EASTER SUNDAY 2013 - REJOICING IN THE RISING OF JESUS THE CHRIST OUR REDEEMER.............

"This is the Day the Lord has Made, Let Us Rejoice and be Glad",  Alleluia !  Amen !  Happy Easter Sunday to you on this March 31, 2013, as we join with our families and fellow believers in the Paschal Mystery of God's obedient and triumphant Son, whose Passion and Death, are transformed into the New and Everlasting Life of Jesus The Christ and our Salvation in His, Resurrection.  Catholic-Christians of Living Faith gather in Masses and Worship Services this morning that ring out with the Alleluias of Victory over sin and suffering, and the redemption and vindication of our bodies and  souls in unity with the Divine Redeemer in the New and Risen Life, Jesus attained for us and All Believers.  As I go over to Sacred Heart Church to comcelebrate the 9:30 a.m. Mass this Easter Sunday, my prayers and best wishes for you and the People of God's Creation, will celebrate and discover today the Blessings and Love that the reconciliation and renewal the Resurrection brings us, in the promise and hope of Eternal Life.  Alleulia ! Alleulia !!  A Blessed Easter Sunday Day be yours.............Fr.  Troy

THE HOLY SATURDAY EASTER VIGIL SERVICE WITH POPE FRANCIS PRESIDING FROM VATICAN CITY

Pope Francis has been leading the Easter Vigil Service in St. Peter's Basilica, for just over two hours; although EWTN announced the starting time as 1 pm Pacific Time, when it actually got underway at 12:30 pm PDT.  This Easter Vigil Liturgy has been trimmed back in order to meet the personal pastoral aim of the Holy Father to keep his Masses short and to the point, whereas past Easter Vigils have lasted about three hours, tonight's celebration is about two and a half hours in length.  A  beautifully carried out Liturgy, that started earlier than scheduled and abbreviate the Service of Light, after the Lighting of the Easter Fire and the Paschal Candle, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults   included the Baptism of four men.  Pope Francis' Easter Vigil Homily was simply spoken, and succinct.  He referred to this night, as one of, "radiant light", and of the "surprise and confusion", of the Apostles at finding the Empty Tomb, in which Jesus had been buried.  He then preached practically, about our own response to the maladies that beset us proclaiming, "Our daily problems and worries can wrap us up in ourselves, in sadness and bitterness, and that is where death is".  And the new Vicar of Christ declaredm "Let the Risen Jesus enter your life, welcome Him as a friend with trust, He is Life !".  Pope Francis will conclude and top off, his first Holy Week and Easter Triduum as Pope as the 266th Successor of St. Peter, by culminating Easter Sunday with the "Urbi Et Orbi", to the, "City And The World", Address and Blessing, from the window of the papal apartment out onto St. Peter's Square.  How many languages he will impart Easter Greetings has not yey been disclosed.............tdp

EASTER TRIDUUM 2013 - HOLY SATURDAY A DAY OF WAITING AND PREPARATION FOR THE RESURRECTION AND CHRISTIAN INITIATION.............

On this Holy Saturday morning, the beginning of the third day of the Easter Triduum, a silence pervades the Catholic-Christian Church as wait in silence for the Nightwatch of the Resurrection, that arrives with the celebration of the Easter Vigil Service tonight, which is meant to start no sooner than a half hour after sunset, thus 8:15 p.m. Pacific Time this year.  Today is also a preparation as Christians make ready to welcome and joyously celebrate the Glorious Solemnity of Easter Sunday tomorrow.  This morning R.C.I.A. ministries in parishes nationally and globally, are holding walk throughs and imparting pertinent preparation to the Cathechumens and Candidates who will become full members of the Catholic Church tonight as they receive Christian Initiation, celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, and / or making a Profession of Faith.  Here at Sacred Heart our Rehearsal begins at 9 am, followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Confessions of the Candidates.  May your Holy Saturday be a day in which you continue to express Faith and Gratitude in the Passion and Death of Jesus, and spiritually prepare to Commemorate and celebrate Christ's Glorious Resurrection, tomorrow Easter Sunday and for the next 50 Days of the Paschal Season.............Fr.  Troy

SACHEART's GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE COMPLETE ON TO TONIGHT'S "SEVEN LAST WORDS".............

The Good Friday Service of the Passion, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy I joined Monsignor Robert Walton, Father Vincent Juan, Deacons William Riehl, and Gilbert Parra, along with Dr. Donald Kendrick, and Scola Cantorum, as well as the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish in celebrating is over, an approximately 80 minute commemoration on this Good Friday afternoon.  At the Service at the gracious invitation of Msgr. Walton, aI preached a brief homily on the Scriptures from Isaiah, Hebrews, and John's Passion account.  In the homily I attempted to underscore that despite the starkness and sorrowful reality of this day in the history of Humankind, in the Suffering, Passion, and Death, of Jesus The Christ came the necessary fulfillment of the Prophets and the Salvation and Sanctification of God's People.  Also, how Pope Francis' call to us to live in humble service was echoed in the Good Friday Service he presided at in Vatican City, by the Papal Homilist, who reminded us of our mutual need to come out from under our own crosses, to reach out and serve the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and the needy.  Finally I concluded we need not be crushed by our personal crosses, but vindicated by them in being joined to the vanquishing of sin and death the New and Risen Life of Christ Jesus Our Lord and Redeemer by his selfllessand obedient Passion and Death, has gained for us  Tonight, at 7 p.m., I will return to SacHeart for "Seven Last Words Of Christ  ", Meditation being presented by members of the Parish Pastoral Council, thanks to the generous service and assistance of Tom Flynn, Rita Spillane's husband.............tdp

PREACHING THE PASSION AND DEATH OF JESUS THE CHRIST ON THIS GOOD FRIDAY.............

As the Easter Triduum we have begun proceeds seamlessly from part one, the Mass of the Lord's Supper Last Supper last night, to the Friday of the Passion of the Lord today, we will hear proclaimed from the Word of God, the Passion of the Lord according to St. John, as well as Scripture Readings from Isaiah the Prophet's Suffering Servant Song, and a passage from the Letter to the Hebrews.  These three proclamations along with Responsorial Psalm passages from Psalm 312; and the Gospel Acclamation from Philippians 2; form the message and the focus for our commemoration and meditation on the Suffering, Passion, Crucifixion, and Death, of Jesus of Nazareth.  Jesus of Nazareth, Son of God and Son of Mary, who sent by the Heavenly Father and born of the Virgin, came into the World to become the suffering servant and sacrificial lamb, for the sins and salvation of Humankind.   As I pray and reflect on today's Sacred Scriptures, preparing to preach the Word at the Good Friday Service in Sacred Heart Church in East Sacramento at Noon,  I ponder their meaning and seek to deliver a brief homily that speaks to the poignancy and yet, positive purpose of this sorrowful and ignominious event for us and All Believers in Jesus Christ.  As we hear and break open the profundity of God's Word today and then venerate the Cross, followed by our offering of extended universal prayers for all peoples and circumstances, and then receive the already consecrated Holy Communion , on this only day of the year when Holy Mass is not celebrated; may you and me, together with all persons of Faith and goodness, take time to share in the commemoration of these sacred mysteries and offer up our hearts and minds, to pray, ponder, and worship, the Lord Jesus who obediently endured extreme suffering and the ultimate sacrifice of death, in dying for our sins and the sins of all.............Fr.  Troy

UPDATE HOLY THURSDAY 2013 : POPE FRANCIS CELEBRATES CHRISM MASS AS BISHOP OF ROME.............

At this hour in Vatican City Pope Francis is joined in the Concelebration of the Chrism Mass with Cardinals, Bishops, and Priests as the Bishop of Rome.  This annual Mass at which the Holy Oils of the Church are consecrated - Sacred Chrism for Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders; Oil of the Catechumens for Sacramental Christian Initiation; and the Oil of the Infirm for the Anointing of the Sick and Dying.  Traditionally celebrated on Holy Thursday morning throughout the World, for the past 40 years most dioceses have held the Chrism Mass on a day in the week before Holy Thursday, given the size of dioceses and the travel distances involved.  It is also the Mass each year where the Institution of the Priesthood is commemorated and when the Priests in each Diocese renew their Commitment to Service in the Ordained Priesthood of Jesus Christ.  Pope Francis in his Homily at the Chrism Mass for the Diocese of Rome spoke of how, "the sacred robes of the High Priest are rich in symbolism".  Given how the names of the Children and Twelve Tribes of Israel are embedded on the Ephod, the ancient forerunner of the priestly vestment, the Chasuble; so too do Catholic-Christian Priest "celebrates by carrying on his shoulders the people entrusted to his care and bearing their names written in his heart".   Pope Francis continued, "When we put on our simple chasuble, it might well make us feel, upon our shoulders and in our hearts, the burdens and the faces of our faithful people, our saints and martyrs of whom there are many in these times"...The Holy Father preached about good priests are recognized by how they have "anointed" the People of God, in their presiding and preaching with, "the oil of gladness", and the challenge we face as faithful priests to do exactly that.  The Roman Pontiff also focused on the need we have to, "go out then to experience our own anointing, its power, and redemptive efficacy : to the "outskirts", where there is suffering, bloodshed, blindness looking for sight, and prisoners in thrall to many evil masters".  Thus on this day commemorating the Ordained Priesthood of Jesus Christ, Pope Francis calls us to be Anointers of the Good News and to be Servants of the Anointed People of God throughout the Church in the World, by virtue of our mutual Baptism, a share in the Common Priesthood in Christ, as God's People.  Happy Holy Thursday.............Fr.  Troy

FIRST SESSION OF THE SACHEART DADS GROUP STARTS WITH A HEARTY DISCUSSION OF THE HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MYSTERIES.............

The introductory session  of the Sacred Heart Parish young Dads Group began tonight with three dads in attendance, Tom Davenport, Ryan Seeley, and Jesus Arredondo, for what was a lively discussion.  The basis of our study, discussion, and spiritual journey, is Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's second volume of "Jesus Of Nazareth", which is subtitled, 'Holy Week : From The Entrance Into Jerusalem To The Resurrection'.  After opening with Prayer, we read together the Foreward to the book and the intention and purpose with which Benedict XVI wrote it as a theologian seeking to present the "real Jesus", with a new interpretation and understanding he refers to as the historical-faith hermeneutic.  We engaged in a lively conversation about the meaning of the words and teachings as written by the now retired Roman Pontiff.  I share a Summary of tonight's material and then we joined in a highlighted preview of the text of the First Chapter, we will take up next week.  I am pleased and feel further privileged to have this opportunity to share in the continuing adult faith formation and increase in spirituality, the Dads Group seeks, that our Pastor Msgr. Walton and these fine men have invited me to facilitate.  I look forward to the wonderful experience of faith, formation, spirituality, and fellowship, it will surely be for me and for them.............tdp

GEARING UP FOR SACHEART's "DADS GROUP" STARTING TONIGHT.............

Tonight at 8 p.m. I will sit down with a group of young Dads in Sacred Heart Parish, who are coming together to form a study and discussion group of which I have been asked to serve as the facilitator.  This small group has the goal of increasing spiritually in their lives.  Our opening focus for consideration and discussion, will be Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI / Joseph Ratzinger's book, "Jesus Of Nazareth", Volume Two, 'Holy Week : From The Entrance Into Jerusalem To The Resurrection'.  In this "Year Of Faith", it will be an engaging opportunity for this group of dads to grow in their Faith, become more deeply Evangelized, and to encounter a Theological experience, in developing their Spirituality, in the personal and communal relationship with Jesus The Christ and His Paschal Mystery.............Fr.  Troy 

POPE FRANCIS WILL NOT LIVE IN THE APOSTOLIC PALACE.............

Pope Francis, who as +Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio, lived a simple and humble life as a priest and bishop in Buenos Aires, Argentina; has continued to practice that humility and simplicity in the first two weeks he has been the 266th Successor of St. Peter dismissing the pomp and perks of previous Popes in his practices and interactions with the People of God.  In recent days that has extended to the announcement he will celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, not in St. John Lateran or St. Peter's Basilica, the traditional sites; but in a Roman Youth Prison, with the incarcerated.  Today, the Vatican revealed Pope Francis has chosen to live not in the Apostolic Palace and the ten room Papal Apartment, but in the Vatican guest house, "Domus Sanctae Marthae".    He will reside their in much simpler surroundings than the Papal Apartment, with a community of  not only priests, but women and men religious, and laypeople.  He will be celebrating Mass there with the other residents, having meals in the dining room with them, and going for walks outside the guest house.  The first poll of Americans last week found that Pope Francis has attained a favorable rating of 88%; and only 4% disapproval.  The Holy Father's humble outreach to others, is certainly a major factor in the overwhelming positive response his assuming the Petrine Ministry is generating.............Fr.  Troy

THE JEWISH PASSOVER THE PRELUDE OF THE CHRISTIAN PASCH.............

The Jewish Feast of Passover begins tonight, the first of eight nights commemorating the freedom from slavery of the Israelites with their emanicipation from the Babylonian Exile.  This is year 5773 of the Jewish Calendar and this Passover, "Pesach", in Hebrew; which is prescribed to begin on the night of the14th Day of the Jewish month of Nisan, this year is tonight, March 25th, denotes the redemption of the Hebrews in the 1250's BCE,  from their slavery in Eygpt, thus beginning at sunset, for seven nights in Israel, and eight nights elsewhere in the World, the Jewish People observe "chammetz", the foregoing of leavened bread and grains, as they observe and rejoice in the Passover of the Lord.  Seder Meals will be celebrated by Jewish familes in fulfillment of the Jewish customs as defined for the observance of the Pesach, in the Hebrew Scriptures.  As they tell the story of their delivery from exile and the freedom from slavery, they eat a meal of lamb, and other foods that symbolize and signify the Passover Feast.  After thoroughly cleansing their domiciles of the chammetz, they sit at table tonight and read from the Haggadah, while dining on matzoh, drinking four cups of wine, and hiding and finding the Afikomen, a specially hidden piece of the matzoh.  I have attended and co-hosted several Seders over the past 33 years,especially sharing them in parishes of Holy Family, Citrus Heights; St. John the Baptist, Folsom; St. Joseph's, Yreka; and St. Thomas the Apostle, Oroville; as well as St. Rose's Parish, in South Sacramento; with the R.CI.A. families and other parishioners.  A Christian celebration of the Seder, for us as Catholics is an appropriate forerunner to our commemoration of the institution of the Holy Eucharist, which we will celebrate in three days, at the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday evening.  There we will scripturally proclaim the remembrance of the Passover Meal and the First Eucharist, as we recall it was at a Jewish Passover Seder, that Jesus gave us the Bread and Wine being shared with His Apostles, as His very own Body and Blood, the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Memorial of His Paschal Mystery.............Fr.  Troy  

A PROCESSION OF PALMS TODAY PRECEDES THE SOLEMN COMMEMORATION OF THE PASCHAL MYSTERY DURING THIS WEEK.............

Marked by Jesus' acclaimed entrance into Jerusalem, Palm Sunday, the day on which the Lord was greeted with shouts of, "Hosanna in the Highest", we join with crowds in acknowledging His Messiahship.  The Palm branches waved in receiving Him, a sign of triumphal welcome, even though within a matter of days the same Jesus would be disavowed and condemned to die.  This is the opening of Holy Week, the awesome, agonizing, and authentic, pinnacle of the Public Ministry, Passion, Death, and Resurrection, of Jesus The Christ in the Paschal Mystery.  These sacred and solemn days we commemorate are our personal and communal occasion to realize, reaffirm, and renew, our Faith in God's Plan for our Salvation.  Our observance of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum, validates and strengthens our  Discipleship in Jesus The Lord, Who by His Self Sacrifice anf Victory, redeems us and redirects our lives to building up the Coming of God's Kingdom.  So as you clasp the palm branches with which we celebrate this Passion Sunday of Holy Week, think of their true meaning, not merely sentimental symbolism, but the significant sign of Who Jesus Christ truly is and the unconditional willingness as our Savior to surrender his Life, take up the Cross, and suffer and die for Humankind, in order to vanquish sin and death and attain for us, the ultimate triumph - Everlasting Life in the Kingdom of God's Creation.............Fr.  Troy

SACHEART R.C.I.A. DAY OF RECOLLECTION BEFORE INITIATION.............

As Catholic parishes throughout the country and in much of the World get ready for the celebration of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil on holy Saturday, next week - R.CI.A. ministries like ours here at Sacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento, are holding retreats and days of preparation for the Elect.  Our Catechumen and Candidates and their Sponsors, will be attending a Day of Recollection today, a mid morning to mid afternoon opportunity to spiritually and socially solidify their readiness together for the Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and Profession of Faith, they will experience at the Easter Vigil Service next Saturday night March 30th.  I will join them this afternoon, after completing another Baptismal instruction, in what continues to be for me a high activity month of ministry.............Fr.  Troy

POPE FRANCIS SUPPORTS A DIALOGUE WITH ISLAM AND CALLS FOR WORLDWIDE EFFORT TO ADDRESS POVERTY.............

Underscoring his personal and pastoral commitment to being the servant leader of all persons are a part of God's Creation, Catholics, other Christians, non Christians, and even non-Believers, Pope Francis is urging a dialogue with Islam.  Speaking to diplomats representing the 170 countries with which the Vatican has ongoing relations, Pope Francis urged them to embrace, "the spiritual poverty of our time", in orer to, "re-forge links with God", that are a pivotal part of carrying out the mission of Religion.  Building peace through inter-religious efforts being essential to the task, as Pope Francis pointed out that ignoring people, such as Muslims, fails in establishing necessary links with God, to achieve Peace.  Therefore, the Holy Father calls upon us to, "intensify dialogue", with others specically Islam in attainment of that goal.  The Roman Pontiff also spoke about the need to "fight poverty,  both material and spiritual", as we strive to build the necessary bridges of dialogue and peace.  Calling for a greater appreciation and respect for the Environment the Pope referred to St. Francis of Assisi, for whom he took his name as Holy Father, for his austerity, concern for the poor, and respect for nature.............Fr.  Troy

POPE FRANCIS ADDRESSES ECUMENISM AND OUTREACH TO NON BELIEVERS.............

Pope Francis on Wednesday the day after his Installation as the 266th Successor of St. Peter and Roman Pontiff of the Catholic Church, met with other World Religious Leaders, who attend the inauguration of his Petrine Ministry.  Chief among them being the Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew; considered by Orthodox Christians as the Successor of St. Andrew, the brother of St. Peter, and also an Apostle of Jesus The Christ.  Patriarch Bartholomew's presence at Pope Francis' Installation yesterday was the first time an Orthodox  Patriarch has been present at the Roman Catholic Pope's Installation since 1054 A.D., the year of the Schism between Catholics and Orthodox Christians.  During yesterday's gathering Pope Francis referred to Patriarch Barthlomew, as "my brother Andrew", and the two agreed to meet again in the coming year most likely in Constantinople, which is modern day Istanbul, Turkey.  Also yesterday Pope Francis spoke of the place of non Christians and non Believers, indicating he believes there is a role for both in the dialogue that he as Pope, and other Religious Leaders carry out for the common good of all people in the World as part of God's Creation.............Fr.  Troy

PRESIDENT OBAMA VISITING ISRAEL.............

President Barack Obama began a three day State Visit to Israel today.  He met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahou, in what was described as an outwardly friendly and cordial exchange between the two recently re-elected international Heads of State.  Private discussions on issues including Iran, and Syria, was followed by a joint news conference with the Jewish Prime Minister and the American President.  Their mutual discussions are expected to continue as the Obama Visit, his first as President of the United States proceeds into Thursday and Friday.  He will visit with the Palestinians and their Leader, President Abbas, in further discussion of a Two State deal; and will be hosted to a State Dinner by Israeli President Simon Perez in Tel Eviv tomorrow night.  This trip to the Middle East will also include a visit to the nation of Jordan, and a meeting with King Abdullah.  ............Fr.  Troy

POPE FRANCIS SEATED AT THE CHAIR WHILE MORE THAN 500 OTHERS DISTRIBUTE HOLY COMMUNION AT HIS INSTALLATION MASS.............

EWTN Host and Anchor, Raymond Arroyo, appearing as one of CNN's commentators for the Installation Mass of Pope Francis, has just said that by being seated during the distribution of Holy Communion presently being done by some 500 plus other Bishops and Priests, he is avoiding giving the Eucharist to anyone present who receives, whose personal or political views on Catholic teachings  they disagree with or support a different position than that of the Church.   Pope Francis as Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina; was known to staunchly support the practice of denying Holy Communion to political / governmental, or public officials, who part from official Catholic Church teachings on matters such as Abortion and Same Sex Marriage.  The Holy Father Francis I, is the first Jesuit Pope, a member of the Society of Jesus since 1969, and was a Novice Master, Superior of the Jesuitv Order in Argentina, and a Seminary Rector, before becoming Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires, in 1992.  The Mass has just ended and as Pope Francis makes his way from the Presider's Chair, he walks to the statue of St. Mary and pauses to pray, then begins extending his Papal Blessing to the assembly, reverences the Altar, and joins the procession back into St. Peter's Basilica.  Next he is expected to briefly meet and greet World Leaders from 132 countries, who are in attendance.  CNN correspondent reports the Installation was celebrated in less time than expected it would take, coming in at approximately ninety minutes after the initial ceremonies were completed.  So at 3:30 a.m. Pacific, 6:30 a.m. Eastern. and 11:30 a.m. Roman Time, the 266th Successor of St. Peter, Pope Francis, has been fully installed.  More To Come throughout the day on the Installation of our New Holy Father.............tdp

POPE FRANCIS' INSTALLATION HOMILY.............

Following the Proclamation of the Liturgy of the Word from the Book of Samuel, in the Hebrew Scriptures, in English; the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, in Spanish; and from the Gospel of St. Matthew, in Greek;  Pope Francis proceeds to the the Ambo, to preach the Homily of his Installation Mass as  Pope, on this Solemnity of St. Joseph.  Pope Francis is preaching what George Weigel calls a very Franciscan homily, one of directness and simplicity.  He is preaching of St. Joseph as the Protector of Mary, Jesus, and of the Church.  Speaking of Joseph as doing so unfailingly with constancy and loving care.  By being constantly attentive to God and God's Plan for the Holy Family and the Church.  Pope Francis says we too also learn to protect our call to follow God, and the call to all human beings, to protect creation and all creatures, our families, spouses, children, the elderly, protecting one another in trust, love, and kindness.  Being protectors of all God gives us.  He speaks to all who are responsible for Political, Spiritual, and Social, Life and all Persons to be Protectors of God's Creation, not be afraid of Goodness or Tenderness.  Pope Francis speaks of the kind of Power Jesus gave to Peter and is given in turn to the Pope.  Authentic Power he says is one of Service.  Amidst so much darkness we need to see the light of Hope; which is opened up for us by Christ, and vuilt on the Rock of God.  He invikes the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sts. Peter and Paul, and St, Francis.  And concludes by asking all to Pray for him in his Petrine Ministry.............tdp    

THE INSTALLATION MASS OF POPE FRANCIS GETS UNDERWAY.............

The Liturgy of Installation for Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, is getting underway and the Mass is of the Solemnity of St. Joseph.  The Holy Father is wearing the Mitre he brought with him from Argentina, wearing a matching Chasuble.  Prior to coming out onto St. Peter's Square for the start of his Installation Mass, Pope Francis visited and prayed at the Tomb of St. Peter, whose 266th Successor, as the Vicar of Christ, he is.  There he received the Pallium and the Fisherman's Ring, before being joined by the Cardinals, Patriarchs, and Archbishops, in the procession out of the Basilica onto St. Peter's Square.  Upwards of 1 million people are reported to be present.  The Scola (choir) is singing in prayer for Pope Francis and will transition into a Litany of the Canonized Popes, from +Cletus, in the 1st Century of Christianity to +Pius X, in the 20th Century.  Today's Mass opening procession is a distance the size of two football fields from inside the sanctuary of the Basilica to outside the front doors and the Altar of Sacrifice set up in the Square.............tdp 

THE INSTALLATION MASS OF POPE FRANCIS PRE COVERAGE.............

The Installation Mass of Pope Francis which will begin in about an hour from now, the "Beginning of the Petrine Ministry of the New Bishop of Rome", is a solemn ceremony inaugurating Pope Francis taking up his responsibilities as the Roman Bishop as well as Pastor of the Universal Church.  Pope Francis will open his Installation Day by publicly going to the Tomb of St. Peter, in the catacombs of the St. Peter's Basilica, before appearing outdoors in St. Peter's Square.  During the Installation Mass the new Holy Father will receive a Pallium, a woolen band, the symbol of the Good Shepherd, and the symbol of his being a Metropolitan Bishop; and the Fisherman's Ring, the sign that he like Peter and some ofthe other Apostles were fishermen, called by Jesus to be "fishers of men" persons male and female, to be Followers of Jesus The Christ.............tdp

UPDATE INSTALLATION OF POPE FRANCIS 2013.............

Ninety minutes from now the Installation Mass of Pope Francis, as the 266th Successor of St. Peter, and the Vicar of Christ on Earth, as the new Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, is scheduled to begin.  The concelebrated Mass expected to be attended by hundreds of thousands of persons in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, I will be watching, blogging, and offering insights and information about, for the next few hours Live.  I welcome and thank you for following my blog columns on this Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, Foster Father of Jesus, and the Universal Patron of the Church, as I Update the Installation of Pope Francis 2013.  More Forthcoming in the hours ahead.............Fr.  Troy

HILLARY CLINTON COMES OUT FOR SAME SEX MARRIAGE.............

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who retired from the State Department at the end of January, appeared in a video presentation released by the Human Rights Campaign, announcing her support for Same Sex Marriage.  It puts her position in alignment with that of her husband, former President Bill Clinton, who just days ago authored an opinion-editorial newspaper column requesting the abolition of DOMA, the National Defense of Marriage Act, he signed as President; which along with California's Proposition 8, is coming before the United States Supreme Court for debate and whether or not to overturn them this term.  Her position in support of Marriage Equality for gays and lesbians in addition to heterosexual couples, joins her to that of Democratic  President Barack Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden; along with the position in support of same sex marriage on the part of Republican Ohio U.S. Senator Rob Portman, last week in disclosing the his college age son is homosexual, and former Vice President Dick Cheney, who has a lesbian daughter.  More detail on the pronouncement made by Hillary Clinton, as the news reporting, analysis, and commentary, about it unfolds.............Fr.  Troy

POPE FRANCIS CELEBRATES HIS FIRST SUNDAY MASS AS THE NEW ROMAN PONTIFF.............

On this first Sunday following his Election as the 266th Successor of St. Peter, +Joseph Mario Bergoglio, who is now Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church, presided and preached at Mass in St. Anne's Church in Vatican City this morning.  Pope Francis in preaching on the Sunday Scriptures, spoke of Jesus, saying, "He has come for us".  "Mercy", said Pope Francis is, "the strongest message of Jesus", as he preached the message of the Gospel Proclamation from John 11: 1-45; of the Woman Caught In Adultery.  The Pope spoke in large measure without using his prepared text, which is an emerging trait in his first days since being elected Pope last Wednesday.  Following the Mass, +Francis greeted those in attendance at the doors of the church, in the manner of most parish priests, and then walked into the crowds to momentarily greet and interact with some of the faithful.  Following the  the Sunday Mass Pope Francis returned to the Vatican, and according to Vatican Radio greeted many more well wishers before appearing in his balcony window for the Sunday Angelus Prayer and Blessing before an estimated 300,000 pilgrims below in St. Peter's Square.............Fr.  Troy   

NEW POPE FRANCIS SENDS ST. PATRICK'S DAY GREETINGS TO THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND.............

Pope Francis about to celebrate his first Sunday as the Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church which this year is the Fifth Sunday of Lent, but otherwise is commemorated as St. Patrick's Day, the Apostle of Ireland, has recognized the day by sending one of his first official messages of prayer and blessing.  American born Archbishop Charles Brown, the Papal Nuncio to Ireland received from Pope Francis, a formal communication on Friday afternoon to be extended to Irish President Michael D. Higgins, wishing happiness to the Irish people on their national feast day.  The newly elected Roman Pontiff also, "commended the nation to the powerful intercession of St. Patrick", at the start of his pontificate.  The message in the opening days of Pope Francis' ministry as the 266th Successor of St. Paul, may also signal a personal pastoral commitment to the New Evangelization, including the Irish, given the fallout from the sexual abuse scandals and its adverse impact of the Irish people in  their support and adherence to the Catholic Church and substantial decline in Mass attendance in recent years.  This occurring as in other countries during the past decade, in the nation primarily evangelized and converted to the Catholic-Christian Faith by St. Patrick in the 4th and 5th centuries, instilling in the Ireland with a depth of rootedness in the Faith, that made them the. leading evangelists to the World until two thirds through the 20th Century.............tdp

POPE FRANCIS MEETS AND GREETS MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA.............

Pope Francis has just completed a thirty minute Audience with the 5,600 members of the international media in the Pope Paul VI Hall in the Vatican, where he delivered a short address and then personally greeted a small group of them, seemingly 50 persons or so, concluding the brief ceremonial gathering in a unique manner.  Instead of offering them his Apostolic Blessing and proclaiming the Sign of the Cross over them with his hands extended, he humbly told them he would pray for them in his heart silently, and acknowledging their consciences because not all of them are Catholics or even Believers, he would pray for the blessing of each one of them for being a child of God.  This action and statement akin to what the Holy Father did from the balcony on Wednesday as he was introduced to the Church and the World as Pope Francis, when he humbly asked the 100,000  persons in St. Peter's Square to ask God to bless him as the new Roman Pontiff, before extending his introductory, "To the City and The World" Apostolic Blessing.  More on this and Pope Francis' first week as the 266th Successor of St. Peter, in the hours ahead.............Fr.  Troy

ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S MASS SATURDAY COMMEMORATES A SESQUENTENNIAL.............

Saturday morning, Reverend Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh will preside at a Concelebrated Mass he has held on the Saturday nearest St. Patrick's Day for some thirty years, at St. Rose's Church on Franklin Boulevard in South Sacramento, which since 1932 has been the headquarters of St. Patrick's Home and School.  St. Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland, is the Co-Patron of the Diocese of Sacramento.  His name, was chosen by the Sisters of Mercy and their pastoral co-worker Reverend Father Thomas Dalton, in 1863; in Grass Valley, California where they founded St. Patrick's Orphanage, a home for children that has existed to this day.  St. Patrick's Home moved from Grass Valley to South Sacramento sixty nine years after its founding has been a mainstay on Franklin Boulevard ever since.  Msgr. Kavanagh arrived there in 1948, as a newly ordained priest, and remains there at age 88, being a priestly, fatherly, presence to the people of St. Rose's / St. Patrick's, and the alumni of the Home and School he, along with the dedicated Sisters of Mercy, and lay staff, ministered to, in his case for the past 65 years.  This year's St. Patrick's Day Mass commemorates the 150th Anniversary Year of St. Patrick's Home and School.  Coming three days after the Election of Pope Francis, will make it an even more special celebration.  I have been asked to preach at the Mass.  The Mass is at 8 a.m., in St. Rose's Church, at 5961 Franklin Boulevard at 38th Avenue in South Sacramento; followed by an Irish Breakfast in the Msgr. Kavanagh Hall, 5905 Franklin Boulevard.  All are welcome who want to spiritually and socially honor the venerable St. Patrick, whom the Church and the World festively remembers this weekend.............Fr.  Troy

POPE FRANCIS DELIVERS HIS FIRST HOMILY AS THE HOLY FATHER.............

Having watched the Mass concelebrated by His Holiness Pope Francis I, with the Cardinal Electors in the Sistine Chapel transmitted by Vatican Television and Radio this afternoon and listened to his first Homily as the new Supreme Pontiff, it strikes me deeply that the humbleness and simplicity with which he appeared on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, is and will be one of the promising hallmarks of his Papacy.  Following the manner of his remarks last night the Holy Father today preached to his Electors a short, basic message, in common, everyday words to describe the Movement in the Relationship with Jesus we must make.  The Holy Father proclaimed we must Confess Jesus, to be true to fulfilling our relationship and Discipleship with Him.  +Francis I said that we may be, "Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests", and if we do not as all Believers must, "Confess Jesus, we are not Disciples".  That is a very humbling and apt declaration all priests, religious, deacons, laity, and bishops, as well as the the Pope and Cardinals, so greatly need to keep before us as the People of God.............tdp

POPE FRANCIS I UP AND OUT EARLY ON HIS FIRST FULL DAY AS THE NEW HOLY FATHER.............

Pope Francis I, the freshly elected 266th Successor of St. Peter, having spent his first night as Holy Father of the Roman Catholic Church not in the Papal Apartment, but in the nearby Santa Marta hotel hosting the Cardinal Electors, as his new quarters remained sealed off and will need to be made ready for him to occupy.  In little more than twelve hours after his historic choice by the 2013 Conclave, as the First Successoe of St. Peter ever who is from the Americas, breaking Europe's 1,000 year hold on the Papacy, Pope Francis journeyed outside the Vatican for the first time as the new Bishop of Rome, making a personal visit for prayer at the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major,, as His Holiness said he would last night in his introductory appearance to pray to the Madonna.  Pope Francis  arrived with a nominal entourage, at the Basilica of Mary Major just after 8 a.m. Roman time  carrying a small bouquet of flowers which he placed upon an altar before he knelt and prayed.  One of the priest serving at St. Mary Major, said  they were called ten minutes before the Holy Father arrived at the shrine.  The Papal visited lasted approximately 30 minutes.  After concelebrating his initial Mass as the Roman Pontiff with the members  of the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel this afternoon, from whom, and by whom, he was chosen  it was thought he might go to the Pope's Summer Residence to meet with his predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI; but the Vatican has announced that visit will occur in coming days, but not today, Friday, or Saturday.  Details of the meeting the Holy Father will hold with the entire College of Cardinals on Friday morning in theSala  Clementina Hall,  a news conference with the 5,600 journalists and media members covering the Conclave and Election of Pope Francis slated for Saturday, and the Apostolic Installation next Tuesday have not been released.............Fr.  Troy

THE NEW POPE FRANCIS I TO BE FORMALLY INSTALLED IN SIX DAYS.............

The newly elected Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vicar of Christ on Earth, and 266th Successor of St. Peter, +Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio, the Archbishop Emeritus of Buenos Aires, Argentina; now Pope Francis I, will have his Apostolic Installation as the next Holy Father, next Tuesday March 19th, the Solemnity of St. Joseph - Universal Patron of the Church.  The Installation will take place at 9:30 a.m. Roman Time, 1:30 a.m. Pacific Time, in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.  This news was delivered by Father Thomas Rosica, Deputy Vatican Press Secretary, both at the briefing held in the Vatican Press Office, and reiterated just moments ago on CNN, with correspondent Chris Cuomo.  Just announced by the White House is that Vice President Joe Biden, who is Catholic, will represent the United States of America at the Papal Installation.  There is also talk from news commentators of the likelihood of an early meeting between the new Pope Francis I, and American President Barack Obama, as soon as next month when the President visits Israel.............tdp

WE HAVE A POPE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE WORLD WELCOMES HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS I.............

Within the next half hour French Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran, the senior Cardinal Deacon, who is the designated announcer of the name of the new Holy Father, will step out onto the loggia, - the balcony in front of St. Peter's Basilica and proclaim to the Church and the World the Election of the next Holy Father and Roman Pontiff.  Cardinal Deacon Tauran will announce his name and be followed on the balcony by the new Pope.  The Vatican / Italian National Band has marched out onto St. Peter's Square and are playing triumphantly having led the Swiss Guards out to take their positions as the papal protectors.  The 266th Successor of St. Peter and Pope of the Roman Catholic Church is Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis I; who is 76 years old, a Jesuit who is the Archbishop Emeritus of Buenos Aires Argentina and very well known for his ministry to the poor.  In his opening remarks to the estimated 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square and to the worldwide viewing and listening audience on television, the internet, radio, he spoke in everyday street language and simplicity, leading prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI; an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, and then "asked a favor", and for the people to bless him.  He is being described as very conservative doctrinally, but a social justice progressive.  He is likely to be a reformer in taking control over the Roman Curia, in the aftermath of the scandals of recent years.  More soon on this unfolding historic, first time in a thousand years, election of a Pope from outside Europe in the hours ahead............tdp  

STANDING BY FOR THE CONCLAVE DAY 2 AFTERNOON / EVENING BALLOTS RESULT.............

 The next rounds of balloting for the next Pope have been underway the past two hours and the media is on, "Smoke Watch", awaiting the results of the fourth and fifth ballots of Conclave 2013, on this second day of the secret gathering to determine the next Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church.  Twilight is setting upon Vatican City as the crowds assemble and wait in St. Peter's Square to see the color of the smoke that will issue forth for the third time thus far, as the attainment of 77 votes or more by one of the candidates continues, the two thirds majority of 115 eligible Electors necessary for the Election of a new Pope......The Smoke is White !  Habemus Papam !!!  "We Have A Pope"......  who he is we will know within several minutes, when the balcony window of the Vatican opens and the announcement and appearance of the Cardinal announcer the new Holy Father step out onto the balcony to the Church and the World.............tdp

THE CARDINALS SECOND BALLOT FOR POPE BLACK SMOKE NOT YET AGAIN.............

The College of Cardinals was expected to complete their second balloting in the Papal Conclave 2013, in about twenty two minutes from now, but have surprised the media by sending black smoke streaming from the chimney in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City just now, before live coverage was underway on the broadcast networks and cable news channels, and even EWTN.  MSNBC's "Morning Joe", put up a  live boxshowing the black smoke profusely emitting and EWTN remaining in regular programming did the same for some seven minutes before going completely live with their planned coverage.  Did the Cardinals start earlier than scheduled, or move faster to cast and count the second ballot ?  It is expected they are now having lunch, and will take up the third ballot this afternoon with its outcome expected to be known two hours from now.............tdp

DAY TWO OF PAPAL CONCLAVE 2013 GETS UNDERWAY IN ABOUT AN HOUR.............

The second day of the Conclave in motion to elect the next Pope will get underway in about one hour from now at 4 a.m. Pacific, and 7 a.m. Eastern Time for the casting of the second ballot followed two hours later by a third ballot, if the second results in black smoke.  There is speculation this morning that Cardinal Scola of Milan, Italy; and Americans, Cardinal Dolan of New York; and Cardinal O'Malley, of Boston; may have scored the best number of votes in Tuesday night's balloting.  Respected journalist, author, speaker, and Vaticanologist, John Thavis, is blogging that the supposed 2005 Conclave second place choice of the College of Cardinals Buenos Aires, Argentina Archbishop Emeritus Jorge Maria Bergoglio, so impressed his fellow Cardinals in his speeches at the General Congregations last week, to be given a second look again this time.  Even at age 76, he is thought to be a Reformer who can bring renewal and respectable stability back to the Roman Curia in redirecting the functioning and cleaning up the corruption of recent years the Vatileaks scandal and other incidents have disclosed.  What strength the candacies of Brazilian Cardinal Odilo Scherer, or the Argentinian Cardinal Leonardo Sandri possess is another likely factor in sorting out the strongest shiowing candidacies at tis stage of the Conclave.  I will return within thenext hour and a half, to Update Papal Conclave 2013.............Fr.  Troy

ONE YEAR OF TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF SITTING ON THE SIDELINES.............

One year ago today instead of being allowed to return to the parish rectory, I was suddenly involuntarily exiled into Mercy McMahon Terrace as my, "temporary" residence.  It was the wrong place, at the wrong time, for me and supposedly because I am in a wheelchair which I was told is a, "problem", and would make me a, "burden", to other priests and the parishioners.  MMT is a retirement community, assisted care, and short term stay facility, where I am twenty to forty five years younger than the other residents, and unlike them, I am neither retired or requiring assisted care.  But the diocesan powers that be decided that this is where I had to be and when I asked for how long was told for, "6 months or there about".  Today it is 12 months, and I have been given no indication that my unnecessary stay here will end in the forseeable future.  As I make progress with the realities and necessary adaptations of my physical limitations, that in no way have adversely impacted my intellectual, communicative skills or abilities, here I sit most of the time - being denied a ministry assignment, as an active priest in good standing totally committed as a native born, locally grown, priestly vocation of the Sacramento Diocese to continuing active ministry but being "warehoused" in the words of several of my friends and former parishioners.   The priestly ministry I have been invited by priests, laity, and parishes, to do part-time over the course of this year and the increasing schedule of activity, concelebrating liturgies where and when I am afforded the opportunity to do so, and as I have done extensively since Christmas, are evidence I am able to do parish ministry and have no justifiable reason to be here any longer.  I committed myself to exercising patience with my current placement for up to one year.  That one year is up.  I am now actively seeking a more normative residence hopefully in a rectory, but if not, then in an apartment of my own choosing.  Many persons in my circle of supportive and concerned friends feel I should have done this months ago, and some of them have been urging me for several months to find a secular job if necessary.  I chose to be a Catholic priest and have every intention of remaining in priestly ministry.  There are other ministry opportunities I can carry out and a number of ministries in addition to celebrating Mass and Sacraments I am capable and willing to accept.  The time for a constructive dialogue and redirection of my priestly ministry has more than come.  The time for action is overdue.  Moving out of MMT and back into the wider community of church ministry and parish life is the logical course to follow.............Fr.  Troy

AWAITING THE CHIMNEY SMOKE FROM A FIRST VOTE AT THE CONCLAVE.............

The first vote of the Conclave has produced black smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, including no Cardinal has received the two thirds margin required to be elected Pope.   The smoke that emitted out into the sky started showing with some uncertainly, but then definitely turned black.  That is the work of the Papal Conclave 2013 Day 1 done.  The Cardinal Electors will now head back to their hotel enclosure adjacent to the Sistine Chapel - have dinner together, discuss the direction of the first vote, and then and go to sleep.  Blogging on Updating Papal Conclave 2013 will continue.............tdp

THE PROCESSION OF CARDINAL ELECTORS INTO THE SISTINE CHAPEL TO BE OFFICIALLY LOCKED INTO THE PAPAL CONCLAVE 2013.............

 The liturgical Procession of the College of Cardinals fro the Pauline Chapel through the Apostolic Palace to the Sistine Chapel has begun, after a brief Prayer by the ranking eligible elector Cardinal Delgado Rey, and the slow, solemn, movement of their Eminences is underway.  NBC News is covering the processional movement speaking of Cardinals Angelo Scola, Sean O'Malley, Timothy Dolan, Marc Quillet, as the frontrunners going into the Conclave, likely to emerge as the Pope-Elect.  This analysis is being offered by George Weigel, and Father Michael Barron.  If accurate that makes 2 Americans, 1 Canadian, and 1 Italian, the leading prospective choices from whom the next Supreme Pontiff may be elected.............tdp

PAPAL CONCLAVE MASS HOMILY.............

Cardinal Sodano has just preached a brief, approximately ten minutes or less, Homily at the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff, in which he delivered a message on the Service of Charity required by the Petrine Ministry of the Catholic Church, in a pastorally focused manner.  The Authority of the Papal Office the often times customary focus of this Mass Homily, by the Dean of the College of Cardinals took second place this morning to the charitable focus on the love for God's People the Successor of St. Peter is intended to carry out as the Holy Father of the Universal Church.  The Procession of the Cardinal Electors into the Sistine Chapel to be sealed into secret confidentiality in making the momentous decision on picking a new Pope.  That procession is schediled for 8 a.m. Pacific, 11 a.m. Eastern Time and I will be here blogging about to you.............tdp

CARDINALS OPENING MASS FOR CONCLAVE 2013 UNDERWAY.............

The members of the College of Cardinals have processed up the long center aisle of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and are kissing the main altar ofd Sacrifice in reverence as they enter the sanctuary and then take their places as concelebrants with their Dean, Archbishop Emeritus, Cardinal Angelo Sodan, 85; who does not have a vote in this Conclave, so will be required to leave the gathering after presiding and preaching at the Mass of the Holy Spirit.  Cardinal Dean +Sodano has reverenced and is incensing the altar.  And then from the Presiders Chair starts the Mass in Latin.  More as the Mass and other Conclave events of this 1st Day occur.............tdp

THE COLLEGE OF CARDINALS GATHER TO CONCELEBRATE THE MASS FOR THE ELECTION OF A NEW POPE.............

At this hour, 1:45 a.m. Pacific Time, the 115 Cardinal Electors of the Papal Conclave 2013, are about to begin the Concelebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit, invoking God's Spirit guide them in discerning and electing the best candidate among them as the next Holy Father of the Roman Catholic Church and the 266th Successor of St. Peter.  I am blogging this post as the live events unfold in Vatican City, as I will be during the duration of the Conclave.  The Interregum now turns to Conclave focus.  Media outlets are standing by providing introductory commentary until the opening ceremonies of Conclave 2013 get underway on this first day.............Fr. Troy / Update News
                                                                                                   Communications on the Papal Conclave
                                                                                                             

ON THE DAY BEFORE THE CONCLAVE FOUR CARDINALS ARE BEING FOCUSED ON.............

With one day to go before the College of Cardinals enter into the secret Conclave to elect the next Pope of the Roman Catholic Church NBC News is reporting this morning that with no presumptive individual candidate going in thought to have the edge in being able to accumulate the two thirds plus one vote necessary of the 115 Cardinal eligible electors under the age of 80; four seem most prominent in the figuring of who will ultimately be chosen.  The favored Roman Curia candidate is +Odilo Scherer, 63; the Cardinal Archbishop of Sao Paolo, Brazil.  Many Western Nation electors seem to be leaning toward +Angelo Scola, 71; the Cardinal Archbishop of Milan, Italy.  The change in view that the United States as a superpower is disqualified from serious consideration in selecting a Pope from, adds New York Cardinal Archbishop +Timothy Dolan, 62; and the Archbishop of Boston,   Cardinal +Sean O'Malley, 68; a Franciscan, as the leading names of, "papabili", potential Popes, on the eve of the Conclave's start.  Thaverage age of the Cardinal attending the Papal Conclave is 72.  Another bit of analysis yesterday stated that the 2005 Conclave into which Cardinal +Joseph Ratzinger went into the Conclave the acknowledged frontrunner; and came out of it as Pope Benedict XVI; took a day and a half to elect him - that the 2013 Conclave is likely to take three days or longer to reach a more than two thirds consensus required for electing the new Pope.  I will continue blogging on all details and developments of Updating the Papal Conclave 2013.  More Soon.............Fr.  Troy

LEADING THE R.C.I.A. BREAKING OF THE WORD SESSION THIS SUNDAY MORNING.............

With Anna Marie away today, I sat in for her and led the Breaking of the Word with the R.C.I.A. Elect of Sacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento, with an assist from Rita; as we focused on the story of The Man Born Blind, in John's Gospel on this 4th Sunday of Lent.  We discussed what the Blind Man healed by Jesus on the Sabbath did right and the need to see how the Pharisees false assumption about his physical blindness indicated the depth of their own spiritual blindness.  It was an insightful and energizing exchange of responses to the spiritual enlightenment our Call to Continuing Conversion challenges us to develop and follow.............Fr.  Troy  

A SWELL ST. PADDY'S PARTY THIS AFTERNOON............

Sacramento authentically kicked off the celebration of St. Patrick's Day eight days early, with Joe and Deb McNamara's annual St. Paddy's Day Party in Curtis Park this afternoon.  I was pleased to attend as I have in past years.  Their corned beef paninis were succulent creations and the Guinness, Smithwick's, and Jameson, were amply on hand to wash them down with.  Multiple generations of  the McNamara-Byrne-Donahue Family members were there as always; along with friends, neighbors, and three priests, well fed, hospitably attended to, and musically entertained by the talented and enjoyable Mark Wellendorf and his trio of musical buddies.  A delightful way to spend the day !  Thanks to the clan I and others affectionately call, "McNamara's Band".............Fr.  Troy

UPDATE PAPAL CONCLAVE 2013 - A DATE IS SET FOR THE START FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NEW POPE.............

The College of Cardinals has concluded their General Congregations meetings and have set the start of the Conclave to Elect the next Pope - for next Tuesday Match 12th......I will be blogging from now through the Conclave with developments, details, discernment, discussion, and dialogue, with you my blogsphere audience.  Please join me and spread the word that I will be blogging with continuous reports, analysis, commentary,  and insights, offered to help you appreciate and follow the details of the Conclave.  I will be monitoring the two rounds of voting each day of the Conclave and the resulting two thirds plus one super majority Election of the Eminence who will be chosen as the 266th Successor of St. Peter.  The Cardinal who will be the next Vicar of Christ on Earth, and the Holy Father as Pope, of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013 A.D. and who will bear the responsibility of serving and leading the Church forward in this the 21st Century and 3rd Milennium od Catholic-Christianity.............Fr.  Troy   

JOHN BRENNAN CONFIRMED AS C.I.A. DIRECTOR.............

John Brennan, who served as National Security Adviser in the first Obama Administration, was confirmed as the Central Intelligence Agency Director this afternoon, following a delay and then a filibuster against him.  The Brennan Confirmation vote was scheduled for last Thursday February 28th, but delayed by Republican Senators seeking to underscore their concerns over American Drone use practices of the Obama Administration.  Kentucky U.S. Senator conducted a 13 hour Filibuster on the Senate floor on Wednesday, in which he raised questions as to how and why President Obama has  used drones against American citizens, without allowing them their 5th Amendment Constitutional rights and the due process of law, before targeting them for killing by use of drones.  After thirteen hours Senator Paul ended his filibuster to answer the call of nature, thus clearing the way for today's Confirmation vote.  Within the past hour the U.S. Senate voted to Confirm John Brennan as C.I.A. Director by a vote of 63 Yes;  34 No; with 3 Abstentions or Not Voting.............Fr.  Troy

UPDATE INTERREGNUM 2013 NO FIRM DATE BUT MARCH 11TH LOOKS LIKELY TO BE CONCLAVE STARTING DATE.............

With the expected arrival today of the final two Cardinals who are eligible electors in the pending Conclave to elect the next Pope, coming last from Warsaw, Poland; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; the General Congregation met for the second time without setting a starting date for the Conclave, although it is being unofficially stated online, that March 11th, is the most likely opening date.  The online consortium of  ABC News -Yahoo News reported Monday that the most currently front running Cardinals as potential papabile are : Archbishop Angelo Scola of Milan; Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone; Ghanaian Archbishop Peter Turkson; and Argentinian Archbishop Leonardo Sandri.   However, just a few hours ago, the "Clerical Whispers" blog reported that Cardinal Bertone, currently the Camerlengo, - the Interregunum Administrator of the Church and Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who preceded Bertone as Vatican Secretary of State, are now supporting the Archbishop of Sao Paulo, Brazil; Cardinal Odilo Scherer, in becoming the next Roman Pontiff, and recommending that he appoint Buenos Aires Argentina Archbishop Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, as the next Vatican Secretary of State.  To Be Continued as I continue to blog Updating the Interregnum and Conclave 2013.............tdp

SEEKING A WAY FORWARD THE PRESIDENT AND INVITED REPUBLICAN SENATORS COMING TOGETHER FOR DINNER.............

In the aftermath of the onset of the Sequester last Friday Midnight and a Snow storm that has struck the District of Columbia in recent days, President Obama will be sitting down to dinner tonight with twelve Republican Senators including Arizona's John McCain, South Carolina's  Lindsey, Graham, New Hampshire's Kelly Ayotte, and Oklahoma's Tom Coburn.  The dinner gathering comes following phone calls by the President Obama to GOP members of Congress this week, seeking to break the logjam between the White House and the Capitol over the Sequester and other issues of importance to the governance of the nation and find common ground for progressing.  The idea for the dinner meeting was discussed at last week's bi-partisan Congressional Leadership with the President at the White House last Friday.  However Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is not among the twelve Senators attending tonight's dinner.  Those attending are seen as wanting to move the perception of the Republican Party in the ongoing dealings and clashes as being seen as the, "Party of No"; reports "Politico", this morning a comment they attributed to Democratic sources.  A White House official told "Politico", the dinner with twelve Senators is the first effort of a series of interpersonal meetings with Republican members of Congress by the President.  It has also been announced today Obama will hold meetings next week with the Republican caucuses in both the House and the Senate.  I will update the results of all these face to face gatherings in coming days as developments occur and insights warrant.............Ft.  Troy

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ DEAD @ 58.............

President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, who has served for nearly a decade and a half as the oil rich South American Head of State died this afternoon of cancer at age 58.  Chavez only recently returned to Venezuela, after an extended stay in Cuna for surgery and convalescence related to the cancer.  Chavez socialized the Venezuelan national economy, destroying it in the view of his opponents.  His nationalization of the oil industry, cut prices and sold voluminous supplies of petroleum to other nations, including the United States at relatively cheap costs.  He was however, a fierce critic and outspoken opponent of the Amnerican Government, going as far as to call former President George W. Bush, "the devil", when he appeared at the United Nations the day after him in 2006; and expressed disappointment with President Obama's policies and leadership in 2010.  A close ally of the Communist Castro brothers Fidel and Raoul, in Cuba the former Army Colonel Chavez's rise to power came after two failed coup attempts against the sitting President, imprisonment for two years, and then a come from behind Presidential Election in 1998.  He won the Presidency of what he renamed the Bolivian Republic of Venezuela, after his political hero, Simon Bolivar.  He was re-elected last October to a new term as President with 63% of the vote.  His death was announced on Venezuelan Television by his Vice President Nicolas Maduro, who delivered a national address to inform the country and the world Chavez had died.  Vice President Maudro also launched a verbal condemnation of two American Diplomatsm expelling them from Venezuela, abd accusing the United States of poisoning Hugi Chavez with the cancer that killed him.     No details yet as to the celebration of his funeral as the unfolding coverage and commentary on Hugo Chavez's life and leadership on the world stage proceeds.............tdp

REMEMBERING MY FATHER SEVEN YEARS ON.............

It was seven years ago today that my father, Troy Doil Powers passed on from this earth to the promise and hope of Eternal Life joining my mother Josephine, twenty three years and three months following her death.  It is hard to think seven years have elapsed since the date of my Dad's death on March 5, 2005; and yet it is today.  Much has come and gone in my priestly ministry and personal life in the succeeding years.  Kidney Failure, Dialysis, Transplant, all successfully met and taking me forward in reinvigorated; Infection, Right Foot Below the Knee Foot Amputation, and a Prosthetic Leg; that slowed and stalled my continuing capability to effectively serve in full time parish ministry by the unenlightened decisions of the powers that be, who overlook the ability I retain to function from a wheelchair, as an empowerment to continue priestly ministry and not a problem excluding me from being in parish life.  My almost one year involuntary exile being warehoused in a facility for the retired, assisted care needing, residents - of which I am neither, comes one week from today and it is more than long enough to be unnecessarily sidelined and unassigned.  In the days and weeks ahead I will explore all opportunities for re-emerging out of Mercy McMahon Terrace into a normative residential setting for a 56 year old active priest and a parish ministry assignment I am certainly able to carry out.  My father's lifetime example was one of patience and perseverance, yet practicality.  When others chose to stymie something he knew he had to do, he found a way to do it and not let obstacles stand in the way.  My physical limitations or disability is not an obstacle - rather my desire and ability to proceed in priestly ministry is a further opportunity for me and for the Church to underscore our solidarity with all persons, the whole and the healthy, the diseased and the disabled.  The productiveness and success of my part-time Adult Faith Formation ministry at Sacred Heart Parish, during the past six months, is evidence that this is true.  Dad, I remember and pray for you Mother, and all our loved ones today, as always.  You are 7 years beyond us, but will never be forgotten, appreciated, and Loved.............Troy David

THE FUNERAL FOR REVEREND FATHER COLIN MACDONALD.............

Reverend Father Colin MacDonald, a priest of the Diocese of Sacramento for more than thirty one years has died at age 75.  Father MacDonald, the Pastor-Emeritus of St. Clare's Parish, in West Roseville, where he oversaw the construction of the 1,100 seat Spanish Mission style Church edifice, was a member of the De LaSallian Christian Brothers religious order for twenty two years before attending St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California and then being ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Sacramento, on November 7, 1981, along with Reverend Father Roy Doner, currently the Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Oroville.  Their ordinations were the first I ever attended, ten months before entering the seminary myself.  Father served for his first five years as a priest as Associate Pastor of St. Rose's Parish in South Sacramento, where I came to know him and worked with him as a parishioner and lay minister.  in 1987, Fr. MacDonald was transferred to St. Rose Parish in Roseville, where he ministered as Parochial Vicar, before being appointed Pastor of All Hallows Parish in the Tahoe Park area of Sacramento from 1990-1994, not far from Christian Brothers High School, were he had servedv as a teacher and Vice President.  Becoming Administrator, then the Pastor of St. Clare's Parish in 1995, he ministered there until retiring from active ministry in 2007.  His Funeral Mass will be concelebrated this morning at 11 a.m. in St. Clare's Catholic Church, 1951 Junction Blvd. off Baseline Road, in West Roseville, with Bishop Jaime Soto, presiding.  I will join my brother priests and the People of God in commemorating his life and ministry.  God Grant Him Peace and Light in the Kingdom of Eternal Life.............Fr.  Troy

3RD SUNDAY OF LENT - DAY OF 1ST SCRUTINY AND THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION @SACHEART.............

As we commemorate the 3rd Sunday of Lent, we hear the story of the Samaritan Woman at the Well encountering Jesus, from the Gospel of John 4:5-42;.  It chronicles her search for water.  Jesus' interaction with her was itself a radical move in the practice of Jews and Samaritans.  She was a woman, a serious sinner, and a Samaritan, people whom the Jews had no relationship with who held enmity for each other.  But Jesus conversed with her and not only told what she had done and to go and sin no more, but offered her not only water quenching her human thirst, but the Water of Life, to meet her spiritual and infinite needs.  It is on this day that we celebrate the First Scrutiny with our R.C.I.A. Elect, who are in final readiness for their forthcoming Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil. They are called before the worshipping community, prayed for, blessed, and exorcised, from the power of sin, as they strive to embrace and live the purification and enlightenment of Discipleship with Jesus Christ.  That is occuring at the 9:30 a.m. Mass here at SacHeart, followed by our weekly Breaking of the Word gatherng.  Today is also Confirmation Day for the 7th Grade students of Sacred Heart  Parish School and Religious Education Ministry.  I have gladly accepted Msgr. Walton's considerate invitation to join them, and will attend the conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation.  May all our Elect and students for sacramental Initiation be truly empowered by God's Spirit in Living their Catholic-Christian Faith.............Fr.  Troy

WASHINGTON TOTALLY BROKEN - THE SEQUESTER STARTS UNAVERTED BY THE WHITE HOUSE AND CONGRESS.............

Starting 2013, by allowing the American Federal Government to slide into a going over the Fiscal Cliff predicament, breaking passing a compromise bill staving it off and limping into another round of financial intransigence and fresh fiscal deadline crisis, in the opening days of the year  in January; the partisanship and boiler plate back and forth between the Republicans and Democrats in Congress and the President in the White House, have squandered yet another two months squabbling and squandering valuable time in addressing and  offsetting, if not eliminating the Sequestration, all of them agreed to set up two and a half years ago.  Thus we are now forced as a nation to take a hit of across the board cuts in the slow of growth to all Federal spending, which is projected to cut 750,000 jobs as well as affect vital services to vulnerable persons as well as the general citizenry.  An unwillingness to actually talk and negotiate an agreement instead of issuing further talking points and protecting partisan positions on spending, taxes, and reaching a meaningful resolution that is more than a stopgap, kick the can further down the road and punt, politically convenient approach to governing, that points fingers for blame, rather than passing and enacting productive legislation, has permanently infiltrated and totally broken down the effectiveness of our Government.  Congress and the White House, need to put their responsibilities for the common good of our Economy and its recovery and stability going forward and the common good of the citizens they are elected to office to  represent and serve, and the will of the majority of Americans to find a consensus between spending and revenues, between providing essential programs and services, while responsibly and fiscally cutting the federal deficit and the national debt.  Not gambling with our fiscal integrity and governmental stability, by choosing to play only on the precipice of  a crashing crisis and political posturing, and do what they are there to do :  sensibly and continuously GOVERN.............Fr.  Troy

THE HISTORY OF PAPAL RESIGNATIONS IN LIGHT OF BENEDICT XVI's RETIREMENT AS POPE.............

When the retirement of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI began twenty four hours ago, became what historians and church experts consider one of only four to perhaps eight Popes among the 265 Successors of St. Peter to have ever resigned, voluntarily or forcibly.  Prior to +Benedict XVI's self decided abdicating yesterday, there is only sketchy and incomplete information on eight other Popes who are thought to have resigned as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.  They are Pontian, who was Pope from 230-235 A.D., resigned during the period of the persecutions in favor of electing another Pope, was exiled to Sardinia, and was ultimately became a martyr and was declared a Saint of the Church.  Marcellinus, who reigned 296-304 A.D., and about whom it is unclear whether he died or resigned; a century after his time as Pope was accused by an African bishop of presiding over pagan rituals for the Roman Emperor, but despite such unproven claims was ultimately proclaimed a Martyr of the Church.  Liberius, Pope from 352-to circa 366, was a defender of a more orthodox form of Christianity than was being practiced and was forced into exile.  He was replaced by Felix II, and for awhile they supposedly reigned simultaneously as Liberius remained the more popular with the faithful, until he resigned conceding the Papacy to Felix II, who according to some historians, given the confusion of dual simultaneous Popes, Liberius submitted, "in order to save the perplexing problem of Pope Felix II".  John XVIII, Pope 1003-1009 A.D., with the speculation regarding his resignation as Pope centered around a written statement in an unverified ancient catalogue of Supreme Pontiffs, that says, John XVIII, "died as a monk of at St. Paul's near Rome in June 1009".  Benedict IX, considered the first, "unquestioned abdication", may have been on and off the papal throne three times, 1033-1044/45 A.D., thought to have been age 12 when he first became Pope, he is infamous for having, "long caused scandal to the Church by his disorderly life"; led a licentious life and is thought to be the first married Pope, who ultimately sold the Papacy to his uncle.  Gregory VI, uncle of Benedict IX, purchased the office of Pope from his nephew in 1044/45 A.D., which the other Bishops were so offended by they requested his resignation and he voluntarily stepped down from in 1046.  Celestine V, Pope for five months in 1294 A.D., he was both both "unprepared and unfit" for the Papacy according to historians, when he was elected at age 84; which caused him to declare, "it is possible for Popes to remit the Office to the Cardinals", the basis for the current action of Pope Benedict XVI - instead of living out his life in a monastery as Celestine V desired, his successor's fear he would suffer at the hands of "wicked people", saw him die locked in a cell.  Gregory XII, the last previous Pope to resign nearly six hundred years ago, reigned 1409-1415, and was one of three men claiming the Papacy at that time, known as the "Great", and / or "Western" Schism.  Thought by most official historical to be the legitimate claimant to the Papacy, he resigned to preserve the Church, thus ending the divisions threatening it.  This is the History of Papal Resignations as we know it according to the Catholic Encyclopedia and historical research. It gives us context and provides insight into how the now resigned and retired past immediate Pope Benedict XVI, fits into this rare occurrence in the Petrine Ministry.............Fr.  Troy