HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY...HAPPY 45TH ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY...REVEREND FATHER JERRY RYLE.............

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE LAST NIGHT.............

SENATOR MCCAIN OPPOSES USE OF THE NUCLEAR OPTION.............

DADS GROUP SESSION 9 FROM THE TRIAL TO THE CRUCIFIXION AND BURIAL OF CHRIST.............

Tonight's ninth session of the SacHeart Young Dad's Group will focus on Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's book, "Jesus Of Nazareth" Volume Two, 'From Holy Week To The Resurrection', completing our consideration of the chapter of The Trial of Jesus, and delving into the chapter on the Crucifixion and Burial.  All six members of the current group will be present for what is sure to be a lively, well rounded discussion sure to flesh out the ninety minutes or more we will spend studying, sharing, and responding, to our insights and understanding of these seminal events in the Paschal Mystery of Jesus The Christ, as provided by priest, scholar, theologian, Bishop, Supreme Pontiff, Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.............Fr.  Troy

WITH A FOURTH FINALIST IN THE DWTS FINALE WILL IT BE ZENDAYA, ALI, KELLIE, OR JACOBY ?.............

With ratings for, "Dancing With The Stars" Season 16, declining in the wake of the increased popularity of the fourth season of, "The Voice", the producers have added a new wrinkle to the Finals / Finale this week.  Instead of the until now 3 finalist couples from whom the Mirror Ball Trophy Champions will be chosen, there are 4 finalist couples still in competition for the prize.  In the first two of three dances plus teamed dance for extra points in the Finals last night, a tight, interesting, and toss-up, finish unfolded going into tonight's Finale.  The competition goes to the Championship just hours from now with 16 year old Disney star Zendaya, ahead by just one point - 65; to Country Singer Kellie Pickler with - 64; Olympic Gymnast Ally Raisman, -61; and Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Champion Jacoby Jones, with - 56 points.  Given the 50-50 vote split between the show's judges and the viewers, in determining the victory, Jones would seem the most likely to be eliminated first tonight.  But do not count him out given viewer preference, and fan popularity, one of the other three may well go down first.   Without a faux pas on the part of the other three, especially the top two contenders they will otherwise be in possible reach of the trophy.  Zendaya has the edge going into, but Pickler, with the most winning professional dancer partner in the previous fifteen seasons of 'DWTS', Derek Hough has a real shot at pulling it off.  All of these song and dance competitions tend to have rather drawn out season finales.  But tonight's show's two hours may be more captivating, as after until now fairly predictable weekly eliminations, the winner of the Mirror Ball Trophy is still more than somewhat unpredictable.............Fr.  Troy    

OBAMA CONTROVERSIES MAY AFFECT 2014 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE RECRUITMENT.............

Stuart Rothenberg, one of the leading researchers and analysts of American politics and government is delivering preliminary reports on whether the current problems plaguing the Obama Administration will slow the Democrats chances in the 2014 midterm elections.  Particularly, in regards to strong, especially viable recruitment of candidates for the U.S. Senate, Governorships, and seats in Congress. With the President and his Administration cause to deal with continuing follow-out from the attack on Benghazi, Libya; eight and a half months ago, and the disclosure of Internal Revenue Service targeting conservative Tea Party style groups, as well as the Justice Department wiretapping recordings of phone calls by reporters of the Associated Press, full focus on the Obama Administration's second term Agenda is being diverted.  However, Rothenberg - an acute and accurate assessor of such circumstances on the political landscape finds as of now it is too early to project if it will have an adverse impact on Democratic prospects to generate preferred high profile candidates in critical races.  The Democrats success at recruiting such candidates as their nominees for the U.S. Senate in 2006, 2008, and 2012, led them to victories they otherwise may not have gone them.  Republicans had like success in the 1994, 2002, and 2010 elections, for the U.S. House and Senate.  So the weather vane of public opinion and political consequences stays up to determine the prospects of both parties as they position themselves for Campaign 2014 over the next year.............Fr.  Troy  

COME HOLY SPIRIT COME, ON THIS PENTECOST SUNDAY.............

On the Day of Pentecost a great number of Peoples from a multitude of countries were present in Jerusalem as pilgrims thus magnifying the impact the Holy Spirit's Coming in the intermingling of persons of varying backgrounds, cultures, and languages.  That multiplicity and the capability the Gifts and Fruits the Spirit brought them and brings us provides a commonality of understanding and the Divine invitation of the Spirit Sending, Risen and Ascended Jesus to be Pentecost People on fire with Living Faith and ready to bring the livelihood and the power of the Holy Spirit to others.  The Acts of the Apostles teaches us we can do this as the Apostles and first Disciples did it, by being united in the mission and ministry of the Resurrection and receiving the the Promised Spirit of God's Perfect Love, which enables us persons of difference nationalities, cultures, and ways of life, to be empowered, strengthened, and sustained, in embracing the fullness of God's Spirit and renewing the face of the Earth in the anticipation and Truth of God's Infinite, Faith attained, Kingdom.............Fr.  Troy

FIDELITY TO YOUR BAPTISM AT THE CORE OF OUR EASTER FAITH.............

On this penultimate day of the 50 Glorious Days of Easter 2013, the eve of Pentecost, the 57th anniversary of my Baptism, all Catholic-Christians are summoned once more to focus on the core message of Easter : Baptism in the Risen Christ.  By virtue of being Baptizers into being Disciples of Jesus The Christ, we begin our initiation into the Paschal Mystery of Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.  So take some time as this Easter Season to remember and give life to your Baptism.  Explore the date if you don't know.  Speak to family, friends, or fellow believers, who may have been present.  Share the momentos of the day - your baptismal certificate, candle, garment, gifts, or photographs.  Pray and ponder on what being Baptized means to you now, as members of the Body of Christ, who are the People of God.  May all this infuse and reinvigorate your Faith in the New and Risen Life of Christ Jesus, and our mutual promise and hope to share in it fully forever in God's Eternal Kingdom of Life and Love.............Fr.  Troy  

A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION IN SOUTH SACRAMENTO.............

POPE FRANCIS DECRIES OUR HAVING "RETURNED TO THE GOLDEN CALF".............

Addressing a group of Ambassadors today at the Vatican, Pope Francis decried what he called, "our return to the golden calf", to putting the, "cult of money", behind us and do more to, "help the poor".  The Holy Father said, "The worship of the golden calf of old has found a new and heartless image in the cult of money and an dictatorship of the economy which is faceless and lacking any truly human goal".  Holy Father +Francis went on to proclaim that, "radical free market ideologies" have brought about, " a new, invisible, and at times virtual tyranny", that considers human beings to be "consumer goods", in calling for worldwide economic and financial reform to benefit all peoples.  The Roman Pontiff also stated, "Solidarity, which is the treasure of the poor, is often considered counterproductive, opposed to the logic of finance and the economy.  While the income of the minority is increasing exponentially, that of the majority is crumbling".  Pope Francis who from the opening days of his Pontificate two months ago, has spoken of a, "poor Church for the poor", continues to preach a message of economic and social justice consistent with Catholic Social Teaching.  The Holy Father's reference to the "golden calf of old", is to the Book of Exodus 32: 15-34; in the Hebrew Scriptures, he speaks of in advocating a worldwide return to an ethical approach to finances and the economy that is person-centered, not only profit oriented.  Pope Francis is indeed leading the Church in a spirit of renewal that requires not only that the Community of Believers serve the poor, but that society globally be focused on protecting the weakest, and providing economic justice and financial fairness, that benefits everyone in the World.  A prophetic message that challenges Catholics, Christians, and every Human being, the affluent, impoverished, and those in between to be in solidarity together to promote the common good of all.............Fr.  Troy

THE TRIPLE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS DAY IN CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING.............

Seldom in human or Catholic-Christian history do occurrences of triple significance happen as they do today, May 14th.  On May 14, 1891, Pope Leo XIII opened a new and searing focus on Catholic Doctrine and Social Teaching by promulgating the Encyclical, "Rerum Novarum", ("On Capital And Labor and the Condition of Workers",) which relayed the commitment of Catholicism to economic and social justice for all people and the equality of opportunity to work and provide for familial needs.  Four decades later Pope Pius XI, commemorated "Rerum Novarum", with his own social justice teaching Encyclical, "Quadrasegimo Annos" (" In the Fortieth Year") in 1931. Building on Leo XIII's addressing of the economic and social state of the condition of workers in 1891; Pius XI, concentrated on the the social and economic implications in society upon all persons, in terms of the ethics and the potential threats to human dignity and freedom both totaliarian Communism and unbridled Capitalism needing to be faced and resolved.  Pope John XXIII, added his insights and vision of Catholic Christian Faith and the Teachings of Social Justice Doctrine, in his 1963 Encyclical, "Mater et Magistra", ("Mother and Teacher") on Christianity and Social Progress; speaks of the Church's role for the good of peoples to being that of our mother and teacher, nurturing the common good.  He expands Leo XIII'S concern for the condition of workers and and the advancement of human labor and Pius XI's focus on the economic and social order in solidarity and subsidarity to the necessity to intervene in the provision of housing, education, and health care, for all persons.  These three papal encyclicals lay the solid and certain foundation of Catholioc Social Teaching, that makes the Catholic Church a consistent and prophetic voice in advocating for the human rights, dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity, for the betterment of the poor, workers, affluent, and captains of society alike, to live, dwell, and share in the fruits of the economic order, everyone throughout the Church and the World.  How faithfully are we as Catholic-Christians advocating and practicing the Social Justice Teachings expounded these 3 Popes, and 3 Encyclicals, in advancing the betterment of all persons ?.............Fr.  Troy

AN EARLY OUTING BRINGS MERITORIUS CONVERSATION AND PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY TO AN OTHERWISE AVERAGE DAY.............

I am grateful to Joe McNamara for his patience in our getting together for a cuppa which after an effort that began early last week finally happenned this morning.  It was a stimulating, and refreshing, get out and about opportunity for a nice chat at Peet's, over his cup of coffee, and my cup of iced tea and lemonade.  We caught up on things and discussed Msgr. Ed Kavanagh's 65th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood Celebration June 22nd, of which Joe is the Dinner Program Chairman.  That hour has revved up my engines to proactively address other matters pertinent to moving forward on returning to residing in a normal setting and renewing my involvement full time active ministry.............Fr.  Troy

LEADING TONIGHT'S ST. TERESA OF AVILA ADULT FAITH FORMATION SESSION.............

As we come to Topics 11 and 12, in Carmelite Father Keith Egan's CD series on St. Teresa of Avila, in the six week series I am assisting Rita Spillane with at Sacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento tonight, the conclusion of the excellent series of cd presentations, we will team teach the guiding of the group discussion and discuss next week's last session and how we will flesh out the teaching on thePrayer of Contemplation Teresa gave us.  Next week we will sum up some of Teresa of Avila's writing and commentary on it and hope to share a group Skype experience with Fr. Keith.............Fr.  Troy

ASCENSION AND THE ONSET OF THE CULMINATION OF THE EASTER EVENT IN CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN LIFE.............

After rising from the Dead on the third day as He foretold, Jesus The Christ conqueror of sin and death, on the 40th Day of Easter according to the Catholic-Christian Faith Tradition, ascended into Heaven, returning to the right hand of God the Father.  Today the 7th Sunday of the Easter Season we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of Jesus.  The Ascension concretizes for us the promise and hope that we as Followers of the Risen and Ascended Christ and Believers in His Paschal Mystery, will also rise from death to Newness of Life and be co-heirs with Jesus in the Resurrection and Ascension who will share in the Eternal Life of God's Kingdom.  As we arrive at the last week of Easter 2013, what are you doing to Faithfully Witness to the Risen and Ascended Christ and our mutual joy filled expectation to be joined with Him Forever in the Communion of Saints ?  As we pray for the Coming of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost may we be imbued to exemplify the Newness of Life and Faith, the Risen, Ascended, Spirit Sending Jesus The Christ gives us.............Fr.  Troy

COLLEGE COMMENCEMENTS 2013 IN MY CIRCLE START TODAY.............

The Class of 2013 College Commencements begin today for two persons in my circle of friends.  My adopted, fraternal, niece Nicola Welch, daughter of my late Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity brother, Brian Welch and his widow Kim; and the sister of Dylan.  Nicola is graduating today from Texas Christian University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry / Psychology.  The other is Timothy Elliott, son of Dan and Claudia, and brother of Trevor and Tucker, who is graduating from Sonoma State University today, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.  They will be joined in coming days by Leanna Friedrich, daughter of Presentation Parish members and deacon candidate couple, Paul and Sharon Friedrich, and brother of Nicholas, who himself is graduating from Jesuit High School.  Leanna will be graduating from the University of California Davis.  To them and all the Graduates of the Class of 2013, I extend my Congratulations, Commendations, Prayers, and Best Wishes, on the attainment of this milestone in their lives and the path of productivity and success that it sets them on for life.............Fr.  Troy

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER WITH PARISHIONERS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.............

Breaking up the predictability of another night in the geriatric driven environment of MMT, I am very happy to have accepted a dinner invitation to dine with the family of Tom and Amy Davenport and their children in their home.  I am confident it will be a delightful evening of good food, socializing, and well rounded conversation.  It is certain to be a welcome difference from just another night in the same 'ol, same 'ol mundane setting for a much more active person in mind and body as myself, left to otherwise fill another night with meaningful activity, while being a fish out of water in this artificial environment for an unretired, still capable to minister, 56 year old priest.............Fr.  Troy

POPE FRANCIS DECLARES CAREERISM HAS NO PLACE IN THE CHURCH.............

At his Wednesday General Audience yesterday in Vatican City, Pope Francis in addressing a large contingent of superior generals of religious orders and women religious told them there is no place in the Church for, "careerists", or "social climbers", and that clergy who are, "were doing serious damage to the Catholic Church".  Pope Francis went on to say, "Men and women of the Church who are careerists, social climbers, who use the people, the Church, brothers and sisters - those they should serve - as a springboard for their own ambitions and personal interests do great damage to the Church".  The Holy Father went on to add, "We learn poverty, from the humble, the poor, the sick", and advised clergy and religious to "shun the idols of materialism", and be dedicated to serving the people, in particular the impoverished.  Pope Francis was addressing his remarks to the priests, bishops, deacons, ans religious women and men of the Church throughout the World and also specifically to the Vatican Curia and the corrupt, rivalry driven, bureaucracy it has become in recent years.  Much of the problem the Church now needs to overcome is rooted in the self serving agenda of the institution and hierarchial structure of the Church, dwelling in ivory towers of detachment from their genuine purpose as the servant leaders of the People of God operating more as a self protection and personal advancement clique than as the selfless Christ centered preachers, teachers, leaders, and practitioners of the Gospel Values of Jesus The Christ as their first and foremost responsibility toward the 1.2 billion Catholics and almost 2 billion Christians in total membership of the Church in the contemporary World.  Reform and Renewal from the Vatican to the smallest Catholic-Christian Community is vitally essential and now.  Pope Francis' declaration must be embraced and carried out without delay if we are to purify, cleanse, and restore, the credibility of the ordained and professed ministerial leadership whose offices are to serve as Jesus served; not to carve out a career of pleasure, power, privilege, or positions of self aggrandizement.............Fr.  Troy    

DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON SIXTEEN - PLAYING OUT AS CAN BE PREDICTED ?.............

With the cut of, "The Bachelor", Sean Lowe from Season 16 of, "Dancing With The Stars", one week short of the Semi-finals, the stage is set for an intensive showdown between the final five dancing couples in search of a place in the Finals and the Championship.  After the elimination of actor / comedian, Andy Dick, last week; and the departure of reality show winner Sean Lowe, this week it occurs to me this season is playing out as can be expected.  The five semi-finalist celebrities, are both the most popular viewer favorites and arguably the strongest dancers in the Season 16 competition.  They are Ingo Rademacher, co-star of the daytime drama, "General Hospital"; Jacoby Jones, NFL, Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver, Super Bowl Champion; Kellie Pickler, "American Idol" winner and Country singing star; Alexandra Raisman, Olympic gymnast, who is a two time Olympic Champion, and three time Medalist; and Zendaya Coleman, 16 year old, Disney TV starlet.  With a double elimination set for next week, Ingo Rademacher, seems almost sure to go down, unless he prodices an extraordinary performance; Zendaya Coleman, is all but certain to win a place in the Finals unless she blows next week's dances; and the other three will have to fight it out for the other two places in the Finals, and any one of the three can surprisingly find themselves being cut, although Aly Raisman may have an edge on the other three in gaining a place in the Championship round, as at this stage Ingo Rademacher cannot be counted out.  The entertainment value is high and the competition retains appeal to a wide cross section of fans and viewers.  We will learn the final cut for this season, next Monday and Tuesday night on the ABC Television Network.............Fr.  Troy

WILL SOUTH CAROLINA's MARK SANFORD MAKE A COMEBACK IN WHAT MAY BE A PHOTO FINISH ?.............

Former South Carolina Governor and Congressman Mark Sanford, a rising star in national Republican politics until his fall from grace after disappearing from sight on a supposed hike of the Appalachian Trail, leaving his wife and children behind; only to be discovered as being in Argentina, with his mistress, which led to his resignation as Governor - is making an attempted political comeback tonight for the same South Carolina Congressional seat he held before being elected Governor.  Given the scandal, his divorce, and continuing problems with his former wife, will the electorate be forgiving and vote him back into public office ?  Or will a strong Democratic challenger in the person of Elizabeth Colbert Busch, sister of Comedy Central psudeo news anchor, Stephen Colbert, cause him to suffer his first electoral defeat and stymy his political comeback.  The hypocrisy involved in his scandal favors Colbert Busch, but the politics of South Carolina's First Congressional District give Sanford a strong boost at winning the election.  The outcome should be apparent by 12 Midnight Eastern Time.............Fr.  Troy

.............UPDATE NEWS COMMUNICATIONS.............9:27 p.m. Pacific Time -  Republican Mark Sanford, defeated Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch, in the South Carolina 1st Congressional District   Special Election tonight, succeeding at scoring a political comeback for elective office.  Sanford is expected to finish with 54% of the vote; to 45% of the vote; for his Democratic challenger, Elizabeth Colbert Busch.............tdp    

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTER : RESURRECTION FOCUSED ON LIBERATION AND COMPASSION.............

This year the difference in the Catholic-Christian Calendar and the Orthodox Christian Calendar for the celebration of Easter Sunday is five weeks.  Whereas Catholic-Christians celebrated the Easter Vigil / Easter Sunday on March 30 / 31, Orthodox Christians celebrated on Saturday night and yesterday.  300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide who gathered for the Great Vigil of the Holy Fire and the Liturgy of Easter Sunday, celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus The Christ and the granting of Liberation and Compassion of the Living and True God.  The Orthodox Christian Easter opens with a Solemn Vigil at  12 Midnight, which the 4th Century Patriarch of Constaninople, St. Gregory Nazianus called, "brighter than any sunlit day", opens with a magnificent fire from which the Holy Light of Easter is produced.  The faithful gathered here the words proclaimed, "Come receive the light !".  In the spirit of Ecumenism that the Second Vatican Council proclaimed is our responsibility as Catholic-Christians in the Council Document, 'Decree On Ecumenism', November 21, 1964; let us extend to the present Orthodox Christian Patriarch Bartholomew and his flock, the joy and hope Easter brings.  May liberation from the consequences of sin, and the compassion of a merciful and forgiving God, be theirs and ours in the glory and victory of New and Risen Life in Jesus the Christ of Eternal Salvation.............Fr.  Troy