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