HARRY S BORN IN INDEPENDENCE MO. 130 YEARS AGO TODAY..............

SACHEART DADS GROUP AND "THE CHURCH'S MISSIONARY TRANSFORMATION"..............

CONCLUDING THE 3013-2014 R.C.I.A. YEAR @ SACRED HEART PARISH..............

THE "MARY" MONTH OF MAY..............

3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER AND THEE CONTINUING RESURRECTED PRESENCE OF THE LORD JESUS..............

ST. PHILLIP AND JAMES DAY IS FIRST COMMUNION DAY AT 39TH AND J..............

MAY 2, 1987 TO TODAY - ORDAINED 27 YEARS IN THE PRIESTHOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.................

ST. JOSEPH AND OUR EASTER WORKS THIS 1ST DAY OF MAY..............

SACHEART DADS GROUP STARTS FIVE WEEK DISCUSSION ON POPE FRANCIS' "GOSPEL OF JOY"..............

UNDERSTANDING THE RESURRECTION IN LIGHT OF DISCIPLES PAST AND PRESENT..............

HOW THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHANGES US AND THE WHOLE WORLD..............

THE OCTAVE DAY OF EASTER 2014 AND THE HISTORIC TWO POPES CANONIZATION..............

CLOSELY FOLLOWING THE COVERAGE LEADING UP TO TOMORROW'S PAPAL SAINTS CANONIZATION CEREMONIES..............

EASTER FRIDAY AND HOW THE RESURRECTION INCREASES OUR CALL TO HOLINESS..............

SOLEMNITY OF EASTER WEEK AND POURING INTO MY CUA D.MIN. STUDIES..............

Week 4 of my postgraduate studies with the Catholic University of America, in these weeks online, are streaming forward quickly now through May 31st, and then there will be  two weeks of residential study at CUA, in Washington, DC; followed by five more  weeks online, through August 20.  In this first year of the Doctor in Ministry (D.Min degree) course of study in Pastoral Care, the three classes my fellow students and I are enrolled in are in the Theology and Religious Studies Department are -  Caring Conversations; The  New Evangelization; and Spirituality in the Workplace.  I am very pleased for having this productive opportunity to further my education as a priest in such a meaningful way that will expand my capability to more effectively minister to those with Special Needs and the spread of Disability Ministry in the Church..............Father Troy David

EASTER WEDNESDAY AND THE PASCHAL LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM POPE FRANCIS AND BLESSEDS JOHN XXIII AND JOHN PAUL II..............

On this Solemnity of Easter Wednesday as we approach in about ninety hours from now, the Canonization as Saints of Blesseds Pope John XXIII; and Pope John Paul II; we as the Paschal People of God, Faith and Life Lessons to embracing the New and Risen Life of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The emerging Pontificate of our present Holy Father Pope Francis, who will preside at the Canonizations of his two predecessors, also illumines us and all peoples as to the power of the Resurrection in our lives.  +Angelo  Roncalli, who became Pope John XXIII, October 28, 1958-June 3, 1963; who  called and opened the Second Vatican Council, was a man, priest, bishop, of great Faith, enlightened Vision, and deep Humility. + Karol Wojtyla, known as Pope John Paul II, October 16, 1978-April 2, 2005; who proclaimed the work of the New Evangelization, was a man, actor, priest,  and bishop, whose extensive world travels as Pope made him a spiritual and pastoral leader for others in the Church.  His Holiness Pope Francis is teaching us daily what humble and faithful dedication to our Catholic-Christian Faith and Discipleship means for us and others, as we simply but profoundly witness to the Risen Christ. as he himself is powerfully exemplifying.  May these contributions of Living Faith by these three Supreme Pontiffs inspire us to do even more to fulfill God's Call this Easter and always going forward..............fr.tdp

THE EASTER SIGNIFANCE OF DANCING WITH THE STARS AND THE BOSTON MARATHON..............

What significance does Season 18 of the television show, 'Dancing With The Stars', and the 2014 Boston Marathon ran yesterday, share with Easter and the Paschal Mystery have in common ?  The answer  is : New Life.  The New Life of Christ's Resurrection is reflected in New Life exemplified by Bostonians and those participated in yesterday's annual Patriot's Day Run, after last year's wanton bombing of the  Marathon that killed three persons and wounded/maimed more than two hundred others...New Life. "Boston Strong".  That New Life is also being emulated the past six weeks by  Amy Purdy, Olympian / Paralympian of Team USA.  Despite the loss of her feet, wearing a prostehic on both feet, with intensive practice and skill, she is succeding weekly through the competition and will go into Week 7 of the 10 week competition, with a legitimate shot at the finals and  the championship.  Go Amy ! Keep Going Forward !!..............fr.tdp

EASTER MONDAY AND THE EFFECTS OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS ON GOD'S PEOPLE................

Easter Monday  being the second day of the Glorious 50 Days of the Paschal Season shines the Light of the Risen Christ upon in splendor and joy.  As we  embrace the fullness of the Paschal Mystery given to all Believers in the Resurrection of Jesus The Christ, during the Easter Season may we wisely accept the  grace of the Holy Spirit and the Gifts and Fruits that define our Salvation.  The primary effect the Resurrection of Jesus provides us, is the ability to be Ambasssadors for Christ to others.  How have you begun to achieve this yesterday and today, and in what ways will you do so, between now and Pentecost Sunday ?  Do not merely put the Joyful Glory away, or hide it under a bushel basket of mortal clutter, but let it shine out brighter and brighter and grow in the Light of the Lord thats builds you and me a  place in God's Everlasting Kingdom.  Alleluia ! Alleluia !!..............fr.tdp

EASTER SUNDAY 2014 A.D. - THE GLORIOUS RESURRECTION OF JESUS THE CHRIST ALLELUIA !!!..............

Dying for the sins of Humankind Jesus The Christ is the perfect Lamb of Sacrifice.  Rising from the dead Jesus is supreme Victor conquering sin and mortality as the Redeemer of Humankind.  Easter Sunday the Day of the Resurrection of Jesus, Son of God and Savior of the World, has come and Christ Is Risen ! He Is Truly Risen  !!!  On this day the first of days in Salvation History, Jesus The Christ fulfilled the Paschal Mystery and opened God's Kingdom to all persons who Believe and Follow the way of Discipleship to Eternal Life.  As the Glorious Light of New Life in the Risen Christ shines forever brighter on this 1st Day of the Paschal Season may our hope in sharing in the Resurrection grow stronger during the 50 Days of the Easter Season 2014. Alleluia !!!..............Fr. Troy David

FIVE YEARS AND 159,000 BLOG POSTS VISITS - APRIL 19TH 2009 - 2014..............

This Holy Saturday / Easter Vigil / Nightwatch of the Resurrection, April 19, 2014; has triple meaning in my Life, Faith, and Catholic-Christian Ministry.  First, as it is for all Disciples of Jesus the Lord of  Salvation, the beginning of the third day of the Sacred Easter Triduum.  Second, it is the 28th anniversary of the day my St. Patrick's Seminary classmates were ordained Transitional Deacons.  Third, it was 5 Years ago today, that I began this blog, "Insights Into Life  And  Faith By Father Troy David Powers".  I give  Praise and Glory to God for these blessings and opportunities to serve and to help lead the People of God in the Ministry of the Catholic Church and particularly in ordination to the Priesthood of our Risen Redeemer Jesus Christ.  Acclaiming Alleluia For the New and Risen Life Jesus shares with us..............Rev. Fr. Troy David Powers

HOLY SATURDAY A TIME OF SOLEMN ANTICIPATION IN JESUS' PROMISE...............

Holy Saturday, the day bridging the Passion and Death of Good Friday and the Glorification and Resurrection, of the Redeemer of Humankind, is a quiet day that results in a highly celebratory night.  Other than rehearsals for the Rites of Christian Initiation and sacramental Confessions, the only Liturgy celebrated today on Holy Saturday, is the Easter Vigil Service tonight after dark.  It is a day of preparation for the Great Feast of Easter.  Our Eucharistic celebrations of the pinnacle of the Paschal Mystery Easter Mass on the Solemnity of Easter, and preparations for whatever Easter Meal we will share tomorrow, are key focuses today.  May the quiet serenity of the Sacred Triduum's day between the days be abundantly, gracefully yours..............fr.tdp

GOOD FRIDAY - DAY OF SORROW...DAY OF JOY..............

On this second day of The Easter Triduum, as we continue the one, great, Liturgy of the Paschal Mystery of the Lord Jesus, we reverence the Wood of the Cross that Christ bore in enduring His Passion and Death for the Forgiveness of our sins.  The sorrow and separation caused by the divisiveness of Sin between the Divine and Humankind, could only be bridged and reconciled by a perfect sacrifice of atonement.  God's Saving Son Jesus, was Anointed by the Heavenly Father  to be offered up as the Suffering Servant Whose Sacrificial Death and Glorious Resurrection makes perfect Atonement and garners our Redemption.  Thus, what first seems  to be a day of Sorrow, Good Friday is actually a day of Joy.  A day of Joy for having our sins  forgiven; and a day of Joy for the selfless, accepting, willingness of Jesus as God's Son to be laden down, with a heavy Cross for us and all Believers who acknowledge and follow Him as our Lord, God, and Redeemer..............fr.tdp

POPE FRANCIS' HOLY THURSDAY HOMILY ON THE INSTITUTION OF THE PRIESTHOOD..............

Celebrating his second Holy Thursday, the first day of the Easter Triduum 2014 A.D., His Holiness preached at the Chrism Mass, consecrating the Holy Oils as the Bishop of Rome today, of the sacrificial and at times unpleasant, responsibilities of the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, but also affirmed the joy and fulfillment it brings when the priests ordained by the Church are focused on caring for the People of God.  The Mass of the Lord's Supper he presided at this evening, was again not celebrated in a Roman basilica, but this year  in a Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Persons and the Elderly, at which he washed the feet of both women and men..............Father Troy David

WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK IN SEARCH OF THE OF RISING ABOVE THE SELFISHNESS OF SIN..............

During the past year Espionage has been much in the news given the activities and disclosures emitting from Eric Snowden, et al.  This Catholic-Christian Wednesday of Holy Week is traditionally called. 'Spy Wednesday', as the Gospel proclaimed today, Matthew 26:14-25; shares how Judas Iscariot spied on and agreed to betray the Lord Jesus.  Spying, as such is not limited to the  scale it is shown to have occurred by Judas or Snowden.  How often do we or other persons spy on the lives of other people daily by the prying, gossip, or inordinate concern,  about who they are ?, what they do ?, where they go ?, who they spend their time with ?, ecetera.  To some degree we  all do.  Having spent the past twenty five months surrounded by a sea of citizens, I have become more aware how prevalent it is.  It has caused me to question why any of us chooses to spend our time letting our curiosity  grow so out of proportion, so as impose our untoward focus on others.  It doesn't help us, benefit them, or do other than betray God's Will for us and all Humankind.  By  spying on other persons this way we become more like Judas than we become  more like Jesus.  As we seek the goodness Catholic-Christianity can bring us and our adherence to Jesus provides us.  Building up relationships with others, not denigrating or prying into them, will prevent us  from becoming another Judas Iscariot and betraying the purpose and meaning of our Discipleship in Christ..............fr.tdp

ENCOUNTERING THE JUST ONE WITH GOD'S GRACE..............

The immemorial Son of God; the prophesied  Suffering Servant for all  Humans; the Just One of Creation; is Jesus The Christ the Lord of Salvation whom we honor and adore as our Redeemer for accepting and carrying out His Heavenly Father's Will in the Paschal Mystery by embracing Passion, Death, and Resurrection, for us and for all sinners.  As Catholic-Christians we have observed the Forty Days of Lent in order to be reconciled with God and returned to Holiness in the Discipleship of Jesus we need and seek.  Jesus, The truly Anointed One by God the Father, is the Just One of Salvation who imparts God's Grace upon us if we are willing to encounter Him sacrificially and sacramentally.  As we make the sacrifices necessary for our sins and celebrate and affirm the sacraments that strengthen  and sustain us with the goodness of a vibrant relationship with the totality of God in Christ, may the Blessings of the Just One be yours and mine this Holy Week and Easter Triduum..............fr.tdp

MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK AND THE CROSS THAT LEADS TO LIGHT AND SALVATION..............

Jesus, the  Co-Eternal Son of our Heavenly Father carried the wood of a heavy Cross as an integral component of the Mission of Redemption and Reconciliation He accomplished through the Paschal Mystery.  Our sins and the sins of all Humankind increase the heaviness of the Cross of Christ that led to His ignominious Crucifixion and Death.  As we accept accountability for our faults and failings and carry our share of the wood of the tree Jesus bore, let us do so with confidence and hope that the sacrifice and self-giving we share for God's Greater Glory and the Common Good of others in addition to ourselves will afford us the Light and Salvation that is the ultimate experience we will ever attain..............fr.tdp

PALM SUNDAY 2014 AND MATTHEW'S PROCLAMATION OF THE PASSION..............

As the sacred and solemn days of Holy Week and the great events in Salvation History that occurred during these seminally significant days opens for the Year of Our Lord 2014 - on this Palm Sunday the  triumphal entrance and greeting of Jesus in Jerusalem with Hosannas, are a paradoxical opening act to what happened as these days unfolded, as Jesus was arrested, accused of blasphemy, tried, condemned, and crucified, as the sinless suffering servant for the Redemption of our sins and saving of our souls.  On this First Day of Holy Week we hear in the Liturgy of the Word, one of Isaiah's Suffering Servant Songs, just as we will hear the others in the days ahead; and the Passion Narrative of Matthew is also proclaimed today.  Isaiah's description of a Suffering Servant who will become  the sacrifice of atonement and forgiveness for all - manifested in Jesus Christ; and the Passion of Christ as given to us  by Matthew portrays Jesus and his actions as Messianic, underscoring His Anointing as God's Son to be the One chosen to be the Savior for  all Humankind.  May our mutual journeys through this Holy Week find us accepting our share in the sacrificial selflessness of Jesus The Christ, so as to be  truly worthy of the triumph and the glory Jesus attains for us through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection..............Father Troy David

MANIFESTING THE PRESENCE OF THE GREAT ONE WHO IS SERVANT OF ALL..............

As we finish five  weeks of Lenten Repentance from our sins  and Conversion of our hearts to greater do the Lord's Will for our Good and the Good of the Church and all the World, how  does the way  we have changed during Lent show itself in our lives ?  Are we more loving, caring, and attentive, to the needs are Catholic-Christians.of the poor, the downtrodden, the sorrowful, the suffering, the marginalized, and the disabled ?  If not, why ?  As the authentic observance of self sacrifice during these 40 Days can only have made us more  sensitive and self-giving as Disciples of the Lord Jesus, Who came into the World to serve and not to be served, setting an example for all who are Catholic-Christians.  Pope Francis is also setting just such an example of Holiness and Service, cherishing and exhibiting most as Supreme Pontiff his role as the Servant of the Servants of God; The People of God - Catholics and non Catholics, Christians and UnBelievers, Persons of other Religions and  Spiritualities, Atheists, Homosexuals,...Everyone.  In these final days of Lent and with Holy Week, the  Easter Triduum, and the Pasch, upon us starting tomorrow, to which of these  persons have you reached out  to or served as Jesus The  Christ and the Holy  Father Francis want us to do ?  Now is the time to continue building those relationships and constructing the way of Jesus between ourselves and others, as we honor and carry out our share in the Mission and Ministry of Salvation  Jesus suffered, died, and rose, to attain for Humankind..............fr.tdp

POPE FRANCIS SPEAKS OUT ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE..............

His Holiness Pope Francis spoke out unequivocally today making a personal  apology for the sexual abuse committed by priests and acknowledging the Church must be, "even stronger" in dealing with the perpetrators.  Pope Francis' statement follows his appointment last month of a Commission to oversee and  respond to increasing the Catholic Church's addressing of the problem, with members that include international advocates for abused victims and Boston Archbishop Cardinal Sean O'Malley, who has honestly and effectively with the child sexual abuse crisis he inherited in the Archdiocese of Boston Massachusetts, ground zero in the American sexual abuse scandal in the United States..............fr.tdp

CHRISM MASS OF THE OILS DAY IN THE SACRAMENTO DIOCESE..............

Today is the annual Chrism Mass in the Diocese of Sacramento, which includes a morning to afternoon priests conference led by newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop Myron Cotta at St.  Joseph's Church in Clarksburg; and a Social and Dinner followed by the Mass of the Oils; where Bishop Jaime Soto will preside joined by his Auxiliary  and Bishops Emeritus, along  with priest concelebrants, and in the presence  of the  college of deacons, consecrated religious, and the assembled laity.  In addition to the consecrating of the Sacred Chrism Oil, Oil of the Catechumens, and the Oil of the Sick, at this Eucharistic Liturgy, the diocesan and religious priests present will renew our Commitment to presbyteral ministry.  I will be in attendance with my brother priests and the People of God gathered in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento..............Fr. Troy David

CONNECTING OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH WITH NEW LIFE IN JESUS..............

What makes us Catholic-Christians ?  Belief in God ? Baptism in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit ? In addition to Baptism, the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist ? Regularity in Prayer, Worship, and Ministry, in an ongoing relationship with  Jesus The Christ ? Sharing in the service and leadership necessary for living the life of a Disciple ?  I think we can agree all of  these are vital facets of truly being a Catholic-Christian.  But it is also essential that we honor our Commitment to these definitions of Catholic-Christian Discipleship.  Lip service  or lukewarm practice of any and all of the attributes of Catholic-Christianity as I have described them is not enough.  True Faith in Action for those who are  devoted to believing and following Jesus The Christ and building up God's Kingdom, are  deeply rooted in living Gospel Values, carrying out the Beatitudes, and anchored in fulfilling the  Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, that are at the central core of being a Catholic-Christian Disciple.  With the highest holy days of the  entire year coming next week with the celebration of the Paschal Mystery and the Easter Triduum, may we rededicate ourselves to real reasons for being a Catholic-Christian and seeking Salvation, treating the  definition of what makes us a Disciple of Jesus not magic, but mystery.  Reaching beyond superficial claims of being a Believer in God and Follower of Christ, by wholeheartedly practicing what we profess, every day, every Sunday, not just on a few holydays and special occasions but throughout the year and throughout our lives.  How fully are you  connected to your  Faith and Discipleship in our Heavenly Father, Saving Redeemer, and  Sanctifying Spirit, of Life  and Love  ?..............fr.tdp

THE WORLD'S MOST PERFECT PRAYER - THE OUR FATHER..............

As we come to the culminating days of Lent that lead us to the Paschal Mystery and the Salvation Events of the Easter Triduum, the Sacred Heart East Sacramento Elect for Christian Initiation, were further steeped tonight in the Lord's Prayer in a detailed presentation by Msgr. Walton.  The Our Father, as Catholics commonly refer to this prayer because it begins with the words, "Our Father", has been referred to as, "The World's Most Perfect Prayer", for what it contains and the acknowledgements it makes.  1.) It gives Adoration to God...2.) It expresses Contrition for our Sins...3.) It proclaims Thanksgiving  to the Heavenly Father...4.) It asks Supplication for the needs of Ourselves and Others...the first letters of these actions spelling out, ACTS, as in the Acts of the Apostles, in the New Testament.  All Disciples of Catholic-Christian Faith can benefit from the fine points of praying the Our Father and putting into daily  practice the Acts of Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication, that make the Lord's Prayer our most perfect and precise prayer..............fr.tdp

A FRIENDLY, FRATERNAL AND FAMILY, VISIT FROM FATHER BILL KINANE AND THREE OF HIS NIECES..............

Now in the twenty sixth month of  being made to subsist in a personal purgatory of geriatrics without being one, under appreciated and warehoused to the extent that my persistence to proceed in priestly led me to prayerfully discern a proactive way forward by resuming my postgraduate education and studies for a Doctor  of Ministry degree  in Pastoral Care, which started last week; it is a wonderful opportunity when I am able to visit and interact with my brother priests.  During these two years plus in the daily twilight zone of a senior citizens center detached from the regularity as a 57 year old priest from residing in a rectory and being engaged in parish life it is a true joy when colleagues who continue  to truly care  about me as a fellow priest and as a person, reach out to visit me in affirmation of our fraternity and friendship.  A dozen of them have maintained that quality of contact, three of them coming to see me in recent weeks.  The latest being on Monday being Reverend Father Bill Kinane, who from September 26, 1988 - May 14, 1992, I served with he as Pastor and me as Associate Pastor at St. John the Baptist Parish in Folsom.  Monday Bill telephoned to tell me he wanted to come and see me with a niece visiting him from Ireland.  They arrived an hour later with another of his nieces who has lived in New York for twenty five years and one of his grand nieces.  His niece Alice now lives in Urlingford, County Kilkenny; the hometown of Msgr. Edward Kavanagh's family and the locality where my  seminary classmate Fr. Oliver Maher is the Parish Priest. It was a delightful conversation with the four  Kinane family members and the chance to meet Alice who owns 'Away With Flowers', in Urlingford  with whom I had only spoken to by phone during the past year,.  I am grateful to Bill Kinane  for thinking enough of me to include me in his nieces visit to Sacramento.  It affirms I am not forgotten or unappreciated by persons and priests like him who continue to honor the fraternity of priests..............fr.tdp

HEARING JESUS AND LISTENING TO OTHERS..............

When we prayerfully take the time to hear and respond to the voice of Jesus, then we are truly able to listen to other persons with authenticity and effectiveness.  Being truly concerned for what another person is saying to us with attentiveness and without being distracted,  disinterested, or determined only to get through with it, are the attributes of being a friend, family member, or fellow believer.  Sincerely listening to the person needing to share with us, or honestly communicating whether a better time when you can be  available to do so, is the Christ like manner to react when we cannot listen and respond rightly at the  very moment we are called upon to be good and necessary listeners.  Think of those times when  you need to be heard and listened to well by someone you know and trust.  Are you not frustrated if the person you are speaking to is tuned out or only going through the motions of listening to you ?  Is it preferable that they are honest and tell you it is not a good time then to put up a pretense ?  And if  you and I are soundly grounded in listening to Jesus and availing in prayer  and reflection of being listened  to by Him as a best friend, then we will  be aware of when and where is the best time to be listened to by others and to be a truly helpful and welcome listener ourselves.  God is calling us right to increase our willingness to listen through the words of Sacred Scripture and in the generosity of our Prayers.  Are  you open and ready to Listen to Jesus the Lord and to the person in your circle right now needing to be listened to by you.  Be open, be kind, be ready, to hear  with the ears of a Disciple of Christ..............fr.tdp

THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT AND WHAT THE RAISING OF LAZARUS MEANS FOR US..............

Jesus wept  at the death of his dear friend Lazarus.  But Jesus did more than weep.  He exercised His Divine power as the Son of God to raise Lazarus from the dead.  Making the restored life of Lazarus a forerunner of His own Resurrection and a sign to His Disciples of the promise of New and Eternal Life we bear as Christ's Followers.  Although Lazarus' rising on earth was then only temporary and he  died humanly once more at a given point in time;  he like we, are assured by Jesus' action of raising His friend from death  and by suffering, dying, and rising, to New and  Everlasting Life in the Paschal Mystery - attains for us the Promise and Hope of sharing in the Resurrection for Eternity.  As  you hear the Gospel of John 11:3-7; 17; 20-27; 33b-45; proclaimed and preached on this 5th Sunday of Lent, give praise and glory to  God, that when our lives arrive at death it  will not be the end, but the beginning of a glorious transition to New Life Forever in God's Eternal Kingdom of Love..............Father Troy David

OVERCOMING THE HURDLES TO SEEING AND BEING WHO JESUS WANTS US TO BE..............

The consequences of disobedience and sin being fallen human nature, there are in every person's life no matter how good and virtuous we are -  hurdles to be overcome and shortcomings to be addressed.  They may be lapses in morality, or the occurrences of diseases and disabilities, we fall susceptible to, or limitations and obstacles imposed upon us  by others with their own agendas of obstruction.  I learned in my youth the necessity not to let those obstacles and  obstructions stop me from being  the best and most hardworking person I can be, despite the disability I have endured from birth by rising above it and anything standing in the way of accomplishing the goal of  fully being me. The same  is true  of moist disabled or diseased  persons seeking not to be  held captive by the circumstances they are confronted by.  Our best friend and greatest advocate in overcoming the hurdles in our lives is the Lord Jesus, the Divine Teacher and Healer, Who calls and enables us to  be all we can be as citizens  of  the World and  Disciples of Faith. I have had  to revisit that reality anew in the past few years as  a result of my transplant and amputation, and the indifference, insensitivity, and even ignorance,  I have had  to contend with on the part of some who have a disconnect with the disabled and those  with special needs. I have come to realize if that is true for me as a Priest of Jesus Christ,  how many more persons in the disability community are being treated  in like manner, maybe even more so.  No  human being or institution should be  allowed  to obstruct or stop us from being the  persons wants us and sacrificed Himself for us to be as Catholic-Christians.   Just as I have prayerfully discerned and decided to act in a proactive to rise above the hurdles currently placed in my life and  ministry; so too, do I strongly encourage you not to give up or give in, whatever your conditions, but to find a positive response to  act upon and that facilitates your ability to move forward instead of being stalled or set aside.  In the  United States that includes the  assurance and advocacy such  as the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) the National Catholic Partnership for Disability (N.C.P.D.) and the U.S. International Council on Disabilities (U.S.I.C.D.) among an increasing number of organizations and ministries serving and  advocating for those of us with Disabilities and Special Needs.  My current action to further and strengthen my priestly ministry is to resume my postgraduate education so as to better serve and lead others in Disability Ministry.  Whatever your passion, exercise the rights of your human dignity and rise above your obstructions and decide to do what Jesus The Lord is inviting you to embrace and experience as you move forward in Living Faith and Fidelity..............fr.tdp

THIRTY PEOPLE CONFIRMED DEAD IN WASHINGTON STATE EARTHQUAKE..............

Nearing the two week mark following the hillside collapse and mudslide in Washington State USA, the Snohomish County Medical Examiner has confirmed 30 persons  dead and announced another 13 persons are still missing  and unaccounted for.  The March 22nd disaster just above the north fork of  the Stillinguamish River came crashing down and overflowing the riverbanks onto Highway 530 and the outskirts of the town of Oso, Washington.  The  mudslide engulfed  three dozen or more homes, burying residents under mud and debris.  Among the latest  resulting deaths being reported are a 67 year old woman and a  13 year old boy, whose bodies were discovered in recent days.  May our heartfelt prayers and sympathies be with the family members who have lost loved ones, as we pray for those killed and for those still missing.  God Bless and Be  with the townspeople of Oso, Washington in this time of grief..............fr.tdp

AS SACHEART R.C.I.A. STUDIES MARK'S GOSPEL THE DADS GROUP CONTINUES READING AND REPLYING TO THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES..............

The march of the Lenten Season toward the Paschal Mystery and  Christian Initiation of Easter 2014 moves ever closer to culmination, as do the ministries of the R.C.I.A. and the Dads Group at Sacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento, I am a participant with.  The Elect for Initiation have been  reading the Gospel of Mark the last two weeks.  The Dads Group  is continuing their way through the Acts of  the Apostle and a book by the late Scripture scholar Raymond Brown,  S.S., they share weekly responses and insights from our study.  An exhilarating formational  and insightful experience of Catholic-Christianity it  continues to be for the Catechumens,  Candidates, and Young Dads, taking part as we move  forward..............fr.tdp

A PRAYERFULLY DISCERNED PROACTIVE PUSH FORWARD IN FURTHERING MY PRIESTLY MINISTRY..............

After  waiting on the  sidelines of a senior citizens residence for more than two years, at only age 57, with persons twenty to forty five years older and without an assignment to priestly  ministry or a parish placement, thus doing only minimal, piecemeal, pastoral  ministry as a result; after much prayerful  discernment and the counsel of several persons who truly care about me and the continuation of my active ministry as a Priest of Jesus Christ, I have made a proactive decision to further the effectiveness of my ministry as a  priest.  I have decided to resume my postgraduate education and have enrolled at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., to study for a Doctorate in Ministry degree.  The D.Min studies are both online and residential.  It began online this  Monday March 31st, continuing through May; will includes two weeks  of class instruction on the CUA campus in June; and then continues online through August.  That will be the schedule of study for the spring  and summer of  2014, 2015,  and 2016.  That will be followed by two additional semesters completing and defending a dissertation and a pastoral project to be implemented.  I made an orientation to the campus last week and am all the more impressed and excited to be starting this newest meaningful life and ministry experience.  My D.Min studies are in Pastoral Care with a concentration on the New Evangelization.  My particular degree focus will be on Disability Ministry.  As  a life long disabled person and a priest with special needs, my desire and empathy for strengthening positive participation and inclusion of Persons With Disabilities and Special Needs is the ongoing goal of entering  and completing this postgraduate education endeavor.  I thank everyone for their prayers, affirmation, and support, now as you have been through the years.  More updates on my CUA D.Min endeavors son and often..............Father Troy David Powers

7.1 MILLION ENROLLEES IN THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AT FIRST DEADLINE..............

Following the passage and enactment of the Obama Administration's Affordable Care Act national  healthcare plan,  the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) studies projected 7 million Americans would sign-up for the ACA, by the end of the first enrollment period March 31, 2014.  Despite the continuing political controversy swirling around the law, and the disasterous rollout of the sign-up website which caused the CBO to lower its projection to 6 million initial enrolles, when the March 31st deadline arrived this week, the number of Americans now enrolled is 7.1 million persons.  With the snafus of late 2013 with accessing the application process online all but arrested and a full court press by the White House in recent weeks to sign up new enrollees, theinitial goal was met.  The CBO is now projecting that by 2017, 24 million Americans will be enrolled  in the Affordable Care Act.  As the national healthcare law and  the politics associated with it continue to go forward, Insights Into Life And Faith, willblog and  report on pertinent developments..............fr.tdp

ENLIGHTENED IN ATONEMENT TO REJOICE IN THE LORD..............

Sincerely atoning for our sins and seeking to  be reconciled with God and one another for the serious breach  against our relationships with the Divine, as well as the rest of Humankind, we have caused by  either sins of commission or omission , the Lenten Season provides us with the ample opportunity to be enlightened and purified, thus ready and enabled by God's Grace to resume our  rightful responsiveness as Disciples of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus The Christ. Atonement, turning away from  sin and radically changing our hearts, by melting the selfishness and replanting the selflessness of unconditional love and compassion in our consideration and outreach to others, will provide us with the enlightenment to truly rejoice in the Paschal Mystery of the Lord Jesus.  As we near the most sacred days of the year giving life to the Passion, Death, and Resurrection, of our Redeemer Jesus The Christ, how bright is the light of Atonement shining on your journey of Lenten self sacrifice and reconciliation ?..............fr.tdp

CARRYING OUT THE PRACTICE OF LENT AS A TIME OF ENLIGHTENMENT PURIFICATION..............

Crossing over the halfway point of Lent 2014, as the Elect for Christian Initiation at Easter  are undergoing the rites of the Scrutinies, all Catholic-Christians are summed to the Purification and Enlightenment that purges us from sin and  continues the radical change in our hearts, so that we can repent  and  return to focusing on and following the way of the Lord Jesus and Discipleship we share with the  Divine  for our Salvation.  Taking our relationships with God The Father, Jesus Our Savior, and their Sanctifying Holy Spirit, is the vital connection  we need to effectively experience a renewal of Faith and Fidelity to Gospel Values with purified hearts and enlightened minds, dedicated to God's  Greater Glory and the Common  Good of Humankind.  On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, with three weeks  to the Solemnity of Easter Sunday how is the personal and communal renunciation of sin  and renewed faithfulness to answering God's Call impacting our lives as we seek to be enfolded anew, in the Redemption of the Paschal Mystery ?..............Father Troy David

IS AN INTERNAL INVESTIGATION REPORT AND NEWS CONFERENCES ENOUGH TO CLEAR GOVERNOR CHRISTIE ?..............

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has been declared unaware of the George Washington Bridge imbroglio perpetrated by members of his staff and state appointees, according to the findings of an internal investigation the Governor's Office commissioned and cost New Jersey taxpayers $1 million.  Whether an internal investigation carried out by a law firm that has direct ties to the Christie Administration which exonerates him, prevails while a New Jersey Legislature probe and a Federal U.S. Attorney investigation of the Bridge scandal continues, is yet to be determined.  Governor Christie responded to the internal report by holding a news conference Friday afternoon, in which he came across as the old Christie, bold, strident, and in your face with reporters, and his appearance on Saturday at the Republican Jewish Coalition gathering in Las Vegas Nevada at the invitation of lucrative GOP donor Sheldon Adelman, in the so called, 'Adelman Primary', where he was in attendance along with prospective 2016 Republican presidential candidates, Ohio Governor John Kasich, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush,- sends the message Christie is moving forward with a possible bid for President.  The credibility and validity of the Dunn and Gibson law firm's Washington Bridge Report may have given Governor Christie temporary reprieve and the chance to redirect his actions and focuses, but it is highly unlikely in and of itself, to vindicate him..............fr.tdp

EXPERIENCING THE CLOSENESS OF GOD'S KINGDOM HERE AND NOW..............

Seeking to experience inclusion in the Eternal Kingdom of God Almighty is the paramount goal of Catholic-Christians.  Seeking God's Kingdom requires us as Disciples of God's Son Jesus The Christ to take a serious and committed journey of Faith.  A Faith journey of ongoing Conversion in the Lord and Repentance from our sins.  It is a continuous life long seeking and striving to reach; and it is our Lenten journey in every Springtime of the Church,  As  Lent 2014 reaches the halfway point, how transformative is your seeking to draw ever closer to being included in God's Kingdom of Eternal Life producing lasting fruit ?   Remember as we proceed through the second half of this Lent that praying, fasting, and giving alms, are indispensable components of the Journey of Faith we are set out upon..............fr.tdp

PRESIDENT OBAMA MEETS WITH POPE FRANCIS IN THE VATICAN

After attending meetings with other G-7 Nations in the Netherlands, President flew to Rome where he has his first face to face meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis, at the Vatican.  The President and the Pontiff met for 50 minutes and spoke about imminent International concerns and Economic Justice, an issue of priority concern for both the Pope and the President. according to statements issued by both the White House and the Holy See. The topic of Religious is believed to also have been discussed.  Beyond any exchange over the Pope and the Catholic Church's consternation with the Contraception Mandate in the Affordable Care Act Law, mutually held concerns over Income Inequality, Nuclear Weapons, Human Trafficking,  Immigration Reform, and Conscientious Objection, were matters they discussed.  In an exchange of gifts Pope Francis presented President Obama with a copy of his Apostolic Exhortation, "The Joy Of The Gospel"; and President Obama presented Pope Francis with a box made from wood from one of the United States oldest churches, and in the Wood Box are Seeds planted from the White House Garden..............fr.tdp

HOW HOLY ARE WE AS GOD'S CHILDREN AND EVERYDAY CHRISTIANS ?..............

Answering the Call to Holiness being the core practice as the People of God Vatican II teaches the Church to fulfill, Lent is an excellent time to take inventory of just how holy we are as God's Children in proactively responding to the Holiness we are called to incorporate into the fabric of our Discipleship.  Jesus The Christ accepted suffering, dying, rising, ascending. as Holy and Perfect He is as the Second Person of the Eternal  Divine Trinity; all the more reason we as Believers and Followers have the mandate to make ourselves Holy in Living our Faith through Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving, during Lent; and in our ongoing actions of Selflessness, Generosity, and Spirituality, as Catholic-Christians everyday throughout the year.  What is the state of your personal Holiness as we sojourn through the Lenten desert of self denial and redirection in answering the Call to Holiness ?  Repentance and Conversion will assist our ability to attain it, but Action is necessary to achieve the Holiness God and the Church desires for us.  If you have not already, spring into action in wholistically answering the Call to Holiness today..............fr.tdp

THE ORDINATION OF AUXILIARY BISHOP-ELECT COTTA ON THIS ANNUNCIATION SOLEMNITY..............

On this day the Universal Church commemorates the Fiat of the Blessed Virgin Mary in responding Angel's appearance to her with the Annunciation of the Lord - her unconditional Yes, in becoming God's co-worker in the fulfillment of the Paschal Mystery of Salvation will be exemplified today in the Diocese of Sacramento at the 2 p.m. Ordination of our new Auxiliary Bishop.  Reverend Monsignor Myron Cotta. Vicar General of the Diocese of Fresno, 26.5 years a Priest of Jesus Christ in his native San Joaquin Valley of California, will proclaim another Yes, to the Lord and the People of God and be ordained by Sacramento Bishop +Jaime Soto, with  principal co-consecrators, Bishop Joseph Madera, who ordained +Cotta to the Priesthood in 1987; and the current Bishop of Fresno + Armando Ochoa.   Attending and concelebrating Bishop Elect Cotta's Ordination with my brother priests from Sacramento and Fresno, and the other bishops present in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, in downtown Sacramento; I will blog again tonight on today's Episcopal Ordination.  As we the People of God respond to the Annunciation of the Lord, in what ways are we following the example of our Blessed Mother Mary, in saying Yes to God's Call to Salvation by Faithfully Witnessing and actively ministering in the Name of the Lord ?  Happy Annunciation Solemnity Day..............Father Troy David

DISCIPLES OF JESUS WHO EMBRACE THE NEW EVANGELIZATION..............

Catholic-Christian Evangelization is the spreading and sharing of the Good News of the Life, Ministry, Suffering, Death,and Triumphant Resurrection in God's Eternal Kingdom of Life and Love.  Evangelization has been at the heart of the Mission oF Catholic-Christianity for the more than thousand years since the Paschal Mystery of Christ and His Founding of the Church. Much of the uniqueness of the New Evangelization is the critical need we have to re-Evangelize the already Baptized and otherwise sacramentalized members of the Church who are under catechized, only occasional attendees, or fallen away, and or detached, from the practice of our Catholic-Christian Faith and Discipleship.  I will be blogging much more on the necessity of the New Evangelization as Lent and the approaching Easter Season proceeds.  Have you, are you, will you, embrace the "New Evangelization", and the "Gospel Of Joy" ?..............fr.tdp

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT - JESUS AND THE SAMARITAN WOMAN AT THE WELL..............

Recognizing and bringing to realization our Reconciliation with other people and our relationship with Jesus the Christ is adroitly addressed on thus Third Sunday of Lent by the John's Gospel Proclamation of Jesus Meeting the Samaritan Woman at the Well.  Jews and Samaritans in what was the first century of Christianity, had no dealings with one another to the  intensity of each despising the other.  Thus this woman of Samaria, who was five times married, was astounded that Jesus, a Jewish man asked her for a drink of water, conversed with her, did not condemn her, but assured her He would become Living Water for her and all Believers in Him.  Jesus responded and interacted with the Samaritan Woman in the Gospel, with the Mercy and Love of God.  The flowing openness of the merciful and loving Jesus shows to her melts the closed heart and opens her mind to receiving and accepting the quenching of her thirst to be freed from her captivity and isolation from a wholistically fulfilling. life.  In turn, she be an evangelist for the good works Jesus did for her, which testified to Who He Truly Is and converting the hearts and minds of others towards embracing Jesus The Christ.  In Lenten Repentance and Conversion, which of our sins do we need to quench out by by drinking of the Living Waters Jesus offers us to share ?  How  positively are we proceeding in finding the cleansing of God's Mercy and Love, as we interact with Jesus at the Well of our own Human Thirst for a Right and Just Relationship with the Divine and other Humans ?   Take a lead from the Samaritan Woman today and this week and accept them Living Waters Jesus is offering us to drink by acknowledging our need to renounce our sinfulness and faithfully follow our Lord and Savior Jesus The Christ..............Fr.  Troy David

GOD DOES NOT ABANDON US WHEN WE ARE TRUE TO THE GOSPEL..............

The Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus The Christ teaches us Crosses of suffering and sacrifice are a reality of the human condition.  We can either strive to rise above and overcome them or be conquered by them.  God's Plan for the Salvation of Humankind is that we persevere in Grace and Good Works in bearing the crosses pressed down on us and not giving up or giving in to allowing those personal crosses to vanquish us.  Like the millions of persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the World I too, have contended with that personal cross all my life, both with Faith in God, and the Body of Christ -the Church, the Co-Eternal Son Of God founded on Earth, I have constantly persevered to do that as a Priest of Jesus Christ for what is now 27 Years.  That includes the heaviest cross of my life - the past 2 years and the indignity of being diverted into a retirement community without being a retired person and having my priestly ministry minimized.  But my belief in God's Call and my dedication to my Vocation as a Priest assures me as indeed it must others with Special Needs, that although other individuals and institutions may distance or divert themselves from us, the worldly powers that be. cannot and will not cause God to abandon us, for if we remain true to the Values and Teachings of the Gospel, God Who is Perfect Love will remain true and ever by our sides.  Whatever crosses we are laden down with as Disciples of Jesus The Christ, will not defeat us if we remain constantly courageous in our convictions to answering God's Call and carrying out our share of the Gospel Values we are initiated to bear Faithful Witness to daily.  I will continue to do that and urge you to discover the ways you too can rise above your crosses and with Fidelity to God's Call remain True to the Gospel in your own journeys of Life and Faith..............fr.tdp

FAITHFUL WITNESSES OF THE ACTS OF THE JESUS THE CHRIST..............

The actions of Jesus during the three years of His Public Ministry just prior to the experience of Passion, Death, and Resurrection, 2,000 Years ago - were steeped in teaching and forming the Twelve Apostles and His very first Followers and in healing the Sick, reaching out to the Poor, the Outcast, the Marginalized, and the Disabled, with compassion and caring.  He preached the Commandments anchoring them in the two Great Commandments of Love; and proclaiming the Beatitides; as what we have come to know and experience as pearls of Christian Wisdom.  Jesus Christ is an advocate of welcoming and incorporating Sinners as well as the Righteous into the Community of Believers who are God's People, with Forgiveness and Redemption, for everyone who is reconciled and united with Him.  Therefore, as Disciples of Jesus The  Christ now in 2014 of the Year of Our Lord, striving and succeeding in accomplishing the same Divine Truth ?  How is the Catholic-Christian Church He founded eradicating all vestiges of Discrimination, Prejudice, and Exclusion, while being the bearers of Inclusion and Empowerment of all who sincerely seek the opportunity and unity that Jesus came to accomplish ?  How are each one of us in the Church from Pope, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious, Laity, or the Least likely of  Persons, contributing to the holy example and vision that God's Co-Eternal Son, the Lord of Life, and the Savior of the World, - Jesus The Christ of All Creation exemplifies and expects of us ?..............fr.tdp

THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPEAN UNION ANNOUNCE INCREASED SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA OVER UKRAINIAN ANNEXATION..............

President Barack Obama following up on the Executive Order he issued Monday placing targeted Sanctions against 11 officials in President Putin's Government and inner circle in Russia, in result of the invading and annexing of the Ukraine to the Crimea, announced further Sanctions against Russia leveled at more persons and one key Russian Bank that facilitate support for Putin's actions violating the autonomy and independence of the Ukraine as a sovereign nation since 1991.  Today's further economic Sanctions by the United States joined with greater such restrictions being placed on Russia, while proceeding with diplomatic efforts in defense of the Ukraine will be the major focus of the newly revised G-7 Meeting in Europe next week, that Russia has been excluded from in the aftermath of the past three weeks.  Also today the Russian Government imposed their own brand of Sanctions on Americans, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker John Boehner, Senator John McCain, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez, and White House Advisors Dan PFeifer, and Ben Rhodes..............fr.tdp

ST. JOSEPH'S HOLY EXAMPLE OF ATTENTION AND RESPONSE TO GOD'S WILL..............

The Universal Call to Holiness is at the core of what Vatican II, the most recent and twenty first Ecumenical Council in the Catholic Church's History, primarily directs and forms us as Disciples of Jesus Christ to follow.  St. Joseph of Nazareth, the Universal Patron of the Church, whom we commemorate on this Solemnity, exemplifies for us the reality and quality of Holiness we must embrace as Catholic-Christians.  The fidelity to answering our Call to Holiness St. Joseph lived by as the Husband of Mary and the Foster Father of Jesus in the Holy Family, can no more be discounted or dismissed than the teachings of reform and renewal promulgated by the Second Vatican Council and our interpersonal and mutual response can be to the Universal Call to Holiness.  Listening to God in Prayer; Discerning God's Will by the formation of our Conscience; and Taking Action to increase the Sanctity of our individual and community-wide practices of being attentive to Self Revealing Love of the Lord, and in responding to what we are being welcomed to do by God, as St. Joseph did unconditionally; are the guiding lights we must incorporate in daily living the Call to Holiness.  May we adhere to to the holy example and faithfulness St. Joseph lived as we strive to become increasingly proactive persons of Holiness as the People of God..............fr.tdp

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN SIGNS TREATY WITH CRIMEAN LEADERS ANNEXING THE UKRAINE..............

Following Sunday's vote in the Crimea, on taking away the independence of the Ukraine as a sovereign country since the end of the Cold War and the breakup of the Soviet  Union in the 1990's and placing it again within Russia; which passed by a favorable vote by Crimeans of 95.5%, and strongly opposed and declared illegal by Ukrainians, the United States, European Union, the United Nations Security Council, minus Russia, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization member nations - was responded to today by Russian President Putin's signing of a Treaty of Annexation, with Crimean officials.  Delivering a lengthy speech asserting Russia's right to fold the Ukraine back into Crimea and the Russian Federation, as a part of Russia - Putin maintains it has always been a part of Crimea / Russia historically.  The USA and the EU yesterday imposed a first level of sanctions on Russian leaders and have vowed to increase the degree of these sanctions against Russia and President Putin should he and his Government not desist from proceeding with the suppression and occupation of a free and independent Ukraine.  American Vice President has flown to Eastern Europe overnight to confer with the Leaders of other countries in the vicinity, including Poland, Estonia,and Latvia, among other Baltic countries..............fr.tdp

SURPASSING 150,000 BLOG PAGE VIEWS..............

Insights Into Life And Faith By Father Troy David Powers on Google Blogger crossed over the 150,000 page views in all time history tonight, two months before its 5th Anniversary on April 19th. Thank You to all of you who are my blog readers around the World.  I am hopeful to continue blogging about an expanding plethora of topics integral to the Life, Faith, and wholistic Human Experience..............fr.tdp

AMERICAN AND INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON RUSSIA OVER THE UKRAINE..............

President Obama and other European and World Leaders imposed initial Sanctions against Russia this morning following yesterday's vote in the Crimea to break with the Ukraine and be joined again to Russia, following Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to occupy Kiev / the Ukraine two weeks ago at the conclusion of the Winter Olympics in Sochi.  Freezing passports, visas, financial transactions, and product merchandise have been put in effect immediately against eleven persons in Putin's inner circle, who, "undermined the sovereignty of an indeppendent nation".  Further blogging about this in coming days..............fr.tdp

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT - BEING TRANSFIGURED IN JESUS THE CHRIST..............

Entering the 2nd Week of Lent on this Sunday, we hear Matthew's version of the Transfiguration of Jesus proclaimed.  The Transfiguration Event occurring on a high mountaintop in the presence of Apostles Peter, James, and John, displays a foretaste of the Glorification Jesus receives in the fulfillment of the Paschal Mystery of His Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.  It also is a further attestation of the Divine Sonship of Jesus The Christ by the Heavenly Father.  As Jesus was transfigured in the presence of some His key Followers prior to his Crucifixion and Death, to assure them and all who Believe in Him to trust in God's Will for us and our Salvation; how are we as Catholic-Christians transfiguring ourselves for and in Christ Jesus this Lent ?  A dozen days into this journey of Repentance and Conversion how productively are you transfiguring yourselves away from the selfishness of Sin and back to being centered in the God of Creation Who sets us free and redeems  us ?  The Transfiguration of Jesus previews for us what our Humanness will look like in Eternity.  Seeking to embrace future glory in and with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, make the remaining days of Lent a shared Retreat of shedding the obstructions to Holiness and Fidelity, in order to fully become God's Easter People of fully Living Faith..............Fr.  Troy David

REPAIRING RELATIONSHIPS AND THE POWER OF LOVE..............

Lent being the Springtime of the Church when through Repentance and Conversion, we blossom and grow a renewal in our relationship with God and others requires our willingness to repair whatever breach exists and open ourselves up to repairing and resuming a Christ-like response and interaction with one another.  As hard as we may try, all of us sometimes fall short of honoring and maintaining our relationships with both the Divine and our fellow Humans.  Thus Lent gives us a concentrated annual opportunity to correct our faults and close the divisions that exist between, committing ourselves renewed to building up our spiritual and interpersonal relationships in self-giving ways that help us contribute to constructing the Coming of God's Kingdom in Eternal Life.  As we end the 1st Week of Lent 2014, how is your commitment to removing and repairing the breaches in your relationships happening ?  Are you putting your Faith in Action by seeking to reconcile yourself with God and Others ?  Now is the time to concretize your Contrition and active Outreach, allowing the Power of Love to lead you forward in repairing and realizing authentic and flowing Relationships..............fr.tdp

LENT RECONCILES US TO SEEK GOD'S KINGDOM FIRST..............

If we are to truly reform, renew, and reconcile, our Discipleship with Jesus The Christ this Lent we must clear the clutter and cast off the obstacles of self-centeredness that have accumulated as a wedge in our relationships with God and others and free up that place in our lives to reach out and make seeking and building the Kingdom of God, our first and foremost consideration as members of the Body of Christ.  Unless we are faithfully and fluently concerned not only with the temporalities on Earth, but with the Eternal Truth of God's Kingdom, how can the lives we lead in the present be complete and fulfilling in leading us forward to an infinite share in the Kingdom of God ?  Lent gives us a springtime to blossom a renewal to righteously seeking and putting the coming of God's front and center by food works of Faith, Fellowship, Charity, and Generosity.  Are you making Kingdom consciousness and action a priority of your Lenten observance ?..............fr.tdp

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF POPE FRANCIS' PONTIFICATE..............

One year ago today the Catholic Church and the World were introduced to the 266th Successor of Saint Peter, Cardinal Archbishop +Jorge Bergoglio, of Buenos Aires, Argentina; who became Pope Francis.  As Pope Francis he is very effectively awakening and renewing the Institutional Church to its true and proper purposes and challenging all Catholic-Christians whether they be Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious, Ministers, or Laity, to reject and  remove the Corruption, Cover-ups, and Careerism, that diverts and disrupts Gospel Values and Faithful Witness of Discipleship.  Pope Francis has also communicated and exemplified with humility and a generous spirit the Compassion, Mercy, Acceptance, Outreach and Inclusion, of All Peoples, that we as Christian Disciples are to practice without prejudice or discrimination.   To be bridge builders of renewing, reforming, and realizing relationships with the Poor, the Sick, the Disabled, the Marginalized, to those of other Religions, those who are Homoosexual, to Non Believers and to Atheists, as we acknowledge and affirm the Dignity of the Human Person.  Pope Francis is also being the strongest possible unconditional proponent and advocate for Social and Economic Justice for all Peoples.  Recalling Catholic-Christians that the Teachings of Jesus reigns above and beyond other philosophical, political, economic, models in determining the responses and practices we carry out.  Pope Francis is a true gift of the Holy Spirit whose election and ministry as Supreme Pontiff is bringing renewed Hope, Inspiration, and the restoration of what is mutually and universally Right and Just, to both the Faithful and to the Fallen Away.  The "Francis Effect", as the First Year of his Pontificate has been described, has been and will continue to be fruitful because of the personal connection people feel with him as the Vicar Of Christ , who sets aside pomp and privilege, living and reaching out with simplicity and directness daily; practicing what he preaches and professes by his own lifestyle and continuous communication of Living Faith.  My perseverance as a disabled priest is being bolstered and further inspired by the example Pope Francis is setting for I fervently believe if he were aware of my current status, he would see me restored to regular priestly ministry in a parish assignment as being disabled is not a disqualification.  A few weeks ago Pope Francis pronounced that "health does not determine the value of a person".  Yet that has not been my reality the past two years.  Gratified the Holy Father cherishes those with Special Needs like myself  and proclaims we remain valuable persons not undesirable commodities.  The Dignity of  All Humankind and the Continuing Conversion and Fidelity of the People of God who Profess Discipleship in Jesus The Christ, is at the core of the Servant Leadership of the Church and the World Pope Francis is providing us.  Thank God for +Francis 1st Year as Holy Father.  May Lord continue to Bless him, Protect him, Preserve him, with a length of years that will fully Reform, Renew, and Rectify, the Catholic Church, eradicating sinful selfishness and restoring the righteousness of dignity and justice in all its works.  Long Live Pope Francis !  Happy 1st Anniversary !!..............Fr. Troy David

TWO YEARS OF BEING SIDELINED IN A SEA OF SENIORS FOR WHAT AND FOR WHY ?..............

Two  years ago today I discovered myself sidelined from the parish priestly ministry which I have committed myself carrying out since my Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ as a native born, local grown, vocation of the Diocese of Sacramento.  I was thrust from my parish appointment as Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / in Sacramento; and insensitively and prematurely, at 55 years old thrust into a senior citizens retirement residence where the other residents are decades older than me and where my priestly ministry  has been minimized.  Why I am here and remain in these surroundings without the opportunity to carry out the regular weekly ministry as a priest of presiding and preaching at Mass in an assigned setting and taking full part in parish life if not as Pastor or Parochial Vicar, then as a Priest In Residence, is frustrating and perplexing.  Especially given the capabilities I retain and the verification of my doctors that I am fit for such parish ministry and that there is no reason for me to be residing and warehoused in a sea of seniors.  Yet, here I am two years and counting striving to persevere in the priestly ministry I remain committed to serving.  The frustration of being dealt with in this manner is a great disappointment as never in my life as a disabled person have from birth, have I before treated by the local Church so indifferently and as though I am disqualified rather than disabled.  The unofficial, piecemeal, priestly ministry I have been allowed to do during this time is insufficient to my abilities and opportunities to effectively minister, just  as I have for more than two and a half decades in twelve diocesan parishes.  In prayerful discernment and with the affirmation and encouragement of a growing circle of friends and former parishioners, I have been seriously considering other options to further and strengthen my ability to productively, proactively, proceed in actualizing the fullest service possible as a disabled but still enabled Catholic Priest, fruitfully functioning outside this unnecessary personal purgatory.  In coming weeks, months, and years.  I will embrace opportunities focused particularly on Ministry to the Disabled in the light of the New Evangelization and with the inspiration of the National Catholic Partnership for Disability and the affirmation of Pope Francis' proclamations of Inclusion for all, especially those of us who are Disabled Persons, seeking the full accessibility and opportunity to participate in the Church in the fulfillment of our Baptism and Vocations as Catholic Christian Disciples and Servant Leaders of God's People.  Pray For the Sacramento Diocese, our National and Universal Roman Catholic Church, that the Inclusion and Empowerment of those of us who are Disabled  and have Special Needs may be equally, fairly, justly, welcomed and brought to fulfillment..............Reverend Father Troy David Powers

THE SACRED MYSTERY OF PRAYER IN LIFE AND FAITH..............

The first essential linchpin of a productive observance of Lent is the  commitment Catholic-Christians make to Prayer.  Prayer is the lifting of our hearts and minds to God.  Communicating our Praise, Petitions, Contrition, Supplications, and Thanksgiving, for the Blessings and Particular Needs of Life, Faith, Family, Health, Economic Stability, our Life Vocations, World Peace, and Social Justice, among the intentions and intercessions for which we pray...

HE R.C.I.A. RITE OF SENDING AND ELECTION..............

The First Sunday of Lent opens the period of Purification and Enlightenment for the Catechumens and Candidates for Christian Initiation this Easter, with their Sending to the Bishop for the Rite of  Election.  Last night the Sacred Heart Parish R.C.I.A. gathered in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacramento, with the other parishes of the greater Sacramento County area, for the Rite of Election with Bishop Jaime Soto presiding.  By my count, there were 199 Catechumens and 176 Candidates present at the evening celebration, the last of 3-4 celebrations of the Rite of Election held on Saturday and Sunday...to be continued...........

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT - THE DESERT OF SELF SACRIFICE THAT LEADS TO THE DESSERT OF GOD'S KINGDOM..............

The Gospel Proclamation on this 1st Sunday of Lent, Matthew 4:1-11; speaks of how Jesus journeyed into the Desert for Fasting and Prayer, following His Baptism in the River Jordan and before beginning His Public Ministry.  Jesus made this desert journey at the Holy Spirit, where he contended with the Temptations of Satan,  just as we the Disciples of Jesus The Christ and members of the Church He founded, are sojourners in the desert of Repentance, working to avoiding the Temptation to sin,  as we strive to answer God's Call to Continuing Conversion.  Our  observance of Lent allows us to closely examine our Baptism and the commitment to Life in Christ it signifies.  Lent provides us with a yearly season to see and set our hearts and minds away from the resistance to our relationship with the Holy Trinity and the People of God by the selfishly wrong choices we have made.  Through our own self sacrifice and by praying more for others as well as ourselves that we do God's Will; fasting from food, drink, or activity, in order to redirect our ability to focus on God and the needs and suffering of others; and to generously respond to those less fortunate than ourselves by our self giving donations to feed, cloth, house, of some of those in real need of these basic staples of human life.  By faithfully journeying through the sacrificial, repentant, desert of Lent - opens to us the opportunity to share in the ultimate, possible, dessert - an everlasting sharing in the Life of God's Kingdom of Love.  As you join yourself with Jesus and other Catholic-Christians during Lent 2014, what sacrifices and acts of self giving are you willing to make, as you Repent for your sins and Change the interior disposition of your hearts ? Let this First Sunday and Week of Lent actualize the commitment to sacrifice and self giving you make..............Father Troy David

THE 2014 PARALYMPICS OPENING IN SOCHI OVERSHADOWED BY CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE UKRAINE..............

The International Paralympic Committee, which provides Olympic styled competitions for Disabled Athletes, have gotten underway in Sochi, for the duration of March 7th-16th. 550 Athletes from 45 Nations, will be competing for 72 Paralympic Medals in 5 Sports.  The 5 Sports the Paralypians will vie in are : Alpine Skiing; Biathlon; Cross Country Skiing; Ice Sledge Hockey; and Wheelchair Curling.  The NBC Television Networks and its affiliated cable networks will be providing coverage of the Paralympic Games.  More to Come in the days ahead as these Disabled but Enabled, competitive International Athletes take part and medal in the 2014 Paralympics in Sochi Russia.  I will be watching and hope you will too..............Father Troy David

A SEASON FOR MELTING OUR STEELY HEARTS..............

Just as Pope Francis denied being a Superman, "man of steel", on Ash Wednesday, so too, we must deny ourselves during Lent, so as to break the erroneousness of our steel and hardened hearts, that shut out the Divine and other persons as we become absorbed in ourselves and the stubbornness and willfulness that results from it.  Steely Hearts only grow harder and more removed from God's Will and selfless interactions with persons other than ourselves or those who are willfully self centered themselves.  The Divine Intention is to cast Mercy and Compassion upon us to melt our steely hearts.  But as Repentant People of God, we must have, "humble and contrite hearts", that are open and engaging with God and others, if we are to live the Catholic-Christian Faith.  On this Friday After Ash Wednesday, what initial progress have you made in organizing the undergoing of your personal and communal Lenten journey of Repentance ?  The lessening leading to the elimination of the steelyness  your own heart is the primary barometer of how transformative this Lent can and will be for you and me and all who adhere to the Living and True God of the Universe..............Father Troy David

POPE FRANCIS' OPENING MESSAGE FOR LENT 2014..............

Opening his first full Lenten Season as Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis reminded the repentant and the entire World on Ash Wednesday yesterday, of the importance of remaining humble and selfless servants of God - citing portrayals of himself in recent months.  Pope Francis who has been featured by some as a superhero and a rockstar, for the truly positive response and connectedness with an incredibly large band of humankind; Catholics, Christians, other Religious Believers, Atheists, and the Alienated and Detached, - clearly stated in comments he made in an interview with an Italian newspaper expressed his displeasure with the mythmaking surrounding him, finding it, "offensive".  Pope Francis said,
he is not, "a sort of Superman", but that the Pope is, "a man who laughs, cries, sleeps calmly, has friends like everyone else, in short - is a normal person".  In his Ash Wednesday Homily at Mass in Saint Sabina Basilica on Aventine Hill in Rome, Pope Francis proclaimed the need for Catholic-Christians to embrace the traditional actions of Lent : Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving, in order to, "wake up...and help us see the need that God can give us the strength to change our lives and surroundings".  Stating, "Lent comes providentially to reawaken from our lethargy", Pope Francis urged us to avoid the worldly seduction of defining success by possessions instead of the interiority of our hearts.  "What matters is not appearances and the value of life does not depend on the approval of others or of success, but on what we have inside".   Replenishing what is inside of us in Faith, Hope, and Love, signified and actualized by our Lenten practices of self denial will cleanse and change our hearts..............Father Troy David

LENT OUR FORTY DAYS SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF REPENTANCE AND SELF SACRIFICE..............

Today, Catholic-Christians Worldwide start an excursion of 40 Days of acknowledging and eradicating the presence of sin and selfishness in our lives during the Season of Lent.  As Disciples of the Suffering Servant Who is the Savior of Humankind, we falter and fail on our own due to our fallen human nature and its inclination to cause us to stray from what is right and just in our relationships with The Divine God and with other Humans.  Thus Lent, calls and allows us to discover and undergo what St, Paul scripturally proclaims in 2 Corinthians to be the, "Acceptable Time", to Repent of our Sins, and through acts of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving, rend our hearts of self absorption and insensitivity, and re-establish our relationships of caring and sharing especially with generosity and outreach to the poor and less fortunate.  Ash Wednesday opens the door and refocuses our opportunity to, "Turn Away From Sin And Be Faithful To The Gospel", some of the words used as ashes are imposed on our foreheads today, signifying that we are penitents setting out on the journey of Repentance and Conversion anew.  How will this Acceptable Time of Lent impact and change your relationships with God and Others ?..............Father Troy David

MARDI GRAS THE THRESHOLD TO THE FORTY DAYS OF LENT..............

HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ASKS PRAYERS FOR THE UKRAINE AS UKRANIAN ARCHBISHOP WARNS OF THE DANGER FACING HIS COUNTRY..............

THE EIGHTH AND LAST SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME 2014 PART ONE..............

RUSSIAN LEGISLATORS GIVE PRESIDENT PUTIN APPROVAL TO FORCEFULLY PUSH THE UKRAINE..............

"SON OF GOD" - THE MOVIE PREMIERES TODAY..............

ARIZONA GOVERNOR BREWER VETOES ANTI EQUAL RIGHTS TOWARD HOMOSEXUALS LAW..............

IS VITAL LEGISLATION STILL POSSIBLE IN THIS MIDTERM ELECTION YEAR ? PRESIDENT OBAMA AND SPEAKER BOEHNER MEET..............

POPE FRANCIS REFORMING VATICAN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT WITH NEW SECRETARIAT FOR THE ECONOMY..............

RUSSIA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY HIGHLY CRITICAL OF THE WEST'S SUPPORT FOR THE UKRAINE OPPOSITION..............

WORD AND EUCHARIST ON THIS SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME..............

POPE FRANCIS PRESIDES OVER HIS FIRST CONSISTORY OF NEW CARDINALS..............

SCRUTINY MOUNTING ON NEWARK NJ ARCHBISHOP'S OSTENTASCIOUS RESIDENCE EXPANSION..............

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN SAYS INITIAL AFFORDABLE CARE ACT ENROLLMENTS MAY ONLY BE MORE THAN 1 MILLION UNDER GOAL NEXT MONTH..............

POLITICAL UNREST VIOLENCE AND GOVERNMENT COUP ATTEMPT IN THE UKRAINE..............

AMERICAN GOLD MEDAL FOR OLYMPIC ICE DANCING IN SOCHI..............

FOR

PRESIDENTS' DAY USA - A DAY OF RECOGNITION IN RESPECT TO TWO + FORTY TWO MORE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS..............

LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY COMMEMORATING THE SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT THE PRESERVER OF OUR UNION..............

Teamed with George Washington, the President's Day Holiday weekend celebrates all the Presidents in the history of the United States of America, even as it also commemorates Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President from March 4, 1861 - April 15, 1865. President Lincoln is remembered and affirmed with a presidential primacy closely akin to that President Washington, for the wisdom and resoluteness of intention with which he persevered in overseeing and addressing the secession of Southern States and the War Between the States that threatened the permanence of our Union.  President Lincoln only the second nominee and first elected Republican occupant of The White House, weathered the political. electoral, and civil, entanglements and obstacles that confronted him and his Administration, confronted for re-election in 1864, by three major opponents, while he took a Democratic Party Vice Presidential running mate, to form a National Unity re-election campaign ticket.  Assassinated six weeks into his second term as the 16th President, at 56 uears old - Lincoln's leadership in maintaining the fullness of our unity as a Nation, prevailed beyond his death and has become a lasting legacy of his Presidency, 150 years later.  The Successful Preserver and Great Emanicipator, the United States and the World needs more political and governmental leaders of the stature and determination President Abraham Lincoln exhibited and contributed to furthering the continuation of the one, indivisible, United States..............fr.tdp

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY HONORING OUR FIRST PRESIDENT AND FATHER OF THE COUNTRY..............

George Washington a gentleman farmer of what was described as the Virginia middling class born in Westmoreland County on February 22, 1732, he inherited his family's fortune and their plantation estate of Mount Vernon.  He served in the Virginia House of Burgesses, and in 1775, was elected to the Continental Congress.  He led the Continental Army in battle against the British as a Revolutionary War General, returning to Mount Vernon until the Constitutional Congress in 1787.  George Washington's highly respected personal, political, military, and diplomatic, abilities won him acclaim, and the unanimous  support of his colleagues, who elected him the First President of the United States, the only one of 44 U.S. Presidents to date ever to garner all of the votes of the Electoral College.  Inagurated President in New York City at Federal Hall on April 30, 1789; Washington served two four year terms as our 1st President, until March 3, 1797, when his Vice President John Adams was elected and inaugurated as his successor.  George Washington retired to Mount Vernon, where he died on December 14, 1799, at age 67.  An extensive slave owner, Washington's last act was to release all his slaves upon his death.  As we mark this President's Day weekend we remember his Birthday, 281 years ago and a life of service and leadership that gained him recognition as the, "Father of Our Country"..............fr.tdp

VALENTINE'S DAY - A DATE FOR LOVE OR MORE A DAY OF COMMERCE ?..............

The Sacred Scriptures  of the New Testament and our Catholic-Christian Faith teach us the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love.  And St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:13 writes..."Faith, Hope, and Love, and the  greatest of these is, Love".  We Believe, "God Is Love", and the highest attainment of every Human is to, "Love Our Neighbor As We Love Ourselves".  Therefore, the affirmation, celebration, and observance, of Love is to be admired and emulated.  Today is St. Valentine's Day, a date focusing on affectionate and romantic love and extending the generosity of remembrance and self giving friendship in outreach to others.  Valentine cards, gifts, flowers, candy, dinners, are all traditions marking February 14th.  They are good and commendable acts of thoughtfulness.  But they are secondary non essentials to the true meaning of this annual commemoration of Human Love.  for Valentine's Day is far more than just a day for buying expensive gifts of roses, chocolates, or costly, overflowing, restaurant meals. It is the  simple, personal, thoughtfulness and affection we show in remembering our loved ones that fulfill and exemplify the Theological Virtue of Love in our Human Experience of Valentine's Day.  Do what you can realistically do to signify your Love instead of what you feel commercially pressured to give or do today.  And  with what you save in cost, if possible cook a personal meal for your loved one(s) and truly celebrate this Feast of Love by savoring the time you spend with your Valentine.(s)..............fr.tdp

REMEMBERING SID CAESAR PIONEER TELEVISION COMEDY LEGENDLONG BEFORE THERE WAS A SNL..............

Milton Berle, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, George Burns, and Gracie Allen.  These were seven of the pioneers of comedy on television who shaped the place of the comedic genre in the early  days of television from 1948 into the 1950's.  Also among them was a younger performer who beginning on February 25, premiered a groundbreaking comedy variety show,"Your Show Of Shows", that would make him, his co-stars, and writer hugely popular and iconic luminaries in comedy entertanment.  He is Sid  Caesar, who died on Wednesday at age 91.  For over four years Sid Caesar made Saturday bights on NBC TV, a place of innovative comedy sketches and send ups of funny dialects.  His comedy variety show also shone a spotlight on performers such as Imogene Coca and Howard Morris, and some times featured some of his caravan of comedy writers, including Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks.  Caesar revolved into a second successful series, "Caesar's World", from 1954-1957. and with the departure of Coca for her own tv series, was joined by Nanette Fabray.  Among the many honors given to him as a comedian were 2 Emmys for Best Actor in a Comedy Series in 1952 and 1958; induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1985; The TV Land Pioneer Award in 2006; and the Television Critics Career Achievement 2001; / Lifetime Achievement 2011; Awards.  His contribution to Comedy entertainment on television, stage, and screen provides a lasting legacy, as he now joins in eternity Berle, Ball,Hope, Benny, Skelton,Burns and Allen, in the gift of Laughter they perfectly possessed on earth..............fr.tdp

GOD'S COMMANDMENTS THE MORAL LIFE AND BEGINNING OF ANN END OF LIFE CONCERNS FOR CATHOLIC-CHRISTIANS..............

As we continue the Sacred Heart R.C.I.A. Teachings sessions on the Ten  Commandments and Living of the Moral Life as Catholic-Christians, we had a guest presenter last week speaking on the 5th Commandment, "You Shall Not Kill".  Parishioner, Dr. Steven McCurdy, M.D., led a presentation and discussion on the topic and the Church's teaching on how we observe the 5th Commandment particularly in regards to the dignity and respect we are to show to the Beginning of Life, and why we oppose Abortion.  This week Msgr. Walton gives a presentation on the 6th and 9th Commandments, "You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor's Wife", (or Husband); and "You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor's Goods".  These 2 Commandments teach us the moral and righteous virtue of avoiding selfishness and undue/illicit desire for what is not ours.  Then Rita Spillane will introduce a PBS "Frontline" Production on End of Life Experiences and Decisions faced by both terminal patients and their families and proxies, and we will discuss how we approach those experiences as Christian Disciples.  All of these vital concerns to the Faith Journey we are called to embrace and share..............Father Troy David

OUR LADY OF LOURDES DAY IS WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SICK..............

Today's Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes commemorating the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary yo the young girl Bernadette, announcing herself as the Immaculate Conception, one of only two Marian apparitions the Catholic Church has officially substantiated, we focus our prayers and charitable concern toward all who are sick.  Indeed it is the World Day of Prayer For the Sick, a date when the communal conferral of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is rightly celebrated in parishes and dioceses.  If not communally celebrated today many parishes schedule a Parish Anointing of the Sick Service during the Lenten and Advent Seasons. If you, a family member, friend, or fellow parishioner , needs to receive the Anointing of the Sick check with your parish or Hospital to schedule having the Sacrament administered. Also remember the ill, infirm, diseased, and disabled, in your prayers and by visiting and offering to assist them and by recommending their need for healing and empowerment to any prayer groups you belong to or are aware of.  These are some of the beneficial ways we can further the purposes and fruitfulness of the World Day of Prayer For the Sick continuously throughout the year.............. A Blessed Parish Feast Day to thhe People of God in Our Lady of Lourdes Community of Believers in Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / Sacramento..............fr.tdp

HIGH RATINGS FOR THE SOCHI OLYMPIC GAMES OVER OPENING WEEKEND..............

The American television ratings for the 22nd Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia; on NBC TV are solidly in first place over all other broadcasts, even though overall viewership is down from the Vancouver Olympics four years ago.  Sunday night's prime time viewership concluding the opening weekend of the competition underscores the dominant strength of the Olympics appeal versus all comers.  Opposite CBS' "60 Minutes", 'The Grammy Special Saluting 50 Years of the Beatles Coming to America', and a rerun of the freshman comedy series, "The Millers", The Sochi Olympics scored an audience of more than 26 million viewers, doubling the 13 million viewers for the Beatles Special. Whether any other counter programming can do better against the international athletic juggernaut is highly unlikely, virtually assuring NBC'S nightly ratings prevalence during the two and a half weeks of the Winter Olympics and victory in the February Sweeps Month Ratings competition that drive television advertising costs in prime time..............fr.tdp 

THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME AND ENCOMPASSING BEING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST..............

On this 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time the Sacred Scriptures proclaimed from the Common Lectionary at Catholic Masses and other mainline Christian Worship Services are centered around the theme of Light and how we as Disciples of Jesus have the ability to be the Light of Christ to others.  It is the message of Isaiah the Prophet in today's First  Reading.  Isaiah 58:7-10; describes what Believers are capable of accomplishing for the Common Good when we are willing and ready to share the bread we possess personally and generously with the afflicted and struggling.  That generous sharing allows us to embrace the rising of the Light that vanquishes the darkness and be prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom who will bring us to the Wedding Feast of Eternal Life. The Gospel of Matthew 5:13-16; adds the seasoning of being Salt as well as Light in our Discipleship Journey, permitting us to Witness and Evangelize with flavor not blandness, so that our Faithfulness and Fidelity shine ever brightly for others to see and choose to embrace and follow. As you proactively respond to the message of these Sunday Scriptures what actions or attitudes do you need to positively adjust, so as to embrace the Holy Spirit's invitation to this Enlightened Way of Life as Followers of Jesys The Christ ?..............Father Troy David

JIMMY FALLON READIES TO WALK ACROSS THE HALL AND INTO INTO BEING HOST OF THE TONIGHT SHOW..............

New York native  Jimmy Fallon, the 39 year old  comedian, 'Saturday Night Live' alumnus who has hosted the 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon' show at 12:35 a.m. on NBC, for the past five years finished his last program of that broadcast Friday night /Saturday morning in concert with the Muppets and walking into a last show congratulatory party, as he prepares to take a short walk across 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City and become the successor of Jay Leno, on the venerable 60 year NBC "Tonight Show".  Fallon, will premiere as star of the,"Tonight Show", on Monday February, following the closing of the Winter Olympics.  He joins David Letterman on CBS; and Jimmy Kimmel on ABC; late night talk show ratings competition.  He will certainly appeal to the young adult audience, while expected to maintain the middle age viewers.  He inherits the host chair with the show in first place in the timeslot to build or shrink from.  Becoming the 6th Host of the, "Tonight Show", and will bring the show back to New York and the same 30 Rock studio Steve Allen, Jack Paar, and Johnny Carson originally hosted the, "Tonight Show", from 1954-1972. I found Fallon's 12:35 a.m. show to be a perfect segue way to moving into the one hour earlier broadcast and format.  I also delighted in his gratitude especially his acknowledgement of David Letterman and Paul Schaffer, who originated the. "Late Night"show in 1982, and with whom he will now go head to head at 11:35 pm R=Eastern and Pacific, 10:35 pm, Central and Mountain times, Monday through Freiday..............fr.tdp

JAY LENO'S FINAL FINAL NBC TONIGHT SHOW AFTER 22 YEARS AS HOST..............

Comedian Jay Leno hosted his final "Tonight Show" Thursday ending a 22 year run, that was disrupted for nine months by his termination in favor of Conan O'Brien; a failed four month, five nights a week 10 p.m. 'Jay Leno Show'.  Now at age 64, NBC Television decided to replace Leno yet again witha younger man, Jimmy Fallon, who has followed Leno as the host of the "Late Night" show.  Leno was not ready to hand over his hosting of the 'Tonight Show', but has been accepting and welcoming of Fallon as the months of his tenure  wound down.  On his final show tonight Jay Leno invited and welcomed back his very first guest on May 25, 1992, comedian/actor Billy Crystal, who led a heartfelt look back and tributte to Leno, that included a rendering of the song Goodbye, Farewell, Auf Widersehen", from the 'Sound Of Music"; which included Crystal, Carol Burnett, Oprah Winfrey, among others saluting Jay.  As his last musical act Garth Brooks performed and the show crescendo came with Leno's emotional farewell speech acknowledging his share in the "Tonight Show"'s 60 year legacy; speaking of the rival he bested for the program, competitor David Letterman, and recalling Johnny Carson and using his closing words 22 years ago as his own now, "I bid you all a fond goodnight".  On CBS, David Letterman bid Leno, a classy happy retirement and joked if he were Leno he would buy a car !, alluding to Leno's well known car collection.  For now Jay Leno will continue performing stand up comedy, which he has continued doing over the duration he has hosted the "Tonight Show", and dismisses the idea of going to another network.  Meanwhile the NBC Television Network President has said they have hopes of Jay continuing with NBC, hosting Specials and other programs..............fr.tdp

THE 2014 SOCHI WINTER OLYMPICS WILL START TWICE TONIGHT AND TOMORROW NIGHT.............

The 2014 Winter Olympics about to open in Socchi Russia, has set off a firestorm of  protest regarding the discriminatory governmental policies and practices towards homosexuals by President Vladimir Putin.. That has led the Obama Administration not to  send a high ranking current  official as head of the American Delegation to the Olympics in Socchi, but tapped former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, now President of the University of California system,to lead the delegation which includes a number of gay and lesbian American athletes and previous Olympians.  Whatever the human conditions and politics, the Socchi 2014 Winter Olympics which President predicts will be the biggest Olympics ever, will begin today and premiere on prime time American television tonight, with coverage of two of the dozen new sports being added at these Winter Olympics.  However, the official Opening Ceremonies will take place tomorrow and air on the NBC Television Network in primetme.  So come what may - the Socchi Olympics are upon us and despite controversy will be played to what given the ratings for Olympics past will almost certainly draw a gargantuan viewing audience on television, cable, and satellite, domestically and internationally..............fr.tdp

CVS-CAREMARK PHARMACIES ANNOUNCES BAN OF CIGARETTE AND TOBACCO SALES FROM THEIR STORES NATIONWIDE..............

A trailblazing announcement was made today by the American national chain store CVS Pharmacies, declaring the removal and ban on Tobacco products from their sales inventory. CVS-Caremark is the second largest drug store chain in the United States, with 7,600 pharmacies nationwide.  The move will remove cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, from all their stores by October 1st of this year.  CVS annually sells $1.5 billion in tobacco products and the ban is projected to cost them $2 billion.  In a statement announcing the decision to ban tobacco sales CVS-Caremark  spokesmen said by doing so they will be,"better able to focus on health care".  What impact CVS' tobacco ban will have on Walgreen's, Rite Aid, and other national drug store chains and whether they will follow suit, now becomes a primary question..............fr.tdp

A DECADE OF FACEBOOK - IT STARTED TEN YEARS AGO TODAY..............

In a dorm room at Harvard University, classmates Mark Zuckerberg, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes, and Eduardo Saverin, created a breakthrough in social networking on the Internet that has become a global phenomenon - Facebook.  It has become a means of communication that now numbers in excess of 1 billion members.  Like hundreds of my friends and acquaintances, I am glad to have a Facebook page by which I communicate and share and receive their latest updates.  For the past six years my Facebook page has helped me stayed connected with others who are important to me through the periods of my transplant, amputation, and involuntary exile.  Kudos to Mark Zuckerberg and his associates for providing us this truly remarkable means of bringing the global village ever closer.  Happy 10th Anniversary Facebook..............fr.tdp

THE RIGHT AND JUST IMPERATIVE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE DISABLED..............

The Rights of the Disabled in our society is much more than a momentary trend, it is steeped in a four decade plus effort on the part of caring, conscientious, and committed, citizens of the United States and the World, to giving persons with Special Needs the equal opportunity for full accessibility and inclusiveness in all facets of life, without limitations and discrimination.  The 2006 United Nations Convention on Persons With Disabilities is but one of the most recent efforts to assure the Human Rights of those with Special Needs are treated fairly, justly, and equally, by all, without exception or excuse.  It is rooted in the 1975 U.N. Declaration on the Disabled; and reflects the commitment ingrained in law, by the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act,  It also furthers the prophetic 1978 Statement of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Ministry to Persons With Disabilities.  It is imperative that the U.N. Convention be adopted by the Nations of the World to further the effectiveness of the explicit challenge to every individual and institution globally, to eradicate all vestiges of ignorance, insensitivity, prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion, in responsiveness, accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment of Disabled Persons with Special Needs.  This includes both the Federal Government and the Catholic Church in the United States both which have committed themselves to an appreciable degree but with the need to move forward in furthering the full human rights of the Disabled.  The U.S. States Senate needs to ratify the U,N. Convention, and the Catholic Church needs to extend and verify the true reality of Ministry to and with Persons With Disabilities by proceeding to equalize the opportunity and inclusion of those of us who have Special Needs and who possess a Human and Baptismal Right to full, active, and conscious, participation in the life of our Church and the Christian Faith..............Fr. Troy David

THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 2014 IS THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD..............

On what is the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, today February 2nd, is the Feast of the  Presentation of the Lord, commemorating Mary and Joseph's fidelity to the Jewish Law in presenting the firstborn male to God in the Temple, forty days after his birth.  The presentation and dedication of the 40 day old infant Jesus of Nazareth is also a prophetically affirming occasion, as the presence and proclamations of Simeon and Anna in the Temple underscore when he is brought there.  Catholic-Christians also traditionally refer to February 2, as 'Candlemas Day', being the day each year when the candles we use for Mass and other liturgies are blessed, which represent the presence of the Lord Jesus as light to us and the Nations.  How are you and your Discipleship in Jesus as the Lord of Salvation in the Redemption of Humankind encouraged and sustained by the message  of today's Sunday Scriptures ?  What will you do to selflessly present yourself to God and others, especially in response to the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable, as each of us strives to be Faithful Witnesses to Jesus The Christ our Lord and our God ?..............Father Troy David

DESPITE HIS DENIALS DID GOVERNOR CHRISTIE KNOW ABOUT THE BRIDGE CLOSURES IN SEPTEMBER ?..............

Yesterday, a further development in the George Washington Bridge lane closures last September brought about by officials of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's Administration was alleged by the attorney for former Port Authority Director David Wildstein, writing in a lette released to the New York Times stating, the order to close the Bridge was, "the Christie Administration's order"...continuing, "evidence exists as well tying Mr. Christie to having knowledge of the lane closures, during the period the lanes were closed, contrary to what the Governor stated publicly in a two hour news conference".  Wildstein's attorney also wrote that the former Port Authority official, "contests the accuracy of various statements the Governor has made about him and can prove the inaccuracy of some".  Governor Christie responded in a written statement late Friday afternoon attesting, "Mr. Wildstein's lawyer confirms what the Governor has said all along - he had absolutely no prior knowledge of the lane closures before they happened and whatever Mr. Wildstein's motivations were for closing them to begin with".  The two investigations into the Bridge closures by the New Jersey Legislature and the F.B.I., are continuing and the unfolding of findings into what and when Governor Christie knew about the  September occurrence, are sure to remain intense, uncertaint as of now is whether there is concrete evidence to back up the allegation made yesterday, or if it is only immunity from prosecution shopping.  can potentially adversely cost him - his Chairmanship of the Republican Governors Association; his viability as a 2016 Presidential  Candidate; or even the continuation of his Governorship..............fr.tdp