COMPLETING THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2013 - THE FINAL DAY..............

On this last day of 2013, as we prepare at Midnight to greet the New Year 2014 in the Year of our Lord and the Common Era; it is my hope for you that you are in holiday mode, not only tonight and tomorrow, but into next week.  In whatever state of life you have found yourself for better, worse, or in-between, let us pray together on the threshold of a fresh calendar that Blessings and Graces will be with us as we enter it and live the 365 days ahead.  Whoever, However, we are Faith in Jesus The Christ our Lord and Savior and the Holy example of our Holy Father Pope Francis, there is optimism, potential, and a higher purpose for us to be discovered and appreciated, as we embrace it and push forward.  For everyone who has affirmed, interacted, supported, and friended me during  this year, I give you my gratitude and continuing prayers.  May the Lord of Life Bless us and keep us, make His Face to shine upon us and give us Peace,  as we say GOODBYE to 2013 and HELLO to..............2014 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!>>>Father Troy David Powers

THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS DAY SIX..............

On this next to last day of Calendar Year 2013 A.D., THE 6th day in the Octave of Christmas 2013-2014, I provide you with the following as a spiritual bridge between the celebration of Christmas week and the start of the New Year of our Lord..............

LET US PRAY -

 God, Heavenly Father as we continue to marvel and rejoice in our commemoration of the Coming in History of Your Co-Eternal Son in His Holy Birth as the Word Made Flesh for the Redemption of Humankind, may fully embrace and continue to flourish the Spirit of Christmas forward into the New Year and make the Truth of the core meaning of the Incarnation of Jesus The Christ more than a seasonal observance and instead an everyday reality in our daily Discipleship as we seek and find the Way, the Truth, and the Life, that leads to Your Kingdom of Everlasting Life.  We invoke this prayer in the promise to live our Faith in the power of the Nativity and the Resurrection to truly transform us...In the Name of Jesus the Messiah, our Lord and Savior we Pray...
AMEN.
..............fr.tdp

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY ON THIS FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS..............

The central pillars of the Spirit of the Season of Christmas are encountered in Faith, Family, Fidelity, and Fellowship, that provide us with a sensation of Joy and Peace in the serenity of the of hope in the Redemption of Humankind initiated by the Holy Birth of the Christ Child in the Incarnation.  On this 5th day of Christmas we focus in on the pillar of the Family. as the chief thread of civility and stability in Society.  For about a century today's Feast of the Holy Family has been on the Liturgical Calendar shifted to various dates.  For nearly four and a half decades it has been calendared on the Sunday following Christmas Day, except when that day is Sunday, when it is transferred to later in the first week of the Christmas Season.  All Catholic-Christian Families should concentrate in a particular way and means on your relationships as a family unit.  To share the respect, esteem, and appreciation, for the roles and responsibilities. parents, children,, and other family are commissioned by God and inspired by the Holy Family of Nazareth to carry out.  The opening lines of Second Reading in the Liturgy of the Word  at Christmas Holy Family Sunday Mass and Worship Services from St. Paul.s Letter to the Colossians starting at Chapter 3, Verse 12, may be a very beneficial blueprint for organizing and observing this Christmas Feast concentrated on the interpersonal well being of the holiness and wholeness of our own families.To build and further the Call to Holiness in our families the Apostle Paul proclaims that, Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, and Patience, are mainstays under-girding the attributes every Human Family requires to truly emulate the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  On this Christmas Feast of the Holy Family, what acts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, will each of your families share together today in seeking to live the holiness we are intended to envelop deeply into our Redeeming Journey of Life and Faith?????..............Fr. Triy David Powers

FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS..............

The 4th day of Christmas is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, commemorating the infants two years old and under who were slaughtered by order of King Herod, out of anger and insecurity about being misled by the Magi about the Birth of who they described as, the Newborn  King of the Jews.  They are venerated by Catholic-Christians as Martyrs and Saints, for having died a sacrificial death for Jesus The Christ, the King of  Salvation.  Into the 3rd Millennium of Christianity, the Holy Innocents now include all those persons who have been killed giving their lives for the good of others.From the innocent unborn to police officers, firefighters, military service members, and all children, women, and men, who innocently are killed as a outlash of Violence, Oppression, and Social Injustice.  As we remember and lift up the Holy Innocents on this fourth day of the Season of the Holy Nativity, may among us who are Disciples of Christ the King of Humankind's Redemption, rise up more men, women, and children, who will faithfully and fearlessly Witness to Jesus, despite the persecution they face, or dying for Christ that may be ours..............Fr.  Troy David

THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS AND THE FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST..............

Our 3rd day of Christmas is the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, who is spoken of in the Christian Scriptures as the, "Beloved Disciple", as an Apostle of Jesus.  As we proceed in celebrating with Christmas Joy our Messiah's Birth the Gospel Proclamation takes us to end of Jesus' earthly life at the Tomb on Easter morning, where St. Peter and another disciple believed to be St. John arrive to find and observe the Empty Tomb. Sacred Tradition holds that John is the unidentified Apostle at the Tomb for the special bond of friendship and love he shared with the Lord Jesus, a bond that made him a fearlessly faithful witness to the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.  He is the one Jesus chose from the Cross to be the guardian of his Blessed Mother; and it is John the Evangelist who authors a Gospel much different from Mark, Matthew, and Luke, with a higher level of Divine emphasis and distinct theological discourse on the Public Ministry and Paschal Mystery of Jesus The Christ. Thus on Christ Day 3, the discipleship, evangelism, and personal experiences and discernment, of John as an Apostle of Jesus, bridges the intersection of Christmas and Easter.  May the Christian Discipleship of St. John the Evangelist, along with St. Stephen the Martyr, inspire us to further the depths of our own relationships with our Divine Savior in being the Faithful Witnesses to the Holy Birth, Saving Death, and Risen Life  we are initiated and enabled to be as Believers and Followers of Jesus The Christ..............Fr.  Troy David

THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS AND THE FEAST OF STEPHEN..............

The second day of Christmas is the Feast of St. Stephen, Deacon of the Church, who is the First Christian Martyr.  Stephen, one of the initial Disciples commissioned by the Apostles to assist them in caring tor the poor and the needy, was a strong spokesperson in advocating for the less fortunate. his fervency in bearing Faithful Witness to Christ the Savior was so immense it seriously riled the Jewish authorities who charged him with blasphemy, and put him on trial before the Sanhedrin and he was sentenced to death by stoning.  Stephen's compassion and forgiveness for his persecutors, as they were killing him, is an outstanding example of unconditional Discipleship in Jesus the Lord. caused to sacrifice himself for professing and practicing his Christian Faith also denotes the reality of Suffering being a component of being a Believer in, and Follower of, the Messiah of God's People. Yet, it also underscores the Blessings to be granted to those who suffer and are martyrs for Christ, as God grants them Everlasting Life.  As we continue our celebration of the Holy Birth of the Christ Child lift yourself up in a Prayer of Thanksgiving and Gratitude to the Divine, for the Salvation gained for us by the Redeemer of Humankind, in whom St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr, placed his consummate faith, hope, and love, resulting in his sacrificial death...A continued Holy and Happy Christmas Season..............fr,tdp

CATHOLIC-CHRISTIANS CURRENT CHRISTMAS : O COME LET US ADORE HIM.............

On Christmas Day 2013-2014 in the spirit and truth of Living Faith essential to the purpose of the Solemnity of the Nativity of Jesus The Christ our Savior and the Redeemer of Humankind, we rejoice in His Holy Birth and the Gift of God's Love and Grace it is for us and for all Peoples of Good Will.  Please God you have taken time to lift your hearts and minds in Prayer and praise; Worship and communion; Ministry in reaching out to and with others within the Church and beyond; and have gathered with your loved ones sharing the food, fun, fellowship, and gift sharing of being Family.  Christmas and the Incarnation it celebrates stands as the intersection of Faith and Family, Reconciliation and Redemption.  May the Blessings of being united with family and friends, including others in the Family of God; and renewal of your relationship with God and your embrace of the redeeming Savior continue to unfold for you and yours during the Season of the Holy Birth we continue to commemorate through the Baptism of the Lord on January 12.............Fr.  Troy David

CELEBRATING AND CONCELEBRATING CHRISTMAS VIGIL AND MIDNIGHT MASSES.............

A Happy and Holy Christmas 2013-2014, to you my blog readers and internet friends, for your presence here as we Come into the celebratory observance of the Birth of the Messiah Jesus The Christ.  May you and yours wherever you may be around the World today be blessed with Joy and Wonder of the Incarnation of the Co-Eternal Son of the God of the Universe; Who Became The Word Made Flesh for our Redemption.  It is my hope filled prayer today that in this Season of Christmas between today and January 12, you will make the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and Prayer, Worship, and Ministry, with your Church community a central part of your celebrations.  For me, this Christmas opens with two liturgical celebrations - presiding at a Vigil Mass with the Friedrich Family in Carmichael, as their "titular Dad"; and concelebrating the Midnight Mass with Msgr. Walton and Fr. Juan, at Sacred Heart Church joined with these wonderful and welcoming People of God in East Sacramento.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in my circle of family, friends, fellow believers, supporters, advocates, readers, for your affirmation and acceptance of my personhood and my priesthood, and their merits despite the physical challenges of my life.  The Christmas Season lets us realize ever more clearly the inherent dignity and value of every human being not only the whole and fully abled, but the ill and the disabled, as well.  That is the healing and inclusiveness of Life and Faith Jesus our Lord and Savior, and Pope Francis the Vicar of Christ on Earth, call us to renew our own outreach to - as we remember and provide a place for the poor, the alienated, the marginalized, even unbelievers, and as one of 14 million Catholics in the United States and tens of millions more throughout the World know intimately well, the disabled members of the Body of Christ, as active participants in His Church.
May the Blessings of the Incarnation of Jesus The Christ be yours in abundance this Christmas.  Faithfully and Gratefully Yours, Fr.  Troy David Powers

CHRISTMAS EVE 2013-2014.............

If you have been reading this blog the past three weeks. you will not be confused or unsure about the title of this blog column.  Although it is still Calendar Year 2013, in the Year of Our Lord; The Church's Liturgical Year begins with the Season of Advent in late November-early December, thus we are celebrating Christmas 2013 in Liturgical Year 2014.  As you and yours celebrate the Christmas holidays in these closing days of 2013 and prepare to cross the threshold into 2014, in what ways will you sanctify the Season of the Messiah's Holy Birth in a religious and spiritual manner ?  Attendance at a Christmas Mass either this evening or tomorrow morning; or presence at a Christian Worship Service should be at the heart of your celebration of Christmas Eve and Day.  There is plenty of time for the socializing togetherness this Christmas will bring,, why not make time to spend some of your time this Christmas with Jesus and the People of God in your Church community.  Remembering rightfully, that The Nativity of Jesus is the Reason for the Season.............Fr.  Troy David

THE CRESCENDO DAYS OF THE 'O' ANTIPHONS.............

The last three of the ancient messianic acclamations in the Hebrew Scriptures anticipating the Coming of the long awaited Savior of God;s People, read as follows...

December 22 - "O King of All Nations; Come and save us, Who you formed from the Dust".
December 23 - "O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver; Desire of the Nations, Savior of all Peoples, Come to set us Free Lord our God".
December 24 - "O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of Eternal light and Sun of justice; Come and shine on those who dwell in Darkness and in the shadow of Death".

As you ready to Greet the Lord's Holy Birth this Christmas may you acclaim the Lord's Coming as do the "O Antiphons", of old, as we make them new again.............fr.tdp 

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT AS WE DRAW QUITE NEAR TO CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR.............

Our fourth and final Sunday of the Season of Advent 2014, as we join the homes of our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls, with the proclamations of the Prophet Isaiah and St. Matthew the Apostle, who evangelize us about the Coming Birth of the Christ; how ready are we to truly experience and encounter readied your lives he Nativity of the Messiah during the next three weeks ?  In addition to the shopping, socializing, presents, and re-gifting, of the holiday season; what spiritual, sacramental, or social justice, way have you generously prepared your lives for the deepest meaning of Christmas ? - God Becoming Man for the Salvation of Humankind !  It is not too late to be Advent People in the Spirit of the three-fold Historical, Current, and Future Glory, Coming of Jesus the Christ.  Spend the next 2 days doing more to celebrate the greatest reason for the, "holyday" as well as, 'holiday' season, THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH.............Fr.  Troy David

KUDOS AND CONGRATS TO FATHER ENRIQUE AND ST. LAWRENCE'S PARISHIONERS.............

St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church, in North Highlands was be re-dedicated this morning after a renovation that has made the church edifice accessible to the disabled, that includes a wheelchair ramp into the altar sanctuary. St. Lawrence;s Pastor, Reverend Father Enrique Alvarez, and the People of God in the North Highlands Parish Community conducted a capital campaign, 'A Journey Together Building Our Faith', to bring this accessibility and inclusion projection to fruition,  A full capacity church of the faithful were present at the Re-Dedication Mass that was presided over by Bishop + Jaime Soto, concelebrated by Father Alvarez, and ten other priests, including Pastors Emeriti, Reverend Father Vincent O'Reilly, and Reverend Joseph Ternullo.  I was proud to be among them and able to get into and out of the church sanctuary by way of the newly installed ramp that like the sanctuary ramp in Divine Savior Church in Orangevale last Tuesday I was able to personally roll myself up and down, thus participate fully in the Eucharistic Liturgies.  Kudos and Congrats to Fr. Enrique and St. Lawrence's for leading us forward into ever more necessary inclusive Ministry to and with Persons With Disabilities in the Sacramento Diocese as throughout the Catholic-Christian Church in the United States.............Father Troy David

THIRD ADVENT FRIDAY CLOSING IN ON CHRISTMAS.............

As we saddle up to the weekend that includes the 4th Sunday and the final days of the Advent Season, we increase our readiness to Welcome the celebration of Christmas this year.  We prepare to eagerly embrace the commemoration in History of the long awaited Messiah of God's People. His Birth into the World from the right hand of the Father as the Redeemer of Humankind that brings ultimate meaning and purpose to our lives.  As you continue to the culmination of your current Advent Journey today and during the next four days, may your Faith, Hope, and Love, in and for the Christ of Creation grow even more intense and complete.............fr.tdp
"O Key of David, Opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom; Come and free the prisoners of Darkness".

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A VERY VENERABLE MAN.............

The choicest of God's Blessing be with Francis "Frank" 'Mugs' McNamara today on this his BIG 8-0 Birthday !!!!!!!!!!!!!  Loving Husband, Father, GrandDad, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin; Dedicated Teacher, Principal, Baseballer, Softballer, Catholic-Christian, Irish American, are some of the apt ways to describe and define the many, oh so many attributes of this wonderfully fine man, I am but one of a multitude of others who are greatly blessed to have him as a Friend.  To Frank and his beautiful bride of 53 and a half years, Sally - and the ENTIRE McNamara Band of Family and Loved Ones,  I raise a glass of the 'Relative', Powers Gold Label, to toast the health, happiness, friendship, and faithful witness, of a man so dear !  May your 80th Personal Solemnity be everything You deserve, for everything You are and continue to be Mugs.............Peace, Prayers, Gratitude, + Love,  Troy David

GENEROUS SELF GIVING IN THESE SACRED SEASONS.............

At the heart of the Christmas event is the Incarnation, God Becoming Human for our Salvation.  At the very core of the salvific act of the Incarnation that led to the fulfillment of the Paschal Mystery of Christ is the generosity of Self-Giving.  In what way are you as a Believer and Follower being truly Self-Giving in the Advent / Christmas Seasons this year in your gift of Time, Talent, or Treasure, to a person or charity in need ?...MORE TO COME.............fr.tdp

ADVENT WEDNESDAY WEEK 3.............

The Advent I offer you this Wednesday  of the 3rd Week of the 2014 Liturgical Year is :

LET US PRAY -
                               As St. Joseph was informed by God's angel in a dream to fear not but to safeguard the Holy Family in cooperation with the Divine Plan for Humankind's Redemption from the death of Sin, so too may we live in fulfilling the dream of being co-heir sharers in the Light and Salvation the three-fold Coming of Jesus the Messiah of All Creation brings us.  Through Christ Our Lord,
                                                                                                           AMEN.

"O Leader of the House of Israel, Giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai; Come to rescue us with Your mighty Power'.
.............fr.tdp

MONIQUE WILLIAMS FAITH FILLED CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN; DEDICATED CATECHIST; REST IN PEACE.............

A wonderful French woman who was proud to be an American and of the Catholic-Christian Church, which she cherished and challenged to be the, "best", it can be; Monique Williams, who lived her life in service to her family, friends, fellow believers, and all peoples she encountered - died on December 9th at age 87.In my first parish assignment as a newly ordained priest of the Diocese of Sacramento from July 1,1987 - September 25, 1988; I had the opportunity  to work in parish catechesis, with Monique as she served as the assistant to our DRE Linda Shumate.  After an insightful homiletic dialogue by Fr. Mueller with those present at her Funeral Mass and a heartfelt remembrance of their faith formation leadership journeys together by Linda after Holy Communion, Fr. Roman offered me the opportunity to speak.  I shared my foremost lasting impression and memory of every time I interacted with Monique, was the warmth and welcome of her smile and the inner joy she radiated to others with her smile.  Awoman of great Faith and a lasting and powerful love for God's Word, in Bible Study, RCIA, and Returning Catholics Ministry, the rootedness of her service and catechetical leadership in the parishes of Orangevale and Citrus Heights, will continue to bear fruit.............God Grant Her The Crown of Eternal Life.............fr.tdp

REAL REJOICING REQUIRES REPENTANCE AND RECONCILIATION.............

Like many Catholic parishes during these Advent Days counting down to Christmas SacHeart Church in East Sacramento is holding an Advent Communal Penance Service with Individual Confessions.  This celebration of penitential sacramental readiness to worthily celebrate the Nativity of the Lord is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight Monday December 16, in the church at 39th and J Streets.  I will be assisting Msgr. Walton, Father Juan, and other visiting priests in hearing Advent/Christmas Confessions.  Have you considered where and when between now and Christmas you will confess your sins and receive sacramental absolution, so as to cleanse the home of your body and soul to welcome and receive the Grace and Peace the Coming of Jesus The Christ in History, has for you and your families during this year's celebration of the Season of the Holy Birth of the Messiah of Humankind.............Fr,  Troy David

GAUDETE ! THAT IS, REJOICE IN THE LORD JESUS THIS 3RD SUNDAY OF ASVENT.............

Despite the travails humans face daily even the most fervent Disciples of Catholic-Christianity, the Third Sunday of Advent Scriptures and Liturgical Prayer and Worship focus hearken us to break the chains of captivity and frustrations that may beset us and rediscover our surest and most dependable anchor in Life and Faith, Jesus the long awaited and ever honorable Messiah, and the Joy to be experienced beyond our worldly inflicted crosses by Rejoicing in the nearing Coming of the Lord.  The rose colored or pink candle we light around the Advent is a sign of our Joy that the Lord's Coming this Christmas is getting close.  The insight from personal experience I share with you today is tapping into Advent  Rejoicing is more than a calendar triggered automatic response.   It arrives with the reality of disappointments, frustrations, pressures, and stresses, also undeniably present in our lives; not to ignored or denied, but folded into the greater reason for Joy : the redemptive and reconciling presence of the One Truth that makes us whole and complete - Jesus The Christ; the Co-Eternal Son of the Heavenly Father and the Triune God in relationship with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, as the Lord of Salvation and Eternal Life.  Just as I have poured the increasing frustrations of the past 21 months into the call to Advent Joy today, so too may you and all Believers blend the adversities of your lives into the Advent invitation to Joy that enlightens our way during this Third Week of Advent.  "Rejoice in the Lord Always.  Again I say, Rejoice !".............Father Troy David Powers

DISABILITY MILESTONES 6.............

Continuing the march of progress in Ministry to Persons with Disabilities on the part of the Catholic Church that numbers 14 million Disabled Catholics in the United States, I share with you the following Disability Awareness and Action Milestones :

2006 - National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) Council on Mental Illness established.
2007 - NCPD hosts first of 16 national webinars.
2008 - Launch of the Washington office of the International Catholic Foundation for the Service of the Deaf.
2008 - A Conference for Deaf People and Pastoral Leaders in the Catholic Deaf Community entitled, "One Faith : The Call to Discipleship in the Global Deaf Community", held in Rome, Italy; Deaf Catholic Groups from over 33 countries attended, speaaking many languages.
2009 - The Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care hosted "The Deaf Person in the Life of the Church", which took place in the Synod Hall of the Vatican.  Presentations were given by Deaf Catholics from the United States and other countries.
2010 - NCPD Autism Task Force established.
2011 - Loyola Press releases Adaptive First Eucharist Preparation Kit for preparing students with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities. 
2013 - Boards of NAfIM, National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministries and NCPD, National Catholic Partnership on Disability approve NAfIM joining NCPD as the NCPD Council on IDD, Intellectual Developmental Disabilities.

Kudos to the visionary and One Church inclusiveness of the Catholic-Christian Leaders in the Church of the United States who over the past 176 years and continuing, who have and are doing what is right, just, and vitally important to the accessibility, inclusion, presence, and participation, of the Disabled, just as Jesus did during His Public Ministry.............Father Troy David Powers

SACRED HEART PARISH 'GIVING TREE' THIS CHRISTMAS.............

One of the Advent customs Christian parishes and congregations have developed during the last several decades is the Christmas Giving Tree.  A tree adorned with gift tags requesting the donation of a particular kind of Christmas present for a less fortunate child or adult are selected from by the parishioners and congregants for distribution to the needy.  My first personal encounter with a Parish Giving Tree was in December 1984, when as a third year seminarian I was assigned to do Pastoral Ministry at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, in Palo Alto, California.  Since then as the custom has grown, virtually every one of the ten parishes I have served in as a Priest of Jesus Christ has had a Giving Tree in the church during Advent.  Sacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento has an extensive Giving Tree outreach on behalf of the underprivileged in the wider Sacramento community.  The Christmas present requests on the SacHeart Giving Tree are donated to four different groups to bring happiness to needy this Christmas.  They are  1.) Wind Youth Services;  2.) Sacramento Diocesan HIV Ministry; 3.) Arden Villa Senior Citizens Center; 4.) St. Francis Terrace; four of the charities I will be blogging more about this week.  Kudos to conscientious Catholic-Christians and benevolent Humanitarians of all stripes, who Care deeply to fulfill the Call to Love One Another as God Loves us. What will you donate to a Giving Tree in your parish, congregation, or neighborhood, to make this Christmas brighter for someone else this Christmas ?  Many of the gift requests are for food, clothing, or gift cards for like items, making your charitable gifts even more essential and efficacious.  Come Lord Jesus, Come !!!.............fr.tdp

SECOND ADVENT FRIDAY AND THE LIGHT OF ST. LUCY.............

As Catholic-Christians universally and particularly in the countries of Scandinavia and Italy, celebrate the feast day of St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, we embrace the tradition of Light, she is commemorated for during the Advent Season.  On this day communities gather in processions of light, and it is this day each year that the lighting of the Nativity Scene and Christmas Trees is celebrated in Vatican.  I have posted more featured postings about St. Lucy and the Vatican Christmas Lighting on my Facebook and Twitter pages.  On this 2nd Friday of Advent, which today is St. Lucy's Day, may you join all faith filled and fervent Disciples in embracing the spirit of St. Lucy as Advent People and walking into the Light of the Coming Messiah, the Light of the World that is Jesus The Christ.  St. Lucy enLighten us as we journey forth in anticipation of the Lord's Coming.............Fr.  Troy David

WHEN THE GAME "21" IS NOT FUN.............

Today makes 21 months I have been involuntarily exiled in a senior citizens retirement residence while I am not a geriatric.  As soon as I can arrange to find a suitably accessible apartment to live independently in the general community, I will be moving into it and recapture some normalcy in my disabled, but still enabled and capable priestly life.  More than five decades ago when I was a disabled child and outside my family circle, the Church was the one place I found full acceptance and the equal opportunity to serve; the most popular game show on television, was "21", the entertainment program that caused the quiz show scandals of the late 1950's.  As a game it was intended to create fun and enjoyment for the participants and the audience. The game of  21 I have made been made to be marginalized and warehoused by for that number of months and continuing, has in no way been fun.  Instead of doing assigned ministry I remain capable of despite my physical disability challenges, as a  weekly presider over Masses and Sacraments and preacher of the Gospel; I sit on the sidelines for the most part doing only the informal, part time ministry, the generously fraternal invitation of a handful of priestly colleagues provide me; causes me to ask is this what Jesus would do with me ?  Is this the Catholic-Christian reform and renewal Pope Francis is advocating for the Church and the World ?  As the past 21 months have shown me there are a growing number of people who affirm, appreciate, and expect my priestly ministry to continue, and are concerned about me, not because I have twisted their arms or brainwashed them, but in truth because my life and ministry as a priest has impacted their lives.  As I muster up more patience and perseverance with the optimistic expectation God's Will shall prevail and the Lord who calls me and His Church who ordained me will not discard me into a premature retirement, but appoint me to a new parish placement and priestly assignment, being supremely, confidently, hope filled, that is what Jesus the High Priest and Pope Francis our Holy Father want for me as much as I do, for the common good of the People of God.............Father Troy David

2ND MITTWOCH OF ADVENT.............

The key word of the title word of this blog column, "Mittwoch", is German for Wednesday,  literally translating as Mid-Week.  On this Seconf Wednesday, entering the midweek nearing the middle of thoos sacred liturgical season, the watching and waiting in spirit and truth we are invited to consider ways we can practice better outreach to others in gifting them in Faith by what we do or how we respond to them as Advent People.  Deciding to do something simple, yet spiritually significant.  Reaching out to remember them, include them, to make a difference in their life and in the betterment of not only the Community of Believers, but in the Society and the relationships we share.  It is found in the inner and lasting good we experience when we give something of ourselves this Advent and Christmas; something spiritual, social, personal, or communal, that by giving it to another we bring them gladness and joy and receive joy and gladness ourselves.  Pray on this middle day of the second midweek that in Fidelity to your Discipleship in the Coming of Jesus The Christ, our actions will brighten the World and build up God's Kingdom presently and in future glory.............Fr.  Troy David

TIME MAGAZINE REVEALS CHOICE OF POPE FRANCIS AS 2013 PERSON OF THE YEAR.............

RUSH LIMBAUGH VERSUS POPE FRANCIS.............

First a few weeks ago it was that political heavyweight Sarah Palin who was questioning the propriety of the Holy Father Pope Francis.  During this past week it has been that broadcaster of self professed excellence and paragon of Christian virtues, Rush Limbaugh who has mouthed criticism on the economic and social justice statements of the Pope Francis, going so far as to scathingly denounce him as a Marxist Communist.  These criticisms and objections to the moral and  ethical leadership Pope Francis is consistently and accurately proclaiming since he became the Bishop of Rome / Supreme Pontiff, nine months ago speaks volumes about the self interest capitalism of the likes of Palin and Limbaugh, and the indifference and insensitivity to providing for the poor and the marginalized.  Pope Francis and all Catholic-Christians and Peoples of goodwill of all persuasions should wear these attacks as a badge of honor in the veracity of the sacred Truth versus the profane lack of charity or affirmation of the innate Dignity of the human person.  Pope Francis is preaching Holiness.  Rush Limbaugh is being a mouthpiece of Division and self Promotion.  This is a no brainer.  Pope Francis right and Rush Limbaugh is wrong.  Keep it coming Your Holiness, the reform, renewal, and reality check you are proving will leave naysayers like Rush in the dustbin of history.............fr.tdp

AN INITIATE OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA THREE DOZEN YEARS TODAY.............

In December 1976, I received a mailing as a Junior at California State University Sacramento, that was to have a transformative and enduring impact on my life, even now.  By responding to that mailed invitation, I became what I call myself, the $900.00 recruit of the founding of Lambda Chi Alpha International General Social Fraternity at Sacramento State.  The Director of Expansion Jon E. Doak, during late February-early March 1977, spaded the student soil on the campus and came up with five more recruits and between March and December 1977, with some of the recruits departing and others joining our ranks as Associate Members, we forged the long, slow, start of a new fraternity colony that stabilized on this night thirty six years ago, when the "Original Six", as are now known were initiated into the Ritual of Lambda Chi Alpha, on campus by a team of Brothers of the Bond from California State University Fresno.  Tom MacKenzie; Troy Powers; Jon Salinger; Kevin Stevens; Robin Blair; Bob Butcher; the six of us went on to be joined by 32 other brothers as Charter Members, and a Chapter named the Phi Pi Zeta at CSU-Sacramento numbering more than 500 initiated Brothers.  The values and precepts at the core of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity that first attracted me continue to inspire and impress me.  And in addition to the fine Brothers I made in Sacramento as both an undergraduate and alumnus, renowned Brothers of our Bond such as the Reverend S. George "Doc" Dirghalli, the late Willis Tate, and George Spasyk, are icons who are and were always men of honest friendship, integrity, fraternal commitment, second to any men I have ever known.  Happy Sacramento Alpha Group 36th Anniversary to all of you my Brothers, in Zeta Alpha Chi Now And Forever,  Brother Father Troy  Phi Pi 2.............

ADVENT AND THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.............

The Prayer of Preparedness and Reform I offer you on this Monday of the Second Week of Advent, which is being observed as the Solemnity of the Immaculate conception, transferred from yesterday, it being the Second Sunday of this Sacred Season of Awakening and Anticipation for the Lord's Coming, is the following.

Let Us Prayer :

Ever Gracious and Loving Lord,  we seek to follow the path of wisdom and enlightenment followed by Your daughter the Blessed Virgin who was conceived without sin to be the vessel who bore the Redeemer of Humankind, Mary our Mother.  As the cooperating handmaid of the Lord, she eagerly brought forth the Christ of Salvation into time and place on Earth.  May we, as Advent People embrace her example of Holiness and Fidelity in the Discipleship of the Coming Messiah we await.

Through Christ Our Lord and Savior.  AMEN.

fr.tdp.............

DISABILITY MILESTONES 5.............

The next set of milestones in the establishing of Disability Ministry in Catholic Church are :

1992 - The Vatican hosts an International Conference on Disability; National Catholic Partnership on Disability NCPD Executive Director Mary Jane Owen, a featured Speaker.
1995 - Guidelines for Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities approved by the U.S. Bishops.
1996 - Two major curricula resources are published through funding from the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation; The Rose Kennedy Curriculum developed by the Diocese of Pittsburgh and distributed by RCL Benziger (3,000 persons in 80 dioceses were trained by Grace Harding on use of the curriculum, and it was translated into Spanish under the guidance of Mary Brosseau of the Diocese of Orange) and series of four publications on Sacramental Preparation; Individualizing Lesson Plans was developed by Marilyn Bishop and Mary Pat Carter and distributed through the University of Dayton.
1998 -Welcome And Justice : A Framework For Access And Inclusion, approved by the U.S. Bishops.
2000 - The Vatican proclaimed a Jubilee Day for Persons with Disabilities celebrated throughout the World on December 3.
2005 - University of Dayton Institute for Pastoral Initiatives launches an online course on Ministry with People with Disabilities.

The sensitivity and awareness that Catholic-Christians with Disabilities deserve to be accessibly, inclusively welcomed and ministered to is continuing to emerge and take root among the People of God in the United States and internationally; and yet we still have so much further to go in making the Disabled a foremost priority in Dioceses, Parishes, and Ministries.............fr.tdp

SECOND ADVENT SUNDAY AND JOHN THE BAPTIZER A HERALD'S VOICE.............

The Second Sunday of Advent hearkens us to the voice and message of the last Herald God sent before the Coming Birth of His Co-Eternal Son as the Messiah, the long awaited Savior of Humankind.  That heralding, prophetic, voice is of the person of John the Baptizer, who came ahead of Jesus The Christ, preaching repentance and the forgiveness of sins.  John baptized the repentant with water, with the assurance that the greater One who would baptism with both water and the Holy Spirit of God. As Advent People we are baptized into the spirit and truth of Jesus' Paschal Mystery of Life, Death, and Resurrection, that begins with His Holy Birth in History, at the Incarnation.  As Disciples of the Messiah today, Catholic-Christians are to be committed to answering the Call to Repentance, Reform, and Reconciliation.  To prepare the way of Jesus The Christ in the homes of our hearts, focused and anchored in body and soul on the "wisdom of heavenly things" , as the Collect / Opening Prayer at Mass proclaims today.  Those heavenly things are encountered in our building up of the Kingdom of God in what we do daily in bearing witness to our Faith, Fellowship. and Fidelity, as God's People.  May who and what you and your family do during these Advent Days increase the effectiveness of your Repentance and Readiness for the Lord's Threefold Coming.............Fr.  Troy David

THIS FIRST FRIDAY OF ADVENT 2014.............

Friday in the First Week of Advent is also the Liturgical Memorial of St. Nicholas of Myra, the same Good St. Nick who has come down to us through thhe centuries of Christian History as, Sinterklaas in Dutch; Kris Kringle in German; Pere Noel in French; Babbo Natale in Italian; Papa Noel in Spanish; and Father Christmas / Santa Claus in English;  to name some of his legendary monickers.  Nicholas of Myra, was a Bishop of the Church in Asia Minor, in what is now the country of Turkey.  He was so magnanimous in his personal charity and generosity that what has become a deeply seeded Christmas tradition of a kindly and loving man with great care for girls and boys dressed festively in a bright red and white suit and a long white beard travels the World on Christmas Eve each year gifting the "nice" boys and girls.  The Bishop in History who became St. Nicholas, has become a living mythical figure, metaphorically continuing to bring gifts to all celebrants of Christmas.  As we prayerfully remember and intercede through St. Nicholas on this his feast day and as Advent People, let us put on the cloak of generosity and charity he teaches us and that is at the heart of the real reason for Christmas - the Birth of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus the Christ.............Fr.  Troy David

NELSON MANDELA SOUTH AFRICA'S APARTHEID CONQUEROR DEAD.............

The major breaking World News of this Thursday December 5, 2013 is the announcement of the death of Nelson Mandela , the South Africa anti Apartheid leader who went from Prisoner to President of a free and equal nation for which he fought, suffered, and persisted, consuming decades of his own life and freedom, after a protracted illness at age 95.  A ten day period of mourning and commemoration of his life as a moral, social, economic, political, and governmental, international icon will lead up to his Funeral which may possibly have a history making gathering number of World Leaders and Peoples, equal to or exceeding those in attendance at that of John F. Kennedy, fifty years ago.  Much more about President Nelson Mandela and his lifelong impact on South Africa and around the Globe in the days ahead............Fr.  Troy David Poweers

SACRAMENTO DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP DELIVERS 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF VATICAN II LITURGY CONSTITUTION PRESENTATION TONIGHT.............

Jim Cavanagh, the Director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Sacramento will be delivering a special presentation tonight at the Pastoral Center at 2110 Broadway tonight at 6:30 p.m. in observance of the 50th Anniversary of the Constitution On The Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium; promulgated at the Second Vatican Council on December 4, 1963.  Having heard a preview at a Clergy Workshop two weeks ago, I will be present among the many tonight who will be in attendance as Cavanagh Presentation is open to all.  I recommend to every Catholic-Christian who is committed to, "Full. Active, Conscious", participation in the liturgical and sacramental rites of our Faith and want to appreciate them more to come along.  In the Spirit of Reform and Renewal this first and seminal Document of Vatican II denotes, Let us journey forward as God's Advent People Together.............Fr.  Troy David Powers

ADVENT WEDNESDAY WEEK ONE.............

On this Wednesday of the First Week of Advent as we awaken our hearts, minds, homes, and communities, anticipating the Lord Jesus' threefold Coming - first in History as God Who Became Man; Everyday, in the opportunities to encounter Him in Word and Sacraments in Living Faith and in His Second Coming in Glory at the end of Time; we observe the 50th Anniversary of the Vatican II Constitution On The Liturgy, Sancrosanctum Concilium - it is apt to offer as my Advent reflection today the opening words of that Sacred Constitution.  "This sacred Council has several aims in view :  it desires to impart an ever increasing vigor to the Christian life of the faithful; to adapt more suitably to the needs of our times those institutions which are subject to change; to foster whatever can promote union among all who believe in Christ; to strenthen whatever can help to call the whole of mankind into the household of the Church,  The Council therefore sees particularly cogent reasons for undertaking the reform and promotion of the liturgy".  SC #1.  .............Come Lord Jesus Come !  fr.tdp

"SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM" - THE FIRST FRUIT OF THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL DECEMBER 4, 1963.............

Today is the 50th Anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium, The Constitution On The Sacred Liturgy, the first of the 16 Documents promulgated by the Catholic Bishops of the World at the Second Vatican Council, 1962-1965.  I will be blogging on this seminal document in the reform and renewal of the Church todai through Friday, as we recall and commemorate the changes SC brought in the, "Full, Active, Conscious, Participation of the People of God in the celebration of the Eucharist and all the liuturgical and sacramental rites of Catholic-Christianity.............Fr.  Troy David

TODAY IS GIVING TUESDAY.............

On this "Giving Tuesday", we are reminded amidst a sea of shopping til you drop frenzyness of the Holiday Season and the push for end of year commercial profit margins, there is a higher purpose we as good citizens and faithful disciples must include in our seasonal transactions, and that is charitable concern  for the truly needy.  4,000 non profit organizations are  taking part in Giving Tuesday today - including the National Catholic Partnership for Disability NCPD.  I have made my Giving Tuesday donation to them and request that you do also.  A monetary contribution of $10.00 or more, will go a long ways toward helping them raise at least $20,000.00 in donations today, in thhe self ffunding they must do to exist and effectively advocate and act on behalf of the 14 million American Catholics with Disabilities.  If you are in my circle of friends and plan to give me a Christmas present, make it a monetary donation for Giving Tuesday, to the NCPD.  Go to their website,  www.ncpd.org  and follow the directions for making your gift.  Every dollar raised will help to increase national Catholic awareness and proactive action to promote the welcoming accessibility and full inclusion oof the Disabled in our churches, halls, schools, catechetical centers, rectories, and all other buildings and ministries of the Catholic Church in the USA.  Thank you in advance for any contribution ro this Giving Tuesday you can make.............Fr.  Troy David Powers  Disabled Priest

ADVENT MONDAY FIRST WEEK.............

 A proper and pertinent prayer for today, Monday of the 1st Week of Advent from today's Mass is the Collect, (Opening Prayer).  I reprint it on my blog to assist you in your personal Advent prayer and meditation.

Collect of the 1st Monday of Advent

Let Us Pray :
Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God, as we await the advent of Christ your Son, so that, when He comes and knocks. He may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in His praise.  Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit One God forever and ever.  Amen.
..............fr.tdp

MY MOTHER'S 31ST ANNIVERSARY AND THE "JOSEPHINE TREATMENT" 2013 GOES TO ? ..........................

Thirty one years ago today - December 2, 1982, my beloved and devoutly faithful Catholic-Christian Mother, Josephine Virginia Corey Feusi Powers, passed from life on earth to her eternal reward.  Even now more than three decades later, the days each year before, during, and after, the anniversary of her death remain poignant and profound for me and other loved ones who cherish her. The example of attentiveness she set as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, nice, aunt, cousin, grandmother, neighbor, friend, and disciple, as well as her generosity of spirit for others, were exemplary and inspirational.  Day after day for the sixty years of her earthly existence she went the extra mile in being present and responding to the needs of those of us she encountered or interacted with, sacrificing herself in thoughtfulness, care, and concern, for the good of others.  Her Faith in God, and practice of our Catholic religion, through Sunday Mass, daily prayer and devotions, regular visits to church to pray in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, and in charitable works, as well as seeing to it not only her own children, but nieces and nephews were catechized and received the Sacraments, were mainstays of her life.  I miss her now more than ever.  I am also fortified in my own faith and priestly vocation, by her life and memory.  From my physical disability she so lovingly addressed, to the unconditional encouragement she provided to my consideration of becoming a priest, her lasting contribution to the betterment of who I am, is indelible.  Roses being her favorite flower and her own homegrown roses still blooming in our South Sacramento yard, where my youngest brother Tom still resides; remembering her with an annually increased number of roses on her anniversary, are one of the ways I commemorate her.  Until 1996, I placed 1 red rose for each year she has been departed, and 1 white rose representing eternity on her grave in St. Mary's Cemetery, Sacramento.  Since 1997, I have awarded the same to one or more women each year, as a living memorial of her life and holy example.  In the past sixteen years, 20 women in our mutual circles of friends have been recipients of what I named the, "Josephine Treatment" - 'My Mother's Anniversary Roses'.  Today they are joined by two more women, who wonderfully exemplify the values and devotedness, my Mother lived.  The December 2, 2013 recipients sharing the 32 roses of the Josephine Treatment today are :  Jerrie Richards, in Rio Linda; and  Ruth Rosenberg, in East Sacramento.  Both Ruth and Jerrie will be receiving 15 red roses and 1 white rose, symbolizing and memorializing the 31st Anniversary of my Mother, Josephine Virginia Corey Feusi Powers.  I will blog more about the these two 2013 "Josephine Treatment" choices in another blog column later today.  Thank You Lord God for the Life and Love of my Mother.  May she dwell now and forever  in Peace and Joy in Your Everlasting Kingdom...Alleluia !  Amen !!.............Troy David Powers

DISABILITY MILESTONES 4.............

The continuing sharing of Disability Ministry Milestones for this 1st Sunday of Advent I share with you for your information are :

1980 - The U.S. Bishops Advisory Committee hosts a major national conference of Disability Ministry Leaders in Niagra Falls, New York.
1982 - National Catholic Office for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) founded.  In 2002, the name changed to National Catholic Partnership on disability.  Sister Rita Baum, S.S,J., is the first Executive Director, from 1982-1991; Mary Jane Owen, from 1991-2004; and Janice Benton, from 2004 to the present.
1984 -  Catholic Association of Persons with Visual Impairment (CAPVI) founded under the leadership of Msgr. Paul Lackner, to prmote delivery of services to Catholics who are blind or visually impaired; joined with the NCPD in 2002, and produced the Roman Missal and Lectionary in three sizes of large print.
1985 - NCPD publishes first edition of, Opening Doors,  Volumes I & II.
1990 - Mattie J.T. Stepanek born; bestselling author, who touched many persons lives with his 5 books of poetry, and 1 book of essaysbefore his death in 2004; Cause of  Canonization initiated on September 21, 2012; Pisthumouslt awarded the NCPD 'Youth and Young Adult Leader Award', in November 2013 in Houston, Texas.
1991 - Seasons Of Grace (adapted sacramental preparation materials) developed by Brigid O'Donnell, and published by Our Sunday Visitor.

Disability Awareness, Advocacy, and Action, are an ongoing and very important necessary reality for the Accessibility, Inclusion, Presence, and Participation.  Help the National Catholic Partnership for Disability, NCPD continue this imperative outreach to 14 million American Catholics, by donating $10.00 or more on "Giving Tuesday" December 3, by going to :  www.ncpd.org .............Fr.   Troy  Disabled but still Capable Priest.

THE ADVENT SEASON AND THE AWESOME ANTICIPATION OF THE COMING OF THE LORD JESUS 2014.............

The Worship of this First Day and Sunday of ADVENT 2014, begins with the Breaking Open The Word, with the SacHeart RCIA Inquirers and Team, at 9:30 a.m., then concelebrating the 11 a.m. Mass with either Msgr. Walton or Fr. Juan.  As the the New Liturgical Year opens I had greatly hoped to be presiding and preaching in fulltime parish priestly ministry.  Alas, the redundancy of my nearly 21 month holding pattern proceeds to be drawn out and marginalized, to unofficially ministering as I am invited to, but without a canonical placement or assignment from Bishop Soto.  I will continue to push forward to be fully restored to the priestly pastoral parish ministry God is calling me to continue doing; as a disabled but still able, 57 year old priest.  Ordained Ministry I am remain capable of carrying out as attested to by my medical team, and and an increasing number of my parishioners, friends, and leaders in the Sacramento community,  are witnessing to my being able to provide.   As People of God may we light the way of Faith in the Coming of the Lord Jesus this Advent,  and let us pray together that enlightenment will envelop everyone in the Catholic Church ,,to affirm and support the continuing accessibility, inclusion, and participation, of the 14 million Catholics in the United States who are Disabled, including me and the many other Priests of Jesus Christ, who are are wheelchair bound, paralytics, quadriplegics, or otherwise challenged.  A Blessed and Proactive Advent of the Lord.............Fr.  Troy David

AFTER THE FRENZY OF BLACK FRIDAY, SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, CYBER MONDAY, THE NCPD ASKS FOR YOUR HELP ON, "GIVING TUESDAY".............

Holiday Shopping-itis having commandeered the attentions and energies of tens of millions from prematurely arriving Black Friday sales that greedily cut into the actual proper observance of ThanksGiving Day; the crush of sales and shoppers hopefully helping the mom and pop style independent merchants today on Small Business Saturday; and the online crunch of purchases to be made two days from now on Cyber Monday; all of this is a prelude to a national American fundraising event in the coming week that is at the heart of the message and charitable sharing of Christmas and the Holiday Season.  It is titled, "Giving Tuesday", on December 3.  "Giving Tuesday", is a project of the National Catholic Partnership for Disability", which is trying to raise $20,000.00. between now and on or before December 3rd.  Please join me in making a monetary contribution to the NCPD'S "Giving Tuesday".  Your gift of $10.00 or more  will help them further assist the 14 million Catholics in the United States with Disabilities more wholistically participate and take their rightful place in the Church.  Go to thre website : www.ncpd.org and follow the directions for sending your donation.  Amidst all the frenzied Consumerism from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, what better way to authenticate the true purposes of the Advent / Christmas / Holiday Seasons, then by remembering the Disabled Americans of Catholic-Christian Faith on this GIVING TUESDAY DECEMBER 3 ?  If you are in my circle of friends and planning to give me a Christ present, please make it a donation yo the National Catholic Partnership for Disability, NCPD.org .............Thank You In Jesus The Christ For Giving,  Reverend Father Troy David Powers

PRAYERS FOR A YOUNG BOY WITH A DISABLED LEFT LEG LIKE ME.............

On Priesthood Sunday USA October 27, after concelebrating the 9:30 a.m. Mass, I was in the sacristry of Sacred Heart Church awaiting the start of the 11 a.m. Mass, when a young boy with a slight speech defect walked in and asked me how my prosthetic leg felt.  He eagerly wanted to know about it and soon volunteered he his left leg is turned outward, just as mine has been from birth.  He told me that he was having a surgery on his leg.  When I asked him how soon his mother told me over the ThanksGiving break.  When I said my left leg is like his is turned outward, he wanted to know if I had my leg operated on.  I said no I  didn't and told him at his age the surgery he is having this weekend, will likely make his leg straight.  I am thinking and praying for him and his family this week and ask you to remember him in your prayers too.  It was an encounter I will cherish always.  As he and his mother left the sacristy last month, I watched as  he animatedly told his mother about seeing and talking to me.  All because of the witness value of my being there in a wheelchair and the ability in him to identify and relate to me as a disabled priest.  Whereas some persons now perceive me as a tarnished commodity and a burden,  among them at least a few colleagues and superiors; the disabled and a resounding number of enlightened and inclusive persons, welcome and affirm my continuing priestly ministry from the accommodation of a wheelchair.  Ihope to see, encorage, affirm, witness, and minister, to that disabled boy and many more of the People of God, the Lord called me and the Diocese of Sacramento ordained me to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ to carry out.  For as the Pastoral Statement of the U.S. Bishops on Persons With Disabilities 1978; and the National Catholic Partnership for Disability founded from it in 1982 proclaim, "There Is No Separate Church For the Disabled".............Fr.  Troy David

THANKSGIVING DAY USA 2013.............

ThanksGiving Day USA 2013 is here as we gather with our families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and fellow believers, in gratefully celebrating our Oneness in the Lord Our God and the Blessings of Life and Faith.  Having concelebrated the 9:30 a.m. ThanksGiving Day Mass in Sacred Heart Church, I will journey to Elk Grove to have a Blessed Dinner, withh my extended Family, the Geaches.  May all of you and your families in America and Around the World, be blessed with grateful thanks for paths of life, love, faith, and friendship, God extends to you in Fidelity and Fellowship as People of God.  Eat, Drink, Makr Merry,  and Rejoice, for This is the Day the ;Lord calls us Consecrate our Nation, to God's Greater Glory; the Common Good; and the Righteousness of the Truth and Justice for persons everywhere in God's Creation.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!!!!!!!!!!!.............Father Troy David Powers

A REMARKABLE PRIESTS DAY ALUMNI REUNION @ ST. PATRICK'S SEMINARY..........................

My seven hour return back to St. Patrick's Seminary and University, in Menlo Park California; was a truly remarkable reunion at the 2013 Priests Day Alumni celebration.  Sharing the adternoon and evening with my beloved classmates, Auxiliary Bishop of San Jose Thomas A. Daly; currently the Interim President of St. Patrick's Seminary, as well as Father Daniel B. Donohoo;who is now serving on the Seminary Faculty in Menlo Park, as a Spiritual Director and the Director of the Pastoral Year seminarians.  Fr. Dan, Bishop Tom, and I, were last together at Dan's Ordination to the Priesthood in Indianapolis, Indiana; his native diocese on June 7, 1986.  Having stayed in contact over the past twenty seven and a half years, it was a truly wonderful reuniting face to face with him - a man and priest I greatly admire and respect as a friend, colleague, and brother, in Jesus The Christ.  I will be blogging more about the reunion and the affirmation of priestly ministry it was for me and those present.............Fr.  Troy David Powers

NEWTOWN MASSACRE FINDINGS REPORT.............

Less than three weeks before the Newtown, Massachusetts elementary school Mass Killing that  wantonly cost 20 first graders and 6 of their teachers their lives at the hands of a young man wielding and using high powered, multi round weapons, the Final Report has been issued delaring the gunman was a detached, deranged, dilettante, who only communicated with his mother, whom he also shot dead in her bed, the morning of the December 14, 2012 massacre of innocents.  Yet this man and far too many like him have unregulated access to guns under the erroneous banner of their right under the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.  Until the three branches honestly and forthrightly address the truth their is no Right to Murder or Kill. out of selfishness, evil. or mental illness; sadly more and then more persons livees will be wiped out for what, false freedom ?.............Fr.  Troy David

DWTS SEASON 17 FINALS THREE WHO BELONG THERE AND A QUESTIONABLE FOURTH.............

Amber. Corbin. Jack. Not Bill.  The first round of the Finals of Season 17 of "Dancing With The Stars", produced both a very entertaining show and the right outcome.  The least talented, overstaying, emotional fan favorite, who had remained weeks longer than he deserved and was eliminated; the three best dancers after ten weeks of intensive rehearsals and highly improved performances - one a stocky female "Glee" star; another known from the Disney  hit, 'High School Musical';  and the third, the Muscular Dystrophy contending son of an infamous hard rock superstar; will compere in one final dance each Tuesday night, before the judges panel and the television audience fans determine who wins the Disco Ball Trophy #17.  Any one of these three finalists can win if tonight is an indicator.  Tune in tonight or check tomorrow to learn if it will be Champion Jack; Champion Corbin; or Champion Amber. ???.............fr.tdp

CAPITOL CORRIDOR TO SEMINARY CITY.............

I have arrived in Menlo Park, California within the hour, after taking the AmTrak Capitol Corridor Train from the Sacramento Station to the San Jose Terminal and then a t, for which I axi to the seminary city that was my home from 1984-1986. Menlo Park.  St . Patrick's Seminary is located here and will holding Alumni Day tomorrow which I traveled down.  A smooth and uncomplicated train trip it was requiring only minimal assistance of a wheelchair lift to get on and off the train; and a golf cart ride to get from and to the station / track.  My local taxi driver was very good and punctual, and the hotel receptionist, manager, and maintainence man, all very personable, proficient, and welcoming.  I eagerly anticipate tomorrow's gathering and will enjoy these two independent and enjoyable out and about in the Bay Area before returning to Sacramento to celebrate ThanksGiving Day with my familt and friends, then resuming my search on Friday, for an accessible apartment in the general community.............fr.tdp

THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT KENNEDY SUNDAY AND MONDAY 1963.............

On this 50th Anniversary Sunday of the killing of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, slain at age 46, as he rode with the First Lady, Governor Connally, and his wife in an open topped limousine in a motorcade through downtown Dallas, watching the livestream internet coverage of the real time  events on Day 3, a half century ago brings back my memories then as a seven year old boy.  The shooting that Sunday morning of the suspected perpetrator of the President's Assassination as he was being transferred from the city to county jail. is burnt in my memory as will tens of millions of Americans my family watched it happen live.  The sudden appearance of Jack Ruby to within a foot of Lee Harvey Oswald surrounded by Dallas Police, and firing a gunshot point blank into his abdomen, which tore through multiple vital organs, was shocking and surreal to watch.  That day, like with the entirety of those four days of which this was the third; watching the casket of President Kennedy exit the White House and be drawn by caisson to thee Rotunda of the U.S.Capitol, the ceremonies and eulogies, and the endless throng of persons who filed passed, not for the scheduled 6-8 hours, but over 20 hours are seered in our memories of a man and a time America and the World continues to remember and revere.............Fr.  Troy David

DISABILITY MILESTONES 3.............

The continuing chronicle of the Milestones in Disability Ministry I share with you today as provided by CUSA - an Apostolate of Persons wit Chronic Illness or Disability, are the following :

1969 - Cardinal Stritch College (now University) offers a Masters Degree in Special Religious Education, and educates many of the future leaders of Disability Ministry; 'Journey With Jesus curriculum developed by Sister Sheila Haskett and Sister Coletta Dunn, becomes national teaching tool.
1970's - Catholic Charities offices set up Group Homes in response to DeInstitutionalization.
1971 - National Catholic Office For the Deaf , NCOD; founded and directed by Father David Walsh, CSsR.
1974 - Hanicapped Encounter Christ (HEC) retreat program established by John Keck.
1975 - The U.S. Bishops National Advisory Council on Ministry wit Hanicapped People established; includes pastoral leaders from throughout the United States.
1978 - Pastoral Statement of the U.S. Bishops on Handicapped People approved
by the U.S. Bishops ("Handicapped People ", was later changed to, "Persons with Disabilities".
1979 - Faith and Fellowship organization founded to provide Faith Experiences in a way  suited to the needs of Persons with Mental Illness.

The Catholic Faith Tradition progresses in our appreciation, affirmation, accessibility, and inclkusion of the Disabled, needing to continue growing in understanding and facilitating the presence and participation of All Persons.............Fr. Troy David

THE MOST SOLEMN KING AND HIGH PRIEST OF ALL CREATION : JESUS THE CHRIST

Faith in and Fidelity to the Supreme Being of the Universe. the Triune God of All Creation, Lord of Life, and Power of Love, Forgiveness, and Salvation, for All Humankind, we who are Catholic Christians celebrate this day as the Solemnity of Christ The King.  Jesus Christ, the Co-Eternal Son of God the Father and the Sender of the Holy Spirit; the Divine and Human Anointed One, Who was  born in Time to be the Save us from Sin and Death in the Mission and Ministry if His Paschal Mystery of Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.  He is the Sovereign over All Times, Places, and Peoples, magnanimously deserving of  our respect, reverence, love, and discipleship.  The greatest attribute of the Kingship of Jesus The  Christ as the paramount primary priestly and prophetic presence in our lives is the Relationship he chooses to share with everyone who believes and follows Him in answering our Divine Call to Holiness and the assurances of Faith in the  Coming of God's Eternal Kingdom.  May you feast in the Love of God manifested for us in the Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist.the Sacred Meal and Sacrifice the Divine King provides us as a foretaste of the Banquet of Life in the Everlasting Light of God's Kingdom.  All Praise, Glory, and Thanksgiving, to Jesus The Christ - our King and our God.............Father Troy David Powers

THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT KENNEDY 50 YEARS LATER WHEN WALTER CRONKITE SHONE AS AMERICA'S ANCHORMAN.............

As Day 2 of the four day of 50th Anniversary of the tragic Death of the 35th President of the United States John Fitzgerald Kennedy proceeds, the Commemoration of the events and saturation live  television network news coverage is impressive to behold.  Watching much of the livestreaming of CBSNews.com; and MSNBC.com; yesterday and preparing to do so again today, it it providing striking poignancies.  Having witnessed selected portions of the filmed highlights during the past five decades. those highlights are only the warmup to recollecting the reporting our Nation witnessed, commercial and entertainment free, from Friday afternoon November 22, 1963 to the evening of Monday November 22, 1963.  Watching the CBS News and the NBC News coverage from the day of the Kennedy Assassination, as it unfolded a half century ago yesterday I am struck by a few fresh observations for me.  First, how focused and articulately communicative Walter Cronkite and his colleagues truly were during the initial hours of live coverage without a net they were, from the moment he broke into regular CBS programming with a voice over and only a news bulletin card showing as they awaited a hot television camera to go live with; which when several minutes later he was seen on the air, saw him in the midst of the frentic CBS Newsroom, the confident anchorman exhibiting the full effectiveness and attributes of a news reporter not rattled or detached, but maintaining a calm, deliberate resolve in assembling and delivering the unfolding news as accurately as possible.  Chet Huntley on NBC News coverage of that devastating day, seemed to be distracted and much less assertive in his role as anchorman, letting Frank McGee and a news producer do most of the heavy lifting of the events of the shooting of President Kennedy and its aftermath.  Perhaps it was being without his usual news reporting partner and co-anchor David Brinkley at the outset, or the depth personal shock and grief he was experiencing.  The quality of the news coverage by both NBC News and CBS News during those horrible days was impeccable. what I now observe underscores the way the already respected Walter Cronkite become the reassuring, turn to presence in the homes of Americans, a national Uncle Walter, whose coverage and news coverage of the Kennedy Assassination, the Space Program, Political Conventions, Presidential Inaugurations, the Viernam War, and the Watergate Scandal, became, "The Most Trusted Man In America".  Time for me to get back to the livestreaming of the JFK Half Century livestreaming.............Fr.  Troy David

THAT DAY IN DALLAS 50 YEARS AGO TODAY.............

As we mark the 50th Anniversary date and the four days in November 1963 that changed the Presidency, our Nation, and the World, with the Assassination of President Fitzgerald Kennedy; I will be blogging through Monday on past coverage and present commemorations of the life and death of the first Catholic President of the United States.  Kudos to the news outlets that are providing an extensive chronicle of the events of this harrowing, historic, happening.  The Catholic News Service online is presenting an excellent overview from a Catholic perspective, much of which you will find on my Facebook page.  Also for those with the desire to remember that day as it occurred in real time, CBSNews.com; and MSNBC.com; will both be livestreaming the news coverage of the Kennedy Assassination, being at 10:38 a.m. Pacific Time on CBSNews,com / and 11 a.m. on MSNBC.COM .  More here over the next 96 hours of this Kennedy Anniversary Half Century Commemoration.............Father Troy David Powers

CONTINUING EDUCATION OF THE CLERGY DAY ON R.C.I.A. AND VATICAN TWO @ 50.............

Permanent Deacon Ray Hegelson and Director of the Office of Worship Jim Cavanagh, presented a thoroughly well prepared and resourcefully provided Workshop for the Continuing Education of the Diocesan Clergy - Priests and Deacons, in the Pastoral Center at 21st and Broadway in Sacramento.  It was also trasmitted electronically to a satellite location in Chico.  From 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. we met and interacted to the topic of, 'R.C.I.A. And Renewing The Parish - The Year Of Faith And Vatican II.  It made for a wonderful interactive ministerial day, as I continuously break away from the geriatric haven back into the more normative general community.............fr.tdp

THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE IN THE ARDEN SACRAMENTO PARISH.............

On this Feast Day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple as a child in fidelity to Jewish practice, we recall her Call by God and the Mission God gave her to become the New Eve, the Mediatrix of Grace, and the Vessel who was to bear the Savior of Humankind, Who is the Co-Eternal of God our Heavenly Father - Jesus the Christ.  Since 2006, this date is also of very special recollection for me, as I praise God and give Thanks for the Parishioners of Presentation Parish in the Arden area of Sacramento, I was pleased to minister to as their Parochial Vicar and Priest In Residence, for three and a half years June 1, 2006 - December 31, 2009.  I would have gladly have become their Pastor if I had been given the opportunity to shepherd, serve, and lead, the Presentation Parish who took seriously the Teachings and Model of Church as the People of God we are in Holiness called to embrace in, "Faith, Fellowship, Collegiality, and Collaboration".  The Spirit of Caring and Sharing in Liturgy and Ministry, Faith Formation and Social Justice they espoused and practiced made it as vibrant and dynamic, perhaps even more a postconciliar Vatican II parish community, as any of the 103 parishes in the Sacramento Diocese, including the 10 parishes and 4 pastorates I have served over the past 26.5 years.  Happy Parish Feast Day People of God in Presentation Parish, Sacramento.  I appreciate and will be forever grateful for the opportunities to serve with and for you, the Greater Glory of the Lord our God and the Common Good of All, in Faithful Witness to Jesus The Christ and emulating the Discipleship Response of Mary His Mother whose Presentation we commemorate today.  Fr.  Troy David Powers

THE CHURCH AS A PLACE OF WELCOME- DISABILITIES ARE NOT DISQUALIFIERS.............

As the Papal Nuncio to the United States, Apostolic Delegate Archbishop Vigano told the November Meeting of the United States Conference of Bishops, (USCCB) in Baltimore, Maryland; last week - the Catholic Church in the United States must become More Welcoming.  The Church must open wide the doors of Faith, Worship, Sacraments, Fellowship, and Ministry, to all who are baptized or seek to be included in the Body of Christ and the Community of Believers the Risen Jesus founded here on Earth.  That means in the words of the 1978 U.S.C.C.B. Pastoral Letter on Persons Wit Disabilities, "There is No Separate Church for the Disabled".  We are all One, and the 14 million Disabled Catholics in the USA are also One with us.  As one of those persons, physically disabled from birth the Church was the one place in my childhood where welcome, acceptance, inclusion, was unconditional.  I chose to become a Priest of Jesus Christ for the Diocese of Sacramento in part, because of my positive, good faith, experiences of welcome and opportunity.  Unfortunately, I cannot say the same thing now, after more than 20 Months of being sidelined and marginalized due to my disability and involuntarily exiled into a retirement community where I do not belong.  My diabetes, transplant, and amputation, do not disqualify me from carrying out my ordained ministry as a priest, only insensitive, unenlightened, or ignorant attitudes about Accessibility and the Inclusion of those of us who are Disabled Catholic Christians does.  As strongly as I feel about the unfairness and injustice I am enduring, I feel even more strongly for others who are disabled or discriminated against because of their physical, intellectual, or development impairments.  The Dignity of the Human Person, Catholic Christian Charity and Social Justice, and Gospel Values steeped in Loving God and Loving One Another, are our birthright and our baptismal obligation in doing what is right and just - for you and me, and for all.  To achieve that anew in my own life I proceed to actively identify and retain an independent living apartment so as to resume a more normal, age appropriate, life and priestly ministry experience in the general community well outside the inappropriate, unacceptable, geriatric setting I continue to be wasting away and warehoused in.  Lord Jesus Hear My Prayer For All The Disabled in the Church, Our Nation, and Around The World.............Reverend Father Troy David Powers

R.C.I.A. IN THE MORNING...IN THE EVENING... .............

R.C.I.A. and Adult Faith Formation Director at Aacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento, Rita Spillane and yours truly, are doule timed together on Tuesdays these weeks doing sessions of the Rite of Christian Initiation instructions - in the morning as catch up discussions with a few Inquirers, and joining our Pastor Msgr. Walton, and fellow team member Anna Marie, for the weekly general sessions with all the Inquirers and some of their Sponsors.  This morning I joined Rita and Inquirer Michael, for a make up session, before I headed off by BK Taxi, to an appointment with Dr. Jakkidi Reddy, M.D., for my face to face powerchair evaluation to be complered.  After lunch I will continue my active search foran independent living general community accessible apartment and mny long overdue release from a retirement I do not, if ever, belonged.............fr.tdp

FIRST ACA ENROLLMENT NUMBERS REVEALED - AN UNFOLDING EMBARASSMENT UNTIL REMEDIED.............

Given the undeniable, unmitigated, disastrous first month October roll out of the Affordable Care Act website, the Obama Administration's Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius has announced the Statistics regarding ACA offered health insurance coverage plans.  106,000 persons have thus far enrolled in a plan; and nearly 1,000,000 persons more have checked out the offerings, but not yet committed to a health insurance plan.  Repairs to the website and the deadlines for choosing a plan are expected to substantially increase the total number of subscribers in coming months.  The start up of Social Security, Mrdicare, and the Prescription Drug Pan, Medicare Part D, also got offto slow starts in being fully implemented.  Sadly. this time partisan politics are joined with the glitches, in complicating the successful execution of the ACA / Obamacare.............fr.tdp

DISABILITY MINISTRY MILESTONES 2.............

Continuing to share with you the Disability Ministry Milestones of the Catholic Church in the United States, provided by CUSA, an Apostolate For Persons With Chronic Illness Or Disability; which I learned about at the National Catholic Partnership for Disability NCPD Convention 2013, in Houston Texas, two weeks ago - here are today's highlighted dates and details, for your information and consideration...

1949 - International Catholic Deaf Association, ICDA founded begun by Deaf adults.
1950 - Monsignor Elmer Behrmann, establishes the Department of Special Education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri.
1954 - The American Federation of Catholic Workers for the Blind and Visually Handicapped founded.
1964 - Victorious Missionaries founded at Our Lady of the Snows in Bellview, Illinois; by Father John Maronic, O.M.I., whose Cause for Canonization was initiated in 2004.
1964 - L'Arche begun by Jean Vanier who welcomed two men with Intellectual Disabilities into his home in Trosly Breuil France; it has grown to Homes in 40 Countries on 6 Continents.
1966 - SPRED, (Special Religious Education) founded in Chicago, Illinois; by Father James McCarthy, and Sister Mary Therese Harrington. 
1968 - National Apostolate for the Mentally Retarded, (NAMR) founded by Parents and Pastoral Workers.  Name changes to National Apostolate for Mentally Retarded Persons (NAMRP) National Apostolate with Persons with Mental Retardation (NAPMR) National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry (NAfIM)

NAfIM merged with the NCPD at the Partnership '13 two weeks ago...To Be Continued.............Father Troy David Powers 

RETURN TO CITRUS HEIGHTS - PERMANENT DIACONATE MINISTRY OF ACOLYTE MASS.............

This morning I returned for a few hours to my first parish as a Priest of Jesus Christ in the Diocese of Sacramento, Holy Family from July 1, 1987-September 25, 1988; which I served as Associate Pastor. On November 24, 2000, I returned to Holy Family Parish, Citrus Heights, as the Pastor until June 27, 2005.  Today I was back there for the Concelebrated Mass with Bishop Soto and 11 other priests for the Ministry of Acolyte, of the 20 Permanent Diaconate Class who will be ordained deacons next June 28, 2014.  Among them are Paul Friedrich from Presentation Parish in the Sacramento Arden area; Mark Hronicek, of Holy Family Parish in Citrus Heights; and Tim Louie, from Weed/Yreka, in Siskiyou County.  I was proud and privileged to be present with them today as they were initiated into the final ministry and ritual step in their final months before Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate.............Fr.  Troy David

THE FOURTH AND FINAL NCPD 2013 KEYNOTE LAUNCHING US INTO HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE DISABLED IN THE U.S. CHURCH.............

The last of the four Keynote Addresses delivered at the NCPD Partnership 2013 Convention in Houston, Texas; was given on Sunday morning November 3, by Dr. Peter Murphy, who spoke on the topic of, "Disciples Called To Witness : What Does The New Evangelization Mean To Me ?"  Dr. Murphy is presently the Executive Director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat on Evangelization and Catechesis.  He persuasively and dynamically shared with those of us present how the New Evangelization is about our personal encounters with Jesus The Christ.  He also chronicled how the new Pastoral Letter of the U.S. Bishops, 'Disciples Called To Witness', attests to our need to personalize our relationship to the Risen Jesus within the Community of Believers, Our Families, and in the Everyday Opportunities of the Publics we encounter and interact with daily.  Peter Murphy completed a Doctorate in Ministry from the Catholic University of America, and also has Master's Degrees in both Theology and Counseling.  A married father with three sons, He has extensive teaching and educational administrative experience at multiple levels, from being a grade school teacher and residence hall director, an adjunct professor of Theology, and as a College Director of Student Formation and Administrative Faculty, as well as the serving as the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. Director of the Office of Family Life.  I immensely enjoyed and was further enlightened by all four NCPD  '13 Keynote Dr. Murphy;s presentation Addresses and found Dr. Murphy;s presentation to be a perfect summation and most stimulating treatise going forward in advancing the cause of Disability Awareness and Accessibile, Inclusive, Ministry in the lives of those of us who are among the 14 million Disabled Catholics in the USA.  Over the past 35 Years much has been done, and yet still far more remains to be done in parishes and dioceses throughout the country to make the completreness of the, "Full. Active, Conscious", accessible and inclusive presence and participation of Disabled Persons a reality.  How does your own Parish and Diocese stack up in wholistically welcoming and ministering to Disabled Catholics ?.............Father Troy David Powers

TODAY'S FUNERAL FOR REVEREND FATHER TERRY FULTON.............

The Funeral  Mass and Committal Service for Father Terry Fulton, a nineteen year Priest of the Diocese of Sacramento, who died on November 6th, as the Pastor of St. Maria Goretti Parish in SouthEast Elk Grove, were held today in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, and at St. Mary's Cemetery, in Sacramento.  Bishop Jaime Soto presided over the Concelebrated Funeral Mass with Bishops William Weigand and Francis Quinn; jopned by 81 Priests.  Monsignor Albert O'Connor was the Homilist, and spoke of the fidelity of Father Terry as both an adoptive father of 4 daughters and ten grandchildren; to our nation as a member of the United States Air Force; and as a Priest of Jesus Christ; underpinning the weakness as well as the strength of any man who becomes a priest and yet how one's acknowledged and accepted  weakness can assist in the success a priest and pastor is capable of achieving as Fr. Terry did in the parishes he ministered in, with his work as Pastor of St. Maria Goretti and the Parish's First Church, recently constructed under his leadership being the crowning achievement.  Msgr. O' Connor stated Fr. Fulton was able to succeed as a priest and pastor, even though he could be tough, or what Father Brian Atienza, Pastor of St. Joseph;s Parish in Elk Grove, who presided and preached at the Vigil Service Thursday night referred to as, Fr. Terry's "rough edges".  As the full capacity Cathedral attested today, Father Terry Fulton holds a lasting affection in the hearts and minds of persons he interacted with and ministered to, as both a a deacon and a priest.  Eternal Light, Life, and Love, now be his in the embrace of God's Kingdom.  May his soul Rest in Peace Forever.............fr.tdp

NCPD PARTNERSHIP 2013 KEYNOTER NUMBER THREE IN GALVESTON HOUSTON.............

The third Keynote Speaker at Partnership 2013 of the NCPD, this month at the Marriott Hotel West Chase in Houston, Texas; was Maria Mar Munoz Visoso, who spoke to the Convention about 'Building InterCultural Competence For Ministers'.  Mrs. Munoz Visoso is the Executive Director of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity In The Church, of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  She is the former Assistant Director of the U.S.C/C.B.'s  Media Relations Department.  Prior to that she served in various capacities doing Hispanic Ministry in the Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado.  She spoke in her Keynote Address of the challenges and opportunities Pastors, Parish Teams, and all Ministers face as the Church grows more and more culturally diverse to effectively work together for all peoples, in the Spirit of the New Evangeliztion in interCultural experiences and settings.  This is particularly true in regards to Disability Ministry, as in my priestly and pastoral experience over the past quarter of a century plus, there is sometimes a lack of awareness, sensitivity, or inclusion, in providing for Disabled parishioners.  This is due in part to a Cultural deficiency in understanding or focusing on addessing the Special Needs of the Disabled who seek to worship, be catechized, receive sacramental preparation, or socialize, in the context of Faith, Fidelity, and Fellowship, in the Catholic Church.  Another insightful sharing in taking part in the NCPD '13 gathering this presentation was as the penultimate Address of the Convocation.............fr.tdp

SARAH PALIN VERSUS POPE FRANCIS.............

In a television interview yesterday with CNN's Jake Tapper, on "The Lead', former Alaska Governor and 2008 Republican Vice Presidential Nominee, Sarah Palin - took on Good  Pope Francis.  She described herself as, "taken aback", by some of the Supreme Pontiff's statements and said, "he's a bit liberal".  Really ?  Sarah Palin, a resigned Governor, failed Vice Presidential Nominee, and unrenewed Political pundit, dares to call the very well Educated Jesuit, productively people serving Priest and Cardinal Archbishop, and now devoutly outreaching and compassionate Vicar of Christ On Earth, +Jorge Bergoglio / Pope Francis; is imprudent enough to proclaim herself out of touch with the vast majority of the World, who are drawn to this Successor of St. Peter, for his simplicity, directness, and spirit of reform and renewal of the most inclusive and wholistic Church possible, speaks volumes.  Her bona fides for knowing or understanding the authentic pastoral responsibility and prophetic ministry of the Holy are highly questionable.  Were the Catholic Church in the contemporary World not living out the Call to Holiness and Dignity in the post conciliar, ecumenical, Vatican II, era of Catholic Christianity, she might be considered an infidel.  Terms such Apostate and Heretic come to mind in terms of how the pre Vatican Church may have described a prtson like her, who chose to leave the Catholic Church of her baptism for a Fundamentalist denomination.  The timing of her critique of Pope Francis, is also curious, given she is launching a book tour to promote and sell her new book on saving Christmas.  Could her willingness to diss the Roman Pontiff be anything but cashiering the Pope in order to stir up book sales and fill her own coffers ?   It is evident that this is an example of a lightweight versus a heavyweight.  Pope Francis and the, "Francis Effect" his Leadership and Ministry are having on the Church and the World in his first seven months on the Chair of Peter, will remain unvanquished by the self promoting agendas and criticisms of persons such as this whose craving for the spotlight knows no bounds.  I, like others billions proudly stand with Pope Francis and his authenticity as the Supreme Pontiff as we journey together further into the Sacred Truth of the 21st Century of the Salvation attained for us, by Our Lord and the Savior of Humankind, Jesus The Christ.............Father Troy David Powers

NCPD KEYNOTE SPEAKER NUMBER TWO IN HOUSTON @ PARTNERSHIP 2013.............

On Saturday morning November 2, All Souls Day and the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, in our Catholic-Christian Faith Tradition, the NCPD Partnership 2013 Gathering was presented with a Keynote Address by Dr. Arturo Chavez, the President and CEO of the Mexican American Catholic College, MACC; in San Antonio, Texas.  Dr. Chavez addressed us on the topic of, 'The Transforming Power Of Faith'.  Dr. Chaez spoke passionately about how we who are Disciples of Jesus in the Catholic Christian Church in today's Church must be transformed by those with Disabilities to fervently encounter and include them just as Jesus did in the Gospels. The work and ministry of the National Catholic Partnership for Disability and the 71 Dioceses in the United States   who were present in  Galveston Houston November 1-3, are a contemporary example of the effectiveness Accessibility and Inclusion of the Disabled in our Faith Communities provides the National and Universal Church.  I found Dr. Chavez's presentation and the work he and his colleagues at MACC in San Antonio are doing cause for optimism and a high motivation to more assiduously incorporate the 14 million Disabled Catholics in the Church.............fr.tdp

AS POPE FRANCIS SURVEYS THE CHURCH U.S. APOSTOLIC NUNCIO ADDRESSES BISHOPS ABOUT NOT PREACHING IDEOLOGY.............

The decision of Pope Francis to take a survey of Catholics worldwide in order to determine our feelings and experiences about Church teachings and practices, on matters such as Contraception, Divorce, and Same Sex Marriage, by means of a questionnaire whose findings will be taken into consideration at the next Synod of Bishops in October 2014, on 'Marriage And The Family' for possible renewal, reform, or revisiting.  At their annual November Meeting this week in Baltimore, Maryland the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, U.S.C.C.B.; are discussing the Supreme Pontiff's latest directive to them and how they are starting to organize their Dioceses to carry out distribution of the papally requested questionnaire to the Faithful.  Catholics in Great Britain are already receiving and respoding a questionnaire and other nations should soon almost have them in circulation.  I will share more with you as understanding and information about it unfolds.  Meanwhile, Pope Francis' personal envoy to the USA and  American Catholics, Archbishop + Carlo Vigano, the Apoostolic Delegate to the United States, speaking to the U.S. Bishops on Monday that must avoid, "preaching ideology", and reminded them the Church must become, "more welcome" of all people.  Vigano, the former Governor of thee Vatican City State is also known to be a reform minded leader in the Renewal and ReInvigoration  of the Church.........................Fr.  Troy David

ARCHBISHOPS KURTZ AND DINARDO ELECTED AS NEW USCCB LEADERSHIP TEAM.............

At their Annual November Meeting today in Baltimore, Maryland the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops elected their new Leadership Team.  The outgoing Vice President Louisville Kentucky Archbishop + Joseph Edward Kurtz, was overwhelmingly elected to a three year term as President of the USCCB; and + Daniel Nicholas Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, Texas won election as Vice President of the Episcopal Conference.  More soon as news about this unfolds.............Fr.  Troy David

NCPD PARTNERSHIP 2013 KEYNOTE ADDRESSES AND TOPICS.............

In a forty hour period on November 1-3, at the National Catholic Partnership for Disability Convention 2013, "Where Faith And Disability Meet", in Houston, Texas, we were provided 4 Keynote Addresses - one Friday night; one Saturday morning; and two on Sunday morning.  I will blog about each of those four presentations today through Friday, as I continue to share with you the first fruits of my initial participation in an NCPD annual convention, as one of the 235 attendees from 71 American Dioceses who were there.  I begin today with Keynote Speaker  John Foppe.  God's Unconditional Love, and his personal belief in it derived from his own life experiences as a person born without arms, is at the heart of the message John Foppe delivered to us at the NCPD Partnership 2012 Convocation on Friday night November 1, at the Houston Marriott West Chase Hotel.  John Foppe is the CEO of 'Visionary Velocity Worldwide, who currently serves as the President of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Missouri.  He is also a lontime corporate motivational speaker on working with Disabilities.  He spoke of the inherent birthright of all God's children to have the right to answer the twofold Call to Wholeness and Holiness.  A determination and fulfillment he has found in his own life, work. and ministry.  John delivered a solid testimony to his unwavering confidence in the possibilities and opportunities for the inclusion of the Disabled in the Community of Believers, derived from their Human Dignity as creatures of a benevolent and compassionate God of All Creation.
He himself shines forth being an outstanding representative of what persons with disabilities can add to the life and ministry of the Catholic Christian Church.  As a fellow amputee I greatly empathized with the astonishing opening Keynote Address.  Kudos to John Foppe !!!  May his Faith filled Ministry and Successful Work continue to inspire and enlighten others to embrace the presence and participation of the Disabled in the Church, the One and universally Inclusive Body of Christ in the World.............Father Troy David Powers
 

VETERANS DAY AND THE ARMISTICE THAT ONLY DELAYED MORE WORLD WAR.............

95 Years Ago Today - at the 11th Hour of the 11th Month of the Year of Our Lord 1918; an Armistice was signed in Europe ceasing the fighting of, "the war to end all wars" (if only it had been). In the intervening near century, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Iran Iraq War, Gulf War, War in Iraq, and Afghanistan War, have ensued.  This date of November 11th, is now observed as Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Great Britain.  It is a holiday to  remember and express our gratitude for aqll the men and women who have served in the military during times of Peace as well as War.  My father Troy Doil, served in the SeaBees during World War II.  My brother Harry, in the U.S. Navy, and brother Jerry, in the U.S. Army, both during the Vietnam War.  Among the other U.S.  Veterans I know and affirm the military service are my MMT tablemate, Loretta Geremia, who was in the United States Coast Guard during WWII; Ed Riehle, who is a career soldier in the United States Army; former Sacramento County Supervisor Ted Sheedy, who was in the United States Air  Force during the early 1960's; and United States Army Brigadier General Retired Don Currier, who served in the past three decades.    Let us also acknowledge the spouses, children, and other family members, of all our Veterans. They also serve in invaluable roles of love, support, and understanding.  I know very well in the case of Teri Tennenbaum that is, as she like most military spouses, cared singularly for children and other loved ones, while their active duty soldier sailor, flyer, or guardsman, is away on a deployment.  Thank you for your Service VETERANS, one and all.  Peace + Prayers,.............Father Troy David Powers

>>>3 More Americans in my personal Circle of Friends I salute on this Veterans Day are Frank McNamara; Bruce Mattos; and Rob Paoletti<<<.............

BIRTHDAYS IN TRIPLICATE - MOTHER, DAUGHTER, PARISH SECRETARY.............

This Sunday November 10, 2013; is the Birthday of three persons in my circle of friends and fellow believers in Jesus the Lord.  Igive a shout out and best wishes on their Personal Solemnity today to Ramona Bugatto, Teres Mugnaini, and Edith Trejo, as they celebrate their Birthdays.  Ramona and Teres are mother and daughter, and have been my beloved friends for 34 years.    Edith, a St. Philomene's parishioner in the Arden Arcade area of Sacramento, I met seven years ago when I was assigned to the parish.  Now Edith serves as the Parish Secretary, working with my seminary classmate Father Eduino Silveira, currently the Pastor of St. Philomene's.  As these three fine Catholic Christian women celebrate the start of their next year of life today may God's richest Blessings of Health, Happiness, Family, and Faith, be theirs.  Love + Prayers.............fr.tdp

DISABILITY MINISTRY MILESTONES IN AMERICAN HISTORY.............

Among the Disability Ministry Milestones in the Catholic Church of the United States over the past century and three quarters chronicled by the NCPD - National Catholic Partnership for Disability begin with the following achievements.

1837 - Two Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet emigrate from Lyons France to join six other Sisters tp open a school in the Archdiocese  of  St. Louis and invite four deaf students to study with hearing peers.
1853 - St. Mary's School For the Deaf opened in Buffalo, New York.
1900's - Xavier Society For the Blind begins it service to Catholics with Vision Loss.
1936-1957 - Catholic Guilds for the Blind opened in Eleven Dioceses.
1947 - CUSA, founded by Laure Brunner, An Apostolate of Persons with Chronic Illness or Disability; formerly known as the Catholic Union of Sick Associates, and then changed later to the Catholic Union of the Sick; in 1997 became CUSA.

These milestones underscore the origins of the nearly two centuries of Awareness and Ministry to Disabled U.S. Catholics, beginning 141 years before the U.S. Bishops Pastoral Statement on Persons With Disabilities....More To Come.............Fr.  Troy David

POWER CHAIR PARISHIONER GIFT.............

I am very, very, grateful  to former parishioners Sally and Marco Meza, for giving me the Scooter Store powerchair that previously belonged to her mother.  Although five years old it was seldom, if ever used, and so is like new and in tip top shape.  I welcome greatly the mobility it will give me to move about all spaces and places, with self sufficency, independence, and freedom.Thank You Marco + Sally, "30-60-100-fold" !!!  Gratitude ,Prayers,+ Masses,  Father  Troy

THE LASTING KEYNOTES OF THE NCPD 2013 GATHERING IN GALVESTON-HOUSTON.............

 Nearly one week after my attendance at the National Catholic Partnership for Disability Convention 2013 in Houston, Texas; the experience of this vitally important ministry outreach of the Catholic Church in the United States continues to resonate with me, like it does for most of the 14 million Disabled American Catholics, who are addressed, acknowledged, affirmed, and accepted, into their rightful place, presence, and participation. in the life and ministry of the Church.  It reaffirmed me in maintaining my vocation as a Priest of Jesus Christ in so many ways through my interactions and insights garnered from being among the 235 persons present at NCPD Partnership 2013 last weekend, - both those I met and others in the U.S. Church about whom I learned are doing productive and proactive ministry despite the disabilities with which they, "live, move, and have their being".  I also discovered the story of yet another active ministry priest, Reverend Father Mike Esswein, of the Archdiocese of St. Louis Missouri; who in a wheelchair celebrates public Masses from an accessible platform in the parish church to which he is assigned.A photo of Fr. Mike, sitting in his wheelchair celebrating Mass from the accessible platform is featured in a brochure distributed by the NCPD underpinning the Partnership's purpose in, "ensuring the participation of Catholics with Disabilities in the Sacraments and Parish Life".  Their Goal is my Goal, for Accessibility and Inclusion are not an optional extra, but a pastoral and Gospel imperative.  As the National Directory for Catechesis, in the section entitled, 'Catechesis with Persons with Disabilities' asserts, "All persons with Disabilities have the capacity to proclaim the Gospel and to be Living Witnesses of its Truth within the Community of Faith and offer invaluable gifts.  Their involvement enriches every aspect of Church".  As a disabled lay person, deacon, and priest, I am but one among millions who can personally verify these statements.............Fr.  Troy David Powers

THE REVEREND BILLY GRAHAM TURNS 95 DELIVERS LAST SERMON.............

The Reverend Billy Graham, the Protestant Christian Evangelist who rose to prominence following World War II, in the late 1940's and into the 1950's, is marking his 95th Birthday this week.  The Billy Graham Evangelical Association Ministry which spread nationally and then globally, from tent revivals to mass media productions, which he led for over five decades, and is now directed by his son, Reverend Franklin Graham; has preached the Gospel throughout the World.  At a gala, celebrity studded,95th Birthday Celebration, the Reverend Billy Graham who has been in failing health the past decade, delivered what is being described as his, "Last Sermon".  It is a message preached not in the traditional manner from a pulpit inside a church building, but in a thirty minute You Tube style video presentation.  The theme of Reverend Graham's Final Sermon is, "A New Awakening For America".  That title sounds quite the current Catholic-Christian focus on the "New Evangelization".  Coincidence ?  Ecumenism ??  Or God's Holy Spirit working to Unify the Body of Christ ???.............Father Troy David Powers