MY VERY EARLY RISE FROM SACRAMENTO TO THE SOUTHWEST.............

As I pack my carry on bags for my 7:40 a.m. flight from Sacramento International to Houston Hobby airports for the 2 day National Catholic Partnership for Disability Convention, I am pleased to have been self sufficient in arranging the travel details from the Super Shuttle accessible van rides to the flights and hotel reservations, as well as successfully securing with the interdependent assistance of Scott Vogelsang, a loaner motorized scooter.  The Super Shuttle arrives at MMT at 5:10 a.m. to pick me up to go to the airport, so it's time to get some sleep before awaking at 4 a.m. to get my natal month of November and my solo journey to Astronomical SouthWest City of the NCPD 2013 Convention, HOUSTON. Texas.............fr.tdp

QUITE THE DISCUSSION ON "DEI VERBUM" @ DADS GROUP LAST NIGHT.............

With all five members of the SacHeart Dads Group present along with Deacon canidate Paul Friedrich and myself we had a hearty discussion last night about the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, from the Second Vatican Council.  In discussing the chapter on it from Professor Hahnenberg's book, we were able to very effectively address the questions that the Document's teaching entail for our fullest understanding of the primacy and indispensably intertwined connection between the Holy Scriptures and Sacred Tradition in the Catholic belief and respect for the primacy of God's Word in Creation and our Discipleship.  It was one of our best mutual sessions yet, and not only do I feel this way, but I am sure Tom, Ryan, Jesus, Luke, Josh, and Paul, all do too,  Next Wednesday we will delve into a discussion on the Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, "Lumen Gentium".............fr.tdp

THE HOUSE SEERS SECRETARY SEBELIUS ABOUT A.C.A. ROLLOUT FIASCO.............

President Obama's Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathkeen Sebelius testified before a Committee Hearing in the House of Representatives yesterday and was intensely probed and critiqued by most of the majority members of the House who were questioning her about the failures of the Affordable Care Act sign up roll out this month, as they not only criticism mounted at the Cabinet Secretary and the President, but reiterated their opposition and desire to end Obamacare.  Secretary Sebelius apologized for the debacle in  the ACA website enrollment processes and assumed responsibility vowing to seeing to it being remedied in a timely manner.  Aformer Governor and Insurance Commissioner of the State of Kansas, Sebelius showed no signs resigning as HHS Secretary, nor has the  President signaled any intention for her to step down.  At the invitation request of the Committee Secretary Sebelius will reurn before these same House Members the week of December 14th, to update them on the ACA rollout.............Father Troy David

ETERNAL REST AND PEACE UNTO HIM... FATHER STEVEN FOPPIANO IS NOW A PRIEST FOREVER.............

Word has come to me in the last few hours from Rev. Fr. Ben DeLeon, in South Lake Tahoe, that our priestly colleague and protege' Reverend Father Steven Foppiano, has succumbed to the pancreatic cancer he had  endured in recent months.  Please remember Father Steven in your prayers and at the Masses you attend.  In coming days I will blog about Steven Foppiano's vocation to the Priesthood and his resilient journey of Faith. in the nearly twenty years we have known each other, from since the time I was his Pastor, when he was a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oroville in the 1990's; and from whence he entered the seminary to become a priest of the Sacramento Diocese.  With Faith in Jesus Christ and Belief in the Resurrection, leading him forth from this World to God's Eternal  Kingdom, may the Love we have for him remain with Father Steven Now and  Forever !!!  Alleluia Amen !!!!!!!!!.............fr.tdp

TEMP SCOOTER EMPOWERMENT.............

In the opening hours of my first day with a temporary motorized scooter thanks to my friend and fraternity brother Scott Vogelsang, I am rediscovering the true freedom of having the ability to come and go greater distances under my own power, as most 50 somethings do the fully able and the disabled alike;  in the spirit and reality of the U.S. Bishops 1978 Pastoral Statement on Persons With Disabled Persons and the USA Federal Law. The Americans With Disabilities Act.  It arrived just two and a half before I travel to Houston, Texas for three day to attend the National Catholic Partnership for Disability NCPD 2013 Convention. the ministry organization that in 1982, grew out of the 1978 Pastoral Statement.  What a genuine thrill it is to live, move, and have my being, with the personally independent capability to journey as far as fifteen miles on one overnight 5 hour battery charge, for minutes, hours, or days, away from my fish out of water abnormal environs of a senior citizens center, not being a senior.  Stand by for news on my continuing progress in going forth unvanquished and resolved to resume and continue active full time priestly pastoral ministry for many years to come.  Thank you Brother Scott; Thank You Jesus !!!.............Fr.  Troy David

HAVING COFFEE @ PEETS WITH A NEW SACHEART R.C.I.A. INQUIRER AND RITA.............

In this seventh week of the Faith Formation journey of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, (R.C.I.A.) at Sacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento, the discernment and addition of Inquirers continues.  This morning RCIA Director Rita Spillane and I will meet with a woman whose inquiry into the Catholic-Christian as a senior citizen is still unfolding through Bible study groups and an RCIA ministry in another parish has led her to us.  We will meet her this morning for coffee and a conversation about her interest in joining our Catechumenate and gauge the extent of her faith journey to date.  Then this afternoon I am scheduled to be paired up with a temporary powerchair/scooter.............fr.tdp

IS SILENCE ALWAYS GOLDEN ?.............

596 Days of praying, pondering, and proactively, proposing possible priestly ministries I am capable of  carrying out as a below the knee amputee in a wheelchair; as verified by my medical team and witnessed to by the People of God in parishes I have ministered to as a presider, preacher, sacramental, and catechetical, Leader of Eucharistic Liturgies and Faith Formation Ministries, I continue to sit on the sidelines of MMT, awaiting a new parish placement and parish ministry assignment.  After striving to  honestly and accurately communicate my intention to return to the full time priestly ministry as a native vocation asset - in the blog columns I have shared, I will go silent about the continuing delay I am undergoing from the powers that be, due to my disability.  I will continue to blog as I have about the experiences of the marginal, part time, informal, ministry I am doing and my insights into a gamut of topics, in the same way I have for four and a half years now.  As a disabled person from birth and a disabled priest dedicated to the empowerment and inclusion of all the Disabled in the Community of Believers of the Catholic Church, I will share my increasing appreciation and understanding of the need there is to further effectively reaching out and drawing in those with special needs to full inclusion and interaction with the Church of Jesus The Christ.  That commitment I will amply inaugurate with my attendance this weekend at the National Catholic Partnership for Disability Convention in Houston, Texas.  Continue to Pray With Hope that my Vocation as an ordained Priest of Jesus Christ for almost twenty six and a half years will continue to serve and lead others to Build the Coming of the Kingdom of God.............Fr.  Troy David Powers

THE SEMINAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS DATE 55 YEARS AGO...OCTOBER 28, 1958.............

Fifty five years ago today, the election by the College of Cardinals of +Angelo Cadinal Roncalli, as the Vicar of Christ, succeeding Pius XII, as the Pope of the Catholic Church; was a seminal day of significance in the History of Catholic Christianity in the World.  Today I will be reflecting here on my blog, "Insights Into Life And Faith", about the role the now Blessed, come April 27, 2014; canonized Saint Good Pope John XXIII's Election as Supreme Pontiff at age 77, and his subsequent ministry and leadership in calling and opening the Second Vatican Council, will be explored in this blog column.  With the 1958 Conclave unable to decide for the Roman Curia's choice for successor to Pius  XII, Cardinal +Ottaviani or to arrive at a two thirds plus majority for a more moderate Cardinal, they came to decide on +Roncalli, as an acceptable caretaker, given his age until the next Papal Conclave.  Yet in this world traveled Vatican diplomat, they tapped a Pope who in short order moved to bring the Church into interaction in the Modern World with hope and optimism.  Pope John XXIII, acted quickly to open the windows of the Church to the fresh  air of a, "New Pentecost", that continues to serve the needs of the Faithful and the entire World, when on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, and the last day of the annual Octave of Prayer For Christian Unity, January 25, 1959; called for the preparation of the 21st Ecumenical Council of the Church, Vatican II.  In the coming days in conclusion of the, "Year Of Faith", comemorating the 50th Anniversary of the convening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962, I will continue blogging about the milestone events set in motion on October 28, 1958, the date Blessed Pope John XXIII becams the Successor of St. Peter.............Fr.  Troy David

PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY USA 2013 : AFFIRMING AND APPRECIATING OUR ORDAINED SERVANT LEADERS.............

Since the uncovering of the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church, committed by some members of the clergy and religious orders in both the United States and other countries around the World, far too many honorable priests and religious have been unjustly tarred by the sins of a lesser number of malevolents.  Repeatedly, even during the intensity of the scandals during the past eleven years, parishioners in virtually every diocese in the USA have affirmed and expressed gratitude for the faithful ministry of their own parish priests.  In that light American Catholics established an annual observance during the past decade, known as, "Priesthood Sunday".  Priesthood Sunday USA is being celebrated in parishes and other parochial communities, as an opportunity for the laity to affirm and appreciate the ordained priests who minister to and with them by serving and leading the Catholic-Christian Community.  To that end, I decided to fore go the private Mass I have celebrated most Sundays of the nineteen and a half months in Mercy McMahon Terrace and rolled myself across the street and up the ramp into Sacred Heart Church, where I concelebrated the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses with Father Vincent Juan.  As always, our Pastor Monsignor Walton, Father Juan, and the parishioners of SacHeart I interacted with were warmly welcoming and inclusive of my presence and participation.  Their fellowship and hospitality extended into the Parish Hall, where 'Schola Cantorum', the 11 a.m. Mass Choir were honoring 17 year choir member Tim Robinson, who is retiring from Schola.  It rounded out my two Mass morning there and I am grateful to Parish Music Ministry Director, Dr. Don Kendrick, for inviting me to the Reception following Mass.  As each of our Catholic communities celebrates Sunday Eucharist, may yours mark this Priesthood Sunday 2013, in some significant way, to thank and recognize the priests who minister to you and your families today and every day.  Thanks ! and Ad Multos Annos my brother priests.............Fr.  Troy David

ADVANCING IMMIGRATION REFORM IN THE USA THIS YEAR.............

With the United States Senate having widely passed a bipartisan Immigration Reform Bill earlier this year, legislation that seriously needs to be adopted and enacted; and now that the nonsense of squandering more than nine months of the 113th Congress, forcing a three week Government Shutdown and risking the closest possibility of National Financial Default in the entire history of the United States, because of a political fringe and campaign posturing in the House of Representatives, compelled by 3 Freshmen Senators looking to run for President in 2016; it is over time that for the Members of the House to also honestly debate and then pass Immigration Reform this year, before their end  of year recess.  President Obama this week reiterated his support and proposal for Immigration Reform and must also dedicate himself to working with all members of the House in getting an acceptable compromise bill passed and Immigration Reform Bill passed without further delays and stalling.  Speaker Boehner needs to step out of his Tea Party fears of derailing and extinguishing his hold on being Speaker of the House and forge a consensus with his House majority Republicans and Leader Pelosi and her fellow Democratic House members.  Compromise is not a dirty word, but an essential definition of politics and governance.  As any learned Political Science 1 /Government 101 student knows from their studies, Compromise is necessary, as in a democracy no individual, group, or party, gets everything they want or demand.  Finding common ground and forming a consensus that serves the common good is required much, if not most of the time.  The clock on calenDar year 2013 is melting away.  Get to work Congress and the White House and get Immigration Reform DONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!.............Fr.  Troy David

THE ONE HANDED HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYER.............

Seventeen year old Milton Georgia high school basketball player Zach Hodskins, is not only a phenomenal three point scorer, he is also a one arm player, as a result of a birth defect.  Zach Hodskins childhood dream has always been to play college basketball, a dream about to come true, with an announcement this week.  The University of Florida Gators, have decided to start Zach on their basketball team next fall.  Zach seen as an anomaly and incapable by doubters proves all his doubters wrong with the skills at running, dribbing, throwing, and scoring, with the basketball he has the undeniable ability to achieve.  Having only one arm, Zach has all but perfected the ability to flip the ball around his body and vault down the basketball court  ahead of the other players, usually scoring with precision throws, quite often three point shots.  Kudos to this determined Georgia boy and to the scouts for the University of Florida Gators for drafting Zach to play college basketball.  They are empowering another disabled but still enabled American to be all he can be !.............Fr.  Troy David

MY MIMI'S REUNION WITH MARY ANN PUJALS.............

Before attending the Funeral yesterday afternoon for Henry Teichert, I had lunch with the Pennington Family at Mimi's Restaurant not far from Cal Expo.  As we arrived I was greeted by another very familiar face,-Mary Ann Pujals, R.N. retired; my Holy Family Parish Citrus Heights parishioner.  Three months after retiring from 45 years of nursing at Mercy General and Mercy San Juan Hospitals, Mary Ann stepped up in the Summer of 2002, to serve as my volunteer nurse, assistance which she wonderfully and faithfully fulfilled twice daily in the months that followed and again in the latter half of 2004, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Del Paso Heights.  A thoroughly caring, personable, and consummately dedicated nurse, she made addressing my health challenges a friendly and interesting journey of healing, interaction, and discovery, about what it means to be interdependent and not held captive by disease or disability.  Mary Ann warmly clasped my hand and greeted me effusively, as er briefly caught up with one another. Her consistency of spirit and focus for serving the common good of others and the community remains, as demonstrated by the volunteer hours she continues to give to sewing costumes for local theatrical productions - first in Roseville, and now in Davis, Woodland, and Sacramento.  I am blessed to know and have such a loyal and selfless friend as Nurse Mary Ann Pujals.  If more persons were the people Mary Ann, and my fellow lunchers today,  the Pennington Family members are; our parishes and the general community would all be even better places, "to live, move, and have our being in".............Fr.  Troy David

HENRY TEICHERT 96, WAS AN ACCOMPLISHED HIGHLY RESPECTED SACRAMENTO BUSINESS LEADER.............

Henry Teichert, one of the most accomplished and respected business leaders in Sacramento during the past century, went to his eternal reward from this earthly life, at age 96; in recent days.  I was privileged to be present among the hundreds of people who were in attendance today in Trinity Cathedral, at 27th Street and Capitol Avenue, in midtown Sacramento, for the Funeral of this truly exemplary Family man, Business man, Man of Faith, Philantrophist, Patriot, Community Leader, and Friend, to the people of the greater Sacramento area.  A native Sacramentan, born on September 6, 1917; the son of Adolph Teichert Jr. and Augusta Quass Teichert, Henry graduated from the University of California Berkeley in 1939; received a Law degree from Boalt Hall in 1949;. He enlisted  and served in the United States Army Air Corps at the start of World War II, completing five years of military service in China and India; upon his return to Sacramento he married his childhood sweetheart, Wendy Downey, and they parented 5 children, sons Frederick, Jonathan, and Henry, now Father Isaiah OSB Cam; and daughters Rose, and Wendy Marie; as well as  having 17 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. After being admitted to the California Bar, Henry Teichert became a founding partner in the law firm that became the renowned McDonagh, Holland, and Allen.  A member of the Teichert Construction Board of Directors, when his father Adolph died in 1954, Henry became the company's General Manager and served as the Teichert President until 1982, when he became Chairman of the Board of Directors after retiring as President, serving as the Board Chairman for eleven years, until 1993.  The depth of Henry Teichert's involvement in the Sacramento community which continues to have a lasting imprint and effectiveness, includes being a Founder of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, and the Sacramento Urban League; and  he was a leading member of numerous civic organizations, and  an especially dedicated member and President of the Sacramento Rotary Club. A consistently devout, religiois and spiritual man, Henry was a very active member of the vestry at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, and a participant in a Downtown Sacramento Prayer Group for 40 years; as well as a long time member of the Board of Directors of El Dorado Savings Bank.  Henry Teichert was also a generous contributor to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento, and the Lemon Hill Avenue in South Sacramento is dedicated as the Teichert Branch.  Interpersonally, I became aware of Mr. Teichert's quiet generosity to others, when he in 1979, he responded to the request of CSU-Sacramento Associated Students Incorporated President Joe Gibson, with whom I served as his A.S.I. Director of Campus and Community Relations, on behalf of an honor student on campus, who needed our financial assistance with a project she was taking part in.  Having recently at that time being named the Number 1 Most Influencial Sacramentan on a Top 100 List compiled by the Sacramento Bee; Henry Teichert's selfless generous and spirited affirmative response to that student- she, Joe, and me, will always remember and cherish.  The magnitude of the contributions Henry Teichert made to this community are and will continue to be a leaven of goodness that, "Does the right thing...while making a profit"......as a Family man, Business man, Faith filled man, Community man, that will continue to be a blessing for the citizens of Sacramento.  Eternal Peace And Light Be With Henry Teichert Forever.  Alleluia !!!  Amen !!!.............Father Troy David Powers

TONIGHT'S BEAUTIFUL FUNERAL VIGIL SERVICE SERVICE FOR FATHER FOLMER IN SACREDHEART CHURCH.............

Reverend Father John "Jack" Folmer, a native Sacramentan who grew up in East Sacramento where he attended Sacred Heart Parish School, was an Altar server at Sacred Heart Church and swept floors at Mercy floors at Mercy General Hospital going on to Sy. Pius X Prepartory Seminary in Rio Dell, Humboldt County, then st. Joseph's College and St. Patrick's Seminary, in the Bay Area of California; being ordained a Priest of Jesus Christ for the Diocese of Sacramento on January 1, 1969; was memorialized tonight at a Funeral Prayer Vigil in Sacred Heart Church.  Seminary classmates and close personal friends of nearly half a century, Reverend Monsignor James Kidder and Father Patrick Foley, presided over tonight's service also both Sacramento diocesan priestly vocations, Father Foley like Fr, Jack, another Sacred Heart grown priest, preached tonight Msgr. Kidder will preach at the Funeral Mass tomorrow morning.  Music minister Ben Billecci provided beautiiful liturgical music tonight which further enhanced the well attended gathering of the faithful which included Bishop Emeritus Francis Anthony Quinn and Sacred Heart Pastor Msgr, Robert P/ Walton, among several other priests, religious, deacons, and laity.............fr.tdp

PRESIDENT OBAMA DEFENDS ONSET OF AFFORDABLE CARE ACT WHILE SENATOR CRUZ RENEWS ATTEMPT TO REPEAL OBAMACARE.............

President Obama coming under increasing criticism from  both opponents and some supporters of the diabolical roll out of Obamacare and the malfeasance in the computer program and the telephone system developed for the start of sign ups for the health care coverage for all citizens the Affordable Care Act assures universal access to at reasonable costs, delivered a speech from the Rose Garden today saying he too is made at the problems with the initial implementation of sign ups which he vowed will be remedied.  As the calls from Congressional Republicans and even some Democrats for the resignation of the Administration officials responsible for the current catastrophe and the difficulties it has caused most of those seeking to sign up for Obama, much of it aimed at Health and Human Service Secretary
 Kathleen Sebelius, the President gave no indication of having any desire or intention of asking Secretary to resign.  The White is indicating new blood will be brought in soon to address and resolve, perhaps announcing them in a matter of days.  Meanwhile back in the Lone Star State of  Texas over the weekend and speaking to a Republican Women's Group told them referring to his return to the State from 5 days in Washington, freshman United States Senator Ted Cruz told those assembled, he was happy to be back in America, as though the Nation's Capital is not; speaking in the onlt State in the Union that is presently seeking to secede from the United States.  In the speech he made he went on to  proclaim his continuing effort to get Obamacare abolished.............Fr,  Troy David

DOUBLE DUTY MINISTRY NIGHT @ SACHEART THIS TUESDAY.............

I will carry out two opportunities for my presence at Sacred Heart Church in East Sacramento tonight.  At R.C.I.A. , in the Father O'Hara Hall, at 6:30 p.m.; and at the Vigil Service for Reverend Father John Folmer, at 7 p.m., in the Church.  I will open and close the evening with the Inquirers and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Team for this week's topics, 'Receiving The Holy Spirit', and and 'The Church Reflecting The Light Of Christ.'  In between, I will attend the Funeral Vigil for Father Jack Folmer, here at Sacred Heart Church, his native parish; whose Mass of Christian Burial will take place tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of thew Blessed Sacrament.............fr.tdp

NICE BOY WHO WAS BULLIED KILLS TEACHER AND HIMSELF ALSO WOUNDS TWO FELLOW STUDENTS AT SPARKS NEVADA SCHOOL.............

Yesterday, yet another senseless American school shooting occurred, this time in a middle school in Sparks, Nevada; oustide of Reno.  a 13 year old boy, described by some of his friends and classmates, as being, "nice", and always "smiling", arrived on campus with an automatic handgun.  He is reported to have started threatening fellow students with the gun, and when a popular math teacher who was also the school soccer coach approached to try and talk him into relinquishing the handgun, the boy told the teacher to back off, and as the teacher backed up, he shot and killed him.  The perpetrator then aimed his gun at a number of other students, shooting and wounding two other 12 year old boys, who after surgery are said to be in stable condition.  After killing the teacher, and wounding  the two students, he turned the gun on himself and is also dead.  How sad and tragic an occurrence this is.  The unidentified shooter it has been said was being bullied, which may have caused him to commit this criminal act.  Just as tragic is that the handgun he used is thought to belong to the boy's parents.  How sad for the perpetrator's father and mother, who now must cope with the tragic loss of their son, but the wanton act he committed costing the life of a heroic teacher and serious violence against fellow students.  How many more such shootings and mass shootings must American families be victimized by before we decide in the individual and national interest of our citizens to exert even more effective gun safety and checks on who has access to weapons they use to wreak havoc by wounding and killing victims of their personal malfunctioning ?.............tdp

DISABLED WHEELCHAIR PRIESTS INSPIRE COURAGE.............

Several times since being thrust into residence at Mercy McMahon Terrace, a retirement community in East Sacramento, where now at 56 years old I am more than a few decades younger than most of the other residents, I have been told by the powers that be, that I cannot celebrate public Masses, preside at Sacraments or other Liturgical Rites, because I am in a wheelchair and cannot stand at the altar.  As a physically disabled person from birth, who has contended successfully for five decades plus with the reality of disability and having productively continued to minister as a Catholic priest and pastor, while being in a wheelchair for more than a third of the time during the past eleven and a half years; the attempt to make a negative case is a false argument.  I am no different from any other physically disabled person or priest, who retain the capability and are given the opportunity to work and serve with equal accessibility and inclusion in the interpersonal, professional. and pastoral, publics of the World, including the Catholic-Christian Church.  For sixty years or longer Catholic priests in the Sacramento Diocese, some in wheelchairs, others with less obvious diseases and disabilities, have continued to actively minister to and with the People of God.  Yet, for going on twenty months I have been treated as though I am incompetent or an invalid, unable to continue carrying out priestly ministry, when the opposite reality remains true.  In praying, pondering, and discerning, about how to make sense of my current status I have explored and discovered the stories of other Catholic priests with similar disabilities, who are continuing to proactively provide pastoral ministries.  One disabled  priest critically injured in a car accident and permanently caused to use a wheelchair has a disability ministry created around him and the effectiveness of his continued pastoral ministry which was established by the laity and parishioners he knows and serves.  Another Nigerian priest ministering in Arkansas following a serious accident that severed his spinal cord, is returned to parish ministry with no limitations placed upon as an associate pastor / parochial vicar. A Los Angeles Archdiocesan priest, suffered brain stem damage in an accident and continued his active ministry reaching out to the disabled and inspiring them as the presider over their Handicapable Ministry Masses. A priest in Brooklyn, New York who survived a stroke continued his priestly ministry for twelve years and longer, quite effectively.  A fifth example is even more affirming.  It is the ordination of a priest in the Philadelphia Archdiocese who is the first quadriplegic priest ordained in the Catholic Church nearly forty years ago, who has carried out a productive pastoral and teaching ministry.  These are five other Catholic priests whose courage and continuing commitment to serving the Lord Jesus and the People of God, inspire me and others to press forward in pursuing and fulfilling our vocations.  The National Catholic Partnership For Disabilities, (N.C.P.D.) concretizes the opportunity and inclusion priests, deacons, religious, and the laity, and the disabilities we mutually bear, to provide every person with full accessibility to their rightful place in the Catholic-Christian Community of Believers.  All in all, me, you, and  the inherent dignity of every human being, is a Gospel Value as one Church, and the one People of God, that integrates and incorporates us into, "One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism", as Disciples of Jesus and Members of the Body of Christ.............Fr.Troy David  

29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME : PERSISTENCE IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY.............

The Gospel story proclaimed for us on this 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, from Luke 18:1-8; is the familiar Parable of Jesus, 'The Widow And The Unjust Judge'.  It speaks to us as Catholic-Christian Disciples of a countercultural interaction between a struggling, almost destitute widow in Israel and her unyielding expectation that a corrupt, near indifferent judge could be prevailed upon to deal with her justly in providing her the assistance she needed and deserved.  Integral to the inherent message of this Parable is the persistence exhibited by the widow who was being treated wrongly and her boundless faith that against all but certain expectations, that from her disadvantaged position in society as a childless widow she would prevail in convincing the judge to render a just decision on her behalf.  The structures of contemporary society in cultural ordinances and religious belief and practice are not seemingly stacked against particular classes of people while geared to those in positions of power, yet the probability for unfairness and injustice still exists in the community of believers as well as in the wider community of humankind.  The lesson of today's Gospel Proclamation is a clear call to everyone who is disadvantaged or marginalized by the politics and prerogatives of unfairness and injustice on the part of the powerfully positioned in this world, is to persist and persevere in Faith and Prayer.  The transformative leaven of Faith in Action and the Power of Prayer practiced with persistence and perseverance, can and will ultimately succeed and God's Will be done, just as it was for the widow who always believed she would receive a just judgment.............Fr.  Troy David Powers

NBC TELEVISION CANCELS "IRONSIDE" REMAKE AFTER JUST 4 EPISODES.............

In 1967, one year after completing a highly successful nine season television run as the Earl Stanley Gardner character, lawyer "Perry Mason", on CBS Television, actor Raymond Burr resurfaced on the NBC Television network starring in the Collier Young created, Universal series, "Ironside", another ratings hit that ran for 195 episodes and 8 seasons.  An impeccable back to back accomplishment that matched the stature and respect Burr earned and deserved.  Thus when NBC TV announced in its spring roll out for the 2013-14, that it would revive, "Ironside", in a new series starring Blair Underwood, as a priest in a wheelchair who can empathize with the return of a detective drama about a policeman in a wheelchair, my openness to embracing the updated version, as much, perhaps more than the original nearly 40 years ago; was keen.  However, almost immediately began to wonder whether Underwood and a retooled series could measure up to Burr and the original series portrayal ?  My lifelong consistently accurate gut feeling told me not.  Underwood as, "Ironside", premiered on October 2, to far less than promising ratings, and two more episodes falling flat even more dismally, so badly that it becomes one of the first new tv series to be cancelled in this new season, and will end next Wednesday with a fourth and final airing.  Just as my gut feeling told me Blair Underwood was no match for the iconic Raymond Burr, who for now if not for all time will remain the most acceptable and memorable disabled Chief of Detectives Robert Ironside, a fictional character who displayed the capability a person in a wheelchair has to credibly carry out his or her work; more than one to three decades prior to the U.S. Bishops Pastoral Statement on Persons With Disabilities; and the Federal Government enacted Americans With Disabilities Act.............Fr.  Troy David  

TOM FOLEY FORMER SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE DIES.............

Thomas Foley, who represented Spokane, Washington for thirty years in the House of Representatives from 1965-1995; rising to become the Speaker of the House, 1989-1995; has died at the age of  84.  He lost reelection to a sixteenth term in the House during the so called "Gingrich Revolution", in 1994, in which the Republican Party reclaimed a majority in the House of Representatives, for   the first time in 40 years. After being  retired  from Congress, Speaker Foley served as United States Ambassador to Japan.............Fr.  Troy David 

PLEASE KEEP REVEREND FATHER STEVEN FOPPIANO IN YOUR PRAYERS.............

Please join with me and with the parishioners of St. Clare's Parish in West Roseville; St. Thomas More Parish in Paradise, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Oroville; the Pacific Producers Factory in Oroville; people in Stockton California; Deacon Richard and Judy Driggs; other priests of the Sacramento Diocese, particularly Father Ben DeLeon; in praying for Reverend Father Steven Foppiano, Pastor of St. Clare's Parish, who is on the path of his terminal earthly journey.  In the words of the Sunday Bulletin, "Due to Father Steven's failing health he will be unable to attend the party in his honor on October 19th.  Therefore, we are regrettably we are canceling this event. Please continue to pray for Fr. Steven, Deacon and Judy Driggs, (his primary caregivers) and all of us at St. Clare."  Father Steven went into the seminary to become a priest for the Sacramento Diocese from his work as a manager at the Pacific Producers factory in Oroville, and as a parishioner at At. Thomas the Apostle Church,  during my pastorate there -where he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Men's Prayer Support Group.  I suggest we might spend some this  Saturday night offering prayers of appreciation for Father Steven and celebrating the roles and relationships we share with him as we remember and give renewed life to all the good ministry and witness he has shared with us as a Diocesan Priest of Jesus Christ.  God Bless and Be With you Steve as you continue to be an example and an inspiration to your parishioners, priestly colleagues, friends and loved ones.  God Loves You.  We do too.............Troy

THIS WEEK OF PRIESTS STUDY 2013 DAYS IN CITRUS HEIGHTS.............

With the last day of Priests' Study Days 2013 at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights resuming this morning,  I will with my brother diocesan priests and the Bishop today for the Closing Eucharist.  It has been two and a half days of taking in the schedule Communal Prayer, Liturgies,Topical Presentations, Fraternal Interactions, and shared Meals.  I enjoy the opportunity to see and talk to my priestly brothers of all ages these gatherings provide.  It is a pro-active replenishing of the spiritual and social bond of shared experiences that is an essential nature of ordained ministry, and the Catholic Priesthood of Jesus Christ - the unity in community of being together and not detached or apart.  In the words of the 16th Century poet John Donne, "No man is an island".............Fr/  Troy David

FUNERAL RITES FOR REVEREND FATHER JOHN "JACK" FOLMER.............

The Vigil Service and Funeral Mass for retired Sacramento Diocesan Priest and Canon Lawyer, John 'Jack Folmer, age 71, will be held next week.  Father Folmer was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Sacramento on January 1, 1969; was a very capable canon lawyer as I can readily attest, ministered both in Sacramento his native diocese, and for decades in the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.  The Vigil Service will be held in Sacred Heart Church at 39th & J Streets in East Sacramento, on Tuesday October 22, at 7 pm, and his Funeral Mass in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, at 11th & K streets in Downtown Sacramento, on Wednesday October 23, at 10 am.  May His Faithful And Soul Dwell Forever In Light And Peace.............tdp

FIFTY YEARS AND PROCEEDING : AN OVERVIEW OF THE DOCUMENTS OF VATICAN II.............

Week 1, of Season 2, of the Sacred Heart Parish Dads Group ten weekly gatherings and discussions about the 16 Documents of the Second Vatican Council will get underway tonight at 8 p.m., at Mercy McMahon Terrace.  We will begin with the Introduction to the book, A Concise Guide To The Documents Of Vatican II, by Professor Edward P. Hahnenberg, and the Constitution On The Sacred Liturgy, "Sancrosanctum Concilium"; promulgated on December 4, 1963; the first document passed by the Catholic Bishops of the World at the Second Vatican Council 50 Years ago.  As we near the culmination of the, Year Of Faith, commemorating the convening of the 21st Ecumenical Council in the History of Catholic-Christianity; called by Blessed Pope John XXIII, a half century ago and still our calling in spirit and truth now.............Fr.  Troy David

ANTHONY VITO GENTILE, JR. NOV. 6, 1971 - OCT. 7, 2013.............

It is often said that people die in threes.  That is true for 3 persons I know, have been a colleague of, or have had as a fellow parishioner.  Reverend Father John 'Jack' Folmer, a brother priest, ordained for the Diocese of Sacramento in 1969, died last Thursday October 10, in Mercy General Hospital.  Max Doner, the father of Reverend Father Roy Doner, Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Oroville; passed from this life also on October 10th. And most sadly, among this threesome of earthly departures is 41 years and 11 months old Anthony Vito Gentile Jr,  who, "entered God's heavenly gates", on October 7th. Tony Gentile Jr,  I have known since his childhood in South Sacramento, when he was one of the boys I helped train and coordinate as Altar Servers, at St. Rose's Church and St. Patrick's School on Franklin Boulevard.  The loving son of Pamela and Anthony Gentile Sr., brother of Nicole, Joseph, Denise, Teresa, and Pamela, as well as the beloved husband of 21 years to Patty, and father of Naomi, Anthony, and Vincent. For seventeen of the twenty four years since Tony Jr. graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1989; he served for the State Corrections Department as a guard at Folsom State  Prison, Mule Creek State Prison and Stockton State Medical Corrections Facility, rising to the rank of Lieutenant.  As a boy Altar server and student Tony, was a sincerely attentively religious child.  As an adult who has departed far too early, was a devout Catholic-Christian.  I pray along with all who knew, loved, and cherished, him will be consoled and sustained with the assurances of our Faith in the Resurrection, and Tony Gentile Jr.'s rising with all the souls of the just on the Last Day.  Alleulia Amen !!!!!!!!!!!!!.............Fr,  Troy David

MORE STUDENT CONFESSIONS @ SACRED HEART.............

After my scheduled Independent Living Assessment meeting appointment was a no show, I proceeded with my priestly ministry opportunity for today - continuing to assist Msgr. Bob Walton with the Confessions of the students at Sacred Heart Parish School.  As it always is, hearing the students Confessions as I have in the 10 parishes I have been assigned to thus far in my priestly ministry; as I am and have here at Sacred Heart, in East Sacramento, and as I did a number of times with Fr. Brendan McKeefry, at Assumption Parish in Carmichael, and even in a parish in the Diocese of Raphoe, in County Donegal Ireland; a welcome and wonderful sacramental interaction listening, advising, absolving, and reconciling, the young in the formation of their consciences and the forgiveness of their sins in the Healing Jesus brings us.............tdp

20TH MONTH IN MMT STARTS WITH AN INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSESSMENT WITH RETIREMENT COMMUNITY APARTMENTS BUSINESSWOMAN..........................

As the twentieth month of my involuntary exile as a fish out of water in the geriatric surroundings of Mercy McMahon Terrace rolls out, when at age 56, I am far from geriatric;  today I am required to tread territory visited five months ago, that I thought closed as a viable alternative.  I must meet this morning with a businesswoman whose work is to find and place seniors in retirement community apartments.  Remaining in active ministry with no intention of retiring anytime in the foreseeable future, why an Independent Living Assessment with someone who does not hold pertinence in defining my status,- as my doctors and medical team do - is another enigma on this mysterious ministerial twilight zone.  An experience I have found myself thrust into for 582 days, and counting, with no assurance of concluding at anytime.   In the meanwhile my capability to productively, publicly, actively, minister as a priest, continues to unfold.  The R.C.I.A., Adult Faith Formation, Dads Discussion Group, Baptismal and Marriage Preparation and Celebrations, the Masses I concelebrate, and the four Homilies I have preached in the past nineteen months, which parishioners and others present are still remarking about as memorable and meaningful to them; witness to the reality that I am more than ready to be returned to full time parish ministry in a canonical appointment of placement and assignment. The verification of that  which is being increasingly attested to by a myriad of people who value, appreciate, and affirm, the effectiveness and necessity that time to resume a normal existence outside the confines of being warehoused in a senior citizens assisted care residence twenty to forty years too soon, has more than arrived.............Fr.  Troy David

WHY DOES WHAT HOLY FATHER +FRANCIS IS SAYING AND DOING REQUIRE DAMAGE CONTROL ???????.............

Powerfully and prophetically proclaiming God's Love for All, and the authentically sacred Truth of Catholic-Christianity for Disciples of Jesus The Christ, Pope Francis has spoken forthrightly during the first 7 months of his Pontificate as he seeks to reestablish the current credibility of the Universal Church and reach out in making a connection with the Faithful, the Fallen Away, other Christians, All Religions, Agnostics and Atheists alike.  Being true to Gospel Values and the Teachings of the Second Vatican Council as we live our Discipleship now in the 3rd Millennium of Catholic-Christianity, Pope Francis is not in error, or in need of damage control for the statements he is making and the interviews he has granted.  Wake up Catholic-Christians and Citizens of the World, 76 year old +Jorge Bergoglio, of Argentina, the current Successor of St. Peter, is leading, teaching, and directing, the Roman Catholic Worldwide Church on the very path it needs to follow in the contemporary international community of nations, peoples, and cultures. We cannot be the Museum of the Catholic Church only looking backwards, but we must be the Living Church honoring the Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Tradition that carries out the vision and truth of the 21st Ecumenical Council Vatican II, (1962-1965) in an interactive dialogic relationship with the Modern World.  God Bless and safeguard Good Pope Francis as he proceeds in taking us forward whoever we are: Catholics, Orthodoxs, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Buddists, Spiritualists, or Unbelievers, all created and called by the Living and True God of the Universe.............Fr.  Troy David

A WONDERFUL WEDDING OF PINEAPPLES, MORROCAN FOOD, SISTERLY CHOCOLATES AND FINE WINES.............

Thanks to the brotherly/sisterly generosity of Merv and Mary Carson, and Mike Wilson, I am back in East Sac after presiding over the Robert Fenrich-Mallorie Hodge Wedding in Livermore.  A wonderful Nuptial Mass so filled with participation and active presence by family members - from brotherts and sisters, to aunts, godsons, and very close longtime friends, from their youth and since their college years, in St, Michael;s Church in the downtown area of Livermore, was followed by the Wedding Reception at the 3 Steves Winery in the southeast corner of  Livermore, co-owned by the Groom's uncle was the setting for a a Morrocan foods 3- Steves Wines Feast. Delectable gold boxed chocloates homemade by the Bride's sister and Matron of Honor, were also included. The décor Mallorie and Robert chose their Wedding was, "Pineapples", denoting Friendship, Hospitality, Welcome, Good Cheer,human Warmth, and Family Affection, all attributes of large, interpersonal, communal, gatherings.  And the theme of Pineapples also shares a link on this Columbus Day in the USA,, for  the discoverer himself, their Wedding Program describes how Christopher  Columbus brought pineapples with him to Europe in 1493, the year after he arrived in the New World.   Long Life, Children, Family, Friends, Fsith, and Happiness, to the new Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Mallorie Fenrich !!!.............tdp

OFFICIATING AT MY FIRST SECOND GENERATION LAMBDA CHI ALPHA WEDDING.............

The day has arrived for Robert and Mallorie's Nuptials here in Livermore CA.  Having reunited with his parents Nellie and Wade, his brother Brent, and twin sisters Allison and Aubrey, alon with getting to know Mallorie's parents. Mike and Lesli. and her sister Ashley better; along with the relatives and wedding attenndants at the Rehearsal and Dinner that followed last night - at Nonn today the happy couple will be wed in St. Michael's Catholic Church, and become, Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Mallorie Fenrich.  It is my 153rd Marriage witnessed as an ordained deacon and priest, and the 1st Wedding of the second generation affikiated to my membership in the Phi Pi Zeta chapter of LCA fraternity at Sac State, as Robert's Dad Wade and i, are two of the 37 Charter members Lambda Chi on campus in Sacramento,between 1977-1980.  I am beginning at the traveling wedding guests hotel, having breakfast with Robert's grandfather Pete Fenrich.............Fr.  Troy David

HEADING TO LIVERMORE WITH THE BRIDEGROOM'S GRANDFATHER.............

Pete Fenrich, tomorrow's Bridegroom, Robert Fenrich, whose wedding to Mallorie Hodge, I will officiate at tomorrow, is scheduled to pick me up at midday, for the drive to Livermore, California; in the Bay Area, the location of tomorrow's nuptials.  The Marriage will take place at a Nuptial Mass in St. Michael's Church, and will be  followed by their Wedding Reception at  an uncle's winery in Livermore.  Robert, is the son of Nellie and Wade Haley, whose Marriage I presided at in Sacred Heart Church in Turlock, California; in 1992.  Wade is one of my fellow charter members of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, at CSU-Sacramento, in 1980.  Although his son Robert is not a Lambda Chi, his marriage to Mallorie, is the first fraternity related marriage I will officiate at, having witnessed over a dozen of the Phi Pi Zeta chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brothers weddings since 1986.............Br. Fr. Troy  Phi Pi 2.  "Father Forever"

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SOUL OF FATHER JACK FOLMER.............

Reverend Father John "Jack" Folmer, a native Sacramentan of Sacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento, ordained for the Diocese of Sacramento in 1969, who became a a superbly capable canon lawyer, died just a short while ago, after suffering a massive stroke last Friday.  God grant Jack's soul eternal Light and Life in the Kingdom prepared for us from before the creation of the World.  I was blessed to have Father Folmer at my side as the canon lawyer he was, representing me and my parish in a Church matter.  During the past decade I was pleased to spend time with him socially, spiritually, fraternally, and interpersonally, enjoying the stories of experiences, insights, and memories, of his priestly and canonical ministry.  My personal sympathies go out to all his loved ones, and friends, particularly the Henning Family of St. Mel's Parish, in Fair Oaks; and his seminary classmates from St. Pius X high school seminary; St. Joseph's college; and St. Patrick's Seminary theologate :  Reverend Monsignor Jim Kidder, Father Jerry Ryle, Father Steve Avella, Father Pat Foley, to whom Father Jack was not only a brother priest in ministry, but a beloved, cherished, friend.  Peace and Rest be Fr. John Folmer's now and forever !!!  Alleluia Amen !!!!!!!!!!!!!.............Fr.  Troy David Powers

BLAKE'S UPHILL CHALLENGE ON THIS SEASON OF " THE VOICE"

A the new season of, "The Voice", on the NBC Television continues to roll out for the third week of Fall 2013, it is starting to look like after dominating the competition as the winning coach, for three straight seasons, that Country  singer Blake Shelton may face a stiffer go at winning a fourth time with the resurgent returns of Christina Agiluera and Ceelo Green.  Their early sustained success at securing very talented participants for their performing teams and the broadcast's featuring that fact Tuesday, is a further indication of how competitive winning 'The Voice' Championship on American television will be this autumn.  And I say that even before Adam LaVigne shows just how strong a team in the competition, he the only other winning championship coach to date, among the four of them he will put together.............tdp

SEASON TWO OF DADS GROUP WEEKLY DISCUSSION MINISTRY STARTS TONIGHT.............

Having productively spent ten weeks in the Spring considering  and discussing the book by Pope Benedict, Jesus Of Nazareth - From Holy Week To  The Resurrection; the Sacred Heart Parish Dads Group in East Sacramento, will resume for a second season of ten Autumn sessions tonight.  The focus for this series of weekly shared discussions will be the book, A Concise Guide To The Documents Of Vatican Two, by Edward P. Hahnenberg, Ph.D; The Jack and Mary Jane Breen Chair of Catholic Systematic Theology, at John Carroll University, in Cleveland, Ohio.  As this Year of Faith marking the 50th Anniversary of the convening 9of the Second Vatican Council, (1962-65) culminates, we will read, ponder, and discuss, the writings of the 16 Documents promulgated by the Catholic Bishops of the World at Vatican II, the 21st Ecumenical Council in the History of the Church, and as the most recent one the guiding spirit and truths in the governance and practice of our Discipleship as Catholic-Christians.  As we begin tonight, 7 SacHeart parishioners will be joining with Paul Friedrich and me for the Autumn sessions Wednesday nights through December 18th.............Fr.  Troy Powers

TONIGHT'S SACHEART RCIA SESSION : BELIEF IN GOD AND BEING MAN AND WOMAN FROM THE BEGINNING.............

Rita Spillane has asked me to lead the Sacred Heart R.C.I.A. session tonight's on the dual topics of , "I Believe In God", and "Man And Woman In The Beginning".  These two chapter titles from the United States Bishops Catholic Catechism For Adults, are about the Introduction to the Christian Creed that forms our Profession of Faith, and the Opening Words of the Bible from the Book of Genesis, both which reflect how we apply what we profess and practice as People of God.  It is likely to be a stimulating exploratory session with the Inquirers and Sponsors present as we continue to delve into the Teachings of Catholic Christianity with them, in their own journeys of Faith.............Fr.  Troy David

WHAT A WONDERFUL WE-VENING.............

A truly wondrous three hours over dinner at Selland's in East Sacramento it was for me tonight with Teri and Don Currier, my friends dating back to our college student days at CSU-Sacramento, three and a half decades ago.  We talked about the transition in their lives with Don's retirement from the United States Army, as a Brigadier General and becoming a Sacramento Superior Court Judge, who after filling an interim appointment to the Bench, he was elected to a 6 year term unopposed, last year. Learning more about their daugther Melissa and son Brett,  as well as the very obvious love, commitment, and happiness, in the lives of this special couple and their family. In addition to getting up to date, we also shared stories and memories of years past !  We agreed to meet up again sometime soon after Teri and Don return from a much deserved vacation and me from the NCPD convention in November.  As they faithfully follow my blog, I close this column by saying to them once more, Thank You !  Thank You ! Thank You !, Judge and Mrs, Currier, for a refreshing multi hours Escape out of the twilight zone of being warehoused and back into the real world that represents and defines me now and please God, a far ways into the future.............tdp                                                                                               

CROSSING THE T'S AND DOTTING THE I's FOR SATURDAY'S WEDDING AND TODAY'S MRI.............

On this Feast of the Holy Rosary, I send greetings and prayers to the parishioners of Holy Rosary Church in Woodland, CA; where I ministered as Associate Pastor from May 15, 1992-March 16, 1993; and of Holy Rosary Parish in Palo Alto, CA; where I was assigned as a seminarian doing pastoral ministry, from September 1984-May 1985.  Today has me sacramentally and medically focused. Firstly,  as I finalize the paperwork and documentation for the Marriage of Robert Fenrich and Mallorie Hodge, who reside in Modesto and the Stockton Diocese, but are being wed in in St. Michael's Church in Livermore, CA, which is the Oakland Diocese.  Secondly, in the follow-up MRI test I am scheduled  for at the Sutter General Capitol Pavilion on 28th Street & Capitol Avenue in midtown Sacramento, for Dr.'s Reddy and Mahmood.  My evening will afford me a breakaway for dinner with my good friends of three and a half decades Don and Teri Currier, and a fun night of catching up and going forward together.............Fr.  Troy David

GOD MAKES ALL THINGS POSSIBLE EVEN AMIDST ADVERSITY AND DETACHMENT.............

Today's Proclamation of the Sunday Scriptures in this 27th Time have Jesus The Christ declaring that we must do what is required of us, as our responsibility and accountability to be more than worthless slaves who pay lip service, or only perfunctorily carry out the opportunities and obligations of Discipleship.  Or Faith in God, our Hope to follow the Risen Jesus into Eternal Life, and our  Love for the Divine Spirit imbued in us and steeling us with the strength and sustenance we need, as we build and journey toward God's Kingdom, are the summons issued to us today and everyday to ever more embrace the Truth of our mutual personal and communal share in Witnessing to the Gospel as active and participating members of the Body of Christ -The Church.  All Believers in the Supreme Trinity of Creation, Salvation, Abundance. in Grace - we must persevere through the good and the bad that comes from our human condition, particularly when the misfortune of disease, disability, financial and economic hardship, and the pressures of prejudice and discrimination, or when, "Living, Moving, and Having, our Being", is made more difficult than necessary by the indifference, ignorance, and insensitivity of others.  I urge you not to give up, or to give in, to the untoward pressures and unnecessary obstacles your human condition and others may infliict upon you.  We have a much higher power in the Love, Mercy, Compassion, Justice, and Truth, of God makes possible the vanquishing the adversities and detachments that for a time for whatever the reasons may limit and marginalize us.  Let us continue to humbly and faithfully do what we ought to do as Disciples of Christ Jesus, realizing that is the responsibility and accountability we have to bring our lives to fulfillment in God's Will.............Holy Trinity Be With Us !!!...Fr.  Troy David

WHO IS NOT TO BLAME FOR THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ?.............

Amid all the finger pointing accompanying the current Government Shutdown and the encroaching Debt Ceiling deadline and threat of  Default, come October 17th, the essential component undergoing egregious road kill by the inaction of the leaders of the Federal Government, is the viability of open, honest, active, and ongoing, Communication; that if not unconditional, is as objective as it can be for compromise and a consensus to reaching agreement that greatest serves the common good of all our Citizens, rather than just inordinate and select special interests.  It is imperative in this polarized and dysfunctional political and governmental environment in the USA, that  President Obama, Speaker Boehner, Majority Leader Reid, Budget Committee Chairs Ryan and Murray, and the Leadership Teams in both Chambers of Congress act  decisively and collectively above and beyond the unbridled, self serving politics and prerogatives of parties and persons who are out to further themselves, and not necessarily the best interests, integrity, faith and full credit, of this, "One Nation Under God", that as an example to the World must be dedicated to civility, democracy, mutuality, and dialogue.............tdp

BECOMING CALIFORNIA'S LONGEST SERVING GOVERNOR.............

Sixty years ago today, the 30th Governor of California Earl Warren, elected to three consecutive four year terms, and who served 10 years and 9 months as the Chief Executive of the Golden State resigned, becoming the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, by the appointment of President Dwight David Eisenhower.  Tonight, October 5, 2013; three score years later to the day, the current Governor of California, Edmund G. Jerry Brown, Jr., who is both the 34th Governor (1975-1983) and the 39th Governor (2011-to and presently) surpasses Governor Warren's lengthiest ever tenure in State of California history and becomes at age 75, California's longest serving Governor to date.  With his 2010 election as California Governor, in which he tied Warren, in becoming a three term Governor of the Golden State, he also passed out his own father,  Edmund G. Pat Brown Sr., who was the 32nd Governor of California (1959-1967).  As Governor Jerry Brown continues the job of  signing or vetoing Bills passed at the close of the 2013 Session of the California Legislature, one year before his expected bid to seek a fourth term as Governor,  the California Republican State Party Convention is underway this weekend in Anaheim, where two prospective GOP 2014 Gubernatorial candidates, former Lieutenant Governor Abel Maldonaldo, R-Santa Maria; Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, R-San Bernardino Mountains. are meeting, greeting, and campaigning among the Convention Delegates.  Who but his most dedicated and loyal supporters 20-30 years ago, would have bet that as California  Governor, Jerry Brown would equal, tie, and now exceed the term of service of Governor Earl Warren, and be the odds on favorite to win an unprecedented 4th term next year ?.............tdp

SEPARATING GOD'S LOVE FROM HIS HOLINESS ?.............

Russell Moore, who is the  leader of the Southern Baptist Convention in the United States, the second largest Christian denomination in this country behind only the number of Catholics, is openly criticizing Pope  Francis for being in Moore's words, "soft on sin", and of, "separating God's Love, from His (Divine) Holiness". The Southern Baptist Leader of the their 'Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, stated his opposition to what Pope Francis said recently in his print interviews with, La Republica; America Magazine, and upwards of twenty publications, in which the Supreme Pontiff reached out inclusively to all Peoples regardless of their religion, faith, or unbelief.  Responding to Pope Francis' comments in the said interview on the Southern Baptist ELRC website this week, Moore wrote, ...Pope Francis makes the mistake of, "severing the love of God from the holiness of God."  Moore went on to say, "From Augustine's Confessions to, "Well everyone has his own idea about good and bad"; is a long path"...Russell then proceed to call Pope Francis' views, "a theological wreck".  I say to Moore and his adherents, you are mistaken if you consider Pope Francis' statements and outreach to all others, as being a separation of Divine Love from God's Holiness, or the Holy Father as having a wrong headed Theology, as Pope Francis is on the right track, despite your objections.  As the Vicar of Christ on Earth and the Successor of St. Peter, Pope Francis is being welcoming and inclusive just as Jesus is.  Not condemning or polarizing sinners from the Body of Christ - the Catholic-Christian Church, but calling  them to   interaction with the Divine and God.s Family in the World Community.  The renewal and reform of the Catholic Church and his aspirations for the fidelity of all Christian, is anchored in a a spirit  of ecumenism and interreligious interaction, as well as  a dialogue with unbelievers.  This Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church has deep concern for all of God's Creation not only believing and practicing Catholics, Southern Baptists, and all Christians, but those of other Faith and Spiritual traditions, and Agnostics and Atheists too.  Unity not Division is what Pope Francis is advocating.  A unity of  the community of Humankind that brings to fulfillment the Greater Glory of God Almighty and the common and mutual Good of All Peoples.............Fr.  Troy David Powers

TONIGHT'S FINAL MARRIAGE PREPARATION MEETING WITH ROBERT AND MALLORIE.............

Engaged couple Robert Fenrich and Mallorie Hodge, whose Marriage in St. Michael's Parish Church, Livermore; in the Oakland Diocese I will be officiating at this month are finalizing their sacramental preparation with me and Permanent Deacon candidate and his wife, Paul and Sharon Friedrich, tonight.  Robert 29, is the son of Nellie and Wade Haley, my Sac State Lambda Chi Alpha Phi Pi Zeta Fraternity Brother.  I also officiated at Wade and Nellie's Marriage jn Sacred Heart Parish in Turlock, over two decades ago.  Mallorie 26, is the daughter of James and Lesli Hodge.  Mallorie and Robert's Wedding will be the 153rd Marriage I will preside oversince being ordained a Transitional Deacon and then a Priest of Jesus Christ in 1986 / 1987.............tdp

FRANCIS OF ARGENTINA'S FIRST FEAST DAY AS SUPREME PONTIFF OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND WORLD.............

On this liturgical and sanctoral calendar date commemorating Francis of Assisi, the patronal feast day of the present Holy Father Pope Francis, has him in Assisi, Italy; in which he presided at an open air Mass at which he preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, according to the life and example of the humility and holiness of the 12th Century man who has become an iconic Saint.  Coming amidst the three days of Pope Francis' initial with the Catholic Church Reform Commission of 8 International Cardinals to recommend reforms and redirection beginning with the Roman Curia in the Vatican, +Francis homily today compared the spirit and ministry of Francis of Assisi, to the need to reform and renew the focus and purposes of the 3rd Millennium Church not as one of hierarchical and institutional privilege but of and for the poor - and for all, not just the few.  "Tune into God, Walk with our Lord, and Proclaim the Gospel, to the margins of society",is what Pope said to the priests, religious, catechists, and diocean pastoral council members today on his brief pilgrimage to Assisi.  The first Pope to take the name Francis, as the Successor of St. Peter, he also declared today, "Christians and the Church, must strip themselves of Worldliness".  I will be blogging more about Pope Francis' Assisi visit today; and the the work of the Reform Commission in coming days; as the Pontiff's devotion to cleansing and purifying the Catholic-Christian Church from corruption and careerism continues.............Fr.  Troy David

MY REGISTRATION AND RESERVATIONS ARE SET FOR THE 2013 NCPD CONVENTION IN HOUSTON.............

Having decided to attend the2013, National Catholic Partnership For Disability (NCPD) Convention, "Where Faith And Disability Meet", November 1-2-3-, in Houston Texas; I eagerly completed my registration and set my travel arrangements today.  The NCPD was created as a result of U.S. Catholic Bishops 1978 Pastoral Statement on Persons With Disabilities, founded in 1982, the year I as a physically disabled Catholic man, entered the seminary to become a priest for my home Diocese of Sacramento.  Now 26 years a Priest, having endured further Disabilities during the past 11 years, yet committed to remaining in active ministry for a decade or more longer, it is imperative that I invest some of my time and ministry to the disabled more precisely as a disabled priest.  The theme of this year's NCPD Convention, "Where Faith And Disability Meet", is a pertinent question and focus for me and millions of Catholic-Christians in the USA and globally.  I very much look forward to meeting and interacting with the other attendees as Irenew and expand the horizons of my place and commitment to the Disability Community, especially within the Catholic Church of Sacramento.............tdp

ASSISTING MONSIGNOR WALTON WITH SCHOOL CONFESSIONS.............

I am very happy to have been able to help my Pastor Bob Walton withe the sacramental Confessions of the Sacred Heart Parish School students for the ninth time since Spring 2010; and the seventh time since residing at MMT.  I welcome every opportunity to do the ordained ministry as a priest I was ordained to do.  I will be eternally grateful to my priestly colleague Msgr. Walton, and SacHeart parishioner / adult faith formation director Rita Spillane, for including me in parish ministry while I am sitting on the sidelines waiting for a new parish placement and priestly ministry appointment almost nineteen months after being involuntarily exiled to this senior citizen,assisted care, short term, residence with none of those three definitions applicable to me now and please God for decades yet.............tdp

HOW DOES SPEAKER BOEHNER LEAD THE HOUSE IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST WHILE BEING HELD POLITICALLY HOSTAGE ?.............

I think at heart United States Representative John Boehner, Republican from Ohio, is a good man.  A good man so steeped after nearly twenty three years as a a Member of Congress in climbing the leadership ladder to the top as a loyal lieutenant that he attained his desired goal of becoming Speaker of the House of Representatives more than two and a half years ago.  A principled man and family businessman, who is a Catholic, the partisan but public service minded values Speaker Boehner brought with him to the House and gained him the Speakership, are now being stretched to incredulity daily as Party politics and select interest Advocates are holding hostage his ability for principled Leadership as the Speaker and  second person in line to the Presidency to do what's best for the American People.  The thirty to fifty Tea Party affiliated Republican House Members who hold John Boehner's claim to being Speaker in the balance should he fail to dance to the tune of their agenda, - not Mr. Speaker's; are preventing him from effectively being anything more than a compromised pol - succumbing to his Hostage-hood, to hold on to his Speakership and a wasted, unaccomplishing, time at the top of the lower chamber of Congress, who is now more the Cheerleader for FOX News and the far far Political Right Wing, than Speaker of the House.  Speaker Boehner break the shackles of obstruction to effectual government and stand up for your yourself and ALL Americans by letting the Tea Party Caucus in the House and Senators Cruz and Paul, among others know that you, not they are Mr, Speaker.............Fr.  Troy David

RETURNING AND MERGING BACK IINTO RCIA, SACRAMENTAL MARRIAGE PREP AND THE DADS GROUP.............

Having returned yesterday from my 9 day driving tour of the Golden State with my St. Kieran's Seminary classmate and cherished friend of 31 years, Reverend Father Oliver Desmond Maher, I am diving into the R.C.I.A., at SacHeart Parish and readying to get Season 2 of the Dads Group Ministry underway next Wednesday night.  Also I am working at finalizing the Marriage Preparation requirements of the engage couple whose wedding I will be officiating at in St, Michael's Church in Livermore in the Oaklamd Diocese.  I am happy to be carrying these ministries while continuing to  patiently await a new placement and priestly ministry assignment as the process for attaining them grinds slowly in coming forth several weeks following the meeting I thought was the turning point in reaching a decision about the active, full time, ministry my doctors and many others believe I am capable of carrying out and with a viable proposal I made almost six months on the table to be acted on.............Fr.  Troy David

POPE FRANCIS BEGINS HIS MEETINGS WITH THE SUPER 8 CARDINALS COMMISSION.............

Proceeding with the reform and renewal of the Institutional Universal Church as the Community of Believers founded by God's Co-Eternal Son Jesus The Christ, starting at the highest echelons in the Roman Curia, as he has indicated from the inception of his Pontificate six and a half months ago, with the appointment of a Papal Commission of 8 specific Cardinals from different regions around the World, including the Archbishop of Boston in the United States - the Holy Father convened day one of their initial meetings on Tuesday.  Opening the brainstorming session of the 8 Cardinals, Pope Francis enunciated the intention to, "rip up and rewrite", the Vatican Constitution to redirect the workings and focuses of the the leadership and interactions of the Church away from centralized control in Rome and increasing decision making at the local diocesan level throughout the World.  Pope Francis underscores that he does not want a Vatican-centric Church that serves itself but a Missionary Church reaching out to all, especially the poor, the young and the elderly, as well as non-believers, and homosexuals, and the marginalized. This landmark gathering fulfilled the desire of the Pope Francis being chosen in the Conclave in March to lead the implementation of permitting greater involvement of local churches in decision making and activities of the 1,2 billion membership of the Universal Church.  As the Pope gathered with the 8 Cardinals - who in addition to Cardinal O'Malley from the United States;  are, Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuiz Ossa, of Chile; Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, India; Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinaya of Kinshasa, Congo; Cardinal Reinhard Marx, of Germany; Cardinal George Pell, of Australia; Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, of Vatican City State; and the Reform Advisory Commission Coordinator, Cardinal Oscar Andris Rodriguez Maradiaga, of Honduras.............Fr.  Troy David

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE GIBSON !!!!!!!!!!!!!.............

To my 35 year friend, California State University Sacramento Associated Students Association colleague and steadfast supporter of my priestly ministry, Joseph Andrew Gibson, I wish a very very Happy Birthday this October 1, 2013.  Have a fantastic personal solemnity today JOE !!  All My Best to You and your First Lady, Ruth - "Mr. President".............Love, Prayers, Peace,  Troy David