JOE PATERNO FIRED AS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH @ PENN STATE FOR 46 YEARS.....A PREMATURE ACTION ?...........

In American College Football history, Coach Joe Paterno, in his forty sixth consecutive year as the iconic, and most winning college football coach ever, as Head Coach of Pennsylvania State University, College Station; popularly called Penn State - was fired tonight, along with the University President, as falout from an unfolding child sexual abuse scandal on campus reportedly carried out by former Assistant Football Coach Jerry Sandusky.  Coach Paterno received a report of an act of abuse by Sandusky, from a young coaching intern, and went to his superiors to report the incident.  However, Paterno left it at that.  He did not go to law enforcement authorities.  For that reason, in light of news of the scandal, he is being criticized for not doing enough; and at age 84, after 61 years of consumately dedicated service to Penn State University, is forced out, being fired effective immediately.  I strongly feel this action is premature and unfairin time, it seems , given Coach Paterno announced within the past day he would retire at the end of this football season; an ending just two months away.  At Penn State at this moment in history it seems a rush to judgment and instant, underdeveloped, solutions to the crisis caused by the scandal, not our hallmark American Justice, are the inflicted upon an upstanding, man, coach, teacher, mentor, family man, and faithful Catholic-Christian, in the name of expediency.  God Bless You Coach Paterno !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

FOUR HOURS OF WEDNESDAY AT ANNUAL DIOCESE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING WORKSHOP...........

Parish Bookkeeper Patty Pennington, and I attended the annual Diocesan Financial Accounting workshop for parishes and Catholic schools today at St, Ignatius Loyola Parish, in Sacramento.  Only a small portion pertained to the one full time employee OLOL has, in addition to the priest, but other matters like the changes necessitated by the new Corporation Sole of parishes was also shared.  It was an informational meetring, and an outing beyond the parish grounds oin what is my supposed day off...........Fr.  Troy

IS THE SENATE BILL 5 OVERTURN IN OHIO A BELLWHETHER VOTE ?...........

John Kasich, the freshmen Republican Governor of Ohio, who served for two decades as a member of the House of Representatives, with extensive experience in Federal Budget matters, made as his first priority as Ohio Governor this year; passage of a law to widely restrict the influence of labor unions in politics.  The controversial Senate Bill was enacted.  A firestorm resulted that led to having Ohio citizens qualify an Initiative for the Ohio ballot yesterday, to decide whether the newly enacted should stand or be turned back.  The voters turned out in droves throughout Ohio yesterday, unusual in an off election year; and by 60% of the vote rejected the law.  Ohio labor unions representing police, fire, teachers, nurses, and other organized employees, will be allowed to proceed as they have until now in political campaigns and advocacy.  Governor Kasich in his concession over the vote, was conciliatory and sounded a message of revisiting his relationship with, and goals for, the people of Ohio.  Is this election vote outcome an over reach by a zealous, first year, Governor or a bellwether as to the fate of such other attempts in the State of Wisconsin, or elsewhere throughout the country ?  And what does it portend for the role of labor unions in turning out the vote in the 2012 Presidential and General Election ?   The months and year ahead will answer those questions.  One thing it does display.  a year is a lifetime in politics.  One year ago the gains attained by the Tea Party including in Ohio, are being reversed, as this vote documents.  What the outcome is a year from now, only time will tell...........Fr.  Troy

FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPION JOE FRAZIER DEAD OF CANCER.....SINGER / ENTERTAINER ANDY WILLIAMS SUFFERING FROM BLADDER CANCER...........

Forty years ago, boxer Joe Frazier defeated Muhammed Ali, for the Heavyweight Championship, in Madison Square Garden, in New York City, that made him fighter to give Ali a loss.  Their two subsequent rematches, one know as, "The Thrilla in Manila", both of which Muhammed Ali won, along with the first fight have gone down in the annals of professional boxing history. "Smok'in"  Joe Frazier, died yesterday of cancer, at age 67, after a brief period of hospice care, for liver cancer; departing this world as gentlemanly, as he lived his life.  There was also news on Monday that Andy Williams, the beloved popular singer of the past six decades, and still performing at age 86, in Branson, Missouri, is suffering from bladder cancer.  He will continue performing his live Branson Christmas show, as long as his condition allows.  In the 1960's Andy Williams had a hit Saturday night tv variety show, on NBC.  He was instrumental in discovering the young, upstart, singing brothers group, The Osmonds, who regularly appeared on his show.  My thoughts and prayers go out to him.  The Henry Mancini, "Breakfast At Tiffany's", 1961 theme song, "Moon River", became one of Andy's signature tune.  With appreciation for the memories these two fine professionals provided me, my family, friends, neighbors, viewers and fans, around the world, I offer them a Vote Of Thanks...........Fr.  Troy

MORNING MASS, ADMINISTRATION, BANKING, DESK WORK FSU PREP, AND EVENING CLASS...........

I celebrated the 8 a.m. Mass, addressed parish administration, did my monthly banking, returned to the rectory to complete the desk work awaiting, including daylong answering of phones and doorbells, completing my New Mass Texts class preparation, and teaching my evening class; will have comprised the twelve hours of priestly ministry my schedule provided me today.  Tomorrow brings further work on next Sunday's Parish Workshop on the New Roman Missal 3rd Edition.  Also continuing the formation of the new Parish Pastoral Council, and readying the materials for R.C.I.A. Year B; and the OLOL's Parish Community Spiritual Renewal process, "RENEW International", beginning in January.  Thank God for the blessings of my priestly, pastoral, and parochial live...........Fr.  Troy

BACK TO THE NEW MASS TEXTS CLASS TONIGHT AND OUR 20 DAY COUNTDOWN TO THE NEW ROMAN MISSAL 3RD EDITION...........

Celebrating and praying the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass, will be the topic of tonight's Faith Seeking Understanding "New Mass Texts" class, as we prepare for the implementation of the New Roman Missal 3rd Edition, on Sunday November 27th.  The Holy Eucharist, the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, is the, "Source and Summit", of who we are as the People of God, the Second Vatican Council teaches us.  The Eucharistic Prayer, is the core essential that makes that possible.  Tonight we will discuss the insights offered by Father Paul Turner's teaching on the revised Eucharistic Prayers and the changes in wording for the priest and the worshippers the New Roman Missal will entail.  All adults parishioners, and any others in the Sacramento area who would like to join us are Welcome.  The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m., in the Our Lady of Lourdes Church Parish Hall, 1951 North Avenue, Sacramento, 95838.  I hope to see you there...........Fr.  Troy 

GOOD STEWARDSHIP AND THE CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN CALL TO TITHE OUR TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE...........

God has entrusted to Humankind the Stewardship of the Earth and the Environment of the Universe, while we are in the World and making use of them.  Catholic-Christian Stewardship is defined as sharing ten percent of our first fruits with God and the Church, of the Time, Talent, and Treasure, we possesss.  That was the focus of my Stewardship message in tandem with the annual Financial report presented to the parish at all the Sunday Masses last night and this morning.  We are in need of more parish income to meet our expenses, and Good Stewardship of all our members for the Common Good of OLOL Parish Community of Believers is necessary.  Every person, family, and parish ministry, must share inn this work, as we strive to provide the necessary funding for all our ministries, programs, and parochial responsibilities.  As we learn to appreciate and practice our mutual need to tithe in sharing the percentages of Time, Talent, and Treasure, totalling ten percent that is possible for you, we can, and we will, succeed in ever better meeting and serving the essential needs of our Community of Believers...........Fr.  Troy

32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - THE WISDOM OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD AND THE FIVE WISE VIRGINS...........

R.CI.A. PREP, HAIRCUT, CONFESSIONS, AND VIGIL MASS...........

Saturday afternoon to evening, this November 5th, has been filled with preparation for tomorrow's R.C.I.A. Breaking of the Word and Inquiry sessions, a haircut from liongtime, active parishioner Fil Tucker, and the 4 o'clock Confessions and 5 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass.  Doing the priestly, pastoral work I was ordained to do in the Diocese of Sacramento twenty four and a half years ago, on this day and weekend after my birthday...........Fr.  Troy

ANDY ROONEY, REST IN PEACE...........

Andy Rooney, the former World War II 'Stars And Stripes' newspaper reporters and Cbs News correspondent, including 60 Minutes commentator for 33 years, until just over a month ago., died Friday following minor surgery, at age 92.  See my previous October 2., 2011, blog column for further detail on Andy Rooney's life and new career.  Farewell, kindly curmugdeon !!  Rest in Peace...........Fr.  Troy

PRACTICING ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY - ANNUAL PARISH FINANCIAL REPORT - STEWARDSHIP APPEAL WEEKEND...........

The Church like all human institutions, has a responsibility to be accountable and transparent in our financial actions and carry out good stewardship of the Community of Believers resources.  This weekend at OLOL, at our Sunday Masses, we will be providing the parishiners with our annual report.  Parish Finance Council Chairmen David Quinn, will provide an overview presentation of the Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2010-2011; and of the Parish Budget for the current year.  A copy of both will be given to those attending Mass this weekend.  As Pastor, I will then present a brief Stewardship Appeal, as we strive to increase the contribution and participation of OLOL parishioners, in sharing their Time, Talent, and Treasure, for the common good of our parish and recognizing first and forermost our obligation as Disciples of Jesus Christ to share our first fruits with God...........Fr.  Troy

A VERY GOOD DOUBLE NICKEL BIRTHDAY...........

Fathers Tony Traynor and Pius Amah concelebrated Mass with me this morning, the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo.  My St. Rose's-St. Patrick's South Sacramento parishioner friend, Ted Dahlberg kindly drove me to my latest appointment this morning and then out to Franklin Boulevard to have my birthday lunch with Msgr. Kavanagh. More than ten cards, three dozen Facebook messages, telephone calls, and sugar free treats from parishioners, have all marked my birthday.  Thank You to all of you who have shared this day with me...........Prayers, Love, Peace, Gratitude,   Troy

ST. CHARLES BORROMEO - PRIEST OF JESUS CHRIST, BISHOP AND CARDINAL OF THE CHURCH, REFORMER...........

CHEVROLET @ 100...........1911 - 2011...........

Fro October 1956 to June 1963, entertainer Dinah Shore, sang weekly on her variety show whose sponsor was in the name of the program, The Dinah Shore Chevy Show, sang the theme song of her sponsor with those familiar lyrics beginning, "See the USA in your Chevrolet".  That song struck a chord in my South Sacramento home, as my father was a lifelong Chevrolet car driver.  From his first car as a twenty something, a 1941 Chevy, to the 1955 Chevy sedan that was our family car for nearly twenty years, the 1950 Chevrolet he bought as a work car in 1963, and drove for more than two decades, to the Chevy trucks he drove in retirement until he turned 80, Chevrolet was his vehicular motto.  Thrre of the cars I have driven as a priest, have been Chevys.  Today is the 100th Anniversary of the start of the Chevrolet motor car.  Happy Century Birthday Chevrolet.  Long into your second century may Americans and others beyond continue tobe well served by your brand...........Fr.  Troy

ST. MARTIN DE PORRES AND OUR DISCIPLESHIP CALL TO SOCIAL JUSTICE...........

Martin De Porres, was born in Lima, Peru in 1579.  He became a Dominican religious order lay brother, who served the poor.  Born of a Peruvian father and a mulatto, mixed race, mother - died at age 60, in 1639. During his lifetime St. Martin De Porres founded an orphangage and a children's hospital.  His ministry to the needy and poor was so selflessly dedicated, that he was beatified by Pope Gregory XVI, IN 1837, and was canonized a saint, by Pope John XXIII, in 1962.  He is the patron of persons of mixed races and those with concern for interracial harmony.  The life, ministry, and holy example, set by St. Martin De Porres make him an exemplar of Social Justice.  So today as we celebrate his feast day, ask yourself how selflessly committed are you and me to social justice for all ?  How do our attitudes and actions as Disciples of Jesus and our acceptance of Gospel Values, reflect that of Martin De Porres and like minded Catholic-Christians, devoted to providing Social Justice, unconditionally ?  May your day bring you into closer unity with the spirit and truth of this holy man's life, for the betterment of the Church and the World...........Fr.  Troy

THE LAST SURVIVING OF GOODSON-TODDMAN's FIVE GAME SHOW DAMES...........

Mark Goodson and Bill Toddman, business and television producers from the 1950's to 1990's, were two ofv the most successful game show producers in television history.  Three of their most popular programs were panel shows that were highly successful on both network televsion and in syndication.  "What's My Line", "I've Got A Secret", and "To Tell The Truth", each had panels of four celebrities who sussed out the persons and topics at hand.  Goodson-Toddman had five women panelists, who played prominent roles for decades on these three shows.  Arlene Francis, Betsy Palmer, Kitty Carlisle, Dorothy Kilgallen, and Peggy Cass, each appeared on one or more of these programs and became highly respected and beloved fan favorites.  In yesterday's newspaper I read that Betsy Palmer, is now 85 years old.  She is the last surviving of these five women, and I recall viewing all three of these programs as a child and an adult, remembering her to be a perky and vivacious actress, who was always zestful and curious to question the guests and solve the the question put to the panelists, particularly on, "  I've Got A Secret".  I possess fond ,memories of all five of these renowned women, the Grand Dames of Mark Goodson-Bill Toddman television game shows.  Nearly fifty years after first seeing Betsy Palmer and her colleagues on "What's My Line", "I've Got A Secret", and "To Tell The Truth", I salute her and the others, for the entertainment and enjoyment they brought into our homes...........Many Happy Returns Betsy Palmer !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy

FRATERNAL AND FRIENDSHIP BIRTHDAY GREETINGS...........

All Souls Day, November 2, marks the Birthdays of two men in my priestlky fraternity and personal friendship circle.  Reverend Father William P. Kinane, with whom I served in St. John the Baptist Parish in Folsom, from September 26, 1988 - May 14, 1992; when he was Pastor of Folsom is celebrating his Birthday today.  Father Kinane went from St. John's in Folsom, to become Pastor of St. Catherine Siena Parish, in Vallejo, and then Pastor of St. Dominic Parish, in Colfax, from where he retired from active ministry and is Pastor Emeritus.  Today is also the Birthday of News 10 Good Morning and Midday anchorman, Dan Elliott, who I am privileged to have as a friend, and with whom I have appeared as a color commentator with during the past six years.  These two men hold a special place in my life and I am grateful for theirv friendship and fraternity.  Happy Birthday Fr. Bill and Dan Newsman !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

FROM ALL SAINTS.....TO ALL SOULS...........

The Catholic-Christian Month of November Remembrance proceeds today with the Commemoration of All Souls, and our prayer focus on the Faithful Departed, who have gone before us in the promise and hope of Eternal Life.  Beginning in the early Church with the commemoration of martyrs, by the 10th Century A.D., the Abbot of Cluny established a liturgical feast in his monastery, that spread through the Universal Church, and is now our annual liturgical commemoration of the Holy Souls of our Beloved Dead, as we remember and pray for them, hoping to purge them of the punishment due to their sins.  Catholic-Christian communities of believers gather All Souls envelopes bearing the names of the deceased to be commemorated in each church edifice, or inscribed in a Book of Life, by which the names of the dead are remembered; while others proclaiom litanies of remembrance, or as at Presentation Parish in Sacramento the fiorst Sunday of November, recite the names of Holy Souls who are being commemorated, while a family member or parishioner carries a flower forward forming a bouquet of remembrance in front of the altar.  However you or your parish community celebrates All Souls Day, may it be a time of prayer and remembrance of loved ones and fellow believers with whom we look forward to sharing with the Everlasting Life of God's Kingdom of Life and Love Forever...........May They Rest In Peace,   Fr.  Troy 

'THE SAINTS COME MARCHING IN'...........

The children of OLOL Parish, who are students in our Religious Education ministry, shared in our All Saints Day Mass tonight, in their customary way.  They processed into the church at the beginning of Mass holding high their self made Saints pendants, They placed them before the altar of sacrifice, in honor of the solemnity of the hallowed and blessed ones of God we celebrate each Nobember 1.  Of the five Holydays of Obligations celebrated here on a weekday since my arrival as Paator of OLOL, today's had the highest Mass attendance yet.  How did parish community celebrate this All Saints Day ?  Remember tomorrow is the Commemoration of All Souls, as we proceedv into our Month of November Remembrance of all the Faithful Departed...........Fr.  Troy

THE HALLOWED ONES.....SAINTS OF GOD IN GLORY IN THE COMMUNION OF THE KINGDOM...........

Catholic-Christians open November with the Holyday and Solemnity of All Saints, honoring the heroes of holiness, whose lives on earth were in outstanding union with God, to now be in the Communion of Saints in God's Everelasting Kingdom.  The accomplishment attained by the Saints of God in Glory, is that they answered the basic Call to Holiness, placed in the lives of every human being, that is our daily opportunity to grow in Living Faith.  The first and foremost call of the Second Vatican Council, 1962-1965, is the Universal Call to Holiness.  The canonized Saints of our Christian heritage, as well as the countless millions of holy and faithful persons throughout our more than two thousand years of history, are celebrated and remembered today.  Let us continue to strive to increase our holiness and emulate  their excellent example of fidelity to Discipleship and Gospel Values, in Jesus The Christ, so as to gain a place in the Communion of Saints in the Kingdom of Eternal Life Forever...........Alleluia !  Amen !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy