READYING THE WAY OF THE LORD.....AND THAT OF,"RENEW INTERNATIONAL" AT OLOL...........

With heart-filled Anticipation, Watching for the Coming of the Lord Jesus, during these Advent Days before Christmas, OLOL is also getting ready for the start of, "RENEW", Spiritual Renewal process for the entire parish community.  Revitalizing the very core of our everyday spirituality as believers in Jesus The Christ, and as members of the Catholic Church He founded, and this Parish, it is vitally essential we renew ourselves spiritually, personally, and communally, to be the People of God we have been called, chosen, sanctified, and redeemed, to be.  We will begin Season One in January, with part one of, "Longing For The Holy".  Using the resources of RENEW International and the writings and insights of Father Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I., " 'Longing For The Holy', is for those who want to enrich their sense of the presence of God and develop a deeper spirituality.  It concerns the way we channel the deep longing at the core of our being and explores the implications of the central mysteries of faith - the Incarnation, the Eucharist, and the Paschal Mystery, - for spiritually.  Attending to the cultural challenges that keep us from realizing our true desire, it considers the important themes of Church, Community, Justice, Sexuality, the practices of the  Spiritual Life, and being a Mystic of the everyday".  There will be general parish weekly meetings and in time hopefully a number of parishioner small groups meeting in the neighborhoods comprising OLOL Parish, Del Paso Heights, Rio Linda, Elverta, Robla, and this area of, Sacramento.  The RENEW International Ministry has accomplished this in the United States and 23 other countries, since 1978, touching the lives of 25 million people.  I am personally and pastorally optimistic that the success RENEW has had in the Diocese of Sacramento and parishes internationally, will also take place here, as we commit ourselves to the spiritual renewal we need to grow, strengthen, sustain, and grace, OLOL Parish for the paths of Life and Faith that are now and ever before us...........Fr. Troy    

WILL NEWT GINGRICH BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN HIS MOMENTUM AS THE CHIEF GOP ALTERNATIVE TO MITT ROMNEY ?...........

In recent weeks the latest manifestation of the Republican President nomination race, shows former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich of Georgia, has achieved a near come back from thew dead candidacy diring the summer and his abandonment by almost all his campaign staff; to running within the margin of error just behind, and now ahead, of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, the putatative, presumed , GOP frontrunner.  Gingrich is the latest prospective alternative to Romney being the 2012 Republican Presidential Nominee.  He follows Donald Trump, Michelle Bachman, Rick Perry, Herman Cain, into the leading alternative position.  With just over a month before the start of the caucus and primary voting by Republicans, can Newt Gingrich sustain his alternative position and mount a truly serious challenge to Mitt Romney ?  Gingrich stands to gain from Herman Cain's recent slide, if evangelical Protestants can  be comfortable enough to transfer their electoral support from the embattled Cain, to the morally and ethically challenged Gingrich.  Those Republican evangelical Protestants must also be able to accept Gingrich's new found Catholicism, as much as they will Romney's Mormonism.  Despite the post conciliar, ecumenical age, in which we live, this remains a religious and political challenge to a certain percent of the potential electorate.  In what has to date been a volatile shifting of preferences for particular candidates among the eight of the ten Republicans seeking to be the 2012 Presidential standardbearer, Newt Gingrich will have to be articulately assertive and outreaching to remain a strong alternative to Mitt Romney through Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, after which a more accurate reading of where the race stands and how the nomination is likely to lean, becomes apparent...........Fr.  Troy 

EGYPTIANS EAGERLY TURNOUT IN DROVES TO VOTE IN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS...........

Egyptian citizens turned out in overwhelming numbers on Monday and Tuesday, to vote in the two day Parliamentary election, the first vote of the Egyptian electorate, since the overthrow of former President Hosni Mubarak early in the year.  Although impatient activist protesters continue to press for immediate relinquishing by the military of the government and return to civilian rule and an open election for President, the response to this week's parliamentary election seems to indicates the majority of Egyptians are willing to wait longer for a presidential election.  This week's elections were two months overdue from the initial pronouncements after Mubarak's fall from power, and it as yet, uncertain as to how committed the transitional military leadership of the country is to stepping down and allowing a civilian elected president take charge.  All this in the unfolding saga of the Arab Spring and the present and future of the government Egypt will have and the relationship the United States, Israel, and the nations of the world will have with the country of Egypt...........Fr.  Troy 

ST. ANDREW, APOSTLE - COMING TO THE CALL OF CHRIST...........

This first Wednesday of Advent today, is also the Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle.  Andrew, was a fisherman along with his brother Simon, and father Zebedee, when Jesus called him to leave his fishing nets and stay with Him.  Andrew had been a disciple of John the Baptist and heard much about the Messiah's Coming. as John testified to who Jesus is.  Coming to stay with Jesus, discovered who is for himself, and sprung into action by running to spread the Good News, "We have founf the Messiah" - proclaiming it to his brother Simon Peter, as found in John's Gospel, 1:28-42.  Andrew became a tireless Disciple of Jesus Christ, during the three years of companionship and public ministry, and also in his preaching and endurance as a Faithful Witness to Jesus, for the remainder of his life.  St. Andrew took the Good News of Christ to Constantinople, and was finally put to death in Patras, Greece.  As our First Reading at Advent Mass today from Romans 10:15; says -"Blessed are the feet of those who bring the Good News".  St.  Andrew exemplifies for us and all Believers, how an unconditional commitment and faithful endurance can allow us to wholeheartedly follow Jesus also as people who hear, answer, and honor, the Call of Christ's Coming into our lives of Discipleship and Living Faith...........Fr.  Troy 

IT'S THE NIGHT FOR THE ANNUAL NETWORK BROADCAST OF, "RUDOLPH"...........

In little over a half hour, one of the most beloved Christmas characters, of the past seventy two years - "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer", will be broadcast for the forty eighth consecutive year on network televcision, with an 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time airing onty CBS - TV, (in Sacramento 7 p.m., on KOVR CBS 13;).  Created as a Christmas booklet sales character by Montgomery Ward Department stores in 1939, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer was popularized in the 1949, as a Christmas song, written and composed by Johnny Marks, and first sung by New York City crooner Harry Brannon in early November, and even more successfully by singing cowboy star, Gene Autry, on November 25, 1949.  In December 1964, it became the iconic television Christmas special, and yours truly then 8 years old, was watching it on the night it premiered.  For over fifteen years I have owned a personal copy of the Rudolph television special video, but still find it very special to view the network broadcast, when my schedule allows me.  Children of all ages are certain to be tuned in tonight and watch our beloved red nosed friend come through for Santa on Christmas Eve.  Thanks Rudolph, for entertaining, inspiring, and engaging, us from the time of your 1939 Montgomery Wards Christmas booklet; through more than sixty years of your  Christmas carol song, to the four dozen years of your  television Christmas special...........Christmas Is Brighter And Better Because Of You,   Fr.  Troy

CAN HERMAN CAIN VIABLY CONTINUE HIS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN ?...........

With the latest claim yesterday by a Georgia woman, that she had a thirteen year love affair with Herman Cain, a Republican Presidential candidate, and until recently the frontrunner; the likelihood that Cain will drop out as a candidate, has seriously increased.  He has admitted to being a friend of the woman in question, but says there was no love affair between them.  He has however, reportedly informed his campaign staff, he is reassessing his options in light of this development.  Political analysts are predicting a decision about whether he stays in the race, or gets out within 48-72 hours.  Having skyrocketed from businessman, to presidential candidate, without any record of political or governmental service; and lacking a normally structured political campaign operation, his viability from this point forward is highly questionable, given there are four other women alledging past sexual harassment by Herman Cain, while he was CEO of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990's.  He must also be personally concerned with the present and future state of his marriage and family.  With just 5-6 weeks until the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire Primary, at a time he is falling in the polls, and struggling to fundraise, Cain's appeal this afternoon to his supporters to financially donate to his campaign treasury, may be the central barometer as to whether he goes forward or ends his 2012 quest for the Presidency.  It is a being between a rock and a hard place time, for the Cain candidacy.  The days ahead will tell whether his campaign is  fatally flawed or not; and who among the other seven GOP candidates may benefit from his political reversal of fortune, if indeed, he drops out of the race...........Fr.  Troy 

RENEW INTERNATIONAL COMING TO OLOL IN JANUARY...........

The first set of materials from RENEW International, the parish spiritual renewal process OLOL Parish will be starting in January 2012, arrived yesterday and are exactly what they should be to reinvigorate all our members at the core of our existence as Disciples of Jesus The Christ.  "Longing For The Holy", 'Spirituality For Everyday Living' will be our focus for six weeks of Ordinary Time January 9 -Feruary 13, 2012; and for six weeks during the Easter Season in the Spring.  Our Lenten Series starting Feb.27, will also be a RENEW offering, "Lifting Up Our Hearts".  Then, continuing next autumn Advent and Lenten Series' of six weeks duration, will proceed wiith RENEW's "Why Catholic", spiritual renewal ministry process based on the four pillars of Catechism of the Catholic Church - the Christian Profession of Faith; the Christian Mystery -Sacraments; Christian Morality; and Christian Prayer.  An outstanding array of Faith Formation and Faith Sharing for everyone in the parish, that will enrich and empower our Community of Believers, to grow stronger and more viable as a sustainable parish, spiritually revitalized at its very core.  It promises to be as it has been for over three decades in parishes and dioceses throughout our country and in other places in the world, a wonderful mutual and communal experience of rediscovered and renewed spirituality, in our relationships with God and one another as Belivers in, and Followers of, The Christ, Whose Advent we Anticipate and Celebrate Everyday of our lives...........Come Lord Jesus !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy

ADVENT ANTICIPATION CALLS US TO BE HUMBLE AND TRUSTING PEOPLE OF GOD...........

On this Tuesday of the First Week of Advent, God's Word in Luke's Gospel teaches us how continuously in human history the Divine has made distinctly different responses to the proud, and the humble.  The proud, and self righteous, have been made low; while the humble, and the just, have been elevated; in the graciousness and goodness of God.  The lesson for us as Catholic-Christian Disciples is to put holiness and selfless in the forefront of  the lives we lead, and the actions we carry out, and the attitudes we hold and express.  As Luke 10:23; proclaims to us who possess and live such fervant Faith, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see".  Let us truly Trust in Jesus' desire to be one with us, in what we seek and hope for in Christ.  May what you See and Do as one of God's Advent People, be spiritually, socially, sincerely, filled with the Anticipation of what it means to Watch and Wait for the Lord God Whose Coming is our Light and Salvation...........Fr.  Troy

AS ADVENT PEOPLE ISAIAH THE PROPHET CHALLENGES US TO, "COME, LET US CLIMB...TO THE HOUSE OF THE GOD OF JACOB"...........

As Advent People we are challenged by the prophetic word of the Isaiah, whose voice resounds throughout this Sacred Season, to Watch with Antricipation for Christ's Coming.  On this 1st Monday of Advent our First Reading at Mass today, from Isaiah 2:1-5; affirms God's desire to come to our house, to reside with us under the roof, not only of our earthly homes, but spiritually and graciously, in the home of our hearts.  Advent's days of anticipation and for the three-fold Coming of Jesus, at Christmas, in the Escathon, and Everyday of our Discipleship, are an opportunity to take the time to draw ever closer in our relationships with God and the Grace and Love, the Divine imparts upon us.  How do we make our houses and homes more ready for the Lord's Coming, but through greater Prayer, Scripture Reading, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and involvement in the life and ministry of our Community of Believers.  With the invitation of the Prophet Isaiah, and the light of Jesus, to guide us we will be ready to greet the Lord God, when indeed, He Comes Under Our Roofs...........Fr.  Troy

A NEW MASS TEXTS PARISHIONER FEEDBACK SESSION @ OLOL TONIGHT...........

With our first experience of the Mass text revisions of the new Roman Missal 3rd Edition yesterday, the parishioners of OLOL Parish, are invited to attend a Feedback Session tonight at 6:30 p.m., in the Parish Hall.  We will discuss first reactions to the new word text responses both the Mass worshippers and presiding priest are now required to make in celebrating Mass.  All are Welcome. for what will hopefully be an enlightening and empowering experience of celebrating Mass as a Community of Believers...........Fr.  Troy

CYBER MONDAY - A BETTER WAY TO DO YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING AND BEAT THE FRENZY ?...........

With this year's 'Black Friday', 'Small Business Saturday', and ThanksGiving Weekend, behind us, in the hope that many of the Christmas shopping participants also took part in yesterday's 'Giving Sunday' celebration; we arrive at, "Cyber Monday", the holiday shopping day, when the majority of online purchases are made.  Initial reports are that Friday and Saturday sales receipts are up over last year, and today's Cyber Monday's total of online shopping, which last year topped $1 billion in sales for the first time, is projected to be some $1.2 billion.  Given the increasing frenzy, madness, and even violence, of Black Friday, in some store and mall locations around the USAlast week, Cyber Monday, is a simpler, safe, and sane, way to do  seasonal shopping, as long as the computer you are using is secure with firewall of protection of your personal and financial information online.  Hopefully, amidst all this concentrated focus on shopping, consumers will also remember the authentic reason behind all the shopping they do, and make provision for the poor, needy, and less fortunate, in society who are lucky to be able to shop for basic essentials such as food, and clothing.  OLOL Parish, like most church congregations at this time of year have myriads of families, who turn to us to provide some degree of Christmas for them.  So as you do your Cyber Monday shopping, include consideration of at least one local charity, serving the needy, and make a contribution towards providing them with the Spirit of Giving and Generosity, that is Christmas...........Fr.  Troy 

THE FIRST CANDLE OF ADVENT - THE LIGHT OF ANTICIPATION...........

As we light the first purple candle of this sacred season surrounding our Advent Wreath, we acknowledge and celebrate the spirit of Anticipation, reflected in its illumination.  With the dedication of our Catholic-Christian Faith, as God's Advent People we place our hopes in the Holiness of Anticipation in Jesus The Christ, whose multiple Coming - His Holy Birth, His Second and Future Glorious Eschaton, and His Everyday Presence in our Lives; is the bedrock of who we are, as Believers in the Living and True God of All Creation, The Lord of Our Salvation.  On the night of the this First Sunday of Advent we are filled with Watchful Anticipation, in the Coming of Jesus, Who is Christ Our Light and the Light of the World.  May the Advent Light that burns in our churches and homes tonight and this week, bring you and your families a full share in the spirit of Anticipation this Advent that leads us to a daily discovery of the graces and blessings this Christmas and the future Eternity of God's Love for us will bring...........Maranatha !  Come, Lord Jesus, Come !   Fr.  Troy

NEW WORDS.....SAME MASS.....IN THE WORD TEXT REVISIONS OF THE ROMAN MISSAL 3RD EDITION WE BEGIN EXPERIENCING TODAY...........

As American and Canadian Catholics bein using the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal today, the words of the texts of the priest / presider, and the parishioner / worshippers, have changed substantially from the translation of the Sacramentary we have known and used for over forty years.  These word changes put the English language translation closer to the original Latin and with the French, German, Spanish, and Italian, language translations of the new Roman Missal.  Our first celebrations of Sunday Masses with the the word text revisions went pretty well.  On a scale for 1-10, I score it a 9 plus,, for initial responses, the "And With Your Spirit", response to greetings getting the most mixed response, as "Also With You", iso ingrained in our memory and response.  I felt a greater comfortability with the revised and expanded words in many of the prayers, than I expected to have proclaiming them, although their structure and complexity caused a halting feeling for me, in a few places.  I used my chapel edition of the Roman Missal at the Presider's Chair, as well as the much larger altar edition during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, so as to keep the new word texts front and center before me throughout the Mass.  As an addendum to our 'Understanding The New Mass Texts' class during the past two months, we will hold a, First Experiences of the new Roman Missal 3rd Edition Sunday Mass, feedback session tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m., in the Parish Hall.  Hopefully, a good representative group of OLOL parishioner will be present to share their initial reactions to what we began experiencing today...........Fr.  Troy

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT BRINGS ANTICIPATION OF CHRIST'S COMING...........

"WATCH", is the password of Advent, as we begin Liturgical Year 2012, and promulgation of the new Roman Missal 3rd Edition.  As Disciples of Jesus, we Watch, in wait-filled anticipation for the historical and future Coming of the Christ; and the everyday appearance Jesus is in our lives as God's Advent People.  The Prophet Isaiah in today's First Reading of Sacred Scripture at Mass, tells us we are the Clay formed by the hands of the Potter, who is God.  Thus we are beings created and shaped by our ongoing relationship with the Divine GodHead, the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, and Spirit, who call us to lives of Holiness and Anticipation of the Advent of the Lord's Three-fold Coming.  For when we as faithful and loyal Disciples look upon the Face of God, we shall be saved.  Mark's Gospel Proclamation hearkens us to be Watchful and Alert !, in readiness for the Lord's Coming, so as to be prepared to experience its fullness at the end of time.  The four Sundays of the Advent, and each day within these weeks, allow us to do that and to make room in the homes of our hearts to embrace the historical, present, and escatholgical, Coming of Jesus Christ as our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer.  May the Advent Season be for you and for all Believers, just such an experience of God's Love...........Fr.  Troy

GIVING SUNDAY : PUTTING THE REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON AT THE HEART OF OUR HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES...........

With 'Black Friday', grabbing the majority of the ThanksGiving weekend attention during the past week plus; and a concerted second year effort to make 'Small Business Saturday', today';s focus for Christmas shoppers; and 'Cyber Monday', tomorrow, this fourth day of our American ThanksGiving weekend, and the 1st Sunday of Advent, is beginning to be referred to by some, as 'Giving Sunday'.  remembering the custom of making, and buying gifts at Christmas is anchored in the greatest gift ever in human history, Jesus The Christ, God's Co-Eternal Son, and our Redeemer.  'Giving Sunday', is our sincere Catholic-Christian discipleship opportrunity, to do what Jesus does, remembering and reaching out to others, especially those who need outreach most at Christmas.  The St. Vincent De Paul ministry at OLOL Parish is hard at work organizing their Christmas Giveaway, to poor and needy children and families in our three parish zip codes.  Like in many Christian communities during Advent, they have an adopt a family project, by which parishioners can support the Christmas Giveaway.  Giving Trees are a common presence in churches during Advent, with tags as decorations containing the names and wished for gifts, of those who might otherwise go without at Christmas.  'Giving Sunday', is a concrete sign to all pof us, to remember and do something extra for those families in our communities facing a meager, economic hardship, holiday season.  'Giving Sunday', and showing concern for the last fortunate, Keeps Christ Who Is The Reason For Christmas At The Center Of Our Celebrations,   Fr.  Troy  

BIDDING FAREWELL TO THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE SACRAMENTARY OF THE PAST FORTY YEARS...........

With the celebration of the Sunday Vigil Mass this evening, American and English speaking Catholics will begin using the 3rd Edition of the New Roman Missal, being promulgated on this First Sunday of Advent.  It will be a whole new liturgical experience, of substantial Mass text changes in the words we use, after forty years of the outgoing Sacramentary we have had as our basic book of liturgical worship.  The Sacramentary we have known has been a very good liturgical resource for the celebration of Masses, of the dynamic equivalence translation that is more loosely based on the Latin from which it was translated, and with more casual language.  The new Roman Missal we are adopting, is more closely translated into English from Latin, and has much more formal and high English, word texts.  It will take all of us quite a period of adjustment in transition to growing completely comfortable and naturally flowing, with the revised word text translations of the new Roman Missal, even as we put away the accustomed texts in our heads.  Going into this 1st Sunday of Advent, I have celebrated 9,802 Masses with the outgoing Sacramentary, since my priestly ordination in 1987.  For the preparation and planning my colleagues and I, have undergone to implement the revised Mass texts, it will take us and our parishioners an appreciable amount of time to be totally familiar and comfortable, with the changes in words and cadence necessary to make our wholistic worship in Word and Eucharist, a flowing and natural prayer and praise of the Living and True God of All Creation, we honor in the Mass...........Fr.  Troy

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY : A TRULY WORTHWHILE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ENDEAVOR...........

On this third day of our four day ThanksGiving weekend, with the Christmas shopping season fully underway, today American consumers who our doing Christmas shopping, are asked to concentrate on the local stores and shops in their neighborhoods, on what is the second annual, "Small Business Saturday".  The purpose behind 'Small Business Saturday', is that we patronize our own neighborhood shops and businesses, in addition to the mall and major box and warehouse stores, to keep the spirit of Christmas nearest home.  Sixty eight cents of every dollar spent in a small business shop or store remains in the local economy, thus a boon not only to those businesses but to our neighborhoods.  It is wonderful that despite the hype and frenzy of the major stores that renewed focus is being placed on small businesses as we journey forth into a locally based celebration of the Christmas Season that most authentically home based...........Fr.  Troy

BLACK FRIDAY FRENZY - IS IT REALLY WORTH IT ?...........

On this morning after ThanksGiving Day in what has become known as, "Black Friday", Christmas shoppers are all aflutter at stores, and malls, throughout the U.S.  In and of itself, this is the appropriate day for the Christmas shopping season to begin.  But the lengths to which merchants and consumers both have gone to make this so called Black Friday, especially black in a downcast way.  Why any store or mall was open yesterday in the USA, our ThanksGiving Day, was a profane abuse of the holiday for American families, given those who were made to work and made to abbreviate, if not miss time spent with their familes and the sharing of the ThanksGiving meal.  It is sad enough emergency personnel, hospital staffs, and first responders are required to work, on ThanksGiving Day.  For commercial establishments seeking to jumpstart Christmas and holiday sales and manipulate their way into dividing and distracting familes from what is our day of national consecretion and blessings, is high unfortunate.  And the frenzy of late night, early morning crowds crowding and rushing into stores, oftentimes oblivious of any semblence of care or concern for others, that this year in Los Angeles resulted in a self absorbed fanatic shopper, pepper spraying other shoppers, once the store's doors were open; danger has become a reality in these frenzied shopping experiences.  And for what ?  First crack at extremely discounted loss leaders, that only a handful pof shoppers can really only benefit from saving on ?  This is one day of the year, I intentionally stay away and out of stores.  For those who approach today's Black Friday shopping oppportunities, in a civilized, common sense, social, and retail therapy, like way - full marks/  But for the fanatical zealots who put the totally selfish and black eye impetus into this day, wake up and get real.  Your freedom to shop for bargains and discounts, in no way lessens your responsibility to others, to be civilized and polite in the way you carry out your Black Friday shopping.  If Christmas is your reason for shopping today, how would Jesus the Reson for the Season expect You to Act in the Marketplace as Elsewhere ?...........Fr.  Troy

OUR OLDEST AMERICAN NEW WORLD TRADITION : THANKSGIVING DAY...........

It was 1621, A.D., in Plymouth, Massachusetts - th0at the Pilgrims and native American Indians, sat dsown at table to share a common meal of thanksgiving, which has come down to us 390 years later, as our first American Tradition, and as a day of gratitude for our blessiongs, a day of National Consecretion.  Families gather from far and wide on ThanksGiving Day and weekend, to feast, express their faith, and have fun, together each November, in remembrance of the appreciation we have for our lives and the bounty of blessings afforded to us, in good times and bad, as people of gratitude.  Attending Church on ThanksGiving Day is one sure way to focus on and express the prayerful aspect of this national feast.  Here at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, the ThanksGiving morning Mass today is at the special hour of 9:30 a.m.  For the past seventeen years in Sacramento today, the Run For The Hungry is sponsors both a 5k and 10k run or walk, to benefit the Sacramento Food Bank Family Services. founded by Reverend Father Daniel Madigan.  And ThanksGiving Day in America, is also what this year is the 85th Annual Macy's ThanksGiving Day Parade.  May you and your families make this ThanksGiving 2011, a day of gratitude, family, faith, and fun, as you sit at your own dinner tables, or perhaps help to serve ThanksGiving Dinner to the needy and less fortunate.  Leave the Christmas shopping and other extraneous activities until tomorrow and the weekend,  Make today a true Family Feast of generously Giving Thanks...........Fr.  Troy

THANKSGIVING EVE BRINGS DELIVERY OF LITURGICAL AND HOMILETIC RESOURCES FOR 2012...........

I returned to the rectory this afternoon to discover my order of homiletic and liturgical resources I have used to prepare for Sundays, Holydays, and Seasons, Masses and other Church Celebrations throughout the year, that I have utilized for more than a decade and half, have arrived, giving me the ThanksGiving to study and start Advent using them in preaching and liturgical planning.  "At Home With The Word", "Foundations For Preaching And Teaching", and, "The LTP Sourcebook Almanac Of Pastoral Liturgy", are three of the outstanding source documents that I use in my weekly preparation to both preach and teach the Sacred Scriptures and Good Liturgy.  Joined with other materials, prayer, and reflective preparation, they afford me wonderful insights into proclaiming, preaching, presiding, catechising, and evangelizing.  Exploring these newest editions and soaking up their information and insight to be a continually effective pastoral minister of God's Word and the Holy Eucharist...........With Thanks And Praise To God Our Benevolent King,   Fr.  Troy

THIS DAY IN THANKSGIVING HISTORY USA...........

For most of the years since the first harvest meal shared by the Pilgrims and Indians,  nearly four centuries ago, Americans have usually celebrated a ThanksGiving Day holiday.  But until President Abraham Lincoln issued a Proclamation, setting the date for the last Thursday of November, in 1863, the date was celebrated on different days of November annually, as proclaimed by American Presidents.  The last Thursday of November became the normal until 1939.  In November 1933, many American businessmen had requested President Franklin Roosevelt proclaim the ThanksGiving holiday one week earlier, to extend the Christmas shopping season.  President Eoosevelt declined to do so.  But six  years later in The President concurred and proclaimed Thursday November 23, 1939, ThanksGiving Day.  And from Wrm Springs, Georgia, where he had a polio rehabilitation center he presided over the carving of the ThanksGiving turkey.  However, several State Governors ignored the presidential proclamation and designated Thursday November 30, the last Thursday of the month as ThanksGiving Day.  Bigger businesses and merchants were happy, but small business owners and families were very upset.  States such as New York and Conneticut, observed ThanksGiving on separate dates that year, so that families were unable to share the holiday together.  President Roosevelt proclaimed the fourth Thurdays of Nobember ThanksGiving Day in  1940 and 1941; and Congress passed legislation on December 26, 1941, designating The 4th Thursday of November, our official, annual, ThanksGiving Day.  Fr. Pius and I were invited this afternoon to a ThanksGiving Eve luncheon with the Pennington Family which was a delightful preview of tomorrow's feast.  May you anf your yours have a family gathering that is truly befitting of our hearts to be people of praise and thanks to God...........Fr.  Troy  

J.R. WINS 'DWTS' MIRROR BALL TROPHY; MAJOR TRAVEL DAY IN AMERICA FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY...........

The ten weeks of Season 13 of, "Dancing With The Stars", last night ended with J.R. Rodriguez, a from the start of the competition audience favorite, named the winner of what the show calls, "the coveted, Mirror Ball Trophy", to become the Champion of Season 13.  Rodriguez a heroic and valiant Iraq War veteran, and daytime drama actor, beat out Rob Kardashian, after Ricki Lake was eliminated in third place.....Today dawns as one of the major travel days annually in the United States, as familes drive, fly, bus, and rail, home to their loved ones throughout the country, to celebrate ThanksGiving.  42.5 million Americans are expected to travel this ThanksGiving weekend, a four percent increase up from last year.  The average cost of a gallon of gasoline this ThanksGiving is $3.33; a forty six cent increase from last year.  Please God, all who are traveling this day and this week, will have safe passages to and from their holiday destinations.  And may their family ThanksGiving gatherings and reunions, bring happiness and enjoyment, as together we share the feast and express gratitude for our blessings of grace...........Fr.  Troy

ADVENT, CHRISTMAS, INTERSECT WITH THANKSGIVING @ CHURCH...........

With just two days to our American Day of National Consecretion, ThanksGiving - and a focus on the bounty of blessings of Life and Faith each person has received to some extent, especially those of us who are Catholic-Christian Disciples of Jesus, the Co-Eternal Son of God, and Savior of the World, it is also a prime preparatory time to make ready for the liturgies and other activities of the Seasons of Advent and Christmas.  Sister Felicity is working on the Advent Wreath for our church sanctuary; Frances Hood has been sorting out the various calls for Christmas baskets coming into the Parish Office; writing, organizing, the Christmas message and schedule. and ordering the sufficent number of announcement folders and offertory envelopes for Christmas, have been on my radar screen the past week.  It is the most wonderful time of the year, for so many holiday, faith, family, and festive reasons, but also with the vital additional activities and events that authenticate the reason for the season.  The key for us however, is not to let the intersecting of ThanksGiving, Advent, Christmas, pre-empt the significance of any one of them, or cause us to prematurely celebrate the hyped, even artificial, observances of this sacred time of the year.  How ready are You for ThanksGiving, Advent, Christmas, in that order  ?...........In The Holy Name Of Jesus The Christ,   Fr.  Troy

NOVEMBER 22, 1963 : HOW THAT DAY IN DALLAS CHANGED THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY PERHAPS FOREVER...........

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States of America, was assassinated as he rode through the streets of downtown Dallas, Texas, on this day forty eight years ago, November 22, 1963.  The first and only Catholic President of the United States, to be elected to the White House until now, President Kennedy was in Texas that week in November 1963, to help bring political reconciliation between the conservative and liberal wings of the Democratic Party, with his own re-election campaign coming in 1964.  At a pinnacle of popularity and charismatic leadership at that point in his Presidency that autumn, his sudden and tragic killing not only ended his Presidency, but led to more than a decade of presidential distrust and skepticism in some of his immediate successors actions, President Lyndon B. Johnson, and the Vietnam War; and Presiden Richard M. Nixon, and Watergate; that has had a lasting long term affect on how well we appreciate, respect, or have supported, subsequent American Presidents for the past five decades. President Kennedy faced his own share of political opposition with Congress that stalled some of his proposals, including Medicare and Civil Rights legislation, which went on to pass following his assassination.  But outside of  substantial first year, half term, legislative victories, most of the successor Presidents to Kennedy, from Johnson through Obama, have had their greatest effectiveness then and mostly then, before skepticism and dissatisfaction sets in.  Whether the Kennedy Presidency was a unique thousand days in American governing history, or the culminating moments of accepting and experiencing without the same degree of scrutiny and media coverage that is now the 24 hour, 7 day. a week norm; or have we as Americans become more demanding and exacting of our Presidents ?  Camelot, or not - the two years, ten months, and two days, of the Presidency of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, had and continues to have a lasting, memorable, affect on our country and the world.  The promise and hope, he and his Administration posed for  better, greater, times did not die on November 22, 1963; but continues to live on, just as he will forever be recalled on this day, for who he was, and what he brought to the substance, civility, and style, of President Americans yearn to embrace..........."Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You, But What You Can Do For Your Country",   Fr.  Troy 

THE COMMUNION RITE AND CONCLUDING RITES TONIGHT'S REVISED MASS TEXTS CLASS FOCUS...........

Week 9, of OLOL's Faith Seeking Understanding series, "Understanding The Revised Mass Texts", of the new Roman Missal 3rd Edition, is focused on the Communion Rite and Concluding Rites of the Mass.  In a concise six pages, Fr. Paul Turner, a priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, explains wonderfully well the wording changes being made in these two crescendo and culminating rites of the revised texts Mass we will be celebrating as Catholics, beginning next Sunday, November 27th, the 1st Sunday of Advent.  Our review of the materials tonight underscored why in the Lord's Prayer at the start of the Communion Rite the ICEL translators decided to retain the old English translation, instead of a modern English usage.  Also had most of the word changes in the Sign of Peace prayers and receiving of Holy Communion, are substantially changes in the words of the priest/presider, not the people's parts.  And how the Lamb of God word text changes are much more deeply rooted.  The Concluding Rite has changed and expanded words of Commissioning at the end of Mass sending the worshippers forth, which will challenge all of us to more fully live and witness to the Gospel for the glory of the Lord.  Next Monday night we will gather for a Feedback Serssions for all our Parishioners to respond to our first experiences of celebrating Sunday Mass with the new Mass Texts of the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal in English...........Fr.  Troy

THE "DANCING WITH THE STARS" SEASON 13 FINALS TONIGHT...........

Can J.R. Rodriguez, the Iraq War veteran and All My Children soap opera star, come back from a sprained ankle to successfully and supremely compete in the Finals of "Dancing With The Stars", Season 13 tonight on ABC-Television ?  Will Ricki Lake, actress and former television talk show host, bring her abilities on the ballroom dance floor to a Cinderella-like finish ?  Or will the shy, introverted, Rob Kardashian, who improved steadily week after week in this ten week dancing competition, overcome the odds and pull off a surprise first place finish ?  Those questions and who wins the Mirror Ball trophy as Champion of this season, will be decided tonight and tomorrow night, as the Finals and the Results are determined.  Tonight's broadcast is a one hour competition, so the dances and the commentary and judging, will be crisp.  By indication of my blog column last Wednesday and its record setting number of page views, Americans have an astonishing interest in the outcome of this season's 'DWTS' final result.  The show starts at 8 p.m. on ABC, which in the greater Sacramento area is Channel News 10...........Fr.  Troy

THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY...........

As the final week of the Church Year winds down, we commemorate today the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple as an infant.  Her parents Anne and Joachim being faithful and true to the Jewish law brought their baby daughter Mary to the Temple to present her to the Lotd God, as the perscription of the law required.  Mary, the chosen vessel of God to cooperate with the Divine in bearing and bringing the Co-Eternal into the World as God Made Man, was immaculately conceived to be free from the stain of sin herself, so that her Presentation was akin to a consecretion.  The Blessed Virgin Mary consecreted her life to doing God's Will, and to faithfully following Discipleship in her Son, Jesus.  As Catholic-Christians we rejoice in and with Mary, and accept our discipleship responsibility to be, "the brother, sister, mother," of Jesus as He proclaims in Matthew's Gospel today...........Fr.  Troy

IF THE SUPERCOMMITTEE FAILS TO REACH AGREEMENT WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE DEFICIT...........

The Congressional Super Committee set up this summer, following the Debt Ceiling debacle, has a Wednesday November 23, deadline to complete its work in identifying ways to eliminate the federal deficit.  Today is the day they must have their work agreement completed in order that a bill to pass the legislation be ready before Wednesday's deadline.  The twelve members of the Super Committee, equally comprised of Democrats and Republicans, remain at loggerheads after several mponths of meetings and negotiations as to what cuts or tax increases to make in order to reach consensus on a deficit plan.  Therefore, their failure to propose a deficit plan will mean automatic cuts totalling $1.2 trillion, approxiomately $600 billion from the Defense budget, and $600 billion from Social Services in 2013, known as Sequestration, unless the Congress votes to negate trhe cuts.  The bottom line as to what the Super Committee's inability to reach a consensus means is that yet again the Federal Government fails to effectively address the Budget Deficit cascading into $15 trillion presently.  Ir becomes yet another of a string of plans to fall by the wayside, because members of neither political party has the backbone or the will to truly embrace the hard choices required without totally gutting the annual Budget of the United States, well into the future.  Courage; Wisdom; Resolution; Bi-partisanship; and yes, LEADERSHIP, are required from the the House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and The President, if this increasingly threatening deficit crisis is to be adequately addressed and answered.  How much longer will it take before all parties concerned realize that one of the basic definitions of politics and government in a democracy is, "Compromise" ?  In what has become a 50/50 nation politically; without compromise their can be no consensus, no solutions, no lasting means of meeting this and other major issues facing the USA and the World...........Fr.  Troy  

A FULL FIVE HOURS OF PARISH MINISTRY ON THIS LAST SUNDAY OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR...........

This Surnday Solemnity of Christ The King, which doubles as the 34th Sunday of Ordinary Time, is the final Sunday of the current Church Year 2011.  It was a full morning of pastoral activity, in addition to celebrating Sunday Mass,  including the Commissioning of All our Liturgical Ministers for the coming year, at each of the Masses; leading our R.C.I.A. Inquirers out of the 8:30 a.m. Mass, for the Breaking of the Word and Inquiry sessions; attending Hospitality Sunday and the Holy Childhood Association Table Sale, in the Parish Hall; and holding a short pastor/parishioner meeting appointment.  With the Tongan priest chaplain visiting until this evening, we haveone additional Mass today, as he will celebrate with the OLOL Tongan Community, Sunday Eucharist at 3 p.m...........A Happy And Holy Sunday To All,   Fr.  Troy

JESUS THE CHRIST : SOVEREIGN KING OF ALL SALVATION !!!!!!!!!!!...........

The central and focal relationship in our lives being the creative, salvific, and sanctifying relationship we share with the Divine Godhead of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it is rightly appropriate that as Catholic-Christians we celebrate the last Sunday of the current Liturgical Year, with the Solemnity of Christ The King.  Jesus, the Co-Eternal Son of the Heavenly Father, had one purpose, one singular reason for coming inton the World as God Made Man.  To reconcile the sinfulness of Humankind and redeem all who believe in Him as Lord and Savior, with the compassion, love, mercy, and unity of the Divine.  By His Cross and Resurrection Jesus, the Anointed Son of God the Father, became the Christ of All Creation, and the Lord of Life and Salvation.  Therefore, as the Saving Son of the Heavenly Father and the Redeemer of Humankind, Jesus is Christ The King of the Universe.  Today's culminating Sunday feast of the Church Year, acknowledges and affirms our belief in his complete and unconditional Kingship over Heaven and Earth.  As we commemorate Jesus Christ's Kingship in our lives, how does your lifestyle, actions, attitudes, and Discipleship, fully reflect the commitment to serving, knowing, and loving Him, that Jesus The King deserves as our God and King ?  What are you doing today and everyday to Welcome Christ the King into the home of your hearts ?  Embracing Christ's Kingship requires that we pray, worship, and minister, for the glory and honor of God and the mutual care and common good of others in this World.  Matthew's Gospel Chapter 25 :31-46; The Last and Final Judgment; and the Corporal Works of Mercy enunciated there, are a very good starting point to weigh our fidelity to Christ The King.  May this day, this feast, this Sunday, give you the spiritual impetus to do exactly that...........Giving Glory And Praise To The Triune God Through Christ Our King,   Fr.  Troy

THE 34TH SUNDAY AND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME - LAST WEEK OF THE 2011 CHURCH YEAR...........

The Catholic-Christian Liturgical Year of fifty two weeks annually, is comprised of thirty four weeks of Ordinary Time and eighteen weeks of seasonal observance - Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter.  The final Sunday of the Liturgical Year is the Solemnity of Christ The King, which we celebrate tomorrow.  It also marks the 34th Sunday and Week in Ordinary Time, the conclusion of the 2011 Liturgical Year.  After celebrating this coming week, which includes the American ThanksGiving holiday; next Sunday brings the First Sunday of Advent and the beginning of Liturgical Year 2012.  As we come to the close of this curent Church Year, how fruitfully and faithfully have you professed and practiced your Discipleship in Jesus The Christ, the King of All Creation ?  However much or little you have practiced your Catholic-Christian Faith this past year, take the opportunity this coming week and the approaching Seasons of Advent and Christmas, provide all of us to truly acclaim Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

LITURGICAL MINISTERS COMMISSIONING FOR NEW CHURCH YEAR AT SUNDAY MASSES...........

Tonight at 5 p.m., and tomorrow at 8:30 a.m., and 10:30 a.m., OLOL Parish will Commission our Liturgical Ministers for service at our Masses, for Liturgical Year 2012, which begins next Sunday.  Sacristans, Altar Servers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Music Ministers, Ushers, Greeters, who are willing to provide those ministries in our Community of Believers during the year ahead, are invited to come forward at each of the three Sunday Masses, and commit themselves to carrying out their respective ministries for the common good of our parishioners in Church Year 2012.  As Pastor, I will ask them of their willingness to serve, and receiving their commitments, commision them to serve in these capacities.  OLOL needs more parishioners to accept one of these seven liturgical ministries as a facet of their Discipleship, as we continue to build and grow, the strengthening and sustenance, of the very core of our parish, in responsiveness to the Call of Christt and one another...........Fr.  Troy

OUR LADY OF LOURDES PARISH THANKSGIVING DINNER TOMORROW...........

With less than sixteen hours to go until OLOL Parish annual ThanksGiving Dinner starts, preparations and donations continue to pour in.  Just minutes ago, a young Latino man arrived at the door of the rectory with five oversized pies for the dinner.  Over the past few days other parishioners and caring community members have come by with their food donations.  The spirit of Thanksgiving, as we prepare to begin celebrating our American ThanksGiving holiday next week.  Grateful hearts recognizing the blessings of life God has granted them, donating some of their bounty, to assist others in this Del Paso Heights, Rio Linda, Elverta, Robla, areas of Sacramento, have a lovingly readied and  shared ThanksGiving Dinner, turkey and the trimmings to feed them body and spirit.  In past years as many as 400 persons have been served at our ThanksGiving meal.  Dinner will be served starting at 11-11:30 a.m., in OLOL's Parish Hall, 1951 North Avenue, Dacramento, 95838...........Gobble !, Gobble !!, Goodness !!!...........Fr.  Troy 

THE TONGAN PRIEST CHAPLAIN VISITS HIS OLOL TONGAN COMMUNITY...........

Yesterday afternoon the priest who ministers to the Tongan community throughout the United States arrived for a three day visit with our Tongan Community here at OLOL Parish.  He is residing here in the rectory, while spending time with members of his community.  It is but another facet of the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural experience that is blended here at OLOL, over the decades of our parish's existence.  We Welcome him and wish him well with his visitation to OLOL Tongan Community...........Fr.  Troy

STS. MARGARET OF SCOTLAND; AND ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY; ROLEMODELS OF HOLINESS AND GENEROSITY...........

The Liturgical Calendar yesterday and today, honors two women who served God by their outreach to  other people, especially the less fortunate.  St. Margaret of Scotland, and St. Elizabeth of Hungary, are the two heroic women of holiness the Catholic-Christian Church commemorates on November 16th and 17th, respectfully each year. Much of what these holy women's lives represented in care and concern for the poor and needy in their midst, was exemplified this afternoon at our weekly Parish Scripture Study Series, with the November issue of, "The Word Among Us", and today's featured article and meditations teaching us to lift our hearts up Eucharistically to the Lord our God, as we value and answer the call to generosity, emulating the generosity of Jesus for us in the Eucharist for us and for others.  As we enter into the approaching days of National ThanksGiving in the United States of America, may God's Word and the Christ's Body and Blood instill an increasing spirit of Generosity in you and your families, with and for one another and for others, especially those less fortunate in our midst...........Praising God From Whom All Blessings Flow,   Fr.  Troy

CNN POLL, BLOOMBERG NEWS POLL, SHOW REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION RACE PREFERENCES TIGHTENING...........

This week's CNN Poll on preferences for the 2012 Republican Presidential shows a tightening race at the top between Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, with Herman Cain trailing them.  Romney is the choice of 24%; Gingrich 22%; Cain 14%; Perry 12%; Paul 8%; Bachman 6%; Santorum 3%; Huntsman 3%; with 8% Undecided.  That places Romney and Gingrich within the margin of error lof each other.  THe Bloomberg News Poll of the Iowa Caucuses in less than seven weeks time, show the race at this point, as Cain 20%; Paul 19%; Romney 18%; Gingrich 17%.  Perry at 7%; Bachman 5%; Santorum 3%; Huntsman 1%;, with 10% Undecided.  With an all but four way tie at the top of this poll, again being within the margin of error, shifting shows of support and the fluidity of this race is highly evident.  Sixty percent of prospective Iowa Caucuses attendees say they may still change their minds as to who to support.  Herman Cain's two weeks of problem seem to be having a falling affect on his campaign nationally, but holding a slight lead yet in Iowa.  Newt Gingrich comeback from earlier in his campaign to a surging upward is a sign he is being given serious consideration by Republicans seeking an alternative candidate to Mitt Romney.  But will the Freddie Mac $1.6 million, 8 year retainer of Gingrich, after he left office as Speaker of the House, cause his surge to end, and plunder his credibility as a viable choice given some of hios debate pronouncements in the 2012 election, contrary to his own actions ?  If so,unless Cain, Perry, or Bachman, can recover to credibly mount a real challenge to Romney, which of the remaining three candidates, Paul, Santorum, Huntsman, might possibly become the next flavor of the month to lead the challenge to Romney ?  These questions and more will shape the coming weeks and the outcomes in Iowa, New Hampshire, and the States that follow, beginning on January 3, 2012, just forty seven days from now...........Update Election 2012,  Fr.  Troy

AT MY NOVEMBER AMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUP MEETING THE MEMBERS DONATED FOODS AND GAVE IT TO OLOL FOR A THANKSGIIVING BASKET...........

The November meeting of my Anchor Prosthetics Amputee Support Group gathered tonight at Brookfield's Restaurant on Madison Avenue for a holiday dinner to mark ThanksGiving.  At the September meeting it was decided everyone would bring foods to be collected into a ThanksGiving Basket for a needy family.  Furthermore it was decided by the others that they would give the foods collected to me, as a donation to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, as a ThanksGiving Basket.  Two boxes of foods were donated by the two dozen adults who were present tonight, at what was a very enjoyable, interactive evening of sharing together.  As our support group coordinator Cruz, commented during dinner, this ids a very good group of special people, who make for an awesome support group.  From my initial, brief, interactions with them I can attest to the truth of that statement.  These monthly gatherings are a truly affirmative experience of mutual caring, encouragement, sharing, empowerment, and support.  I came away tonight, as I have before, feeling a greater sense of positive re-enforecement in learning to live with the challenges of being an amputee.  As in almost every endeavor, peer group support is an imperative ingredient of support.  I am grateful to Cruz and the other members of the group for their generosity and kindness to me and to OLOL.  Our chosen Christmas project for the December meeting is to, "Be An Angel", for the Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento.  Each of us chose one or two children's names and their gift requests for Children.  I have two - a ten year old girl, and a sixteen year old boy to Christmas shop for in the coming month.  May all of you who are reading this blog column, and who have need for a support group of any kind, find one; be comfortable in it; and experience the fruitfulness it can and does provide you...........May The Lord Continue To God Bless Us,   Fr.  Troy

THROUGH THE ROOF !!!!!!!!!!!...........

My blog today has already received 198 page views, an all time high for a twelve hour period of one day, since its inception two and a half years ago.  My first blog column for today on the Finalists for Season 13, of "Dancing With The Stars", must certainly have a wide following and create great interest especially among Americans, as 154 of the page views today are by American blog readers !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

RICKI LAKE, ROB KARDASHIAN, J.R. RODRIGUEZ, GO INTO THE FINALS OF DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 13...........

One of my favorite  ways to chillax in the evenings during the past six and a half years, is to watch, "Dancing With The Stars", on the ABC television network.  I sometimes question the real star quality of some of the celebrity competitors, but it is a well produced and presented program, and genuinely anchored in the American and British variety entertainment history.  I feel it is one of the three best of the, "reality show", genre of the past eleven years.  Early on in this Season 13, of 'DWTS', five of the celebrities featured this on the show this Fall, stood out in my mind as the likely finalists and eventual winner of the Mirror Ball trophy.  The three "stars", who won their way into next week's Finals of Season 13, Ricki Lake, Rob Kardashian, and JR Rodrioguez, were three of my five early picks.  From the start they showed the greatest potential to go all the way in my estimation, along with Chynna Phillips, and David Arquette.  So next week's Finals should be a very engaging, entertaining, high energy, competition by the three best celebrity competitiors and their professional dancer partners.  Onward 'DWTS' Finals And Victory, Season 13 !...........Fr.  Troy

SUNDAY BULLETIN DEADLINES SHIFTED UPWARD BY HOLIDAY SEASON...........

J.S. Paluch Company, our missalette and bulletin providers, shift the Sunday Bulletin deadlines for holiday week submissions beginning with the ThanksGiving / First Sunday of Advent weekend, so that completing this coming Sunday's Christ the King bulletin copy for electronic transmittal to Paluch this afternoon, the Parish Secretary and I, must begin working straight away on the November 27, Sunday Bulletin, which is due to be transmitted no later than this Friday afternoon, November 18th.  Thus the deadline for requested bulletin announcements for a week from Sunday, is this Friday at 9 a.m.  It's what I call, Holiday-itis, as the crush of activity begins, as has been evidenced here today not only by the usual number of Feeding The Hungry and St. Vincent De Paul Ministry requests, but a growing number of ThanksGiving and Christmas assistance requests, as well.  For ThanksGiving Our Lady of Lourdes Parish is hosting its annual ThanksGiving Dinner here in the Parish Hal, this Saturday November 19th..  A part of the joy of this time of the year as full as it is, resides in the additional activities and extra events, that denote the reason the days and weeks ahead are the major holiday season in every calendar year.  For us that foremost reason is Jesus, and how we as his followers help him to make the ThanksGiving to Christmas season special for others too, especially the poor, the needy, and the less fortunate...........In Jesus Name,   Fr.  Troy

TURNING PARISH AND PASTORAL FOCUSES TO THANKSGIVING, ADVENT, AND CHRISTMAS...........

Parish Life is a continuous cycle of activity, prayer, worship, ministry, preparation, and readiness; for what is happening, approaching, or is forthcoming.  Even as we wind down Liturgical Year 2011, and prepare to promulgate use of the new Roman Missal and changes in the Mass Texts on Sunday November 27th, with ten days before ThanksGiving Day, we are earnestly working on our national harvest holiday as a parish community, with the annual Parish ThanksGiving Dinner next Saturday November 19th, for our parishioners, neighbors, and the poor and needy, in the wider community.  As it has been for several years, the meal is being readied and will be served by the family of Dennis and Lucy Gonzales and a truly dedicated team of parishioner and community volunteers.  All Are Welcome.  Organizing parish materials and resources for the Season of Advent which opens ThanksGiving weekend November 26/27, has also been a focus for the past several days, as has been the start of taking names of families requesting assistance from OLOL Parish for Christmas.  Upwards of twenty calls and inquiries, have already come into the Parish Office, during the past two weeks.  Today, I also have been working on the Christmas Schedule of Masses and Confessions, which we will celebrate - and will be mailed to all our registered parish families.  All in the spirit, of the end of the calendar year and the holiday season coming upon us; and the joy and happiness these special days of November and December, bring us as American citizens, Catholic-Christian believers, and the People of God, in Thanksgiving and Gratitude For The Blessings Of Life And Faith in Jesus The Lord,   Fr.  Troy

TONIGHT'S NEW ROMAN MISSAL / REVISED MASS TEXTS CLASS CONSIDERS THE MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION / MYSTERY OF FAITH...........

With just three sessions left of OLOL's Faith Seeking Understanding series on the New Mass Texts of the Roman Missal 3rd Esition being promulgated on the 1st Sunday of Advent November 27th, tonight we will be discussing the changes in the wording of the Memorial Acclamation / Mystery of Faith dialogue proclaimed in the middle of the Eucharistic Prayer.  We will also preview my personal chapel edition of the new Roman Missal 3rd Edition which arrived the latter part of last week.  All are Welcome to join us in the Parish Hall at 6:30 p.m.  Here's hoping you will be there with - Unity In Community,   Fr.  Troy 

THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE CONTINUES.....AS DO OUR PRAYERS OF COMMEMORATION...........

The Mass Intention this morning is for All Souls, as one of the several Masses during November we are celebrating as a novena for the Holy Souls.  Our latest faithfully departed parishioner Donald Alexander, husband of Alice Alexander, whom we add to the names of our beloved Dead for whom we are praying from the altar of sacrifice here at OLOL Parish in Sacramento.  I have also added the name of Joan Bollard, matriarch of the family of Reverend Father DanBollard, Parish Priest of Thomastown, in County Kilkenny, Ireland.  As we continue to remember our loved ones, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and signicantly memorable others, may your commemoration of your Faithful Departed assist them with your prayers, and draw you and them closer to a full share in the Communion of Saints in God's Eternal Kingdom...........Fr.  Troy

THE NEW TELEVISION AND DVD DOCUMENTARY SERIES, "CATHOLICISM"...........

News is starting to spread about the new television and dvd documentary series, "Catholicism", by Father Robert Barron; which will be featured on EWTN, and was previewed today on KVIE Channel 6, here in Sacramento.  From the preview I have watched, and the materials I have read about the series, it looks to be very well done and a helpful resource in reviewing, discerning, and discovering the heritage, truth, and beauty of our Catholic-Christian Faith.  Bishop Jaime Soto and the Diocese of Sacramento's Catholic Foundation and the Catholic Store on Broadway in Sacramento, co-sponsored today's KVIE preview episode of, "Catholicism", by Father Robert Barron.  Fr. Barron is a well versed author, speaker, and theologian from the Archdiocese of Chicago.  He is also the founder of the ministry, "Word On Fire".  The Catholic Store in Sacramento, in conjunction with Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh, are also sponsoring a special preview presentation of the first two parts of, "Catholicism", on Sunday December 11, at 2:15 p.m., in the Kavanagh Hall, at 5905 Franklin Boulevard, in South Sacramento.  Admission is Free.  George Weigel, the renowned Catholic author and biographer of Pope John II, writes of this new documentary series, "Catholicism' could well become one of the most significant efforts ever to advance what Pope John Paul II called 'The New Evangelization' ".  Discover for yourselves all that it has to offer to increasing and furthering our Catholic-Christian Faith...........In The Peace And Unity Of Christ,   Fr.  Troy

33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME : STEWARDSHIP AND HOW GOD'S CALL TAKES US TO A NEW PLACE...........

On this second to last Sunday of Liturgical Year 2011, as we ponder the wisdom and compassion of the Living and True God for us and all Creation, OLOL parishioners will gather after Sunday Mass and worship, for a preparatory workshop in readiness for the revised Mass Texts in the new Roman Missal.  Two weeks from today the English speaking world will begin using the new 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal, and our gathering today is one more way we are trying to prepare our parishioners for the change.  The workshop begins at 11:30 a.m., in the Parish Hall and will address pertinent questions and answers about the revised Mass texts, and include a dvd presentation on the New Roman Missal and our use and participation with it.  All are Welcome.  Today's Sunday Scriptures and our R.C.I.A. focus are on the Stewardship we have for the resources of the Earth and our sharing of the God given Time, Talent, and Treasure, we possess  Even in these continuing economically challenging times, especially in communities like those of OLOL, between the three defining attributes of Stewardship, the T's of Time, Talent, and Treasure, each of us can to the best of ability, be good stewards of God, the Church, and the World.  When we answer God's Call to practice the degree of Stewardship possible for us, it takes us to a new place of Faith, Fellowship, and Fidelity, to our Catholic-Christian Discipleship and the Gospel Values we profess to practice.  May this 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time bring you and yours, and enriching, deeper,  experience of the Triune God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, whose Love for us is ever present and unfailing...........Seeking The Wisdom To Be Good Stewards Of God's Creation,   Fr.  Troy 

McCLATCHY - MARIST POLL MIRRORS THAT OF CBS NEWS - NEW YORK TIMES...........

The most recent poll by McClatchy Newspapers and Marist College, parallels the findings of yesterday's CBS News - New York Times results.  The McClatchy-Marist Poll finds at present that in the race for the 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination, Mitt Romney is first with 23%; Newt Gingrich comes in second with 19%; Herman Cain is third with 17%; followed by Ron Paul with 10%; Rick Perry with 8% Bachman, Huntsman, and Santorum, totaling 6%; and 17% of the GOP electorate undecided.  It looks like the Republican contest to be the party standardbearer for President next year, is still only starting to heat up...........Fr.  Troy

IN READINESS FOR TOMORROW'S PARISH WORKSHOP ON THE NEW ROMAN MISSAL 3RD EDITION...........

With just two weeks until the implementation of the New Roman Missal 3rd Edition, and the changes in the revised Mass Texts, OLOL parishioners are invited to attend a Parish Workshop, Sunfay morning at 11:30 a.m., in readiness for celebrating Mass, as of the 1st Sunday of Advent, November 27th.  Pertinent questions and answers about the changes and an overview as to why the revisions have been made will be presented.  The gathering will take place in the Parish Hall, and All are Welcome...........For God's Greater Glory And The Common Good,   Fr.  Troy

JOAN BOLLARD, A TRUE KILKENNY WOMAN - REST IN PEACE...........

Father Oliver Maher sent me an e-mail overnight, informing me that Joan Bollard, mother of our priestly colleague and St. Kieran's Seminary spiritual director, Reverend Father Daniel Bollard, passed away suddenly in St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny.  A wonderful woman, who as a wife and mother to a multi generational line of pub owners, was a woman of deep faith and fidelity to her Catholic-Christian Discipleship, and was a mainstay presence in St. Mary's Cathedral, where she and her late husband had been Fr. Oliver's parishioners for the past thirteen years.  Funeral prayers will be celebrated Sunday evening in the home of her son, Kieran; and her Funeral Mass will be on Monday morning.  My sympathies and solidarity go to Fr. Dan, and the entire Bollard Family, in their bereavement and loss.  God be good to her Forever.  Eternal Rest And Peace Grant Unto  Her holy Soul O Lord,  Alleluia !  Amen !!...........Fr.  Troy

TONIGHT'S CBS NEWS - NEW YORK TIMES POLL HAS A TIGHT THREE WAY COMPETITION AT THE TOP OF GOP PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCES...........

As reported by anchorman Scott Pelley, on tonight's CBS Evening News broadcast their latest poll out tonight shows that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, is now in a stastical, within the margin of error, top of the pack, in the lead, position as the preference for the 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination.  Businessman Herman Cain remains in first place with 18% support;  Mitt Romney is next at 15% support; tied with Newt Gingrich at 15% support.  Cain, is down 7% since sexual harassment charges surfaced against him two weeks ago, while Romney, has dropped 6% from the last poll, and Gingrich, is up 5% from the previous poll.  Rick Perry scores 8% support; and the other four candidates, Huntsman, Paul, Bachman, Santorum, have 27% combined; and 17% of GOP voters polled are undecided.  Is Gingrich's rise a result of his strong debate appearances, or of continuing uncertainty about Romney, or growing ambivalence about Cain ?  Or is Gingrich, the newest flavor of the month among Republican hopefuls ?  With seven - eight weeks until the January 3, Iowa Caucuses, and January 10, New Hampshire Primary, and the casting of the votes - the Republican race for the 2012 Presidential nominarion still is apparently open to Gingrich, Cain, and Romney...........Update Election 2012,   Fr.  Troy

HAPPINESS FOR AND WITH MY KILKENNY FRIENDS...........

Yesterday, I received the happy news that my nearly thirty year friends Geraldine and Kevin Butler, have decided they will be coming to California in late April and early May, to attend my Silver Jubilee of Priesthood celebration.  Kev and Ger, go back with me and our mutual circle of Kilkenny friends, to 1982, when I was a first year seminarian at St. Kieran's College.  Ger had been hired that summer as a College office secretary, so we became friends in short order.  At that time, she and Kev were dating, and he would pick her up after work, so that the lads got to know him too.  Through these three decades, across the miles, and in Ireland, they have remained close and loyal friends, joined with the others in our band of, "usual suspects".  Two months ago they celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary, and the parents of Neil and Katie, who are now both attending a third level college and university, my invitation to Ger and Kev, to come to California for a holiday visit twenty one years ago, is at last going to come to fulfillment.  Also today, voting for the Better Together Irish Charity Hero competition closed.  Eamon Cleere, one of the brothers of, "usual suspect" Patricia Cleere Shortall, is one of the nominees.  Eamon has volunteered countless hours over the past two and a half decades to the O'Neill Centre For the Disabled, especially children, in Kilkenny city.  Kudos to Eamon for all his selfless work on behalf of the disabled, and best of luck to him in being chosen as the Irish Charity Hero the Year.  As the lyrics of that old American standard sing, "Friendship is the perfect Blendship".  That is certainly true of these fine Friends, who have made me, and become for me, Family...........Fr.  Troy

VETERAN'S DAY USA.....IS ALSO FATHER TRAYNOR'S BIRTHDAY...........

On this day, 11 - 11 - 11, we commemorate the armstice that ended World War I, in 1918.  I t is now celebrated as Veteran's Day in the United States of America, as we remember all those who have served in the military services of our country.  We thank them in a concerted way today, for their service to our nation and the world in times of war and peace.  Today is also the Birthday of Reverend Father Anthony Traynor, Pastor Emeritus of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Sacramento; and a Priest of Jesus Christ for fifty three years in the Diocese of Sacramento.  Happy Veteran's Day America !!!!!  Happy Birthday Father Tony Traynor !!!!!!!!!!!...........God's Greatest Blessings To All,   Fr.  Troy

.....Father Traynor was the Principal Celebrant of our 8 a.m. Mass at OLOL, which was offered for his Intentions.  Father Pius and I, concelebrated with him, and along with our Canossian Sisters, thirty three parishioners were in attendance, to celebrate their love for God and affection for Fr. Tony.....tdp

"NEW WORDS, ANCIENT FAITH" ARE AT THE HEART OF THE MASS TEXTS CHANGES AND TODAY'S PARISH SCRIPTURE STUDY...........

Our Thursday afternoon Parish Scripture Study Series today dealt with a Eicharistic Prayer from the second century of Christianity that was a liturgical text used by the early Church.  This Eucharistic Prayer resembles the Presentation of the Gifts Blessed Be God prayers we are and will continue to use, which are Jewish in origin.  The portion that follows the first part is not unlike prayers of Thanksgiving after Communion, prayed by Catholics for centuries.  This particular Eucharistic Prayer comes from the Didache, an first/second centiry document of the Church, that is revered as an apostolic blueprint of the authentic practices of the Catholic-Christian Community.  The spirit and truth of those words, like the words of the Eicharistic Prayer II, we have used since the Second Vatican Council, will be authenticated by the new words of the revised Mass texts in the Roman Missal 3rd Edition, we begin praying and worshipping with on the 1st Sunday of Advent, November 27.  Our ancient faith in adoring, praising, glorifying, and honoring, God remains at the heart of our belief in the Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, of our lives and All Creation...........Fr.  Troy 

THE PENN STATE FOOTBALL SCANDAL REQUIRES FULL JUSTICE...........

The fallout and reaction to the Penn State Football Sandusky sexual abuse of children scandal underlines the greviousness and tragedy it is for the victims and their families.  Total disclosure and full Justice are necessary, as the investigations and prosecution of these crimes proceed.  My blog column last night about Coach Joe Paterno, was not intended to excuse or rationalize his responsibility to have legally and morally taken the right reporting action to address the abuse; but to put into context the lifetime service, accomplioshment, and all but pristine, college football program he has coached for nearly a half century.  He is, and will pay a high price for this lapse of judgment, in that it will be a very large stain on his reputation.  I question whether it should be allowed to outright discredit him.  The response of the students on campus last night show how strong the emotions are flowing for, as well as against Coach Paterno.  Peaceful assembly and protest is their constitutional right, but taking their opposition to Paterno's firing to the point of the riot that broke out on the Penn State campus, late last night into the morning, is a seriously wrongheaded response.  Let us continue to pray for trhe victims of sexual abuse who suffered from the crimes of a predator assistant coach and for civility and cooperation at Penn State, that justice may prevail...........Fr.  Troy  

JOE PATERNO FIRED AS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH @ PENN STATE FOR 46 YEARS.....A PREMATURE ACTION ?...........

In American College Football history, Coach Joe Paterno, in his forty sixth consecutive year as the iconic, and most winning college football coach ever, as Head Coach of Pennsylvania State University, College Station; popularly called Penn State - was fired tonight, along with the University President, as falout from an unfolding child sexual abuse scandal on campus reportedly carried out by former Assistant Football Coach Jerry Sandusky.  Coach Paterno received a report of an act of abuse by Sandusky, from a young coaching intern, and went to his superiors to report the incident.  However, Paterno left it at that.  He did not go to law enforcement authorities.  For that reason, in light of news of the scandal, he is being criticized for not doing enough; and at age 84, after 61 years of consumately dedicated service to Penn State University, is forced out, being fired effective immediately.  I strongly feel this action is premature and unfairin time, it seems , given Coach Paterno announced within the past day he would retire at the end of this football season; an ending just two months away.  At Penn State at this moment in history it seems a rush to judgment and instant, underdeveloped, solutions to the crisis caused by the scandal, not our hallmark American Justice, are the inflicted upon an upstanding, man, coach, teacher, mentor, family man, and faithful Catholic-Christian, in the name of expediency.  God Bless You Coach Paterno !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

FOUR HOURS OF WEDNESDAY AT ANNUAL DIOCESE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING WORKSHOP...........

Parish Bookkeeper Patty Pennington, and I attended the annual Diocesan Financial Accounting workshop for parishes and Catholic schools today at St, Ignatius Loyola Parish, in Sacramento.  Only a small portion pertained to the one full time employee OLOL has, in addition to the priest, but other matters like the changes necessitated by the new Corporation Sole of parishes was also shared.  It was an informational meetring, and an outing beyond the parish grounds oin what is my supposed day off...........Fr.  Troy

IS THE SENATE BILL 5 OVERTURN IN OHIO A BELLWHETHER VOTE ?...........

John Kasich, the freshmen Republican Governor of Ohio, who served for two decades as a member of the House of Representatives, with extensive experience in Federal Budget matters, made as his first priority as Ohio Governor this year; passage of a law to widely restrict the influence of labor unions in politics.  The controversial Senate Bill was enacted.  A firestorm resulted that led to having Ohio citizens qualify an Initiative for the Ohio ballot yesterday, to decide whether the newly enacted should stand or be turned back.  The voters turned out in droves throughout Ohio yesterday, unusual in an off election year; and by 60% of the vote rejected the law.  Ohio labor unions representing police, fire, teachers, nurses, and other organized employees, will be allowed to proceed as they have until now in political campaigns and advocacy.  Governor Kasich in his concession over the vote, was conciliatory and sounded a message of revisiting his relationship with, and goals for, the people of Ohio.  Is this election vote outcome an over reach by a zealous, first year, Governor or a bellwether as to the fate of such other attempts in the State of Wisconsin, or elsewhere throughout the country ?  And what does it portend for the role of labor unions in turning out the vote in the 2012 Presidential and General Election ?   The months and year ahead will answer those questions.  One thing it does display.  a year is a lifetime in politics.  One year ago the gains attained by the Tea Party including in Ohio, are being reversed, as this vote documents.  What the outcome is a year from now, only time will tell...........Fr.  Troy

FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPION JOE FRAZIER DEAD OF CANCER.....SINGER / ENTERTAINER ANDY WILLIAMS SUFFERING FROM BLADDER CANCER...........

Forty years ago, boxer Joe Frazier defeated Muhammed Ali, for the Heavyweight Championship, in Madison Square Garden, in New York City, that made him fighter to give Ali a loss.  Their two subsequent rematches, one know as, "The Thrilla in Manila", both of which Muhammed Ali won, along with the first fight have gone down in the annals of professional boxing history. "Smok'in"  Joe Frazier, died yesterday of cancer, at age 67, after a brief period of hospice care, for liver cancer; departing this world as gentlemanly, as he lived his life.  There was also news on Monday that Andy Williams, the beloved popular singer of the past six decades, and still performing at age 86, in Branson, Missouri, is suffering from bladder cancer.  He will continue performing his live Branson Christmas show, as long as his condition allows.  In the 1960's Andy Williams had a hit Saturday night tv variety show, on NBC.  He was instrumental in discovering the young, upstart, singing brothers group, The Osmonds, who regularly appeared on his show.  My thoughts and prayers go out to him.  The Henry Mancini, "Breakfast At Tiffany's", 1961 theme song, "Moon River", became one of Andy's signature tune.  With appreciation for the memories these two fine professionals provided me, my family, friends, neighbors, viewers and fans, around the world, I offer them a Vote Of Thanks...........Fr.  Troy

MORNING MASS, ADMINISTRATION, BANKING, DESK WORK FSU PREP, AND EVENING CLASS...........

I celebrated the 8 a.m. Mass, addressed parish administration, did my monthly banking, returned to the rectory to complete the desk work awaiting, including daylong answering of phones and doorbells, completing my New Mass Texts class preparation, and teaching my evening class; will have comprised the twelve hours of priestly ministry my schedule provided me today.  Tomorrow brings further work on next Sunday's Parish Workshop on the New Roman Missal 3rd Edition.  Also continuing the formation of the new Parish Pastoral Council, and readying the materials for R.C.I.A. Year B; and the OLOL's Parish Community Spiritual Renewal process, "RENEW International", beginning in January.  Thank God for the blessings of my priestly, pastoral, and parochial live...........Fr.  Troy

BACK TO THE NEW MASS TEXTS CLASS TONIGHT AND OUR 20 DAY COUNTDOWN TO THE NEW ROMAN MISSAL 3RD EDITION...........

Celebrating and praying the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass, will be the topic of tonight's Faith Seeking Understanding "New Mass Texts" class, as we prepare for the implementation of the New Roman Missal 3rd Edition, on Sunday November 27th.  The Holy Eucharist, the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, is the, "Source and Summit", of who we are as the People of God, the Second Vatican Council teaches us.  The Eucharistic Prayer, is the core essential that makes that possible.  Tonight we will discuss the insights offered by Father Paul Turner's teaching on the revised Eucharistic Prayers and the changes in wording for the priest and the worshippers the New Roman Missal will entail.  All adults parishioners, and any others in the Sacramento area who would like to join us are Welcome.  The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m., in the Our Lady of Lourdes Church Parish Hall, 1951 North Avenue, Sacramento, 95838.  I hope to see you there...........Fr.  Troy 

GOOD STEWARDSHIP AND THE CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN CALL TO TITHE OUR TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE...........

God has entrusted to Humankind the Stewardship of the Earth and the Environment of the Universe, while we are in the World and making use of them.  Catholic-Christian Stewardship is defined as sharing ten percent of our first fruits with God and the Church, of the Time, Talent, and Treasure, we possesss.  That was the focus of my Stewardship message in tandem with the annual Financial report presented to the parish at all the Sunday Masses last night and this morning.  We are in need of more parish income to meet our expenses, and Good Stewardship of all our members for the Common Good of OLOL Parish Community of Believers is necessary.  Every person, family, and parish ministry, must share inn this work, as we strive to provide the necessary funding for all our ministries, programs, and parochial responsibilities.  As we learn to appreciate and practice our mutual need to tithe in sharing the percentages of Time, Talent, and Treasure, totalling ten percent that is possible for you, we can, and we will, succeed in ever better meeting and serving the essential needs of our Community of Believers...........Fr.  Troy

32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - THE WISDOM OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD AND THE FIVE WISE VIRGINS...........

R.CI.A. PREP, HAIRCUT, CONFESSIONS, AND VIGIL MASS...........

Saturday afternoon to evening, this November 5th, has been filled with preparation for tomorrow's R.C.I.A. Breaking of the Word and Inquiry sessions, a haircut from liongtime, active parishioner Fil Tucker, and the 4 o'clock Confessions and 5 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass.  Doing the priestly, pastoral work I was ordained to do in the Diocese of Sacramento twenty four and a half years ago, on this day and weekend after my birthday...........Fr.  Troy

ANDY ROONEY, REST IN PEACE...........

Andy Rooney, the former World War II 'Stars And Stripes' newspaper reporters and Cbs News correspondent, including 60 Minutes commentator for 33 years, until just over a month ago., died Friday following minor surgery, at age 92.  See my previous October 2., 2011, blog column for further detail on Andy Rooney's life and new career.  Farewell, kindly curmugdeon !!  Rest in Peace...........Fr.  Troy

PRACTICING ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY - ANNUAL PARISH FINANCIAL REPORT - STEWARDSHIP APPEAL WEEKEND...........

The Church like all human institutions, has a responsibility to be accountable and transparent in our financial actions and carry out good stewardship of the Community of Believers resources.  This weekend at OLOL, at our Sunday Masses, we will be providing the parishiners with our annual report.  Parish Finance Council Chairmen David Quinn, will provide an overview presentation of the Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2010-2011; and of the Parish Budget for the current year.  A copy of both will be given to those attending Mass this weekend.  As Pastor, I will then present a brief Stewardship Appeal, as we strive to increase the contribution and participation of OLOL parishioners, in sharing their Time, Talent, and Treasure, for the common good of our parish and recognizing first and forermost our obligation as Disciples of Jesus Christ to share our first fruits with God...........Fr.  Troy

A VERY GOOD DOUBLE NICKEL BIRTHDAY...........

Fathers Tony Traynor and Pius Amah concelebrated Mass with me this morning, the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo.  My St. Rose's-St. Patrick's South Sacramento parishioner friend, Ted Dahlberg kindly drove me to my latest appointment this morning and then out to Franklin Boulevard to have my birthday lunch with Msgr. Kavanagh. More than ten cards, three dozen Facebook messages, telephone calls, and sugar free treats from parishioners, have all marked my birthday.  Thank You to all of you who have shared this day with me...........Prayers, Love, Peace, Gratitude,   Troy

ST. CHARLES BORROMEO - PRIEST OF JESUS CHRIST, BISHOP AND CARDINAL OF THE CHURCH, REFORMER...........

CHEVROLET @ 100...........1911 - 2011...........

Fro October 1956 to June 1963, entertainer Dinah Shore, sang weekly on her variety show whose sponsor was in the name of the program, The Dinah Shore Chevy Show, sang the theme song of her sponsor with those familiar lyrics beginning, "See the USA in your Chevrolet".  That song struck a chord in my South Sacramento home, as my father was a lifelong Chevrolet car driver.  From his first car as a twenty something, a 1941 Chevy, to the 1955 Chevy sedan that was our family car for nearly twenty years, the 1950 Chevrolet he bought as a work car in 1963, and drove for more than two decades, to the Chevy trucks he drove in retirement until he turned 80, Chevrolet was his vehicular motto.  Thrre of the cars I have driven as a priest, have been Chevys.  Today is the 100th Anniversary of the start of the Chevrolet motor car.  Happy Century Birthday Chevrolet.  Long into your second century may Americans and others beyond continue tobe well served by your brand...........Fr.  Troy

ST. MARTIN DE PORRES AND OUR DISCIPLESHIP CALL TO SOCIAL JUSTICE...........

Martin De Porres, was born in Lima, Peru in 1579.  He became a Dominican religious order lay brother, who served the poor.  Born of a Peruvian father and a mulatto, mixed race, mother - died at age 60, in 1639. During his lifetime St. Martin De Porres founded an orphangage and a children's hospital.  His ministry to the needy and poor was so selflessly dedicated, that he was beatified by Pope Gregory XVI, IN 1837, and was canonized a saint, by Pope John XXIII, in 1962.  He is the patron of persons of mixed races and those with concern for interracial harmony.  The life, ministry, and holy example, set by St. Martin De Porres make him an exemplar of Social Justice.  So today as we celebrate his feast day, ask yourself how selflessly committed are you and me to social justice for all ?  How do our attitudes and actions as Disciples of Jesus and our acceptance of Gospel Values, reflect that of Martin De Porres and like minded Catholic-Christians, devoted to providing Social Justice, unconditionally ?  May your day bring you into closer unity with the spirit and truth of this holy man's life, for the betterment of the Church and the World...........Fr.  Troy

THE LAST SURVIVING OF GOODSON-TODDMAN's FIVE GAME SHOW DAMES...........

Mark Goodson and Bill Toddman, business and television producers from the 1950's to 1990's, were two ofv the most successful game show producers in television history.  Three of their most popular programs were panel shows that were highly successful on both network televsion and in syndication.  "What's My Line", "I've Got A Secret", and "To Tell The Truth", each had panels of four celebrities who sussed out the persons and topics at hand.  Goodson-Toddman had five women panelists, who played prominent roles for decades on these three shows.  Arlene Francis, Betsy Palmer, Kitty Carlisle, Dorothy Kilgallen, and Peggy Cass, each appeared on one or more of these programs and became highly respected and beloved fan favorites.  In yesterday's newspaper I read that Betsy Palmer, is now 85 years old.  She is the last surviving of these five women, and I recall viewing all three of these programs as a child and an adult, remembering her to be a perky and vivacious actress, who was always zestful and curious to question the guests and solve the the question put to the panelists, particularly on, "  I've Got A Secret".  I possess fond ,memories of all five of these renowned women, the Grand Dames of Mark Goodson-Bill Toddman television game shows.  Nearly fifty years after first seeing Betsy Palmer and her colleagues on "What's My Line", "I've Got A Secret", and "To Tell The Truth", I salute her and the others, for the entertainment and enjoyment they brought into our homes...........Many Happy Returns Betsy Palmer !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy

FRATERNAL AND FRIENDSHIP BIRTHDAY GREETINGS...........

All Souls Day, November 2, marks the Birthdays of two men in my priestlky fraternity and personal friendship circle.  Reverend Father William P. Kinane, with whom I served in St. John the Baptist Parish in Folsom, from September 26, 1988 - May 14, 1992; when he was Pastor of Folsom is celebrating his Birthday today.  Father Kinane went from St. John's in Folsom, to become Pastor of St. Catherine Siena Parish, in Vallejo, and then Pastor of St. Dominic Parish, in Colfax, from where he retired from active ministry and is Pastor Emeritus.  Today is also the Birthday of News 10 Good Morning and Midday anchorman, Dan Elliott, who I am privileged to have as a friend, and with whom I have appeared as a color commentator with during the past six years.  These two men hold a special place in my life and I am grateful for theirv friendship and fraternity.  Happy Birthday Fr. Bill and Dan Newsman !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

FROM ALL SAINTS.....TO ALL SOULS...........

The Catholic-Christian Month of November Remembrance proceeds today with the Commemoration of All Souls, and our prayer focus on the Faithful Departed, who have gone before us in the promise and hope of Eternal Life.  Beginning in the early Church with the commemoration of martyrs, by the 10th Century A.D., the Abbot of Cluny established a liturgical feast in his monastery, that spread through the Universal Church, and is now our annual liturgical commemoration of the Holy Souls of our Beloved Dead, as we remember and pray for them, hoping to purge them of the punishment due to their sins.  Catholic-Christian communities of believers gather All Souls envelopes bearing the names of the deceased to be commemorated in each church edifice, or inscribed in a Book of Life, by which the names of the dead are remembered; while others proclaiom litanies of remembrance, or as at Presentation Parish in Sacramento the fiorst Sunday of November, recite the names of Holy Souls who are being commemorated, while a family member or parishioner carries a flower forward forming a bouquet of remembrance in front of the altar.  However you or your parish community celebrates All Souls Day, may it be a time of prayer and remembrance of loved ones and fellow believers with whom we look forward to sharing with the Everlasting Life of God's Kingdom of Life and Love Forever...........May They Rest In Peace,   Fr.  Troy 

'THE SAINTS COME MARCHING IN'...........

The children of OLOL Parish, who are students in our Religious Education ministry, shared in our All Saints Day Mass tonight, in their customary way.  They processed into the church at the beginning of Mass holding high their self made Saints pendants, They placed them before the altar of sacrifice, in honor of the solemnity of the hallowed and blessed ones of God we celebrate each Nobember 1.  Of the five Holydays of Obligations celebrated here on a weekday since my arrival as Paator of OLOL, today's had the highest Mass attendance yet.  How did parish community celebrate this All Saints Day ?  Remember tomorrow is the Commemoration of All Souls, as we proceedv into our Month of November Remembrance of all the Faithful Departed...........Fr.  Troy

THE HALLOWED ONES.....SAINTS OF GOD IN GLORY IN THE COMMUNION OF THE KINGDOM...........

Catholic-Christians open November with the Holyday and Solemnity of All Saints, honoring the heroes of holiness, whose lives on earth were in outstanding union with God, to now be in the Communion of Saints in God's Everelasting Kingdom.  The accomplishment attained by the Saints of God in Glory, is that they answered the basic Call to Holiness, placed in the lives of every human being, that is our daily opportunity to grow in Living Faith.  The first and foremost call of the Second Vatican Council, 1962-1965, is the Universal Call to Holiness.  The canonized Saints of our Christian heritage, as well as the countless millions of holy and faithful persons throughout our more than two thousand years of history, are celebrated and remembered today.  Let us continue to strive to increase our holiness and emulate  their excellent example of fidelity to Discipleship and Gospel Values, in Jesus The Christ, so as to gain a place in the Communion of Saints in the Kingdom of Eternal Life Forever...........Alleluia !  Amen !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy