Monday, December 31, 2012

THE U.S. SENATE VOTES ON THE REID-MCCONNELL-BIDEN NEGOTIATED FISCAL CLIFF BILL............

Voting just ended in the United States on a compromise agreement Fiscal Cliff bill, that has been negotiated since after Christmas Day by Senate Majority and Minority Leaders Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell, with an assist from Vice President Joe Biden.  With 97 out of 100 Senators voting on the bill in the past half hour, the final count in favor of the bill is 89 Yes; 8 No; with 3 Not Voting.  The House of Representatives in recess since earlier Monday afternoon, must now vote on the bill, sometime after tomorrow.  Perhaps not until Thursday morning before Noon when the 112th Congress gives way to incoming 113th Congress which convenes then.  My first interest with the outcome of the Senate vote is Who are the 8 Senators voted NO; and the identity of the 3 Senators absent or abstaining............tdp

GUN VIOLENCE BREAKS OUT IN OLD SACRAMENTO's NEW YEAR'S eVE CELEBRATION TONIGHT............

News 10, has just broken into Dick Clark's Rock'in New Year's Eve telecast to report, that gunfire broke out in Old Sacramento, at 1st and 2nd and K Streets, and the Sacramento Police Department has confirmed to them that one person has been killed and many others wounded by a shooter, just as the 9 p.m. Fireworks Show was ending and families with children were starting to depart the area.  First reports are that one person fired a shot at another individual  and was fired back at.   News 10 is reporting 4 persons are confirmed as being wounded as the police investigation of the occurrence gets underway.  40,000 people were expected to be in Old Sacramento for the New Year's Eve celebration and Fireworks shows.  A second show is scheduled for 12 Midnight Sacramento time and no decision as to whether it will proceed or be cancelled is yet been announced.   Be Safe Everyone, especially if you are in Old Sacramento, or any other large attendance event............Peace and Prayers in the Light oand Love of Jesus Our Messiah,   Fr.  Troy

10:20 p.m. UPDATE -  Sacramento Police Department have helicopters hovering over Old Sacramento, telling people to go home.  The 12 Midnight Fireworks have been Cancelled......tdp

WHO AFTER GOD, I AM MOST GRATEFUL FOR BEING IN MY LIFE DURING 2012............

As the 2012 Year draws to an end, and passes into history - I am thinking, remembering, praying for, and appreciating the persons who have specifically been a positive and pro-active, interpersonal present and participating part of my life and priestly ministry, sidelined and limited though it was and the Silver Jubilee of my Ordination as the 40th native born, local grown, Vocation to the Priesthood in the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento.  I counted and chronicled more than 140 persons. who have been on the frontlines of family, friendship, fraternity, fellowship, and fidelity, with me during this year, for whom I am particularly filled with gratitude for helping stay focused and anchored in what has been the most abnormal and frustrating year of my life.  Thank You who have been those greater than twenty dozen persons who have renewed and affirmed your relationship with me, despite my being in a wheelchair and having a prosthetic leg, making it necessary for now.  Your unconditional and sincere support I acknowledge and savor as a true treasure that strengthens and sustains me this involuntary exile on the sidelines in a retirement community / assisted care facility twenty to forty five years too soon.  My thoughts, prayers, affection, and appreciation go out to you as we bid goodbye to 2012, and welcome the promise and hope for a better and more just New Year, in 2013 A.D.  God Love You.  I Do.  Peace + Blessings as I share with You, my Faith, Friendship, Fellowship, and Fidelity, as You have me in Jubilee Year 2012.............Troy David

A WONDERFUL FEVERINO TO CONCLUDE 2012 ON............

Thanks to the thoughtful card from my friend Karin Geach which arrived in today's mail, she who is my and many other persons most faithful correspondent weekly throughout the year; I  am able to share with you in these final hours of 2012, a statement, that sums up a viewpoint of how we can productively live the good and the bad that comes our way......
                                                                                                  ......"There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and the people who create it.  You surround yourself with people who make you laugh and feel good about yourself.  Love the people who treat you right, and pray for the ones who don't.  Life is too short to be anything but happy.  Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is a part of living".

These words catch thje meaning of much of what I have thought, felt, and endured, during the past year.  May it also help you tap the core purposes 2012 has challenged and caused you to embrace............Peace + Prayers in Jesus Christ Our Messiah,   tdp 

AFTER 40 YEARS THE FIRST POST DICK CLARK ROCK'IN NEW YEAR'S EVE............

Tonight for only the second time in forty years on New Year's Eve, Mr. Dick Clark, will be missing from the show he created and hosted all these years, this time permanently following his death at age 82, in April.  Dick Clark's Rock'in New Year's Eve will air tonight on ABC Television in both prime time and late night, as it has since its inception in 1972, when Guy Lombardo was still Mr. New Year's Eve. Dick Clark, who from 1956 - 1989 hosted American Bandstand, and became a prolific tv show host, producer, music promoter, and actor, to more than two generations of American and worldwide audiences, suffered a stroke in 2004, that prevented him from appearing on his New Year's Rock'in Eve telecast on December 31, 2004.  Regis Philbin filled in for him, and the following year with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest aboard, Dick Clark returned and reappeared for pivotal segments of the broadcast every year through last New Year's Eve December 31, 2011.  Sadly, his appearance a year ago was widely criticized by viewers, who were repulsed eight years post stroke, with the speech defect inflicted upon him in aftermath of his stroke.  To criticize this man, or anyone as dedicated as him for doing what was his right to do, just because his health reality makes you uncomfortable, is ludicrous at best.  He deserved so much more respect and appreciation for continuing to join us and a global audience on this one night of the year, resolved, humbled, and determined not to be embarrassed or vanquished by his stroke.  Just 110 days after his 2011 Rock'in New Year's Eve appearance, God called Dick Clark from earthly existence, more than seven years after the stroke that slowed, but not stop him.  The ABC Television network and Dic Clark Productions company plan a full tribute to him tonight in prime time, looking back on New Year's Rock'in Eve through the years back to 1972.  What way if indeed they do, remember him at Midnight has not been disclosed.  I will be thinking of and remembering him along with my family members, friends, fellow believers, supporters, and companions, on the journey of Life and Faith,  as I toast in the New Year 2013 at Midnight.  Thank You Dick Clark.  Long may your example and inspiration live on in the Music.  Happy New Year's Eve............tdp

APPROACHING 5,000 PAGE VIEWS IN DECEMBER............

This blog, is on a daily trajectory in the past week to reach a record setting, milestone number of monthly page views for December 2012, and will all but certainly exceed more than 5,000 in total page views for December, as it passes 4,900 for this month as of now, and being read and followed today at such a pace that another one hundred or more page views are likely to occur before the arrival of New Year's Day 2013.  Thank You to all the readers and followers of my blog for taking the time to consider the Insights Into Life And Faith it offers you............Gratitude + Peace,  tdp

FROM HOSPITAL, REHAB, AND INVOLUNTARY EXILE; TO SILVER JUBILEE, SACHEART RCIA, AND CHRISTMAS MASSES............

2012 brought steep climbs for many people in terms of the circumstances and realities faced during the course of this year.  Hurricanes, Mass Shootings, War, and threats of a Fiscal Cliff, among the most grievous of the events afflicting many persons, families, communities, and our Country, and the World during the past 366 Days of this Calendar Year.  For me it began in Mercy San Juan Hospital, battling a recurring infection, that the medical team finally determined was being caused by a contaminated antibiotic port surgically implanted in my under my right shoulder in September 2011.  Once it was removed and I completed the required antibiotic regimen, I have had no reoccurrence of infection anytime this year.  five and a half weeks in Mercy General Rehab doing physical therapy and progressing with walking with my prosthetic right leg, strengthened me sufficiently to be released by the doctors and therapists to return to the Our Lady of Lourdes parish rectory and begin to resume my priestly ministry, but the Bishop's Office decided otherwise and ordered me into Mercy McMahon Terrace retirement community / assisted care facility, for an indefinite involuntary exile which continues nine and a half months after it began on March 12th, being made to resign the pastorate of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish on May 15th, even after my coordinating doctor diagnosed me capable of doing parish pastoral ministry.  All of this unfolding and persisting in what has been my Silver Jubilee 25th Anniversary Year of Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ for the Diocese of Sacramento.  It has made this year the most unusual, and topsy turvy, year of my entire life, as the frustration of doing more than I am permitted to do has beset me like a fish out of water.  But thanks to the streamlined celebration of my Jubilee, and the magnanimous invitation of Msgr. Robert Walton, to join him, and Adult Faith Formation Director Rita Spillane, in assisting with the R.C.I.A., Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ministry in Sacred Heart Parish, and the opportunity to concelebrate the Christmas Midnight Mass, and preach at it; then doing the same on Christmas Day with Msgr. Ed Kavanagh, my sidelined, under utilized, priestly ministry at present  - is being affirmed, appreciated, and valued, in a year when the powers that be have in the view of personal friends and former parishioners, chosen to warehouse me because I am in a wheelchair.  Despite the hardship 2012 has brought me, I am grateful for the priestly ministry I have been allowed to exercise intermittently and only partially, during this Jubilee year and to the persons who have supported and facilitated me fraternally, ministerially, and interpersonally.  I have tried through my blogging and social networking, to provide that kind of reassurance and support to others of you in my circle of friends and former parishioners.  Please God, whatever difficulties or crosses which have weighed on you during 2012 A.D., are lighterv and more tolerable on this 7th Day of Christmas, New Year's Eve - than they have been at other times this year.  Be strong.  Be brave.  Be courageous. Be not afraid.  No one else, no earthly thing, can diminish or deny you God's Love and the dignity, integrity, and equal opportunity, to live a purpose focused life, despite the illness, disease, or disability, through which you may have to experience it in breaking through the unenlightened  or underdeveloped responses others.  God Bless us all who have persevered during this year to celebrate Christmas and stand on the threshold of the New Year 2013............tdp

THE NEW YEAR's EVE TIME OF THE YEAR............

With less than sixteen hours remaining on the clock for this year of 2012, and the American Fiscal Cliff due to be plunged over by our citizenry still unaverted and looming just ahead, lest the U.S. Congress and the White House act to prevent it; a year inn which we have said goodbye to celebrated persons including Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, Andy Griffith, Maeve Binchy, Larry Hagman, Phyllis Diller, among others, we also bid farewell to a popular singer, whose rendition of the song I have chosen as today's 7th Day of Christmas on this New Year's Eve made it a modern seasonal favorite.  It is Andy William sprightly sung holiday song, "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year".  As we look back at this past year, preparing to proceed into the New Year of 2013, into the second week of the Christmas Season, may the sharing of this song, help you to experience anew in your memories, the most wonderful times of the year you have this Christmas and during this year............tdp

THE 7TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS AND THE LAST DAY OF 2012 A.D. ............

The First Week 7th Day of Christmas  intersects with the final day of the Year of Our Lord 2012.  It causes us to wrap up the 366 days that have comprised this Calendar Year, and to consider the persons, events, and experiences, that have been a part of our year and to look back on those who and which have shaped our lives in years past, in what in the title and lyrics of the Scotish  song traditionally associated with New Year's Eve, "Auld Lang Syne".  As this day unfolds I will blog throughout the day and into New Year's Day 2013, looking back personally, spiritually, socially, priestly, ministerially, politically, and communally, historically, et al; at the year now concluding as you and me experienced it.  I pray my blog reflections today (as hopefully they have the past three years and eight and a half months) will help you to ponder and celebrate 2012's effect in your life.  As I begin the last day of the year that has been the most unusual year for me ever, I thank you for following, reading, commenting, and sharing in, "Insights Into Life And Faith By Father Troy David Powers"............Fr.  Troy  

Sunday, December 30, 2012

BLOGGING ABOUT MA GEORGIE BRINGS BIRTHDAY CHRISTMAS CAKE............

My sharing of the story in Friday's blogging about the 4th Day of Christmas, December 28th, being my Grandmother Powers' 116th Birthday Anniversary, and how on that day from my childhood through her last birthday celebration in 1981, my family shared coconut cake, with her; along with pineapple upside down cake her most baked and  liked cakes, provided me with a late Sunday morning Christmas Holy Family Day surprise.  Thanks to the thoughtful generosity of my bake happy desserts making and baked goods appreciators,  parishioner friends, a slice of coconut / pineapple / custard / cool whip  cake was brought to me by Ted Dahlberg on his and Irene's behalf, in response to my blogging.  I am very grateful for their responsive remembrance not only of me, but Ma Georgie, as I'm sure she smiling down on them, me, and the combination of her two favorites, with a couple of enhancemewnts thrown in !!............tdp   

PRESIDENT OBAMA APPEARS ON MEET THE PRESS THIS LAST SUNDAY OF 2012............

With Congressional negotiations over a resolution to averting going over the Fiscal Cliff, at Midnight Monday night, New Year's Eve and the dawning of 2013 A.D., President Barack Obama appeared on NBC News "Meet The Press", this morning giving a broad ranging interview to moderator David Gregory.  As I watch and listen to the telecast and analyze it I will share more on this close of 2012 Sunday show interview with the 44th POTUS............tdp

HOLY HAPPY 6TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS......HAPPY HOLY FAMILY FEAST DAY............

With less than forty hours remaining in 2012 A.D., on this 6th Day of Christmas we arrive at the Feast of the Holy Family.  The Holy Family Family of Nazareth, the Christ Child Jesus, Mary His Mother, and Joseph, the Foster Father of God's Son become Man.  It is a day coming as the end of the calendar year is upon us to once more focus with familial fervor and fidelity the bonds of life and love that are elementary, in the blood, blended, adopted, and extended, relationships of mutual affection, respect, charity, and generosity, that bind and knit us together.  As my Silver Jubilee Year of Ordination to the Priesthood enters it's final Sunday, I salute the parishioners of my first priestly appointment in 1987, Holy Family Church in Citrus Heights, where for nearly six years I was privileged to minister - first as Associate Pastor for fifteen months, then from 2000-2005, as Pastor.  Happy Parish Feast Day HOLY FAMILY PARISH.  May the example and inspiration the First Family of Christmas and our Redemption sets be an encouragement and empowerment to us and all our families throughout the rest of this Season of the Birth of the Messiah, and into the New Year of Our Lord Jesus The Christ 2013, into which we prepare to enter............Fr.  Troy

Saturday, December 29, 2012

THOMAS A BECKET - A SAINTLY LIGHT OF THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS............

St. Thomas a Becket, also known as Thomas of Canterbury, and Thomas of London, was a twelvth century Christian, born in about 1118 A.D., was Archbishop of Canterbury, from 1162 - 1170 A.D.  A staunch defender and prelate of the Catholic-Christian Church and Faith Tradition, as Thomas stood up to King Henry II, and thwarted his attempts to take royal control of the Church and it's ecclesial rights and responsibilities.  The enduring struggle with the King, led to Archbishop Becket's martyrdom, as supporters of King Henry descended upon the Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170; and assassinated him.  In less than three years following his death, Thomas a Becket was both beatified and canonized as a Saint of the Church, by Pope Alexander III, on March 21, 1173.  He is venerated in the Faith Traditions of both the Roman Catholic Church, and the Worldwide Anglican Community............tdp 

FOLLOWING IN THE LIGHT OF JESUS OUR MESSIAH THOMAS A BECKET SHINES IN CHRISTMAS............

As we walk in the warmth and wonder of the Ultimate Light of the Savior of the World, Jesus The Christ, who has Come into the winter of darkness and sin, to redirect the minds and reconcile the hearts of our humanness, in order to Redeem and Restore us to the Grace and Peace of unity with the God of our Creation in the Lord of Salvation, we arrive at the 5th Day of Christmas 2012-13.  How fruitfully, in Faith, Fellowship, Fidelity to the Nativity, and to celebrating the Season of this Great Feast of the Messiah's Holy Birth are you engaged in commemorating today ?  Are you taking the opportunity this first weekend of Christmas provides to do something more or special with your family members and friends, in the spirit of Jesus Nativity ?  Bridging the days leading to New Year's Eve and Day, take some time to converse or share in a special activity, with your loved ones and those in your circle of friends.  Call someone you haven't seen or spoken to in awhile; e-card them Christmas-New-Year-Epiphany greetings, dedicate a flower or lighted candle for them, make a Mass Intention or Prayer request for them; Remember and Celebrate Familyhood and Friendship, as you choose today and for the full twenty days of the Christmas Season through January 13th, to affirm in your life, as in mine, the deepest and truest meaning of the Birth of the Messiah Jesus The Christ, unity, reconciliation, peace, and love in the interpersonal Human relationships and Divine kinship, we share as Citizens of the World and Disciples of the Living and True God of our Salvation, just as St. Thomas A Becket, who I will blog about in my next sharing did...........Fr.  Troy  

Friday, December 28, 2012

CHRISTMAS BIRTHDAYS - CELEBRATED IN THE LIGHT OF THE HOLY NATIVITY............

I have a desire for a slice of coconut cake today December 28th, because for many years of my youth through December 28, 1981; my Powers Family always had coconut cake today.  A family Christmas tradition ?  Well, yes - as December 28th was my grandmother Powers birthday. Georgia Ellen Anderson Powers, - called "Ma Georgie"; was born in Cleveland County Arkansas on December 28, 1896.  She was a great baker and the two cakes she enjoying baking most were  Coconut White Cake, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake.  On her Birthday each year she preferred to celebrate it with a coconut cake with all us gathered together wishing her many happy returns.  With no coconut cake under this roof, this year I had to settle at lunch for a piece of pound cake, as the sugar free dessert of the day; and as my substitute treat thanks to Irene Dahlberg and her family, a delicious slice of Mother Sanchez's pumpkin bread for Christmas.  Enjoying the physical cake, is secondary to commemorating the spiritual meaning of it and the custom and memories of Family it affords me and allows me to share with you.  To any all and my friends, followers, and readers, in the blogsphere who are celebrating their birthday today or during the Christmas Season, may the joy and memories of your Personal Solemnity be bright as it is cast in the Ultimate Light of the Birthday of the Messiah...............tdp  

WHITE HOUSE FISCAL CLIFF LEADERSHIP SUMMIT MEETING............

At this hour, 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time in Washington, D.C., President Obama has convened a Fiscal Cliff talks meeting to find an acceptable bipartisan compromise to avert going over the Cliff and raising Taxes on all Americans at the stroke of Midnight Monday night.  Vice President Joe Biden, Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch MCConnell, are meeting in what may be a last ditch final meeting between the White House and Congress to try to bring together a plan that can pass at least in the interim, to move the resolution beyond the precipice of January 1st.  Conjecture was floating this morning thatv a 60-90 day deal extending taking further and more concrete action to address the issue with President Obama supposedly raising his floor for letting taxes increase only on those making $250,000 annually to $400,000 per annum, was knocked down as not being the case.  Some of the Republican members of Congress are said to be willing to let the Government go over the Fiscal Cliff, so that next year when they ultimately vote for the bill that is passed, they can claim to have lowered constituents, not raised taxes on them............tdp

FATHER CHRISTMAS' 4TH DAY OF THE HOLY NATIVITY FAVORITE CAROL IS ????............

Having named as among my top 20 Christmas carols and songs of 2012-13 -  1. "O Holy Night";    2.  "O Come All Ye Faithful";  3.  "Away In A Manager";  today on this 4th Day of Christmas, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, I add my next favorite seasonal song in our twenty day commemoration of the Messiah's Holy Nativity.  It is : "DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR ?".  Composed in 1962, and cutting edge when it appeared, "Do You Hear What I Hear", has become one of the standards among many persons Christmas music enjoyment.  If you haven't listened or sung it already, take a few minutes today to sing or hear it, and reflect on the question it puts before us............Fr.  Troy   

Thursday, December 27, 2012

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST, APOSTLE ENLIGHTENS US ABOUT "THE WORD MADE FLESH", AT CHRISTMAS............

December 27, the 3rd Day of the Christmas Season, is liturgically on the Catholic-Christian Calendar, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, the Beloved Disciple of the Messiah Jesus The Christ.  John's Gospel provides us with a profound theological presentation into the Christmas Event, not like the Nativity accounts and Infancy Narratives, as provided by Mark, Matthew, and Luke; but by focusing on the Coming of the Christ as, "The Word Made Flesh", - "Who Made His Dwelling Among Us".  The Christmas Season is along with the Season of Easter extended times annually when we liturgically proclaim and hear from John's Gospel of Jesus and Christian Discupleship.  As we proceed through these twenty days of Christmas 2012-13, in the, "Year Of Faith", celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, ley is renew our dwelling with the Lord, by reading, and reflecting, on the Great I Am the Christ Jesus is, as we are evangelized further by the Gospel of John............tdp
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HOW THE WORDS CATHOLIC AND FUNDAMENTALISM DO NOT MIX............

Yesterday morning, a link came across my Facebook page titled, "Catholic Fundamentalism" it struck a disconcerting chord with me, as Catholicism is not Fundamentalist, as the religious, spiritual, theological, and scriptural realms describe that word, although like all Christian denominations and other religious traditions,  we have fundamentals of our Faith we believe, teach, and follow.  Fundamentalism is static, black and white with no grays, and often, unenlightened, non interpreted, or misinterpreted adherence to Faith and Religion.  So I posted a comment proclaiming, "Catholicism is not Fundamentalist.  It is Foundational Christianity".  I then went on to expound on my primary statement.  Within the hour I garnered an anonymous response, to my self identified statement, calling me, "Silly", but "Smart".  A response from me to that led to other rebuttals, which have anonymously but unabashedly, attacked the Second Vatican Council as causing the problems besetting the Catholic Church ever since, calling it, "enlightened liberalism".  and declaring, "Nothing Vatican II tried to do succeeded".  So much for their accurate understanding of the 16 Documents of the Second Vatican Council and the Teachings they promulgated and will govern the Church until the outcome of a succeeding Ecumenical Council in the future.  If the work  of Vatican II, and the World's Bishop failed to succeed, then this Catholic Fundamentalism view of the Roman Catholic Church means what they refer to it by, as "enlightened liberalism", was also the failure of Popes John XXIII and Paul VI, Bishop Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) and Father Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), all active participants in the Second Vatican Council.  Furthermore, their undereducated, museum of the Catholic Church movement, are also saying Vatican II's failure to succeed is a failure of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of God and the Holy Trinity, because the Second Vatican Council was called and convened as a, "New Pentecost", by his Holiness Pope John XXIII, and the debates, dialogue, consensus, and documents the inspired work of the Holy Spirit............tdp 

3RD DAY OF CHRISTMAS MORNING BREAKFAST / BRUNCH WITH THE DAHLBERGS...........

Ted and Irene Dahlberg phoned just after 9 a.m., on this Feast of St. John the Evangelist, the 3rd Day of Christmas 2012-13, and asked if I  would like to go out with them a mid morning breakfast / brunch.  I happily said yes, and was ready for them when they arrived at 10:30 a.m., to whisk us off to the Black Bear Restaurant in Natomas.  It was great !  And besides the wonderfully exhilarating chance to spend a couple of hours this week with longtime cherished friends and fellow believers, it also let me incorporate two more of my customary Christmas food favorites into this year's celebration of the season  - having a prime rib sandwich for lunch; "I Carnivore...Beef is Meat"... meeting the inclusion of my 3 fav holiday meats, roast turkey, baked ham, and prime rib; and the happy surprise of some of Irene's mother's homemade Sanchez Family tamales !!  For this this Irish-Portuguese American, Christmas is not complete without a few delicious homemade tamales.  And to round out the tamales and seasonal feast meat, some of Irene's fantastic baked goods were brought along in their Christmas gift care package.  Like with so many in my circle of friends, the Dahlbergs and Sanchez Family's generosity is awe-inspiring.  As we commemorate the Holy Birth of Jesus as the Messiah of our Redemption, "The Word Made Flesh Who Dwells Among Us", in the Holy Spirit inspired words of St. John the Evangelist, Apostle of Christ, and author of the fourth canonical Gospel in the Christian Scriptures, whose Feast Day we celebrate on December 27th, may the Blessings of Family, Friends, Neighbors, Loved Ones, and Fellow Believers, continue to brighten your lives in the Nativity of the World's Ultimate Light............Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

WHAT A PERFECT WEDNESDAY NIGHT 1 OF CHRISTMAS 2002 FOR YOURS TRULY............

The 35th Annual Kennedy Center Honors was a fantastic two hours of entertai,ment, acknowledgement, and the arts from Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, and Lead Zepellin, among the 2012 Honorees.  Then as it ended one of my favorite Hallmark Movies the past three Christmases, Debbie MacComber's "call Me Mrs. Miracle", has been airing again.  Great 2nd night of Christmas / St. stephen's Day............tdp

HEADING DOWN TO PEETS FOR SOME CHRISTMAS TEA............

I am heading downstairs and out the door down the street to Peet's with Joe & Ruth for a breakaway chat and a cup of my new favorite, Iced Black Tea with Lime Juice.  I am happy to keep these visits to Peet's underway in the first days of the Christmas Season and in the final week of 2012  More Christmas cards arrived in the mail today, including a very thoughful card from Rose and Jack Spanaro, who have known me and I them, since my childhood and are St. Robert's parishioners in South Sac............tdp

FATHER CHRISTMAS' SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS FAVORITE CAROL............

On this 2nd Day of Christmas 2012-13, my Favorite Christmas carol / song is : "O Come All Ye Faithful", all three verses; the Latin, "Adeste Fideles" included.  What is yours ?............tdp

THE 2ND DAY OF CHRISTMAS, FEAST OF ST. STEPHEN, MARTYR; IS KENNEDY CENTER HONORS BROADCAST NIGHT IN AMERICA............

The 2nd Day of Christmas, YES, the second of twenty days of Christmas this year, lasting through January 13, 2013, is the Feast of St., Stephen, a Deacon, and the First Martyr of the Catholic-Christian Faith, who was stoned to death for loyally and unceasingly proclaiming his belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah of God's People.  This is also the night, the CBS Television Network broadcasts the 35th Annual Kennedy Honors, one of my clear the calendar Christmas Season viewing priorities the past three and a half decades.  What religious, family, spiritual, or social, activity or event are you and your loved ones going to take part in on this 2nd Day of Christmas 2012-2013 ?............Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

BACK FROM CHRISTMAS DINNER WITH THE GEACHES............

Amost enjoyable Christmas Dayt it has been, as I departed MMT at 8 a.m. and went to St. Rose's / St. Patrick's, in South Sacramento and concelebrated the 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses in St. Rose's Church with Msgr. Ed Kavanagh and preached at them.  Visiting afterwards with him, Msgr. Jim Church, Victor, Roger, Sally and Frank McNamara, Lou and Mary Maucieri, Ralph Merletti, Father Bill Dinelli, and an array of longtime St. Rose parishioners.  aT 2 p.m., I proceeded with Roger Geach to his and Karin's home in Elk Grove, for their Family's Christmas Day Dinner.  Three of their four children Kellie, Ryan, Rodd, and their spouses, Patrick, Josefina, Karla, and their kids were gathered, with only daughter Kristen, her Lars, and their three children not there, due to cold / flu, and traveling distance.   It was an animated and awesome family celebration with brought me so many memories and made more of them of the nearly three and a half decades of my friendship with them.   A mellow out night and good sleep and a reflective and prayerful second day on the horizon, as I savor as it is my wish for you, the Christmas Eve and Day, gatherings, liturgies, dinners, and fa,ily celebrations you took part in.    That's it for the 1st Day of Christmas Day 2012-13; ............Fr.  Troy

VISIT "INSIGHTS INTO LIFE AND FAITH" BLOG THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON............

I invite you during the next twenty days of Christmas 2012 - 2013, in the Catholic-Christian Tradition, to join me here in following my blog, "Insights Into Life And Faith By Father Troy David Powers", and to pass the word along to your family, friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners.  Each day I try to provide information, analysis, commentary, for reflection, renewal, and reform, of our interpersonal, communal, social, spiritual, religious, historical, theological, ecclesiological, political, and moral, news and developments to help us discern, discover, determines what all this means to our Church, the World and Society, as we proceed into the annals of the 3rd Millennium of Catholic-Christianity and Discipleship with the Lord and Redeemer whose Salvation of God's People began with His Holy Birth as the long expected Messiah more than two years ago in the Christmas Nativity Event.  Since earlier this year I have 2 pages with individual e-mail addresses.  Please Note :
                                                               my Blog 1 can be found on Google Blogger at -
                                                                     www.troydavidpowers.blogspot.com

                                                                 my 2nd Page is at the address -
                                                                       www.troypow82@gmail.blogspot.com

May our Benevolent Heavenly Father generously bless and grace you and your friends and communities this Christmas Day and Season.  Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope,   Troy

CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT MASS @ SACRED HEART CHURCH IN EAST SACRAMENTO............

I have returned just moments ago from Midnight Mass in Sacred Heart Church here in East Sacramento, presided over by the Pastor, Reverend Monsignor Robert P. Walton, and concelebrated by yours truly. It was a solemn but simply beautiful, majestic and festive, liturgy of the Incarnation of Jesus The Christ, God's Co-Eternal Son, in His Holy Birth as the Messiah, Who is the Savior, Lord, and Light of the World.  With the Roman detailed splendor of Sacred Heart Church's architecture and building design; teamed with magnificence the Parish Choir "Schola Cantorum", under the direction of Dr. Donald Kendrick, it was the perfect place to be for me and the full church of parishioners, neighbors, and visitors, to partake of Christmas Midnight Mass.  The liturgical music was superb, from the eight Christmas songs the choir sang at 11:30 p.m., to the hymns, carols, and the Mass propers musical settings; through and to, the postlude instrumental music.  I tried in the homily which Msgr. Walton graciously invited me to deliver, to underscore the solemnity, sacredness, and simplicity, of the Christmas event and choosing to follow the Great Light sent by the Heavenly Father into the darkness of a cold winter of a waiting world that long expected the coming of a messiah.  How in Catholic-Christian Faith as Believers in and Followers of that Great and Ultimate Light, Jesus; we discover and are delivered the authentic Messiah, Savior, Lord, Prince of Prince, King of Kings, Redeemer, and the Great I Am.  Contrasting this with the confession that our fallen human nature and the selfishness of sin cause darkness, badness, evil, and violence, to beset and challenge us, even as the Light of Christ breaks into the World.  Our Catholic-Christian Discipleship and share in the Citizenship of the United States and the World requires that we selflessly and charitably in the spirit and truth of the Jesus Holy Birth as God With Us, Emmanuel - that we sensitively, compassionately, responsibly, and selflessly, to tragedies like Hurricane Sandy and the Newtown Mass Shooting, as God's Faithful and True Christmas People.  Happy Christmas People of God from Sacramento California, to around the Gobe, as you,  and me, = WE - celebrate the Coming of the Holy and Anointed One of our Heavenly Father, Jesus, Who Comes as Our Messiah to Save and Lead us to building   God Kingdom here and now for the Salvation of Souls and Healing from Sins............Christmas Peace + Prayers,   Fr.  Troy  

Monday, December 24, 2012

FATHER CHRISTMAS' 12 CAROLS OF CHRISTMAS 2012-2013,,,,,,,,,,,,

This year's annual countdown list of favorite Christmas Carols, I will give you one each Day of Christmas through little Christmas, Epiphany.  Any suggestions for consideration of some of your favorite Christmas / New Year / Epiphany songs and carols, you have; I will include in the + 8 Days of Christmas Between the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord......Yes, Virginia, there are 20 Days in the Christmas Season this Year !

On this 1st Day of Christmas - both Eve and Day my favorite Carol is............O HOLY NIGHT.
What is yours ?

Happy Christmas To Everyone...tdp 

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST.......CHRISTMAS 2012-2013 IS COME............

The authorized liturgical hour for the start of the Vigil of Christmas, aka - Christmas Eve has begun with the start of this 4 p.m. hour in the Pacific Time Zone, and so I gladly blog to you :  A VERY, MERRY, AND HAPPY, GLORIOUS CHRISTMAS !!!!!!!!!!!!  "Glory To God In The Highest And Peace To God's People On Earth"...This is the first of my Christmas blog colums over the succeeding 20 Days of this 2012 -2013 Christmas Season.  I will continue tonight, tomorrow, and over these twenty days, to blog extensively for you.  Join me here over the Christmas and go tell it on your personal mountains of family and friends about this blog.  Since March 31, there are two addresses and locations, with individual and fresh blog columns.
                                                                                              Ithers in your circle of friends may find this blog,  "Insights Into Life And Faith By Father Troy David Powers", at either -

Blog 1 address :   www.troydavidpowers.blogspot.com     
Blog Page 2 address :  www,troypow82@gmail.blogspot.com

Very Truly Yours In the Good News of the Holy Birth of the Messiah Who Is Come,   Fr.  Troy

CHRISTMAS EVE VISITORS............

A truly joyful two hours it was for me this morning to receive such kind and considerate Christmas Eve visits from Father Steven Avella, my cherished colleague, home for Christmas with his mother and family, from his post as a Professor of History at Marquette University, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  A truly loyal friend, and brilliant man he is to converse with on all subjects, for the incisive personal, pastoral, and professional, abilities he possesses.  And to have that followed by an immediate visit from beloved Sr. Julianna, as great a catechist and pastoral minister as any of the Mercy Sisters, it has been my privilege to be taught by, teach with, or share in ministry with during my life.  Firming up tomorrow's celebration of Christmas Day with Msgr. Kavanagh and parishioner family invitation we have received is my next duty before my last prayers of Advent, and the Welcoming of Christmas............tdp

CONCELEBRATING AND PREACHING AT MIDNIGHT MASS IN SACHEART CHURCH TONIGHT............

For Christmas Mass I will be joining Msgr. Robert Walton, the Pastor of Sacred Heart Church across the street here at 39th & J Streets, here in East Sacramento for the concelebration of Midnight Mass tonight.  Fr. Bob has generously invited me to be the preacher at Midnight Mass, which I gladly accepted.  As the final week of calendar year 2012 and my Silver Jubilee 25th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination begins with Christmas Day, I am very happy to affirm and c arry out my liturgical priestly ministry this Christmas with the parishioners and worshippers of SacHeart Parish; especially Midnight Mass, which I have attended, concelebrated, and presided at continuously every year since 1965. (last year, though unable to be in Ourv Lady of Lourdes Church for Midnight Mass, I was a few hundred feet away in the parish rectory.)  Wherever you are this Christmas Eve and Day, do your very best as a Believer and Follower of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and attend Christmas Mass, or Christmas Church Worship Service and honor with your fidelity to Discipleship, the essential and indispensable, Reason for the Season : Jesus; Who by becoming the Word Made Flesh made our Salvation possible............tdp 

JOINING THE FAMILY FRIEDRICH CHRISTMAS EVE GATHERING............

Late this afternoon and into the early evening I will be blessed to spent a fair amount of this Christmas Eve with the Family of Paul Friedrich, his wife, children, mother and other relatives, at this annual Christmas Eve gathering, as the surrogate Father Christmas, given Paul's Dad passed on to Eternal Life, a year and a half ago.  it will be a wonderful Family Christmas celebration, and a welcome addition to my Christmas Eve observance, before concelebrating and preaching at Midnight Mass in Sacred Heart Church later tonight.  Meanwhile, I am awaiting two back to back visits here at Mercy McMahon, from my friends and ministerial colleagues, Father Steven Avella; and Sister Julianna Clancy, RSM.  Fr. Steve is coming forst within the next half hour and Sr. Julianna will be here before lunch.  My Advent-Christmas Prayer for all of you in these hours is that you too may enjoy such interpersonal exchanges with family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, co-workers, and your fellow parishioners............tdp  

'O' ANTIPHONS DAY 7 CONCLUSION......"O COME O COME EMMANUEL"............

On this 4th Monday and last day of Advent, which is also as the hours progress, Christmas Eve, December 24th; we pray and commemorate the close of Advent and the beginning of Christmas 2012-2013, with the 'O' Antiphons, the seventh and final one being, "O Come O Come Emmanuel".  The long awaited and eagerly expected Coming of the Messiah, we as Catholic-Christians believe is accomplished in the Birth of God Made Man, Jesus The Christ; truly see in the Christmas Event the fulfillment of the 'O' Antiphons.  When we sing and proclaim, "O Come O Come Emmanuel", which means "God With Us", it affirms our Faith that in the Nativity of the Christ Child more than two thousand years ago, the reconciliation and renewal of the relationship between the Divine and Humankind was begun and that the Living and True God, in Christ Jesus the Lord and our Savior, is God With Us.  As you do your bits and pieces today in readiness for your celebration of this Christmas, may God truly be with you and yours............Fr.  Troy

Sunday, December 23, 2012

WAYNE LAPIERRE FACES THE EXPERT INTERVIEWING OF DAVID GREGORY ON NBC NEWS "MEET THE PRESS"............

The National Rifle Association leader Wayne LaPierre, who in a news conference on Friday one week after the mass shooting of 20 children, and 6 adults; plus the self inflicted deaths of the shooter and the first victim his mother; announced the singular reform the NRA will strongly support in response inn the effort to safeguarding our students nationwide is by placing armed police officers in all of our schools - made only one exclusive Sunday show news appearance today on NBC News' "Meet The Press".  The interview did not disappoint as David Gregory the moderator of MTP fairly, but firmly questioned and pressed Mr. LaPierre, to give answers to the exact questions, not just deliver his prepared talking points on or off the subject, while keeping it a civil discourse.  LaPierre touted the NRA's belief that no new gun laws are needed to combat the mass shooting gun violence and that they will oppose any effort on behalf of the President, Congress, the Media Elite, in the country to pass new legislation.  LaPierre made sound and smooth responses to the central questions of concern and grief, to families and citizens seeking to reform, arguing any such enactments infringement on the Second Amendment Right to the Freedom to Bear Arms as enumerated in the U.S. Constitution.  My question of him now is, how does the regulating, restricting, or even banning, of assault weapons from anyone but authorized psychologically certified agents of the military and law enforcement, an infringement, rather than a responsible clarification and assurance of the meaning and purpose of the Second Amendment, as strictly constructed as the intention of our founders in enacting the Bill of Rights ?............tdp   

O COME, O COME, JESUS THE CHRIST - AS CHRISTMAS 2012-13 DRAWS NEAR............

With just two days to the official opening of the Catholic-Christian Faith Tradition's liturgical and commemorative observance of Christmas, a season of twenty days this year  - of celebration in worship, feasting, gifting, with family, friends, fellow believers, in our communities, at home, in churches, and throughout the neighborhoods, in which we live and interact;  as we lioght the four candle circling the Advent Wreath, the Candle of Love, as we prepare to welcome the Messiah's Coming anew, we look to God's Word in the Sunday Scriptures.  The Prophet Micah, the Book of Psalms, The Letter to the Hebres, and Luke's Gospel, prepare us by their proclamation for the Holy Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, the long expected Messiah and Redeemer of God's People.  As you hurry and scurry to be ready for Christmas Eve and Day 2012-13, tomorrow and Tuesday, remember to make 4th Sunday Catholic Mass or your Christian Worship Service, a part of your anticipation for the immediate celebration of Christmas' and hearing and discerning God's Word and partaking in the Eucharist Jesus gives us, decide today on the liturgical and worship service you will attend with your families, friends, neighbors, and community members, as loyal and loving Catholic-Christian Disciples first and foremost during the Christmas Days between the evening of December 24th and the night of January 13th.  May your focus and commitment this Christmas be on the Love you share with God and Others in the circles of Family and Community that the Advent Light of Love will bring us this Christ if we are truly gifted and grounded in Jesus, the One, Living and True Messiah of the People of God we are and the authentic reason for celebrating Christmas............tdp

THE 4TH SUNDAY ADVENT LIGHT AND THE CANDLE OF LOVE............

On this fourth and final Sunday of our opening season of the new Liturgical Year, Advent - during which we have been watching and waiting for the Messiah's Coming in Hope, Peace, and Joy, with the start of the Christmas Season 2012-2013 just two days away, our prayers, liturgies, and worship, zero in on the Advent Light of God's Love.  The gift of Love between the Divine and Humankind that moves and animates our lives and the Life of the World and is represented today by our lighting of the remaining purple candle around the boughs of evergreen that forms our Advent Wreaths, - the Candle of Love.  With the four candles of Advent lit around our liturgical circular denoting the anticipation and preparation of Christ's Coming as God Made Man, - the Messiah of God's People, its illumination awaits only the lighting of the white or perhaps gold colored  Christ Candle in  the center, shining forth the brightness and Light of Jesus, Who is born into human flesh to be Emmanuel, "God With Us".  In the hustle and bustle of the shopping and socializing today and tomorrow bring, take time, make time, to dwell in the Advent Light of Love, that leads to the Light and Love of the Holy Birth of the Messiah, Who Comes as our Savior, Lord, and Redeemer............Fr.  Troy

Saturday, December 22, 2012

The HALLMARKs OF CHRISTMAS COMING............

At my pre-Christmas dinner at Paragary's restaurant last night with Joe, Ruth, and his niece Christina, one of the Christmas events I suggested to Christina specifically, was the Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie, "The Christmas Card", when she shared that the Nevada City / Auburn area are favorite spots of hers.  "The Christmas Card", was filmed in Nevada City, and is one of my favorite Christmas viewing since I first watched it four years ago.  That struck me in Mondavi Center an hour or more later, when the San Francisco Symphony / Pacific Boys Choir Christmas Holiday Show turned out to be sponsored by the Hallmark Inn, in Davis.  Then tonight the Saturday before Christmas, "The Christmas Card", is the featured 8 p.m. movie on the Hallmark Channel.  Is all of this just a coincidence (i don't believe so) or the inspired Spirit of Christmas, with a teamed touch of telepathy ?  You tell me as you roll out your own discoveries and experiences of Christmas 2012-13; in Coming Days straight ahead............tdp

O COME O DESIRE OF NATIONS......DAY 6 OF THE 'O' ANTIPHONS 2012-13............

On this 6th of the seven days of the 'O' Antiphons prophesying the Coming of the Messiah, in ancient acclamations of Expectation and Waiting, our scriptural, liturgical, and prayerful, refrain is "O Come O Desire of Nations Come".  It portends a future when the Anointed One of God, Who Comes as Savior of God's Advent People, as the Messiah of All People, and All the Nations of the World, not just the Chosen People of Israel.  A Universal Redeemer born into the World of the God Creator of the Universe.  Our Lord, Savior, Redeemer, the Messiah of All Creation is Jesus The Christ, the anniversary of whose Holy Birth we celebrate at Christ.  He is the Prince of Peace and truly the Light of the World.  Come, Lord Jesus, Come...O Desire of the Nations............tdp

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS - SATURDAY ADVENT 3 JOY............

It has been a quiet Saturday with appropriate seasonal flourishes : a pre-Christmas visit this morning with Ted Dahlberg; a chat before lunch with Bishop Quinn in his Advent-Christmas decorated quarters; visiting Christmas carolers who come annually, during lunch in the dining room; phone calls, Facebook and e-mail messaging; and Christmas cards and preparatory bits and pieces. before I arrive here to blog for the first time today,  I will offer up one or more blog updates through the rest of the day into the night.  I am happy to hear from former parishioners and personal friends that their families are gathering for the Christmas celebration............Fr.  Troy 

Friday, December 21, 2012

REMEMBERING OUR BELOVED BRIAN............

I have just received and read this evening on my Facebook page while being out for a pre-Christmas dinner at Paragary's and then Christmas Holiday Show at the Mondavi Center at UC Davis, with Joe, Ruth, and Christina, a beautiful remembrance and loving tribute to a Dad, Husband, Brother, Friend, who left us far too soon 2 years ago today - Brian Charles Welch.  Nicola, his daughter posted a wonderful love message on her Facebook page, causing me,and all who loved Brian so much, especially his wife Kim; his son Dylan; and his brother Mark; and to celebrate his life even as we commemorate his leaving us on this day in 2010............tdp

A HAIRCUT AND A SYMPHONY............

I accompanied Msgr. Bob Walton down to the barber at his fraternal and generous invitation for a pre-Christmas haircut.  Tonight I am going to the Mondavi Center in Davis, with Ruth Rosenberg, J oe Gibson, and his niece Christina, to see and hear the San Francisco Symphony in their Christmas Holiday Show performance.  The Countdown to Christmas 2012-13, shifts into high gear !!!!!!!!!!!!............tdp 

PRESIDENT OBAMA DECIDES ON JOHN KERRY FOR THE NEXT U.S,. SECRETARY OF STATE............

Top of the morning news reports today, the first day of Winter are that President Obama has decided to choose U.S. Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nominee; as Secretary of State in his second Administration.  With the averting of the Fiscal Cliff crises still a primary focus, a written statement announcing Kerry's nomination, was said to be coming today earlier tHouse.his morning, but now NBC News is reporting that a joint appearance of President Obama and Senator Kerry, announcing hisa Secretary of State appointment will take place at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, from the White House.   A full and further roll-out of this and the rest of the President's Foreign Policy / National Security Team in coming days............Fr.  Troy 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

BISHOP SOTO COMES ON A PRE-CHRISTMAS ADVENT VISIT............

At just after 2 p.m. this afternoon, Joe Gibson asked me if I wanted to join him and his niece Christina for a visit to Peet's Coffee and Tea down J Street, within the hour and that if so, they would arrive here for me.  Available to do so I accepted immediately and told him I would be waiting downstairs outside at the main entrance.  As I was sitting there a half hour later awaiting Joe and Christina's arrival, enjoying the sunshine and brisk air, who drove into the parking lot but Bishop Jaime Soto, coming to visit Bishop Quinn and the three of us priests, residing here at MMT.  he sat there on the bench out front that I had parked my wheelchair next too and chatted for several minutes and getting updated until the Gibsons arrived.  It was a nice and very pleasant conversation and after four months it was nice to see and visit with Bishop Soto.  Down to Pet's Christina, Joe, and I, rolled and strolled, and they saw me back here in time to catch up with the dfay's latest news, especially developments with the Fiscal Cliff negotiations and U.S. Capitol Funeral Services for Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, the second longest serving U.S. Senator ever after 50 years of service in the U.S. Senate.  I am just back from dinner and ready to begin my evening activities in readiness for Christmas next week............tdp  

SPEAKER BOEHNER'S 'PLAN B' FOR THE FISCAL CLIFF VOTE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES............

Having proposed a Plan B compromise proposal on averting the Fisca;l Cliff by allowing tax cuts to expire of .19 of a percent of the most affluent Americans on January 1, 2013; from $1 million dollars income up, Speaker of the House John Boehner Republican of Ohio, has scheduled a vote in the House of Republicans today, that is not likely to occur until very late tonight.  Boehner and his Republican House team are whipping for the 25 Republican votes that will be needed to pass the bill, which they at this hour still do not have.  The best estimate is they are at least six votes short based on a procedural vote in the House earlier today.  Even if the Plan B legislation passes in the House, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, says it stands no chance of passing in the Senate; thus no compromise agreement achieved without further negotiations in ironingb out a consensus agreement between the two chambers of Congress and the White House......I will be following and blogging as updates to the Fiscal Cliff debate continues............tdp

JUDGE ROBERT BORK FAILED SCOTUS NOMINEE IN 1987 DIES @ 85............

In 1986, when President Ronald Reagan elevated Associate Justice William Rehnquist to the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, (SCOTUS); he then nominated Antonin Scalia as an Associate Justice of the SCOTUS.  Justice Scalia was confirmed by the U.S. Senate at his Confirmation hearings unanimously, 98-0.  One year later, when Reagan nominated Judge Robert Bork as a SCOTUS Associate Justice, major controversy ensued over Bork's views and record, and his nomination failed to win Confirmation.  The vote defeating him tallying 58-42.  The major opposition to Bork's judicial philosophy and his views on issues of concern such as the Griswold Contraception Decision in 1965; the Roe versus Wade Abortion Decision in 1973; and Civil Rights / Voting Rights in the 1960's; was led by Senator Ted Kennedy and then Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, now Vice President Joe Biden.  At that time they argued Judge Bork's judicial temperament was out of step with the majority of Americans and that if confirmed to the Supreme Court, would serve upwards of a quarter century as a Justice.  Here we are as he dies, twenty five years later of heart disease, but having remained active in public and judicial affairs through the General Election last month as a Judicial and Legal Issues Adviser to the Romney Presidential Campaign.  One certain lasting effect of the controversial and failed Borl nomination is in the Supreme Court Nomination Confirmation process becoming much more heated especially in the 1991 nomination battle over the confirmation of Justice Clarence Thomas, who won confirmation with a majority of only two votes in his favor............Fr.  Troy 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

"O ROOT OF JESSE's STEM"...DAY 3 OF THE 'O' ANTIPHONS............

As we anticipate the Messiah's Coming on this Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent, the third 'O' Antiphon, "O Rod of Jesse's Stem", speaks prophetically to the relationship Jesus Christ shares with the House of David, from whom the Promised Messiah was foretold to come.  Jesus as God Made Man, is of the lineage of the House of David, with Joseph of Nazareth his human foster-father being a descendant of the lineage of King David.  As we mark this Advent day in prayer and preparedness for Christmas 2012-13, with six days remaining before our  great annual feast celebrating the Holy Birth of the Savior, let us remember to affirm our Catholic-Christian and Jewish belief that God will and for us who are Christ's Disciples, has sent the long awaited Messiah; who we as Christian Believers acknowledge and embrace in Jesus The Christ, God's Co-Eternal Son, and our Redeemer............Fr.  Troy  

PRESIDENT OBAMA APPOINTS VPOTUS BIDEN TO HEAD UP GUN VILOENCE INTERAGENCY INVESTIGATION............

From the James Brady Press Room in the White House President Obama is about to announce this morning, four days after the Newtown Connecticut Mass Shooting, the appointment of Vice President Joe Biden as the leader of an Action Task Force to address and develop a strategy for ending gun violence such as Newtown in our schools and nation.  More details in my blogging later today............Fr.  Troy

THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CONNECTIVITY............

I am sorry not to have posted any blog colums since Monday night, but due to "Connectivity Issues", the blogging I was doing yesterday and this morning, the Grinch would not allow me to post.  I am happy to have my accessibility resumed and will proceed to blog and post for Tuesday and today going forward.  Thanks for your patience and loyal readership............Fr.  Troy

>>>my connectivity to the interney and the blog was restored at 10:54 am Wed. Dec. 19th...tdp

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

THE FUNERALS OF NEWTOWN CONNECTICUT MASS SHOOTING VICTIMS BEGIN YESTERDAY AND TODAY............

Two more of the Funerals for the shooting victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre last Friday in Newtown, Connecticut; will be held today, as they were for two of the six and seven years killed yesterday and will continue to be carried out as this week before Christmas unfolds.  The depth of sorrow being experienced by the families of Newtown and the nation, at this latest maniacal and wanton act of evil - the thirteenth such school mass shooting in the United States since 1995, is forging a renewed awareness and consensus forming resolve that is widening in scope that the time is overdue that we effectively address and constructively respond to safeguarding our citizens more effectively in avoiding the occurrence of more wanton and devastating gun violence.  CBS The Late Show With David Letterman host, himself now a 65 year old father with a 9 year old son, devoted a segment of his show to a sober statement on the Newtown Tragedy and the imperative need to find answers to the endemic problem gun violence such as this is, and our urgent need as a country to remedy it.  I commend him for contributing to the dialogue and debate we need to have and the consensus of action we must take as the United States of America.  Despite the concern that any such action could violate if not eliminate the 2nd Amendment Right to the Freddom to Bear Arms, even the National Rifle Association, a leading powerful advocate for several decades of unrestricted universal access to all guns and weapons, today indicated their willingness to help work in ending gun violence such as the Newton massacre in our schools.  Some compromise on regulating accessibility to some guns, namely assault weapons is indeed appropriate and in my view required.  Why any person other than the members of the military and law enforcement authorities in the United States, needs an assault weapon for any purpose is beyond my understanding.  Self defense and Personal / Family protection; Hunting, Sports and Recreation, have no need for the use of, or legal access to, assault guns, amunitions, and rifles.  Assault weapons are weapons of war and national security, and necessary only for their use by the appropriate and authorized agents of the military and government.  As the devastating poignacy of this latest event in New England continues to play out and the debate about addressing the issue better and more effectively ensues we must move expeditiously to take action that can strengthen and sustain the protection and prevention of further gun violence from taking place as best we can.  I think a very good starting point is the renewal and resumption of the Assault Weapons Ban that was set aside in 2004............Fr.  Troy  

Monday, December 17, 2012

REPRESENTATIVE TIM SCOTT APPOINTED TO THE U.S. SENATE BY SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR NIKKI HALEY............

Republican first term Congressman Tim Scott, a re-elected November 6th, to the House of Representatives and acclaimed Tea Party member was appointed by Governor Nikki Haley, to be South Carolina's new United States Senator, as the successor to Senator Jim DeMint, who resigned to head up the Heritage Foundation conservative think tank in Washington   Senator-designate Scott, will become the first Black U.S. Senator in South Carolina history; and the only Black Republican Senator since the then twelve year Massachusetts U.S. Senator Edward Brooke retired in 1979............tdp

THE "WISDOM FROM ON HIGH" OF THE 'O' ANTIPHONS............

Let our countdown to Christmas 2012-13 begin, in these concluding 8 days of Advent, in immediate preparation for the Season in commemoration of our Savior's Holy Birth; The Word Made Flesh, from December 25th through January 13th, this year.  The 'O' Antiphons accompany us and acclaim the culminating of our watching and waiting for the past, present, and future Coming of the long expected One - the Messiah of God's People, Jesus The Christ.  Order is the Divine Plan for the,"Wisdom From On High" that God intends the Coming Messiah to provide for Creation and the dignity of human persons and the immortal souls - our Salvation.  Praying the first 'O' Antiphon and seeking to envelop the Wisdom it proclaims, brings us closer to the One, the Lord, Savior, the Anointed, the Christ, whose long expected and patiently awaited Coming as Advent People; the Messiah of our Redemption, is near............tdp

TODAY IN ADVENT-CHRISTMAS HISTORY 169 YEARS AGO............

Today marks the start of the second and final part of the Advent Season, and we begin to prayerfully and liturgically proclaim the ancient, messianic heralding.  'O' Antiphons in the immediate countdown to Christmas this year.  December 17th, is also significant in Advent-Christmas History for another classical literary reason.  Charles Dickens, the most popular author of his day in the 19th Century had his book, "A Christmas Carol", published one hundred and sixty nine years ago today - December 17, 1843.  Having already written and published five books between 1837 - 1841, including the "Pickwick Papers"; "Oliver Twist"; and "Nicholas Nickleby"; Charles Dickens then visited the United States for five months and was greeted as a literary luminary by Americans.  One hundred and sixty nine years ago today' Ebenezer Scrooge', the central character in, "A Christmas Carol", was introduced to readers along with 'Tiny Tim', 'Bob Crachit', and the, 'Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future'; and has become after the, "Nativity Story"; or arguably, "Twas The Night Before Christmas"; the most popular and acclaimed Christmas favorite holiday classic.  Have you read Dickens', "A Christmas Carol " during the holidays before ?  Will you watch it with friends and family as a part of your Christmas celebrations this year ?  It is a wonderful means of experiencing the spirit of self discovery, generosity, and interpersonal meaning, of Christmas.  I enjoy both older and newer film productions of it myself, particularly the 1951 British version starring Alastair Sim; also the 1984 American television production starring George C. Scott; and the 2004 musical presentation with Kelsey Grammer.  Wipe away the "bah humbug" of consumerism and stress, and tap into the enjoyable seasonal entertainment of what began on This Day in Literary History 1843.  Videos of various renditions from the 1930's through the past decade, can be found for starters, on You Tube...........Fr.  Troy    

Sunday, December 16, 2012

THE PRESIDENT AND THE GOVERNOR JOIN THE CITIZENS OF NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT AT AN INTERFAITH VIGIL OF REMEMBRANCE............

The President of the United States and the Governor of Connecticut are present in Newtown tonight, to take part in an Ecumenical, InterFaith, Prayer Vigil in Remembrance of the 26 school children and teachers, who were massacred on Friday morning, by a 20 year old man, who also killed himself and his own mother, in a senseless tragedy.  At what is scheduled at a two hour service religious leaders of all major American Faith traditions are expected to speak and offer prayers, and sacred readings, in the auditorium of a Newtown High School.  President Obama will deliver an address, which the White House has informed the media was written in part by President Obama, in conjunction with a speechwriter who also assisted him in writing the address he delivered last year in Tuscon, Arizona; after Congresswoman Gaby Giffords and other victims were shot by a guman; and the eulogy the President delivered at the Funeral of Senator Edward Kennedy, in 2009.  Connecticut Governor Daniel Malloy, will speak just prior to President Obama, near the end of the Vigil, which will then be concluded by Reverend Monsignor Robert Weiss, the Pastor of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, in Newtown, Connecticut............tdp

SUSAN RICE TAKES HERSELF OUT......JOHN KERRY REPORTEDLY IN......AS THE NEXT US SECRETARY OF STATE............

After three months of being caught in the crossfire of the initial public pronouncements by the Obama Administration about the September 11, 2012 attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya; and the deaths of four American diplomats including our Ambassador Christopher Stevens, including her statements from talking points on five television Sunday news shows, three months ago today; United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Susan Rice, has withdrawal her name from consideration by President Obama for nomination as the U.S. Secretary of State in his second term.  As the Benghazi Attack continues to be investigated, she had become increasingly criticized and targeted by Republican U.S.  Senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Kelly Ayotte, and also Susan Collins, for why she was using erroneous, sanitized, talking points in her appearances on September 16th, on ABC News' This Week; CBS News' Face The Nation; NBC News' Meet The Press; FOX News Sunday; and CNN's State Of The Union.  Dr. Rice was thought to be the President's first choice to succeed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, next month.  As the President continues to assemble his Foreign Policy / National Security Team, for his second term Administration, she may possibly continue to serve as U.N. Ambassador, until another position is opened, most likely an appointment not requiring Senate confirmation; namely National Security Adviser to the President......CNN reported this morning that Massachusetts U.S. Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nominee, who narrowly lost the White House to President George Walker Bush, will be nominated by President Obama to be the next Secretary of State.  His confirmation would be all but certain, as his U.S. Senate colleagues Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, will widely support his nomination.  Senators McCain and Collins, who oppose Rice being nominated for Secretary of State, have publicly stated they will support a Kerry nomination.  An announcement of the Secretary of State nomination and other Foreign Policy / National Security Team appointments are expected in the week ahead............tdp

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT......THE JOY IN GIVING AMIDST THE SADNESS...........

On this 3rd Sunday of Advent, as millions of us ask the question Why ?, the tragedies of Newton, Connecticut; and Portland, Oregon; occurred, shattering the lives of more than two dozen families in the senseless loss of their children and adult loved ones, as Advent People of God our Catholic-Christian Faith anchors us in the consolation of Hope and Peace, even as we cope with our grief and wonderment.   As the third candle around the Advent Wreath is lit today, a pink / rose colored candle, we are focused on the immediate preparation for the Lord's Coming at Christmas, with Joyful expectation in His saving and delivering power over the selfishness of sin and the sadness of death.  Our hearts and minds are joined with All Believers in Jesus Christ as the Messiah of Salvation;, and the Love of the Living and True God of  Creation; for the ability to find Joy in the Advent Light we experience and follow.  Caring and generous hearts in many of our Faith communities today are sharing gifts for the poor and the needy today and this week, as they bring  Christmas gifts in response to fulfilling the requests of the Advent Giving Tree.  Other Christian congregations are observing the 108 year old custom on the second Sunday of December, established by the wife of a Methodist Minister, "Whit Gift Sunday", bringing presents wrapped in simple white paper to church with them to be share to persons who would otherwise be without Christmas gifts.  May the Giving Trees and White Gift opportunities we are invited to contribute to today bring the Joy of the Jesus' Coming, and the Light of God's Love to others - breaking through the darkness of sin and violence that is afflicted upon innocent victims like those we mourn and remember this week.  Christ Be Our Light...Our Strength......Our Redemption............Fr.  Troy

Saturday, December 15, 2012

OUR HOPE AND PEACE IS UNDER PRESSURE, EVEN AS THE ADVENT OF THE LORD ASSURES AND CONSOLES US............

As the people of Newtown, Connecticut USA; contend with the grief and shock, of the senseless deaths of 20 school children, ages 6, and 7, years old; and 6 adults, who were their teachers; we as Americans, along with other citizens of the World, are also greatly saddened and sorrowful, that such a tragedy has again taken place devastating the lives and families of innocent victims of a deranged killer.  Our words and feelings cannot suffice to express the depth of bereavement being endured at this unnecessary, wanton, taking of lives and the aftermath its devastation has caused.  But we can and must care enough to stand in solidarity and support, of the parents, family members, neighbors, and friends, in that New England town and do what we are able to, in order to be spiritually present to them in prayer, remembrance, and vigil.  As believers in the Advent of the Lord, whose three-fold Coming brings Hope and Peace, into our fractured and fallen World, we can be sustained and offer sustenance to the grieved; with Faith that the Light of Christ, the Messiah of God's People, leads to the Eternal embrace of the Heavenly Father for the Righteous.  Strengthened with the Hope and Peace the Lord's Advent provides us, may the loved ones of these twenty six innocent victims experience the assurance of sustenance and support, from us and all God Loving People everywhere now and going forward............Fr.  Troy

Friday, December 14, 2012

ADVENT EVENSONG / VESPERS......ANOTHER TRADITION OF THE SEASON............

Another customary way of keeping the Advent Season that Catholic-Christians participate in preparation for the coming celebration of Christmas is in special Evening Prayer 'Vesper Services', focused on the expectation in Christ's Coming as the ultimate and intimate Light of the World.  The  Coming of Jesus the long awaited Messiah of God's People, who  conquers the darkness of sin and selfishness and enlightens us to embrace Redemption.  Held in the dusk of day becoming night, it becomes a vigil of light as the Advent candles brighten the sacred place of gathering, liturgy, and music.  Setting the Prayer and Scriptures proclaimed to song and chant, gives the beauty, tranquility, and wonder of the Vesper Service, another seasonally appropriate name : AdventSong.The Lessons and Carols Services of which I have previously blogged, like the one I will be attending in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacramento tonight, is a variation on the AdventSong.  Over the past three weeks I have been searching the internet and utilized the Vespers, AdventSong, Lesson and Carols, videos available, primarily on You Tube, to enhance and increase my own prayer, devotions, and meditations, this Advent.  There are many fine samples of it to be found there.  If you are unable to attend an Advent Vespers celebration in the remaining days of December, then check out the experiences of Prayer, Scripture, Song, and Music, that feed and fulfill the Spirit of Anticipation you should feel and discover during the Advent of Watching and Waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ, our Light of Truth and Salvation............tdp      

18 CHILDREN, 8 ADULTS DEAD IN CONNECTICUT SCHOOL SHOOTING............

This morning, just three days after a random,. lone gunman killing of two persons in a Portland, Oregon; shopping mall, another gunman after arguing with the School Principal shot and killed her, and went on a shooting rampage that has resulted in the death of 18 children who were students at the Sandy Hook School, in Newtown, Connecticut; along with 7 other adults, including the shooter who is reported to be dead inside the building.  Reports vary as to whether the gunman was a school parent, or a younger person, and is described as being 20 years old.  He is said to have left the Principal's Office after shooting her and going room to room shooting students and teachers as he went.  CBS News is also sharing that a body has been discovered at the supposed home of the gunman's mother.  Connecticut Governor Daniel Malloy, has arrived on the scene of the shooting.  President Obama is being kept informed and monitoring the tragedy, and has spoken with the Governor and F.B.I. Director Robert Mueller, about this mass shooting incident.  Another very sad day of senseless killing and violence, as was Tuesday's occurrence, and is every one of these  deadly eruptions of shootings such as this............Fr.  Troy

Thursday, December 13, 2012

ST. LUCY - ADVENT SAINT OF LIGHT............

On this Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent, we commemorate St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr; who is celebrated as a Saint of Light, symbolized as wearing a crown of lighted candles on her head.  She is especially venerated in Norway, and Sweden, and also in the countries of Bosnia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Slovakia, and Spain, as well as in Bavaria in Germany, and the island of St. Lucia, in the West Indies.  It is one of the most, if not one of the only saints feast days celebrated in Scandanavian countries.  Scandanavians in countries around the World including in the United States celebrate St. Lucy's Day with church services and light processions, and the eating of cookies that are found on the fireplace mantle in their homes.  Her feast celebrated during Advent in the countdown to Christmas underscores the anticipation of greater light coming as the winter solistice nears and the anniversary of the Birth of the Savior approaches.  As a child in the 1960's I first remember hearing of St. Lucy, in a Christmas carol sung by Patti Paige on a W.T. Grant department store record album we had at home titled, "Santa Lucia".  St. Lucy, Patroness of Light, Pray For Us, as we await the Coming of the Greatest Light Humankind has ever knowm, Jesus The Christ - Our Messiah, Redeemer, and Lord............Fr.  Troy  

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

CATHOLIC SACRAMENTO CAROLS AND LESSONS FRIDAY NIGHT............

A Lessons and Carols Service, combining Sacred Music and the Sacred Scriptures in presenting the Advent / Christmas Story of Salvation, will be held as a Concert in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, at 11th and K Streets, in downtown Sacramento this Friday night December 14th, at 7:30 p.m. The Diocesan Choir will be joined by the student choir of St. Patrick's SUCCEED Academy, in South Sacramento, with orchestral accompaniment at the Concert which is a fundraiser for St. Patrick's SUCCEED Academy.  Thanks to Sacred Heart parishioner Marty Geiger, a member of the Diocesan Choir; I will be attending this Lessons and Carols event.  You can find ticket invitation on the Cathedral website : www.cathedralsacramento.org  

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

TELEVISION CHRISTMAS SPECIALS LIKE PERRY, ANDY, BING, AND BOB, USED TO DO............

Last night for the second consecutive year, NBC Television and Brad Lachman Productiobs presented a Michael Buble musical Christmas Special, of the kind from the 1950's through the mid 1980's were staples of December tv viewing, as presented by Perry Como, Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, and Bob Hope.  I am very happy to see this experience of Christmas entertainment return to American television.  A delightful and fully loaded hour of spirited songs, music, and rapartee with his guest stars it was.  Michael Buble is the ideal host for this wonderful style of holiday enjoyment.  His guests Carly Rae Jepsen, Rod Stewart, Blake Shelton, and Elmo, complemented the hour's celebration nicely.  Being the second annual Michael Buble Christmas Special broadcast, hopefully makes him and future Christmas Specials, the perfect return to a Christmas tradition that for the most part has been sorely missing from tv the past quarter century.  If you missed it last night, check it out online and brighten up the spirit of Christmas with, "Michael Buble - Home For The Holidays"............Fr.  Troy

Monday, December 10, 2012

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES AND CHRISTMAS RECONCILIATION............

If "tis the season to be jolly", as Advent days build toward the season of Christmas, then our joy and jolliness must be authentically anchored in the true meaning and purpose of Advent and Christmas : reconciliation, renewal, and redemption, for Humankind with the Divine Trinity of God.  A sincere and serious preparation for sharing in and celebrating the Incarnation of Jesus The Christ, and His Coming in History in the Nativity, necessitates putting the home of our hearts in proper order.  Attendance and participation in an Advent Penance Service and celebrating a sacramental Confession with the absolution of our Sins, is an important part of experiencing the reason for the season as a Faith centered, God Made Man, transformative event in our Salvation.  Sacred Heart Parish here in Eat Sacramento is holding its Advent Penance Service tomorrow night at 7 p.m., which Monsignor Robert Walton has invited me to join in.  I will also be assisting him over the next week and a half with Confessions for the students of Sacred Heart Parish School, both ofwhich I am very glad to be able to do.  I share this as an invitation to my Catholic-Christian blog readers, to set your hearts and minds to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation yourselves this Advent-Christmastime, as you seek to truly discover the most important jolliness of all - the joy  and peace of being united with the Coming of Christ Jesus the Lord, Born into our lives this Christmas and Forever............tdp

2ND WEEK OF ADVENT LIGHT IS THE CANDLE OF PEACE............

As the Advent Wreath further enlightens our way to the Lord's three-fold Coming in History at Christmas; Future Coming in Glory in the Fullness of Time; and Everyday as we Greet and Welcome the Lord Jesus, our Messiah into our lives.  The second purple candle we light around our Advent Wreath this week is a candle denoting the aspiration for Peace.  Peace in our personal and familial lives; Peace in our relationships with neighbors, friends, co-workers, and fellow students; Peace within and between Nations, beyond cultural, political,m religious, and ethnic differences; Peace in the World, that is deep, abiding, lasting, and rooted in God's Reign over the Universe.  On this December 10th, the 2nd Monday of Advent, the 2012 Nobel Peace is being awarded in Oslo, Norway; to the European Union, recognizing their six decades of effort advocating and promoting Democracy, Reconciliation, and Human Rights, internationally.  As we walk in the light of Hope and Peace that brings the Messiah's Coming closer, may the unity and justice we seek bring true placidly alive and existing for the common good  into the homes of our hearts and minds asa Advent People committed to achieving Peace between all Peoples............Fr. Troy

Sunday, December 9, 2012

JOHN THE BAPTIST ADVENT HERALD OF THE MESSIAH'S COMING............

Just as we focused on the role God chose for the Blessed Virgin Mary in immaculately conceiving her free from the stain of sin and death, so as to be a cooperator in the fulfillment of Salvation History as the bearer of Jesus Christ God's Son into the World, so today we take John the Baptist under consideration as the final Prophet before the Coming in History of the Christ, the Anointed One of God, the Messiah, Who is the Savior of the World and the Redeemer of Humankind.  Preaching a Baptism of Repentance in the Desert, the Baptizer prepares the Lord's Way and summons us to prepare to follow the Way of the Lord Jesus ourselves.  As we repent and ready ourselves during these Advent Days for the celebrating the Messiah's Birth anew this Christmas, may John the Baptist be an example and guide to discovering the Coming of Jesus Christ, past; present; future; for the good of all Believers in His Messiahship unto the Eternal Kingdom of God............tdp

2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT - BRIGDING THE DIVIDE BETWEEN HUMANS AND THE DIVINE............

The Prophet Baruch, Paul's Letter to the Philippians, and Luke's Gospel Proclamation, today speak to us as Advent People of our need to break through the wilderness of division and sin between the Divine Holy Trinity of God and our Redeemed Humanity as Believers in, and Followers of, the One Who Comes as Messiah and Lord of Salvation.  Our relationship with God on earth and in the forever of eternity is reconciled and realized in the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.  As you celebrate this Second Sunday of Advent in the Hope and Peace of building relationships with one another and with the Lord of Life Who Calls to be bridgebuilders of unity in the World and the Church, as we build the Coming of the God's Kingdom here and now............Fr.  Troy

Saturday, December 8, 2012

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION HOLYDAY RETURNS TO ADVENT NIGHT AS 2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT BEGINS............

December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, takes precedence as a Holyday of Obligation for Catholics, over it being Saturday of the First Week of Advent.  However as we arrived at the top of the hour, the Advent liturgical focus resumed for the remainder of this calendar day, as the vigil of the Second Sunday of the Advent Season started at 4 p.m.  So my evening and night prayers during these quiet Saturday hours are Advent Prayers and preparation of the 2nd Sunday of Advent Scriptures in readiness for the Breaking of the Word with the Sacred Heart RCIA group here downstairs at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning............tdp

SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION FINISHES FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT............

Our First Week of Advent on this Saturday finishes with the celebration of the liturgical solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The Immaculate Conception is a dogmatic teaching of Catholic Christianity rooted in the popular belief through the centuries, the "sensus fidelium", (belief of the faithful) that in accordance with God's Plan for the Redemption of Humankind and the Salvation of the World, that the Co-Eternal Son of the Heavenly Father would be born as God Made Man by the power of the Holy Spirit.  In order for the perfect Divine Son of God, to be born of human flesh as the spotless Lamb of sacrifice in the forgiveness and atonement for Sin, the human vessel, his earthly mother had to be free from the stain of sin, and pure in body and soul as well.  Thus the belief that Mary as the bearer of the Christ Child, the Mother of God, who gave Birth to the Son of God, Who is the Divine Savior, was preserved from the moment of her own conception, immaculate and free from sin herself.  In the United States of America today is not only a Holyday of Obligation for those who are Catholics, but our National Patronal Feast Day, as the USA is consecrated under trhe patronage of Mary in the Immaculate Conception.  As Advent People we join the story and role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Salvation History to our time of Watching and Waiting for the Lord Jesus' Coming.  Happy Immaculate Conception Day.  Happy seventh day of Advent............Fr.  Troy

Friday, December 7, 2012

AN EARLY ADVENT SEASON CHRISTMAS PARTY............

Call me a purist when it comes to liturgical seasons and holidays, but as a seminarian and a priest I have tried to as best as possible over the past three decades to keep the observance of the celebrations of the Church as close to the dates and within the seasons as they are designated.  Thus Advent activities during Advent; Christmas events, during the two weeks plus of the Christmas Season; et al...and anniversaries of any commemoration on the actual date, or as close to it as possible.  Not that the wider world and even the Church makes that always possible to do socially, given human and societal realities. Tonight will be one of those exceptions to my usual practice.  The Mercy McMahon Terrace Christmas Party is this evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and as a current resident, though involuntarily and unnecessarily so, I will attend joining the other residents and their families in socializing and celebrating the Spirit of the Advent and Christmas Season(s).  As December fills quickly with parties, and other celebratory events in the pre Christmas Day countdown thus it becomes increasingly understandable how even Catholic-Christian organizations, institutions, and ministries, schedule earlier than later Christmas events like tonight's.  I am also a realist about these things, what is, is - especially after believing, advocating, and proposing, that parish / parochial school Christmas activities such as Christmas concerts and socials be scheduled in early January during the actual Christmas Season, as well as during the December before Christmas vacations start.  Food for thought as we proceed with Advent this year and the Coming of Christmas once again. 5:04 p.m. ............tdp

7:03 p.m. -  Chef Tony and the MMT Staff prepared and provided a trul;y wonderful Christmas Party celebration complete with a sumptuous buffet, hors duevres, desserts, beer, wine, apple cider, egg nog, and coffe.  A band, and ather Christmas and the Mrs., too !!  Plenty of family members of residents were present too.  Joann Smolich and I, \sat and dined with fellow resident Alice Stine and her two daughters, who attend annually...........tdp

ST. AMBROSE...BISHOP AND DOCTOR......ADVENT SAINT............

The junior Aurelius Ambrosius, born in 330 A.D., was the son whose fsther was a Roman praetorium prefect and his mother, a pious untellectual.  After converting to Christianity, having been such an exemplary catechumen, Ambrose as he came to widely be known, was chosen by the Faithful to be the Bishop of Milan, a position of leadership in the solidifying early Church in which he became one of the most influential of Catholic-Christians.  His contributions to the growth and defense of Catholic-Christianity and the impact he had upon the Church in the 4th Century A.d., and beyond is so great that there is an Ambrosian Rite in the Liturgical Life of the Church.   As Bishop Ambrose was immediately confronted with the threat of the heresy of Arianism, the followers of which denied the Divinity of Jesus Christ.  The belief and principles defended by him in the fight opposing the Arians prevailed, expanding the young Bishop's acclaim and influence.  Among the many converts and initiates into the Catholic-Christian he brought into Catholic-Christianity is St. Augustine.  The ecclesiastical role and effectiveness of his responsibilities as he carried them out during his 23 years as a Bishop until his death in 397 A.D.; , causes him to be venerated by members of numerous Christian denominations today, the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodoxy, the Anglican Communion, and the Lutheran Church, making him an ecumenical bridge builder within Christianity.  As God's Advent People may we be energized by the example and energy of St. Ambrose, as we await the Lord's Coming............Fr.  Troy

Thursday, December 6, 2012

WHO ?...WHY ?...WHAT ?...ARE WE WAITING FOR THIS ADVENT ?............

Who ? Why ? What ? are you Waiting for this December as the Days of Advent proceed forward ?  Many people are diverted from the real reason for this season of anticipation and preparation, and are waiting to experience the glitz, gifts, parties, of secular holidays that could be celebrated at any time, for any reason, more Kris-mas; than Christmas.  As Believers waiting on the Coming of the Messiah, dedicated Disciples of Jesus Christ watch during this Advent Season in prayerfully, liturgically, sacramentally, and devotionally, as we spiritually as well as socially prepare for the celebration of Christmas.  Why we wait is steeped in the long awaited expectation of God's People for the fulfillment of the promise and hope for the Coming of the Messiah who saves us from our sins and redeems us in reconciliation with the Divine.  What we are waiting for is the fulfillment of the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, to be discovered and experienced forever by us and all who are righteous, just, and authentically anchored in God's Plan for our Salvation.  On this fifth day of Advent how successfully are you living the Who ? Why ? What ? of Waiting and Watching for the essential and indispisensable Reason for the Season : Jesus the Messiah and His Coming this Christmas and in Future Glory in the Forever of God's Kingdom ?............tdp

ADVENT COMINGS INCLUDE NICHOLAS OF MYRA............

My 4th Grade teacher at Woodbine School in South Sacramento, was a native Dutch woman who became a naturalized American citizen, Mrs. Drewry.  Although in a public school in 1965, on this date December 6th, the Feast of St. Nicholas, she brought her wooden shoes to class and told us about them and about the story of St. Nicholas,  As American 9 year olds we were as fascinated by her wooden shoes and intrigued with the thoughts of candy filling them as she described the significance of this day, as we were the story of Nicholas.  We marveled at how she happily described how Dutch children set a pair of wooden shoes in front of the fireplace or stove in their homes the night before St. Nicholas Day, and when they awoke if they were good girls and boys found pieces of candy in the shoes.  But bad children found a lump of coal awaiting them.  This image and story of St. Nick, is the origins of Santa Claus, Father Christmas, and other benevolent manifestations of the spirit of generosity and giving at Christmas.   This Nicholas, was a fourtb century Christian from Asia Minor, in what now is now day Turkey, where he became the Bishop of Myra, also known as Symrna.  He was a caring and charitable pastor of souls, with great consideration for children and the affection and memory of him is so immense that it has emerged through the centuries of Christianity in the World, as cheerful, joy bringing, gift bringing, Santa of Christmas, the economic and secular society, as well as spiritual and religious believers, have come to know and celebrate.  As Advent People of Faith, and Fellowship, take some time today to enjoyand share, a treat,  sweets, or perhaps a cup of hot chocolate, to recall and realize the spirit of generosity and charitable self giving St. Nick and God, are calling you and I to exercise on this St. Nicholas Day and in our daily lives............Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

THE ADVENT SEASON OF PREPARATION BLOSSOMED OUT OF THE GROWTH OF THE CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN CHURCH............

On this Wednesday of the 1st Week of Advent, the fourth day of the 2013 Liturgical Year, the anticipation for the Coming Christ during these December Days, this Christmas Season, and at His Second Coming in Glory at the end of Time, is encapsulated in a four week period of preparation and penance historically we know as, Advent, which means coming, or waiting for the arrival, of Jesus The Christ.  In about the 4th Century, A.D., as the number of Baptisms into the Christian abounded, the necessity of celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation increased beyond the annual Easter Vigil celebration.  With a penetential preparatory period before Easter established, we call Lent, a similar period of preparation, also penitential in nature before Christmas, the weeks we celebrate as Advent was developed.  But Advent is more than a time of penance in preparation for the Holy Birth of Humankind's Redeemer at Christmas.  It is also a focused period of longing and expectation for the arrival of the Messiah and the Salvation History stories of Mary and Joseph of Nazareth, John the Baptizer, and Isaiah, the Hebrew Prophet.  So as Advent People of Hope, all of us who Believe, Watch, and Wait, for Jesus three-fold Coming - "Today, Yesterday, and Forever", must embrace the signs and celebrations of this Sacred Season, The Advent Wreath, the Jesse Tree, Communal Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick sacramental services, The 'O' Antiphons, Posadas, Lessons and Carols concerts, and the Parish Giving Tree, to name some of them.  Determine how you and yours will make this Advent, by choosing one or more of the activities and events mentioned above and make this Advent a season of worthy anticipation for the holy and proper celebration of Christmas............Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

ADVENT......THE PROPHET ISAIAH, AND THE JESSE TREE............

As Catholic-Christians await the Coming of Jesus as the Christ of Salvation during the Advent Season, the Prophet Isaiah is heard from frequently in the Liturgy of the Word speaking of the connection we will make with the Messiah when He Comes.  One of the great signs and symbols of Advent rooted in the Sacred Scriptures of the Prophet Isaiah and the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, is the, 'Jesse Tree'.  The Jesse Tree traces the ancestry of Jesus, back through multiple generations to King David, Abraham, and Adam.  The Rod of Jesse, from whose stem the Messiah will bloom, spoken of in today's First Reading at Mass, makes the connection that the Messiah, the Christ, God's Son Made Man, Jesus - Comes from that lineage in fulfillment of the Divine Plan and Promise.  The Jesse Tree as a sign and symbol of our observance of Advent is a teachable moment resource marking this liturgical season and making us ready historically and presently for the fulfillment of God's Promise to send us a Messiah.  How much do you know, or how will will you learn and or experience of the Jesse Tree during your observance of Advent in these current days ?............tdp

ST. JOHN DAMASCENE, ADVENT, AND THE 49TH ANNIVERSARY OF "SANCROSANCTUM CONCILIUM"............

On this 1st Tuesday of Advent, I settle into preparing to be the R.C.I.A. presenter tonight at 6:30 p.m., in the Sacred Heart Parish O'Hara Hall, on the Sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders.  We will also continue our discussion of the significance and celebration of this liturgical season of Waiting for the Lord Jesus' three-fold Coming.  The saint liturgically celebrated today is John of Damascus, the last of the Greek / Eastern Fathers from the latter 7th to mid 8th Century of Christianity; a Priest and Doctor of the Church, who was both a poet and a staunch defender of sacred images and icons.  In the Advent spirit of awaiting the arrival of the World's Savior on this third day of Liturgical Year 2013, we also commemorate the 49th anniversary of the promulgation of the first of the 16 Documents of the Second Vatican Council, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, "Sancrosanctum Concilium".  One year later, on the First Sunday of Advent 1964, it led to the renewal and reform of Catholic-Christian public worship i ways we continue to celebrate it.  Plenty to ponder and to spiritually invest ourselves in today,  as the journey of watching and waiting we have taken anew in these December days unfold............Fr.  Troy

Monday, December 3, 2012

THE SEASON OF ADVENT AND LESSONS AND CAROLS............

From the Church of England and the Anglican Christian Church comes an Advent / Christmas tradition that was originated by the Reverend Edward White Benson, who was then Bishop of Truro, in Cornwall; and went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury.  It dates  back to December 24, 1880; when he organized in a wooden shed which was his temporary cathedral.  Known as, 'Lessons And Carols', it was scheduled at 10 p.m., as a means of keeping the men out of the pubs on Christmas Eve.  Comprised of Nine Readings (Lessons) from the Book of Genesis, the canonical Gospels, and the Prophetic Books of the Bible, and interspersed with Carols, Hymns, and Choir Music, it has spread as a customary Evening Service through the Anglican / Episcopal Church; and in many Catholic, Lutheran, and Presbyterian, Churches around the world.  A beautiful, often candlelight, liturgical service of Advent and Christmas it is, and one well worth experiencing as a part of your celebration of these seminal sacred seasons in Salvation History.  Check with the Catholic-Christian Churches in your local community to discover which of them is holding a Lessons and Carols Service during December.  In 1918, the Lessons And Carols Service began in Kings College Chapel, at Cambridge University.  Since 1928, the English Lessons and Carols Service from Kings College Cambridge, has been broadcast.  Consider tuning in to the broadcast on the internet on the BBC, the British Broadcasting Corporation;  or on American radio as affiliates of American Public Media, which airs on NPR, National Public Radio, will broadcast it.    Experiencing a Lessons and Carols Service this Advent and Christmas, truly enhabce your celebration of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus The Christ............tdp

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