THE EASTER MARIAN MONTH OF MAY CONCLUDES WITH THE FEAST OF THE VISITATION OF THE BVM...........

The thirty one days of May now ending, have been an unusual experience weather-wise, in the United States and elsewhere, especially given the unprecedented, record setting, number of tornadoes as well as the flooding that has taken placed during these Easter and Marian Days, in this Month of Mary, Mothers, and the Rosary.  Last Wednesday at Bishop Daly's Episcopal Ordination in San Jose, the Lector of the First Reading from Sacred Scripture, was a Religious Sister of the Visitation.  They were the parochial school teachers of Bishop Daly and his sisters and brothers, at St. Brendan's Parish, in the Sunset District of San Francisco, where +Tom's mother, "the widow Daly", as he referred to her in his Ordination Mass remarks as Auxiliary Bishop,  still resides.  The Visitation Sisters religious order is named for the liturgical feast and Gospel pericope of May 31, the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to her cousin Elizaberh.  Mary bearing the child Jesus in her womb, traveled into the Judean hill country to be with her elderly cousin Elizabeth, who at advanced age and childless, thought to be sterile, was expecting her son, John.  Their three month visitation together was a familial and prophetic gathering, as both Jesus the Christ, and John the Baptist, were to be central and pivotal instruments in the Salvation History of Humankind.  Mary's "Fiat", her unconditional Yes to God, is a shining light for all of us who follow her Son, Who is God's Co-Eternal and Redeeming Son.  May your daily visitation with the Lord of Life and Resurrection, shape your generous and selfless response to the Divine invitation to be Disciples of Living Faith and Eternal Love...........Hail Mary, Mother Of God, Pray For Us, Who Strive To Say Yes, As Loyally As You Said Yes To God's Plan,   Fr.  Troy 

MEMORIAL DAY USA - PRIESTS JUBILARIANS DAY 2011, IN THE DIOCESE OF SACRAMENTO...........

For 145 years American citizens have remembered our War dead, from the Civil War Between the Union and the Confederacy, in the 1860's, to the fatalies incurred in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, during the past decade.  Memorial Day USA,  a national holiday, and the unofficial start of the Summer season, is a day of remembrance, cemetery visits, parades, picnics, barbeques, and in Sacramento for the thirty eighth consecutive year, Jazz Jubilee weekend.  Memorial Day, as it is now known, was originally called, "Decoration Day", for each year at the end of May, American Civil War familes went to their local cemeteries, to decorate the graves of their beloved.  Catholic Cemeteries today throughout the country, will be celebrating Masses on the burial grounds, in remembrance of all who have served our nation, in the Armed Forces : Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, et al.  This year we also honor the Navy Seals, although fortunately, all living - who successfully executed the mission to get Osama Bin Laden, four weeks ago, as this month of May opened.  Please God, the dedicated and fearless service of the millions of Americans who have given themselves to fighting in war to bring about peace, be always honored, acknowledged, appreciated, and commemorated.  This evening the Bishop and Priests of the Sacramento Diocese, will honor our brother presbyters, who are this year's Jubilarians, marking 25, 40, 50, and 60 Years of Ordination in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.  Among those being feted for their milestones in priestly ministry this year, are Reverend Father Stephen Borlang, Pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Vallejo, 25 Years;  Rev. Fr. Daniel Looney, Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, Land Park, Sacramento, 40 Years;  Rev. Fr. Michael Dillion, Founding Pastor-Emeritus of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish, Rocklin, 50 Years;  Rev. Fr. William Storan,  Pastor -Emeritus of St. Basil's Parish, Vallejo, 50 Years;  Rev. Fr. Sean O'Leary, Pastor-Emeritus of St. Joseph's Parish, Yreka, 50 Years; where he was my successor as Pastor, two after me, and from where he retired back to Ireland.  Retired Salt Lake City, Utah priest, who came to Sacramento as a senior priest, after his retirement celebrated 60 Years of Ordination tonight, and he was a seminary classmate of two of our deceased Sacramento priests, Rev. Msgrs. Eymard Gallagher and Valdemiro Fagundes.  Ad Multos Annos Faithful Priests of God's People.  The Chrism in April, my Ordination Anniversary May 2, and tonight's Jubilarians' Dinner, passes the baton to Rev. Frs. Eduino Silveira, and Paul Schloeder, and yours truly, as three of the Silver Jubilarians of 2012, in the Diocese of Sacramento.  Fr. Eduino sat next to one another at dinner.  To the Silver, Ruby, Golden, and Emerald Jubilarians in this Year of the lord, 2011, Our Heartfelt Gratitude.........Let Freedom Ring In The United States Of America And Around The World, As We Pray And Sow The Seeds Of Many More Priestly Vocations, Especially Local And Native Vocations,   Fr.  Troy

6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER AND THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT -IS ALSO THE BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF AN AMERICAN PRESIDENT AND A WORLD RENOWNED COMEDIAN...........

After His Resurrection and before His Ascension, the Risen Christ assured the Apostles and other Followers, that they need not have troubled hearts, nor would they be orphaned, after His Risen and Glorified Lordship was Ascended in return to God's Kingdom in Heaven.  Last Sunday, and today - John's Gospel proclaims that assurance of Faith to all who are, Catholic-Christian Belivers.  Fifty days are a lengthy time to keep the Paschal Season of New and Risen Life in Christ, fresh and motivating.  Yet the Proclamation of John's Gospel, helps us to achieve that goal in the Prayer, Worship, and Ministry, of being Church.  On this Memorial Day weekend, as we commemorate the men and women who have served in the United States Military throughout our history in vigilance, and especially in the times of war, to gain peace.  A peace that must be founded in the Peace of God's Reign; let us pray fervently that we who prclaim ourselves Disciples of the Risen, Ascended, Spirit-sending, Jesus The Christ, may fully Witness to the Gospel of Life and Paschal Peace, that daily ministers to the Body of Christ on Earth, the Church founded by Jesus, and serves the betterment of the People of God, we are initiated to be in building the Coming of the Eternal Kingdom of Love...........In The Promise Of The Advocate Jesus Is Descending Upon Us,   Fr.  Troy

MAY 28, 1886.....THE DIOCESE OF SACRAMENTO.....AT ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE YEARS.....MAY 28, 2011...........

Up until the strike of the Gold Rush in 1849-50, Catholicism in the City of Sacramento and the Valley of Superior Northern California was under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.  Over the next three and a half decades, from the first Mass celebrated in Sacramento, by Reverend Father Peter Anderson, O.P., through Bishop Eugene O'Connell and companions, Marysville Vicariate and then the Vicariate and Diocese of Grass Valley, led by Bishop Patrick J. Manogue, who became the founding Bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento, when it was erected, one hundred twenty five years ago today; the missionary spirit of bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to God's People, from the circuit riding priests of much of the geographical expanse of the Church of Sacramento, which even today, after the creation of four or more further dioceses, is 20 counties large and could absorb Ireland one and third times over.  9 Bishops have served as the Ordinary of the Sacramento, +Patrick Manogue, +Thomas Grace, +Patrick Keane ,+Robert Armstrong, +Joseph McGucken, +Alden Bell,  +Francis Quinn, +William Weigand - and presently, the Most Reverend +Jaime Soto; along with 2 CoAdjuator Bishops, +McGucken and +Soto; and 4 Auxiliary Bishops, +Keane, +John Cummins, +Alphonse Gallegos, and +Richard Garcia.  At present, Bishop Soto, and the Sacramento Diocese await the appointment of a new Auxiliary Bishop.  With the ordination of +Thomas Daly, my seminary classmate earlier this week, as Auxilary Bishop of San Jose, hopefully a fresh, new, Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento will be appointed soon.  125 years into the history of the Diocese of Sacramento, 103 parishes, 39 parochial schoolls, 6 high schools, and a myriad of pastoral, spiritual, charitable, and social services ministries, make up our diocesan family.  May God continue to Bless the Lord's vineyard in these 20 counties of Northern / Superior California...........Grateful Thanks To The Family Of The People Of God, Who Are The Catholic-Christian Church Of Sacramento,  Fr.  Troy

ANOTHER GREAT PT SESSION INCLUDING THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE ON MY LOWER LEFT BACK...........

OLOL parishioner Steven Sandoval, was my driver today for the first time to and from, my Friday physical therapy session.  Therapist Quinn McArthur was back, after being off on Tuesday when I was last there.  Having been casted for my temporary prostheses this morning at Anchor, which lead to having it placed on me next Friday; I not only did my usual regimen of therapy exercises this afternoon at Swanson-McArthur, but had a further new therapeutic experience, as we push forward to the next level of prosthesis therapy, with a concentrated massage on my lower left back, both mechanically, and by direct hand massage to my back joints, by Quinn.  This morning Clint told me that for the first week of wearing my temporary prostheses, he wants me stand up out of the wheelchair, at a counter top, for as many minutes as possible several times throughout the day, and to do some of my feet exercises, if I am stable and secure enough standing in that position to do so.  In that way my right leg muscle atrophy and water retention over the past four months plus, will begin to change the dimensions of my my amputated stump and the prosthetic socket.  He will then begin changing the socket as necessary.  My chief sign that a socket adjustment is necessary will be any pain caused by the prostheses.  It was a very good day, which revved up my adrenaline anew.  Fortunately, tomorrow is a relatively light holiday Saturday, with the Sunday Vigil Mass being my primary ministry activity of the day...........Happy Memorial Day Weekend America, And God Bless All My Friends, Parishioners, Caregivers, Nurses, Doctors, And Therapists,   Fr.  Troy  

ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY BROUGHT CHRISTIANITY TO GOD'S PEOPLE IN ENGLAND............

Friday of the 5th Week of Easter, is the optional Memorial of St. Augfustine of Canterbury.  It was Augustine of Canterbury who initially evangelized England.  Even today, four hundred and fifty years after the establishment of the Anglican Church, Augustine's Canterbury See, is the primatial bishopric of the Anglican Church of England.  I met with Clint at Anchor Prosthetics, at 10 am, and he casted me for my temporary prostheses, which he will place on my right leg next Friday, at 11 am.  After lunch, one of my OLOL parishioners will drive me and from my physical therapy session with Quinn McArthur..........More To Come Going Into Memorial Day Weekend, the 9th Anniversary of the Onset of My Type Two Diabetes,   Fr.  Troy

JEAN JOHNSON : WONDERFUL WOMAN; LOVING WIFE, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER; DEVOUT CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN BELIEVER.....ETERNAL REST AND PEACE...........

This Thursday night May 26, 2011, ends on the sad note of the passing earlier today, of JEAN JOHNSON, mother of my beloved friend from my CSU-Sacramento years to the present,
Mary Johnson Carson.  Jean was an exemplary, woman, wife, mother, grandmother. and Catholic-Christian disciple, as there is.....My prayers and Masses are with her, as are my condolences and sympathies to her family, friends, fellow believers, and loved ones.  Much more in coming days about the outstanding life of this inspirational lady.....Eternal Rest Grant Unto Her Holy Soul O Lord, And May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Her Forever, May She And All The Faithful Departed Rest In Peace, Amen !!!!!!!!!!!   Reverend Father Troy David Powers

TORNADOES SET DOWN IN BUTTE AND GLENN COUNTIES IN CALIFORNIA...........

2011'S stream of natural disasters from the earthquake in Japan, to the floodings in the midwestern United, and now the vicious series of tornadoes that have struck the United States in record number this year, wreaking havoc, and decimating total communities with upheval, injuries, and many deaths, has now come so much closer to home, over the past two days, with the tornadoes that have struck Joplin, Missouri, and now in Butte and Glenn counties of northern California, this week.  The death toll in Joplin, due to Sunday's tornado, stands at 143 persons according to CBS News, tonight.  125 persons remain unaccounted for there, and six-seven survivors have been pulled out from beneath the rubble.  I was riding back from San Jose yesterday evening when I learned by phone of the active tornadoes occurring in the area between Oroville and Chico, from the grandparents of a Chico State college student.  He happily is at home in Elk Grove, for the summer starting a job and internship, away from the afflicted area.  What a harrowing and sorrowful experience for so many persons, families, and communities, to be so adversely and tragically affected by any and all of these natural disasters striking various parts of the U.S.A. and the World.  Also, the unpredictability and volatility with which they are happening, causes us to pause, and ponder, and pray, how best we can be prepared to meet the reality when they come.  In earthquake, and flooding, prone California, we must also recognize we are also susceptible to the likelihood, that tornadoes, can and do, also affect us too.  At this time our primary concern has to be for the victims of these tragedies of these diasters, in Catholic-Christian compassion and charity.  All of us can help if not in person, and hands on; then by our contributions and support of Catholic Charities USA, and the Catholic Extension Society.  Domestically, they provide the social services and reconstruction support those stricken, as effectively, if not greater than any other charitable organization or non profit agency, including the American Red Cross.  Parishes throughout the country are organizing special financial collections or direct monetary donations, to assist with the suffering and devastation.  The addresses and telephone numbers of these two Catholic-Christian organizations are :  CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA -  P.O. Box 17066 Baltimore, Maryland 21297  1-800-919-9388 / CATHOLIC EXTENSION SOCIETY - 150 South Wacker Street 20th Floor Chicago, Illinios 60606  1-800-842-7804.  "Where Chaity And Love Prevail, There God Is Ever Found"...........Let Us Pray Continuously For The Suffering And Deceased,
Fr.  Troy

TWO THIRDS OF THE WAY THROUGH THE PASCHAL SEASON, WE HONOR ST. PHILLIP NERI, PRIEST...........

 9:38 am - On this Thursday May 26, the thirty fourth of these 50 Glorious Days of Easter, the Universal Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Phillip Neri, Priest.  Born in Florence, Italy in the early 16th Century, Phillip found his way to Rome as a young man where he discerned his vocation and answered God's Call, becoming a Priest of Jesus Christ. Yesterday's Episcopal Ordination as Bishop, of my St. Patrick's Seminary, San Francisco priestly classmate and colleague, the Most Reverend Thomas Anthony Daly, still has my spirits soaring, it was indeed a memorable moment in Church history.  This afternoon, my St. Rose's Parish, friends of over thirty, Ted and I rene Dahlberg, are coming to go to lunch with me.  It will good to spend some quality time with them.....455 pm - Wrapping up the afternoon with the Parish Secretary, and a 3:30 pm dro p by visit with Fr. Traynor, led me a brief afternoon nap before dinner, after a return call from my Indianopolis seminary classmate and colleague, Reverend Father Daniel Barrett Donohoo, who is celebrating his Silver Jubilee a priest, on June 5th / 6th.  I was at Fr. Dan's Ordination as a priest in 1986, and was planning to be present again in ten days, until OLOL Parish Festival weekend and temporary prostheses therapy intersected with it.  I have sent Dan, my representative gift to stand in my stead, and if Bishop Tom Daly, is present as he too, was twenty five years ago in Indianapolis; he will also be representing me...........Fr.  Troy

      

WHAT A DAY IT WAS IN THE DIOCESE OF SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA...........

Bruce Hamilton and I arrived in downtown Jose, at 12:30 pm, ninety minutes before the start of the 2 pm Episcopal Ordination in St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, of my San Francisco seminary classmate and priestly colleague, the Most Reverend Thomas Anthony Daly.  I was seated in the Cathedral in my wheelchair in the area for the priests, just after 1 pm, having had a light lunch after our arrival.  The energy in that edifice was electric, for nearly the hour before the Ordination began, as final preparations were made.  Ten minutes before the start of the festivities, I phoned our Indianapolis classmate, Reverend Father Daniel Barrett Donohoo, who will celebrate his Silver Jubilee a priest, in just ten days, to inform him we were about to begin.  At 1:55 pm, the twenty seven Bishops who were present, entered the side door door across from where I was seated and made their way to the front door and narthex of the basilica, for the entrance procession.  The other Bishops were all wearing their mitres, and at the end of the line Bishop-Designate Daly, wearing only his new magenta colored skull cap.  He was a vivid and vital presence in a white and gold vestment, and his magenta skull cap.  As he walked along the side aisle he enthusiastically greeted his family, friends, parishioners, and Marin Catholic high school students.  A lump formed in my throat and tears began welling up in my eyes, as the celebration began.  Seeing Tom approach the altar to venerate it, sent a surge of adrenaline through me.  And then watching him be escorted to his pre-episcopal seat, by the two priests assisting him, gave me a thrill when I realized those three chairs were ten feet or so in front of the row of priests I  was sitting with.  As +Tom turned to take his chair he saw me, and nodded, and I proudly acknowledged him, as he uttered Troy, I replied, and nodded, Tom.  Later, after he had his head anointed with the sacred chrism oil, and returned to his chair, he said quietly again, "Troy", leaving off his customary follow up words, "old boy !".   It was a wonderful view of the ordination ceremony for me of, the Bishop's Chair-Bench from where the San Jose Ordinary, Bishop Patrick J. McGrath, presided as Principal Ordaining Bishop.  His principal Co-Ordaining Bishops, the Most Reverend George Niedaurauer, Archbishop of San Francisco; and the Most Reverend George L. Thomas, Bishop of Helena; in the presence of His Eminence, Roger Cardinal Mahony, Archbishop-Emeritus of Los  Angeles.  Among other prelates present were Archbishop Emeritus John Raphael Quinn, of San Francisco, who ordained Bishop Tom, both a deacon and a priest; and Sacramento Bishop Jaime Soto, and Monterey Bishop Richard Garcia.  More tomorrow on this most memorable, high energy day for me all present at Auxiliary Bishop Daly's Episcopal Ordination...........In The Words Of His Excellency's Motto As A Bishop Of The Church, "Into Your Hands Lord",   Fr.  Troy

21 MONTHS TODAY SINCE MY KIDNEY TRANSPLANT.....123 DAYS SINCE MY RIGHT FOOT AMPUTATION.....EPISCOPAL ORDINATION DAY FOR BISHOP THOMAS A. DALY, MY SEMINARY CLASSMATE...........

This is the day the Lord has made, Let us Rejoice and be Glad, ALLELUIA !  It was twenty one months ago today, August 25, 2009, that I received my Kidney Transplant, at the Mayo Clinic, in Arizona, thanks be to God.  One hundred and twenty three days ago, just over four months since I had my right foot, below the knee, amputation, that is now in the stages of rehabilitation and therapy, that will garner me my temporary prostheses in a matter of days.  And today, in St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica, at 2 p.m., in San Jose, California is the day, my San Francisco seminary classmate, Reverend Father Thomas A. Daly, becomes the Most Reverend Thomas A. Daly, as he is ordained a Bishop of the Church, and becomes the first Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose.  Alleluia ! Amen !  Congratulations, and Ad Multos Annos, Bishop Tom.  I am being driven down to San Jose this morning, by one of my parishioners at OLOL, in Sacramento, Bruce Hamilton, who operates a car service.  Check here later for a further blog report on the Episcopal Ordination, and this proud and happy day for +Tom, his family, friends, and the People of God in the Diocese of San Jose, and the Archdiocese of San Francisco.  May the Lord God continue to bless and increase with the Shepherd's servant-leadership of the Bishop Daly, ordained today, with the pastoral, spiritual, and administrative, skills to be a very good Shepherd of the Church.  Proud To Be His Seminary Classmate, Colleague, And Friend,   Fr. Troy David Powers, Sacramento

OUR CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN PRAYERS AND CHARITY WITH THE TORNADO VICTIMS IN JOPLIN, MISSOURI...........

With unrepentant charlatan Family Radio owner, Pastor Harold Camping, now four the fourth time in the past few decades predicting a Rapture, that only God the Father knows the date and the time of; (Matthew 24:36) authentically anchored Catholic-Christians are more concerned with real ministry, to people in need, not self serving fundraising and notriety.  We have the recent occurrence of earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and other disasters; and the impact they are having upon citizens of the United States and the World, to be presently charitably concerned with assisting; rather than the chicanery of false prophets.  Catholic-Christian Charity, for those in need, is the true definition of our Discipleship in the Risen Christ.  At the Dinner following Confirmation, at St. Rose's in South Sacramento tonight, one of our diocesan retired priests, Reverend Father Thomas Delahunty, asked Bishop Soto, what Catholic outlets we can refer people to, who want to help respond to these urgent emergencies.  Bishop Soto said for international crises, Catholic Relief Services, (CRS) and for domestic crises, Catholic Charities USA, and the Catholic Extension Society, are our two primary outlets for providing emergency assistance.  More information will be shared about this in coming days.  104 candidates were confirmed in the Kavanagh Hall, of St. Rose's / St. Patrick's on Franklin Blvd. tonight, bringing back my memories of the 600 plus students I  co-taught with Msgr. Kavanagh between 1976-1982, before I became a seminarian; and causing me to remember it was 40 years ago, this month I was confirmed there at St. Rose's Church.  Where have the years flown ?......What an awesome four star day it has been.  Especially given Dr. Cookson's prescription for my temporary prostheses !!!!!!!!!!!...........Praise The Lord Jesus, The Risen Christ,   Fr.  Troy

TUESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER BRINGS AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. COOKSON; PT WITH QUINN MCARTHUR; AND COFIRMATION @ ST. ROSE'S IN SOUTH SAC...........

I awoke with the optimistic expectation, that today will be the day Dr. Cookson, we give me authorization to have my temporary prostheses made and placed on my right leg and foot.  One hundred and twenty two days, after my right foot, below the knee amputation, hospitalization, rehabilitation and ongoing, physical therapy, my Easter Faith and Joy tells me the time has come.  After lunch, I will go to Swanson-McArthur Physical Therapy to do my first workl this week; and then at 4 pm, will take ab taxi down to St. Rose's / St. Patrick's in South Sacramento, for the conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation and Dinner; Bishop Soto presiding at the Confirmation Mass.  That's the word for now...........Fr.  Troy

12:22 pm -  YES !!!  Dr. Cookson gave me the prescription for my temporary prostheses, an hour ago, so it is full steram ahead.  I took the prescription to Clint at Anchor Prosthetics on my way back to OLOL; and will see him this on Friday morning at 10 am, to finalize arrangements to have it made............fr. tdp 

SISTER JEANNE FELION, S.S.S., AND THE STANFORD SETTLEMENT CELEBRATE 35 YEARS OF CHARITABLE MINISTRY TO NORTH SACRAMENTO...........

During my mother's childhood in  South Sacramento, during the 1930's, she completed her Religious Education CCD classes for Confirmation, at St. Joseph's Church in Clarksburg.  Her 8th Grade Confirmation teacher was Social Service Sister Benedicta.  Sr.  Benedicta, not only prepared my mother to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, from Bishop Robert J. Armstrong, but at age 15, secured an employment position for my Mother Josephine, as - "the girl who looked after John Hamlin Jr.", in Land Park, a job she held for three years.  John Hamlin Sr., in those days was an attorney working for the Sacramento Bee.  The Social Services Sisters had been recruited for the Sacramento Diocese, by Monsigbor Thomas Markham in 1936; according to Father Steven Avella, in his book, "Sacramento And The Catholic Church- Shaping A Capital City".  The Sisters of Social Service initially served the children of the Stanford Home, downtown.  By the mid 1970's they were serving in St. Joseph's Parish, in North Sacramento.  In the 1980's Social Service Sister Katherine Connell, started a ministry in the Oak Park neighborhood of Sacramento, known as WellSpring Center, for women and children, especially many escaping violent environments.  In 1976, Sister Jeanne Felion, of the Sisters of Social Service, became the founding Executive Durector of the Stanford Settlement, on West El Camino Avenue, in North Sacramento, which are celebrating  35 Years of Ministry to the Poor and Needy tonight.  From 1991 - 2001, I ministered with Sr. Jeanne, during the decade I was Chairman of the Sacramento Diocesan Food Bowl.  Now, as Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, we are partnered again, as this is her native parish where she made her Sacraments of Initiation.  OLOL and the Stanford Settlement, are teamed each ThanksGiving / Christmas, as we take up our ThanksGiving Day Mass collection for them, and they provide Christmas baskets, to those parishioners, we refer to them.  Happy 35th Anniversary Sister Jeanne and the Stanford Settlement !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Kudos to you for the Good Work you do in ministering to the less fortunate in our area...........Alleluia ! Amen !,   Fr.  Troy

30 DAYS OF EASTER AND OUR ONGOING CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT...........

To much of the World, Easter seems an ion behind them.  Yet, for us who are truly God's Easter People, and celebrate the Paschal Mystery of the Resurrection, as a Glorious 50 Days; today is the thirtieth of those fifty days, and our focus turns toward, "the Advocate", "the Sanctifier", "the Spirit", Who is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity of God.  The Risen Christ Jesus, promises He will not abandon or orphan us, but will send us the Holy Spirit to be our Advocate and our Strength.  The Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit, sanctify, and sustain us, with the grace to live our lives as Disciples of Catholic-Christian Faith.  Parish Life is transformed by the power of the Loving God, Who through the Risen Lord, redeems us; and Who by sending us the Sanctifying Spirit, opens our hearts and minds to the horizons of New Life.  Monday mornings are always high cycle days of activity, consecreting the day in the prayer, worship, and ministry, of morning Mass; and then addressing the temporalities and start up of the week decisions, that are responsiblities of priests and pastors.  On this 30th Day of Easter 2011, I am carrying out the usual ritual of Monday activities and awaiting the weekly bookkeeping and collection reports, so as to know, up to the moment as we countdown the final six weeks of Fiscal Year 2010-2011, and hopefully conclude in the black...........Fr.  Troy

THE TRADE-OFF FOR SUNNY WEATHER IN REGARDS TO SUNDAY MASS ATTENDANCE...........

I am sixty four days back in the parish, since the start of my hospitalization, rehabilitation, and therapy, earlier this year.  From the Mass attendance my first weekend back March 19 / 20; through  the rest of Lent, to this point in the Easter Season, including Confirmation, and First Eucharist; OLOL's Sunday Mass attendance grew by much more than double.  It crescendoed on Easter Sunday, but maintained a significant increase over normal Sundays for the Sacramental Initiation celebrations, and then leveled off the past two weeks.  Are Catholics less concerned with the wrongly predicted 'Rapture', that did not occur last night would argue so, but I also believe it has as much to do with what I call, 'Summer-itis'.  As the sunny, warm, summer, weather, sets in, so does a drop in the numbers present for Sunday Eucharist.  As I continue to observe it, other recreational and athletic events, take precedence over being at Mass, for many Catholic-Christians.  Summer-itis sets in; and the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day, is still a week away.  Today's total was two dozen persons higher than it was nine weeks ago, an optimistic sign.  Hopefully, two weeks from today, presence and participation on Sunday, will be increased, as it is our annual, Parish Festival Sunday.  It is our largest parish fundraiser, and from my presence at the Festival last year, it is a well attended, eclectic, multi-cultural, event.  It is an indispensable supplement to our financially tight parish budget.  The Parish Festival Sunday this year, coincides with the Silver Jubilee of Ordination to Priesthood, of my Indianapolis, Indiana, classmate and colleague, Reverend Father Daniel B. Donohoo.  I was there for his priestly Ordination twenty five years ago, and had every intention of being there with him for his Silver Jubilee.  Any other year, and I would attend, but given this is my first year as Pastor of OLOL, I will remain here for the Parish Festival; hopefully with the appreciation of the People of God, I am here to serve and lead.  The next three weeks will be busier than usual, as I write and finalize preparation of the 1st annual 'State Of The Parish' Address, I will deliver, at all three Masses on Pentecost Sunday, June 12...........With Faith In Christ Jesus, "the Way, the Truth, the Life",   Fr.  Troy   

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER JOY : "DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED; HAVE FAITH IN GOD, HAVE FAITH IN ME"...........

In the New and Risen Life of Jesus Christ,  with three weeks of our Catholic-Christian Pasch remaining on the 2011 Liturgical Year, John the Evangelist clearly proclaims in today's Easter Gospel, belief in the power of Jesus the Christ's Resurrection, to keep us from being sad and engulfed in sorrow and sin; to rise above mere temporal considerations, and place the fullness of our Discipleship focus on the primacy of Faith in God the Eternal Father and in Jesus, the Divine Redeemer of Humankind.  Moving beyond the fear of weakness and selfishness, that only hold us back and drag us down; detaching from our true anchor in the New and Risen Life of Christ, placing our belief and practice in the Paschal Mystery of Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension, Second Coming, that are represented by these 50 Glorious Days.  The Second Coming, also known as the End Times, Parousia, Apocalypse, seem yet to be in the future, after Saturday's latest prediction having come and moved on; so that our focus and current opportunity provides us with a renewed experience of all that Jesus has undergone for the salvation of sinners and the reconcilitation between the GodHead and Humankind.  Not letting our hearts be troubled, or diverted from the preciousness of embracing our Faith in the God our Heavenly Father, and the Co-Eternal Son, our Savior; we strengthen the Gospel Values of the Body of Christ, The Church - and build gracefully with the Holy Spirit, the Coming of God's Kingdom of Everlasting Life.  Your presence and participation at Sunday Mass today and every Sunday, grows our Faith relationship forward in fellowship and fidelity, that is  sincere and unconditional.  As this 5th Sunday and Week of Easter dawns, what are you doing to signify your wholehearted willingness to maintain your ministry and mission with the Risen Christ Jesus, at the core of your Faith ?  Parish communities throughout our country and around the globe, need your active involvement prayerfully, worship-wise, and ministerially ?  What are you doing ?, What more can, and will you do, to make a viable and necessary contribution to the betterment, and increase, of Catholic-Christianity - in the Community of Believers ?????...........Believe In Jesus, "Our Way, Our Truth, Our Life",   Fr.  Troy

6 PM PACIFIC TIME AND TODAY'S WINDOW CLOSING - STILL NO END TIME OR EARTHQUAKE AS ERRONEOUSLY PROPHESIED...........

It is now more than 3 hours beyond the predicted time in the Eastern zone, that Christian Family Radio's Harold Camping's prediction that the World would end today, with a major earthquake that would make the Japan Earthquake earlier this year look minuscule has past; like over a hundred such false prophecies have come and gone in the past century.  Twice wrong, what credibility, or expertise, did this self taught, personally proclaimed oracle, bring to such august and profound theological matters ?  As one of my wisest friends with extensive financial acumen says, "Money is the bottom line".  So having seen his radio business quintuple after his last wrong prediction, how much more will those same business holdings be worth, beyond the current $117 million ?.....Beware of charlatans and be true to your Catholic-Christian Discipleship.  Believe God, and not these self serving, false prophets...........Fr.  Troy

6 PM EASTERN, 3 PM PACIFIC TIME, AND NO EARTHQUAKE OR END TIME...........

As the 6 p, Eastern Daylight Time arrives, their is no sign of a huge earthquake or end time, having occurred in New Zealand, or elsewhere in the World; so Harold Camping and his followers are wrong  or a second time in seventeen years in predicting the Apocalypse.  This false prophet is WRONG; and Sacred Scripture, Matthew 24:36; prove true to date..."Not the angels or even the Son knows, but only God the Father"......With Faithfulness And Fidelity, Continue To Enjoy This Saturday May 21, 2011...........Fr.  Troy

PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS 2012 HEATING UP...........

Now that for the third time in twenty two years, businessman and celebrity entrepreneur, Donald Trump, has publicly flirted with becoming a candidate for President of the United States, and decided after a protracted period of testing the waters, and milking the opportunity for self promotion of whatever project he is entered into, not to run; and with President Obama, a declared candidate for re-election next year - the prospective field of Republican aspirants for the 2012 Presidential nomination is starting to shape up.  Newt Gingrich; Gary Johnson; Ron Paul; Herman Cain; declared candidates - and Mitt Romney; Tim Pawlenty; Jon Huntsman; Mitch Daniels; Buddy Roemer; likely to enter the race in coming weeks; Haley Barbour; and Mike Huckabee; have taken themselves out of the race - while Sarah Palin; Michelle Bachman; John Bolton; Peter King; and Rudy Guiliani; are still considering bids - there are as many as 39 potential candidates for the GOP nomination, forming exploratory committees and weighing their candidacies for the opportunity to run for President of the United States of America, next year.  Of the fourteen potential Presidential candidates named above, seven are current or former Governors, four of them, with fair to very good chances of being nominated.  Sadly however, with each Presidential Election cycle, the substantial and the sublime, seem to get increasingly interwined to the extent, that our elections for President, to the highest office in this country, and the most awesome political and governmental position in the whole world, take on a circus-like dimension, that undermines the serious and substantive importance of the campaigns and the issues, all Presidential candidates need to bring to this most vital of electoral contests.  The denegration of Presidents ability to govern over the past generation plus; teemed with the tendency to politicize the term of office, as well as, the campaign period, ill serves our country and the Presidency.  The longer the campaigns have become, the more frivilous much of it is.  Many other countries throughout the world seem to have the better practice.  A brief, intense, seriously focused, campaign period for nominating, campaigning, and electing, a President, prime minister, or national leader, makes much more sense and would be more efficient.  Given the magnitude of our geography as a nation, a five or six week presidential campaign and election are not feasible.  But a well defined, and monitored, campaign from ThanksGiving of the year before the quadrennial Presidential General Election, allowing ample time for primaries, caucuses, nominating conventions, campaigning, and debates, is more than sufficient a timeline by which to elect a President.  Until thirty five years ago, most Presidential campaigns did not begin until early in the actual Election year.  What have we gained by a much longer, more expensive, and circus like campaign season ?  Better Candidates ?  Better Presidents ?  Or a worsening, politicizing, of what is arguably the most important vote we make every four years, for the common good of the USA, and the betterment of the community of nations ?  Trump-like, personal interest only, candidates need to step aside, and let the Presidential Election Campaign, be run by serious, experienced, well qualified, candiates of all political stripes, who can articulate, and have the ability to enact a productive administration of governance...........Hopeful, But Not Holding My Breath, As Political Reform And Renew Must Become Ongoing Realities, Not Political Shenanigans,   Fr.  Troy

ANOTHER ERRONEOUS PREDICTION AND FALSE PROPHECY COMES AND GOES WITHOUT OCCURRING...........

Confusion abounds on this May 21, 2011, the latest predicted date for the end of time, the Second Coming, the Parousia, the "Rapture", that was prophesied by an 89 year old Christian Family Radio preacher, who has done so once before, seventeen years ago, and was proven wrong.  Several of the world's time zones, have surpassed their 6 pm hour, with no occurrence of either an earthquake, or the end time, taking place.  That it would occur at 6 pm on May 21, 2011, was the first word uttered, and now in recent days, a clarification that it will be 6 pm Eastern Time.  Other than the prediction, there is no other evidence that today, and any hour of it, holds this world alternating, / ending, happening.  Over the past century, 100 or more, of these end time prophesies have taken place, only to come and go, with the World and Creation, as humankind know them remaining intact.  It underscores the gullibility of so many persons, to be misled, by erroneous predictions and false prophecies, while confirming the words of Jesus The Christ, that God Alone, namely God the Heavenly Father, knows the Day and the Hour, the Second Coming / End Time will take place.  Why the personal prediction of anyone person, especially a person who has already been proven wrong about the Parousia / Rapture, is believed by Disciples of the Redeemer of Humankind, is incredulous.  Pastor Harold Camping,  is a self taught interpreter of biblical passages, so by what authority does he possess the ability to make this most significant of prophecies ?  Only weak hearts, and unenlightened minds, would put credence into a unsubstantiated someone or something, as vital as this.  If those who buy into the doomsday scenario, would put equal or greater, energy and belief into their interpersonal and communal relationship, with the authenticity of the Divine, they, the Community of Believers, and the World, could be so better served.  If indeed within a matter of hours, the End of Creation were to happen, how much more ready would the vast majority of the global community, be because of the pronouncement of a man, whose business and resources have increased by more than five-fold, all because of a claim, there is any proof is, or will occur ?...........Is this being overzealous, or as the saying goes being, "Crazy as a Fox" ?,   Fr.  Troy

MY THERAPY EXERCISES AND MY BACK CONTEND WITH EACH OTHER...........

My lower left back pain, which has bee increasing again over the past several days, was intense enough by mid-morning, that I extended my mid-day nap, took a daytime pain reliever, and passed on my Friday therapy session, as I slept through it, until being awoken by a phone call.  The first seven pt sessions I have resumed doing with therapist Quinn McArthur, are thorough enough work-outs, stretching and standing my body, that he himself admits the renewed pain, after more than four months in a wheelchair and bed, has my body responding this way.  That's one more reason I am eager to get my temporary prostheses placed on my right foot and leg, and being able to learn to stand upright and walk with the prostheses and begin putting my limited mobility and atrophy behind me.  I see my orthopedist, Dr. Cookson, and have my next pt session, with Quinn on Tuesday, which hopefully will be a green light, go ahead, day...........Fr.  Troy 

IF WE POSSESS FAITH AS GOD'S EASTER PEOPLE - WHO ? OR WHAT ?? SHALL WE FEAR ???...........

Paul in 1st Corinthians 13 reveals that there are three things that endure beyond our human lives, "Faith, Hope, and Love".  And that although, Faith and Hope, will fade, leaving Love, as the consumate manifestation of the Eternal God; Faith is an important facet in our lives as Catholic-Christians.  Without authentic Faith in the presence of the Risen Christ in our life journey, we have only a tepid, if not superficial expereience of believing and follow the One, who is, "The Way, the Truth, and the Life", that leads to God's Kingdom.  as John's Gospel 14:1-6, proclaims to us today - we who believe in and follow Him, will find the Heavenly Father, as Jesus is the door we must walk through to discover the Father.  In this twenty seventh day of the Paschal Season, how well are you being a Disciple of the Risen Christ, in following Him as your Way, Truth, and Life, to the Eternal Father ?  What Ministry are you choosing to embrace or discover, as the outward sign and practice of your Baptism and Christian Initiation ?  OLOL Parish stands at a crossroads.  Our aging parish population is inordinately relying on fewer and fewer older parishioners, to fulfill the ministries of this parish community.  More work is being required of fewer and older members, leading to a set in of apathy, burn-out and complacency.  Liturgically, we currently have only 6 Lectors, and 6 Eucharistic Ministers, meaning with three Sunday Masses, each week we stretch these too few liturgical ministers, to the limit.  During this Church Vocations Awareness and Discernment Week, as we have focused on Prayer, Pondering, and Preparation, of our young people for answering the Call to Priesthood, Religious Life, and the Diaconate; we are also gearing up a concentrated effort to recruit, train, and put into place, many mor parish lay ministers.  Every Baptized person has a responsibility to minister, and what better, por simplified way to carry out your Call to Ministry, then by training and carrying out the Ministries of Reader of God's Word, or Distributors of the Body and Blood of Christ sacramentally, at Mass.  As I prepare to deliver my first annual 'State Of The Parish Address', as Pastor, on Pentecost Sunday; the Call to Fulfilling Our Baptismal Obligations In Parish Ministry, will be one of the central focuses.  Attending Sunday Mass is part of the baptismal responsibility we are obliged to keep.  Equally necessary, is the means by which your participation in the Community of Believers contributes to the service of God and our fellow members, in providing for the common good of All God's People.  Eradicating apathy; refreshing the burnt out; and overcoming the complancency, that leaves the work of Catholic-Christianity to others; we must strive to accomplish, for the full presence and participation of the entire parish community, diocesan family, and universal Church.  What are you doing as Easter People, to make that happen ?????.....Fr.  Troy

MAKING THE MOST OF A HODGE PODGE 26TH DAY OF EASTER...........

My reading glasses having fallen in the car of the parishioner who drove me to and from my physical therapy session yesterday, I was Mr. Magoo, the beloved cartoon character, until mid-day today, as I had no ability to read anything up close.  It has been a remarkable six hours seeing with new eyes, to paraphrase the youth ministry motto, of my pre-seminary days, "Seeing With the New Eyes Of Faith".
It was a sorting out day in the Parish Office, squaring away the Sunday Bulletin, arranging Mass Intentions requests, and awaiting return of my Reading Glasses.  Father Traynor arrived just after 4 pm, for a visit, and stayed for dinner.  I am chillaxing in preparation for Mass in the morning, my afternoon therapy session and Sunday Homily preparation tomorrow.  I continue to enjoy reading Fr. Steve Avella's engrossing e-mail reports on his tour travels through Britannia.  Yesterday, chronicles of Glastonbury and Bath; today, the pursuits of Chester and Liverpool.  With Fr. Avella's professional, professorial, precision as a writer and a lecturer, his pericopes on tour in Great Britain, is nearly as good as being there, the descriptions and details he imparts are so very good.  Fr. Steve's in England and the United Kingdom; while Queen Elizabeth is on her first official visit to the Republic of Ireland.  Imagine where theIR twains to meet, the story, as he he could share.  Thanks Steve for staying in touch from your time presently spent, "across the pond".  Your sharing from abroad, is helping round out these May Days, in this undecidely California spring weather...........Think of me when having either fish n' chips, or bangers and mash !!!!!.....Fraternally in the Risen Jesus,   Troy

THE INTENSITY OF MY PHYSICAL THERAPY INCREASES THE DEEP SEATED MUSCLE PAIN IN MY LOWER LEFT BACK...........

My physical therapist Quinn McArthur told me three weeks ago, that he would thoroughly work me, at my twice a week sessions, to be prepared to rest the body on Wednesday evenings and thursday mornings, and Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.  The intensity of my lower left back pain this week, is a sure sign he was on target.  Wednesday is my day off so I have control over my schedule after that pt session.  Friday evenings are relatively light, providing me with the recuperation time I need, and currently I am not celebrating Thursday morning Mass, and we do not have a Saturday morning Mass, so I am able to re-group.  Getting the rest necessary for the therapy to have its maximal affect and to perfect the recuperation my body requires, as I approach the temporary prostheses and more concentrated therapy, the summer brings is now my first priority, while I also carry out parish pastoral ministry, here at OLOL...........Fr.  Troy

ACCURATE PROPHECY OR ERRONEOUS PREDICTION ??....."THE RAPTURE", SAID TO BE COMING THIS SATURDAY @ 6 PM...........

Christian Radio host Harold Camping, a so called, "Biblical Scholar", is proclaiming the coming of the Rapture, the end of the World, this Saturday at 6 pm, in respective time zones.  An interesting prediction that the whole of Creation as we know it, will not end simultaneously, but as every day does; including Christmas, Easter, and other events : as 6 pm arrives in each of the world's time zones.  Mr. Camping does not seem to have much to base his prediction on, except for his own declaration.  And this is not the first time, Harold Camping, has prophesied the end of the World.  He did so before, in 1994; and here we are, seventeen years later, being confronted with another of his predictions.  Are humans so gullible today, as to put any credence into this prediction, after the person making the prediction, has been definitively proven wrong once before ?  Do the majority of persons and or believers, around the globe, put the word of an already erroneous person, ahead of the Word of Jesus The Christ, that only God the Father knows the time and the date of the Second Coming, the End Time, also called the Rapture, will occur.  If indeed the World should end at 6 pm this Saturday May 21, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish will conclude with the completion of our Sunday Vigil Mass, a commendable note of fidelity to Prayer, Worship, and Ministry, as God's People.  Although it is not likely this Saturday at 6 pm, is the End of the World, there is an attribute to considering it, as if it causes more people to live their lives in loyalty to the Gospel Values, that will make the Rapture an authentic Faith experience, and not a fear driven manipulation with questionable motivations of self interest, that abuse, rather than honors Humankind's true relationship with the Divine...........Fr.  Troy

WORKING OUT THE REMAINING BACK PAIN, ON THIS THE 54TH ANNIVERSARY OF MY BAPTISM...........

The pain remaining from my healed, lower left back, infection is still slowly working its way out of being deep in the muscle, and has been bothersome for the past three days.  The pain reliever keeps it tolerable, and my therapy exercises, help; yet also tend to increase the pain, as I stretch my muscles, so I must push forward and hope my soon to be placed temporary prostheses, which will get me up out of the wheelchair and the bed, will assist me in working out of the pain.  Today, May 18, the 25th Day of the Easter Season, is the halfway point in the Paschal Season.  We are just 25 Days to Pentecost Sunday 2011.  On Pentecost Sunday at all the Masses, I plan on delivering The State of the Parish Address, which was postponed from February 11, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Feast.  I intend to be true to my Baptism, Gospel Values, and the Prophetic Voice, of the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, in the direction, ideas, and ministries, I propose OLOL take and embrace in 2011-2012, as we move forward in building up the Body of Christ and God's Kingdom.  I awoke to two interesting offshoot comments, to my blogging on Church Vocations and Awareness this week.  One, that OLOL revert to boys only altar servers, when that is a decided practice, given the Vatican's approval of altar servers of both genders, a common practice in very many, if not the majority of American parishes, for upwards of thirty years.  Secondly, that I allow someone to solicit tuition for themself, on my blog !  What that has to do with recruiting Church Vocations, or how it is the responsibility of the blogsphere confounds me.  An economically challenged parish, how unable to provide financial assistance to even our own parishioners, how we can even be asked to support someone else financially, astounds me.  Today, being my day off, I will make this a day of rest.  Then this evening a number of my personal friends will join me at the kick-off meeting to coordinate my 25th Anniversary, Silver Jubilee of Priesthood, which starts 350 Days, from today...........Fr.  Troy

PROVIDING SPIRITUAL DIRECTION DURING THIS WEEK OF CHURCH VOCATIONS AWARENESS AND DISCERNMENT...........

So far, my invitation to set up a time to speak with me or Fr. Pius, or one of the Canossian Sisters, about a possible call to a Church Vocation, has not garnered a response; but then we skewer to the older and younger families, not very many of the young adult college students / university graduates demographic.  Discussing a potential call to a Church Vocation, with a priest, religious sister, or brother, or a deacon, takes the readiness and courage of the young adult, to have that conversation.  However, if your families and our parish communities are fulfilling their responsibilities to encourage, promote, and nurture, then prospective candidates will be more likely to surface and step forward to discern and develop a Church Vocation.  As this Good Shepherd Vocations Awareness goes forward, what are you doing to make more Church Vocations happen ?.....One of the ministries as a parish priest I carry out is providing Spiritual Direction to given persons.  Presently, I am doing some spiritual direction with a permanent diaconate candidate.  As I firmly believe, no one hears or answers the call to a Church Vocation, with the presence and support of others, as they embrace and follow the path to ordination or consecretion...........Jesus the Good Shepherd, Help Us Answer Your Call To The Priesthood, Religious Life, and Diaconate,   Fr.  Troy

ANSWERING THE CONTINUING REQUEST FOR CHARITABLE ASSISTANCE............

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, is an economically challenged community, with ever occurring requests for charitable assistance made of the church.  Today is Tuesday, our weekly distribution day for the Feeding the Hungry Ministry, that has existed in the parish for more than a quarter of a century.  Feeding trhe Hungry ministers to the poor and the needy in the several hundreds of familes weekly, and more than 5,300 persons and families annually.  St. Vincent De Paul helps those in need with bedding and furniture, as is possible.  All Feeding The Hungry and St. Vincent De Paul miinistries do here at OLOL, is for those residing within one of three parish zip codes; 95838, 95662, 95673.  Yet, despite the yeoman ministry these two outstanding parish ministries provide, we still get a crush of daily requests for rental and utilities assistance.  Unfortunately, we are unable to give financial assistance, as our budget is stretched to the limits.  We do our utmost to help those who turn us with weekly groceries and charitable donations, but monetary assistance is beyond our means.  I share this to underscore the ongoing demands parishes face, even the poorest, to meet the needs of the poor.  I am particularly proud of the parishioners, who selflessly volunteer their time, talents, and treasure, to make Feeding The Hungry and St. Vincent De Paul at OLOL, a vital part of the corporal and spiritual concern we show for the northeast Sacramento, Del Paso Heights, Rio Linda, Elverta, Robla, neighborhoods that comprise this parish community.  I also thank those other individuals, parishes, and the Diocesan Food Bowl, who assist us in meeting the ever present needs we face...........Fr.  Troy 

CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS AS WE ZERO IN ON FINALIZING OUR PROJECTED PARISH BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012...........

Our third meeting in three weeks of the Parish Finance Council, to come up with a projected parish budget for the next Fiscal Year, was held tonight for 75 minutes of completing line items and coming up revenue increases to offset a substantial shortfall in the bottom line.  By consensus of consideration and discussion, we found areas to project increased revenues in during 2011-2012.  At a subsequent meeting in a month, after the Parish Festival, we will meet to try and finalize our next year Budget, and address any deficit or cash flow problem, needing to be addressed going into the summer, when offertory collections tend to go down, in many parishes.  I am thoroughly enjoying Father Steve Avella's e-mail updates from England, where he is on a tour of historic sites and sending great reports of his experiences.  Bravo, Fr. Steve !!!  Keep the updates coming...........Fr.  Troy

MORNING MASS, PARISH ADMINISTRATION, AN INURNMENT, AND PARISH BUDGET MEETING...........

As our Easter Season Week of Prayer for Church Vocations Awareness and Discernment, goes forward - this Monday morning as always, is a full and busy one.  Following the 8 am Mass, I will set in motion parish administration for the week, and then at 10 am will taxi to Union Cemetery, at the far end of Watt Avenue, and PFE Road, on the cusp of Roseville; for the inurnment of ashes of Tom McLoughlin, from Saturday's Funeral Memorial Mass.  After my Blessing Prayers at the graveside, a Bagpiper, will play two songs, and the Coast Guard, will present Colors, and give the Flag to Ora Mae.  His granddaughter will read the word's of the Father's Day card his wife chose for him this year, one of his son-inlaws with express thanks, and the committal will take place.  They will be buried with a red rose, the father's day card, and a small bottle of Chivas Regal scotch; Tom's favorite !!  Then the afternoon brings my final preparations reviewing the projected parish budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012; which the Parish Finance Council and I, have been working on the past three weeks.  We hope to finalize our projections tonight.  It will make for a typical Monday as they are defined here at OLOL.  In the spirit of last week's Priests Retreat, I will do as much as I can to experience it in the spirit of prayer and priestly ministry, not as a admirable, nice guy, but as a prophetic, honest, loyal, servant-leader of the parishioners entrusted to my care...........Fr.  Troy

MID MAY AND THE SURGE TOWARDS SUMMER...........

As the middle of the month of May is here, our Sacramento / Northern California weather is following an unpredictable course, from wind, rain, and snow, to bright sunshine and warmth.  More than half way through Spring and the Pasch, the annual rituals of this season of nature are unfolding, from little league, soccer, t-ball, to Confirmations, First Communions, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, graduations, commencements, spring and summer Weddings, Ordinations; these events go forward, even as the elements go from being in the 80's and 90's Fahrenheit, as they were last week, to the chillier, windy, wet, raining, and snowing, temperatures of today.  The bright, sunny, weather yesterday allowed for a larger than normal Saturday Vigil Mass attendance last night, and this morning's 8:30 am Mass held its own, so that the much lower than usual 10:30 am Mass attendance, did not decimate the average Sunday Mass attendance, here at OLOL.  That despite, the downpours of rain and thunder, that came just prior to, and during the second Mass this morning.  Having celebrated four consecutive Sundays with higher than normal attendance, given Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Confirmtion Sunday, and First Communion Sunday, today still afforded us an appreciable attendance.  As we proceed towards the unofficial start of  Summer, in two weeks, with Memorial Day weekend, may your participation in Sunday Eucharist, not flag - whatever the weather, or wherever you may be............Seeking To Answer The Call Of  The Risen Jesus The Christ, Our Good Shepherd,   Fr.  Troy

4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER : CHRIST OUR GOOD SHEPHERD AND CHURCH VOCATIONS AWARENESS AND DISCERNMENT 2011...........

The 4th Week of the Easter Season ios anchored for us, as Catholic-Christian Disciples - on Jesus The Christ, as the Good Shepherd; calling, gathering, leading His Flock, who are the sheep of His fold; and authentically Hear the Voice of the true Call of the Good Shepherd and are not fooled by the false prophets, who are marauders and usurpers, and who will only lead the Risen Christ's sheepfold astray.  The Good Shepherd tends His faithful and fervant, Flock gently, yet firmly.  He Calls each one of us, personally, and by name, - to Come and Follow Him.  Those who would seek to mislead and manipulate the Good Shepherd's Sheepfold, have been notrorius over the centuries for preaching falsehood, prophesying awry, and being selfishly, sinfully, wrong.  Whether it be enticing away, the followers of the Risen Christ, Who alone is the eternal, Shepherd of Souls; or predicting the end times of the World, and Creation as we know it; only to have the dates and times they have propheised arrive and fade, without occurring.  Only the Supreme Living and True God of the Universe, knows the time and the day, of the inauguration of the Kingdom of Eternity; and the Divine GodHead, who includes the Co-Eternal Son, Savior, Redeemer, the Good Shepherd; is able to determine and bring about the Second Coming of the Risen, Ascended, Christ - and bring it about.  Anyone else is a, "thief and a robber", - false prophets, not to be heeded.  During this 4th week of the Pasch, we also make a familial, and community priority of Prayer, Discernment, Discussion, and Promotion, of Church Vocations; as we seek to open the doors of families and parish community, to encouraging, and underscoring, the possibility of God's Call to our children, grandchildren, and young adult parishioners, to seriously consider and pursue, answering God's Call to the Priesthood, Religious Life, Diaconate.  The Call to Church Vocations is no less than ever , and even more important than ever.  As your families prayerfully discern and become more aware of potential priestly, religious, and diaconal, vocations within you homes, OLOL Parish, and all in the community of believers, must be committed to prayer, action, and support, for the Church Vocations prospectively among us.  No one by themselves can answer and make a commitment to becoming a priest, sister, brother, or deacon.  What we do in our homes and churches, maqke an invaluable contribution to achieving ordained and consecreted Catholic-Christian Vocations.  Additionally, here at OLOL, I am inviting college students and university graduates, who feel that you are possibly hearing God's Call to follow this path, to contact me, Father Pius, Sisters Felicity, and Teresa, of the Cannosian Sisters, to discuss the possibility of a Church Vocation in your lives.  Take time this week to ponder the potential vocations in your circle of families, friends, and fellow believers.  God continues to Call, all of us must remain open to Hearing and Answering the Divine Call...........In The Paschal Mystery Discipleship Of Christ The True And Good Shepherd,   Rev. Fr.  Troy David Powers

3 WEEKS OF THE PASCHAL SEASON COMPLETE; HOW WELL ARE YOU BEING EASTER PEOPLE ???...........

Three weeks into our 50 Glorious Days of Easter, the annual disappearance of the Easter and Christmas Catholic-Christians, coined by the Liturgical Training Publications as, "Chreasters", is quite apparent, as only the regular, practicing, faithful parishioners are still attending Mass, less than half way through the Pasch.  We will most likely see them next at Thanksgiving and Christmas, when holiday sentimentality, or their consciences lead them back to Church.  That reality raises the pertinent question for all of us who renewed the profession of our Catholic-Christian Faith, during the Easter Triduum; How well are you bearing Faithful Witness to being Easter People ?  Attendance at Sunday Eucharist, Living Gospel Values, Fulfilling the Call of your Baptism, to Minister in and to The Church, are the distinctive marks that you and your families are fulfilling your responsibility as God's Easter People.  May the coming fourth week of the Paschal Season, and our focus on Church Vocations Awareness and Discernment, fill your hearts and homes, as well as our parish community...........Fr.  Troy

ST. MATTHIAS, APOSTLE; FR. MARTIN BRUSATO, PRIEST...........

As we mark three weeks of the Easter Season, the Church liturgically commemorates St. Matthias, the Disciple of Jesus, chosen by lots to be the successor Apostle to Judas, among the Twelve.  Twnty two years ago today, May 14, 1989, the Church of the Diocese of Sacramento, called and ordained, native Sacramento vocation Reverend Father Martin Brusato, to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.  Fr. Martin, like myself, is a local grown, South Sacramento priestly vocation.  Growing up in St. Anne's Parish, in Meadowview, where he worked with then Pastor, Reverend Father Nicholas Duggan, as a high school and college student, Fr. Martin completed his seminary formation at St. Patrick's Seminary, in Menlo Park, CA.  His first assignment as a priest was as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph's Parish, Elk Grove; where he served with Msgr. Albert O'Connor.  Then he became the Priest Secretary to Bishop Weigand, living In Residence at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, with Rector, Reverend Father Vincent Brady.  While residing there, a post midnight break-in, and untoward attack upon him, asleep in his bed, left him seriously afflicted.  But like any person, including priests dedicated to their Vocation, Fr. Brusato rallyed back, becoming Pastor of St. Christopher's Parish in Galt; at a time when they were breaking ground for the building of a new church.  Following a lengthy medical leave, and surgeries to alleviate and correct fall out conditions resulting from the attack he suffered, Fr. Martin was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. James Parish, in Davis.  Subsequent complications have him once again on medical leave, with I'm sure the resolve to soon resume his priestly ministry.  For the past nine years, Fr. Martin Brusato, and Fr. Phil Wells, another native diocesan vocation, currently serving as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Anderson; have been true personal and presbyteral inspirations to me, as I have faced my own health challenges; for their perseverance, patience, and enduring commitment to their priestly and pastoral vocations.  I salute them both; and wish my fellow partial, Portuguese ancestry sharing, colleague Fr. Martin, a Happy 22nd Anniversary of Priesthood, on this day after Our Lady of Fatima day...........Ad Multos Annos, Marty !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...........Fraternally In The Risen And Redeeming Jesus The Christ,   Troy

BACK AT PARISH MINISTRY THE FUNERAL VIGIL TONIGHT FOR PARISHIONER TOM MCLOUGHLIN...........

Resuming a regular parish schedule today, with the Priests Retreat 2011, completed - meant desk work; weekend preparation; organizing my Good Shepherd Sunday / Vocations Awareness Homily; going to my physical therapy session; resting; and presiding at the Funeral Vigil Service, for Tom McLoughlin.   Over three dozen persons were in attendance tonight, as Fr. Traynor and I, alternated in leading the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, in the midst of the Vigil Prayer Service. It was a well balanced first day back after Retreat and will revv up the engines for the pastoral, priestly, ministry ahead in the next thirty days of this Paschal Season...........Fr.  Troy

THE 20TH DAY OF EASTER 2011 - IS THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA...........

On May 13, 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary, appeared in an apparition to three young shepherd children, in Fatima, Portugal. Six times over the next five months she appeared to them urging them to tell the World to pray for the Conversion of Russia and Peace;  according to the reports of the apparitions saw by the children, sanctioned by the Church, as valid.  Being of fifty percent Portuguese ancestry, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, like the annual Holy Ghost Festivals, are days of special celebration.  As a child I remember attending Our Lady of Fatima processions and Holy Ghost Festivals, at St. Elizabeth's Church, at 12th and S Streets in downtown Sacramento; and at the Portuguese Hall in the Pocket area of Sacramento, as in Clarksburg.  Just this week during the Priests Retreat, I told Bishop Soto and some of my brother priests, that I proudly say, on our Ordination Day, 150 % of the the three of us ordained as the Centennial Priests, were Portuguese : as Fr. Eduino Silveira, a native of the Azores, is 100% and I am, of 50% Portuguese ancestry.  I have learned this week also that Cannosian Sister Teresa Norris, is  of, 25 % Portuguese ancestry; thus 37.5% of the current pastoral leadership team of OLOL Parish, is of Portguese descent.  I will preside at today 8 am Parish Mass, commemorating Our Lady of Fatima, as we continue our Pasch as Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Sacramento / Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla /...........Our Lady of Fatima Day / Easter Peace,   Fr.  Troy

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PREPARE DINNER AS WE FINISH OFF THESE RETREAT DAYS OF FRATERNITY AND FELLOWSHIP...........

In  recent years the Knights of Columbus in our Sacramento Diocese have prepared the closing night Dinner, for the priests at the annual Retreat.  They do a wonderful job of cooking and providing a delicious meal for us, and to bring the days of Retreat to its crescendo.  It also affords us the opportunity to tie the sharing of these days into bundled memories, and to conclude the Priests Retreat on a festive note.  The Retreat officially concludes on Friday morning, with Morning Prayer, Mass, and Breakfast.  Because we have been commuting from OLOL to Christ the King Center in Citrus Heights; the Retreat ends for me and Fr. Pius tonight, as I will preside at OLOL's 8 am Mass tomorrow morning and then get back into the groove of parish ministry.  I will also have my Friday afternoon physical therapy session and then a funeral vigil service Friday night...........Peace In The Risen And Redeeming Christ, In Gratitude For A Very Good Week Of Retreat,   Fr.  Troy

SOARING INTO THE LAST FULL DAY OF RETREAT AND REIMAGINING...........

Thursday opens on what has been a well received, annual Retreat this week, for the Priests of the Sacramento Diocese.  Just as Jesus, Co-Eternal Son of God, and the Christ of Salvation, needed to take time away from His Public Ministry and His Disciples, to rest and regroup, for the work ahead, and to reflect on the ministry completed; so too, do we as Priests of Jesus Christ, have the need to spiritually, pastorally, and fraternally, recharge our batteries.  This week is certainly accomplishing that, as we are provided more theological food for the journey and given the time to sojourn together as brothers in Christ, with quality time spent together.  That is particularly important in a Diocese the size of Sacramento, covering more than 43,000 square miles, and stretching from Sacramento, up to Alturas and Yreka; down to Galt; and over to Vallejo and South Lake Tahoe / Tahoe City.  20 counties, 103 parishes, and several dozens of ministries, claim the great share of our time, thus it is reinvigorating and reuniting to consider how we can reimagine and reshape the productivity and fidelity, of our priestly ministries - so as to be able to carry out our duties with the power of the Risen Christ, teeming through us.  Fr. Pius and I, like all your priests will return to you, with a refreshed focus and energy to give you our best, and to lead you, and serve you, as our Priests Retreat has provided an injection of rest and renewal, that empowers us to renew our appreciation and acceptance of the prayer, worship, and ministry, our Vocation - the Call to Holy Orders and Priesthood, we have heard and answered...........Fr.  Troy

CELEBRATING THE 88TH BIRTHDAY OF A 64 YEAR PRIEST OF THE SACRAMENTO DIOCESE...........

Reverend Father Thomas Relihan, Pastor Emeritius of Sacred Heart Parish in Ione, celebrates his 88th Birthday today.  He was ordained to the Priesthood, for service in the Sacramento Diocese, in 1947; and has served for 64 years.  We feted him at dinner tonight with the singing of Happy Birthday and a cake, which we, his brother priests enjoyed.  Like so many of our senior priests, who have ministered for countless decades, with commitment and passion for fulfilling their responsibilities of priestly ministry and administration, Fr. Tom is to be saluted ! commended ! thanked ! congratulated !..........."Ad Multos Annos",   Fr.  Troy

DAY 3 OF THE PRIESTS RETREAT GOING VERY WELL...........

Monsignor Michael Heher, of the Diocese of Orange, is presenting us with a very unique, out of the box Retreat on Reimagining the Priesthood.  He is challenging us to break free of being, Nice, Admirable, People Pleasers, to be our Prophetic, Servant-Leader selves.  Not  agreeing to every proposal our parishioners make, but showing vision, and causing the parish community to think and act, in ways that take their lead from the priests and pastors, by putting the common good of the community believers first and foremost.  This concurs with my long held philosophy that the ordained, "Priesthood is not a Popularity contest".  We are ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, to serve and to lead the People of God, as ministers of the Gospel.  I have learned as do most priests through the years, that the decisions we make, or the direction we lead the parish, will not always meet with unanimous agreement or support.  Parishioners are for the most part wonderful collaborators with the clergy and the religious, in my experience of parish ministry.  But there are also those in every  community, who are critical, controlling, monopolizing, and curmudgeonly; as though they are the pastor and parish in total. The Retreat talks Msgr. Heher is providing us, are on target in terms of how effective and purposeful we are, and can be, if we do not put being thought of as nice, admirable, go along to get along, good priests, in the ascendancy; and relinquishing our rightful, prophetic, responsibility to serve all the parishioners, by leading the entire community in the direction it needs to go...........Fr.  Troy

A SHOCKING ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CALIFORNIA'S PREVIOUS GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY...........

Stunning news broke from the Offices of former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, this morning that he and his wife, former First Lady Maria Shriver, are separating after twenty five years of marriage.  They have four children.  The couple has supposedly been living apart for some time.  I note that Arnold's released statement spoke of their assessing their future, "relationship", not their marriage.  Reports are surfacing according to KCRA 3 News, that Maria was pulled shouting and screaming into the 2003 gubernatorial recall election, only learning about the decision to run on the,"Tonight Show", with Jay Leno.  She is said to also have thought they had a one term only understanding.  So IT sounds like their marriage has been an unhappy alliance for quite some time.  The Schwarzenegger press release closes with a request for privacy.  And privacy they deserve, as does any married, separating, or divorced, couple.  What causes such high profile, and prominent, political, marriages as theirs and Albert and Tipper Gore's, to disintegrate after so many decades ?  Is it the pressures of the public spotlight, coupled with lives that drift apart, as husbands and wives, increasingly find them themselves going in different directions, or spending inordinate time away from one another.  It is sad, whenever the bond of love is broken between married couples.  Let us pray for all vulnerable couples, that they will place the priority on their mutual love; not on the notiriety of celebrity and fame.  Unless the news of this martial breakdown merits firther mention, I believe their request for privacy needs to be honored.  God Bless The Bond Of Marriage,   Fr.  Troy

ONE THIRD OF THE WAY THROUGH EASTER 2011 - DAY 17. THE SECOND DAY OF OUR PRIESTS' RETREAT...........

On this 3rd Tuesday of Easter, we arrive at the one third way markn in the Paschal Season.  It is the second day of the Annual Priests Retreat in the Diocese of Sacramento.  We are gathered together at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, hearing a message from this week's RetreatMaster, Monsignor Michael Heher, of the Diocese of  Orange, California; where he serves as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia.  Our Retreat is based on his book, The Lost Art of, "Walking On Water", Re-imagining the Priesthood.  In addition to his eight scheduled talks, there is ample time for fraternity and fellowship between the priests.  Since my arrival yesterday, it is increasingly apparent how much my brother priests care for me, as from young to oldest, they are being very solicitous and supportive of me, assisting me in ways they can and affirming my presence, as a fellow participant in the Retreat.  And after all, isn't that what Catholic-Christianity and the Priesthood of Jesus Christ is about; caring and sharing in the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Risen and Redeeming Christ ?...........Fr.  Troy

THE CONTINUING COURAGE OF COLIN POWELL; SOLDIER, GENERAL, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR, SECRETARY OF STATE, MENTOR...........

There is no doubt citizen Colin Powell, has served this country with fidelity and patriotism.  No one can question his credentials or qualifications as a Soldier, Four Star General, White House Special Assistant, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Secretary of State, Chairman of America's Promise Foundation, so one does not simply dismiss or dispute the declarations of this exemplary man.  In Orangeburg, South Carolina, General Powell giving the Commencement Address, to the 400 graduates of the state's historically premier African American university, told the students they are graduating at a, "tumultuous time"...within days of a..."Royal Wedding; Papal Beatification; and the KIilling of Osama Bin Laden;" calling him..."the Worst Person on Earth".  Then this astute, experienced, medaled, politically Republican man, declared he is pleased President Obama, "one upped",  Donald Trump, over the, "Birther issue", by releasing his authentic Hawaiian birth certificate.  Yes, General Powell endorsed Barack Obama for President in 2008, but he is a Republican Party member, and is also a man strong enough in his convictions, that he willing to call it as he sees it, politics aside.  This is an example of the continuing courage Colin Powell, citizen, soldier, diplomat, provides our nation in season and out of season.  Bravo, to one of true leaders in the USA today.  A man who could have become President of the United States, and whose unwavering contribution to the betterment of America is unquestionable.  Perhaps statements like the one he made last weekend, will lead us further toward the post partisanship / truth speaking / let's stop playing games approach to politics and governance, that serves the common good, instead of selfish interests...........Fr.  Troy 

THE 16TH DAY OF EASTER - PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY OF SOON TO BE BISHOP THOMAS DALY...........

One week after our Diocese of Sacramento Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, twenty four years ago last week, Fathers Eduino Silveira, Paul Schloeder, and I, were in St. Mary's Cathedral,  on May 9, 1987, for the Ordination of our Archdiocese of San Francisco classmates from St. Patrick.'s Seminary, in Menlo Park.  Among the four priests ordained that day, was the Reverend Thomas A. Daly, our youngest classmate, and native San Franciscan.  Sixteen days from now, Reverend Father Tom Daly, will be ordained to the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, when he becomes the first Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose.  Father Daly has ministered as a Parochial Vicar in parishes in Novato and San Francisco, has been Pastor of a parish in Novato, been the part-time Chaplain to the San Francisco Police Department, Vocations Director of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and for the past nineteen years, a Teacher and Principal, at Marin Catholic High School.
In two weeks and two days, he begins the next chapters of his ordained ministry, in the fullness of the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, as a Bishop of the Church.  Well done Fr. Daly, in twenty years of magnificent priestly, pastoral, and educational, ministry.  Please God, the Lord Jesus, and the Church, who have called you to the Episcopacy, Will Bless You Even More With An Effective And Productive Ministry To The People Of God In San Jose.......... .Fraternally In The Risen Christ,    
Fr.  Troy

REMEMBERING GOLF GREAT SEVE BALLESTEROS.....DEAD OF BRAIN CANCER @ 54...........

This weekend the World of Sports, and the sport of Golf, lost one of it's most colorful players of the past four decades; Spanish Golf Great Seve Ballestreros.  In 1979, Seve Ballestreros, at age 22, won his first Master's Tournament, the first European born golfer to ever do so.  Over a thirty five year professional tour golfing career, he won multiple British Open, Masters Tournament, and PGA Championships, for a grand total of 87 professional golf wins, in a a well respected career.  Yet for all his success and fame, Seve remained his natural; easy going; no airs or affectations; self - a nice guy, who loved the sport he played.  Two and a half years ago, at only 51, he was struck with brain cancer.  The brain cancer, that took his life now.  Golfers and sports fans in his native Spain, where he learned to golf on the beaches; in the USA and Great Britain; and around the World; mourn his passing and remember with immense fondness and respect, the golfing career he chalked up.  Thank You Seve for all you did to make the game of professional Golf, all the more enjoyable for millions of fans.  God Bless You And Keep You...God Make The Divine Face Shine Upon You And Be Gracious To You...God Grant You Peace And Eternal Rest...Viva Seve !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr. Troy 

3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER : THE RESURRECTION AND THE ROAD TO EMMAUS...........

As we celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Easter, in our seven week Paschal Season, we hear the Gospel of Luke 24 : 13-35; the post Resurrection story of, 'The Road To Emmaus'.  Two Disciples of Jesus are briskly walking the seven miles journey from Jerusalem on the road to the village of Emmaus.  They are confounded, and in doubt and fear, after the events of the previous days, that led to Jesus' Death, and now supposed Resurrection.  They a joined by a stranger as they walk along, who doesn't seem to know anything of which they speak, yet who is able to respond to them in a way that engages their minds and hearts.  They arrive at their destination, but the stranger hasn't, and yet they are eager he stay with them overnight and not continue on his way.  He does; they have supper together; and it is in the, "breaking of the bread", that their eyes are opened, and they recognize the stranger is the Risen Jesus; who immediately disappears from their sights.  This experience of journey and discovery, re-energizes their Faith, as they excitedly go back to Jerusalem, to share their Good News with the Apostles and other Disciples.  All of us as Believers in Jesus The Christ and His Paschal Mystery, are journeying on our own Road to the Everlasting Emmaus, a journey of  Life and Faith, to the Eternal Easter of God's Kingdom.  With the Alleluias of being an Easter People, we are empowered by God's Holy Spirit to overcome our own doubts, and fears, and let our active, participating, Discipleship in the Risen Christ, wash over us and keep us on the path to the Kingdom of God.  Over the next 5 weeks you have the opportunity to keep your Discipleship and Faith in focus as your hearts and minds burn, with zeal for the power of Resurrection  over our lives.  Keep your personal and communal journey of Prayer, Worship, and Ministry, alive and progressing, for these 50 Glorious Days.....Today, "Mother's Day", in the United States is also First Holy Communion Sunday at Our Lady ofv Lourdes Parish, in Sacramento / Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / , as sixteen of of Religious Education students, celebrated their First Eucharist at the 10:30 am Mass.  Our May Crowning Ceremony opened the First Communion Mass.  Avery Happy Mother's Day, to all Mothers and Grandmothers; Living and Dead.  May you and your families be blessed with love...........Fr.  Troy

ARMCHAIR ANALYSIS OF THIS SIGNIFICANT WEEK IN CURRENT AMERICAN HISTORY...........

After awakening and breakfasting this morning, I tuned into to both MSNBC and CNN news coverage, which was concentrated on the taking out of Osama Bin Laden earlier in the week.  In what has been a rallying week of affirmation for Americans, that transcends partisanship, their still seems to be some cynicism about the story of Bin Laden's killing, regarding the way the Navy Seals operation was carried out.  Only those looking to find fault, or to discredit the President and the Obama Administration, would be critiquing the action in this way, as Osama Bin Laden, has been the mosted wanted world terrorist and aggressor against the United States and countries throughout the World, for nearly a decade.  The efforts of three American Presidents and our Government, have assiduously sought to contain the violence and terrorim Bin Laden has reeked upon thousands of innnocent victims, including the 3,000 martyrs of the Twin Towers at Ground Zero, in New York City.  The operation of finding and exacting justice on one the most evil persons, since Adolf Hitler, was an intense, time consuming effort, that required precision in intelligence, observation, planning, and preparation, in carrying out the mission.  Our elite and effective Navy Seals Team 6, brought their consumate expertise to completing this dangerous and vital mission.  We should not take glee in taking of any human life, but give thanks that just retribution for a series of heinious crimes upon citizens of the world has been accomplished.  A purely, partisan, political, response to this effort is not only uncalled for, but disadvantageous to the unity and harmony of the American People.  At a time like this, we are not Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Tea Partyers, or Coffee Partyers, we are, and must be, patriotic Americans, one and all.  There is greater need now to question and ascertain, the commitment and loyalty, of our supposed allies, namely Pakistan, and their trustworthiness, in working with us to combat Al Qaida and the Taliban, given the failure of their dependability in this episode, even after receiving billions of dollars in American support during the past decade.  And so much for their scorching criticism of American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, all but calling her a liar, for a speech she made a year ago, questioning whether Osama Bin Laden, was living in Pakistan, perhaps with the knowledge of the Pakistani's.  At moments like this in the whole of American History, our citizenry has rallyed around The President of record, in showing support and solidarity for the well being of our country.  This is one of those moments in history, that will hopefully elicit the same response, as we are Proud to be Americans, and of our National Leaders, in safeguarding and protecting our nation..........."Let There Be Peace On Earth",   Fr.  Troy

2 WEEKS COMMEMORATED.....5 WEEKS TO BE CELEBRATED...........

On this 2nd Saturday of Easter, we complete the second full week of the Paschal Season, and the 14th Day, of These 50 Glorious Days.  As my physical therapist Quinn McArthur, told me last week, the level of therapeutic work-out I am doing with him twice a week, will require additioinal regroup and rest time, for my body, on Wednesday nights /Thursday mornings; and Friday nights / Saturday mornings.  I am doing that to the best of my ability, and not only resting and napping; but praying more, and doing spiritual and personal reading, as well as following the news on radio, television, and the internet.  I am also finetuning my Sunday Homily today.  Being pretty much anchored in the rectory, while I am in the wheelchair, able to go outside safely only with the assistance of others; means I welcome a varirty of well rounded diversions, as the four walls and lack of independent mobility, is getting very old after sixteen weeks of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and convalescence.  I welcome opportunities to break out, which is one of the greatest contributions Fr. Oliver provides me when he comes to spend time with me the past nine years.  He intentionally makes it a point to get me out of the rectory daily, while he is here, to refresh, renew, and redirect, my mood and energies.  Monday, will bring me  such an opportunity, as two of my former parishioners will come to visit me and go out to lunch with me.  Freedom !  Emanicipation !  Fresh Environs !, for an hour or two, at least.  My Sunday Bulletin announcement requesting parishioners available to provide me transportation to doctors appointments, and therapy sessions, got no response this week.  I do not feel it is fair to depend on  the one parishioner who has provided me transit since my return seven weeks ago,  so I will have to continue taking taxis to those appointments.  Anyone in my circle who is available on Wednesdays and Fridays, between 1 pm - 3:30 pm, who can provide me with rides to my physical therapy sessions, is welcome to contact me.  That's all for now, as we strive to keep the Spirit of Easter Alive Now And In The Coming Five Weeks...........Fr.  Troy

PLEASE GOD, ONE YEAR FROM TODAY WILL BE THE SUNDAY OF MY SILVER JUBILEE...........

One year from today at this hour please God, I will be celebrating my 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Mass as a Priest of Jesus Christ.  Having had ample time in hospital and rehabilitation, to think through the celebration, this week in my spare time, I have been setting some of the details in motion, including organizing a Coordinating Committee, to help me with the planning and preparations.  The Siver Jubilee Sunday 25th Anniversary Mass, will take place here at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, on North Avenue, between Winters Street and Raley Marysville Boulevard, in Sacramento; the parish of my current pastorate.  The Jubilee Reception-Dinner-Dance, will be at the Dante Club, on Fair Oaks Boulevard, just down the street from CSU-Sacramento.  Over the years, I have attended a number of memorable events there, from the Teres Bugatto - Mike Mugnaini Wedding Reception in 1985; to Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh's 60th Anniverary Diamond Jubilee in 2008.....It is time for my afternoon nap, having returned from my ninety minute physical therapy for today...........Risen Christ / Sacred Heart of Jesus Peace,   Fr.  Troy

EASTER EXCELERATES TOWARDS 50 - ON THIS 13TH DAY OF THE PASCHAL SEASON...........

On this First Friday of May, we celebrate the 13th Day of the Easter Season, and honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the vessel of God's Love for Humankind.  The Paschal Scriptures on this day remind us that despite our fallen human nature and the presence of sin and selfishness in the World, that God graces us with Forgiveness, and in the Co-Eternal Son assures us of Redemption, and the promise and hope of Everlasting Life.  As the Responsorial Psalm proclaims, "One thing I seek, to dwell in the House of the Lord".  And the Gospel Proclamation from John 6:1-15; the chapter of John's Gospel that concentrates on the Eucharist, chronicles the feeding of a multiple of people who were physicallyb and spiritually hungry, and for whom his miraculous feeding of the throng with mere loaves of bread and a few fish, underscores that The Christ, is the one true being who can feed our hungers.  May today be for you a time of encountering, experiencing, and extending, the Divine Love of the Risen Christ to, and with, others on your personal and communal journey of Life and Faith...........Fr.  Troy

JACKIE COOPER: THE "SCAMP" CHILD STAR, WHO BECAME,"THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE", AND ONE OF HOLLYWOOD'S MOST PROLIFIC DIRECTORS...........

The youngest person ever to nominated, and to win, an Academy Award as Best Actor, at age 9, Jackie Cooper, who started in movie shorts, that led him to a role in the, "Little Rascals", "Our Gang" comedies of the late 1920's , he was loaned by producer Hal Roach, to Paramount Pictures, to star in the movie, "Skippy", in 1931, and was so perfect in the role, he was nominated For Best leading male actor, and won the Oscar, at age 9, making him the youngest actor ever to win in that catergory.  He went on as a child to co-star in several films with actor Wallace Beery, the most well known of them perhaps being, "The Champ".  He continued movie acting into young adulthood and then tried his hand at television in the 1950's, his most famous role as a small town mayor in NBC TV's, "The People's Choice".  Turning to directing and television production, he was a copious director of innumerable television series episodes, including M.A.S.H.  During my high school years he starred in another short lived Jack Webb television production, "Mobile One", as a television reporter who covered stories from a helicopter.  In 1978, through the 1980's he returned to a co-starring role in a series of Superman movies on the silver screen, with Christopher Reeve, portraying the irrascible, Daily Planet newspaper editor, Perry White.   To me, Jackie Cooper came across as an All American average boy and man, who optimized an upbeat, can do, meet your challenges, approach to living, in his various acting roles.  Jackie Cooper  was born within six and a half months of my parents, on September 15, 1922.  He died on Tuesday - May 3, 2011, in a Los Angeles area, nursing facility.  He was 88.  I salute him for an entertainment career well acted, directed, and produced.  And for making more of a contribution to Hollywood, then many realize, or acknowledge.  May He And All Our Beloved Dead, Now Come To Share In The Eternal Easter Of God's Kingdom, As "Skippy" Meets The "Champ" In The Highest Flight "Mobile One" Has Ever Made, To Meet The "Superman" Of The Ages, In The God And Man, Jesus The Risen And Redeeming Christ,  Alleluia !!!  Amen !!!...........Fr.  Troy

THIS 12TH DAY OF EASTER, 'IS THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER'...........

Cinco de Mayo, the date in 1862, that Mexico defeated France, is celebrated today as a rather minor holiday in Mexico; but for the past forty years or so, as a major ethnic and cultural holiday by Mexican Americans.  Since 1952, by designation of the United States Congress, and the President, beginning in the modern era, with President Harry Truman, today - the first Thursday of May, is the National Day of Prayer.  Americans were invited to, Turn to God in prayer and meditation".  The concept of a National Day of Prayer, has its origins going back to George Washington, the First American President, who promulgated a proclamation at the Continental Congress, recommended by them, saying - "A day of publick prayer, humiliation, and fasting", be observed on July 20, 1775".   President John Adams, during the time of war like tensions with France, also declared a day of, "solemn humility, prayer, and fasting, by persons of all faiths in our country, to pray, that our country be protected from all dangers that threaten it", on May 9, 1798.  President Abraham Lincoln, declared a similar day of humility, fasting, and prayer, on April 30, 1863.
The Reverend Billy Graham, promoted the declaration of the modern day National Day of Prayer, of which today, is the 60th annual observance.  President Obama has issued a proclamation from the White House designating today - National Day of Prayer, by proclaiming, "Throughout our history Americans have turned to prayer for strength, inspiration, and solidarity"...........Therefore, I Barack Obama, President of the United States, do heredby decalare May 5, 2011, as a National Day of Prayer.  I invite all citizens of our country, as their faith or conscience directs them, to join me in giving thanks for all the blessings we enjoy,and I ask all people of faith to join me in asking God, for guidance, mercy, and protection, for our nation".Therefore as persons of Faith, who are Believers in the Eternal God, and Easter People, on this 12th of 50 Glorious Days in this Paschal Season, Let Us Pray God's abundant blessings upon the United States of America, and all Creation, on this National Day of Prayer 2011...........Fr.  Troy

...........I participated in National Day of Prayer events during my years as Pastor of Yreka, Oroville, and Citrus Heights...........

AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS TOOK A LARGE STEP FORWARD 50 YEARS AGO TODAY.....THANKS TO THE COURAGE OF AMERICAN CITIZENS...........

Just one hundred and four days into the Administration of President of the United States John Fitzgerald Kennedy, our 35th President; one hundred years and three weeks following the start of the American Civil War Between the States; and thirty three days into the Easter Season of 1961, the Civil Rights Movement in the United States took na large leap forward, on this date of May 4th.  For it was on that date, 50 years ago today that civil rights activists, seeking equality, justice, and abolition of discrimination and prejudice, against racial minorities, started an integration protest, known as, "The Freedom Riders".  They rode buses into the southern Statesm where segregation, and discrimination against Negroes was rampant; seeking integration between the races in transportation and equal rights as citizens of the United States of America, guaranteed to them, inherent in their civil rights, as human beings and citizens of this country.  The Freedom Riders faced a concerted opposition of angry and even violent protesters, which caused a melee, leading the Kennedy Justice Department, to send representatives down to the ensuing protests and into the beatings and bloodshed that was occuring, as the Freedom continued their demonstrations.  The American Civil Rights Movement that had grown more fierce and focused in the 1950's, crescendoed with the Freedom Riders, going full stream into the 1960's, with marches, demonstrations, and increasing support from the general citizenry and the churches.  So  we remember and salute the perosons who were bold and courageous enough, a half century ago, whose rides for freedom, equality, and justice, for all - furthered the cause of Civil Rights, in the Southern States and throughout the country, that just three and four years later, resulted in the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  Commendations, "Freedom Riders", for your consciously costly contribution to moving us as a nation forward, by keeping Your, "Eyes On The Prize". !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy 

CHILLAXING, THERAPUTIZING, AND FUNERALIZING...........

After celebrating 8 am Mass, I returned to my quarters and rested for three and a half hours.  Last night was one of those rerstless without a reason kind of nights, so I slept intently for those few hours this morning, taking full advantage of my day off.  A roast beef sandwich and pineapple juice, saw me out the door, by taxi, to my Physical Therapist, Quinn McArthur, on Madison near Van Maren, in Citrus Heights, at 1 pm.  Back in the rectory at 3:20 pm, I have a 4 pm meeting with Ora Mae McLoughlin and one of her daughters, to discuss the funeral arrangements for her husband, Tom.  Then it will be a beans and rice supper and a relaxing, restful, evening.  This morning, weather forecasts were predicting 81 degrees F, in Sacramento, today - which has me thinking more like it being 91 degrees, based on my brief time out in it from 1 -3 pm.  I pray you are staying well where-ever you are in the World.............Fr.  Troy

A POINT FIVE EASTER DAY FOR ME ON THIS 11TH DAY OF THE PASCHAL SEASON...........

If indeed I am said to celebrate and / or commemorate, any and all, occasions of significance in my mind and heart, today, the 11th Day of Easter, can be said to be such a day.  Having marked my 24th Anniversary of Ordination to the Prioesthood on Monday, and my First Mass a Priest, yesterday, today May 4, makes me  54.5,  thus what I refer to as my half birthday, six months into my current year.  That's news perhaps only to me, but indicates anew my delight and fascination with numbers.  Bishop Emeritus Francis A. Quinn, was visiting me at Mercy General Rehab, on March 11, when I wished him a Happy  89.5.  When he inquired of me as to what I meant, smiling and chuckling at me as he did; I informed him he was 6 months in his current birthday.  Chalk it up to quirkiness, or my intense love of history, dates, details, and numbers, recalling and recognizing dates like this, are a distinctive part of my personality.  With that, let me rise to do my morning ablutions and prepare for 8 am Mass , while I watchb and listen to the, 'Today Show', in the background.  Today is my weekly day of rest, with one of my weekly physical therapy sessions built in from 1:30 -3 pm.  So I will rest and chillax, then taxi over to Swanson-McArthur for my third pt session, since resuming this schedule last week.  Have a brilliant 80 degrees temperature day in Sacramento, and equally good weather, where-ever you may be !!!!!!!!!!!  May We, Following The Risen Lord's Example, Here The Cry Of The Poor,   Fr.  Troy