HALLOWEEN NIGHT, "DANCING WITH THE STARS"...........

As is per usual of Mondays in parish life, I have been kept busy from the 8 a.m., right through the morning, afternoon, and into the evening.  Although, there is no Mass Texts class tonight, thus no preparation to finalize earlier today their was plenty of other administrative and desk work to do, and as the Parish is not here on Mondays, numerous phone calls to take.  Feeding the Hungry, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and All Saints / All Souls Day Mass time inquiries, being the majority of calls received. 
So tonight to rest and relax, I will watch the Halloween episode of, "Dancing With The Stars".  It will be interesting to see their take on this night of tricks, treats, costumes, and candy.  All Saints Day Masses tomorrow at OLOL Church are at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.  Happy All Hallows Eve...........Fr.  Troy

NO NEW MASS TEXTS CLASS OR INFUSION VOLUNTEER TONIGHT IN OBSERVANCE OF HALLOWEEN...........

After doing adult faith formation for the past twenty seven years, I have learned to value the desire of parishioners, to be at home for the most part on Halloween night and not attending even a regular series that is currently underway, so as to be ready for the trick or treaters that may visit them.  So there will be no 'Understanding The New Mass Texts' class tonight, but it will resume for its final four weeks next Monday at 6:30 p.m., in the OLOL Parish Hall.  Along the same lines, I have not asked for a connect/disconnect antibiotic volunteer tonight, so that they too may remain at home.  Holidays are time for family and Halloween in the American tradition, is becoming an increasingly bigger celebration for many persons and families.  Besides, tomorrow being All Saints Day, a Holyday of Obligation, my class attendees and volunteers, will most certainlyb all be at Mass.  So enjoy your Halloween everyone !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

OCTOBER 31, 2011 - CROSSING THE THRESHOLD OF 7 BILLION PEOPLE IN THE WORLD...........

On this Halloween day, the eve of All Saints Day tomorrow, the World crosses a major threshold in humankind's history, a population numbering 7 Billion people.  It was on October 12, 1999, that global population reached 6 billion people.  And it was not until the year, 1804, just two hundred and seven years ago, that the poulation of the World was counted at 1 billion people.  According to a CBS News report broadcast last week, the typical seven billionth person is a Chinese man, age 32, an immigrant to the United States, living and working in New York City, as a computer specialist.  A phenomenal attainment, given the decline in the birthrate, around much of the globe, but offset by the increase in the lifetime median age of the average person, which is now 78 years old.  May our Stewardship of the Earth and its resources continue to remain a high priority, as we seek to provide for the inherent dignity of the 7 billion people now living in this World...........Remembering God Has The Whole World In His Hands,   Fr.  Troy

31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME- AND THE ROLE OF THE MAGISTERIUM IN THE TEACHING AND GOVERNANCE OF THE CHURCH...........

On this 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time, God's Word proclaims through the Prophet Malachi, in the Hebrew Scriptures of the Old Testament, and Matthew's Gospel, in the New Yesyament Christian Scriptures,  the necessity for a proper, authorative, Teaching Authoritysteeped in our Covenant with God.  The Israelites have the Chair of Moses to lead them, as a part of the Judaic Trasition.  We as Catholioc-Christians, have as our Teaching Authority, the Magisterium of the Church, the Holy Father the Pope, in unity with the College of Bishops forms, maintains, and guarantees, proper teaching from the Deposit of Faith.  Together as the Supreme and Chief Shepherds of the People of God, teach the  Truth, as successors of the Apostles, and followers of the Holy Scriptures and Sacred Tradition.  Therefore, we possess a guarantee in the asurance of Daith, that what is taught, and the doctrines and dogmas we are given to believe in, profess, and practice, are free from error.  As you pray, worship, minister, and ponder the meaning of the Sunday Scriptures in your own Discipleship of Christ, may you discover evermore enlightenment to embrace the Truth God is calling us to share...........In Jesus Who Is The Truth Of All Creation,   Fr.  Troy 

WE ARE NOURISHED BY PRAYER ON THE JOURNEY OF LIFE AND FAITH...........

Preparing tomorrow's R.C.I.A.  Inquiry Session this afternoon, the theme, "Nourished By Prayer On The Journey", is causing me to look back on my own journey of life and faith to date, and how the presence of Prayer has shaped and empowered me.  Learning prayers at home as a young child from my mother, and from the Sisters of Mercy who catechized me. To my first profound, personal, prayer experience at the foot of the altar of St. Roses's Church, in South Sacramento, at age 11, in February 1968; and my high school years walks to neighboring churches within 2-3 miles of our house, where I spent spring, and summer, evenings praying in quiet solitude.  Prayer has remained an important essential in my discerning and maintaining my vocation as a priest; and for nearly a decade now, persevering amidst the multiple medical challenges that have beset me, but not conquered me.  My uniequivocal effort to push forward in continuing out my priesthood, and carrying out the pastoral ministry of the Church, is rooted in Prayer, and the assurance of Faith in my heart and mind, at the core of my Conscience, that this is what I am meant to be and doing, in answering God's Call.  I will engage the Inquirers tomorrow to share how their journeys and the Faith they are now beginning to explore seriously, has been impacted by Prayer.  All of us who proclaim adherence to Jesus Christ, and / or the presence and power of a Supreme Being, we acknowledge as the God of the Universe, realize the indispensable necessity of Prayer to make our journeys of Life and Faith complete.  Are you making time to pray today, by lifting your hearts and minds to God, for twenty minutes or more.  Or are you going it alone, devoid of the spiritual blessings to be derived by those twenty minutes plus ?  That's less than one percent of the twenty four hours that comprise each day.  May your Saturday and Sunday, this Halloween weekend, include Personal Prayer, Communal Worship, and Parish Ministry.  Nourished by Prayer, you are empowered to Worship, and Minister, and wholistically commune with the Living and True God...........Fr.  Troy

OCTOBER 28, 1886 -2011.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY STATUE OF LIBERTY...........

Five months after the erection of the Diocese of Sacramento on May 28, 1886, another milestone event in the American Expereience.  The Statue of Liberty, was born  as a gift of the people of France, in New York City, on what is now - Liberty Island.  Happy Birthday Lady Liberty !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Long may the Freedom, and Opportunity, for Citizenship in these United States of America, your standing in New York Harbor, has represented for 125 years continue to Enlighten and Guide Us...........Fr.  Troy

FUNERAL MASS, PHYSICAL THERAPY, PARISHWIDE SPAGHETTI / TALENT EVENT FOLLOW-UP MEETING FILL THIS FRIDAY...........

The Rosary and Funeral Mass for forty year OLOL parishioner and Del Paso Heights community activist and former school board member, Dora Huntzing was a wonderfully attended celebration of her life from at 10:30 a.m. this morning.  Our Pastor Emeritus Anthony Traynor joined me in concelebrating the Mass; and speaking in Dora's memory in a post Communion reflection was Sacramento City Councilmember Sandy Sheedy.   Dora's adult grandsons, Anthony Barber and Brandon Williams, were altar servers.....  My 1 p.m. physical therapy session with Quinn McArthur was a further success in pushing forward on the rehab front.  After my usual exercises, he walked me around the room with the walker a total of five times, for a total of 200 feet, my second new high distance this week, as Tuesday was 160 feet.  My core strength, balance, and movement, while standing are all improving, increasing I may well be out of the wheelchair, at least partially - by Christmas.....I had a late afternoon meeting with Mirella and Kris, two of the Parish-wide Spaghetti Dinner and Talent Show, to review the expenses and proceeds from the event. Homily preparation and the Revised Roman Missal message for this Sunday, are on tonight's docket, while I do my p.m. infusion therapy treatment...........In Christ Jesus,   Fr.  Troy

FEAST DAY OF THE OTHER APOSTLES SIMON AND JUDE...........

Among the Twelve Apostles called and chosen by Jesus, were Simon Bar Jona, renaned, "Peter", and Judas Iscariot, holder of the common purse, and betrayer of Christ.  Two others of the Apostles of Jesus, also berar ther names Simon and Jude.  Simon the Caananite, also called Simon the Zealot, and Jude Thaddeus, said to be a cousin of Christ.  Simon the Zealot, is said to have been a native of Cana, in Galilee, where Jesus' miracle of changing water into wine occurred.  Before being called by Jesus to follow Him as an Apostle, Simon was likely a member of the Zealot Party among nthe Israelites.  Jude Thaddeus, is popularly now known as the Saint of the Despairing and Lost Causes, who is interceded to by believers in times of hardship and struggle.  October 28th, in Sacramento Diocesan history, is the date on which OLOL Pastor Emeritus, Reverend Father Anthony Traynor, began his first priestly appointment as Assistant Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, in Red Bluff, CA, in 1958; and the date he retired from active ministry in his last assignment, as Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Sacramento, where he served for sixteen years; and continues to serve as Pator-Emeritus.  Happy Anniversary Fther Traynor !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

25,000 PAGES VIEWS...........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I awoke on this Friday morning October 28, 2011, and opening my blog, discovered as of  8 a.m. Pacific Time, I have received 25,000 page views on, "Insights Into Life And Faith By Father Troy David Powers".   It has been 2 years, 6 months, and 9 days, since I launched this endeavor, and 1,203 blog colums later, I eagerly look forward to blogging daily on unsights and experiences I have to share with you, on our continuing journeys of living wholistically; and believing  in the Living and True God.  Thank you dear readers and fellow bloggers, for your loyalty in reading my blog, and for your interactive comments, when you have them.  I look forward to proceeding in providing you much more in the days, months, years, ahead...........God Bless You And Keep You And May The Lord's Face Shine Upon You Always,   Father Troy David Powers,  Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Sacramento, California  USA

A RESOURCEFUL AFTERNOON OF PARISH MINISTRY...........

The Parish Scripture Study Series group interaction this afternoon, was a solid ninety minutes of concentration on "The Word Among Us",  October 2011, issue's fourth deature story on the Burmese immigrants and Holy Spirit Parish, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and how the two have successfully come together to pray, worship, and minister, as one united Community of Believers, despite their language and cultural differences.  The ability each person of faith has can, and does, make a fifference in advancing the progress of peoples, when we respond with caring and compassionate hearts.....Returning to the rectory, I had an appointment with a man who is grieving the passing of his wife lasr month and is deeply bereaved.  I listened to the depth of his emotion and offered him consolation and solace in the assurance that his faith, hope, and love, will help him through this painful transition of himan separation and bereavement.  We scheduled the Mass Intention on Tuesday November 8, in his wife's memory.  Then, awaiting me was a married couple, the wife of whom had started the R.C.I.A. Inquiry process here at OLOL, but did not continue to Christian Initiation.  She is now desiring to resume the R.C.I.A. ministry journey, and after giving her this week's materials, hopefully she will be joining us this Sunday morning.   After dinner, my evening infusion therapy, and completing a diocesan report are on my docket for the rest of the night.  Tomorrow brings a parishioner Funeral Mass and my Friday physical therapy session...........Fr.  Troy

"THE WORD AMONG US" - FEATURE STORY, 'BURMA COMES TO BOWLING GREEN', IS OUR PARISH SCRIPTURE STUDY INSIGHT TODAY...........

  Coming to the close of the first month of our three month Parish Scripture Study Series, using the publication, "The Word Among Us", today's session from 1:30 - 3 p.m., in the OLOL Parish Hall, our focus for the gathering will be the feature article, 'Burma Comes to Bowling Green', - A parish learns that when you give, you receive.  Following the introductory overview and discussion of the experiences and lessons garnered by Holy Spirit Parish, in Bowling Green, Kentucky; we will pray today's biblical reflection and pray with this coming Sunday's Mass Scriptures, to share and solidify our own insights and responsiveness as members of the Community of Believers, that is Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, in Sacramento, California.  Contrasting the nation of Burma with a parish the city of Bowling Green, and linking the message of their faith journey to our own parish community universalizes the experience,  By its definition, the Catholic Church, is the Universal Church.  All parishioners, neighbors, and friends of OLOL are welcome to join us.  I hope you will come...........In The Name of Jesus The Christ, King Of The Universe,   Fr.  Troy

SPENDING MY DAY OFF IN THE RECTORY PREPARING FOR THE RENEW INTERNATIONAL OLOL PROCESS...........

As my next pastoral parish initiative for the common good of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, in Sacramento / Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / we are little more tjan two months from beginning the RENEW International process of spiritual parish renewal.  As most of my Wednesday days off are currently being spent resting, relaxing, and regrouping, in the rectory, not having the independent mobility to go off the parish grounds, I attempt to keep as much of my day as spiritually, socially, and recreationally, as I can.  In the seminary we were taught, as a priest, we should be able to take our day off at home, in the rectory, without being pulled into work.  That is not the usual norm however, as long as you are physically present, parishioners knowing it is the priests' day off, will continue to call and come to the rectory, seeking to put us to work.  Priests, Ministers, Rabbis, and other religious and spiritual leaders are not Super men and women, who can work 24 / 7 schedules, without time off, anymore than others can.  While being all but anchored in the rectory on my days off, I am striving to strike a balance in favor of being off;  answeing more calls and doorbells than I should be, given the parish office is closed on Wednesdays, and is the rectory housekeeping day of the week; and I repeatedly find that 95% of all Wednesday calls and doorbells, pertain to matters that can just as effectively wait until Thursday, Friday, or the other four days of the week.  Trying to maintain the leisurely, personal,  spiritual, social, recreational, focus on my day off, I am spending time reading RENEW materials, in eager anticipation;and have placed my wheelchair in front of a classic, black and white, film from 1946, "The Razor's Edge", being broadcast for the first time on Turner Classic Movies.  I will heat and eat my dinner during the movie, and then take my p.m. Zyvox antibiotic infusion therapy tratment.  For the most part, it has been a restful, refreshing, day off...........Renewed For The Week Ahead,   Fr.  Troy

CRACKDOWN ON OCCUPY OAKLAND - AND THE STATE OF CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN POLITICS...........

The shape and direction of American political movements has decidely changed in recent years.  Given our First Amendment constitutional right to Freedom of Speech, advocacy and protest have always been a part of the American experience for our citzenry.  Yet, in the past three years the intensity of  that advocacy and protest has rachetted up significantly.  Beginning in early 2009, with the inception of the Tea Party, a very vocal and organized political movement on the right wing of the Republican Party, opposing the autumn 2008, TARP bailout, enacted at the end of the G.W. Bush Administration; and vociferously protesting the spending policies of the Obama Administration; they dominated the 2010 midterm elections, and are substantially shaping the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination race.  The Democratic Party also has its advocacy and protest movements emerging in a much more pronounced way than previous to this, from the left wing politically, the Occupy Wall Street protest movement, spreading from New York City, across the country, being the latest manifestation.  Both of these political movements are within their rights to protest and advocate.  But is my opinion as as an observer in analyzing their protests, that both the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street movements have reason to revisit and redirect the extent of their activities.  I argue this point of view for the reasons that is no place for prejudicial, or violent, actions and attitudes to be a part of the protests they mount.  Some of the early public gatherings of the Tea Party had overt signs of prejudice and racism in the posters carried at those rallies, and in the past month, some of the reactions by Tea
Party members to questions and comments made at the GOP Presidential debates, boo-ing an American soldier on active duty aboard, because he openly said he is gay, or applauding a candidate's stated denial of health care to a possible 30 year old American male without insurance coverage, was undignified and contrary to moral values.  Equally egregious, is the violence and hostility that have broken out in recent days in the Occupy Oakland mobilization.  Occupy Wall Street and its affiliated groups, like the Tea Party and its affiliated groups, have the freedom to assemble, organize, protest, but those protests guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, must be civilized, dignified, and respectful, of the safety and liberty of all peoples.  One of the hallmarks of American citizenship is our right to speak and act, without guile for, or against,  the principles and political views we express.  Hostility, Violence, Prejudice, Racism, Discrimination, have no place being the covert agenda for the attitudes and actions we affect...........God Bless America With Freedom, Liberty, Justice, And Peace,   Fr.  Troy

A FULL TUESDAY MORNING AND AFTERNOON...........

Between adminisering my own morning, two hour, antibiotic infusion therapy at 8:45 a.m.,  to completing Sunday Bulletin copy between 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., my weekly visit from the home health nurse who changed out my port needle and drew my weekly blood labs, and then going to my Tuesday physical therapy session; I wrote an All Souls Day letter to OLOL parishioners; led to two drop in appointments, one concerning the Friday morning Funeral Mass. All making for a full and busy day.  After dinner, comes my p.m. infusion therapy, and doing some parish desk work, then watching the DWTS results show...........Fr.  Troy

>>>I still have need for a ride to my Friday afternoon physical therapy appointment at 12:30 p.m.  If you can provide me with me, please let me know as soon as possible...........tdp

ROBERT PIERPOINT, DEAD AT 86; REPORTER FROM WASHINGTON AND THE WORLD...........

Robert Pierpoint, was a young news reporter in 1948, when he was hired by Edward R. Murrow, for CBS News.  Pierpoint went on to a thirty ywo year career with CBS News reporting from world and domestic hotspots, including the Korean War, from 1950-1953, where he became one of the first American network newsmen to announce the truce and cessation of the conflict.  Into the 1950's and until 1964, he was CBS News White House Correspondent, covering Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy.  He was in Dallas, Texas on Friday November 22, 1963, the day President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated.   Robert Pierpoint's dedicated news reporting came into American homes via radio and television, making us better informed of the latest news.  He was also included in the ratings shattering, final episode of the tv series, M.A.S.H., in 1983, as it was an audiotape of his actual news report coming over the loudspeaker in the operating room, as Hawkeye, BJ, Hotlips, Klinger, Colonel Potter, and the others, learned the war was over.  May the assidious work exemplified by Bob Pierpoint continue to inspire and affect the quality of thorough and accurate news reporting.  Rest In Peace, Robert Pierpoint...........Fr.  Troy

PHYSICAL THERAPY SESSIONS DRIVER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED THIS WEEK...........

The two appointments on my schedule this week as of tonight, are my two physical therapy sessions with Quinn McArthur, at Madison Avenue and Van Maren Lane.  Tomorrow, Tuesday Ooctober 25th, at 1 p.m., and Friday October 28th, at 1 p.m.  Both with 12:30 p.m. departures from OLOL rectory, and return by 2:30 p.m.  If you are available to drive me, please contact me by 9 a.m. tomorrow morning...........Fr.  Troy

TONIGHT'S OLOL FSU- NEW MASS TEXTS CLASS FOCUSES ON THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST...........

Convening for our sixth session of the Understanding The New Mass Texts Of The Revised Roman Missal, in the OLOL Parish Hall, at 6:30 p.m., we will turn to the seconf major portion of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  This chapter from Father Paul Turner's book, is an overview of the celebration of the Eucharist at Mass, and the revisions that are being made effective the 1st Sunday of Advent November 27th, will be the focus of our discussions tonight.  All adult parishioners and others who are interested in learning more and preparing for the Mass text changes, we will all have to make in our responses at Mass, are welcome to join us.  Will You Be There ?...........Fr.  Troy

THE MYSTERIES OF A MONDAY MORNING...........

Two, out of the ordinary occurrences took place here at OLOL, in the midst of Monday morning-itis today.  After celebrating 8 a.m. Mass and returning to the rectory to sort out administrative matters, have breakfast, and take my morning antibiotic infusion, my volunteer Jack, discovered the pharmacy's Friday supplies delivery, did not include the tubing required to administer the treatment.  It took over a half hour to reach the appropriate person at the pharmacy, who told me once the delivery man starts work at 10 a.m., she will send him my way.  Thus what is scheduled as a 9 a.m. -11 a.m. therapy treatment, becomes an 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.  treatment.  The twice daily treatments are meant to be twelve hours apart, so I will have to decide what that means for tonight's infusion.....The other mystery this morning was finding one of yesterday's Sunday bulletins in the sacristry, with a handwritten note paper clipped to.  During this Respect Life Month, I wrote a bulletin message about our unconditional belief in respect and reverence for human life from conception to natural death, in affirmation of the dignity and integrity of the human person.  During the past two weeks one longtime parish member apporoached a new, two year, member of OLOL, whose actively energized, family were team members of the Parish-wide Spaghetti Dinner and Talent Show Coordinating Committee, questionoing which, "church committee", she belongs to, allowing her to organize this parish fundraiser.  Knowing based on my current dealings with a very small group of parish members, attempting to control me and parish ministry activities, without working with me, or the parish; yesterday I addressed matters like this, by stating in my Pro-Life message, "the wrongness of questioning or challenging another parishioner's right to participate in life and ministry of the Church".  Stating, "By virtue of Baptism, Discipleship. and Membership, in unity and cooperation with trhe Pastor and Parish, every Catholic=Christian has the right and responsibility to participate in the ministry of the Church".  Furthermore, I concluded that all parishioners, "Let their actions and attitudes reflect this holistic Respect For Life". .....I think that is a clear, tactful, direct, way of addressing a particular issue.  Yet, this anonymous note writer misinterpreted the message and questioned whether I am saying a Catholic can be pro-abortion / pro choice,; and said that this is not possible, anymore than they can be active racists or anti semites.  Closing these comments wuth, "October is respect for life, not tolerance of anti life positions, in our church !".   How this commentator misunderstood, or confused,  the meaning of my message, I cannot phantom.  So be the challenges of being a priest, pastor, and preacher, of Jesus Christ.  Let me make the intention behind my Sunday bulletin message  completely clear :  OLOL and parishes everywhere -  are Communities of Believers, where no one should be self righteous, critical, controlling, or challenging, of the Baptismal right and obligation of every Catholic-Christian member to take part in church activities, collaborating with the Pastor and other parishioners in doing so.  Furthermore, let me declare anonymous comments are the coward's way of communicating.  If you have an opinion to express to me, have the courage of your convictions and do so for attribution of who you are.  Hiding in the shadows of anonymity, is Fear, not Faith, and God's most repeated words to us in the Bible are, "Fear Not; Be Not Afraid".  I sign my name to what I write and blog.  You too, should do the same...........Seeking An Ever Greater Fidelity To Respect And Reverence For Life, UnConditionally And Universally,   Fr.  Troy       

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR FRIENDS PAUL FRIEDRICH AND KARIN GEACH...........

A Happy, Happy, Birthday acclamation to my dear friends, Karin Geach in Laguna, Elk Grove; and Paul Friedrich, in the Arden area of Sacramento.  For the past five to thirty two years, they have been superb friends and fellow believers of, and with me, on my journey of Life and Faith.  Karin and her husband, Roger, and their children and grandchildren have shared many catechetical, sacramental, liturgical, social, and medical times with me, as a catechist, seminarian, priest, pastor, and patient, from Cobfirmations, Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, in the hospital and rehab, and at home in the rectory.  Karin is my most faithful correspondent, sending me her weekly mailing of self made computer greeting cards, with family and friends updates and creative human interest antecdotes.  The thirty two years I have known her and the Geach Family has been a continuous Joy  Karin's Birthday this Tuesday, October 25th, is also the 64th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood of Monsignor Gerard Schons.....Similiarly, for the past five years plus, my parishioner relationship, since my assignment to Presentation Parish, has become a close family friendship.  Paul is a permanent deacon candidate, in his tthird year for the Sacramento Diocese, and is presently being one of my rehab therapy volunteers.  He, his wife Sharon, mother Sherrie, and daugther Leanna, son Nicholas, and Leanna's boyfriend, Eric, had me to Paul's birthday dinner tonight, a delicious home cooked meal and birthday cake.  All with a German flavor !!!!!!!
It was wonderful to get out beyond the four walls of the rectory, for a social, rather than medical, therapeutic, or ecclesial, reason !!  Paul shares his Birthday with the late, great, comedian and Tonight Show host, Johnny Carson, born 86 years ago, today.  Happy Birthday Paul Today; and Karin on Tuesday. !!  Thanks For Your Friendship, Love, And  Support, ...........Fr.  Troy 

YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR...........

I ask the prayers of our parishioners, all my circle of friends, and blogsphere, for the soul of Phillip Doty, brother of Sister Lisa Doty, FDCC , here at OLOL Parish, who passed away yesterday, Satirday October 22nd.  Also, for OLOL parishioner Dora Honzager, who died on Wednesday.  Dora was a very active parishioner for many years, and for fourteen years in a wheelchair, a weekly greeter at our Feeding The Hungry ministry, on Tuesday mornings.  May their souls and those of all the Faithful Departed Be Granted Eternal Life...........Fr.  Troy 

THE SUNDAY SCRIPTURES FOCUS : LOVE GOD AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR...........

The Book of Exodus passage that is today's First Reading, as laid out in the Covenant Code, the unbreakable Covenant of Love, God established with the Chosen People.  Matthew's Gospel Proclamation today has a Pharisee scholar testing and attempting to trap Jesus, into choosung one of all God's Commandments, as the greatest Commandment.    Seeing through the trap, Jesus turned it back on the scholar, by choosing the Commandment to Love God, heart, mind, and soul; and then coupling it with the Commandment to Love Your Neighbor, as essential to truly Loving God.  Paul in his 1st Letter to the Thessalonians commends and praises them for their fidelity to imitating the Apostles and Christ, the authentic sign of Faithful Discupleship.  How successfully do your lives and mine, "imitate the teachings and values of Jesus the Christ and the Twelve Apostles ?  Do we show unconditional Love of God and Neighbor daily, or are our own wants and desires, the determining facror ?  Committed and earnest Catholic-Christians, honor the Great Commandment of God to Love, consistently as we journey through Life and Faith.  Are You ?...........Fr,  Troy  

30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME : MISSION SUNDAY AND WORLD YOUTH DAY SUNDAY...........

As we awake to on this Lord's Day, the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we have a dual thematic focus as Catholic-Christians, on Mission Sunday, the work of the Church to evangelize and bring persons around the globe, to Faith, and a Catholic-Christian relationship with Jesus and the Community of Believers.  OLOL Parish effectively marked Mission Sunday, the last Sunday of August, when a Dominican Missionary preached a productive appeal, in this historically economically community.  In August, the World's Youth, their families, fellow parishioners, and  leadership from global dioceses, gathered in Madrid, Spain for  World Youth Day 2011.  Among our Sacramento participants were OLOL's parishioners, Damon and Ana Pierman and family;  and Reverend Father Benedict DeLeon, Pastor of St. Theresa's Parish, South Lake Tahoe, with delegations from the South Lake Tahoe and St. Joseph's Parish, Redding where he previously served as Pastor.  Today we acknowledge and affirm the presence and role of our youth in parish life, as they did last night, by participating in the Parish-wide Spaghetti Dinner / Talent Show, by taking part in the Talent Show.  The next step in the process for us is starting, sustaining, and making viable, a Parish Youth Ministry Group for our High Schoolers.  We will be meeting in coming weeks to put a bonafided effort started with the help of newer and more energized members with experience to provide Youth Ministry, in our parish.  May this Mission Sunday / World Youth Day Sunday, bring your families into closer Unity with God, the Universal Church of Jesus Christ, and your local Parish, were like at OLOL, is vital to, "Unity In Community"...........Fr.  Troy

SUNDAY SCHEDULE STARTS AT 4 P.M. ...........

In rotation with Fr. Pius, this is my Saturday to hear the 4 p.m. Confessions, and preside at the 5 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass.  I will go over to the church shortly to carry out those pastoral ministries, and then attend the Parish-wide Fundraiser October Event, a Spaghetti Dinner and Talent Show.  Everyone reading this blog are invited.  $6.00 for adults; $4.00 for children.  Then I will return to the rectory to connect my p.m. antibiotic infusion therapy...........Fr.  Troy

CONGRAULATIONS AND KUDOS TO FATHER ARNOLD ORTIZ AND PARISHIONERS OF ST. JOSEPH MARELLO PARISH...........

This morning in Granite Bay, Most Reverend Bishop of Sacramento Jaime Soto, will join with Reverend Father Arnold Ortiz, OSJ; Founding Pastor, and the parishioners of St. Joseph Marello Parish, in the solemn dedication of their new Church edifice on Auburn-Folsom Road.  Founded as a parish community on January 1, 2004, today marks the first milestone in the parish community's development of their parish plant.  Fr. Arnold, the Founding Pastor of St. Joseph Marello Parish, is a member of the religious order, the Oblates of St. Joseph, whose founder was Joseph Marello.  Like myself and Fr. Mark Avila, OMV, Fr. Arnold grew up in St. Rose's Parish, in South Sacramento.  He was ordained a priest in 1973.  It is a happy day for him and his Granite Bay parishioners, with whom Msgr. Edward Kavanagh and I, were able to concelebrate Sunday Mass with in June 2009, at their temporary gathering site, Cavitt-Stallman Middle School on Foldom-Auburn Road.  Prayers, Best Wishes, And Commendations To Father Arnold And The People Of God In St. Joseph Marello Parish Granite Bay,   Fr.  Troy David Powers

PARISH-WIDE OCTOBER EVENT - SPAGHETTI DINNER / TALENT SHOW TODAY...........

As this Saturday morning opens, I set up and connected myself to the zyvox antibiotic infusion therapy this morning, struggling awhile with threading the tubing, and needing to address an occlusion at the start, caused by failing to release the stop.start click hanging along the tubing.  Father Pius appeared just as I was starting the pump, and assisted me in resolving the stoppage and getting the infusion started.  It is now eighteen minutes underway.  Today in addition to theregular meeting of the Lay Canossians, the Parish Hall is fully in motion with preparations and readiness for the Parish-wide Spaghetti Dinner / Talent Show from 4:30-7:30 p.m.  Everyone is Welcome, both parishioners, neighbors, and the general public.  The Spaghetti Dinner is $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for children / $40.00 maximum per family; And a 50/50 Raffle will be held.  Finalizing work on my Sunday Homily and new Roman Missal revised Mass texts Message for this week, I will be hearing the 4 p.m. Confessions and presiding at the 5 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass, before going to the Spaghetti Dinner / Talent Show...........Fr.  Troy

PT, SCAN P3, INFUSIONS A.M., P.M. ...........

Following my morning infusion treatment, Jack Pennington was here at the OLOL rectory to drive me to my 11 a.m. physical therapy session with Quinn McArthur, at Swanson-McAthur PT, where I saw Paul Swanson, for the first time in the six months I have been back there doing therapy.  Quinn's wife, Linda was in the office, and the three therapeutic assistants, Cherie, Racquel, and Carly, were all working at my earlier than usual hour today, as well.  From there we headed to Sutter Roseville Hospital for my 1 p.m. bone scan part three appointment.  Walgreen's mistakenly sent Dr. Martin's faxed prescription to the Del Paso Road location, near Powerbalance Pavillion, not to the El Camino Avenue and Del Paso Boulevard, near OLOL, so I delayed receiving and starting my newest oral antibiotic, Levemir.  Ruby and Bill Shepherd,  are my volunteer infusion assistants tonight.  The Spaghetti Sauce for tomorrow night's Parish-wide Dinner / Talent Show, is being cooked as I blog...........Fr.  Troy

THE END OF THE WAR IN IRAQ...........

8 years, 7 months, 2 days, after our entry into Iraq, in a war searching for weapons of mass destruction that have never been found, and combatting a despotic dictator who was a scrouge on his own people and much of the World, and which caught us in a treacherous civil war between two Islamic factions in that nation, President Obama announced today the end of the War in Iraq on the part of the United States, and withdrawal of all American troops by the end of this year.  At the cost of 4,479 American lives, 32, 200 wounded Americans, and a cost of $805 billion to $1 trillion dollars, the time has more than come for us to conclude our involvement and allow the emancipated Iraqi people assume responsibility for their national security.  Whether the timing of our entry into Iraq was the diversionary to the War On Terror in Afghanistan, and slowed down the vital process we have been engaged in with the international community since 9-11, to eradicate, bring to justice, and vanquish Al Qaeda, and the terrorist sponsors of 9-11 and other travesties around the globe before, and since, that harrowing, infamous, strike on our country and  the free world.  May our respect and remembrance of our Iraq War dead remain in our hearts and memories.  And may the tens of thousands surviving wounded and disabled American veterans be a sustaining commitment and priority, as we prioritize their needs and aspirations in recognition, affirmation, and support, for the valiant service they have rendered in the cause of freedom, liberty, justice, and peace...........Fr.  Troy

SUMMING UP TODAY AND THE SCRIPTURE STUDY SESSION AND FINANCE COUNCIL MEETING...........

Despite my belated start to my morning Zyvox antibiotic infusion treatment, due to my 10 a.m. appointment with Dr. Randy Martin, and the awkward mobility of the much larger infusion pump and the bag / drip line style of it, I was unable to be connected to it until my return to the rectory.  Iwas able to lead the fourth session of the Prish Scripture Series, with eight participants, including two additions to the group from my last session with the group on October 6th.  My late afternoon was spent preparing for our first quarter of the Fiscal Year 2011-2012, Parish Finance Council Meeting.  It was a brisk one hour review of where we stand and discussing the parish Financial Report we will be presenting November 5 & 6th, and the role Christian  Stewardship has in Sunday Giving.  At 8:15 p.m. Paul Freidrich arrived as my evening infusion volunteer and successfully learned to prepare the antibiotic and the new pump, with guidance from me and Fr. Pius...........More In The Morning,   Fr.  Troy

MUAMMAR GADDHAFI KILLED AFYER FORTY YEARS OF TYRANNICAL RULE OVER LIBYA...........

News ovenight and through the morning to midday, has reported and confirmed the killing of Libyan Dictator, Muammar Gaddhafi, who ruled the North African nation of Libya, for 42 years.  Captured by Libya rebels to his rule, who are forming a new government, in an underground bunker; Gaddhafi was being transported by his capturers when a gun battle broke out with pro Gaddhafi supporters.  Pictures have been published showing me shot in the head.  What affect America's involvement in bringing Gaddhafi down, is beginning to be analyzed and determioned.  The United States, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the United Nations, were all involved with the Libyan Rebel Force, in bringing about the capture of Tripoli and the government of Libya, and today's death of Gaddhafi.  Two of Muammar Gaddhafi's act of terrorism against Americans are the bombing of a Berlin, Germany Disco in 1986, filled with American citizens, and the December 1988, bombing of a Pan Am airliner over Lockerbie, Scotland, full of American students and persons returning to the United States for the Christmas holidays, were grevious crimes, further underscored by his viscious treatment of his own Libyan People, during his more than forty year strangehold on Libya.  As a Catholic-Christian, I do not gloat or rejoice over his killing, but his death is the inevitable justice, every despot faces on earth.  Any political, military, or dictatorial, leader who comandeers control over a nation or people, they may wield almost wield unbribled power for a time, but in time the truth of justice and freedom catches up with them and ends their rule.  Like Saddem Hussein, and Osama Bin Laden, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Idi Amin, PapaDoc and BabyDoc DuVall, Ferdinand Marcos, Augusto Pinochet, and still others; Muammar Gaddhafi's overthrow and death are a victory for the dignity and emancipation of his fellow citizens and humankind. May Justice And Righteousness Be Universally Attained..........God Bless America, Libya, And The World In Emancipation, Freedom And Justice,   Fr.  Troy

UPDATE ON MY BACK RUPTURE APPOINTMENT WITH DR. MARTIN THIS A.M. ...........

Having returned to the parish rectory following my 10 a.m. appointment with Dr. Martin, regarding my small back rupture yesterday - Dr. Martin debrided it, and took a second culture from it, had his medical assistant Gina, bandage it, and added another oral antibiotic to my meds, Levemir.  When I asked him what more I need to do for now, or to avoid, he did not indicate anything was necessary, than to continue my antibiotics.  That Iwill do, along with using care in transgerring into and out of my weekchair and riding in it.....Time has come to prepare to go over for this afternoon's Parish Scripture Series session, today's "The Word Among Us" theme being, "You Are Not Alone", along with biblical meditations for today Thursday October 20, and this Sunday October 23...........Succedding One Hour At A Time Sweet Jesus,   Fr,  Troy

MASS, DR. MARTIN, SCRIPTURE STUDY, FIN ANCE COUNCIL, INFUSION, SHAPE TODAY'S ACTIVITIES...........

 Celebrating the 8 a.m. Mass, a 10 a.m. appointment with Dr. Randy Martin, my Infections Specialist, to address my small back rupture yesterday, Week 4, of Parish Scripture Study, "The Word Among Us", at 1:30 p.m., our first quarter Parish Finance Council Meeting, at 6:30 p.m., and my Zyvox antiobiotic infusion therapy treatments, at 11 a.m., and 8 p.m., are on my Thursday schedule.  Bill Shepherd is arriving at 9:30 a.m., to take me to Dr. Martin office, and then connect me to my a.m. infusion, and Paul Friedrich will be here at 8 p.m. ...........Ft.  Troy

BONE SCAN PART ONE AND TWO DONE.....RESULTS IN A RUPTURE...........

My morning infusion was completed unfettered a few minutes after 9 o'clock and Jack promptly disconnected me, and we were on our way to Sutter Roseville Hospital, for part one and two of  scheduled bone scan tests.  Shortly after 10 a.m., Paul, my bone scan technician, who did two previous bone scans with me, a very pleasant, conversant, and attentive, medical assistant, started with an i.v. placement and then assisted me onto the table.  He makes the procedures very easy and timely to get through.  Part One involved scanning my head and my lower body.  Part Two was zeroed in on my thighs, back lumbar region, and my pelvic area.  Following my second round of scans, Paul gave me a gallium injection that will circulate through my body, until Part Three of the bone scan occurs on Friday.  One drawback occurrence durring the scanning while I was laying on the table, an opening of a small hole at the site of bottom of my back surgery incision occurred.  Being at Sutter Roseville, Jack and I, went directly to Dr. Randy Martin's office  in Building 5.  His Medical Assistant Gina, and Associate, Dr. Kalian, saw me and cleaned, cultured, and covered, the area, which by that point was showing no signs of oozing from the supposedly, half of an inch of opening.  I have a 10 a.m. appointment with Dr. Martin, tomorrow morning, to devise a treatment plan.  I am in no pain as a result of the rupture and will take my p.m. Zyvox antibiotic therapy tonight, with the help of Bill and Ruby Shepherd;  and sleep gingerly overnight, so as not to disrupt the bandaging...........Fr.  Troy

MIDWEEK MORNING EARLY START...........

Wednesday, the hump day of the week, my supposed day off, yet today one that began earlier than usual.  Dr. Randy requested that I have a follow-up gallium bone scan on my back, to provide him with a diagnostic update on how well my lower back is healing and what the state od osteoporis is.  It is done in three segments, today and Friday.  I must be at Sutter Roseville Medical Center at 9:45 a.m., for the gallium injection; then return at 1 p.m., to do the first part of the bone scan.  Yhen, on Friday I return to complete part two of the scan.  This morning's injection's intersects with my scheduled a.m. antibiotic infusion therapy.  Considering the pump I am now using is larger and not as mobile, as the smaller hand carried pump was, and the narrow window between the injection and the scan, my parishioner volunteer Jack Pennington, and I, decided to do the two hour  Zyvox infusion starting at 7 a.m.  I am in the final minutes of what is my sixth infusion with this antibiotic and pump.  Here's hoping your Wednesday is a good one...........Fr.  Troy

ST. LUKE - APOSTLE, EVANGELIST, PHYSICIAN, ...........

Today, the Liturgical Calendar of the Church celebrates St. Luke.  Luke according to Sacred Tradition was a physician, called by Christ to be an Apostle, and who became one of the four primary Evangelists to author one of the four canonical Christian Gospels.   The Gospel of Luke, a Gentile, is focused on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, in God's Plan for Creation.  Luke also underscores how conversion and discipleship, brings healing and grace.  As a preacher I have always striven to homilize on St. Luke's Gospel in the spirit of the universal call to salvation and the grace of God' Spirit, and human healing it can lead people of Faith to discover.  My own health issues during the past decade, have provided with deeper insight into the healing and grace, even stressful, and enduring illness, disease, pain, rehabilitation, and therapy requires and teaches me.  Whatever health conditions you may be confronted with, as challenging, limiting, and painful, as they may be, need not vanquish our ability to be Faithful Witnesses.  Like anyone beset with health challenges I am sometimes sorely frustrated by the slowness in wholistic physical healing.  But trusting in the assurances of Faith, the Gospel proclaims, me and you, can find the peace and grace to persevere and trust in healing as the God's desire for the fullness of our life and faith in Jesus Christ...........Fr.  Troy   

ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH - "WHEAT OF CHRIST"...........

St. Ignatius of Antioch, a Bishop and Martyr of the Church, in the late first and early second century, was a prolific and powerful writer of Christian spirituality.  He wrote seven letters on Catholic-Christianity, that I was taught in the seminary, could well have been included in the Canon of Scripture, for the strength of their message.  Along with the Didache, another document of Christian instruction at that time, the Letters of St. Ignatius, are some of the most profound and influential writings in the early Church.  Persecuted by the Emperor Trajan in 107 A.D., he was thrown to the lions and described his impending execution as becoming, "The Wheat of Christ".....OLOL's Faith Seeking Understanding series on the Revised Mass Texts, Week 5, I am teaching tonight has, 'The Profession of Faith', the Nicene Creed and the revised wording, starting with going from the plural, "We Believe", statement throughout to the singular, "I believe".  We will also be discussing word changes such as the revised, "Consubstantial with the Father", in place of, "One in Being with the Father", and removing the words, "By the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary",  with "And by the Holy Spirit was Incarnate of the Virgin Mary".  It will be a substantial discussion given the multiplicity of word provisions.  The Parish Altar Edition of the New Roman Missal has arrived at last, as we prepare for the promukgation of its usage on Sunday November 27th, The First Sunday of Advent...........Fr.  Troy

MY FIRST ZYVOX ANTIBIOTIC INFUSION THERAPY TREATMENT GOES SMOOTHLY...........

Gathered with home health nurse Susan Boyce, Jack Pennington, Bill Shepherd, and at the end of the treatment, Fr. Pius, the four of us were trained to use the new, larger, infusion pump for my latest antibiotic, Zyvox.  With a clear, concise, and common sense, instructional teaching style, and eagerness on our parts to learn the procedures of preparing and priming the pump, learning how to thread the line inside the pump after hanging the 600 mg bag of zyvox on the rolling stand with the infusion pump attached, and programming in the numerical rate and volume of the treatment to be administered; all which I practiced along with the others, Nurse Susan had me sterile my port - apply the saline through the port connection - and connect the tubing to the port in my chest.  Idid this with continuing, though minimal, difficulty; the challenge for me and my physicality being how not to let go, or drop down the port end, after applying the alcohol wipe to it.  With time and practice, I will hopefully progress in doing it successfully.  The 6 p.m. training and practice took 47 minutes and the two hour infusion treatment began.  Jack, and Bill, went home then and Susan, remained with me for the full duration of the infusion.  The pump counts down the 300 ml, and we had only one alarm with 233 ml infused which Susan addressed successfully within a minute, so that the 2 hour treatment that began at 6:47 p.m. concluded at 8:48 p.m.  My pre treatment blood pressure was 130 / 80; and rose to 150 / 80; during the infusion, and was 150 / 90; after the infusion.  Jack and Patty Pennington are this morning's connect / disconnect volunteers,  and Bill and Ruby Shepherd will be here for tonight's treatment.  They and I, can can now show my other volunteers to date, or others of you in my circle, willing to volunteer to assist with these infusions.  Hopeful It Will Succeed In Tandem With The
Selfless Assistance Of Others...........Fr.  Troy

NURSE SUSAN TRAINS ME AND SOME OF MY VOLUNTEERS FOR THE NEW ANTIBIOTIC INFUSION THERAPY PUMP TONIGHT...........

Susan Boyce, R.N., who has been my home health nurse since mid July, will be here at 6 p.m., to train me and Jack Pennington, and Bill Shepherd, to use the larger antibiotic infusion therapy pump and the differences in its operation.  The new antibiotic treatments will also be twice daily, for two hours each, mornings and nights.  Randy Martin, M.D., my Infections Specialist, decided to end my use of Vancomycin, so as not to risk adversely affecting my kidney transplant.  He has traded out my 1.25 G of Vanco, twice daily, for Zyvox, 600 MG, infused in 300ML bags.  So after tonight's training I will be connected to my first treatment of Zyvox.  One difference in the storage of the new antibiotic is whereas the Vancomycin was kept refrigerated until thirty minutes before the start of treatment, the Zyvox is kept at room temperature.  More later after I have completed my first infusion of antibiotic Zyvox...........Fr.  Troy

THROUGH THE UPS AND DOWNS WE EXPERIENCE GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US...........

Last night I blogged about my current frustrations, and limitations, while enduring, and addressing, my current health concerns.  I honestly stated my feelings, not out of despair, but as a realistic sharing of my present experience.  Today's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults,(R.C.I.A.) session theme and topic, "Trust In The Promise On The Journey", corresponds to the thoughts I blogged last night.  We discussed today how as we journey through Life and Faith, there are moments and even, periods of time when are wandering, and feel lost and purposelessness, in our search for God's Truth and Love.  But despite the challenges and frustrations that we feel beset by, we have Divine assurance steeped in the Word of God, that dfespite our hardships, we have reason to hope.  At advanced ages the Book of Genesis shares with us the story of Abrahm and Sarai, who with trust in God's Plan for them became the Patriarch of the Chosen People, and parents of first, a surrogate son, Ishamael; and then a biological son, Isaac.  It is through the prism of Abraham and Sarah that we are to see and grasp our own journeys, by trusting that whatever difficulties we must endure, God's promise and faithfulness remain with us.  Being open; recognizing our experiences on the journey; getting to know and sharing our lives and faith with others; sharing who we are, and what we are thinking and feeling as we undergo the Catholic-Christian experience; praying each day; reading the Bible regularly; and accepting the risk of taking and embracing the leap of Faith; are integral to being People Of God who Trust In The Promise On Our Journeys...........Fr.  Troy 

MY TRANSPORTATION NEEDS THIS WEEK OCTOBER 18 -21...........

Medical and Therapy appointments for which I need Transportation in the week ahead ahead are :

Tuesday October 18th, Physical Therapy with Quinn McArthur, 1 p.m., departing OLOL rectory at 12:30

Wednesday October 19th, Gallium Bone Scan, 9:45 a.m., & 1 p.m.,  Sutter Roseville Medical Center

Thursday October 20th, 1 p.m. Physical Therapy with QMcA. as above

Friday October 21st,  1 p.m., Gallium Bone Scan  Sutter Roseville MC

I appreciate the availabilty of parishioners present or past, and my friends to provide me with rides to these appointments.  Contact me right away, if you can help this week.

29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - RENDERING UNTO GOD AND CAESAR AS FAITHFUL WITNESSES TO THE GOSPEL...........

As we open this 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are taught by today's Liturgy of the Word, the message of Sacred Truth that resounds through Slvation History, "I Am The Lord Your God, There Is No Other".  Our Sunday Gospel from Matthew 22:15-21; calls all Catholic-Christians to prioritize our discipleship, by rendering until Caesar, what is Caesar's, and unto God , what is God's.  At the crux of this teaching is that we as citizens of this World must honor our civic and financial responsibilities to  society and government, for the mutual welfare of ourselves and others; but that also as members of the Community of Believers, and heirs to the Kingdom of Eternal Life, we must assure that our greatest concern is to render unto the Universal God, all our allegiance, loyalty, and glory, as Faithful Witnesses to the Lord of Creation.  By keeping our temporal and spiritual commitments in the balance everyone of Jesus Christ's Disciples must bear; remembering the commands and precepts of the Divine Triune God, always surpass the demands and prerogatives of Human Authority and Governance, we can, and will, succeed in maintaining the proper order - keeping the Lord Our God, and our daily, lifelong, relationship with the Holy Trinity, as our foremost commitment in life and faith.  Where do you stand presently ?  Is your foremost passion anchored in personal, political, or earthly concerns, that puts and allows Caesar to govern your positions and responses to life; or  are you instead focused on the interpersonal and selfless initiatives of God, the Supreme Being, in faith and fidelity to Gospel Values ?  As another election year draws near which rendering will form and shape your choices in candidates, issues, and attitudes ?  The everlasting truth of the Gospel of Christ, or the fleeting platforms of partisan persuasion ?  As an avid follower of politics, and government, with undergraduate degrees in those subjects, I still know that as a Catholic Christian Disciple and Priest of Jesus Christ, that God's Will, for me and for all faithful citizens is that we practice what we profess, in the Living and True God who reddems us.  May each of us apply the rendering of our treasure, to more than Human endeavors in partnership and loyalty to the Divine plan of Salvation..........."I Am The Lord Your God, There Is No Other",   Fr.  Troy

ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT IN; NO INFUSION THERAPY, BUT R.C.I.A. PREPARATION YES...........

The greatest frustration I am contending with during these months of therapy, rehabilitation, and convalescence, post amputation and continuing treatment lower left and right back infection, is my lack of mobility outside the rectory, church, or parish hall; and the inordinate, walls closing in, time I am spending in the rectory, much of it alone.  The inability to just get in the car and drive myself anywhere; my inordinate need for volunteers to drive me to medical appointments, and therapy sessions, or to other meetings and activities; and having to call a taxi for further outings, which in five and a half months have cost $1,485.00; feels so limiting, although I continue to carry out my priestly ministries.  The extra excelerated activity of this past week, with Priests' Study Days, Msgr. Patrick O'Neill's Funeral in Vallejo, and this morning's special diocesan meeting at Holy Spirit School Auditorium in Land Park,  were most welcome by me, as a means of going out and beyond the parish grounds, for more than medical or therapeutic purposes.  I do not mean to complain, or to be critical of others, just honestly externalizing my feelings, to stay positive and proactive, and not let all this pull me down.  As Dr. Cookson wisely stated in January : "It is necessary that I keep a positive, uplifted, attitude, because it is essential to my healing, that I do".   Other than TV Land and Antenna TV classic television shows, R.C.I.A. prep for tomorrow morning, is my companion tonight.  Hopefully, both will fill the vacuum of social interaction that is minimized at present...........Fr.  Troy

MEETINGS WITH BISHOP JAIME SOTO, TOM MCNAMARA, JIM SWEENEY, AND NURSE SUSAN BOYCE...........

Pastors and representative parishioners from Sacramento area parishes held a 10 a.m. meeting this morning at  Holy Spirit School Auditorium in Land Park, with Bishop Jaime Soto, Tom McNamara, Diocesan Director of Finance, Jim Sweeney, Diocesan Attorney, and staff members of the Diocesan Finance Office, to discuss the new implementation of making individual parishes, corporation soles, to bring their civil law standing into closer existence with their standing in canon law.   It was a necessarily pertinent  meeting, culminating in the signing of thev Corporation Sole paperwork, by the Pastors and Parochial Administrators of parishes present.....At 1:30 p.m., my home health nurse Susan Boyce, R.N., came by for her regular visit. My Vancomyicin antibiotic infusion treatments ended this morning, with the new antibiotic infusion to start Sunday night / Mo  nday morning, as soon as some of my volunteers can be trained to use the new, larger, pump, tubing, and bagged antibiotic dosages...........Fr. Troy

IN ATTENDANCE AT MONSIGNOR PATRICK J. O'NEILL'S VIGIL, FUNERAL MASS AND BURIAL IN VALLEJO...........

I rode down and back to Vallejo, Solano County, CA. with Msgr. Edward J. Kavanagh, for an overnight stay for the Vigil, Funeral Mass, Burial, and Luncheon Reception, for our fellow St. Kieran's Seminary alumnus, and Dean of the Sacramento diocesan Delegation of Kiernsmen, Msgr. Patrick J. O'Neill.  Retired Bishop Weigand presided at the Vigil Thursday night with 8 priests present; and Bishop Jaime Sotro presided at the Funeral Mass Friday morning, Msgr. Kavanagh, being Principal Concelebrant and Homilist, with 44 priest joining in the Mass.  One of five of Msgr. O'Neill's nephews, named after him, Patrick O'Neill, who had been his primary healthcare overseer the past three years with his family in New Jersey, USA the past three years, spoke of his uncle's life and priestly ministry at both services...........Fr.  Troy

THE THIRD AND FOURTH SESSIONS OF PRIESTS' STUDY DAYS GO DEEPER INTO PRIESTLY PREACHING...........

In our third and fourth sessions on Preaching at Priests' Study Days our two preiest facilitators focused more deeply on the what we as priest preachers preach, and how effective we experience our preaching to be.  These two days have gone a long way in addressing one of the essential ministry roles and ever increasingly challenging responsibilities we possess as presiders of Word and Eucharist.  Please God, for the good of the the congregations of the Faithful we minister to in our parishes and the good Liturgy we are meant to provide, these two days of instruction and direction, will improve our abilities...........Fr.  Troy

REVISITING AND RENEWING THE PURPOSES AND PRACTICES OF PREACHING AS PRIESTS...........

Our two priest facilitators on the topic of Sunday preaching on Tuesday at the annual Sacramento Diocesan Priests Study Days, both with extensive experience teaching, writing, and evaluating, the preaching of priests, led two very intensive sessions with us yesterday.  The  morning gathering began with a panel of three of our diocesan priests, one a newly ordained priest, another, an international priest in our diocese more than a decade, the third, a native born vocation, nearly thirty years a priest.  The facilitators directed them to respond to questions they asked about their preaching styles and experiences, with both positive and negative outcomes, and how they prepare the homilies they preach, how they feel about what they preach, and the response and effectiveness their preaching has on the people in the congregation.  This session was titled, "The Agony And The Ecstasy Of Preaching".  In small groups we were directed to respond to sharing what we were taught in the semionary about Preaching and what our personal experiences of Preaching are, with the underscoring of the importance of the time we take to preach - 5 to10 minutes being the optrimum.  The afternoon focus was centered around what our image as Preachers we have of Ourselves, and a paradigm of Three Images of a Preacher.  The three images we explored in that session were : 1.) One Who Names Grace;  2.) Interpreter Of The Scriptures;  3.) Theological Reflector.  We discussed at length with them and in a question and answer period, how therse three images of preaching can focus our message and making our connection with the congregation and the effectiveness of homiletic enterprise in delivering a clear, concise, and concrete, message that is received and understood by those hearing us preach.  Today, we will concentrate on the, "Catholic Vision Of The Homily", and "Preaching Resources", to prepare and give our homilies more productively by...........In The Spirit Of Renewing Our Priestly Preaching Ministry,   Fr.  Troy

49TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL IS BISHOP SOTO'S 4TH ANNIVERSARY OF APPOINTMENT TO THE SACRAMENTO DIOCESE...........

On January 25, 1959, His Holiness, Pope John XXIII, surprised the Catholic Church and the World, by calling for the convening of the twenty first Ecumenical Council in the history of Christianity - to "open the windows of the Church to a New Pentecost", of reform and renewal.  More than three and a half yeatrs later, on October 11, 1962, +John XXXIII opened the Second Vatican Council presiding at a Mass of the Holy Spirit with some three thousand Bishops from around the globe.  Today, the Golden Jubilee Year of that three year, four session, period of conciliar debates and dialogues between the World's Bishops, under two Popes, as +John XXXIII, died in June 1963, and Pope Paul VI who succeeded him led the Vatican II Council forward; which promulgated sixteen Documents that have shaped the direction of the Church in late 20th Century and now, more than a decade of the 3rd Millennium of Catholic-Christianity.  On October 11, 2007, the sapphire jubille of the date the Second Vatican Council began, the Diocese of Sacramento received the appointment of a Coadjuator Bishop, + Jaime Soto, from the Diocese of Orange, California, who became the Ninth Bishop of the Sacramento Diocese on December 1, 2008, and is presently serving.  On October 11, 1962, Bishop Soto, was a young boy, whose future priestly and episcopal vocation as a priest and bishop, has been impacted by the work of the Council, as has been all our lives.  May the fruitness of God's Spirit and the continuing, concerted efforts of the People of God, in collaborative and collegial ministries of Faith, Fellowship, and Fidelity, to Gospel Values be reinvigorated in our mutual committment to Jesus Christ and our Discipleship as Catholic - Christians everywhere in the World, and in the pastoral  ministry as a Chief  Shepherd of the Universal Church, as Bishop of Sacramento, His Excellency, + Jaime Soto is carry out, in the thirtieth year of his ordained ministry as a Priest of Jesus Christ and Bishop of the Catholic Community of Believers...........Ad Multos Annos To The Church And To Our Ordinary,   Fr.  Troy

PRIESTS' STUDY DAYS THIS WEEK HAS DUAL TOPICS FOCUS...........

The annual Priests' Study Days in the Sacramento Diocese started today, with dual topics as the focus of our three and a halfs days of consideration together.  Day 1, zeroed in on presentations by Margaret L. Smith, of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, in their studies of the, "Historical Context of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests", and Priests Accused of Abuse : Situations and Characteristics.  Two very thorough overviews of their research findings by Jay College and CARA, were presented with substantial gravitas and depth, and tonight sparked a lengthy question and answer dialogue between Professor Awift, Bishop Soto, and us diocesan priests.....Tomorrow and Wednesday, will be devoted to another imperative topic, essential to good liturgy and effective communication and discipleship, "Renewing Sunday Preaching".  Reverend FatherS James Deiters and Daniel E. Harris, C.M., from the National organization for the Continuing Education of Roman Catholic clergy, will lead us in four sessions, over the two days, to strengthen and improve Sunday preaching by our priests.  I will continue sharing more about this, as our Study Days proceed...........Lord Jesus Be With Us !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy

MONDAY, MONDAY, AND THEN SOME...........

By nature Monday mornings are a busy time in parishes, as pastoral ministries and administrative duties roll out for the week.  This morning has been no exception to that here at OLOL, and has been more so for me, in terms of phones, doorbells, and the like, as well as my weekly visit from my home health nurse.  I am calling this Double / Triple Monday, as a result of her visit, as unususally so, it took two attempts today to reinsert the point needle for my infusion therapy, that is changed out weekly; and she had to poke me three times to get my veins to produce the blood necessary for my weekly labs.  Mondays are Fr. Pius' day off, and the Parish Secretary is not here on Mondays, only the Prish Bookkeeper, so covering the rest of the activity of answering needs and requests falls to the Pastor.  I have an afternoon parish appointment at the off the church grounds which parishioner Dave Quinn, has generously agreed to take me to, especially considering the pouring rain; and then it will battening down the hatches for the next four days as we go to the Priests' Study Days this evening...........Monday, Monday, And Then Some !!  Praise The Lod Jesus Christ,   Fr.  Troy

TAKING THE HOLINESS OF SUNDAY INTO THE REST OF OUR WEEK...........

As Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time dawns, and we move into the work week it brings, how does the Catholic-Christian observance of the Sabbath, and the command to keep the Lord's Day holy, go with us into the rest of the week ?  Our practice of Sunday prayer, worship, and ministry, of faith, fellowship, and fidelity, to spiritually, socially, charitably, and reflectively, celebrate Sunday, does not STOP, Monday - Saturday, but rather is adapted to the other commitments, responsibilities, and work, we must also do as loyal disciples, and pro-active citizens.  For me and most other priests, it opens the continuous cycle of addressing the wholistic nature of parish life and ministries, as I will do this morning and afternoon.  Tonight the annual diocesan Priests' Study Days begin, and will continue through Friday afternoon, concluding with the Funeral Mass and Burial, of Reverend Monsignor Patrick J. O'Neill, in Vallejo.  Therefore, this week will be different, and yet similar to many weeks of priestly, pastoral, ministry, with add-ons included.  As you head out the door, or begin work at home this morning, if you do not have a Columbus Day holiday day off, ponder on how your faithful observance of Sunday, is reflected in this week, as you will live it.  Unless the hallmarks of your Discipleship are evident in your actions, attitudes, reactions, and responses, to who and what you encounter daily, there is a big hole in your Catholic-Christianity, that must be closed to make your Faith fully fruitful.  Praying The Week Unfolding Reflects Your Wholistic Following Of Jesus The Christ,   Fr.  Troy  

HOW DO YOU KEEP THE SABBATH DAY HOLY ?...........

Sunday,  is the Sabbath, the Lord's Day, in the Catholic-Christian Tradition.  It is considered the First Day of the Week, and the Day on which Jesus Christ Resurrection occurred.  On the Lord's Day the People of God gather to celebrate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection, of Jesus The Christ - The Paschal Mystery; as have the Disciples of Jesus, in fulfillment of Christ's command, "Do This In Memory Of Me", from the very inception of the Paschal Mystery more than two thousand years ago.  Both the Ten Commandments and the Precepts of the Church, place an obligation on making the Lord's Day holy by our worship of God, and rest of the body, on the Sabbath.  But our attending to keeping the Lord's Day holy is farv more than a legalistic obligation.  It is a weekly opportunity to gather with our fellow believers, to pray, worship, minister, socialize, and spiritualize, our lives in a refreshing, renewing, way in Faith and Fellowship.  In addition to being present at, and participating in, the Sunday Celebration of Word and Eucharist, with the Community of Believers; we rightfully and respectfully observe the Sabbath, (Sunday), by keeping it as fully as possible as a weekly day of rest, leisure, charity, and good works.  It is a day not for work, as on the other six days of the week, but to be spent with family, friends, neighbors, the sick, elderly, disabled, or infirmed, in visitation and charitable works of care and consideration, for others.  And just as Sunday's are focused on the preaching of God's Word, and the breaking of the Word, as our R.C.I.A. Inquirers do; but for finding time to further reflect on the significance of Sacred Scriptures in our own life experiences.  How is your experience of Sunday today, and currently match this definition of Keeping the Lord's Day Holy ?  Are you keeping the commandment of God, and the precept of the Church, by taking the Sabbath opportunity, to pray, worship, minister, socialize, spiritualize, rest, and recreate ?  Or are you loading yourself down unnecessarily with work, worry, or false priorities that defame, rather than glorify the Lord God ?  Lift Up Your Hearts And Embrace The Sacred Truth In Your Lives...........In Christ Jesus The Lord Of The Sabbath,   Fr.  Troy   

OLOL's R.C.I.A. WEEK 4 - . KEEPING THE LORD'S DAY HOLY WHILE TRUSTING IN GOD ON THE JOURNEY OF LIFE AND FAITH............

This 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time morning, the Inquirers of OLOL Parish in Sacramento / Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / will continue to be led on their journeys of Life and Faith, as they inquire into Catholic-Christianity; by considering the holiness of the Sabbath, and the necessity for Hope, on the path they have embarked on.  Reverend Father Pius Pius Amah, Parochial Vicar pro tem, will lead them from thir Dismissal after the Homily, at the 8:30 a.m. Mass, to conduct the Breaking of the Word session with them, focused on today's Sunday Scriptures, proclaimed at Mass - Isaiah 25:6-10a; Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22:1-14;   The theme for their discussion is keeping the Lord's Day with  a spirit of holiness, rest, leisure, family, charity, and reflection, evident in our lives.  Presiding at the 8:30 a.m. Mass, I will then join the Inquirers, to lead the inquiry session and we will be focusing on the need to Trust the Lord God, as our journeys proceed  through the present into the future.  Our Inquiry group thus far, of 4-5 members, is small enough to be a very good opportunity for continuous personal interaction and sharing.  Today's Inquiry session will set in motion the telling of their personal stories in the light of their current journeys of inquiry regarding the Catholic Faith.  It will be surely be another wonderful gathering...........With Hope The Eyes Of Our Hearts WIll Be Fully Enlightened In Jesus,   Fr.  Troy

HOW ABUNDANTLY ARE YOU IN RECEIVING GOD'S INVITATION TO THE WEDDING FEAST IN THE KINGDOM TO COME ???????????...........

As we enter into the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, hearing, discerning, embracing, God's Word and partaking in the Eucharist Jesus gave us, how fervently are you prepared to receive and accept your invitation to the ultimate banquet of life if calls us to share ?  Matthew's Gospel passage proclaimed this Sunday concludes, "Many are called, few are chosen".  By the fervency and fidelity to Faith, and Fellowship, each Catholic-Christian Disciple has an equal opportunity to attain a place at the eternal wedding feast of The Lamb.  How many of us will be worthy of the invitation is another question each of us must address.  If we are wearing our baptismal garment in its fullness, to the best of our ability by faithfully witnessing every to God, our Faith, our Church, and to Gospel Values, then - our baptismal garment of Faith, Hope, and Love, will become our transforming garment of participation in the Eternal Wedding Feast of the Kingdom of God ?  Are you ?  Will you ?  Be Ready To Wear It Forever In Glory ???...........All For God's Greater Glory And The Common Good Of All,   Fr.  Troy

OLOL'S SPAGHETTI DINNER TALENT SHOW COORDINATING COMMITTEE IN FULL MOTION...........

The seven parishioners in attendance at Thursday night's Coordinating Committee meeting for OLOL's "Got Spaghetti And Talent Show", Parish-wide Fundraising And Fellowship event on Saturday October 22, are energized and actively set in full motion, preparing for the event.  Following the outline of meeting minutes at Thursday's meeting, they are proceeding with due haste.  A color flyer being inserted into the Sunday Bulletin this weekend, leads the way.  For the second month in a row these two newly scheduled parish events has garnered the response of eager, spirited, and new, as well as continuing involvement on the part of the parishioners, that are the icebreakers to the wholistic, spiritual, social, ministerial, and pastoral, Renewal of OLOL Parish as a whole.  Together We Will Make It Happen...........Fr.  Troy

SEVEN WEEKS AND COUNTING TO THE START OF THE NEW ROMAN MISSAL 3RD EDITION...........

 We are now at the point in the preparation period in readiness for the promulgation of the Revised Mass Texts of the New Roman Missal 3rd Edition, that is as near as Easter Sunday is to Pentecost Sunday.  Seven weeks are left to prepare our parishioners and congregations for the new Mass Texts which will take effect on the 1st Sunday of Advent.  Here at OLOL Parish, we will begin a further focus on the new Mass Text revisions, by both continuing to preview and practice changes in each of the Mass parts, but beginning this Sunday we will be preaching with a focus on the New Roman Missal and the Revised Mass as we will celebrate it as of, Sunday November 27th.  How many of the Catholics in my blogsphere are being pro-active, responsible, participating, Christians and doing something concrete to accept your personal share to be ready to welcome and embrace the Mass Texts, as we will now celebrate them.  Get ready and find out with your parish community of believers is doing to prepare for  the next era in the Liturgical Life of The Church...........Fr.  Troy

MY CIRCLE OF, "USUAL SUSPECTS" IN KILKENNY, GATHER TO CELEBRATE FATHER OLIVER'S TRANSITION FROM ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CATHEDRAL TO PARISH PRIEST OF URLINGFORD...........

 After eleven years of priestly, pastoral, ministry as Administrator of St. Mary's Cathedral, in Kilkenny, Reverend Father Oliver Maher;  has been appointed  Parish Priest, - ' P.P.', of Urlingford, on the boundary of Counties Kilkenny and Tipperary.  Urlingford, Ireland -  my regular blog readers may recall; is the hometown of Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh's Family.  At this hour all the, "usual suspects", in my circle of friends in, the, "Marble City", minus yours truly;  are gathered in the home of Patricia and Michael Shortall, 3 Riverside Drive, which they are hosting as a celebration to mark the start of Oliver's transition in pastoral ministry, which I am calling, "Midnight Straganoff 2" !!!!!!!!!!! My thoughts, and spirit, are with them tonight, that the good times we have shared so many of, over the past three decades, will be replicated over the next several hours - and a very happy night had by all !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr. "Usual Suspect"  Troy

OCTOBER'S THEMATIC FEAST - MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY...........

As October is the Month of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, today - October 7th, is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.  Just as millions of Catholic-Christians are praying the Rosary on this Rosary feast day and during this month dedicated to this longhstanding devotion, 'imitating the mysteries of faith, the Rosary contains'; we continue daily to do the same here at OLOL Parish on Mondays-Fridays, at 7:40 a.m., before Morning Mass.  This liturgical feast has it's origins in the  victory of the Holy League of papal states against the Muslims in 1571. Pope Pius V, a Pope known for liturgical reform, established this Feast in response, as a memorial in thanksgiving to Our Lady of Victory, in the Battle of Lepanto.  That liturgical feast is now celebrated under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary.  So out of war, came a greater appreciation for this prayer of peace, and tranquilty, which focus on the mysteries of salvation, remembered in the 20 Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous, Meditations, which comprise the Rosary.    May your praying of the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary today, bring you into ever closer union with the Paschal Mystery of the Blessed Motrher's Son and Our Savior, Jesus The Christ....."Holy Mary, Mother Of God Pray For Us Sinners Now And At The Hour Of Our Death", Amen...........Fr.  Troy

TRY, TRY, AGAIN - OLOL.....AND ARE WE EVER !!!!!...........

After having no one turn up for last Thursday's Parish-Wide Unity In Community October Spaghetti Dinner and Talent Show Coordinating Committee meeting, seven gung ho parishioners, several related to each other; eagerly and energetically, attended tonight's meeting.  In a very productive interaction, we confirmed the date of the event for Saturday October 22, in the Parish and thoroughly discussed all the facets of planning, preparing, organizing, and providing, for the evening, in a renewed spirit of, "Faith, Fellowship, Collegiality, Collaboration", that is increasing in including more of our parishioners in parish life as fully, but realistically, as we can.  Monthly, Parish-wide events that can draw the participation of a greater number of parishioners, will produce a fruitful result for strengthening and sustaining our community of believers.  I am deeply grateful for tonight's response and willingness to make a real success, and a very fun evening socializing together for all our parishioners, neighbors, and friends, and the common good of OLOL.  More To Come Very Soon..........Fr.  Troy

STEVE JOBS - 1955 -2011, COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIST AND INNOVATOR...........

Apple computers, i-pods, i-phones, i-pads, are all the brainstorm genius result of Steve Jobs, a college dropout, whose impact on technological innovation and computer development has truly transformed the way the world communicates, the past thirty five years, died Wednesday, at age 56.  Starting out in his family's Silicon Valley home garage, with his collaborator Steve Wasniak, Jobs was the partner with the ideas; Waniak was the partner with the engineering skills.  What they spawned in that garage, led to substantial developments in the past three and a half decades.  Following eight years with pancreatic cancer.  He was 56.  As I blog this to you, I am reminded, all of us who use computers, or any of other similiar technology, have good reason to be grateful to him.  Thank You Steve Jobs !!  May you reap the reward of your contributions to the betterment of the world vis a vis the technological innovations you envisined, created, produced...........Fr.  Troy

SACRAMENTO AUXILIARY BISHOP ALPHONSE GALLEGOS; EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT ANWAR SADAT; AND OCTOBER 6TH...........

The deceased Sacramento Auxiliary Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, O.A.R., and the late Eyptian President Anwar Sadat, tragically share the date October 6th, in common, ten years apart.  On October 6, 1981, at age 51, eleven years President of Egypt, and instrumental in furthering the peace process in the Middle East, between Egypt, Israel, and prospectively with the entire Arab world; President Anwar Sadat was assassinated during the course of a military parade review in Cairo.  Ten years later, on October 6, 1991, Bishop Alophonse Gallegos, one month short of ten years, as Auxiliary Bishop of the Sacramento Diocese, 60 years of age, was killed on a darkened highway coming from administering the Sacrament of Confirmation, at St. Isidore's Parish, Yuba City; when the car he was riding in stalled, and was parked to the side of the road, by the deacon who was driving him.  Bishop Gallegos got out the car to help push the car, when another vehicle struck and killed him.  Both very sad occurrences.  Today as we remember and commemorate President Sadat and Bishop Gallegos, thirty and twenty years, after their deaths, we pray for them in eternity for the promise and hope they instilled in the people they served and ministered to, the cause of peace in the Middle East, and the commitment to being pro-life, were bettered by the efforts of these two men.  Anwar Sadat's demise, led to the ascendancy of President Hosni Mubarek in Egypt, cause of the Arab Spring earlier this year.  + Alphonse Gallegos' passing resulted seven years later in the appointment of Reverend Father Richard J. Garcia, as Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento, and now Bishop of Monterey, California.  Four years ago, next Tuesday, it also was followed by the appointment of Bishop Jaime Soto, as Coadjuator Bishop, and now the Ordinary of Sacramento.  May our remembrance of President Sadat and Bishop, reinstill in all of us, the affect and impact committed human beings can make to the betterment of the World and Church...........May They Share The Blessings Of Everlasting Life,   Fr. Troy

MORNING INFUSION, APPOINTMENT WITH DR. MARTIN, PARISH SCRIPTURE STUDY SERIES, WEEK 2............

As I get my day started on this Thursday October 6, 2011, the optional memorial of St. Bruno, Priest; ,  after being connected to my morning antibiotic infusion therapy by parishioner, Rosie Fernandes, Ted Dahlberg will take me to my appointment with Dr. Randy Martin, my infections specialist, then at 1:30 p.m., will conduct the second installment of OLOL's current Parish Scripture Study Series.  The focus of today's, "The Word Among Us", theme and focus is : 'I am He Who Comforts You'.  That is the title of our featured article, which we will survey and discuss; as well as prayerfully reflect on the biblical meditations TWAU, provides for today and this coming Sunday.  I am optimistic the Scripture Study Series will help us to inspire, fortify, and renew, our lives personally and communally, and that more of our members, will take part in this afternoon adult faith formation offering...........Fr.  Troy

GOVERNOR CHRISTIE AND FORMER GOVERNOR PALIN WILL NOT RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2012 - THE G.O.P. CONTINUES TO SEARCH FOR A POLITICAL MESSIAH...........

With the decision yesterday by first term New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and the announcement today of former Alaska Governor, and 2008 vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, not to run for the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination; the current field of 8 G.O.P. candidates may be it.  Whether the majority of Republican Party primary voters can find themselves satisfied of Romney, Cain, Perry, Paul, Bachman, Gingrich, Santorum, or Huntsman, remains to be seen, as former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, is polling no greater than 17%-25% support; Texas Governor Rick Perry, the mid August to late September flavor of the month finding his support melting; Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachman, winner of the August Iowa Straw Poll, having her support flagging; Businessman Herman Cain, making an early October 2011 surge; and the other four candidates lagging in breakthrough support; it seems the golden opportunity they feel the 2012 Presidential Election is for them to win back The White House, skepticism and disappointment with this field persists.  The filing deadlines for state primaries and caucuses are closing in, and meeting necessary electoral requirements increasingly difficult to meet, it is from this field of 8, that next year's Republican standardbearer will be nominated.  With just about eleven months to the Republican National Convention, deciding on that nominee possessing an electable chance to win The White House.  Can they do from this current field, or is their another preferable political messiah, the party faithful can convince to get into the race, as the window of opportunity closes ?...........Fr.  Troy

YOU ARE MY BELOVED FRIEND AND BROTHER FOREVER - ROBERT CHARLES BUTCHER; OCTOBER 5, 1944 - AUGUST 19, 2001...........

On October 2, 1977, as an undergraduate one month short of my 21st birthday, at California State University Sacramento, I headed toward the University at the Noon hour to join my fellow Lambda Chi Alpha associate member and the fraternity President Tom MacKenzie, with whom I was serving as Vice President, of our seven month old upstart five man, embryonic colony, to meet up with a prospective sixth recruit.  The recruit's name a senior, name was Bob Butcher.  Tom and I, arrived, and chatted about our introductory interview with Bob just moments away.  He sounded like he had solid potential as a prospective, from the phone calls each of us had with him leading up to that day.  And in a trait I came to admire and appreciate about Bob so very much, he appeared right on time as we sat at a small first floor, front door area table.  "Hi Tom, Troy, I'm Bob", he said, smiling broadly as he reached out to shake our hands.  We sat down briefly and began to converse, getting to know one another. Bob Butcher told us he was graduating senior, History major, with a concentration in Ancient Civilizations; turning 33 years old three days hence, a Navy veteran, and nine year part-time employee at the California Board of Equalization centra;l files department.  He was ten to twelve years older than the other five of us in the colony at that time, but he age didn't seem important, given his energetic, engaging, extroverted, personality; both Tom and I were experiencing with him in those opening minutes.  We proceeded into the Hornet's Nest for some lunch and continued discussing Lambda Chi Alpha, with Bob showing serious interest in joining us.  As we concluded the moment of truth arrived, to bid him to become an associate member.  Tom said, "Bob, Troy and I feel you would make a very good member of the fraternity, and I have a question for you ?  Are you willing to become an associate member of our Lambda Chi Alpha colony ?"  Bob nodded enthusiastically smiling more widely, and responded, "I want to carry something more away from my college years at Sac State, than just a sheepskin, and my degree.  Yes, I will be happy to join you and become a member of Lambda Chi Alpha".  It was an exciting thing to hear him say, as we were doing our utmost to build up our membership.  Initiated with us on December 10th, of that year on campus, he completed what has come to be called the, "Original Six".   Over the next twenty four years Brother Bob was not only a loyal and dedicated active and alumni member of Lambda Chi Alpha Phi Pi Zeta, but a mentor, counselor, and supporter, of both the undergraduate chapter, and Superior California Sacramento area alumni association.  He continued working for the Board of Equalization, being promoted to the position of Supervisor in Central Files, until his death.  On December 18, 1892, he married Placida Europa, and they had more than twenty happy years together.  A graduate of All Hallows Parish parochial school, Bishop Armstrong High School, in 1962, and having attended Sacramento City College, before entering the United States Navy, 1965-1969; and graduating with his B.A., in History from California State University, Sacramento on May 27, 1978, with our founding Hight Alpha, Tom MacKenzie, uninterruptedly, Bob continued working as a very active alumnus, assisting Brother Kevin Stevens, and me, and our Beta, Gamma, and Delta, initiates complete requirements to attain our chapter's Charter, as the Phi Pi Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, on September 27, 1980.  From 1977 - 2001, Bob was my stellar fraternity brother, friend, fellow believer, and supporter.  Far too soon, it became my priestly duty and privilege, to preside at his funeral in Good Shepherd Church in Laguna, on Friday night / Saturday morning, August 24th, / 25th, 2001; with the gracious delegation of the then Pastor, Rev. Fr. Phil Wells.  Still now, a decade later he still chuckles when we speak of Bob, for it was only then that he came to know his faithful parishioner's fraternity, "Mad Dog", side !!  My heart and mind overflows today with memories of Bob.  Some of which I will share in future blog columns.  May You Be In The Light Of The Lord Jesus Always And Forever Brother Bob Butcher, Phi Pi 6 !!!!!!!!!!!........... ZAX,  Brother, Father Troy

REVEREND MONSIGNOR PATRICK J. O'NEILL, PRIEST OF SACRAMENTO, SINCE 1947, DIES AT AGE 88...........

Reverend Monsignor Patrick J. O'Neill, a native of South Kilkenny, in Ireland; ordained a Priest of Jesus Christ for the Sacramento Diocese, from St. Kieran's Seminary, Kilkenny; in 1947, has died at age 88, in New York, where he retired to be near relatives.  Appointed Pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, in Truckee, California, near Lake Tahoe, where he ministered from 1949-1961; Father O'Neill, was appointed the Founding Pastor of South Sacramento's St. Anne's Parish, Meadowview, in 1961, and ministered there until 1974.  Becoming Pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, in Vallejo, where he served until retiring in 1995, he was recognized by Pope John Paul. as an, Honorary Prelate, on May 4, 1979; becoming Monsignor O'Neill.  At his passing, the senior priest of the Sacramento Diocese, who was a, "Kieran's man", alumnus of the Kilkenny, Ireland seminary.  He attended both St. Kieran's secondary school and seminary, for ten years years, with Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh, who now survives him as the senior St. Kieran's priest alumnus in Sacramento.  Funeral arrangements are  yet announced, but expected to take place in Vallejo............Eternal Rest Grant Unto His Holy Soul O Lord.  May Perpetual Light Shine Upon.  May He Rest In Peace,   Fr.  Troy

THE BOUNDLESS GENEROSITY OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT...........

Today was a double dip, become triple dip, day of doctor appointment / therapy session / lab work, for me, and my friend and volunteer driver, Ted Dahlberg.  With the plethora of medical, therapeutic, and lab, appointments I am having to currently keep, parishioners, friends, and volunteers like Ted Dahlberg, Bill and Ruby Shepherd, Jack and Patty Pennington, and all my other caring, compassionate, selflessly serving, volunteers who consistently and continuously step up, and are here to provide for my essential needs at present, especially the antibiotic infusion therapy connects and disconnects twice daily; and providing me with vital transportation to and from my appointments outside the rectory and away from the parish plant are truly magnanimous.  Several of them, more than once over the past eight months, have done what Ted Dahlberg did today - punctually appear early to pick me up in the rectory, and drive me to multiple, back to back, appointments from Dr. McMonagle's office in the Placer Town and Country center at North Sunrise Avenue, just north of Doughlas Boulevard, in Roseville; to Swanson-McArthur Physical Therapy center in Carmichael, on Madison Avenue, just west of Van Maren Lane; to an unexpected until we were having lunch call from Labcorp. on Coyle Avenue, just a few blocks away, to come in as soon as possible to provide them a sample.  Patiently, politely, with the fullness of friendship and faith, and with the boundless generosity of the human spirit, as do the others in my current circle of volunteers, inordinately assisting me, not because they have to, but because they want to.  Ted gave me six hours of his time and consideration today; willingly, happily, supportively.  I am grateful beyond measure for him, and my other friends, parishioners, past and present, who say Yes : unconditionally.  Thank You.  God Bless You.  And Know, My Heart-filled Prayers, Positive Thoughts, And Best Wishes Are With You Now And Forever...........Fr.  Troy

INCREASING NUMBERS OF SENIORS CONFRONTING HUNGER SHOWING UP AT FOOD BANKS IN THE USA...........

 Tuesday mornings are Feed the Hungry ministry day each week at OLOL,  and hundreds of persons and families will come here today, to seek the groceries they need to avoid hunger.  Food banks and feeding ministries in the Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla areas of Sacramento, like that throughout the region, are seeing increasing numbers of people turning up to receive food, and a growing number of them becoming senior citizens who are struggling, sinking, and striving to survive,in this time of economic recession, like they have not faced until now.  Not just the poor, but middle class families, are showing up seeking food assistance to subsist, when they customarily have not had to confront such a struggle.  On Monday, 'The Sacramento Bee', publiished a front page, above the fold, news story on the local economy, chronicling the new reality of hunger, and what increasing numbers are having to do to avoid it.  A startling fact is that in Sacramento and around the country seniors 60, and above are the fastest growing age group becoming, "food insecure", defined as having sufficient nutritious food unavailable to them, or the food being too costly, putting them at risk of going hungry.  What until recent times has been thought of and responded to, as poo greatly appreciate the dozens and dozens of feeding ministriesckets of poverty, has become a much more mainstream, middle class tragedy.  My decade as chairman of the Sacramento Diocesan Food gave me a deeper empathy for the ongoing need to feed the hungry, and a greater appreciate for the dozens of dozens of feeding ministries in these 20 counties of Superior California, in parishes and localities, that continue to address the need for food on the part of evermore people acutely affected by a seriously sour economy.  Sadly, in the ten years since my Food Bowl ministry concluded the crisis has compunded.  Please God, the charity, generosity, and conscience, of an equally large number of donors will also continue to share in the effort to eradicate hunger and see to it that seniors and all our citizens have the food they need to more than subsist.  In the world's largest economy, it is grevious indictmen that anyone - children, families, seniors, the disabled, and the indigent, go hungry.  So do what you can do today, this week, NOW, to see that others who are truly hungry are fed...........Feed The Body And We Shall Surely Feed The Soul,   Fr.  Troy

FIRST MONDAY OF OCTOBER '11 A FULL AND ROUNDED DAY OF PARISH ACTIVITY...........

Celebration of Monday 8 a.m. Mass, followed by the start up of the parish work week with a focus on temporalities and administration until lunch, followed by afternnon fine tuning of my preparation on the current adult fauth formation series, "Understanding The New Mass Texts", of the Revised Roman Missal, 3rd Edition, coming into effect on Sunday November 27, make for a full, rounded day of parish ministry.  Today it also included of delivery of copiers, donated by a local bank, to OLOL for our parish work, which allows us a substantial annual savings from returning the leased copier the parish has had the past few years.  It is a thoughtful and generous donation, at a crucial time with parish finances, where making every dollar spent by OLOL, be of the greatest value possible, to keep the parish budget in balance, while providing for essential needs.  My home health nurse Susan Boyce and I did not connect by telephone this morning until after I was connected to my daily a.m. antibiotic infusion.  Considering today was the day she comes not only to change the port needle and replace the dressing, she also had to draw the required blood labs, for measuring the vanco antibiotic level, which must be drawn twelve hours after the previous infusion.  With a full day of home health care visits on her schedule and my 6:30 p.m. class, she had to come to see me at 8 p.m., and started my p.m. antibiotic infusion therapy at 8:54 p.m.  Ruby and Bill Shepherd came to disconnect me.  After my infusion therapy started and nurse Susan departed, I watched the second hour of the fourth week of, "Dancing With The Stars", and then an episode of a classic, "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", on Antenna TV.  Tuesday brings my regular check-up with Dr. McMonagle, and a physical therapy session with Quinn McArthur, with my South Sacramento providing me rides to them.  Then current pastoral and administration ministry work awaits...........All For God's Greater Glory And The Common Good Of The Community Of Believers OLOL Is,   Fr.  Troy

THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW - GOLDEN JUBILEE OCTOBER 3, 1961 - OCTOBER 3, 2011...........

From 6 -9 p.m. tonight and all this week through Friday, and in a marathon of episodes next week, TV LAND, on cable - will air 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', which premiered 50 years ago tonight, October 3, 1961.  The five season, 159 episodes, series - which starred Dick Van Dyke, as Rob Petrie, head comedy writer on the show within a show, "Alan Brady Show", costarred Mary Tyler Moore, as his tv wife Laura; Larry Matthews as their son, Richie; Morey Amsterdam, as "Buddy Sorrell", Rose Marie, as "Sally Rogers", fellow comedy team writers; Richard Deacon, as "Mel Cooley", Alan Brady's brother in law and producer; Jerry Paris, as the Petrie's neigbor / dentist, "Jerry Helper"; Ann Morgan Guilbert, as "Millie Helper", next door neighbor dentist's wife; and show creator, Carl Reiner, as "Alan Brady".  The location of the half hour situation comedy was in two venues :  scenes concerning the writing of the Alan Brady Show, in Manhatten, and the Petrie family scenes in their suburban home in New Rochelle, New York.  Although it got off to a slow start in the ratings, by the second season it was a solid hit, and became one of the classic television comedies of the 1960's.  Dick Van Dyke went on to star successfully in theatrical films such as, "Mary Poppins", "Chitty, Chitty, Bang Bang", and a second multi-season situation comedy, and comedy variety show, as well as, his long run in the 1990's in a dramatic series, "Diagnosis Murder".  Now 85 years old, Dick Van Dyke, is still and will likely forever best be remembered as "Rob Petrie", headwriter, husband, father, neighbor, friend, and foremost, comedian; whose original, "Dick Van Dyke Show", October 3, 1961 - June 1, 1966, is still making people laugh thanks to syndication, cable, and TV Land, more than two generations later.  Happy Golden Jubilee, D.V.D. ...........Fr.  Troy

p.s. - Show creator Carl Reiner, formerly, a writer on, "Sid Caesar's Show Of Shows", had created the pilot in 1960, for himself to star in.  It was titled, "Head Of The Family". The pilot failed to be picked up,, and he re-tooled it and a year later brought it back with the title name of it's star, Dick Van Dyke.  Reportedly, Johnny Carson was also considered for the starring role.  One year after the, "Dick Van Dyke Show" premiered, Johnny Carson became the 30 year host of the NBC "Tonight Show"  Carl Reiner, now  89, is still acting since 2010, in a recurring role in the TV Land first run series, 'Hot In Cleveland', as Max, one of Betty White's love interests .....tdp