Fr. Ron's Blog
The conclusion of the homily preached by Pope Francis on the Feast of Sts. Peter & Paul. The lives of the early Christian martyrs were a call to us; a call to prayer, a call to faith and a call to witness. The first two were given last week; the homily resumes with a call to witness.
This week’s words from the Holy Father come from his homily on the Feast of Sts. Peter & Paul (June29th), especially addressed to the new Metropolitan Archbishops.
The reading, taken from the Acts of the Apostles, speaks to us of the first Christian community besieged by persecution. A community harshly persecuted by Herod who “laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the Church … proceeded to arrest Peter also … and when he seized him he put him in prison.” (12:1-4).
Below is another catechesis on the family from the Pope’s General Audience on June 24th.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Good morning!
In recent catecheses we have spoken about the family suffering through the frailties of the human condition, poverty, sickness and death. Today, however, we will reflect on the hurts that are incurred in family life. When, that is, we hurt one another within the family. The worst thing!
At his General Audiences on Wednesdays, Pope Francis has been giving a series of catecheses on the family. Today’s excerpt is the conclusion of the catechesis on children which appeared in last week’s bulletin. For all these reasons, Jesus invited his disciples to “become like children, because the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them.” (Mt. 18:3).
but as a reminder, really FROM THE HOLY FATHER
“Today I will focus on the great gift that children are for humanity – it is true they are a great gift for humanity, but also really excluded because they are not even allowed to be born – and the next time I shall focus on several wounds that unfortunately harm childhood. Who come to mind are the many children I met during my recent visit to Asia: full of life, of enthusiasm, and, on the other hand, I see that in the world, many of them live in unworthy conditions… In fact, from the way children are treated society can be judged, not only morally but also sociologically, whether it is a liberal society or a society enslaved by international interests.
It’s finally here, officially, summer. And with it a more relaxed lifestyle, vacations, trips to the mountains, the shore and beyond. A time to unwind, refresh, for a family to enjoy each other’s company again. I don’t know whether it’s because the winter was so tough or the spring so unsettled – but it almost seemed like summer would never come. But here it is. Enjoy every bit of it.
This is a special weekend, like so many in the last month and a half. By the time you get to read this 223 of our young men and women (finishing their 9th grade) will have received the fullness of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. They come to this moment, presented by their families, having spent the last year in a program of preparation that included study (in their small group classes), prayer and reflection (especially during their retreats) and service (outreach to those in need).
Before I get into the Liturgy of the Eucharist, as part of the ongoing series on the Liturgy, in preparation for the introduction of the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal in November, I want to confirm some important moments here at Mount Carmel.
Below is a repeat of an article I wrote a few years ago. The importance of Holy Week hasn’t changed; neither have my thoughts on the subject. There has been some up-dating to reflect our current circumstances.
Before reflecting on today’s scripture, especially the Gospel, I want to bring to your attention something that has been in the bulletin for the last couple of weeks. Next Sunday is Palm Sunday, the day we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week. The commemoration is marked by the blessing of palms at the very beginning of the Mass. Something that we have not been doing here at Mount Carmel is the Procession.
One Passaic St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Rectory / Parish Office
OFFICE HOURS
Mon.-Fri., 9 am to 4 pm
Phone: 201.444.2000 Ext. 200
Fax: 201.444.2002 Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 |
 |