ANOTHER NEW YEAR'S EVE AND THE RUBY JUBILEE BROADCAST OF "DICK CLARK'S ROCK'IN NEW YEAR'S EVE"...........

Tonight, for the fortieth year since he first took the torch from bandleader Guy Lomnbardo, who for nearly half a century was, "Mr. New Year's Eve", from atop a hotel bandstand in New York City; 'American Bandstand' music icon, Dick Clark, will once again be counting down the final seconds to the crystal ball dropping in Times Square.  Over more than seven years following a stroke that has left him permanently affected, and now 82; Dick Clark will share in these annual, "Auld Lang Syne", festivities ushering in 2012.  Clark's handpicked successor, Ryan Seacrest will be leading the broadcast as he has since New Year's Eve 2005.  There is renewed conjecture that tonight's appearance by Dick Clark, may be his last, due to the difficulty he has speaking.  Yet as the living godfather of the New Year's Eve celebrations viewed worldwide, only Dick Clark himself, and his mortality, know for certain.  Displacing, much more so, replacing such an acclaimed and beloved American and international institution, as Dick Clark, is not a trigger any sensible and sensitive person would want to do.  On this New Year's Eve 2011 / 2012; God Bless Dick Clark !!!!!!!!!!!!............Fr.  Troy

DECEMBER 31, 2011...........BACK ONLINE AFTER A CHRISTMAS WEEK LAPSE...........

I  am back online blogging again after a week's absence, from Christmas Eve unti today New Year's Eve, due to very severe pain in my right right core and leg amputation down to the stump.  Aline of infection developed again in my lower back, putting pressure on my right spine lumbar, requiring after thorough examination and consultation, a second back surgery on Thursday.  It was less of a surgical procedure than in June, and the pain is decreasing quicker than before.  My thoughts and prayers are with all my Our Lady of Lourdes parishioners, caregivers, volunteers, and friends, for your spiritual and personal support and solidarity at this time.  May the Blessings of this Christmas Season, and the Holiness of the New Year we are preparing to begin, be you and yours in abundance, as our my Prayers and Best Wishes for your Happiness and Good Health...........Fr,  Troy

4th FRIDAY OF, AND NEXT TO LAST DAY OF ADVENT...........

Memorializing St. John Kanty, Priest - on this 23rd day of December, with just one morte dsy after today remaining in Advent, our immediate preparations for Christmas can hardly get nearer.  We have our last hour of Cobfessions before Christmas, from 7-8 p.m,., tonight.  The Christmas Creche, Trees, Lights, and other decorations are yp in the church, as OLOL Parish prepares to celebrate Christmas Masses starting at 5 p.m. Saturday Christmas Eve night,   Sitting here with a glistening Cg=histnas Tree  across the room, and a table Nativity scene nearer at hand, the well kept keeping of Advent has set in motion a genuine spirit of Christmas in the next two and a half weeks.  As you have prepared your interior selves, are the authentic outward signs of Christmas present to you and those you will encounter and celevrate with in the Season of Jesus' Holy Birth ?   Come, Christmas Come !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

SPEAKER BOEHNER AND HOUSE REPUBLICANS REVERSE THEMSELVES AND AGREE TO ACCEPT A TWO MONTH PAYROLL TAX CUT EXTENSION...........

Speaker of the House Joihn Boehner, Republican of Ohio; reiterated this morning the Tea Party Republican vote of the House of Representatives, for a one year extension of the Payroll Tax Cut extension; while turning down a large, bipartisan, U.S. Senate vote of 89-10, to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits for two month, on a procedural vote; only to announce a major about face, concession this afternoon, saying he had negotiated an agreement with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, and accepted a two month extension, rather than one year, just as a majority of Republican Senators had last weekend.  It was overdue Leadership on Speaker Boehner's part, if he can and does finally deliver on this agreement tomorrow, avoiding a raising of taxes on 166 million middle class American families which will expire on December 31, nine days from now, otherwise.  The Speaker of the House is third in line to the Presidency, in the resignation or death of the sitting President, and must have the backbone to lead and direct legislation in his position as Speaker.  That Boehner, or any Speaker will allow a first term faction of his or her, political party, hold sway over what passes or does not pass, holding the Speaker and his top leadership position hostage, is a failure of governance and leadership.  It is my hope that the Representative / Speaker John Boehner, who spoke up this afternoon, is the real, fearless and true Leader of the House he was chosen to be, and not only a figurehead, in name rather than substance, with a significant title and Office, but controlled by those with their own agendas, instead of the common good of the country.  Mr. Speaker, you and all competent and dedicated political leaders know that Compromise, is a definition of Americam politics and government.  Don't be afraid to practice it when necessary in good faith...........Fr.  Troy

6TH DAY OF THE 'O' AMTIPHONS......"KING AND KEYSTONE"...........

With two days remaining in our observance of the 'O' Antiphons, we acclaim the Lord's Coming today with the salutation, "O King of all Nations, and Keystone of the Church: Come and Save Man, who You formed from the Dust !".  We believe as Catholic-Christians that Jesus, the Co-Eternal Son of God our Heavenly Father, is the King of all Peoples, Nations, and the Universe.  We also embrace Him wholeheartedly as Founder and Key, make that Cornerstone, of the Body of Christ in the World, the - "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic", - Church.  The Catholic-Christian Church / Community of Believers, which is about to celebrate His Holy Nativity, with sixteen days of commemoration starting in two days.  May the Lord Jesus Christ Who is, The King of All Nations, and Keystone of the Church, truly Save you, me, and sall who believe in Him, as their Lird and Savior.  Alleluia !!!!  Amen !!!!...........Fr.  Troy  

PARISH CHURCH AND RECTORY CHRISTMAS DECORATING DAY AND NIGHT...........

With three days until the start of the Christmas Season, today is the decoration day at OLOL.  The rectory Christmas Tree was donated by the family of Parish Secretary Frances Hood yesterday, and decorated by housekeeper Esperanza today, and is glistening in the corner of the living room, as I blog about it.  Tonight, Sister Felicity and her band of parishioner volunteers are decorating the church for Christmas.  Bringing the immediacy of the Christmas Season with it, I love the spirit of Jesus' historical Coming and Holy Birth, the Christmas Trees, Lights, Decorations, and Creches, bring to homes and churches, alike.  Now the playing and singing of Christmas carols, await to be added...........Come, Christmas Come !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

DAY FIVE OF THE 'O' ANTIPHONS / 4TH WEDNESDAY OF ADVENT...........

As we continue our Advent prayers with the 'O' Antiphons, on this fifth day of  eight 'O' Antiphons, until Christmas Eve is, "O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: Come to Save us Lord our God".  It reminds us that the Messiah Who Comes is, 'God With Us', the Supreme Sovereign of Creation, Who provides the Law of Love, and Comes with Salvation for God's People.  As we acclaim the Divine GodHead to be with us this Christmas and always; to be a kingly, lawgiving, presence to us; and to save us from our sins and death; may the words of today's fifth 'O' Antiphon, shine evermore brightly in our hearts and minds today, and in everyday of Christmas, all all the days of the year and our lives...........Come Lord Jesus,  Maranatha !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy   

BECOMING A CORPORATION SOLE...........

Until now, the financial structure of the Catholic Church has traditionally been structured so that the Roman Catholic Bishop of a Diocese, is the Corporation Sole, of all Church properties and other temporalities in The United States.  Several dioceses in New England states have been financially administered differently for quite some time, by incorporating parishes individually and making the Pastors, the Corporation Sole, instead of the Diocesan Bishop.  Dioceses around the country are increasingly incorporating at the individual parishes level.  The Sacramento Diocese is now in the process of doing so,  So this morning, the Parish Bookkeeper and I went to the Bankm to make the necessary changes in our parish financial structure, making me as Pastor, the Corporation Sole of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / Sacramento.  A whole new responsibility for me and my diocesan priestly colleagues as Pastors, in the administration, oversight, and responsibility, for the management and safeguarding of parish / diocesan temoralities...........All For The Greater Glory of God and the Common Good of the Community of Believers - The Church,   Fr.  Troy

HANUKKAH 2011 OPENS TONIGHT...........

Hanukkak, the Jewish Festival of Lights is a eight day holiday, which begins tonight December 20, through December 28, 2011.  Yhe dates of Hanukkah are set by the Hebrew Calendar, thus for the Jews this is Year 5772.  Hanukkah commemorates the Re-Dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, and is celebrated with the Lighting of a Menorah, a special candlelabra with eight candles; one each which is lit during the eight nights until fully burning.  And so, as we mark the culmination of Advent this week, and embrace fully our Christmas celebration of our Savior's Birth, in the Son of God equally becoming the Son of Man; the Redeemer of Humankind, let us extend a Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish brothers and Sisters, as we affirm the Judeo-Christian Tradition, that bonds us together..........As Gof's Advent People And Disciples of Jesus The Christ We Pray God's Love and Light Be With The Jewish People This Hanukkah...........Fr.  Troy

'O' ANTIPHON NUMBER FOUR ON THIS 4TH TUESDAY OF ADVENT...........

With five days remaining until Christmas begins, the fourth of the eight 'O' Antiphons today is, "O Key of David, opening the gates of God's Eternal Kingdom; Come and free the prisoners of Darkness !".  The prisoners of darkness as those who do not belief in God, or who do not await the Messiah's Coming; or others who are steeped in sin and selfishness.  True Repentance from Sin and openess to the Call of the Triune God Who Calls and desires to be united with us now and forever, will allow us to share to pass through the heavenly portals of God's Everlasting Kingdom of Life, Light, and Love.  May your prayer experience of this 4th 'O' Antiphon, on the Fourth Tuesday of Advent, lead you to have a share in David's Key, the key descendant of his house and lineage being Jesus The Christ, Whose  Coming in history, presently, and at the end of tome, brings us Recociliation with, and Redemption frm God...........Fr.  Troy  

A BLESSED EVENT OCCURS IN THE LIFE OF ANOTHER LAMBDA CHI IN MY SAC STATE ALUMNI CIRCLE...........

I just retrieved a text message from a California State University Sacramento, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Phi Pi Zeta, brother, alumnus Douglas Plazak, announcing the birth of he and his wife's newborn son, Dashel Hunter Plazak, who came into the world on Saturday December 17th, at 8:13 p.m., in Southern California.  If infant Dashel grows up to be like his Dad, he will be a major league, pro, Baseball Fan, as great as anyone.  Brother Doug's fan-ship took him some time ago, to every Major League Baseball stadium !!!!!!!!!!!...........Congratulations and God Blessings Be With the Plazak Three,   Brother Father Troy  Phi Pi 2.

DAY THREE OF THE 'O' ANTIPHONS ON THIS 4TH MONDAY OF ADVENT...........

On this third day in the praying of the 'O' Antiphons, in the immediate countdown to Christmas, at Mass and in the Liturgy of the Hours, is the acclamation, "O Root of Jesse's stem, sign of God's Love for all his People, Come to Save us without delay".  Belonging to the root of Jesse, the father of King David, establishes the Messiah's linkage to the royal line of David.  Thus the prophecy that the Anointed One of God would rule over the House of David, as the King of All Creation.  God's Love enfolds us as the Divine did the Chosen People of Israel, and will be the Savior / Redeemer of everyone who believes in and follows Him...........Fr.  Troy

DECEMBER 18TH'S MEMORABLE SIGNIFICANCE IN MY FAMILY HISTORY...........

Over the past twenty nine years this date, December 18th, has marked three significant memorable occasions in my life.  One involving a funeral; the other two weddings.  It was on this day, in 1982, that my Grandmother Powers passed away, ten days before her 86th Birthday; and just sixteen days after my Mother.  Following her passing away that morning of Saturday December 18, 1982, that same afternoon, my 'Original Six' Sac State Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Brother, Robert 'Bob' Butcher was wed in St. Charles Borromeo Church, in South Sacramento's Parkway Estates.  Just over ten years after his passing away, I still miss him deeply for his brotherly love and honest friendship.  On this day in 1988, I was again at a fratenity brother and very close friend's wedding in Grass Valley, when Curtis "CL" Richards was married.  The closeness of our brotherly bond continues, even as for the past twelve years and three quarters, his life and work have him residing in Washington, D.C. .  And now, as Pastor of OLOL Parish, his mother, father, grandmother, sister, and nephew, are my parishioners.  My ever increasing love for history, dates, details, and the meaning behind them, causes me to remember, and celebrate with heartfelt memories these kind of milestones in my circle of family and friends...........Fr.  Troy 

THE SECOND OF THE EIGHT 'O' ANTIPHONS IN OUR IMMEADIATE READINESS FOR CHRISTMAS...........

Although the Sundays of Advent take precedence, over other observances, which is the reason the Gospel Verse at Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, is of this proper Sunday, it is the second day of the 'O' Antiphons, and todays messianic title of old is, "O Adonai, Ruler of Israel", the acknowledgement of the Chosen People Israel, of the Lord as their God.  It foretells of a Lord and King that will selflessly and caringly, be their Advocate, Leader, and true King.  We believe that Jesus is that foretold and awaited "Adonai", "Ruler", and "King".  The immemorial Son of God, who Comes as King of Heaven and Earth, and the Savior of the World.  May the Wuness of your Discipleship reflect and put into practice, the belief in Living Faith of today's 'O' Antiphon...........Come, Lord Jesus, The Christ, Come !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy

LIGHTING THE FOURTH AND FINISHING CANDLE AROUND OUR ADVENT WREATH - THE LIGHT OF GOD'S PEACE AND JUSTICE...........

Lighting the fourth and final seasonal purple candle today brings brightness to the full circle of the Advent Wreath, representing the immediacy of the long awaited Coming of  Jesus, God's Anointed One and Our Savior, anew this Christmas, two thousand years plus, after He was born in History.  The fullness of the Advent Wreath's Light denotes the Peace and Justice desires for Creation and all Humankind.  A Peace that is truly right and just; a Justice that is compassionate and merciful.  As we walk into the Light of Christ's Coming past and present in these closing Advent Days, and embrace His present Coming this Christmas and Everyday, may the Spirit of Justice, anchored in dignity and equality, and the reality of God's Reign of everlasting Peace fill the home of our hearts in Jesus The Christ...........Fr.  Troy 

THE FOURTH AND FINAL SUNDAY OF THE ADVENT SEASON...........

Our immediate preparation and countdown of seven days to Christmas has come, the Fourth and Final Sunday of Advent, the example and lesson learned by King David in the Book of Samuel, that the house God wants built is the House of the Messiah, the Line of David.  From the King David's royal lineage, Jesys The Christ, God's Co-Eternal Son, was born into the World, being True God, and True Man.  And when He Nativity took place, Jesus, the long awaited Messiah became the first Davidic King in 600 years of Israel.  As we hear the Annunciation of the Lord proclaimed from Luke's Gospel today, may our focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary not only warm the home of our hearts for Jesus' Christmas Coming, but us his to remember and emulate her selfless, YES !, to God's Plan for pour Salvation...........Fr.  Troy

TWO PRIESTS WHOSE 63 YEARS AND 47 YEARS OF CHARITABLE MINISTRY IN THE SACRAMENTO DIOCESE HAS MADE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION...........

63 years ago today a newly ordained priest arrived in Sacramento, from Kilkenny, in Ireland to begin serving in the Diocese of Sacramento.  He was appointed to St. Rose's Parish and St. Patrick's Home, as his first assignment as a priest; which unforseeably on that day, became not only his parish, but diocesan home for the next six and one third decades, and counting.  This priest is Reverend Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh.  In September 1964, another young Irish priest, also ordained from St. Kieran's Seminary, in the city that is now my second home outside of Sacramento - Kilkenny; arrived in Sacramento to take up his ordained ministry as a priest of the Diocese of Sacramento.  Serving his early years at Sacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento, and Oir Lady of Lourdes Parish, here in Del Paso Heights, he has spent the past 35 years as Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Oak Park, and St. Joseph's Parish in Clarksburg.  He also founded and presided over the Sacramento Food Bank Services.  This priest is Reverend Father Daniel Madigan.  The combined 110 years Father Madigan and Monsignor Kavanagh have given pastoral, spiritual, and charitable ministry to the Church of Sacramento has made an astounding contribution to the betterment of children, families, the needy, poor, and less fortunate.  Their stewardship of resources and leadership of people, Catholics and those who are not; along with their astonishing fundraising, greatly benefits the Church and the wider Community.  And to think, the ecclesiastical Sacramento saga, of these two outstanding Catholic priests, began on this date, December 17, 1948, when young Father Eddie / Ned Kavanagh stepped off a train, met with the Most Reverend Bishop Robert J. Armstrong at the Cathedral, and went home with his first, but only four day Pastor, Reverend Father Patrick J. Bennett, to his new and still continuing home on Franklin Boulevard in South Sacramento...........With Love, Fraternity, Appreciation, and Affection, For Fathers Eddie  + Dan,    Fr.  Troy

THE 'O' ANTIPHONS @ OLOL GREET A QUINCEANERA, 2 HOUR CONFESSIONS AND 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT VIGIL MASS...........

With eight days remaining before the start of our celebration of the Christmas Season, as Adven People, we highlight the Prayer of the Church, both at Mass and in the Liturgy of the Hours, with the 'O' Antiphons.  The Gospel Acclamation / Alleluia Verse for today, shares the first of the eight messianic pronouncements by which the Jewish People awaited the Lord's Coming.  "O Wisdom of our God Most High / Guiding Creation with power and love / Come to teach us the path of Knowledge".  With those words we acclaim the Lord God of Salvation Whose Coming brings all who Believe and Follow Him the grace and blessing of Divine insight into understanding the Sacred Truth of God's power, and how we are able to love.  Praying and seeking to put the words of today's 'O' Antiphon into practice here at OLOL translates into a Quinceanera, this afternoon; followed by Advent / Christmas Confessions from 3-5 p.m., and concludes with our Saturday evening Vigil Mass for the Fourth and final Sunday of Advent.  Whatever you do to fill this 3rd Saturday of Advent, may it include a spiritual focus exemplifying the Wisdom and Knowledge of, and from God, the Most High - We are all in need of...........Fr.  Troy

OLOL ADVENT / CHRISTMAS PENANCE SERVICE - INDIVIDUAL CONFESSIONS GATHERING TONIGHT...........

Following the Communal Penance Service / Individual Confessions gatherings in the Carmichael, Rancho Cordova, and North Highlands, parishes - earlier this week, OLOL will have our service and Confessions tonight, at 6:30 p.m., for parishioners in Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / Sacramento.  It kicks off our coming week of Individual Confessions on Saturday from 3-5 p.m.; Monday, from 11 a.m. -12 noon; Wednesday from 3-4 p.m.; and next Friday from 7-8 p.m. .  As you, "Prepare the Way of the Lord", and "Make Straight the Paths", of your lives this Christmas, join us and make a worthy Confession of your Sins, and receive Sacramental Absolution, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ on the Nativity of the Lord, in a state of Grace and Forgiveness, and Reconciliation...........Fr.  Troy

TIM TEBOW, DENVER BRONCOS QUARTERBACK AND "TEBOW-ING"...........

National Football League Denver Broncos Quarterback, Tim Tebow, with a 7-1 record of victory, which many view as improbable given his erratic passing and only second season experience, has created quite a sensation in athletic circles and throughout the country, with his open sharing and display of faith and prayerfulness on the football field, as well as off.  His open displays of bending down on one knee and bowing his head with a fisted hand resting upon it, has come under intense scrutiny.  In the news today, the one day suspension of four high school students in Long Island, New York, for emulating the Denver Broncos Quarterback, by, "Tebowing", taking the player's stance on the floor of their school hallway between classes.  School Administrators cite the potential for causing a riot, as shoving and pushing taking part by the students slowed or stopped in the hallway, due to their demonstration.  Was a suspension of the students warranted, instead of a  warning ?  Or do the religious overtures inherent in the students action, the real reason ?  Tim Tebow himself is getting mixed reviews for his Tebowing.  It should be no surprise that it would be criticized and sanctiions taken against it in public schools.  What Would The Jesus Who Comes Everyday Do ?  As Advent People of God, what should we do in response to what Tebowing represents ?...........Fr.  Troy
    

POSSIBLY THE LAST REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION DEBATE UNTIL AFTER IOWA AND NEW HAMPSHIRE VOTES...........

Now that Donald Trump has cancelled his proposed Debate with the Republican candidates for President, the invitation to which only Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum accepted; all seven of the remaining candidates will hold their last scheduled pre Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Debate in SIoux City, Iowa, on Fox News, at 6 p.m. Pacific Time.  With Mitt Romney's aggressive negative campaigning against Newt Gingrich, the past week to ten days, along with other direct attacks upon him by a number of the other candidates, and Gingrich vowing to remain positive; their is an emerging Gingrich stall, if not fall in the most recent polls, although he is still leading Romney.  That should make tonight's debate even more of a battle of direct attacks on Gingrich, and perhaps from Gingrich in defending his positions.  The Republican Party establishment does not want Newt Gingrich, as the GOP's 2012 nominee, and have all but endorsed Romney.  Whether Romney can overtake Gingrich, without a knock down, drag out, fight to June and the California Primary, or onto the Republican National Convention, is as of now uncertain.  Tonight's Debate may be a genuine turning point as to whether it will be a short route or a long haul, to knowing who will be Republican's Standardbearer, against the Denmocratic nominee for Re-Election, President Obama...........Fr.  Troy

'THE WORD AMONG US' PARISH SCRIPTURE STUDY TODAY - ADDRESSES OUR ADVENT CALL TO EMBRACE JESUS...........

Our OLOL penultimate current Parish Scripture Study Series, based on the writings, meditations, and reflections, of  'The Word Among Us', will be focused this afternoon at 1:30 p.m., on Advent - The Call to Embrace Jesus : He Is Our Salvation.  It will address how many of the manifestations of Jesus The Christ, in the canonical Gospels are linked to the Manger of the Christ Child.  We will also pray and discuss the Sacred Scriptures for this 3rd Thursday of  Advent, and the 4th Sunday of Advent, three days from now.  Parishioners and all others interested in joining our small group are welcome to attend.  We are meeting in the Parish Hall, from 1:30 - 3 p.m. ...........Come Lord Jesus, Come !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy

A NICE EVENING AT MY AMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUP CHRISTMAS GATHERING...........

Bobby, the taxi man was at the OLOL rectory at 4:30 p.m., taking me to the Anchor Prosthetics office at Watt Avenue and Auburn Boulevard, for our monthly meeting and gathering of the Christmas gifts for the children at the Sacramento Receiving Home, across the street from Anchor.  Tanya, from the Receiving Home was present to take a group photograph, that she plans to post on their website and next newsletter.  We also presented her with the gifts.  They requested we place the gits unwrapped in bags with the angel tag card attached to them.  Then we went over to the Denny's next door and had a meal together.  I surprised myself this afternoon, getting the blue and red gift bags ready, including with multicolored tissue paper, which normally is not very friendly to me.  Ha Ha !!  Ho Ho Ho !!!...........10 Days and Counting to Christmas Eve,   Fr.  Troy

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON BROUGHT GOOD NEWS ON TWO FOLSOM FRONTS...........

Yesterday afternoon I had a follow-up appointment with my back surgeon, Dr. Carter, who told me the rupture at the bottom of my surgery incision is healed, that she sees for reason for another MRI, and that she does not need to see me again, unless something more occurs.  My appointment finished with enough time for Jack Pennington and I, to make a first visit to 'La Rosa Blanca' Mexican Restaurant's new Folsom location on Natoma Street, where my friend and post transplant Phoenix caregiver, Jeremy Lipp, is the manager.  Jeremy's mother Patty, and their family have another hit location, doing as they did in 2007, when they converted a longtime Chinese restaurant on Fulton Avenue in the Arden Arcade area of Sacramento, just beyond Marconi Avenue, into 'La Rosa Blanca's' second location in addition to their original Auburn Boulevard location between Watt Avenue and Fulton Avenue in Sacramento.  Their Folsom location was formerly a Fish and Chips restaurant, which has been wonderfully transformed into 'La Rosa Blanca' #3.  A full delicious and delectable traditional menu, of Grandma's recipes are delightfully served by their very friendly family staff.  Father Tony Traynor introduced me to 'La Rosa Blanca' seven years ago, and I am happy to be their customer since then 152 times !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS - OVERCOMING THE DARKNESS OF SIN WITH THE LIGHT OF CHRIST...........

St. John of the Cross, was a 16th Century Spaniard, who was a Carmelite priest and a contemporary and close friend of St. Teresa of Avila.  At a critical time in the spiritual decline of the Carmelite Order, they came together mutually, to set about reforming their religious order and bring it back to a solid spirituality grounded in the interior life of prayer and contemplation.  John of the Cross, who became a Doctor of the Church, went on to write books of deep spirituality.  "the Dark Night Of The Soul",is one of his most well known books.  In it he wrote of the depths of the interior relationship he shared with Christ and the Cross.  So as God's People awaiting the Lord's Coming this Christmas, on this 3rd Wednesday of Advent, may we embrace the prayerfulness and develop a further interior life ourselves in union with the reforms and renewal St. John of the Cross with St. Teresa helped to being about, to increase the spiritual focus we have on Jesus Who Comes...........Fr.  Troy

ANOTHER GOOD ADVENT NIGHT @ ST, JOHN VIANNEY PARISH SCRIVING SINS...........

Ten priests were present tonight for thE Penance Service and Indiuvidual Confessions at St. John Vianney Parish, in Rancho Cordova.  The Pastor, Parochial Vicar, and Pator Emritus, were joined by seven more of us diocesam and deanery area priests, to hear the Confessions of the multiple dozens of parishioner penitents present.  OLOL parishioner frove me to the church after my late afternoon appointment with Dr. Carter in Folsom, and my ordination classmate and neighboring Pastor at St. Philomene's Parish, Reverenf Father Eduino Silveira, drove me home.  Fr. Pius goes to help at St. Lawrence's Parish, in North Highlands tomporrow night.  And a number of priests from these other deanery parishes, will come to help us this Friday night at 6:30 p.m., at OLOL...........fR.  tROY

ST. LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; SAINT OF LIGHT............

St. Lucy, who lived from 283-304 A.D.,  whose name's roots are Lux / or Lucia, means Light, was from Syracuse, Sicily and from her childhood had great devotion to God and the poor.  A virgin, she resisted being raped by a Roman soldier diring the Diocletian persecutions, and the soldier accused her of being a Christian and had her martyred.  St. Lucy is the special patroness of many northern and Scandanavian countries where darkness is prevalent in winter, as a symbol and source of light.  Particularly in Sweden, she is celebrated on December 13th, with young girls in white dresses, and red sashes, with lit candles around their heads, process and dance in honor of St. Lucy.  How can we share the light of this St. Lucy's Day with others, so as to spread the Advent Light of Joy and Gladness that brightens the way to the Coming of the Lord Jesus ?...........Fr.  Troy 
;

A DICKENS PRE CHRISTMAS NIGHT ON TCM...........

Having returned from the Penitential Service and Confessions tonight at Our Lady of Assumption Church, in Carmichael with seven of my priestly colleagues, including Assumption's Pastor, Reverend Father Brendan McKeefry, Parochial Vicar Reverend Father Hector Coria, it was a wonderful evening of priestly fraternity, and sacramental interaction with the priestly people of Assumption Parish.  Turner Classic Movies, TCM is featuring three British films from the 1940's based on the works of Charles Dickens.  "Oliver Twist", "Nicholas Nickelby", and "Great Expectations".  They serve as a prologue to the various productions of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", to be aired on Christmas.  i arrived back at OLOL, just in time for the start of "Nicholas Nickelby", which I will now settle into before bed...........Fr.  Troy

ARCHBISHOP JOHN CARDINAL FOLEY.....NOVEMBER 11, 1935 - DECEMBER 11, 2011...........

Archbishop John Cardinal Foley, a native of  Darby, Pennsylvania in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, who for twenty three years was head of the Pontifical Council For Social Communications, died on Sunday at age 76, of leukemia.  Cardinal Foley was a familiar voice to millions of Americans and viewers worldwide for twenty five years, on the annual NBC Christmas Midnight Mass broadcast, from St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, for which he was the commentator / translator.  He had been described as, "the nicest guy in the Vatican", for his jovial, and congenial, personality.  It was in 2007, when he was elevated to Cardinal of the Church, by Pope Benedict XVI, that John Allen, National Catholic Reporter Vatican columnist said, of Archbishop Foley's tenure leading up the Social Communications Council, that he had,"earned a reputation as the nicest guy in the Vatican".  In that responsibility, he had the longest term of service directing any major office in the Vatican.  Upon becoming a Cardinal, he was made Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, in Rome, which is a papal knighthood.  He returned to the Philadelphia Archdiocese last February, in declining health, and lived at Villa St. Joseph Priests Retirement Home, in his hometown of Darby, where he passed away Sunday.  His impressive contributions to serving the Church as a  communications spokesman speak voluminously.  As the Solemnity of Christmas nears, for which he was identified with as communicaster for a quarter of a century it is a large part of his legacy.  That he went forth from this world on the 4th Sunday of Advent speaks to the Joyfulness with which his life as a priest, archbishop , and cardinal, pleased God...........Eternal Life And Light To His Holy Soul, Now And Forever,   Fr.  Troy 

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULES ARE READY FOR MAILING / DOUBLE SUNDAY BULLETIN DEADLINES THIS WEEK...........

With Christmas fast approaching, the Parish Christmas Schedules have come from the printers, and will be mailed to all our registered parish families.  The deadline for the Parish Sunday Bulletin for Christmas Day, a Sunday this year - has been moved up from Tuesday December 20th, to Friday December 16th.  Thus after completing and transmitting next week's 4th Sunday of Advent Bulletin tomorrow, we have until Friday at 1 p.m., to have the Christmas Day Sunday Bulletin completed and transmitted.
In the same week that includes sending the Christmas schedule mailing, it will be a full throttle week in the Parish Office as the countdown to Christmas picks up speed...........Fr.  Troy

THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CO-PATRONESS OF THE SACRAMENTO DIOCESE AND THE AMERICAS...........

On this 3rd Monday of Advent the Church honors the Blessed Mother under the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Mexico - in the year 1531.  Her request sent through the Aztec Indian young man Juan Diego, to the local Bishop to build a chapel on the site of her apparition, has led to the construction of a Shrine, that it is now a place of international pilgrimage for Latino Catholics, and great numbers of the Faithful throughout the western world.  On this Feast Day as Catholic-Christians we join and unite with our Latino sisters and brothers, in honoring, venerating, and commemorating the Virgin of Guadalupe, who is the Co-Patroness od the Sacramento Diocese, and much of the United States, and is the Patroness of the Americas.  Her advocacy for peace, justice, and the pro-life movement, are attributes of our devotion to her.  Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray For Us !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

THE DAY AFTER POLITICAL ANALYSIS CALLS THE ABC NEWS IOWA REPUBLICAN DEBATE FOR GINGRICH...........

Overnight, Sunday morning, and Evening News, broadcasts analyzing the political result of last night's Republican Presidential Debate, are in virtual agreement, that the current GOP frontrunner former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich of Georgia, was the victor.  Gingrich is credited with remaining calm, under attacks from Mitt Romney, and the other four candidates in the debate.  His ability to give back as good as he got, yet remaining the adult, mature, and above the fray, frontrunner; and his effective rejoinder to Romney's career politician criticism of him, and Romney's over the top offer of a $10,000 bet with Rick Perry, over an issue dispute, are cited as examples of how former Governor Romney failed to, "blunt", Gingrich's momentum and support.  With twenty three days and counting, before the Iowa Caucuses, time is running out to displace Gingrich as the frontrunning and leading candidate for the 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination.  Whether Romney's intensive media and surrogate, as well as personal, offensive, criticizing Newt Gingrich's record and leadership, or Ron Paul, Michelle Bachman, Rick Santorum, and Rick Perry, can breakthrough anew, the days and money spent, will tell...........Fr.  Troy

LIGHTING THE ROSE COLORED CANDLE AROUND THE ADVENT WREATH TODAY, WE ARE CALLED TO JOY AND GLADNESS...........

In our churches and homes on this 3rd Sunday of Advent, "Gaudete Sunday", we light the pink or rose colored candle around our Advent Wreath, brightening the light of Christ's Coming and summoning us to Rejoicing and Gladness in the Lord our God.  The Watchfulness, Anticipation, Unity, Hope, Readiness, Repentance, that has brought us to the midway point of this sacred season as Advent People, gives us the impetus to be filled with Joy, and Gladness, despite the challenges and hardships we face.  During this time of national and worldwide economic struggles and uncertainty, all of us can find in the Lord's Three-fold Coming.  We have cause to rejoice in the gift of Life, the grace of Faith, the fellowship of Family, Friends, Fellow Believers.  These are reasons for Gladness, that God is with Us,  enlightening our way by the Light of Jesus in Advent, to express and share the Joy He Brings.  Whatever obstacles you are contending with on this Rose colored Sunday of Advent, let the Light of Gladness and Joy in the Lord God wash over you and be fortified in Faith that the Anointed One, the Messiah, the Savior, Jesus The Christ, will bring us from Advent rose colored Light to Eternal Life...........Fr.  Troy

THE R.C.I.A. BREAKING OF THE WORD AND INQUIRY SESSIONS WERE ROSE-Y TODAY @ OLOL...........

Canossian Sister Lisa Doty, led our Inquirers today in their Breaking of the Word sharing, with the 3rd Sunday of Advent Scriptires, Isaiah 61:1-2; 10-11;  1 Thessalonians 5:16-24;  John 1:6-8; 19-28; and the theme of Discernment, as their fiocus.  Sister herself, and the Inquirers, reported that  a spirited sharing and joy filled experience was had, as they discussed discerning God's Call.  Having considered Discerning The Call in our Inquiry Session last Sunday, today we delved into, Obedience To The Call.  Sharing our stories of when we first heard or learned of God, and how by discerning God's Call to us personally, we chose to obey the Call, and responded by actively inquiring into the possibility of seeking to be initiated into Catholic-Christianity.  Luke 1:26-38, being the Scriptural focus for today's Inquiry Session.  On this Joyful, Rose colored, 3rd Sunday of Advent, we can honestly say, R.C.I.A., was a rose-y experience for the participants and the team today !!!!!!!!!!!  ReJoice In The Lord Always,   Fr.  Troy

GAUDETE SUNDAY AND THE 3RD WEEK OF ADVENT DENOTES JOYFULNESS AND GLADNESS...........

The midway point of the Advent Season brings us to, "Gaudete Sunday", the 3rd and Joyful Sunday of this sacred season of Anticipation, Watching, Unity, and Repentance.  We are summoned by Today's Scriptures at Mass, to rejoice with gladness in the nearness of the Lord Jesus' Coming to us in His Holy Birth this Christmas; and to listen and truly hear the words of John the Baptist, that the One we await, is here among us now, just as He was as John was carrying out the Baptism of Repentance.  We are to be filled with gladness and joy, in discovering Jesus' continuing and unfolding presence in our daily lives during these Advent days and Everyday, just as we have Hope that Jesus the Anointed One of God the Father was born into the World and will Come again in future Glory.  So stand up !, Sing out !!, Rejoice in the Three-fold Coming of Christ, and be Glad to Welcome Him as the One all Believers have and are Preparing the Way to seek and to find, as Savior, Redeemer, Lord, and King !!!!!!!!!!!...........Maranatha !!!  Come, Lord Jesus, Come,   Fr.  Troy

TONIGHT'S ABC NEWS REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL - SPECIFICALLY GINGRICH VERSUS ROMNEY...........

With Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos moderating, ABC News sponsored with their internet partner, Yahoo News, an Iowa Republican Presidential Debate tonight.  Going in it was thought to be a Romney-Gingrich face-off, giving Gingrich's surge into the lead in the polls, and Romney declining in support of late.  The debate opened in a genteel manner, but getting into the meat of the debate, it became highly focused on Romney and Gingrich, with former Governor Mitt Romney, mounting a four point attack on some the issue stands of former Speaker Newt Gingrich.  The vast majority of the first forty minutes of the debate was focused on Gingrich and Romney; taking issue with each other's positions or being critiqued and differed with, by the other four aspirants on stage, Representative Ron Paul of Texas, Representative Michelle Bachman of Minnesota, former Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, and Governor Rick Perry of Texas.  Former Governor Jon Huntsman of Utah, did not take part in tonight's debate.  Gingrich and Romney had most of the time of the debate devoted to them and their responses to the night's questions.  Paul was the next most focused on and asertive of the other candidates, although Bachman, Santorum, and Perry, also inserted themselves into various facets of the debate.  If the Romney campaign plan was to ruffle or cause Gingrich to lash out, he failed.  On one of the four points Romney early on nailed Gingrich for, was being a career Wsshington politician.  Gingrich shot back effectively, "Mitt, the only reason you are not a career politician, is because you lost to Teddy Kennedy in 1994".  Gingrich reiterated his illegal immigration proposal, for those in the U.S. twenty five years, and Romney repeated his illegal immigration registration and then return to their country of origin and the back of the line proposal.  Initial ABC News analysis is Gingrich solidified his current frontrunning position; while Romney did nothing substantive to stem the tide towards Gingrich; and that Bachman may have helped herself somewhat; although perhaps making too many references to Herman Cain.  Among my observations, Rick Perry made no obvious lapses or mistakes; and Rick Santorum maintained a firm enough presence, to be a strong running mate for any of the other candidates than Gingrich............"Your Voice Your Vote 2012"...........This Is My Latest Update Election 2012 Blog Report,   Fr.  Troy

ADVENT AT THE MIDWAY POINT : IS IT BEING A TRANSFORMING SEASON OF ANTICIPATION, UNITY, HOPE, AND REPENTANCE FOR YOU ?...........

As we move into the 3rd Sunday and Week of Advent, the midway point of our Watching for the Lord Jesus' imfolding Coming and Holy Presence to us, are you finding it a transforming experience of the Call to Anticipation, Unity, Hope, and Repentance, so much the essence of the Coming Christ ?  Halfway through these holy days as we arrive at the Joyful Sunday of the Advent Season, and a day and a week that draws us into expressing our personal and communal joy and gladness that our observance of the Coming of Christ in history, that first Christmas more than two thousand years is drawing nearer.  Despite the challenges and struggles present in our lives, in God's Prophetic Word, and the Person of Jesus, Co-Eternal Son of the Heavenly Father and Redeemer of Humankind, we have reason to be glad and joyful in the Lord.  May the seven days ahead help you to discover the Joy and Gladness this 3rd Week of Advent brings...........Fr.  Troy

CAN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE EURO SURVIVE THE CURRENT CRISIS AND REORGANIZATION UNDER A NEW AGREEMENT ?...........

Twenty years to the day on Friday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel. persuaded all current European Union members except for Great Britain, to forsake the original Treaty, in favor of a new Accord, forming a new European Union and addressing national and regional spending, in light of the debt crisis besetting several countries and threatening still others.  It is also an attempt to salvage the potency and continuity of the Euro, as the common European Union currency on the world market.  The new treaty allows the European Union Court of Justice to overturn laws that fail to provide responsible financial discipline, and ratifies agreement among member nations to contribute up to $270 billion to the International Monetary Fund, to address the Debt Crisis such as evidenced already in Greece, Ireland, Italy, and emerging in Spain and France.  British Prime Minister David Cameron declined to enter into the new agreement, stating it would not serve the best interests of Great Britain.  At a critical juncture in the recent circumstances faced by countries in the European Umion, something more needed to be done, and with Germany and France leading the way, the reorganization and new treaty seems the best way forward in face of  continuing difficulties.  The affect upon the members of the European Union and the greater role Germany may now exert sway with, to play in leading it forward and meeting the challenges. are the next questions for which answers will become apparent in the near future.  The United States of America, has a definite interest in the success of the European Union, as our economy as well as theirs, are interwined closely, given they are our second largest trading partners, after Canada...........Fr. Troy

DECEMBER BAPTISMAL PREPARATION CLASS STARTS SECOND SATURDAY OF ADVENT MORNING...........

Parish pastoral ministry this second Saturday of Advent begins with the December Baptismal Preparation class for Parents and Godparents of children 6, and under - at 10:30 a.m. here at OLOL.  R.C.I.A. Inquiry session and Homiletic preparation will follow into the afternoon.  Cathecisis, Evangelization, Faith Formation, are necessary ongoing facets in the lives of Catholic-Christians, as no matter how well educated in the Faith we are there is a continual need to stay informed and updated, to nurture and develop the precious gift that our belief and relationship with God in Christ requires of us.  Sacramental Preparation for parents, godparents, and those seeking to receive and celebrate the Sacraments of the Church, is a primary part of the ongoing education and formation of the faithful.  Thus the Baptismal Instructions class is a linchpin of the responsibility to enter more deeply into the commitment of Discipleship, we share as Catholic-Christian families and members of the Community of Believers.  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, (R.C.I.A.) is the lifeline of forming inquirers, catechumens, and candidates into persons of Living Faith.  Through R.C.I.A., those who take part are brought into the fullness of the Catholic-Christian Faith, through sharing in coming to understand and experience Sacred Scriptire and Tradition, stories of Faith, instruction in the Teachings of the Church /  Catholic-Christianity, and formation in becoming members of the Community of Believers, liturgically, sacramentally , spiritually, and socially.  On a weekly basis the majority of Catholic-Christians are further enlightened, informed, instructed, and given insights, into God's Word and how to implement the message of Good News into our daily lives.  So in one of these three manners of faith formation you and me, and all Disciples of Jesus should be, will be participants in this 2nd Saturday and 3rd Sunday of Advent 2011.  For most of you that will happen at Gaudete Sunday Mass in your parish community.  At the midway point of this sacred season leading us to Christmas, are you keeping Sunday Mass and Advent devotions, a chief priority to be ready for Christmas ?   Jesus and His Church wants you too, and Welcomes You to God's House, This Sunday and Every Sunday...........Fr.  Troy

'TIS THE SEASON AND KIDS THE REASON FOR PARISH AND COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS GIVE-AWAYS...........

OLOL Parish, like most Catholic-Christian parishes, spend a substantial amount of time during November and December - organizing, gathering, coordinating, and then distributing, Christmas gifts for children and families living in the parish boundaries.  Our St. Vincent de Paul Society has an adopt a family and toys ministry program; and volunteers from Travis AFB, who have partnered with the Canossian Sisters for several years also provide gifts to the Religious Education needy families here at OLOL.  In the wider greater Sacramento area other agencies and charitable groups, do more of the same for the less fortunate. When I was a Campbell Soup kid in the 1960's at Woodbine School in South Sacramento, each December a large barrel wrapped festively, was placed in the multi purpose room, to collect Christmas toys for the U.S. Marines'  Toys For Tots, program.  Toys For Tots, continues to function each year at this time, collecting and distributing toys for needy children at Christmas.  In addition to Toys For Tots, the Sacramento area media, including KCRA Channel 3 News is partnered with the California Highway Patrol again this year, in their, Chips For Kids program which collected Christmas toys from 4:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., at Cal Expo, today.  News 10, has been collecting Coats For Kids, their annual end of year, holiday and winter charitable program.  They are seeking to meet a Goal of 25,000 Coats this year and have thus far received some 10,000 Coats For Kids in 2011.  It continues through December.  All this in the spirit of generosity that the Lord's Coming at Christmas opens up in our hearts and hands to show for the poor and needy...........Fr.  Troy

BEING ADVENT PEOPLE TO WHAT WILL JESUS COMPARE THIS GENERATION OF DISCIPLES...........

On this second Friday of Advent the Gospel Proclamation from Matthew 11, in particularly in verse 16; has Jesus asking the question, "To what shall I compare this generation ?"  At that time in doing so Jesus was admonishing the Pharisees and Scribes for their duplicity and cynicism in regards to the Coming of both Christ and the Baptizer.  They were equality critical of both, and yet as Jesus points out - John the Baptist came abstaining from food and drink, while Christ came eating and drinking, with his followers and strangers alike, and both were criticized for their actions.  As I preached in my homily this morning, we are all aware of the phrase, "You can't have it both ways".  Yet that is exactly what they did cynically and duplicitiously, because that did not want to accept the fulfillment of the Truth John prophsied to; and Jesus brought to fruition.  Being God's Advent People in the Church and the World of the 21st Century of Catholic-Christianity, how selflessly and devoutly responding to the prophetic call of John the Baptist and the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus the Christ ?  Are we unconditional in accepting the Gospel Values of Christ, or are we cafeteria Catholics and tepid Christians, when giving our wholehearted allegiance to the obligations and responsibilities of our Discipleship ?  When Jesus asks today's Gospel question of us and our generations on Judgment Day, what answer will we deserve ?  A declaration of authentic Faith and Fidelity; an incomplete and ambivalent finding  marked by indifference and resistance instead ?  God's Word draws us toward the Light of Faith, that strengthens our Hope, and sustains our Love, for answering the Call of Christ's Coming this Advent, and well beyond, as we respond and carry out the unconditional commitment placed upon our lives in our Christian Initation and the acceptance of becoming His Disciples...........Fr.  Troy   

WILL THE CONGRESSIONAL CHRISTMAS BREAK BRING WITH IT AN EXTENSION OF THE PAYROLL TAX BREAK ?...........

President Barack Obama yesterday vowed to stay in Washington over the Christmas holidays and prerss the members of the House of Representatives and the United States Senate to remain in session as well, to address and pass the payroll tax extension legislation, along with continuation of unemployment benefits, due to expire on December 31st.  In the environment of this ongoing precarious economic climate, 160 million American families will directly be saved $1,000-$1,500, by extending the payroll tax deduction.  Many, if not all but most of these families being middle class.  Another 6 million Americans would benefit from extending the unemployment benefits at this critical junction.  Whether the Congress will act on behalf of the common good of tens of millions of our citizens who are struggling, or will allow politics, partisanship, and do-nothingness, stand in the way will be shown in the next three weeks.  And on principle, the members of Congress should accept it as their duty to complete work, and enact this legislation before going home on their own Christmas holidays...........Fr.  Troy

THE ADVENT FOCUS ON THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CONTINUES THROUGH ST. JUAN DIEGO...........

It was to, as Our Lady of Guadalupe, to Juan Diego, a humble, lowly, Aztec Indian, on December 9, 1531, that the Blessed Mother appeared to, in three apparitions.  She asked young Juan to request that the local bishop build a church on the site of her appearance.  Juan delayed until after her second apparition to make the request of the Bishop, who declined to do so.  At her third apparition to Juan Diego, Our Lady of Gudalupe told him to place roses in his tilma, (cape) and take them to the Bishop. in the presence of the Bishop the roses transformed into her own image, and was he was convinced of the merits of the appeal, and built a chapel on the site.  Pilgrims have flocked to what is now the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, through these centuries since, thanks to the humble fidelity of Juan Diego, and his courage in doing as Our Lady requested him to do.  A shining example to all Believers in Jesus Christ, that whoever we are, young, old, poor, or rich, lowly, or humble, that we possess the ability to do God's Will and fulfill our mission, by agreeing to respond to the Divine initiatives put before us.  Being Advent People may we welcome the Lord's Coming and answer the Call that Jesus, the Blessed Mother, or the Holy Spirit, is inviting us to respond to today...........Fr.  Troy

THE ECCLESIOLOGY AND THE THEOLOGY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF MARY...........

This morning in my first blog column today, I referred to the, "sensus fidelium", - the Ecclesiology, or faith belief of the People of God, from the early Church forward, in Mary, the Blessed Mother, being conceived free from sin and pure, so as to be the ideal instrument to give birth to God's Son in human hisriry.  I also blogged about the dogma of the Catholic Church formally declared only just a century and a half ag, - the Theology behind our belief in the Immaculate Conception, as Catholic-Christians.   The popular belief and practice of the faithful in this regards existed for nearly two thousand years, when Pope Pius IX, declared the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in 1854, when he said, "The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God...perserved immune from all stain of Original Sin".  The words of the current Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, echo the dogmatic theology, teaching, and belief of the Catholic Church on this facet of our Faith, "In Mary Immaculate we contemplate the reflection of the Beauty that saves the world : the Beauty of God that shines on the Face of Christ.  In Mar, this beauty is totally pure, humble, free of all pride and presumption".  The Solemnity and Holyday of the Immaculate Conception occurs on December 8th, in the midst of the Advent Season, before the celebration of Christmas. although because it commemorates the stainless and spiritual conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her liturgical Birthday feast is on September 8th...........  May the Grace and Salvation God Imparts Allow Us To Be Freed And Forgiven Of All Our Sins,   Fr.  Troy

IS NEGATIVE POLITICS THE SURE TICKET TO SUCCESS IN BEING NOMINATED FOR PRESIDENT 2012 ?...........

With the ongoing volatility in the emerging 2012 Presidential Nomination race, and the increasing surge by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, as the prime alternative to former Governor Mitt Romney, Gingrich's lead in the polls of 3 out of the 4, of the first states to cast caucus and primary votes next month in double digits; the Romney Campaign has decided to go on a negative blitz against Gingrich, over the next four to eight weeks, attempting to preclude an early knock out punch in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida,  Television advertisements, pronouncements from candidate Mitt Romney himself, and use of surrogates like Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey, Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, Representative Peter King of New York, and former Governor and White House Chief of Staff, John Sununu, of New Hampshire, will all be mounting negative attacks on Newt Gingrich and his record, questioning his fidelity, steadiness, leadership, and conservative credentials.  For me, as for all conscientious citizens seeking pro-active, and productive, positive, issue driven and debated, campaigns for elected office, especially the highest office in the United States, and most significant World Leadership position of all, is Negative campaigning the way politicians of any philosophy, or party, have to overtake their opponents, and prevail in being nominated or elected to office ?  It is a travesty of our hallowed American Way, of  Fairness that candiates with conservative, or liberal, traditional, or progressive, Republican, Democrat, Third Party, or Independent, find it necessary not to campaign on their own merits and positions, and on justifiable constructive criticism of their opponents, versus making a negative and nasty attacks, and a virtual war zone of the campaign trail.  Americans are bigger, better, and more fair minded, than an interpersonal mud fight can achieve.  May the integrity and the decency of American political officeseekers, be their practice in the 2012 Election and always...........Fr.  Troy

GETTING READY TO WELCOME JESUS THIS CHRISTMAS OLOL's PARISH SCRIPTURE STUDY TODAY CONSIDERS TWAU ARTICLE, "I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU"...........

Our Thursday afternoon Parish Scripture Study, at 1:30 p.m., in the Parish Hall will be focused on the feature article from the December 2011 issue of, "The Word Among Us", 'I Know The Plans I Have For You', -  The Advent Call To Change.  It will help us how best to embrace God's Call to convert our hearts in readiness for the Coming of Christ this Christmas.  We will also reflect on the Advent Meditations for today, December 8th, and for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, December.  Everyone is Welcome to join us, as Advent People of God, seeking to Prepare The Way of the Lord !!...........Fr.  Troy

MOVIE AND TELEVISION ACTOR HARRY MORGAN DIES AT 96...........

Harry Morgan, prolific actor of 100 films and 4 television series, two of them that made him a very welcome guest in the homes of viewers, died yesterday, at his home in Los Angeles at age 96.  Morgan, who as a young man first thought of becoming a lawyer, became an actor instead.   Four of his movie appearances were in, 'The Oxbow Incident', with Henry Fonda; 'High Noon', with Gary Cooper; 'Inherit The Wind', with Spencer Tracy and Frederic March; and 'The Shootist', with John Wayne.  On television he appeared in the situation comedies, 'December Bride', and 'Pete and Gladys"; before becoming Jack Webb's sidekick foil, as Officer Frank Gannon, in the return of the television series, 'Dragnet', from January 167 - April 1970.  Then in 1975, he began an eight year role as Colonel Sherman Potter, on the iconic 1972-1983 television series, 'M.A.S.H.'.  As Colonel Potter he became a fan favorite worldwide, which Harry Morgan himself called his favorite acting role of all.  In 1980, Morgan won an Emmy Award as Outstanding Supporting Actor, for his  role as Colonel Potter.  Appearing briefly in two other tv series following the conclusion of 'M.A.S.H.', in 1983, 'After M.A.S.H.', and 'Blacke's Magic'; Harry Morgan's last television appearance was on the 'M.A.S.H. 30th Anniversary Reunion', in 2002.  He is survived by three sons, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.  As a beloved, character actor for more than six decades, Hollywood and the public have lost a great contributor to the entertainment enjoyment of fans everywhere.  With Appreciation For His Many Memorable Acting Roles.  God Be Good To Him Forever,   Fr.  Troy

MARY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - PATRONNESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA...........

In the Divine Plan for the Reconciliation with, and Redemption of, Humankind God the Father chose to provide the ideal instrument to send the Co-Eternal Son as, "The Word Made Flesh", thus requiring the cooperation of a pure human woman.  God made Mary of Nazareth,immaculately conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, the sinless vessel to become the Christ-bearer, the Mother of God.  Today as Catholic-Chjristians we honor and venerate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as a Holyday of Obligation.  One of the two sensus fidelium of early Christians, the faith belief held by the people, that Mary, as the Mother of God's Son Jesus Christ, had to be free from sin herself for the holiness to bear and bring to birth, the Redeemer of the People of God; the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, that the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived free from the stain of sin and pure, is one of chief teachings and beliefs of our Faith.  We who are American Catholics, also celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th, as our National Feast Day, as the United States of America is consecretated under the patronage of  the Immaculate Conception of Mary.  The National Shrine of the USA, in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, as well.  Most Catholic parishes have morning and evening Masses on this Holyday of Obligation.  In addition to OLOL's 8 a.m. Mass, we will also have a 7 p.m. Mass...........  May the Advent Grace of the Blessed Mother's Immaculate Conception Bring You Peace,   Fr.  Troy

GOD IS WITH US CASTING CHRIST'S ADVENT LIGHT TO DISPEL THE DARKNESS...........

As we patiently wait with Advent Hope in the Lord's Coming now, at Christmas, and the end of time, our Watching and Waiting to embrace the Saving Power of Jesus The Christ, must be rooted in Prayer.  And as Advent People following in the Light leading to the Lord Jesus, in the words of the late, illustrious, Belgian Catholic-Christian spirituality writer, Henri Nouwen, "Prayer requires that we stand in God's presence with open hands, naked and vulnerable, proclaiming to ourselves and to others that without God we can do nothing".  Advent is a season of expectation, and so we should take time for making prayer a priority.  How brightly is the Light of Prayer burning in the home of your hearts this Advent of the Lord ?  As we journey forth through the middle of this second week of Advent may the Prayer you commit yourself to, enlighten your path to Christ's Coming, "Yesterday, Today, and Forever"...........Fr.  Troy

POLITICAL JUSTICE METED OUT IN ILLINOIS AS ROD BLAGOJEVICH IS SENTENCED...........

Immediate past, impeached, Governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, was sentenced today to fourteen years in prison, for his conviction of attempting to sell the United States seat, vacated by President Obama four years ago, to the highest bidder.  Questionable and illegal political dealings cost the former Governor and memner of Congress, his governorship, his livelihood, and his freedom.  Blagojevich's conviction and lengthy sentence are a victory for equal justice in society where illicit self-serving agendas and political corruption, must be constantly addressed and reformed.  From my youth as a high school and college student, with a A.A., and B.A. major, in Political Science / Government. I have consistently advocated the continuous, ongoing reform of our political and governmental systems.  Even in democracy, every human institution can and does become self serving and corrupt, unless due vigilance and reform are carried out on a regular basis.  Power, Position, Money, Influence, and Corruption, cannot circumvent the law or pre-empt justice.  If and when they do, we surrender some of our most basic and constitutional rights to freedom, liberty, and equality, as citizens of the United States of America and the World...........Fr.  Troy

COMING TO THE LORD GOD IN HOPE AS ADVENT PEOPLE...........

Whatever challenges or hardships we are enduring as a part of our human condition, as Advent People of Living Faith in the Lord God of the Universe, we have reason to Hope.  By preparing our hearts and minds, bodies and souls, for the Divine's Coming, we are able to trust that the struggles and limitations that beset us, need not defeat us.  The three-fold Coming of the Lord Jesus, Co-Eternal Son of God the Father, is the source for Hope to be freed from our sins, to be delivered from the infirmities that captivate us, to discover and experience the fullness of forgiveness, healing, and redemption, as believers in Christ, the Anointed One and long awaited Messiah.  God our Creator, desires our Unity and Repentance, but also our Trust, that with Faith, Hope, and Love, we can and will be enfolded into the Holy Birth, Future Coming in Glory, and Everyday Presence of the Lord Jesus.  Our Gospel Proclamation on this 2nd Wednesday of Advent, Matthew 11:28-30; hearkens us to, "Come to the Lord", those of us - "Who are burdened or labored", for it is in the Lord God, that we find the rest and peace we need............May your prayerful, pro-active, response to the Lord's Coming, increase God's Grace in your lives as Advent People of Hope...........Fr.  Troy

THIS IS THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEARL HARBOR DAY.....DECEMBER 7, 1941...........

On December 8, 1941, standing before a Joint Session of Congress in Washington, D.C., President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, declared, "December 7th, a date that will live in infamy".  Why ?  Because this is Pearl Harbor Day, on which the Japanese air attack on American military facilities in Honolulu, Hawaii, thrust the USA into World War Two.  The USS Arizona, was directly bombed, along with twenty one ships that were sunk or severely damaged.  Two thousand three hundred and thirty five American Service Men, were killed in the attack.  The sunken USS Arizona remains in the waters at the dock of Pearl Harbor, a watery grave for the sailors who were aboard and killed on this day seventy years ago.  Today as we commemorate those who gave their lives on Pear Harbor Day, in that infamous, unexpected, surprise military attack - we also remember the 125 remaining surviving veterans of Pearl Harbor.  As a part of today's ceremonies in Honolulu, marking this 70th Anniversary, a 91 year old Pearl Harbor who passed away last Spring, will be inurned at the site of the USS Arizona Memorial.  For all the men and women who valiantly served in World War II, we pray and thank them again for their service...........In The Promise And Hope of Peace And Justice That Brings God's Reign To Fulfillment,   Fr.  Troy

ST. AMBROSE, 4TH CENTURY BISHOP OF MILAN AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.....A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO CATHOLIC-CHRISTIANITY...........

 Living from 339 -397 A.D., St. Ambrose, is one of the seminally significant Catholic-Christian Church leaders in the 4th Century.  A natural leader, Ambrose was a professed Christian, not still unbaptized when he was elected Bishop of Milan, Italy in 374, serving for nearly two dozen years, as an effectively diplomatic, reconciling, and yet steadfast representative of the Faith, especially given the tumult of Arianism, a heresy he was made Bishop in the midst of.  a great and persuasive, homilist; Ambrose catechized and initiated his friendships with St. Augustine, and St. Anselm, led to their Christian Initiation, and significant ordained ministry, as priests and bishops.  St. Ambrose, is also one of the four original Doctors of the Church, along with St, Augustine, St. Gregory, and St. Jerome.  As a Catholic-Christian Disciple, Bishop, and Doctor of the Church, looms gigantically through these subsequent seventeen centuries, as an outstanding example and witness to the priority and power of the Lord's Coming, and our unconditional responsiveness to answering Jesus' Call.May this 2nd Wednesday of Advent, and St. Ambrose Day, bring you the spiritual strength and grace to fervently the Advent path before you...........Come Lord Jesus !!...........Fr.  Troy

THE FIRST HUES OF CHRISTMAS ARRIVE IN THE OLOL RECTORY...........

After writing my first blog column for today this morning, in just a short time, the first Christmas card of 2011, from Bishops Soto, Weigand, and Quinn, arrived, as did a deep red, poinsettia from Parish Secretary Frances Hood, the initial signs of  Christmas, along with yesterday's mandarins and lemons, to come into the rectory.  Being a seasonal purist, that does not like overly frontloading the holidays, then dismissing them quickly, once they arrive - Advent and Christmas are by their placement on the calendar, somewhat interwined.  That is a positive and productive practice as we link their purpose and meaning in our lives as Disciples of Jesus, Whose Coming as God Made Man, as our Redeemer, Who Comes to us daily in Spirit and Truth; and Who will Come again and as King and Judge; the messianic Savior of the World - unite us with Him now and forever.  As you send and receive Christmas cards, exchange and get gifts, and share in keeping the spiritual, social, family, friends, and concern for the less fortunate, focuses that define the holy and religious nature of these Sacred Seasons, may the home of your hearts open wide to the primary focus of the Reason For The Holiday Season We Celebrate As Catholic-Christians, - JESUS !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

LIKE ALL DEDICATED SHEPHERDS, JESUS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD FULLY TENDS TO HIS FLOCK...........

Matthew's Gospel 18:12; asserts, "Will He not...go in search of the stray ?".  That is at the crux of the Advent message proclaimed to us, on this 2nd Tuesday of our Watchfulness, Anticipation, Repentance, and Unity, in Christ's Coming.  Shepherds, by vocation are caretakers of their sheepfold.  They personally tend to the sheep of their flocks, watching over them, guiding them, protecting them, seeking out the lost, to the point of putting themselves in personal danger.  The are much more intrinisically dedicated to the sheep, than any hired hand, because the shepherds have an unconditional commitment to caring for their sheep.  Jesus The Christ, who declares Himself the, "Good Shepherd", who cares for each one of us as the sheep of His flock of Faith, Family, Fidelity, and Fellowship.  He tends to our physical and spiritual needs, caring for our bodies and our souls, and seeks out the sinners and the strayed, seeking to be joined and reconciled with all His sheep.  We who are Advent People awaiting the Lord's Coming, are Sheep of the Good Shepherd's Flock in Living Faith, and should be actively seeking Him out, just as Christ the Good Shepherd is earnestly in search of us, especially those who have strayed or separated from His Flock.  May as you hear Christ's Call, the grace and love of God the Father, and the unity of the Holy Spirit, help you to truly Come and be at Home, in the sheepfold of His flock...........Fr.  Troy 

WITH NEWT GINGRICH SURGING IN IOWA AND NEW HAMPSHIRE IS A DONALD TRUMP MODERATED DEBATE A SERIOUS DISCUSSION OR A POLITICAL CIRCUS ?...........

With former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Republican of Georgia surging in the polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire, where the GOP caucus and primary voting begins just four and five weeks from today; the question of the hour is whether Gingrich can maintain his momentum and continue to be the major alternative choice to former Governor Mitt Romney, of Massachusetts, making it a two candidate race for the 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination, or will he stumble, or fade, as have three others to adequately challenging Romney ?  Newt Gingrich's peak timing may be fortuitous in allowing him to successfully take his newfound into Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada, and Florida, the important first five contests.  What role Donald Trump's newly announced sponsored and moderated presidential debate on December 28, looms as a potential mixed blessing.  Republican candidates Texas Representative Ron Paul, and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, will not be participating, and thus far only former Senator Rick Santorum, of Pennsylvania, and former Speaker Gingrich, have indicated their willingness to take part in the Trump event.  Whether this is a sincere attempt on Donald Trump's part to have the candidates delineate and debate substantive, pertinent, issues; or is more a showcase for himself and his enterprises, as was seemingly his flirtation with running for President in 2012 himself - and the assertion if he is not pleased with the GOP nominee, that he may mount a third party Presidential bid yet, make his motivations in this Debate invitation very questionable.  Trump's Monday interviews with both Chuck Todd on MSNBC; and Matt Lauer, on NBC;s Today Show, both bellicose, and evasive, give this latest proposal, a skeptical feeling.  Seeking the Presidency of the United States, is serious matter, not a circus performance.  The issues, candidates, debates, and other considerations, all need to be screened through that prism, not in a jocular manner...........Fr.  Troy 

THE DUTCH WILL TELL YOU ST. NICHOLAS IS THE REAL FATHER CHRISTMAS...........

Whether you can him Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, or Father Christmas, the highly popular December man, in the red and white velvet and fur suit, with a full, long, white beard, and deep, ho, ho, ho, of a belly laugh, is really known as St. Nick, - St. Nicholas, who was known as a wonderworker.  St. Nicholas lived in the 4th Century, and was the Bishop of Myra, in Asia Minor.  Folklore has come down to us of St. Nicholas' generosity, especially concerning the story of a poor man with three daughters, he was hardpressed to provide for, as he raised them.  St. Nicholas is said to have thrown three bags of gold through the poor man's window, to help him in his need.  St. Nicholas' selfless generosity and devotedness to children, has kept him alive through the centuries under the titles of not only Good St, Nick, but Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, and Father Christmas.  As a Bishop of the Church St. Nicholas is thought to have endured the Roman Emperor Diocletian's persecutions; and is remembered as staunchly  condemning Arianism, the heresy that denied God the Son is Co-Eternal with God the Father, thus he was a loyal defender of the Catholic-Christian Faith.  The children of Holland celebrate St. Nicholas, as their special patron and commemorate his generosity today, December 6th, his liturgical feastday.  My 4th Grade teacher, Mrs. Drury, who was Dutch, told us her personal stories as a child of how she and her brothers and sisters, along with other Dutc childrenh, put their pair of wooden shoes in front of the fireplace, for St. Nicholas to fill with candy and other goodies.  So for any of the children who need to know like the well known "Virginia", of Christmases past; you can assure them there is really and truly a Santa Claus, and his first and proper name is St. Nicholas !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

BRING ON THE VITAMIN C - AS THE WINTER COLD AND FLU SEASON NEARS...........

Oranges, and other citrus fruits are my year round favorite fruits, which I, like many people especially enjoy during the Christmas holiday season.  The navel oranges this time of year are splendid, and the mandarins, tangerines, tangelos, are also a wonderful addition to these December days.  OLOL parishioners, the Pennington Family, graciously provided the rectory with a beautiful two boxes of homegrown, handpicked, lemons and mandarins, this morning.  Just in time to crank up the dosage of Vitamin C daily, taken, eaten, and drank, to strengthen the immune system against the likelihood of colds and flu, that are so hard to avoid this time of year.  The oranges and mandarins I particularly like to eat; and the lemons are great as lemonade, as Arnold Palmers, (ice tea and lemonade combined) lemon in hot  tea, or as lemon juice in water.  We didn't have many fresh lemons at home during my childhood, only the occasional cups of lemonade.  But oranges and mandarins were staples of the Christmas Season, especially on Christmas Eve and Day, and through the week until New Year's.  An orange, or a mandarin in our Christmas stockings meant as much to me, as a more expensive stocking filler; plus they went well with the peppermint candy canes, Christmas hard candy, and mixed nuts in the shell, with them in the stockings.  I wish you and your familes a citrus fruit bounty this holiday season, that is not only good eating and drinking, but an effective antidote to keeping the common cold and flu, at bay as much as possible...........Fr.  Troy

GETTING READY FOR ADVENT / CHRISTMAS CONFESSIONS AND PENANCE SERVICES...........

Sister Felicity Brusadelli, OLOL'S DRE, has set with me, this Tuesday and Wednesday night as Confessions time for the Religious Education students in our Parish.  That kicks off the Advent / Christmas seasons Confession and Penance Services for 2011.  OLOL'S Communal Penance Service with Individual Confessions, will be held on Friday December 16, at 6:30 p.m.  Additionally, Confessions will be heard on Saturday December 17, from 3 - 5 p.m.; Monday December 19, at 11 a.m. - 12 noon; Wednesday December 21, from 3 - 4 p.m.; and Friday December 23, at 7 - 8 p.m.  Additionally, I will be assisting with Penanc e Service Confessions, at Our Lady of Assumption Parish, in Carmichael; St. John Vianney Parish, in Rancho Cordova; and St. Philomene's Parish, Arden Arcade.  Fatrher Pius is likely in addition to OLOL, to be helping at St. Lawrence's Parish, North Highlands; and St. Joseph's Parish, North Sacramento.  Tis' the Season when priests and people come together in greater numbers to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to prepare to receive the Lord Jesus in a state of grace this Christmas.  Here is hoping you mark a place on your December calendar to make a worthy Confession and receive sacramental Absolution...........God's Advent Grace And Peace Be With You,   Fr.  Troy

TRAVELING THE ADVENT HIGHWAYS AND BI-WAYS OF LIFE AND FAITH...........

Isaiah prophesies in Chapter 35:8; that, "A highway will be there, called the holy way".  On this second Monday of Advent, as we journey on our own highways and bi-ways of Life and Faith, Fr. Pius and I, will be joining our brother priests in an annual December meeting with the Bishop, at St. James Parish in Davis.  This year in review format style meeting, is also an Advent, before Christmas opportunity to gather fraternally with our Chief Shepherd, Bishop Jaime Soto.  May whatever work or other activity your highways and bi-ways of life and faith take you today truly grace you with the blessings of Christ's Coming...........Fr.  Troy

HALLMARK CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIES ARE AGAIN A REAL FAMILY HIGHLIGHT OF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON...........

One of my favorite bright lights of the past few Advent and Christmas Seasons has been the marathon of holiday themed movies on the Hallmark Channel.  From the, "Mrs. Miracle" movies starring Doris Roberts; to, "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"; "Silver Bells"; and Sir Roger Moore, in, "A Princess For Christmas"; their vast array of heartfelt productions, with strong family values content and sound moral underpinnings, are a lasting treasure that authentically enter us into the spirit of Love and Family, that are at the heart of Christmas.  On Comcast in Sacramento, the Hallmark Channel is 186.  Check your channel guide in your local area for finding the Hallmark Channel during December.  Like me, I hope you will discover the Christmas holiday movies they air, to be a true treat that solidifies the real reason for the Christmas season in your lives...........Fr.  Troy

THE SECOND CANDLE BRIGHTENING OUR ADVENT WREATH - A LIGHT OF UNITY IN REPENTANCE...........

The challenge of responding in Living Faith to call of Isaiah, Peter, Mark, and John the Baptist, into the Sacred Scriptures of this 2nd Sunday of Advent : Repentance, Readiness, Holiness, Devotion, Conversion, as we Prepare the Lord's Way, are symbolized in the growing brightness of the Advent Wreath, a Light of Unity.  As Advent People of God, we need to be united in the anticipation of the Lord's Coming, by repenting of our sins and shortcomings, and in our readiness to prepare and straighten the paths of our lives in Faith, Hope, and Love, as we Watch and Wait for Jesus' Coming this Christmas, Everyday of the Advent Season, and throughout the year, as well as in His Second Coming in escathological Glory.  As the Light of our Advent wreathes in church and at home, increase in brightness around the circle of evergreens, may the Anticipation and Unity, we seek, and we need, increase our commitment to Jesus The Christ and His Three-fold Coming for our Salvation and the Redemption of the world...........Maranatha !  Come Lord Jesus, Come !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy

HERMAN CAIN "SUSPENDS", IS THAT ENDS ?, HIS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN...........

Republican Presidential hopeful Herman Cain, suspended his campaign on Saturday shortly after the opening of his Atlanta headquarters.  Whether by suspending his campaign Cain means he's ending it, is unclear.  He will stop actively campaigning, but will continue touting his 9-9-9 Economic Plan online.  Buffeted during the past month with allegations of sexual harassment by four women, and claims by one woman of a thirteen year sexual affair with him, Cain's meteoric rise in the polls to frontrunning status, came crashing down this month.  He now will concentrate on his family and his wife and marriage, which have been stretched and stressed by the sex scandal surroinding him.  Does suspending mean he is likely to endorse another GOP candidate, or is he hoping hios loyal supporters will continue to fund and stand by him in the early states of the caucus and primary season ?  With his support in the polls and public opinion percipticiously decling, the former, versus the latter, is more likely.  Michelle Bachman and Newt Gingrich, are potentially the greatest benefactors of the Cain campaign suspension.  It wil be within the next thirty seven days that we will learn how all of this stacks up in Iowa on January 3, and New Hampshire on January 10, 2012...........Fr.  Troy

2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT HERALDS OUR REPENTANCE FROM SIN IN READINESS FOR THE LORD'S COIMING IN HOLINESS AND DEVOTION...........

On this Second Sunday of the sacred Season of Advent, we are heralded by both Isaiah the Prophet, and John the Baptist, to be repentant and the make ready for the Coming of the Lord, by preparing the way of our hearts, minds, hands, feet, - our whole bodies and souls, to greet the One long proclaimed and welcome Him unconditionally and abidingly, into our lives.  Peter the Apostle in our Second Reading at Mass today - 2 Peter 3:8-14; counsels us in the timelessness of the Lord God, and how Divine existence and initiatives are beyond measurable units of time and space, dwelling in the stratasphere of eternity.
....."One day like a thousand years.....A thousand years like one day".....And Peter recommends that Holiness and Devotion are the way of life by which Catholic-Christians must live in anticipation of the Lord's Coming.  Joined with the proclamations of Mark and Isaiah, we hear and read today, of Repentance and Readiness, these four combined touchstones of faith and fidelity will most certainly sustain us to celebrate and embrace the unfolding of the three-fold Coming of Jesus The Christ, as we watch and wait as God's Advent People.  May your observance in prayerful and worshipping anticipation, draw you ever nearer, to the One - the Christ, the Messiah, the Lamb of God, for whom we make Ready and Prepare the Way...........Fr.  Troy

THE PROPHET ISAIAH IS PROCLAIMED BY MARK THE EVANGELIST IN HIS GOSPEL...........

 Mark the Evangelist, the first of Jesus' Apostles to write a canonical Gospel, does not begin with an Infancy Narrative or angelic Declarations to Mary and Joseph, but with John the Baptist in the desert heralding the Coming of the Lamb of God, and preaching Repentance to those he baptizes in water.  We hear that Gospel Proclamation on this Second ASunday of Advent.  The Prophet Isaiah in our Sunday Scriptures today is like John the Baptist, a deliverer and messenger of God's prophetic Word to the People.  Isaiah boldly proclaimed amidst the words of Chapter 40:1-5, and 9-11; how there is,....."A Voice cries out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord !  Make straight in the wasteland, a highway for our God".....Mark the Evangelist in his Gospel account, begins by not only echoing, but actually proclaiming , "As it is written by Isaiah the Prophet : 'Behold I am sending my messenger ahead of you; He will prepare your way'.  "A voice of one crying out in the desert; Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths".  Our common Catholic-Christian Lectionary, intentional links the First Reading and the Gospel Proclamation together on Sundays and Holydays.  But the words of Isaiah and Mark, as of a quotation, nearly exact.  Their can be no doubt about their mutual message - Repent ! Prepare ! Make Ready ! For the Lord's Coming, what we believe and experience as the Three-Fold, historical Christmas Coming; the Second Glorious Future Escathon Coming; and The Lord's Everyday Coming here and now; into our lives.  Mark's Gospel calls and admonishes all Believers to truly follow Jesus as The Christ and to preach Christ's Gospel to the whole world.  John the Baptist's prophetic call urges us to keep on our Advent Journey by responding to Preparing the Way of the Lord by our Repentance and  Faithful Witness to our Baptism in the Holy Spirit of Christ...........Advent Blessings,   Fr.  Troy

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, JESUIT PRIEST AND MISSIONARY...........

On this 3rd of December, I wish a Happy Birthday to Sister Arlene Connelly and Steve Fischer, both with whom I worked and ministered with at Holy Family Parish, in Citrus Heights, during my pastorate there in 2000-2005.  Today is the feast day St. Francis Xavier.  A sixteenth century Spaniard by birth, he became a  founding member of the Socirty of Jesus, - the Jesuits.  In the 46 years of his life he answered the call to be a "spiritual soldier" of Christ, by becoming a zeal-ful missionary as an evangelist to foreign lands, where he succeeded in converting unbelievers.  The Pope recognizing his skillks, appointed him as a missionary ambassador to the East,  He traveled as a Catholic missionary to India, the Phillipines, and to Japan.  He fought against colonial abuse of native peoples and brought the Faith to many unchurched, while reinvigorating the sacramental and liturgical life of those who were already Catholic-Christians he encountered.  He was also greatly devoted to the sick, suffering, ill, and infirm.  As Advent People, we should strive to emulate the holiness and dedication to Jesus Christ and the People of God we profess to be...........Fr.  Troy

SACRAMENTO DIOCESE'S NEXT PERMANENT DEACON CLASS MINISTRY OF CANDIDACY THIS MORNING...........

The next English speaking Permanent Diaconate class to be ordained for service in parishes of the Sacramento Diocese, will receive the Ministry of Candidacy, from Bishop Jaime Soto this morning at 9:30 a.m., in Holy Family Church, in Citrus Heights  The next Spanish speaking  Diaconate class will also be receiving be receiving the Ministry of Acolyte, at the same ceremony.  I will be in attendance as among the Deacon Candidates is Paul Friedrich, my former Presentation Church parishioner, and currently doing part of his diaconal formation internship with us here at OLOL, and Mark Hronicek, my former Holy Family Church parishioner, who are aspirants to the Ministry of Candidacy today.  Candidacy, is one of three ministries prior to ordination, that all aspirants for the diaconate and the priesthood celebrate, Acolyte, and Lector, being the other two ministries.  I received the Ministries of Acolyte and Lector at St. Kieran's Seminary, in Kilkenny, the spring of 1984; and the Ministry of Candidacy, at St. Patrick's Seminary, in Menlo Park, in the spring of 1985.  I commend and congratulate Paul Friedrich, Mark Hronicek, their wives Sharon and Irene,  and their diaconate classmates today, as they attain this next vital step towards ordination...........Fr.  Troy 

MY IRISH PRIESTLY COLLEAGUE REVEREND FATHER OLIVER MAHER SETTLES INTO BEING PARISH PRIEST OF URLINGFORD, COUNTY KILKENNY...........

My cherished Irish priestly colleague and beloved personal friend, Reverend Father, Oliver Maher, P.P., has moved from being Administrator of St. Mary's Cathedral, in Kilkenny city, to becoming the Parish Priest of the Parish of Urlingford, eighteen miles from the Cathedral, on the Kilkenny / Tipperary  Counties boundary.  I spoke briefly with Fr. Oliver this morning, to check in on how his first week in Urlingford has gone.  He is in great form, and successfully setting into his new environs, having a very good first Sunday as P.P.  Urlingford,, is the native town, and the family home, of Msgr. Edward J. Kavanagh, a place I have been well acquainted with the past thirty years.  My thoughts, prayers, best wishes, solidarity, fraternity, support, and friendship, are with Oliver across the miles.  God Bless You, Fr. Oliver, as he proceed into this next chapter of your life, faith, and priestly ministry.  Ad Multos Annos...........Fraternally In The Priesthood Of Jesus Christ,   Fr.  Troy

COMEMMORATING MY MOTHER : JULY 5, 1922 -DECEMBER 2, 1982.....THE "JOSEPHINE TREATMENT" 2011 TODAY GOES TO ???...........

Twenty nine years ago today, my beloved Mother, Josephine Virginia Corey Feusi Powers, passed from this life at age 60, to the promise and hope of eternal life.  I was a first year seminarian at St. Kieran's College in Kilkenny, Ireland, when on November 26, 1982, on less than a day's notice I flew home to Sacramento, as the final days of my mother's life ebbed away.  Her five year battle with both diabetes and leukemia, flared up that October, setting in motion life ending complications.  When I asked her chief doctor the day after my arrival home to square with me, he told me they could no longer get and keep both the leukemia and diabetes under control simultaneously.  Success at controlling one, would lead the other to rage uncontrollably.  On the night of December 1, I sent my father, sisters, and brothers, home, to get a solid night's rest and remained at Mercy General Hospital with my mother, sensing the imminence of her death.  I sat at her bedside holding her hand, and praying with her until morning, when at 7 a.m., as the nurses came in to tend to her, I went up to the hospital chapel and prayed.  In short order, I found myself naturally and without pause - praying that God would take her home to heaven, as it was increasingly apparent that she was ready to go and peaceful wih dying. Fourteen hours later, at 9:20 p.m., she passed away.....Twenty nine years later I still miss her greatly, but through these nearly three decades, I also know she has been with me through my formation and ordained ministry, in the bonds and spirit of Love that never end, and as our Catholic Funeral ritual states, "Do not unravel with death".  I will offer my morning Mass for her eternal soul as I do each year, and will also honor her memory with what I have come to call, "The Josephine Treatment".  Roses were my mother's favorite flowers.  Especially the roses she grew herself in our front yard.  In the first decade plus after my mother's death, I would mark her anniversary by taking roses to her grave in St. Mary's Cemetery, in South Sacramento.  1 Red Rose for every year she has been gone; and 1 White Rose clustered among them in the center representing Eternal Life.  On December 2, 1996, when I was Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, in Oroville, I was in my car on a harshly cold, wet, pouring rain, day - with fourteen red roses and one white rose, laying on my backseat; when a serious thought about how I was carrying out my mother's anniversary commemoration struck me.  I decided that day instead of placing the roses on her grave in the midst of winter; to present them to a woman each year in her circle of friends and mine, who exemplies her values and virtues, making my mother's anniversary roses a living memorial, acknowledging her, by affirming someone else.  Since 1997, the recipients of the Josephine Treatment have included wonderful Catholic-Christian women from Noreen Maher, and Sara Nava, to Patricia Hornback and Karin Geach, and ten others in between them.  This year's "Josephine Treatment", goes to a three decade friend of mine whose personal grace. spiritual strength, and selfless love, are a very valiant exemplification of my mother, Josephine.
                                                                                 I am proud to announce that My Mother's 29th Anniversary Roses,  29 Red; and 1 White; are today presented to the 2011 Recipient, ...........KIM WELCH !!!!!!!!!!!  The wife, now widow, of my late Sacramento State University Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity brother and Associated Students Incorporated  colleague,  Captain Brian Charles Welch.  The Love Kim shared with and for Brian, and the Caregiving she immeasurably provided him during the decade of his struggle with ALS-Lou Gehrig's Disease, and the resilience under pressure and grief, she has shown, more than make her the outstanding chioce for the, "Josephine Treatment", this year.....Congratulations and God Bless You, Kim.....Love You Forever Mother...........Eternal Peace,   Troy David

"THE WORD AMONG US", FOR DECEMBER ASKS US TO, "GET READY for WELCOMING JESUS THIS CHRISTMAS"...........

Going into the December sessions of our current Parish Afternoon Scripture Study Series today, for the next four Thursdays we will be reviewing and reflecting on the Advent Scriptures, and how they can get us ready to welcome Jesus into our hearts and homes this Christmas.  Our focus today in addition to the Advent Meditations for December 1, and the Second Sunday of Advent, December 4,  we will also discuss the article, 'Prepare Ye The Way !', - The Advent Call To Watch And Repent.  TWAU's Advent issue is well packed with pertinent scriptural and spiritual enrichment that will enhance our daily observance of this blessed season of anticipation in the Coming of Jesus.  Copies of the December TWAU issue, will be available for $1, at all the Sunday Masses this weekend at OLOL.  Our remaining four December Thursday afternoon Scripture Study Series sessions are also open to all who wish to attend, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall...........Get Ready For The Coming Of The Lord Jesus,   Fr.  Troy

DECEMBER DAYS OF ADVENT ANTICIPATION AND WATCHFULNESS...........

Entering the twelvth and final month of our calendar year, whose definition denotes the number ten, even though it is the twelvth month of the year; the central statement of Faith that continues to follow us through this First Week of the Advent Season is, "On that day".....These words resound to sigbify that as we fulfill our December days of Advent Anticipation and Watchfulness, we must be keenly aware that the Lord God has a Plan, a Divine Intention, to sanctify and rectify all of Creation. Isaiah 26:1-6; announces to us that God's Justice is countercultural and otherworldy, humbling the lofty and raising the lowly.  Matthew 7:21, 24-27; assures us that to be a true believer and follower of Jesus The Christ, the Messiah of Humankind, we must not only hear and listen to His words, but put them into action.  Superficial, or lackadaisical, belief is insufficient to truly Living Faith and being a Wholehearted Disciple of the Lord God.  The words and teachings of Jesus are the blueprints we need to build our spritual homes on the Rock of Christ.  As December opens, plan now to make this Advent and Christmas, more meaningful by your prayer and generous good works, and by preparing to celebrate a worthy Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Your concerted spiritual readiness for the Lord's Coming will make you truly prepared to greet him today and on that day He Comes again, in Fidelity and Glory...........Fr.  Troy