Thursday, June 30, 2011

JUNE CONCLUDES WITH AN AMPLE WORK-OUT OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPY SESSIONS...........

My first blood draw, taken by my night shift nurse came at 5:15 am, for some unexplained reason, waking me from solid sleep, and then after dozing off back into sound sleep, for the final hour and a half, before the first OT session started at 7 am, to be woken up by the nurse at 5:40 am, to have her check my back; causing me to move out of a comfortable sleeping positturning my ban inducing, re=positioning.  One of the mysteries of hospitalizations : why such procedures cannot wait less than an ninety minutes more, to be carried out, or checked.  Today's first OT appeared in my door, at the stroke of 7 am - anbd began discussing current goals and the therapy for today even animatedly; while I summoned the energy and ability to lift my body from the bed and into the wheelchair properly wthout twisting or turning my back the wrong way, as I moved it.  After practicing pivoting transfers in my prostheses from the wheelchair, up, and onto the commode / toilet.  Then after washing up, I went to the dining room for breakfast, and saw the in house doctor overseeing rehab, before heading down to the gym for pt session #1.  Besides extensive standing practice with the walker from and into, the wheelchair.  We did laying down practicing, logrolling onto my sides, positioning my legs, back, and arms in the right positions, while contending with the five to seven pounds weight of the prostheses, which still feels heavier, and is taking ongoing effort to negotiate the movement of, especially in bed.  I walked more than 20 feet, and as much as 30 feet, during my two pt therapy sessions this morning.  Food, glorious Food.  Lunch was breast of turkey, and dinner was barbequed short ribs.  Msgr. Ed Kavanagh came to visit me again today; Karin Geach's daily greeting card arrived in the mail; and Roger Geach called just before dinner.  The Parish Secretary, Frances Hood, telephoned also; and will be bringing the parish mail to me this evening.  My latest pain reliever is helping keep my pain in the comfort zone, and as I get increasingly comfortable, I can feel another restful night's sleep forming, thank goodness, heading into the 4th of July weekend of rehab and therapy...........All My Best,   Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

QUITE THE TUESDAY WORK-OUT, AND AN EARLY NIGHT'S SLEEP, BRINGS AN EARLY RISE FOR NIGHT OWL ME ON THIS WEDNESDAY MORNING...........

The thoroughness of my Tuesday therapy sessions, had me asleep before 10 pm last night, awake at 2:30 am, and ready for sleep again at 4 am.  It gave me a chance for a quality 3 am viewing of the first hour, of MSNBC's, "Morning Joe".  I also awoke fresh at 6:35 am, to share this morning's blog column. My OT started moments later, a shower with the therapist observing for openers, followed by dressing for the day, and then my first of two pt sessions today, before breakfast; and in mid to late morning,- and as tired out as I am, left sitting up for 40 minutes now, in readiness to go to the dining room for lunch..........A sudden change in plans, as a therapy rescheduled on me with my being informed, cropped up, just as I was preparing to wheelchair down to the dining room for lunch.  I made my views clearly known, as for the past four days, schedule changes without notifying me, or add on sessions, after I'm told I am finished for the day, have repetiously occurred.  I reluctantly went and did the therapy seesion, but made it clear how unprofessional shoddy scheduling is, and that it is unacceptable, especially of the high standard of healthcare that is Mercy Hospitals forte.  "God is Good", as my delayed luch was one of my beefy favorities, Pot Roast, with pasta, broccoli, and garden salad.  I passed on the cheescake, and savored my milk and coffee.  I am back in my room, and laying down resting my body and especially my back.  I am waiting for my afternoon pain reliever, after two thorough standing and walking therapy workouts.  I am guessing it may well be another early night, given the tiredness I am feeling for the second day in a row.  Today, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, is the 33rd Anniversary of Bishop Emertus Francis Anthony Quinn's Episcopal Ordination, on June 29, 1978.  Two weeks ago today, June 15th, Bishop Quinn celebrated his 65th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood.  Both occurred in San Francisco.  His priestly ordination in Old St. Mary's Cathedral; his episcopal ordination, in the new and current, St. Mary's Cathedral.  Today, is also the 46th Birthday of my Letterkenny / Kilkenny classmate, Paul McDaid...........Peace + Prayers In Peter & Paul, Apostles,   Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

UP EARLY FOR DRESSING, BREAKFAST, MEDS, AND THERAPY...........

I awoke at 6:25 am to the increase of pain in my lower right center back / spinal chord, and in my right leg and stump.  Taking my first pain reliever for the day at that hour, kept it leveling off.  I dressed with some assistance of my nurse at 8 am, I washed up and went to the dining room for breakfast.  Paul Friedrich, called ten minutes ago, and will coming to visit me tonight.  Joe Gibson and Teres Mugnaini, are visiting this afternoon to finalize e-mail invitation addresses for Sac State Lambda Chi Alpha alumni to the Memorial Servic e in Lincoln on July 16, for our late fraternity brother, Brian Welch.  We are in need of 10 or so, fraternity alums to direct parking on the day of the service.  Please offer your time on Saturday July 16, as we pay tribute to our stellar brother of the bond we share in Zeta Alpha Chi.  My pt and ot sessions will begin shortly.  I am hoping to talk to the Parish Secretary later this morning and arrange for her to deliver mail, messages, and reports, that have arrived during the past week...........More Later As June Winds Down,   Fr.  Troy

CONNECTING WITH FATHER OLIVER BY TELEPHONE AFTER TWELVE DAYS OF TRYING...........

Since my return to hospital rehab on June 15, I have been trying to make telephone contact with my Kilkenny classmate and colleague, Reverend Father Oliver Maher.  Problems with my cell phone and inability to call other than locally on the hospital room phones, left me scrambling to reach him verbally.  I was able over the weekend to make e-mail contact with him, and then Monday to talk with him by phone.  He had been trying to reach me as well, not only for our regular check in, but with developing news himself.  Effective Ocober 16, 2011, after eleven years as ADM of St. Mary's Cathedral, in Kilkenny, and two additional years as Parochial Vicar, he is being transferred and being appointed Parish Priest of Urlingford, County, Kilkenny.  It is a parish quite familiar to both of us, as it is a scant, nine milies from Oliver's hometown of Freshford, and just eighteen miles from Kilkenny City.   It is also the hometown of Msgr. Ed Kavanagh's Family, where he was born, and the J.J. Kavanagh and Sons, Bus Transport Company, was founded in 1919.  It is a place I have spent innumerable hours in, over the past thirty years - and will be a very good, next pastoral, priestly, assignment for Fr. Oliver.  I am excited for him and look forward to sharing his Urlingford P.P. experience with him...........Fr.  Troy

Monday, June 27, 2011

A DEEPLY RESTFUL NIGHT SPRINGS INTO A FULL RiGHT LEG / STUB PAIN, THAT THE PAIN RELIEVER IS SLOW TO TAKE DOWN...........

I had my most solid night of sleep last night, in the past two weeks, after my night owl self, gave up the ghost, at 2 am; that I slept 4.5 hours - before awakening to my recurring lower right back spinal cord pain.  I call buttoned for my pain reliever, which I mysteriously never received the first time I requested it.  Relaxing and redirecting the pain by 8 am, I got up and dressed with a LVN's assistance, put on my temporary prostheses, and wheelchaired to the dining room for breakfast.  I met with another of my Mercy Rehab doctors during breakfast, returning to my room for the rest of my morning meds, then my first pt session for today.  Back in my room, the LVN was waiting to give me a shower.  By doing so, we broke Dr. Cookson and McMonagle's 'golden rule', about adapting and resting between activities.  By the time I lasid down in my bed at 10:20 am, awaiting a 11 am pt session, my back / spinal chord pain flared up intensely, that it took more pain reliever to level if off.  We delayed the pt by thirty minutes and then limited it to completing the therapy exercises bedside.   I am back to a tolerable 2.5 pain level on a one to ten scale, am waiting on lunch, and will have two more pt sessions this afternoon.  Patrick and Kellie Geach Moran came to see me during the Noon hour, an enjoyable half hour of checking in, and catching up.  Achieving a balance of medications, therapy, rest, and forward progress, keeping a positive and productive outlook, are key to the healing process.  I watched some of the 12 noon Monday Mass from the Mercy Chapel, outside my Rehab room.  Reverend Father John Healy popped by afterwards and said he will back to see me later.  Deacon William Riehle, from Sacred Heart Church, was the Lector at today's Mass.  My stomach is reminding me, lunch is twenty minutes or less, from arriving; and I am ready for it...........Peace, Prayers, Prosperity,   Fr.  Troy

Sunday, June 26, 2011

SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI - LIVING AS THE BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS IN THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD...........

As we come to the last Sunday of June, we affirm anew our Catholic-Christian Belief in the Body and Blood of Jesus, in the Real Presence, "Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity", of Jesus The Christ.  Father John Healy, Mercy General Hospital, popped into my room at 9:40 am, to remind me of the Sunday Mass telecast, live from the Hospital/Rehab Chapel, at 10 am.  Fr.  John presided at a joyful celebration of the significance of the Sacrament of the Eucharist in our lives.  Brief afternoon visits from one of my doctors, Mercy Sister Juiliana Clancy, and Sacred Heart parish Karin Gisele, were surrounded by rest, and afternoon medications, before the Snday evening news and 6 pm Dinner.  I spoke by cell phone and the church public address system to the Sunday Mass congregation and Fr, Piusat OLOL.  He will be bringing my temporary prostheses and sweats tonight, as I start rehabilitation therapy, in earnest tomorrow morning...........Fr.  Troy

Saturday, June 25, 2011

SATURDAY VISITS FROM ROGER GEACH, AND JOE GIBSON, BESIDES THE 2 HOSPITAL CHAPLAINS, AND MY SISTER ALENE; AND COUSIN LINDA...........

My fiest full day back at Mercy Gen Rehab, in addition to four therapy sessions, included visits from my valued friends, Roger Geach in the morning and Joe Gibson, at the end of the day, as well as drop by visits by the two Mercy General Hospital Chaplains, and then Fr. Pius; with my sister Alene stopping by just before dinner, and our cousin Linda, during the lunchtime period.  With three weeks from today until the California Memorial Service, Joe G., and I had an extensive, pertinent, discussion about the detais to finalize the celebration of his life, it will be...........Fr.  Troy

SATURDAY MORNING BACK IN MERCY GENERAL REHABILITATION AND THE REALITY OF RESUMING OT & PT WITH SURGICAL RIGHT SPINAL PAIN A FACTOR...........

Saturday morning started early with my first OT appearing at 7:20 am, to get me up out of bed and into my wheelchair, through morning ablutions, breakfast, and my first Pt session.  I returned to bed at 9:20 am, and shortly thereafter received a vi`sit from Roger Ge`ach`, `w`ho brout me some maazines and a Marie Callenders suar free apple pie `slice.  My dayime 8 am-8 pm RN is, Cindy, who istaking very good care of me.  Having completed my second OT session just before lunch along with first day assessment and goals; I will have one more PT session in mid-afternoon and am having luchtime, short term insulin of twelve units administered, as I await my lunch tray.  Fr. Pius will bring me my prosethic, and sweats, so that we can begin the rehab in earnest.  I am pleased to be blogging again and keeping my friends domestically and multinationally updated...........More Soon.  In Jesus Who Is Lord,  Fr.  Troy

Friday, June 24, 2011

BACK AGAIN AT MERCY GENERAL REHABILITATION AFYER A SMOOTH AND SEAMLESS RIDE BY AMBULANCE..........

Ian and Rizzo, from the transport service brought me safely, comfortably, expedtiously, from MSJMC, in Carmichael, to MGHR, within the hour.  Michelle was my initial RN, from 4-8 pm, followed by Kevin, from 8 pm-8 am.  During the night I am experiencing some pain relief progress, as I have not had to ask for further medication to control the pain..........Fr.  Troy

BIRTHDAY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST AS I AWAIT MY TRANSFER TO MERCY GEN REHAB...........

My nurses team of Erick and Maria, washed me up and shaved me after breakfast, as I stand by to be moved to Mercy General Rehabiliation, at 40th & J Streets in East Sacramento, for Antibiotic I.V. Therapy, today.  I am doing my best to keep the back pain, at bay.  I was scheduled to celebrate the Vincent Family's St. John the Baptist Birthday Mass, which I am unable to attend or preside over today.  Resettled in my bed, and medicated, I am experiencing much less pain, waiting on a visit from the MSJ Discharge Planner...........Fr.  Troy

Thursday, June 23, 2011

WHERE HAVE I BEEN ?.....IN HOSPITAL WITH A NEW RIGHT SPINAL CORD INFECTION AND RECOVERING FROM A BACK SURGERY...........

On Tuesday evening June 14, after my first of three classes to the New Roman Missal to OLOL Liturgical Ministers, I found myself back in the rectory and increasing in pain, on my lower right back spinal cord and side, increasingly difficult to get in and out of the wheelchair, and unable to sleep, as I could not lay on my back, sides, or sit up, without unbearable pain throughout the night.  I saw my physical therapist Quinn McArthur, Wednesday morning, and have it not possible to do our pt, he suggesting instead that we contact Dr. Cookson, who concurred his offive would set up xrays, an MRI, and other tests; asap.   I returned to the rectory, and less than two hours informed, I was going to an Emergency Room, to get my excruciating pain addressed.  I came to Mercy San Juan Medical Center, where an MRI confirmed I have an abcessed right spinal cord infection.  I am improving after these eight days, and healing from a back surgery last Friday night, and will be transferring to Mercy General Rehabiliation tomorrow to continue with an intensive Antiobiotic Regimen.  Over the next several days I will fill in the blanks and flesh out these past days, offline...........Thanks For Your Concern And Prayers,   Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

ONE WEEK BACK IN THE HOSPITAL AND FINALLY COMMUNICATING WITH OTHERS BEYOND THE HOSPITAL ROOM...........

I has been a full, and anxious week of addressing my latest right lower back / spinal chord infection, at Mercy San Juan Medical Center.  Fr. Pius and Frances Hood, are being truly helpful by their visits, messages, and mail; keeping me in the loop with OLOL.  Difficulties with my cell and room phones, have made it slow to communicate with all my inner circle, including Fr. Oliver, but with time and perseverance, I am progressing on that front.  Fr. Pius will be bringing me my laptop on Thursday June 23rd, so that I can start filling in the blanks of the past week.  Many of my friends and blog followers have guessed from mo blog columns for ovdr a week that there is a problem, I am having to address.  Joe Gibson, Teres Mugnaini, Ted and Irene Dahlberg, Roger and Karin Geach, Ramona Bugatto,  Ray Riehle, are among those already in contact, as they learn I am here...........Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

FIRST DAY OF SUMMER 2011 : THE RE-START OF PT - STANDING WITH THE WALKER AND PIVOTING / SITTING IN A STRAIGHT CHAIR FOR 30 MINUTES...........

Sacramento Summer 2011, has opened with a bang !!, on two fronts : 104 degrees Fahrenheit in HOT temperatures today, making for a drenching dog days of summer beginning; and the heart valve procedure to see I had no infectious residue requiring removal.  That 11 am procedure went very well, showing no signs of a problem.  Just before 3 pm, physical thyerapist Robin arrived, and successfully assisted me in standing with my walker at bedside, and helped to pivot over to a long, straight back, lounge chair, where I sat up for the recommeded first day period following surgery, of 30 minutes.  30 minutes sitting up was just enough taxation on my back, and affirmed, my ability to achieve it despite the pain...........Fr.  Troy

Monday, June 20, 2011

MOVING GINGERLY IN CONVALESCING FROM MY RIGHT SPINAL CHORD, ROTO ROOTER, BACK SURGERY, LAST FRIDAY EVENING..........

I am learning to move slowly in the hospital bed, or sitting, as I respond and heal from myn Friday night back surgery, so as not to put unnecessary pressure on my back and reposition myself carefuly, whether laying down, sitting up, or standing up.  The nursing staff is being very soliticitous; and I am told to expect my first appointment with an in house physical therapist, tomorrow...........Fr.  Troy

Sunday, June 19, 2011

SUNDAY ROOM PLACEMENT IN THE NEW MSJ TOWER; DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS ...........

I was on the move to a third and permanent room in the new Mercy San Juan Tower, late this afternoon, Father's Day, where my window view on the fifth floor is phenomenal.  Tonight, the annual Daytime Emmy Awards are br4oadcast on CBS; as I adjust to the bain pain from healing, and was told today I will have a heart valve procedure on Tuesday, to check for possible residual, needing removal...........Fr.  Troy 

Saturday, June 18, 2011

A NIGHT FOLLOWING MY BACK SURGERY I GET MOVED INTO MY SECOND BED IN ICU...........

Three nights in Mercy San Juan Med Center, I got moved into a second room in ICU, as I cope with the right spinal chord lower back pain , after last night's surgery.  The closure of the surgical wound is what is known as a perma seal.More tomorrow...........Fr.  Troy

Friday, June 17, 2011

TWO DAYS HERE I AM ASSIGNED A ROOM...........

Two days in Mercy San Juan Med Center, I have been assigned a room in ICU, this afternoon.  I met Dr. Carter, the back surgeon, who explained the cleaning process of the surgical procedure she will be conducting on me.  Depending on its success, I will have a heart valve procedure early next week, to verify whether there is any residual of infection accumalated in them...........Fr.  Troy

Thursday, June 16, 2011

STILL AWAITING A ROOM AND GETTING THE PAIN MEDS UNDER CONTROL...........

The Mercy San Juan doctors and nurses are doing their best to address my back pain, and I am told by Dr. Naishear overseeing my infection, that Dr. Carter, will be doing my back surgery, a roto rooter type surgical procedure on my spinal cord, probably tomorrow. They will be moving me into a room in ICU, this afternoon...........Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

SEVERE RIGHT BACK SPINAL CORD PAINS LEAD ME TO THE E.R., TO ADDRESS WHAT'S GOING ON...........

Dr. Cookson is in the process of scheduling x-rays, and an MRI for me, but my pain is increasing, so I told him I am going to the E.R., to get on top of thye situation.  Fr. Pius drove me to Mercy San Juan Medical Center, where I am in a makeshift, curtain surrounded, cubicle in the hallway, with two or three other patients, awaitin room placement...........Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

UPDATE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2012 : THE FIRST REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES DEBATE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE...........

The back pain being caused  by my prostheses therapy of standing and walking, transferred on Satrurday from my lower left back to my right lower back and hip area.  It is being persistently painful only gradually responding to my perscription pain reliever and Tylenol doses.  Sleep overnight is a one to two hour at a time premium, but thank goodness, it is not causing me to miss any of my pastoral, liturgical, and administrative, duties...........This evening from 6:30-8 pm, I will conduct the first of three sessions on the changes in the New Roman Missal 3rd Edition, as we start the training of our parishioners, for its inception on November 27, 2011, The First Sunday of Advent...........
...........Despite my present pain, I watched the first New Hampshire, CNN / WMUR-TV Presidential Debate of 2012 Republican Candidates, and interesting it was.  Mitt Romney, former, one term, Massachusetts Governor, and 2008 contender, came into the Debate, the frontrunner, and seems to have come out of it, not as much strengthened, but rather unscathed.  Tim Pawlenty, the former, two term Minnesota, is liikely the big loser of the night, for his unwillingness to directly and in person, confront Romney, with the charge he made on Sunday about "Obamney Care".  Perhaps he's leaving himself available for the vice presidential nomination.  Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, whose sixteen member senior campaign staff quit on him last week, looked and sounded strong, and reiterated his concern about the Republican House Paul Ryan Plan, for the future of Medicare.  Rick Santorum, former, two term U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, was consistent on his message, of being an avid, arguably the most staunch, pro life advocate in the current field of hopefuls.  Representative Ron Paul, of Texas, making his third bid for the Presidency, was his usual engaging, and folksy, self - while strongly stating his positions on both domestic and international issues. Representative Michelle Bachman of Minnesota, a Tea Party favorite, and until now known for her rather off the wall statements, not only said she had filed her intention to run papers on Monday, but continued, that she would declare her formal candidacy soon.  She may be one of the biggest gainers from the Debate, as she more than held her own, and sounded more sagacious than usual.  Businessman Herman Cain, was nearly an afterthought as a Debate participant, proving not much more, than any 35 year old, not a felon, can run for President of the United States.  Word today is that former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, will announce his candidacy next week; and that Texas Governor Rick Perry, is seriously thinking of getting into the race.  Lat night, was a be nice, feel good, about each other opening act in the Debates of Election 2012.  Most of the attack was on President Obama, not other candidates for their nomination.  But the 2012 General Election is still more than 16.5 months away, all but a lifetime in politics, so stay tuned...........To Be Continued As I Update Election 2012,   Fr.  Troy

Monday, June 13, 2011

PREPARING THE PARISHIONERS OF OLOL, FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW ROMAN MISSAL 3RD EDITION...........

Upon returning to Ordinary Time after three months of Lent and Easter, we are greeted by the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua / Lisbon.  The holy Franciscan friar, and priest of Jesus Christ, of the twelvth and thiteenth centuries of Catholic-Christianity, who is known worldwide for helping find lost articles.  Devotion to this renowned saint is evident throughout the world, especially in parishes and churches, with a traditionally, high percentage of persons, with either Portuguese, or Italian ancestry.  As we enter back into the the largest period of Ordinary Time, during the Liturgical Year, in 2011, the next five and a half months will be much less ordinary, as OLOL, and all othr Catholic parishes and dioceses, prepare for the implementation of the 3rd Edition of the New Roman Missal, going into effect, on the 1st Sunday of Advent November 27th.  OLOL's will start by presenting three Tuesdays in June - 14, 21, 28th, to introduce it to, and train our liturgical ministers, to use it.  Then, from November 12th, to November 14th, an eight week, Monday evening, Adult Faith Formation series, for all our parishioners, to get us ready to pray, worship, and minister, on Sundays, Holydays, and Special Solemnities and Feasts, with it.  More to be share as we progress...........Peace + Prayers In, And With, Your Spirit, ...........Fr.  Troy

Sunday, June 12, 2011

SIX NEW PARISH GOALS AND PRIORITIES PLUS ONE PREPARATION TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATELY...........

As I annuniciated in the 'State of the Parish' Address at OLOL, today - Pentecost Sunday, I am calling upon all our currently 280 registered families, to commit themselves to serving in at least one parish ministry.  I proposed 3 new Parish Ministries, in addition to the 15 Parish Ministries that already exist; hopeful to tap new, younger, fresh, parishioners to carry them out.  The new vital ministries to furthering Parish Life in OLOL, being :  A Parish Liturgy Council, - to be appointed from a representative demographic group from within the boundaries of the parish, ethnically and culturally;  A Youth Ministry High School Group, - for our 9th to 12th Grade students, that is parents supported, as well as college students and parishioners committed to providing one that is sustainable;  A Helping Hands Ministry, - to assist our parishioners who are struggling with illness, disease, infirmity, disability, and are unable for their own basic and critical home needs;  all three of these new ministries are aimed at inviting twenty-fifty somethings, who are not already participating in one of our existing and necessary ministries, as part of their contribution to the community of believers, in Catholic-Christian Stewardship.  All our parishioners, from young to old, are also being welcomed to embrace and attain, the other 3 Priorities in Parish Life during the coming year proclaimed today : Each Of Our Parishioners Within Our 280 Registered Families Saying Yes, To Answering The Call To Serve In At Least One Parish Ministry This Year;  Participating In Assisting The Parish Pastoral Council, In Carrying Out Our July Through September, Welcome Home Parish Census;  Preparing For The Coming Of Our Three Year, Parish Renewal Process With RENEW International, Starting Pentecost Sunday 2012.....Meanwhile, during the remainder of 2011, A.D., OLOL's, like most pariushes universally, will be preparing our members for the implementation of the New Roman Missal, 3rd Edition, and the changes in the Mass, beginning on the 1st Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011.  That preparation begins with our Liturgical Ministers, this Tuesday June 14th, and will include an eight Parishwide, Adult Faith Formation Series, September to November...........In God's Spirit Of Growing Forward And Developing OLOL Into A Much Stronger, More Sustainable, Vital And Viable, Parish Community,   Rev. Fr.  Troy David Powers,  Pastor   

THE STATE OF THE PARISH ADDRESS DELIVERED.....LET THE PARISH FESTIVAL BEGIN...........

12:17 pm -  Having given the three orations of the State of the Parish Address, at our Sunday Masses, the Parish Festival, postponed from last Sunday, has begun today.  Moire later, as this Festival Day gets underway...........fr.tdp

2:26 pm - Having gone over to have a Filipino and BBQ Pork skewers lunch, and greeting and  conversing with parishioners and festival-goers, including my Presentation Parish colleague, Mercy Sister Julianna Clancy and her friend Ruth, who are enjoying themselves, as the children - and other adults present;  Fr. Pius has brought me back over to the rectory for a nap, before returning at 5 pm, for the Big Festival Raffle !!!!!!!!!!!...........fr.tdp

4:18 PM - Parish Festival Co-Chair, Rich Croker, has just informed me the Festival Raffle start is moved up to 4:30 pm, as the croiwd is drying up and most of those remaining are sitting around, waiting on the raffle to happen.  There are 35 raffle prizes - 3 grand Prizes, and thirty two lesser prizes, to be won...........fr.troy  >>>I'm sure the Mamola's pony the kids have been riding on all day, won't be sorry for the early end !!!!!!!!!!!  HaHa

5:11 pm - .....And the 1st Prize Raffle Grand Winner at OLOL's Parish Festival 2011, is.....Adrianna Cuevas !!!!!!!!!!!  ...........Attendance at today's Parish Festival according to the Co-Chairman is, way up over last year !!!!!!!!!!!  Thank You parishioners, neighbors, donors, friends, and supporters, of OLOL Parish...........Fr.  Troy David Powers,  Pastor

THE CULMINATION OF EASTER 2011 COMES WITH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THIS PENTECOST SUNDAY...........

Catholic-Christian ubiversally rejoice and are filled with gladness, as we close the 50 Glorious Days of the Easter Season, and our springtime of the Church commemoration of Jesus The Christ, God The Father;s Co-Eternal, and Spirit-Sending Son.  Having washed ourselves anew in the Perfect Sacrife of Jesus; His Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, during the Seasonsof Lent and Easter, we are now focused on the strength and grace, God's Holy Spirit fires into us, as fervent Disciples of the Holy Trinity of the Divine GodHead.  The Gifts and Fruits infused into our lives, as the Holy Spirit descends upon the World, and imbues the Community of Believers, with the renewed life of Pentecost, is our undeniable opportunity to grow and go forward, as the fortified and sustained People of God, in the Second Vatican II, post conciliar, Third Millennium, Body of Christ, The Catholic-Christian Church.  On this Pentecost Sunday 2011, I am also delivering the first annual, 'State of the Parish' Address, delayed from Oir Lady of Lourdes Parish Feast Day, February 11th, and we are celkebrating our annual Parish Festival, one week later than planned, due to last weekend's bad weather.  So for OLOL, today is a three-fer :  The Spirit of Pentecost;  The Goals and Priorities Proposed  in the SOTPA; and feasting with families, friends, and fellow believers, as well as neighbors, at the Parish Festival.  I very much look forward to giving the two orations of the 1st Annual 'State of the Parish' Address, at today's 8:30 am & 10:30 am Masses, as out of the starting gate, at the 5 pm Mass, it seemed to be well received, as far as any of the feedback, I received went.  More later on this Pentecost-SOTPA-Festival Sunday...........Thank You, God Bless You, Long Live Our Lady of Lourdes Parish,  Come Holy Spirit, Come !!!!!!!!!!! ,   Fr.  Troy

Saturday, June 11, 2011

IN LESS THAN AN HOUR, I WILL DELIVER OLOL'S 1ST ANNUAL 'STATE OF THE PARISH' ADDRESS; 4 MONTHS DELAYED...........

Since becoming Pastor of St. Joseph's Parish, Yreka, in 1993, and in St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Oroville, and Holy Family Parish, in Citrus Heights, I have given a, 'State of the Parish' Address annually - on the Parish Feast Days.  I had intended and was preparing my 1st annual address to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Sacramento / Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / , on our Parish Feast last February 11th, but instead was in hospital and rehabilitation, following my amputation on January 22nd.  Praying and pondering on what to do, I continued organizing and preparing my SOTP 2011, message in hospital / rehab; and back in the rectory / convalescing; deciding the best possible, substitute, replacement date to deliver it, would be the weekend of Pentecost Sunday June 11th / 12th, four months later than scheduled.  So within the next hour I will preach the State of the Parish Address, at the 5 pm Vigil Mass, and tgomorrow at our 8:30 am and 10:30 am Masses.  For those of you who regularly read my blog, "INSIGHTS INTO LIFE AND FAITH"; I give you this preview.....

I will be proposing and setting 6,  Parish Goals and Priorities For Parish Life in the year ahead :

1.)  ASKING ALL OUR ACTIVE PARISHIONERS TO ANSWER THE CALL TO SERVING IN AT LEAST, 'ONE PARISH MINISTRY', EACH...........

2.)  JOINING THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL IN CARRYING OUT A,  'WELCOME HOME PARISH CENSUS', BY KNOCKING AT THE DOORS OF FORMER OR NON-PRACTICING PARISHIONERS, IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS...........

3.)  STARTING A, 'PARISH LITURGY COUNCIL', TO PLAN, PREPARE, AND ENHANCE, SUNDAY, HOLYDAY, AND SPECIAL OCCASION, WHOLISTIC LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS...........

4.)  PROVIDING A PARISH SPONSORED, PARENTS SUPPORTED, COLLEGE STUDENTS INVOLVED, 'YOUTH MINISTRY HIGH SCHOOL GROUP', FOR GRADES 9 -12...........

5.)  ESTABLISHING A,  'HELPING HANDS MINISTRY', TO ASSIST THE ILL, ELDERLY, INFIRM, DISABLED, AND HOMEBOUND, REQUIRING OUR HELP WITH THEIR CRITICAL NEEDS AT HOME...........

6.)  STARTING A PARISH RENEWAL PROCESS ONE YEAR FROM NOW;  PENTECOST SUNDAY 2012 - UNDER THE AUSPICES OF,  'RENEW INTERNATIONAL', TO REINVIGORATE PARISH LIFE...........

All of the above stated Goals and Priorities, are reasonable, attainable, and necessary, to keeping, strengthening, and sustaining, OLOL Parish, as a vital and vibrant Community of Believers.  Stand by tomorrow and in coming days, as I flesh out and present the SOTPA, and these GOALS and PRIORITIES, in much more detail...........In The Power The Holy Spirit Of God Will Bring Us This Pentecost,   Fr.  Troy

THE NEXT TO LAST DAY OF EASTER 2011 - ST. BARNABAS, FATHER OLIVER, AND BAPTISMAL INSTRUCTIONS...........

St. Barnabas, was a companion of St. Paul, in his ministry of evangelization, following Paul's Conversion to Christ and the Church.  Barnabas was such a holy, faithful, and devout believer in, and follower of, Jesus himself - that as he accompanied St. Paul on his missionary journeys, he became thought of as an, Apostle.  Today, Catholic-Christians, liturgically celebrate and commemorate, this outstanding Disciple of the Lord Jesus.  My Irish colleagues and close friends,  Reverend Father Daniel Bollard, P.P. of Thomastown, County Kilkenny; and Reverend Father Oliver Maher, ADM., of St. Mary's Cathedral, in Kilkenny, Ireland, are celebrating their 39th and 23rd Ordination Anniversaries.  Kudos and Adultos Annos, Beloved Brothers in Christ.  Asecond Saturday of the month, it is also OLOL's Baptismal Instructions Saturday, for the parents and godparents of infants and children, under age 6.  I am conducting the session today, as Fr. Pius led it in May.  Then it is back to finetuning and practicing delivery of my four month, overdue, 'State of the Parish' Address 2011..........More Later As I Tweak And Put It In Delivery Order,  Come !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy

Friday, June 10, 2011

THE FIRST CHANGE OUT OF MY TEMPORARY PROSTHESES SETTINGS AND WORKING OUT THE LOWER LEFT BACK / HIP PAIN CAUSED BY THE THERAPEUTIC STANDING, WALKING, AND PIVOTING THIS WEEK...........

Clint Jonnutz, my prosthesist, at Anchor Prosthetics, on Watt Avenue and Auburn Boulevard, had my first change of socket anbd prosthetic leg and foot for me today, which will require that I wear fwer layers of socks, to keep my stump and leg firmly in the prostheses, to more comfortably stand, pivot, and begin walking on.  Taking it off at the nine hour mark this afternoon, I wore it from 12:15 pm - 4:45 pm, without any socks, but only the prosthetic liner, and it fit and functioned firmly, much more so than it was this morning until Clint's afjustment.  My stump is continuing to shrink down, and the presence of pain while wearing it is all but disappeared.  Meanwhile, the result of the first week of standing, pivotingm and wakjing with the prostheses, in my lower left back, hip, and leg, was thew most intense so far, overnight, this morning, and until after completing my physical therapy today withQuinn McArthur and his assistant, at Swanson-McArthur Physical Therapy Center, on Madison Avenue and Van Maren Lane.  Even the ride to my two appointments this afternoon, in the cushioned comfort of the taxi van seat, were all but, intolerable, the left back and leg pain was that substantial.  My pt today today consisted only of the ultra sound, manual joint massage, and an electric charge therapy.  The pt seems to be working tonight, as a ninety minute nap upon my return and my afternoon dose of pain reliever, has leveled it off significantly, almost to normal.  After the evening news, and dinner, I will finish my preparation of the, 'State of the Parish' Address, and begin my verbal / vocal rehearsing of it tonight anbd tomorrow afternoon..........That's my UpDate to this hour,   Fr.  Troy

PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO THE, 'STATE OF THE PARISH' ADDRESS...........

Since first becoming Pastor of St. Joseph's Parish, in Yreka, Siskiyou County, California, during Lent 1993, I have delivered an annual, 'State of the Parish' Address, on the parish feast days in Yreka, Oroville, Citrus Heights.  Now, this weekend, I will deliver  the 1st annual 'State of the Parish' Address, to the Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / areas of Sacramento, from the pulpit of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.  This first annual SOTP Adresss here at OLOL, had to be postponed on February 11, our Parish Feast Day, due to my hospitalization and rehabilitation, following my amputation.  Pentecost Sunday, the closing day of the Easter Season, and the celebration of the Holy Spirit's Coming Upon the Disciples of the Risen and Ascended Christ, is an ideal replacement date, as I address current conditions, share my pastoral vision for this community of believers, and propose goals and priorities, for the coming year to renew, and reinvigorate,the membership  and ministry of OLOL.  After four and a half months of drating it from my rehabilitation beds at Sutter Roseville, and Mercy General, to my convalescence and therapy period back in the OLOL rectory, I am crafting the final copy I will deliver Saturday night and Sunday morning.  As the one dozen SOTP Addresses I have given to date have gone, this one will meet, and match the others, and the Goals I will be proposing will serve the betterment and common good of OLOL Parish here and now;  at a real crossroads in our history...........Come, Holy Spirit, Come, With All The Gifts And Fruits You Bring,   Fr.  Troy

Thursday, June 9, 2011

THE DATES AND DETAILS OF MY LIFE - A WEEK OF MEMORABLE ANNIVERSARIES...........

Just as blogged on Monday June 6th, being the Ordination to Priesthood Anniversaries, of Msgr. Ed Kavanagh and Fr. Dan Donhoo, it was also the 80th Birthday of the Most Reverend Laurence Forristal, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Ossory, in Kilkenny, Ireland.  Over the past thirty years, Bishop Forristal has become a wonderful friend and an exemplary shepoherd of souls.  I appreciate him grealy and am grateful for for his many kindnesses and remembrances, over the past three decades.  Tuesday June 7th, was the 37th anniversary of my graduation from Luther Burbank Senior High School in South Sacramento.  As some of my younger family friends grauated during the past week or two from high school, it rekindles in me that occasion in my own life - and astonishes me I have more than tripled in age, from the night of my own high school graduation.  Today, Thursday June 9th, is the 35th anniversary of my graduation with an Associate Arts Degree in Political Sciene, from Sacramento City College.  Actually, I graduated from SCC twice.  Graduating with the granting of my A.A., with honors in 1976; and then again two years later, when my college professor, mentor, and instructor, for more than a dozen courses, including three special studies projects and who convinced me to become a candidate for the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees; in 1977; the late, Dr. Gerald G. Smith, who had missed my '76 graduation, due to being in England; was Chairman of the '78 Commencement Committee, and asked me to don a cap and gown again, and go through the ceremonies a second time.  Then this Saturday June 11th, is the Ordination to the Priesthood anniversary of my beloved classmate, friend, and brother, Rev. Fr. Oliver Maher, ordained in 1988; our St. Kieran's Seminary Spiritual Director and now Parish Priest, P.P. rev. Fr. Daniel Bollard, a seminary classmate of Rev. Fr. Michael Downey, Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, Fairfield; was ordained in 1972; and the late Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Boland, ordained in 1933, with Fr. Dan Bollard's uncle; and who spent the final nineteen years of his life and priesthood, at St. Rose's Parish, in South Sac., where I ministered with him, as a high school and college student, parish staff member, seminarian, and young priest.  And the icing on the cake this week was the 26th wedding anniversary yesterday Wednesday June 8th, of my loving friends, fraternity, and adopted, honorary, family, Teres Bugatto Mugnaini and her husband and my Lambda Chi Alpha brother, Michael Mugnaini.  These are a few of the memorable moments in time that I savor and celebrate through the years and across the miles.  Here's Praying You Also Will Acknowledge The Anniversaries And Occasions Of Special Memories In Your Own Lives...........Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

REPRESENTATIVE ANTHONY WIENER, DEMOCRAT OF NEW YORK NEEDS TO RESIGN FROM CONGRESS...........

United States Congressman Anthony Wiener, a Democrat from New York, is the latest in a string of politicians in this country, to be caught up in a sexual scandal.  He is the third New York State member of the House of Representatives to be found complicit in this way.  Other Senators, Governors, andeven factoring in the  Mayors, are also perpetrators of such conduct, unbecoming to the public and elected offices they hold. Is it ambition, or arrogance, that causes these otherwise intelligent and capable governmental leaders, to betray thenmse;ves, their families, constituentices, decency, and morality ?  And even factoring in the reality of the fallen human nature of sin and concupisence, what leads to think oir act as though they are above being discovered and then dissemble, deny, and lie, about what they have done ?  It is es[ecially egregious in the case of Representative Wiener, serving his seventhg term in Congress, and seen until the past week and a half, as a strong contender for Mayor of New York, in the 2013 election.  And having only married his wife last year, why did he continue this inexplicable and senseless sexual abberation, until it led to the fallout he;l his wife and family; constituents; friends; and the Congress; are now being adversely affected by ?  As the Anthony Wiener story unfolds, today with news of a x-rated photograph of the Congressman and disclosure that his wife is pregnant; Representative Anthony Wiener best serves everyone and everything involved in his serious lapse in judgment and personal activity, by resigning his House seat immediately and seek the professional help, and apply his wholehearted focus on his personal, not his political life.  What his political future holds only God, and his present and potentially future constituencies know.  What can and need to be be changed, rehabilatated, and reinvigorated, presently, are his life, his marriage to his newlywed wife, and the child they are going to be the parents of.  Therefore, I say uniequivocally, Representative Anthony Wiener, Democrat from New York, should immediately resign his seat in the House of Representatives, in the best interest of all the publics tainted by his fall from grace and personal wrongdoing...........Fr.  Troy

SORTING OUT AND SERVING THE COMMON GOOD OF THE PARISH COMMUNITY AS A PRIEST OF JESUS CHRIST AND PASTOR OF THE CHURCH...........

For all the Faith and Fidelity, that exists within the Community of Believers, even God's Easter People, fall short in understanding that priests and pastors, are for the most part doing the best we can to serve and to lead the people entrusted to our pastoral care, both as individuals, and as the members of the community they are.  As a Priest of Jesus Christ, me and my colleagues, strive daily to be responsive and proactive in responding to the spiritual and ministry needs of our parishioners.  Yet, we fall short, and when we do it can sometimes be contentious, in sorting out misunderstandings and shortcomings, real or perceived.  As a priest and pastor, I have had my share of those occurrences, yet try to remain committed and focused in doing all that I can do, in sensitivity and truth to serve and lead every member of the Body of Christ I encounter; with fairness, faithfulness, and fidelity, to Gospel Values, despite differences of opinion, or disagreements, that may take place.  I firmly believe that,"Priesthood is not a popularity contest".  In the words of Msgr. Heher, at our May Priests Retreat, we should not seek to be seen as, "good guys", "admired", or "liked by everyone", but prophetic servant-leaders in the priestly, pastoral, ministry we carry out, as we serve the common good of the entire parish community, remembering every parish has only one Pastor.  Therefore, now or whenever, I face challenges like these,  whether an issue of misunderstanding, or a matter needing tweaking or change in my pastoral or parish practice; or dealing with what I refer to as, dragon persons in the community of believers, who are particularly critical, controlling, or contentious, with me and the parish, I put what best serves the parish wholistically, and not just individually, first.  I believe anyone who has a problem with me as their priest and pastor, should bring their concern / difficulty with me, to me - not gossip, or go to others, as Jesus prescribed in the Gospel, that all Christian conflicts be addressed and resolved.  As I prepare to deliver the State of the Parish Address this Sunday, I am optimistic the vision and commitment I bear to OLOL Parish, will become even more apparent to all our members, and allow us to go forward in strengthening, sustaining, and furthering, the mission and ministry of parish life.  I am pleased to be a priest and pastor of the Church, and this Parish, and am resolved to growing it forward, even as I push forward in my priestly, pastoral, and personal life, despite the hardships that are mine to endure...........In The Consecrated Truth Of The Spirit Whose Coming Fires and Fortifies Us,   Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

CONCELBRATING WITH REVEREND FATHER BRENDAN MCKEEFRY, PASTOR OF OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION CARMICHAEL THE FUNERAL OF CATHERINE JEAN JOHNSON...........

My Monday afternoon, which is Fr. Pius' day off, took an interesting, unexpected, turn at 1:05 pm, when the Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary called, telling me I was to be there presiding at a Funeral Chapel Service, which I, nor the parish office, had been informed of.  As I was alone in the rectory, the funeral director drove over to drive me, and the 1 pm Funeral Service and Committal, got underway at about 1:45 pm...........This morning I will taxi over to Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church, in Carmichael; to concelebrate with the Paator, Reverend Father Brendan McKeefry, the Funeral Memorial Mass, of my thirty three year, Sacramento State University affiliated, dear friend, Catherine Jean Johnson, who passed away a week and a half ago, at age 87.  Jean, was a woman, with a verve and zest for life, her family, her Church, and her friends.  After completing her undergaraduate and graduate studies in her native Michigan, she moved to California, with her husband, Dr. Douglas Johnson, when he became a professor at CSU-Sacramento.  A beloved wife to Doug, for 52 years, she was also a loving and caring mother, who was actively involved in her childrens' educations, which is how so many of my fellow students and I, first came to know and cherish Jean.  Her three children, Mary Martha Carson; Marie Millin; and Drew Johnson; are not only good friends, but were connected with me through the Greek system at Sac State.  Mary is married to my fraternity brother Merv Carson, and her brother, Drew, is one of my fraternity brothers, as well.  Marie shared in the friendships, social, and philanthropic, activities of  sorority and fraternity life with me, also.  They and their spouses, Mervin, Pamela, and Brian, are parents to six grandchildren, for Jean and Doug, and grandson Greg, has added a granddaughter by marriage, with his wedding last autumn, to Stephanie.  I was the baptismal priest of Dan and his brother, Greg Carson, in my first years as a priest, and as a seminarian, I was a Lector, at Merv and Mary Martha's Wedding Mass.  Jean was a very devout, and faithful, Catholic-Christian Disciple throughout her life, living the values and faith commitment, she and her husband,  instilled in their children.  She was a daily Mass attendee at either OLA, or Jesuit High School, in Carmichael, for so many decades.  And she was also a stalwart supporter of the Assistance League of Sacramento; and the Retired Faculty Wives of CSUS.  She will be remembered and never forgotten.  I am glad to accept the invitation of her family and Father McKeefry, to join them today in concelebrating her Funeral Mass.  God Bless You Jean, and may God's Face Shine Upon You, Now and Forever.....Eternal Rest Grant Unto Her Holy Soul O Lord And May Perpetual Light Be With Her Everlasting.....Alleluia !!! Amen !!!!...........Fr.  Troy

Monday, June 6, 2011

A DIAMOND PLUS 3; AND A SILVER JUBILEE OF PRIESTHOOD CELEBRATED IN MY CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AND BY BELOVED COLLEAGUES TODAY...........

On June 6, 1948, in St. Mary's Cathedral in Kilkenny, Ireland, a 23 year old All Ireland Hurling Champion, was ordained to the Catholic Priesthood, for the Diocese of Sacramento, California. On June 6, 1986, a 26 year old, native of Indiana, who had attended high school, college, and seminary, in California, - was ordained a Priest of Jesus Christ, for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, in the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.  Today they celebrate  25 years and 63 years of pastoral and priestly ministry.  These two presbyters, are not only my dedicated colleagues, but my beloved friends, and brother priests, the Right Reverend Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh, in the Diocese of Sacramento, and Reverend Father Daniel Barrett Donohoo, in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, in the United States of America.  Fervently and Faithfully, for a quarter of a century to the Church of Indianapolis, and more than half the total history of the Diocese of Sacramento, these two outstanding priests have productively and selflessly served God's People.  Msgr. Kavanagh, my mentor, colleague, friend, and second father, at age 86, is ministering to the sixth generation of families he has shared his priesthood with in St. Rose's Parish / St. Patrick's Home and School, on Franklin Boulevard in South Sacramento.  Thank you, Ed, "Ned", "Bus", "Uncle Father Eddie", for your example and service all these decades.  Father Donohoo, I met twenty seven years ago, when we were both third year transfers into St. Patrick's Seminary, in Menlo Park, California.  Dan spent his first two years of seminary formation in Louvain, Beligium; at the same time I was in Kilkenny, Ireland.  Dan completed his college education at San Diego State University, while I was at Sacramento State University.  For the past twenty five years Fr. Dan, has served in parishes and multiple ministries, in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.  For more than a decade now Fr. Dan, has continued to carry out his priestly ministry, despite enduring serious illness and diseases.  Even as he is celebrating his Silver Jubilee today, he is facing further health challenges.  Yet, he continues to go forward in fidelity, fellowship, and friendship, with the People of God, he was ordained to serve.  Throughout my travails during the past decade, he has remained an anchor of support and solidarity for me, despite dealing with his own hardships.  As these two exemplary priests celebrate their Ordination to Priesthood Anniversaries today, may many others discern from their example, God's Call to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ in their own lives...........Ad Multos Annos, Dan and Ed; Kudos Good Priests,  Fratenally in Jesus The Lord,   Troy

Sunday, June 5, 2011

THE SACRAMENTO DIOCESE MAKES HISTORY WITH THE ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD OF A LUTHERAN MINISTER WHO IS A HUSBAND AND FATHER...........

Jeff F. Henry, was baptized a Catholic, and went on to become a Lutheran.  Becoming a Lutheran Minister, Reverend Jeff Henry, began thinking of seeking ordination as a Catholic priest, seven years ago.  A husband and father, Reverend Father Jeff H. Henry, made history yesterday, when he was ordained a priest for service in the Diocese of Sacramento, by Bishop Jaime Soto.  Father Henry, who is 51, is one of about 100 Catholic priests in the United States, who are married, with wives and children, having previously been Episcopalian, Lutheran, or Baptist ministers.  Father Jeff Henry's wife Peg, and 21 year old daughter, Teresa, were present in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacramento on Saturday morning to both witness and participate in the Rite of Ordination to the Priesthood.  At the moment when the newly ordained priests are vested with their chasuble and stole, Fr. Henry's wife and daughter helped the vesting priests place them upon him.  While continuing to live in their family home in Vacaville, instead of a parish rectory; Father Henry's first priestly ministries will include teaching at St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School, in Vallejo, and presiding at Sunday Masses in St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church, in Vallejo, on Sundays.  A unique first, moment in history for the Diocese of Sacramento, and an occurrence that may well raise a renewed dialogue, about celibacy and married priests in the Roman Catholic Church.  With the Vatican and the Catholic Church in the United States, allowing for the acceptance and ordination of married, non Catholic priests and ministers, into the Catholic Priesthood, many of our own former Catholic priests, whose only disqualification is that they chose to marry and raise families, may most likely renew their request to be reinstated to their priestly ministry.  With an increasing need for ever more priests and married Christian ministers choosing to come over to Catholicism, being permitted to serve as priests, why should those who were born, baptized, and ordained, as Catholic priests, required to remain celibate, be denied the equal opprtunity now to resume serving the, "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, church, most were born into and deicated their lives to.  The dialogue and debate this issue may potentially provide, is well worth having, if assuring the People of God they will have sufficient priests to celebrate the, "source and summit", of our Catholic-Christian Discipleship, the Eucharist, is to be readily maintained..........Welcome Into The Priesthood Of Jesus Christ In The Diocese Of Sacramento, Reverend Fathers Jeff  Henry, Brian Soliven, Jose Beltran,  Rev. Fr.  Troy David Powers

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD AS THE EASTER SEASON COUNTDOWNS TO THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT...........

On this Easter Day, start of the seventh week of the Paschal Season, Catholic-Christians celebrate the continuing fulfillment of the Divine Plan for the Redemption and Reconciliation of Humankind, the Ascension of the Lord Jesus back into the Heavenly Kingdom.  It was from the right hand of God the Father in the Eternal Kingdom, that Jesus was born into the World, of Mary Immaculate, by the power of the God's Spirit, and following His Resurrection from the Dead, the Ascension marks the Risen Christ's return to whence He came.  The Co-Eternal Son of the Heavenly Father, reigns as the Redeemer, Ruker, and Spirit-Sending, Shepherd of Souls, until retirning in Glory at, "the end of the age", to be the Judge of all peoples and inaiugurate God's Kingdom of ;Love and Eternal Life.  The Easter-Ascension Sacred Scriptures, from the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, 1:1-11; to Ephesians 1:17-23; and the conclusion of Matthew's Gospel 28:16-20; as well as Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7; 8-9; chronicle and proclaim our faith belief that the Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, is an integral component of God's salvific Plan and the essential Paschal Mystery of true Savior.  this first Sunday of June 2011, has additional significance for me, and the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Sacramento / Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla.  This is the annual Parish Festival Day.  Yet given the unseasonal downpouring of rain during the week and until throughout the afternoon Saturday.  The Festival chairpersons requested that we postpone the Festival until next Sunday, given our inability to move the entirety of the activities indoors; and the soaked reality of the parish grounds.  Pulling this off successfully, is a dicey proposition after months of preparation and promotion, but we are doing our best to make this year's Parish Festival as enjoyable, productive, and financially successful, as these supplement funds are indispensable to our overall parish income and budget.  Without a solid net profit from the Festival, we will be in a substantial deficit, given the permanent economic challenges in this parish community.  Word of the postponement went out via the parish ministries phone tree, an updated flyer, an announcement to spread the word at Saturday's 5 pm Mass, and a brief on camera, sharing of the change with Sacramento television channel, CBS 13 News, who came to the church, just before the Vigil Mass yesterday and asked me to tell their viewing audience about why we are postponing the Festival, from today, until next Sunday.  As previously scheduled, we will proceed wit one 9:30 am Mass this morning, instead of the usual 8:30 am and 10:30 am Masses; and the Pancake Breakfast scheduled by the Knights of Columbus in the Parish Hall will occur as was planned, otherwise the fullness of the Festival will take place next week on Pentecost Sunday, at which the first annual State of the Parish Address, will be delivered at all three Sunday Masses.  Meanwhile, we pray that this change, will not hinder the fun and the fundraising, that is the primary purpose of OLOL's Parish Festival.  Let the word go forth :  ur Lady of Lourdes Parish Festival goes forth next Sunday June 12th, and needs the support of all our parishioners, neighbors, friends, and fellow believers believers.  In Indianapolis, Indiana today, in their St. Peter & Paul Cathedral, my beloved seminary classmate and brother poriest, Reverend Father Daniel Barrett Donohoo, is celebrating his Silver Jubilee, the 25th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.  I planned to be there with him today, as I was at his Ordination and First Mass, a quarter of a century ago; until the now postponed, Parish Festival, and my emerging prostheses therapy intersected with Fr. Dan's celebration.  Like myself, Dan, has experienced serious health conditions for more than a decade.  Yet despite the multiple diseases and pain he has endured, Father Donohoo has fervently and faithfully carried out his priestly ministry.  Presently, he is serving as Rector of the Indianapolis Cathedral, and as Spiritual Director to college seminarians.  Next month, he will take up being Spiritual Director of the Archdiocesan Permanent Diaconate ministry.  A very good man, a deeply intelligent and capable priest and pastor, a committed disciple, colleague, servant-leader, and friend.  Over the past twenty seven years he has been a rock solid friend to me, and especially supportive to me telephonically and prayerfully during the past nine years.  How much I wanted to be there with and for Dan today - and I assure him I am, in spirit and brotherly solidarity, across the nearly two thousand miles between us, and as my secondary, personal intention at my Sunday Mass this morning.  Congratulations, Kudos, and Ad Multos Annos Father Dan.  Your Friendship, Fraternity, and Brotherly Love, As A Faithful Priest of Jesus Christ, I Acknowledge, Affirm, And Appreciate, As You Celebrate This Well Ordered Milestone In Your Patoral Ministry.........................All My Love And Prayers In The Risem, Ascended, Spirit-Sending, Jesus -  Fraternally Your Brother In Christ,   Troy

Saturday, June 4, 2011

ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD DAY 2011, IN THE DIOCESE OF SACRAMENTO...........

As we complete the sixth week of the Easter Season, and one week after the Diocese of Sacramento marled the 125th anniversary of its erection; the Most Reverend Jaime Soto, the 9th Bishop of Sacramento, will confer the Sacrament of Holy Orders, by ordaining three candidates to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, at 11th and K Streets, in downtown Sacramento, at 10:30 am.  Transitional Deacons, Reverend Misters, Jose de Jesus Beltran, Jeffrey F. Henry, and Brian J. Soliven, are the ordinands becoming priests of the Sacramento Diocese today.  They are answeing God's Call to serve the Church, as members of our diocesan presbyterate in union with the Bishop, for the good of the People of God, in these twenty counties of Northern/Superior California, which is the Diocese of Sacramento.  Reverend Fathers Beltran, Henry, and Soliven, are being ordained at a time when we face ever increasing demands to minister to a burgeoning Catholic population within our Diocese, and fewer priests to serve them, due not only to a decline in priestly vocations, but the need to recruit a much greater number of native, local born, vocations in the homes and parishes of these twenty counties.  We also face an aging, retiring, and ultimately dying, number of priests, that offset the relatively small increase in new priests, we are achieving.  Every parent and family, every pastor/priest and parish community, must accept their rightful responsibility of promoting Church Vocations for more priests, religious, and deacons, and especially pray for, and affirm, the possibility that your son or daughter, parishioner and fellow believer, has a priestly, religious, or diaconal, vocation to be nurtured and called forth.  Vocations to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ are particularly vital presently and into the future, as we find ourselves facing the consolidation and merging of parishes and other parochial ministries requiring priests in the Sacramento Diocese.  Ordinations to the Priesthood this morning make this a day of hope, that many others will choose to hear, discern, answer, and form, the call to priestly ordination, God is calling them to embrace.  Ad Multos Annos, to the three new priests ordained today, and may the power of God's Holy Spirit continue to prompt others in our homes, parishes, communities, and colleges, to respond as well to God's Call and the Church's Need...........Fr.  Troy

Friday, June 3, 2011

OUR PASCHAL SEASON COUNTDOWN TO THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT...........

 On this first Friday of June, as OLOL prepares for our Parish Festival on Sunday, and for the good weather to maximize its profitability, indispensable supplemental income to the economically challenged parish budget we are perennially faced with, we celebrate the Memorial of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs, as we continue the countdown to the culmination of Easter : the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  Steven Sandoval, my OLOL parishioner is my driver today to physical therapy with Quinn McArthur, at 1:30 pm.  It will be very interesting to see the further paces he puts me through, with my temporary prostheses on.  We talked about it the other day and decided I should give my prostheses a name to balance calling my opposite side, "Lefty".  Quinn suggested it be an Irish name, say an O' etc.  After tinkering a few moments, I struck upon, "O'Pro", will introduce it to Quinn and his staff, as thus today.  So when you hear me refer to, O'Pro, you will now know that it is my personal abbreviation and reference to my right foot, below the knee, prostheses, "O'Pro".  More Later, as I prepare to take off my prostheses at the two hour interval required today...........
                                                                                                            Fr. Troy David 'Prostheses' Powers

p.s. -  I have decided to refer to my prostheses as, "O'Pro", not just as an Irish name, but for what it actually is, an Orthopedic Prostheses...........fr.tdp

Thursday, June 2, 2011

I AM WEARING MY NEW TEMPORARY PROSTHESES, A DAY AHEAD OF SCHEDULE...........

Anchor called this morning asking to move my prostheses placemen yp to this afternoon at 2 pm.  Clint Jonutz, my prosthesist, had me place my stump into the upper portion of the prosthetic device and it fit securely, with no looseness, nor any pressure.  About a half hour later he returned with the rod and artificial foot, attached and a new pair of size 12 diabetic shoes.  He placed the prostheses into my right shoe, and then had me stand up with the use of the parallel bars.  There was no pain in the foot area, and only minimal presence at the right bottom of the stump, where Clint says I am still irregularly sized and need to taper down, and which only be achieved by standing and walking, to redirect the blood flow and push the water retention out.   I am to gradually wear and srand with my prostheses for the next three and a half days.  For one hour at a time today, two hours tommorrow, three hours at a time Saturday, and 4 hours at a time on Sunday.  I am scheduled to see Clint forv a follow-up appointment on Monday morning at 11 am, to see what changes may need to be made in the socket, as mu standing and even slight walking, begin to push the water ot and redirects the blood flow in my right leg.  To further instruct and provide insight into putting on and wearing a right foot, below the knee, prostheses, I have posted 2 YouTube videos on my Facebook page, to help others understand the next experience.  On this 131st day since my amputation, I give thanks and praise to God, for life, healing, and grace; the experience and skiills of my surgeon,  Dr. Cookson; - and nurses, therapists, and prosthesists, who have helped me rach this pivotal point in my ability proceed productively and successfully, standing and walking again in the weeks.  I also express my gratitude to all my family, friends, priestly colleagues, present and past parishioners, and blog followers, for your care, concern, prayers, presence, solidarity, and support during the past four a half month.  This experience is not over, but transitions to the next plateau of prostheses therapy, as I learn to stand and walk with my temporary protheses..........In Hopeful Expectation For Continuing Progress, Praise The Lord, Alleulia !!! Amen !!!,   Fr.  Troy

THE NBC NEWS TODAY SHOW VISITS POPE BENEDICT AND THE VATICAN.....ON THIS 40TH DAY OF EASATER 2011...........

Matt Luer and Al Roker, of the number one rated morning news program, the, "Today" Show, braodcast from Rome, yesterday and today, this morning leading the broadcast from Vatican City.  They were joined by Archbishop Timothy Dolan, of New York, who is currently the President of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops.  In addition to providing extended coverage of and from the Vatican and Rome, the coverage also included a tour through part of the innersanctum of the Holy See, including seeing inside the papal residence.  Speaking to both His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, and Archbishop Dolan, Matt Lauer's interview with +Dolan, included discussion of the serious issues of the ten percent of the populace in the U.S.A., that now call themselves, former Catholics, and the sixteen percent that are no longer attending Sunday Mass.  These are two of the major challenges we face as the Body of Christ in this country and the world.  It is a reality we are confronted by as OLOL Parish, in Sacramento, as in recent years hundreds of families have faded into the woodwork.  Some were boundaried and are attending the new, adjacent, Natomas,  Divine Mercy Parish, and still others a handful of other parishes, in the greater Sacramento area, but I am of a mind that the majority of members who have disappeared in recent years, are sitting at home and choosing not to attend Church here or anywhere, except perrhaps on special occasions.  Therefore, as a core part of the OLOL Parish Renewal process I will be proposing and directing beginning this summer and fall, will be a census of visitation, by the practiciong parishioners to the doors of their neighbors and fellow  Catholics, and invite them back to parish life at OLOL.  I will be providing further information about the OLOL Parish Census of Visitation, in my first annual 'State Of The Parish Address', at the Pentecost Sunday Masses, on June 11 / 12.  If you are a former, or non practicing Catholic-Christian, anywhere you may be reading this blog, pray and ponder about why you are on the sidelines or removing yourselves from the Church; and how  a parish community near you, can help you - Come Home To Christ - and take up your Catholic-Christian Faith anew...........In The Name Of The Risen, Ascended, Spirit-Sending, Jesus The Christ,   Fr. Troy

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

MEMORIALIZING ST. JUSTIN, MARTYR.....ON THIS "JACK BENNY", DAY OF THE PASCHAL SEASON...........

St. Justin Martyr, was a second century of Christian convert to the Catholic Church, from paganism.  He became a greater defender of the Faith, writing extensively and publicly debating others.  He was put to death for being a loyal Believer under Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.  This is what I refer to as, the Jack Benny day of Easter, as it is the thirty ninth day of the Paschal Season.  Comedian Benny, claimed to be no older than 39 years old, even though he lived to be a more than double, eighty years old.  Wednesday, my weekly day off, will be a day of rest and relaxation, after I celebrate the 8 am Mass.  I will be having lunch with Ian Riehle, and then heading to Swanson-McArthur Physical Therapy, for my mid week pt session.  My excitement as the countdown to my prostheses on Friday morning at 11 am zeroes in and return to standing and walking again begins, is increasing by the hour...........Peace + Prayers In The Promise Of The Eternal Easter,   Fr.  Troy  

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