not frontloading the holidays artificially, I also shop  for the nominal gifts of the season I share with loved ones, during the coming sixteen days of the Christmas Season, as well, and not because I'm cheap !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Ha, Ha, He, He, !!!!!  I will also put up my Nativity Scene in the rectory this afternoon, as the 4 pm hour comes, and then preside at the 5 pm Christmas Vigil Mass, which as it is in most parishes - is a Children's Liturgy; including their participation in telling the Christmas Story, at the Gospel Proclamation.  Whatever your Christmas Eve day holds, may it be filled with the spirit of the season, whether it be shopping, socializing, spiritualizing, or working - and bring you and your family, friends, and fellow believers, closer to the heart of the, "Reason for the Season" : JESUS THE CHRIST.  Time to pray and get ready for the 8 am Mass..........Happy Christmas Eve To You,   Fr.  Troy

Thursday, December 23, 2010

THE COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS : THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY IS NOW LESS THAN A DAY AWAY..........

In just over and hour I will go over to the church to hear Christmas Confessions for another hour and a hour, with less than a day remaining in Advent countdown to our Catholic-Christian celebration of Christmas, the first Coming in history of the long promised Messiah, God's Redeeming Son, Jesus the Christ, over thousand years ago.  The purple vestments of our Advent anticipation will transmogrify into the gold, and white, of the Holy Birth of the Savior, denoting the pure love of God with which the Co-Eternal Son of the Heavenly Father, was born into the World in the meagerness of a manger.  OLOL's church interior took on the traditional Christmas colors of red and green, as two dozen poinsettias were placed in the sanctuary and along the window panes, causing our parish edifice of prayer, worship, and ministry, to take on an unmistakable floral festivity highlighting the altar of repose, with two larger ones on both sides of the Tabernacle, and standard sized ones,  surrounding the Creche, the Christmas Tree,  the altar of sacrifice, and the Lectern / Pulpit.  Parishioner Carol Risse, has used her expertise and economical ability to provide us with a beautiful setting for our Christmas Liturgies.........Wishing You A Happy Twenty Hour Plus Countdown to the True Arrival Of Christmas 2010 / 2011,..........Fr.  Troy
                                              ...........9:13 pm -  5 parishioners came to the 7:30 - 9 npm Confessions I heard tonight, in readiness for a grace filled celebration of Christmas Eucharist........... 

AS WASHINGTON D.C. POILITICOS BEGIN CHRISTMAS VACATION CAN THE POST ELECTION 111TH CONGRESS' CLOSING SESSION BE CALLED, "LAMEDUCK" ?..........

Seven weeks ago, days after the midterm Elections President Barack Obama was thought to be so upended politically, that some were saying he was a lameduck and likely, a one term President.  Little prospect of much productive being achieved by the lameduck 111th Congress was thought to be, all but certain.  Then, in the past three weeks, a contentious and controversial, Bush era Tax Cuts extension reached between The White House and the Senate Republicans, which disgruntled Congressional Democrats were caused to accept, changed the legislative landscape in these waning days of the Congressional session before the Christmas holidays.  An affirmative vote abolishing the seventreen year old, Don't Ask, Don't Tell Law, regarding homosexuals openly serving in the U.S. military, was next successfully achieved this past weekend after being logjammed in the Congress for nearly two years.  A second legislative victory for the Obama White House from the so called, lameduck Congress.  And then yesterday, with the unexpected support of 13 Senate Republicans, the newest START Treaty between the United States and Russia, signed by the two Presidents last April, ande held up by GOP Senators opposed to it fror the past eight months, was passed by the Senate, a third major legislative success in the past two weeks.  Only the Dream Act, an immigration bill, was not voted on affirmatively.  This fast change in productive, bi-partisan, governing shows the fluidity of American politics and affirms the power of compromise, as both an art and a science in the American political process.  A hopeful sign, in a sea of vitriol and partisanship, as we head into divided government in two weeks, for the next two years.  Can a spirit of bipartisanship and cooperation prevail in the new 112th Congress, and the second two years of POresident Obama's first term, while the presidential campaign for 2012 plays out ?  Or will the temptation to promote opposition and girdlock,and the threadbare Washington penchant for political partisanship and calculation, resume, achieving little but division and obstruction for the politicians and the people ?..........Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

3 NIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND ALL THROUGH THE CHURCH..........

With the final days of Advent, down to only seventy hours before the arrival of Christmas and the Coming of the Messiah's Holy Birth anew into our lives this year, changes are taking hold as trees, evergreens, and the Christmas creche, have appeared in the church, as a diligent team of parish elves descended upon our edifice last night and decorated the sanctuary and nave of the church, doing a remarkable job of Christmas-ing our small space, in a simple, but significant way for OLOL.  All that needs to be added are parishioner poinsettia offerings contributed to in the Christmas flower envelopes the past few weeks; which a parishioner who is a florist, will transform into altar sanctuary poinsettias to beautify and add that last touch of Christmas color.  So come Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and the full sixteen and one third days of the Christmas Season, will be festively and fervently celebrated here at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, as the Light of the Coming Messiah's Holy Birth - Jesus the Christ, burns brightly throughout Del Paso Heights / Rio bLinda / Elverta / Robla / Sacramento, this CHRISTMAS..........Fr.  Troy

`BRIAN CHARLES WELCH.....HUSBAND, FATHER, BROTHER, FLYER, PILOT, FRIEND,.....1960-2010..........

My Sacramento State classmate, fellow Student Senator, and ASI Senate Chairman, as well as Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity brother, Captain BRIAN CHARLES WELCH, who went on to become a fantastic husband and father, and an Air Force officer, and American Airlines pilot; passed away Tuesday night at his home in Colleyville, Texas, after his nearly decade long battle with ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease.  Brian was 50 years old.  Meeting him when he was 19, Brian was a man mature beyond his years.  He was a caring yet strong person, who was always faithfully focused on his responsibilities and the loves of his life - his wife, Kim; daughter, Nicola; and son, Dylan; his U.S. Air Force military flying in the first Gulf War, and his  airline piloting.  He was also a loyal and loving friend to me, and others in our circle, among them, Joe Gibson and Curtis Richards.  We will all miss him, but remember him forever, as a man who touched our lives by his steadfast example re-enforced by the valiant and dignified way he struggled with the ALS, for a period of time almost twice as long as most persons his age.  Thank You Brian, for your friendship and fraternity, and for being one of the lasting lights of my life.  I am grateful for the times we shared and will memorialize you now - and for time to come, celebrating your life for the treasured blessing it has been.  Eternal Life And Peace - Captain, Husband, Father, Brother, Flyer, Pilot, Friend, Brian Welch..........Alleluia !  Amen !!,   Troy David Powers

>>>As we support and sympathize with Kim, Nicola, and Dylan, so too let our thoughts and prayers go out to Brian's brother, Mark.  God strengthen and sustain them all in their personal loss.<<<

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

THE 2010 UNITED STATES CENSUS.....WHAT THE NUMBERS TELL US ?..........

Today, the stastics gathered from the taking of the 2010 United States Census were released.  The new Census Report places the current population of the United States of America at :  308,745,538 persons, an increase of 9.7% over Census 2000.  California now totals 37.3 million persons in population.  The greatest gains in nationwide population, the lowest increase since the Great Depression, was in the South and the West, led by Texas and Florida.  The greatest decrease in 2010 were in New York and Ohio, as population in the Northesat and the Rust Belt declined.  California's population increase of 3.4 million more people, was a decline, percentage-wise, over previous decades; and was not large enough to increase the Golden State's Congressional representation, which will remain at 53 seats in the House of Representatives, still the largest delegation in the country.  California's net increase is its lowest percentage in total over one decade, since Statehood was attained in 1850.  Texas, will gain 4 Congressional seats and Florida, 2 Congressional seats, whereas New York and Ohio, will each lose 2 Congressional seats, according to the 2010 Census.  The largest increases throughout the country are in States with significant Latino population.  In addition to Florida and Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Washington, and California, all grew due to their enlarged Latino populations.  So the State of our Union as the United States of America, is now 308,745,538 persons strong.  What that number portends for the coming decade the people, politics, and policies, of the our country and circumstances and events as yet unknown to us, will determine.  Please God, the will and resolve of the American citizenry shall make it a productive and beneficial ten years of the American Experience in the second decade of the 21st Century, in the 3rd Millennium of Catholic-Christianity..........Fr.  Troy

WINDS AND WETNESS USHER IN THE WINTER SOLSTICE.....WHICH LEADS FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT..........

For those people who believe it never rains in California, we are currently being pummeled by soaking rains, that are causing flooding in many areas of the Golden State.  High winds are accompanying much of the rains, making for a very wet and cold start to Winter, and the Solistice, which takes place today, the shortest and darkest day of the year.  The Church in her wisdom during the 4th Century of Christianity, wanting to wean the pagans away from their winter yultide festival, placed the date of Christmas, the Birth of God's Son, Jesus Christ, on December 25, directly opposite Yuletide.  Coming just after the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, the darkness of the solstice is paralleled by the brightness of the Holy Birth of the Christ Child, whom Catholic-Christian Disciples believe is, the Light of the World.  This year the Winter Solstice was welcomed by a three and a half hour, total Lunar Eclipse of the Moon during the night, the first time this has happened simultaneously in December since 1638.  As the volatility of the winds and the rains, in California now five days on continue, drive defensively, and take care.  In the words of trhe Irish farewell to visitors, "Safe Journey, Shelter, and Home"..........May The Birth Of Our Savior We Are Preparing To Celebrate Anew Thisa Year Truly Be The Light Of The World,   Fr.  Troy

Monday, December 20, 2010

FATHER CHRISTMAS APPEARS AT THE CONCLUSION OF OLOL's PARISH ADVENT SERIES..........

Taking along with me a bottle of the, "Relative", John Power & Son Gold Label Irish Whiskey, a half gallon of Crystal Egg Nog, and Danish Butter Cookies, I conducted the fourth and final Parish Advent Series presentation tonight, as we considered how Jesus the Christ, the long awaited Messiah, is both Son of David and Son of God.  The fulffillment of the prophets, such as that made to King Ahaz, eight centuries before the Borth of Christ.  The Christmas Cheer I provided as an early present to the attendees, who have made these four Mondays a wonderful exploration of the Advent and Christmas Scriptures, as we have watched and waited together for the Messiah's Coming. The Threshold Bible Study text we used, "Advent Light", delivered on its title, with reflections on the Scripture passages by author Steven J. Binz, offering profound insights into the message of salvation.  22 parishioners were present tonight, and over the four weeks our attendance averaged 24 persons.  So, as the Advent Series concludes two dozen plus members of OLOL Parish are better ready to celebrate this Christmas, having sown the seed of God's Word into their Advent experience.........Come Lord Jesus, Come Shining Your Light of Joy, Peace, And Faith,   Fr.  Troy

THE OBAMA WHITE HOUSE WINS ANOTHER LEGISLATIVE VICTORY IN THE 111TH LAME DUCK CONGRESS..........

Lees than seven weeks after taking what The President decribed as a, "shellacking" in the 2010 midterm elections, the remaining agenda of the outgoing 111th Congress has turned in The White House's favor, with the Bush Era Tax Cut Compromise passing both the House and Senate last week, and the repeal of the seventeen year old, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", legislation passing the U.S. Senate on Sunday by a vote of 65-31.  There is now renewed hope that the latest START non proliferation Treaty between the USA and Russia, will be ratified by the Senate, before the final gavel falls this month.  What these votes undergird is the fluidity of politics and government and the art of Compromise in the legislative process.  Hopefully, the progress being achieved by this lame duck Congress is a sign that the split Congressional government that the 112th Congress will be, beginning in January, will also be constructive and not just an exercise in futility, bogged down by Presidential politics 2012..........Fr.  Troy

Sunday, December 19, 2010

ORGANIZING MY CHRISTMAS CARDS IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON..........

The full throttle activity of Advent requires making time to organize and send Christmas cards and greetings to my circle of family, friends, and fellow believers.  In recent years I have done them by sending them with a personal message included via e-mail.  Yahoo, American Greetings, Hallmark, and others on online, have a number of very nice e-cards, that it is possible to send to dozens, if not a hundred or more persons, in a couple of hours.  I always search for a religious Christmas card, with a spiritual message of Hope and Joy in the Incarnation and our Salvation, of the Coming and Holy Birth of Jesus the Christ.  I am starting the organizing and sending of my Christmas e-cards tonight.  Hopefully, I will have successfully negotiated the technology within the next twenty four hours !!!!!  Ha Ha He He..........Here's Hoping Your Christmas Cards And Greetings Are Going And Coming To Your Delight,   Fr.  Troy

4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT : WE LIGHT THE ANGELS' CANDLE AS CHRISTMAS APPROACHES..........

Our Advent Season of watching and waiting for the Messiah's Coming is in its final days on this Fourth Sunday of Advent.  As God's People we are preparing to celebrate with Catholic-Christians throughout the World, the first Coming in history some thousand years ago, the Holy Birth of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ - Who is the Savior of Humankind.  We focus our Scriptural energies today and in the five days of Advent remaining, on The Incarnation, the Word of God taking on Human flesh, becoming Emmanuel, God With Us.  The Prophet Isaiah shares with us the story of King Ahaz, who is fearful in the face of war, and to whom God sends the sign of the birth of a child, as a sign of Hope.  As Advent People we believe that in time God sent a baby, to be the Christ Child, born to reddem God's People.  St. Paul's Letter to rthe Romans tells us of how Jesus descended from the lineage of David, through St. Joseph.  Matthew's Gospel also speaks of the role of Joseph, the just man, full of righteousness, and the obedience of faith, who silently and compassionately follows the words of the angel and takes his bethroted Mary into his house as his wife, becoming foster father of her child conceived by God's Spirit.  All of us who are Believers in the Son of God made Man, can learn from the good and holy example of St. Joseph, who despite uncertainty as to the meaning of his experience, accepted the responsibility he was given and embraced it.  As we embrace the fullness of the Light and Hope of Advent and ready to Welcome the Christ Child into our hearts, homes, and churches, this Christmas, may Peace, Justice, Righteousness, and Living Faith, flow in, and through us, vanquishing the darkness..........Come Lord Jesus, Come - As We Light The Angels Candle Around Our Advent Wreath Today,   Fr.  Troy

Saturday, December 18, 2010

THANK YOU TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE FOR PROVIDING CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS GIFTS..........

On Friday morning as they have for decades, staff from Travis Air Force Base, came to the parish, to assist the Canossian Sisters with Christmas Gifts for the needy children of  OLOL; the Cathedral; and St. Joseph's Parish, Lincoln; the parishes in which the Sisters minister.  The came with dozens of large bags of toys and clothing, for distribution to students in our Religious Education Ministry.  For thirty years they have been giving of their time and treasure, to serve the needs of the young whose families are economically challenged, and woukd have a much bleaker Christmas without their support.  Two hundred children in these parishes will have a brighter Christmas because of the care and love of these special Santas..........With Gratitude For Their Generosity,   Fr.  Troy

ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICES LIGHTLY ATTENDED AMIDST THE SOAKING RAIN..........

Friday morning at 10:30 am and Friday evening at 6:30 pm OLOL held our Advent Reconciliation Services and the start of our Christmas Confessions.  Eight penitents were present at 10:30 am and had me and three other priests available as confessors.  At 6:30 pm there were twenty one penitents, with three confessors present.  The rain would seem to have been the culprit causing the light turn-out, as few elderly persons attended, even the morning service, and I only scheduled a morning session after being told repeatedly the elderly parishioners will not come out after dark.  I have scheduled a ninety minute Confessions opportunity this afternoon, from 3-430 pm; and two more ninety minute opportunities, Tuesday from 1:30-3 pm; and Thursday from 7:30-9 pm; so this week will tell how many come to celebrate the Sacrament, and make a worthy, grace filled, Confession for Christmas..........Fully Preparing The Way Of The Lord In Our Lives This Advent,   Fr.  Troy

Friday, December 17, 2010

THE ONE WEEK COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS : THE "O" ANTIPHONS ANCIENT ACCLAMATIONS OF THE COMING MESSIAH..........

In the final days of Advent leading us to the celebration of Christmas, the daily liturgies are adorned at Evening Prayer, (Vespers) wi8th the, "O" Antiphons, ancient titlkes of acclamation awaiting the Coming of the long awaited Messiah of God's People.  The "O" Antiphons refer not only to the Messiah's presence, but the power, and participation he will play in the lives of those enfolded into the Covenant of Life and Love.  Although you may be unaware of them until now, by that name - you do know them if you are familiar with the Advent son, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel".   The seven titles by which the Anointed One of God is acclaimed between Dec. 17-23, are : "O Wisdom; O Sacred Lord; O Flower of Jesse's Stem; O Key of David; O Radiant Dawn; O King of all the Nations; O Emmanuel".  In addition to being prayed at Evening Prayer, the, "O" Antiphons are fittingly used as the Gospel Verse at the Advent Masses of these seven days, that lead us to the doors of the Holy Birth of the Messiah, our Christmas celebration this year.  So be aware as you pray this week of the "O" Antiphons and reflect on what fruit of faith it is hearkening you to envelop in your personal, familial, and communal, readiness for the great feast of Christmas..........O Come, O Wisdom From On High,    Fr.  Troy

A QUIET, ADVENT NIGHT LAYING MY HEAD LOW..........

I awoke thius morning, Day Two of my cold felling better than I did twenty four hours ago, but retaing the cough and chest congestion that is present.  My throat is all but normal, as the soreness is gone, my nasal passages are much less stuffy, and my body is feeling minimal sluggishness.  With parish Advent Reconciliation services this morning and evening, I am glad to be feeling better.  After dinner and setting my eyes on Larry King's last daily show on CNN, I went to bed with Andy Hardy movies playing in the background.  Arising just over a half hour ago, I will celebrate 8 am Mass and spend some time with my Advent Reconciliation texts.  RAIN, ugh !, is the forecast through Sunday, so I will stay bundled up to stave off as best I can, more of a cold or flu..........Fishes And Ducks Weather Ahead Of Us,   Fr.  Troy

Thursday, December 16, 2010

BUSH ERA TAX CUTS OBAMA - GOP COMPROMISE EXTENSION BILL PASSES THE SENATE AND HOUSE..........

On Wednsday and Thursday, after more than a year of wrangling and a political compromise between the Obama White and Senate Republicans, the contentious and controversial votes on extending the Bush era Tax Cuts to all, no matter theirv income levels, were passed by the U.S. Senate, 81-19; and the House of Representatives, 277-148;.  So for another two years the middle class, millionaires, and billionaires, will all continue to benefit for the nearly decade old tax cuts, in the hope that it will help spur the American economy on to greater growth.  But the total Tax Cut extension Compromise totals $858 billion which the United States does not have, thus will have to borrow from China.  Thus we are now indebted to the Chinese about nearly another trillion dollars, which not only makes us more beholden to them econonically, and deepens the deficit we have to arrest in order to balance our Budget.  Will the 112th Congress, act responsibily in funding our national initiatives within our means, or will we continue to borrow on our future generations and leave an even more serious monetary time bomb ticking ?..........Fr.  Troy

AN ADVENT DAY TO PONDER THE WAY AHEAD TO THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS..........

I have awoken with a slight sore tickle in my throat and the start of congestion in my nasal passages, for a Cold Alert, so I will take it easy today and rest my body and fortunately it is the lightest day of this 3rd Wekk of Advent, with Morning Mass my only scheduled activity, along with a late afternoon medical appointment.  My doctors' mantra are Tylenol, fluids, sleep,.....I am fortunate to be able to address it today, before tomorrow's Advent Reconciliation services and the four days of Confessions they begin Friday through next Thursday; and Saturday and Sunday, thec major workout of the week.  It will give me the chance to think through my homilies for Christmas Eve and Day, and the Feast of the Holy Family, as well as this coming Sunday's message.  Then tonight after twenty five and a half years nightly on CNN, Larry King presents his last broadcast..........Under The Weather But Far From Out Of Action,   Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

AN ABBREVIATED MID DECEMBER DAY OFF AS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONFESSIONS BECKON..........

Nineteen student Confessions in just under ninety minutes, was my post dinner, activity as OLOL Pastor tonight. and upon my reurn o therectory found KVIE Channel 6 airing he Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert, with special guests, singer Natalie Cole, and historian David McCullough.  It was a superb replacement for missing out on the Rockettes live, one night show, in Sacramento. Going to bed early, to get extra sleep in the countdown to the coming busy, busy, "daze", of Advent and Christmas..........Fr.  Troy

RE-GROUPING ON MY DAY OFF FOR THE DAYS AND WEEKS AHEAD..........

My 3rd Wednesday of Advent is only a partial day off, as I have to return at 6:30 pm for Religious Education student Confessions.  I had planned to go with friends to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, at Arco Arena, but alas - pastoral duty in the days before Christmas, won out.  I am able to chillax for several hours and keep two personal engagements, including coffee at Starbuck's @ Town & Country Village with my close friend Joe Gibson and two others..... More Later,   Troy

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

OLOL's ADVENT / CHRISTMAS COMMUNAL ANOINTING OF THE SICK CELEBRATION..........

Thirty four persons, including Father Traynor and myself, celebrated the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, at our Parish Communal Advent Anoiunting Service at 10:30 am today.  The elderly, ill, infirm, chronically diseased and disabled, were ministered to, as an outward sign of pastora;l care and sharing the sacrament with them in the con text of the Community of Believers, by celebrating it during Advent, (and also in Lent) in the parish church.  IN the homily I shared with those present some of my own story from birth to the past eight and a half years of living with disability, and disease, yet maintaining hope by receiving and embracing the Anointing of the Sick.  Today's communal ssacramental celebration is one more way this Advent, the parishioners of OLOL, who need the Sacrament of the Sick have been graced and enlightened by the Advent Hope the Coming Messiah, Jesus the Christ brings..........Heal Us Of Our Infirmities And Ilnesses O Lord.   Fr. Troy

ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS, PRIEST.....DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.....MYSTIC..........

St. John of the Cross was a friend and confere of St. Teresa of Avila in 16th Century Spain.  Dissatisfied with the direction their Carmelite Religious Order had taken, they became great reformers and established what is known as the Discalced Carmeliries, (meaning without shoes).  John of the Cross was a Bishop, and like his colleague Teresa of Avila, a Doctor of the Church.  They were both authors and John of the Cross wrote several books of what are considered mystical theology and spirituality.  Our Advent lesson from John of the Cross, through the centuries is the ability we possess to reform the spirituality and direction of our lives as we make the Lord's Way ready and Joyfully watch and wait for  the Messiah's Coming this Christmas and in Future Glory..........Come Lord Jesus, COME !!!..........Fr.  Troy

Monday, December 13, 2010

A GENEROUS GIFT OF CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP : A NEW PARISH COMPUTER..........

In October a OLOL parishioner living in Rio Linda, contacted me about the open position of Parish Bokkeeper.  We met later the same day and discussed the position and her bookkeeping experience.  She is retired from the State of California, where she worked as an auditor and financial services coordinator for 29 years.  With her strong qualifications and experience, we proceeded to discuss what the parish could pay her, for a part-time, 4-6 hours a week position.  Then she totally surprised me with the response that she wanted to give her services to the parish, as a part of her Christian Stewardship.  And so she has, coming once a week to do the bookkeeping, accounting, bill paying, and all that the parish and diocese require for financial management, oversight, accountability, and transparency.  With my transition as the new Pastor and turnover in bookkeepers, she had substantial catch up work to do, to get us beyond Fiscal Year 2009-2010, and the to assure the Annual Parish Financial Report has fully accurate numbers.  In November, her brother, who is retired from Pacific Gas and Electric, and has extensive experience working with computers, came to see me about taking care of our Parish computers.  Within ten days he had a new Hewlett Packard laptop for me, and just today installed a new streamlined, desktop computer in my office.  The parish printer broke some three weeks ago, and he replaced it with a new laser printer.  Today, when I asked him what the parish bill is for the two computers and printer, knowing he purchased them for the best available price, he said, "Nothing", that it was the gift of his family, including their parents, again a generous act of Christian Stewardship.  In a world that is too often absorbed in, "Me, Myself, and I", instead of, "We, Us, Others", it is a refreshing and reaffirming reminder that there are still persons in the Church and the World, who truly care about the Common Good and Catholic-Christian Charity.  Isn't that what our Discipleship in Jesus the Christ is meant to be ?  As Pastor of OLOL, I am extremely grateful for the assistance with my pastoral and administrative ministries, these two computers will and are, providing me.  Even greater is the gift of their generosity to the Parish, as these donations of Time, Talent, and Treasure, help serve the responsibilities we bear to the parishioners.  Grateful Thanks and Heartfelt Appreciation to the Pennington Family.  One of the 261 registered familes in this fine, if economically challenged, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / Sacramento..........Fr.  Troy

ST. LUCY, ADVENT SAINT OF LIGHT..........

My first Christmas record album as a child in the mid 1960's was a W.T. Grant's Department Store product with a variety of Christmas carols, sung by an array of celebrities of the day.  One of the songs was titled, Santa Lucia", and was sung by Patti Paige.  That Christmas carol refers to today's Advent Saint of the Day, St. Lucy, who lived from 283 - 304 A.D., in Syracuse, Sicily.  A virgin, who possessed the desire to serve God and the poor from an early age, Lucy suffered under the persections of Roman Emperor Diocletian, which resulted in her martyrdom, Tradition tells us she resisted the advances of a Roman soldier who attempted to rape her, and whose denunciation of her as a Christian led to Lucy's torturing and death.  She is also said to have tore out her eyes as an attempt to resist her attacker.  The Lucy is derived from the Latin word, Lux, meaning Light.  In many countries such as Sweden and Norway, she is commemorated on December 13, as a Light amidst the increasing Darkness, with a, 'Festival of Light', in which ytoung girls partake in a procession wearing white dresses, red sashes, and lit candles, worn around their heads.  As Advent People of God, may we also allow the light of St. Lucy's holy and consumately faith-filled Discipleship of the Coming Messiah, shine brightly in our lives today, as we penetrate the darkness of sin and selfishness and seek to follow in the Advent Light of Joyful Expectation..........St. Lucy Virgin And Martyr, Pray for Us,   Fr.  Troy

Sunday, December 12, 2010

SEASONAL FESTIVITY ENJOYED @ CHRISTMAS DINNER-DANCE BY OLOL PARISHIONERS..........

A delicious and plentiful Mexican food dinner was served last night at OLOL's Parish Christmas Dinner Dance.  Families gathered in the church hall to enjoy the feast, which also included a live deejay playing Christmas and a visit from St. Nick, who cand caned the celebration and took photos with those assembled.  One of those Santa pics was with yours truly joined by Sr. Felicity and Sr. Theresa.  As the pace of December days increases bringing with it this 3rd Week of Advent, the third session of the Parish Advent Series, Monday night; the Communal celebration of the Sacrament of the Aniointing of the Sick on Tuesday morning; the Feeding the Hungry Ministry's Christmas food giveaway on Tuesday; Christmas Confessiuons for Religious Education students on Wednesday; the Parish Advent Reconciliation Service with Confessions Friday morning and evening; and the December Convalescent Mass at Vintage Estates on Saturday morning.  An event filled week ahead as we spiritually, pastorally, personally, and communally, ready the way for the Coming ofd the Lord this Christmas, following the increasing Advent Light and Hope of Joy and Gladnbess..........Fr.  Troy

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT - "GAUDETE", REJOICING IN THE LORD'S COMING..........

"REJOICE, in the Lord Always; Again I say, REJOICE"..........These words from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4, truly define the celebration of our 3rd Sunday of Advent.  In the Catholic-Christian Tradition, this is the day we light the pink, or rose colored candle around our Advent Wreath, representing the joy and gladness of beginning the second part of this season of anticipation and expectancy.  The immediacy of the Christmas we are about to celebrate, is also a part of joy filled marking of this Third Advent Sunday.  "Gaudete Sunday", Latin for, 'Rejoicing', and the Entrance Antiphon of today's Mass, from which this 3rd Sunday of Advent derives its name.  OLOL's Rejoicing began earlier last week, with the Parish Advent Mission, the St. Vincent DePaul Ministry's Christmas Baskets Distribution, and the Parish Christmas Dinner-Dance, last night......The Second Collection today being taken up nationally this month is for the Retirement Fund for Religious, to provide to provide for their retirement income and health care, as many of our senior Catholic Sisters, Brothers, and Religious Order Priests, have toiled in the Lord's Vineyard, ministering to God's People with minimal compensation.  Today's Collection helps them and their religious communties plan for their care in senior ministry, as we Share in the Care.....As this Advent Season readies us with Joy, Gladness, Hope, and Light, in the Messiah's Coming this Christmas may the homes of your hearts receive Jesus the Christ as the One in whom we can truly, REJOICE !!!!!!!!!!..........Fr.  Troy

Saturday, December 11, 2010

FANATICAL CHURCH CONGREGATION DISRUPTS ELIZABETH EDWARDS FUNERAL, AS THEY HAVE MULTIPLE MILITARY FUNERALS..........

There was a time in not too distant American history when Topeka, Kansas, was thought of as the healthy, wholesome, heartland of America.  And more than in the idyllic, classic, book and movie, "The Wizard Of Oz".  In the 1930's Governor Alfred Landon, of Kansas was the leading Republican Governor in the United States.  To him fell the unenviable prize of the 1936 Republican Presidential nomination, as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's first re-election opponent.  He honorably went down to an overwhelming defeat, winning only two states, Maine and Vermont.  Alf Landon's spirit of public service however remained true.  In the 1970's -1990's, his daughter Nancy Landon Kassebaum, exemplified that same Kansas bed sense of public service, in her years of service in the United States Senate.  As did her Senate colleague, Robert Dole, a World War II military hero, Congressman and U.S. Senator, Minority and Majority, as well as being the 1996 Republican Presidential nominee, who faced off against President Bill, in his re-election campaign.  But sadly, at present Topeka Kansas,  is being defined by a wacked out Christian congregation, the Westboro Baptist Church.  Eighty year old Rev. Fred Phelps and his congregation comprised mostly of his own family members, have been protesting America immorality over abortion and homosexuality, at the military funerals of our American troops for several.  Their disruptive and offensive presence, carrying placards like, "Thank God For Dead Soldiers", have been put before the faces of mourning familes, and has landed the situation before the United States Supreme, with a decision expected next year, as whether their controversial actions are protected constitutionally as freedom of speech.  Today Rev, Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church congregation were in Raleigh, North Carolina, taking their diatribic protests to the Funeral for Elizabeth Edwards.  Why hers or any other American citizen's funerals should be desecrated by the presence of angry, agenda-ed, agitating, persons is beyond the pale.  If not an unconstitutional abuse of free speech, it is in certaimeant to be unitive, not divinly in extremely bad taste, and lacking compassion and charity, for bereaved families, by exploiting the sadness of their loved ones final rites of commendation, prayer, worship, and remembrance.  Christians are meant to be unitive, not divisive.  Sadly, the actions of this seriously misdirected congregation of Christians should be halted, in order to allow the dignity and solemn decorum befitting the funerals of the defenders of the USA and other public servants, not become a circus because of over zealous, insensitive, persons such as these..........Praying For A  Authentically Compassionate Christian Response To The Dead And Mourning,   Fr.  Troy

THIS IS THE DAY THE ST. VINCENT DEPAUL MINISTRY DISTRIBUTES THEIR CHRISTMAS BASKETS TO NEEDY PARISH FAMILIES..........

At 10 am this morning OLOL's St, Vincent DePaul Society Ministry will be holding their annual Christmas Party / Christmas Baskets distribution for a dozen or more families in the Parish.  SVDP President Delores Rhodes Culpepper and her fellow members have been working for more than two months in arranging and organizing the donations for today's event, to see that families with children, age 13 and under, do not go with Christmas gifts of clothing and toys.  And they are having to go the extra mile trhis year, as a half dozen or more of the family requests they received were not adopted by another parish family, perhaps indicating the continuing affect of the lagging economy.  Therefore, SVDP is providing for those families from their own resources, which come from 5th Sundays of the month second collections during the year. ....In addition to SVDP's Christmas Baskets ministry, OLOL's Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver Ministry is also providing a half dozen or more Christmas Baskets to needy familes in the Parish.  These two parish ministries do a yeoman job within the means available in an economically challenged such as Our Lady of Lourdes, in the Del Paso Heights, Rio, Elverta, Robla, neighborhoods of Sacramento.  Doing my best to see that needy families in the three zip codes of OLOL, the Parish will also provide 3-10 more Christmas Baskets, from the ThanksGiving Day collection, which we also shared with Stanford Settlement's, "Operation Crachit".  In the Advent Light of Hope we are following as Diciples of Jesus the Christ, these charitable works of corporal and spiritual care and outreach are an effective sign that Gospel Values are being lived,and the true significance of Advent and Christmas are being honored for God's Greater Glory and the Common Good..........Fr.  Troy

Friday, December 10, 2010

GOVERNOR ELECT BROWN'S STRAIGHT-UP HONESTY ABOUT CALIFORNIA'S WORSENING FINANCIAL MESS..........

There is no doubt that incoming California Governor and the new Legislature, face a tough and tight, State Budget crisis; as the deficit has grown in the past 6 weeks from $25.4 billion, to $28.8 billion, and will require very deep cuts in  State of California spending and ever more certainly, a significant increase in taxes.  That is the unfortunate, sobering, indisputable, reality ahead of us.  Governor -Elect Brown has pledged throughout his campaign, not to raise taxes without the consent and vote of the People.  A statewide Initiative of proposing tax increases will take a 2/3 majority of California voters supporting such a measure to pass.  The solution to closing the fiscal gap and getting California financially solvent again, is going to be very hard work.  And the Governor and the Legislature can no longer seek quick, delaying, fixes, that temporarily kick the can down the road.  The time for responsible and necessary action is now, if California is to be averted from all out collapse.  Do our elected state officials have the strength and the courage to truly lead us out of this abyss ?  And do the citizens of California possess the willingness and resolve, to do the hard and painful things that will be required of all of us, to rectify the serious problems ?  As Governor of California Jerry Brown from 1975-1983, he was known for frugality and fiscal conservatism.  If he applies that same, and an even higher standard now, and can convince Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, to look beyond politics, and special interests, and bickering, there may be hope that a productive partnership may be formed throughout the 800 miles, 38.8 million person populated, Golden State of California, that will put us back on track for even better years of growth, development, progress, and fiscal sanity..........Hear Us O Lord - We Pray,   Fr.  Troy

THE LAST NIGHT OF OLOL'S ADVENT PARISH MISSION..........3 MAGNIFICENT NIGHTS THANKS TO FATHER STEVEN..........

OLOL's Advent Parish Mission, preached and presided over by Reverend Father Steven Avella, concluded last night.  Fr. Steve continued and completed his message of Advent Light and Hope for our parishioners, in coping with the struggles and everyday realities of poverty, violence, sickness, spiuritual drought, and decline in religious practice.  Over the three nights 48-130 parishioners were in attendance, a good number, but also a sign deep seated spiritual and pastoral renewal is necessary in our community of believers, as there are more than double that number of registered parish familes, as well as unregistered, non practicing Catholics living within the OLOL Parish, who could greatly benefit from the Advent Mission Father Avella led for us.   Fr. Steve's example of living heroes making a difference for people in darkness seeking the Light and Hope were Dan and Chris Delaney, co-founders of Sacramento's Loaves and Fishes Feeding and Sheltering Ministry.  Everyday they and the Loaves and Fishes Ministry, now under the leadership of Mercy Sister Libby Fernandez, provide food, shelter, and other vital services to the poor, hungry, needy, and homeless.  Many of  OLOL's parishioners can identify with that message and need corporal, spiritual, assistance to live with the ability to meet basic needs.  Our Feeding The Hungry and St. Vincent DePaul Society parish ministries are doing that weekly, year after year, but need the ongoing support of others to keep meeting the incredulous need of those who come to us.  Thank You Father Steve for an outstanding Parish Mission of extended Advent Reflections.  May those parishioners who were present and participating, become catalysts for growing the Light and Hope the Messiah's Coming brings for a brighter, better, OLOL Parish Community.  May all our members and Catholics in this parish be inspired to be more pro-active and fervent in their Discipleship..........Praying All Of Us Discover And Follow Christ's Advent Light Of Hope,
 Fr.  Troy

.....The Christmas Schedule Mailing has been sent.....
.....33 years ago today, I was initiated into Lambda Chi Alpha. Brother Robert "Mad Dog" Butcher was another of the initiates that night.  I offered Mass for the repose of his soul and that of his sister, Marie - this morning.....
9 - 11 years after their deaths, their love, friendship, and support, still burn brightly in my heart and memory.....

Thursday, December 9, 2010

AN UPDATE ON AFGHANISTAN WAR AMERICAN FACTS AND FIGURES..........

CBS Evening News with Katie Couric tonight, with a report on the White House Review soon of the Surge Strategy at the 1 year mark under General Petraeus, and from the start of our Afghanistan War in Ocyober 2001, to the present it is now America's longest war ever, 9 years, 2 months, and 3 days, and continuing; having cost to date $400 billion to the American Treaury; and at a loss of 1,421 American troops.  This is what the fight for the cause of Peace and Terrorism, are the real costs of War.  And an end to our nation's  involvement seems to continue to be stretched out from a supposed end in 2011, now to extended to 2014.  The Soviet Union was bogged down by the Afghans for a full decade 1979-1989.  Did we not learn better about the cragmire that is Afghanistan ?  Especially its corupt, and inept, Karzai Government..........Fr.  Troy

ST. JUAN DIEGO, HUMBLE, HOLY, MAN OF FAITH..........

The second night of OLOL's Parish Advent Mission increased in attendance by more than double, as Father Steven Avella continued his preaching on how we as Disciples of the One Supreme Light of the World, can became better, stronger, bearers of the Advent Light ourselves.  His living example last night, of bringing Light and Hope, is Sacramento Bishop Emeritus Francis Anthony Quinn, who continues to, "exude" and shine the Light of Jesus the Christ with humility and holiness, as in his 90th year of life.....   .....A young Aztec Indian in Mexico who experienced three apparitions from the Blessed Mother, was instructed by her to have a church built on the site where she appeared to him.  Juan Diego tried to encourage the building of a church in the   Our Lady's honor, after the first two apparitions, but the local Bishop was not convinced to do so.  In her third appearance the Virgin Mary instructed Juan Diego to fill the tilma, the cape he was wearing with roses to gain the Bishop's support.  Miraculously, as Juan Diego was meeting with the Bishop, the roses changed into an image of Our Lady of Guadaupe, which convinced the Bishop to built the Church.  The humbleness and holiness, of Juan Diego, and his willingness to follow through in doing as the Blessed Mother told him, bore fruit that has led to a Shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe, that is universally acclaimed and visited by pilgrims worldwide, and a devotion to Our Lady under the mantle of Guadalupe that now sees her as Patroness of the the Americas and of the UnBorn.  All because of the cooperation and responsiveness of a young Aztec Indian man, who became a catalyst for belief and prayer..........St. Juan Diego / Our Lady of Guadalupe,  Pray For Us, Especially All Latino North And South Americans,   Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

ELIZABETH EDWARDS, 1949-2010.....WHAT SHE TAUGHT US ABOUT CARRYING ON DESPITE ADVERSITY..........

Elizabeth Edwards, a wife, mother, lawyer, Senator's wife, Vice Presidential nominee spouse, Presidential candidate campaigner for her husband, author, health care reform advocate, and personal cancer fighter, died on Tuesday, after a valiant six year struggle with breast and bone cancer.  She was 61 years old.  A native of North Carolina, who went to law school with her future husband, with whom she had four children, losing her oldest son Wade, at age 16, in a tragic car accident, having her youngest two children when she was 49 and 51 years old; she bravely endured the loss of a child, spousal infidelity, after more than 30 years of a happy marriage, and breast and bone cancer, with determination and the resolve to live, and not surrender.  During her six years with cancer, she authoired two books on her life story and coping with cancer, to help others understand and deal with such crises.  Remaining resolute to be a loving motherr to her children, survive the heartache of her husband's extra marital affair, from which he ultimately admitted to fathering a child, aqnd keeping up her personal support for national health care reform, all while fighting to conquer her cancer, Elizabeth Edwards leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and hope.  May her hope for Life and Love, now be granted to her everlastingly, by the Eternal God.  Rest In Peace Elizabeth Edwards,   Fr.  Troy

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.....IN GOD'S PLAN FOR THE SALVATION OF HUMANKIND..........

In the Divine Plan of Salvation History, God the Father desired full reconciliation with fallen, sinful, Humankind, in a renewal and restoration of relationships that will place us back on the path to Eternal Redemption.  In fulfillment of God's Plan to be reunited and join with us in bonds of Love that form and honor a Covenant between the Divine and Humankind, the only begotten, co-eternal, Son of the Heavenly Father, is the instrument, to bring about our salvation.  Thus, Jesus the Christ was born into the World as God made Man, the long awaited Messiah - Savior of God's People.  But to assure that the Mission of Redemption be carried out without failure or question as to the validity of the One who Comes as the Christ, the Father desired the Holy Birth of the Savior, be pure, and perfect.  Enter Mary of Nazareth, a young 16 year old Jewish virgin girl, who God chose, called, and preserved from the stain of sin from the very moment of her own conception as a human creature of the Divine.  Thus the Blessed Viregin Mary, free from sin herself, was able to be the ideal vessel and cooperator with God in affecting the Birth of Jesus, "Emmanuel", God With Us, into the World.  Today we celebrate the Solemnity of bthe Immaculate Conception, a Holyday for Catholics, in which we focus our Faith on God's Word, and Fidelkity to Gospel Values on Mary's "Fiat", her total, unconditional, selfless, YES to God the Father's invitation to be, "the handmaid of the Lord", and not only the Mother of God, as the Christ-bearer, but the Blessed Mother of all Believers.  Mary Our Mother's acceptance and affirmation of a partnership with the Heavenly Father that brings about the Redemption of God's Faithful People, is something we too should strive to bexemplifyb  in our own Catholic-Christian Discipleship.  In this Advent Season of  Joyful Hope, how are you saying Yes to the Father, Son, and Spirit each day ?   The Faithful Parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish are doing that  this week by attending the outstanding Advent Mission being preached by Father Steven Avella.  In his introductory presentation last night Fr. Steve preached a vivid message of Light and Hope, that was confirming and concretizing, as we cope with our personal, familial, and communal, hardships as People of Hope and Light.  It is my hope more of the parishioners will come tonight and tomorrow to share in the magnificent message Fr. Steve is providing us in this Advent Mission..........May You Renew Your Generous Selfless Yes To God As Did The Immaculate Mary,   Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

THE PRESIDENT AND THE REPUBLICANS REACH A TAX CUTS COMPROMISE....................

To the uproar of most House and Senate Democrats, President Obama and the Congressional Republicans in the 111th Congress lame duck session have reached a political compromise that will allow for the extension of the Bush era Tax Cuts for all Americans regardless of income, for two more years.  A major concession on the part of the White House, and a big breaking of a central Obama campaign pledge this year and in 2008, to end the Bush Tax Cuts for those Americans making more than $250,000.00 a year in income.  One major gain President Obama and the Democrats attained in the Compromise Deal was to get the extension of UnEmployment Benefits for 2 million Americans who began losing them this week and whose access to them would otherwise have expired. But with 24 days left in 2010 and the last days of the 111th Democratic controlled Congress, for the President to reach an agreement with the Republicans, without widespread support fdrom the Democrats, and the very vocal disagreement of many Democrats in Congress and throughout the country, may cause him much deeper political and re-election troubles.  The 2010 midterm elections wiped out many of the moderates in both political parties.  Thus, 112th Congress Democrats will be more liberal and the Republicans more conservative.  That can well bode for a lack of consensus or progress on key matters and is the recipe for potential girdlock and obstruction, which will fail  Americans who want constructive solutions to undeniable problems facing our nation and the world.  Will this Tax Cuts Compromise accomplish a unobstructed, hostage free, vote in the House and Senate before Christmas, on the START Treaty, and other pieces of legislation, which have been delayed and held up for several months if not almost two years, or will No !, continue to resound through the United States Capitol ?..........Fr.  Troy       

ST. AMBROSE : GREAT 4TH CENTURY BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH..........

On December 7, 374 A.D., St. Ambrose, as of then still only a catechumen, seeking to join the Catholic Church, was elected Bishop of Milan by the overwhelming force of the people.  A lawyer by profession, Ambrose was a great defender of the Christian Faith, even before he was baptized.  His predecessor as Bishop, like many of the Bishops at that time, were adherents to Arianism, belief in the humanity of Jesus Christ more than his divinity, a heresy - thus Bishop Ambrose had challenging pastoral work awaiting him.  Ambrose's holiness, fidelity to the Tradition and authentic Teachings of the Church, and effective preaching, served the faithful of Milan very well and attracted many converts.  Among those converts was a young pagan man, Augustine, who until he encountered Ambrose, had lived a wanton, licientious, life. So today as we liturgically commemorate the magnificiently enlightened leadership of St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, let us pray that all Bishops and the People of God as a whole, may embrace and follow the Advent Light of the Coming Christ and build the Heavenly Kingdom of Justice, Fidelity, Harmony, and Peace..........In Praise And Gratitude To The Great St. Ambrose,   Fr.  Troy

Monday, December 6, 2010

DIOCESAN FINANCES IN THE MORNING.....PARISH ADVENT SERIES IN THE EVENING..........

This morning the priests of the Sacramento Diocese gathered at St. James Parish in Davis for the annual Diocesan Finances Review Meeting, which brings us together early each December.  As it always is, Bishop Sto, Tom McNamara, Chief Financial OIfficer, and his staff, made it an informational and insightful gathering.  A team of Davis parishioners prepared a delicious Mexican food lunch for us following the meeting, rounding out a very good morning.  Then this evening the second session of the OLOL Parish Advent Series occurred, as the twenty two persons and I present continued to explore the pertinent Scripture passages of anticipation and expectancy that comprise the Advent story of waiting and watching for the Coming of the Messiah.  Tomorrow brings the Christmas mailing stuffing, stamping, and labeling, for sending to our registered parishioners this week.  And the Parish Advent Mission opens tomorrow night at 7 pm, with Father Steven Avella, the preacher..........Onward December Advent Days,   Fr.  Troy

ST. NICHOLAS BEARING THE ROOTS OF SANTA CLAUS..........

`In the 4th Century of Catholic-Christianity, when the Church began to fully blossom, the People of Holland had among them, a very generous, spirited, and holy, man named Nicholas, who as a Bishop became known as +Nicholas of Myra.  Myra is now modern day Turkey.  Bishop Nicholas was very supportive and selfless in responding to the children of his flock.  His generosity towards children, especially as Christmas neared was renowned, so that the spirit and the story of St. Nicholas has come down to us through the centuries, transformed as Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, and Father Christmas, to name a few of his manifestations. The self-giving nature of what we celebrate today as the jolly, happy, and generous, brightly red and white clad man of the holiday, has his origins and meaning in the very real person of Bishop St. Nicholas, who in thge 4th Century was a kindly, thoughtful presence to children.  He today is honored as a special patron of the children of Holland and the Netherlands.  Dutch children traditionally place wooden shoes at the fireplaces in their houses awaiting the gifts of fruit, nuts, candy, and perhaps a small personal gift, the jolly St. Nick brings them on December 6th.  So a Happy St. Nicholas Day to all children and adults who seek to truly discover the spirit of Christmas, through the door of this selflessly, spiritually, caring soul..........St, Nicholas of Myra, Open Our Hearts To You And To The Christ Child,   Fr.  Troy

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