St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Blog

This is why I have come ~ A Reflection on the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

2012-02-11T22:01:00.004-05:00

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Job 7:1-4, 6-7
Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23
Mk 1:29-39

In this week's Gospel reading, Mark describes a day in the life of Jesus as he pursues his ministry of preaching the Kingdom of God. We see a compassionate Jesus who does not hesitate to heal Peter's mother-in-law, as well as every stranger who has come to listen to his words of hope and salvation; and to be healed of their afflictions. Can you imagine the joy of those people who placed their trust in his healing power and were freed from their diseases and the demons who possessed them. It was just as the psalmist writes: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Ps 147:3)

We can see also, how physically and emotionally drained Jesus would become as he gathered the people to himself and healed them. We see how Jesus would have to find time to rest and recuperate from his continuous activity. Mark tells us that Jesus would often retreat to a deserted place to pray. His prayer would unite him with his Father whose Spirit would fill him with renewed energy and strength to continue his teaching about the Kingdom and to care for the people.

What does all this have to do with us today? Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, tells us what the life and death of Jesus meant to him. To Paul, Jesus' message about the Kingdom was so important and so powerful that he would do everything in his power to spread the Good News. Paul endured shipwrecks, imprisonment, exhausting travels, weakness, illness and disappointment... all in the name of Jesus Christ. Even though Paul was a free man, he tells us that he made himself a slave to all; that he would do whatever was necessary to convert as many people as possible. "All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it." (1 Cor 9:23)

What does the life and death of Jesus mean to us?

~ Image found at St. Norbert College Website

February Birthdays at St. E's ~ provided by Ethel Cooley

2012-02-10T21:47:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Everybody!

02/01 ~ Anne Holton Kaine

02/02 ~ Lauren Cotman

02/03 ~ Elizabeth Ruffin and Jennifer

02/04 ~ Jennie Green

02/06 ~ Cathy Woodson

02/07 ~ Eva Chiles

02/09 ~ Thomas Smith

02/10 ~ Amy Williford

02/11 ~ Sr. Cora Marie Billings

02/15 ~ Kenneth Williams

02/17 ~ Alexandra Williams

02/23 ~ Katrinia Murray

02/25 ~ Stanley Glover and Tyronna Jones

02/26 ~ Kamryn Beverly, Morgan Jaquez and Tim Kaine

02/28 ~ James L. Strother, Sr.

~ A person can't stumble when he's on his knees. (Unknown)

~ Image by Webweaver

Teaching with Authority ~ 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) ~ by Ronnie Archer

2012-01-30T15:34:00.006-05:00

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dt 18:15-20
Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9
1 Cor 7:32-35
Mk 1:21-28

In the Deuteronomy reading, the people of Israel weren't yet prepared to have an encounter with God. They feared hearing HIS voice; neither did they want to see the great fire anymore. They feared they would die!

Moses was considered to be the "model" of a prophet, since he was the one who God spoke through to His people. Moses assured the people that after his death, "the Lord would raise up for them, a prophet like him, from their own kin." (Dt 18:18) God would put His words into his mouth. That prophet shall tell them all that God commands him. Whoever did not listen to the prophet would speak in HIS name, would have to answer for it.

St. Paul, in the second reading to the people of Corinth, is saying that since the unmarried are free of responsibilities of marriage and home life, they are better able to devote themselves to the works of the Lord.

The Gospel of Mark this week, tells of the time that Jesus and the Apostles went to Capernaum, and entered the synagogue to teach. There was an unclean spirit that had attached itself to one of them. The people were amazed at Jesus' teaching, and astonished to see the authority with which Jesus confronted the unclean spirit and how it obeyed Him, immediately coming out of the man.

A teacher should always show good example. We have to open ourselves to Jesus' teaching, asking Him to drive out our "unclean spirits"... because we are all called to teach and spread the GOOD NEWS about Jesus. We can do that best IF we are ourselves, living in God's will and ... "Walking in Authority".

~ Artist: James J. Tissot (1836-1902) - The Pharisees Question Jesus Christ

1st Diocesan Young Adult Retreat ~ sent by Mieko Timmons

2012-01-27T20:36:00.003-05:00

Bert Drummond of the Office for Evangelization of Youth and Young Adults has sent the following information concerning the 1st Diocesan Young Adult Retreat.

Date: March 16 - 18, 2012

Place: Wintergreen Resort (near Waynesboro and Crozet, VA)

For whom: Young adults (18-29). Married couples, engaged couples and singles are all welcome.

Cost: $75.00 per person which includes lodging and food for the weekend. There is an additional fee for a private room and a discount for married couples attending together.

Registration: 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16th. The retreat will begin promptly at 8:30 p.m. The retreat will end by 12:00 noon on Sunday, March 18th.

Facilitator: Todd Lemieux, who has been leading retreats for all ages for 12 years. Author of "100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know." The theme of the retreat is "Ordinary Holiness" and is based on the writings of Saint Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei.

Register online at www.tinyurl.com/CDRyoungadultretreat

One registration is required for each individual. All registrations will close at 4:30 p.m. on March 2, 2012. Space is truly limited, so be sure to register early.

Check out the retreat's Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/CDRyoungadultretreat

Repent and believe: The call to Conversion ~ Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

2012-01-26T22:40:00.004-05:00

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (4a)
1 Cor 7:29-31
Mk 1:14-20

Our readings this week speak to us about the need of conversion. A change in the way we do things; a change in the way we live. The sins of the people of Nineveh caused God to decide on the destruction of this pagan city; and he told the prophet Jonah to announce that this would happen. Surprisingly the people were receptive to Jonah's words and believed what he had to tell them. God's grace caused a conversion in each of them and they put on sack cloth and called for a fast. Most importantly, they gave up their evil ways... and God spared them.

We see conversion occurring in a different way in the Gospel reading. Mark describes how Jesus called his Apostles from their lives as fishermen to a life of spreading the Good News of the Kingdom of God that Jesus preached.

This happened to be a time of fear among the people because their prophet, John the Baptizer, had been arrested. Wouldn't it have been safer for these fishermen to have kept a low profile and remained where they were?

But the work of God cannot be stopped as Jesus steps into the breech, proclaiming that the Kingdom of God has arrived! The cures and other miracles that Jesus performed among the people were proof enough for them that he was the long-awaited Messiah. And thus, when Jesus called out to Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John, they did not hesitate but left their nets and followed him...

"For the world in its present form is passing away" (1 Cor:31) are the words that St. Paul used in writing to the Corinthians. And indeed, a New Era had begun... We are to reform ourselves and become new persons; people who live our lives in such a way that will put an end to the divisions among us. As we put sin behind us and live out Jesus' command to love one another, we become truly free...

In the beautiful words of the psalmist, we pray:

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me to your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior. (Ps 25:4-5)

~ Image from the Lebanese Saints Blog

Jackson Cooper Francis Stell Baptism!

2012-01-17T20:50:00.009-05:00

Katie and Scott's baby boy was baptized last Sunday, January 15, 2012. Here are a few pictures taken by my cell phone camera of the happy event...

St. Elizabeth's has a new member!

Come, and you will see ~ Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

2012-01-17T19:47:00.001-05:00

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19
Ps 40:2, 4, 78-8, 8-9, 10
1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Jn 1:35-42

Our Sunday readings this week focus on the Call, an invitation from God who wants us to follow him in a specific manner. God has a mission for each of us. The psalmist understands this call when he speaks about the Lord, "Sacrifice and offering you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me." (Ps 40:6)

In the first reading, we find young Samuel being awakened by the Lord at night. Samuel does not yet know he is being called by the Lord, and so goes to Eli each time thinking that Eli has called him. In the end, through the instruction given to him by Eli, Samuel willingly responds to God's call. "Speak, for your servant is listening." (1 Sm 3:10)

In John's Gospel, the Baptist points out Jesus to his disciples as the Lamb of God. Out of curiosity, they approach Jesus to speak to him and ask him where he is staying. They are not yet sure what to make of this man. "Come, and you will see" is Jesus' invitation... (Jn 1:39)

Just as he issued that invitation so many centuries ago, Jesus continues to do so today. We each have a mission to fulfill; to bring God's Kingdom to fruition here on Earth. Sometimes we become so overburdened with daily life that we forget what we are here for; but in the quiet of our hearts, the Lord continues to prod us... Out of his great and unending love for us, he never stops calling our name.

Are you listening?

~ Image from the Ultimate Bible Picture Collection

The Epiphany of the Lord - Youth Sunday at St. E's!

2012-01-10T14:49:00.003-05:00

The Epiphany of the Lord

Is 60:1-6
Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6
Mt 2:1-12

Our celebrant for this Feast of the Epiphany was Fr. George Clements, an old friend from Chicago, who has visited with us in the past. He was brought to Richmond by the Office for Black Catholics in honor of Martin Luther King, jr's birthday. Fr. George and Fr. Francois concelebrated the Mass and Fr. George was the homilist. Since this Sunday had been planned as Youth Sunday, the young people of the parish assumed the roles of ushers, readers, announcers and also provided a singer/musician for the meditation song, Let It Be.

The children brought up the statues of the Three Kings to place next to the the Nativity scene. Fr. George made certain that all the children in the procession had a role to play. After explaining who the Three Kings were and the races they represented, Fr. George brought the smallest child forward and asking him to stand next to the Three Kings, and named him to be Martin Luther King, jr. - the man who represents ALL OF US! It was a powerful moment!

After Mass, there was a reception downstairs in the parish hall that was catered by the Diocese. We will be seeing Fr. George again in February when he comes to St. E's to help us celebrate Black History Month.

~ Detail of the Three Kings from "The Adoration of the Magi" Tapestry, designed 1888, woven 1894, Edwin Burne Jones

A special Nativity scene ~ Photo by Larry Williford

2012-01-06T22:05:00.004-05:00

The beautiful Nativity display that you can see in the rear of the Church is the creation of parishioner, Nancy Freeman. It is stunning!

Nancy has collected these pieces over many years. The scene consists of the Holy Family, shepherds, angels, a variety of animals, the Magi on elephants and dozens of accompanying pieces. The photograph does not show the entire display so don't miss taking a look at the entire scene as you leave Mass.

Thanks, Nancy, for lending your collection to the parish for the Christmas season.

~ Photo by Larry Williford

Surrendering our lives to God ~ Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God

2012-01-06T21:01:00.003-05:00

Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God

Nm 6:22-27
Ps 67:2-3,5,6,8 (2a)
Gal 4:4-7
Lk 2:16-21

As we reflect on this feast dedicated to Mary the Mother of God, we consider the importance of her place in the history of salvation. In order for God's plan to unfold, Mary had to say "Yes". Because of her willingness to become a servant of the Lord and to allow His Will to be accomplished in her life, we venerate and honor her today.

Despite the complications that her status as an unwed mother could have caused her, Mary accepted God's grace that enabled her to trust her Heavenly Father's love. Joseph also followed the Lord's direction and took on the responsibility of protecting and caring for this special Mother and Child. They both had faith that God would provide and guide them. Just as had been foretold, Mary treasured all these things in her heart and pondered what the future would bring.

As we begin this new year, we reflect on our own spiritual journey. Are we prepared to bring the Kingdom of God to fruition in our lives and in the lives of those we meet every day? How do we do that? It seems too great of a task to accomplish alone. How can we love and help others, even as we find ourselves struggling to care for those we find difficult to love. How can we show tolerance for them? How do we even begin to sacrifice ourselves for others when we ourselves have so many needs?

There is only one way... and it is Mary's way. We, too, must surrender our lives to God. Only by trusting Him and allowing His Spirit to guide us, can we live in the freedom that life in Him brings. Are we ready to say "Yes" as Mary did?

~ Image: "Mother of God" by Klaster Prazsjeho Jezulalla

January Birthdays at St. Elizabeth's ~ by Ethel Cooley

2012-01-04T20:10:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday, Everyone!

01/04 ~ Nat Kaine

01/05 ~ Alberto Moore

01/06 ~ Sharon Morton and Patrice Schwermer

01/10 ~ Almetia Strother

01/13 ~ Rosalie Robinson

01/15 ~ Grace Ponton

01/16 ~ Mary Hill

~ Clipart by Webweaver

Fr. Francois' 21st Ordination Anniversary ~ December 16, 2011

2012-01-02T16:49:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Fr. Francois on his 21st Anniversary!

Our parish family celebrated Fr. Francois' Ordination Anniversary on December 18th, the closest Sunday to his actual anniversary date. Fr. Dan Brady from St. Michael's was our homilest for the occasion.

After Mass, we gathered in the parish hall for a reception complete with an anniversary cake and punch in addition to lots of good food.

~ Photographs by Ethel Cooley

Reflection on the Nativity of the Lord, Christmas Eve 2011 ~ by Phyllis Booth

2011-12-27T16:41:00.005-05:00

The Nativity of the Lord (Midnight)

Is 9:1-6
Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 (Luke 2:11)
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14

The long awaited coming of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem changed the world. The long period of darkness was lifted. The Light had come to fulfill the prophets' message. The people of Israel longing for a Savior were over! Jesus had come as God promised to reconcile the world. He came to change a history of separation between God and the people God loved. God wanted to release us from the prison of sin, fear, guilt, hatefulness, and the constant fighting and killing of each other.

Jesus' birth brought a new culture to the world. This Savior would bring the Word of God to all people. The Words from God would be words of love. These words of God would be seen through actions. Jesus taught the disciples to love one another. The disciples showed love as they experienced the new way of treating their neighbor. The early Christians believed it was their duty to live a life of love of self and neighbor.

God's love can be seen in the way we act, think, pray, show emotions, how we help one another, feed the poor and clothe the naked, and work for justice. Millions of people are working for justice today under difficult circumstances because they believe God loves us and he'll keep the covenant made years ago.

~ Image: Kissing the face of God by Morgan Weistling

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church ~ Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T13:53:00.010-05:00

Please congratulate Barbara and Larry Williford for their labor of love in making our church look so beautiful for this Christmas season. It takes a lot of time and effort to prepare the decorations and to put everything in its place. We are also grateful to Nancy Freeman for setting up her unusual Nativity scene that you will find in the rear of the church.

~ Photographs taken by Larry Williford

"And the Word was made flesh..." (John 1:14) ~ Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T14:59:00.002-05:00

Every Grace and Blessing to each of you this day.

~ Black Madonna and Child by Joe Cauchi

Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord! ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent (B) ~ by Ronnie Archer

2011-12-20T14:54:00.004-05:00

Fourth Sunday of Advent (B)

2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Ps 89:2-3-5, 27, 29
Rom 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

This Sunday marked Fr. Francois' 21st anniversary of becoming a servant of the Lord! Fr. Dan Brady of St. Michael's concelebrated Mass with Fr. Francois. Fr. Dan tied today's Gospel to the fact that twenty-one years ago, Fr. Francois also said, "yes, I am a servant of the Lord"... not having any idea of where it might lead him.

In our first reading for this Sunday, God replies to King David's message concerning his plan to build a permanent house for the Ark of God...instead of having to continue to be "housed" in a tent. God's message in this was that He was the One who destroyed all their enemies and brought them out of Egypt and promised to continue to shield them from any future enemies. He would establish a house for them. Because of the greatness of God, He did not need a "house" to dwell in.

St. Paul writes to the Romans that "according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, and according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for so long," (Rom 15:25) that now God's plans for all people would now be manifested.

Fr. Dan gave a very powerful homily on the gospel of St. Luke. We have heard of those who don't quite understand the practice of the Catholic Church in having such a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

We honor mothers in our own lives and also the mother of someone in our midst who is an important figure. To honor Mary is of utmost importance and very fitting since She is the Mother of our God!

Each year we honor Mary on December 8th, which is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, meaning that She was conceived without the original sin that we all were born with. God chose her from the beginning and Mary made a choice. She was not forced to say "yes", but she did, and that moment changed the world forever. Mary, herself, had to say the word yes, and she did so by saying..."Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38) Mary was agreeing to become a "servant of the Lord", not having any idea of what that might mean for her, but she trusted God and said yes.

Will we say yes also?... by saying "I am a servant of the Lord!"

~ Image: The Annunciation by John Collier

The "O Antiphons" of Advent

2011-12-17T09:43:00.005-05:00

The "O" Antiphons of Advent

Beginning today, December 17th, and ending on December 23rd, folks who daily recite "The Liturgy of the Hours" will find themselves praying the great "O" Antiphons. Each day during the next seven days, a different name describing Christ found in the Old Testament is used during Evening Prayer or Vespers.

Here they are:

December 17 - O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other mightily, and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.

December 18 - O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

December 19 - O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you the nations will make their prayer: Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.

December 20 - O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut; you shut and no one can open: Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house, those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, Isaiah had prophesied.

December 21 - O Morning Star, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

December 22 - O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.

December 23 - O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Savior: Come and save us, O Lord our God.

If you wish to read more about these Antiphons, please check the Wikipedia article found here.

~ Image from Everyday Liturgy

Reflection on the Third Sunday of Advent (B) ~ Gaudete Sunday

2011-12-15T20:11:00.006-05:00

Gaudete Sunday

Is 61:1-2a, 10-11
Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54 (Is 61:10b)
1 Thes 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

Rejoice! God is alive! This is the message of the readings for today. In the beautiful Isaiah reading, we hear the joyous words of God's anointed one who will bring glad tidings to the poor, who will heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives and bring release to prisoners. All of these are attributes of a Messiah to come.

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul reminds his converts not to quench the Spirit, but to pray unceasingly and to give thanks for every blessing. Paul prays that God will make these men and women perfectly holy so that they will be blameless when Jesus comes again. So we see that in both the Old and the New Testaments, people were waiting and hoping for the arrival of Jesus... either for his birth or his coming at the end of time.

Now the scene shifts to John's Gospel which describes the uncertainty that the priests and Levites felt concerning John the Baptizer who had accumulated a large following and who was baptizing them with water... Could he be the long-awaited Messiah?

But no, John admitted immediately that he was not the Christ. In fact, John was aware that he was "the voice of one crying in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord" as Isaiah had predicted. He realized that he was not worthy even to untie the strap of the sandal of the one who was to come and he told this to his questioners.

In these final two weeks of Advent, we can rejoice that our Savior will soon arrive... We will commemorate his coming birth and we also look to the future when Jesus will come again in glory. The Virgin Mary, soon to be a mother, rejoices because God has blessed her for all ages. We can praise our God with the same words that she spoke: "The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name." (Luke 1:49)

He has done great things for us too! And for them, we rejoice!

Kayden Chita's Baptism ~ November 13, 2011

2011-12-13T14:20:00.006-05:00

The Chita family has provided some beautiful pictures of Kayden Chita's Baptism that took place at St. Elizabeth's on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at the 9 o'clock Mass.

We bid welcome to our newest parishioner!

Somebody is coming! ~ A Reflection on the Second Sunday of Advent (B)

2011-12-07T16:10:00.008-05:00

Second Sunday of Advent (B)

Is 40:1-5, 9-11
Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8

Isaiah sets the stage in the first reading by declaring to all the people: "...prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!" (Is 40:3)

It is a time of joy for the people, for God has proclaimed that their guilt is expiated and their sins forgiven. Though God will come with power, he will gather his people with the tenderness that a shepherd cares for his lambs...

In the Gospel reading, Mark introduces John the Baptizer, who is to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. John has the distinction of being the final prophet and he proclaims a baptism of repentance in preparation for the coming of the Kingdom. John wishes to make certain that his followers do not think he is the Messiah and so he preaches that a mightier one than he is coming; One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit!

In the second reading, we hear once more about the final coming of the Lord. We cannot know when it will occur because God's time is not like our time. Thus we need to be prepared. We recognize that we are sinners and in need of God's mercy. Jesus frees us from the prison of sin and helps us to use this time of Advent to get our house in order and to live in harmony with others. We place ourselves in the shoes of the other person; because by doing so, we can do nothing other than show our compassion for them... This is what Jesus taught and lived... and we are to do the same.

~ Image: John the Baptist Bearing Witness by Annibale Caracci. c. 1600

What goes around, comes around! ~ A Reflection

2011-12-04T18:12:00.002-05:00

Don't miss this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DXL9vIUbWg

December Birthdays at St. E's ~ provided by Ethel Cooley

2011-11-30T15:52:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday, Everybody!

12/06/11 ~ Christyna Ford

12/11/11 ~ Burton Robinson, Sr.

12/12/11 ~ Archie Thompson, Sr. and Kiyoko Timmons

12/13/11 ~ Jannie Allen

12/14/11 ~ R'chell Jones and Katherine Lamb

12/18/11 ~ Mieya Timmons

12/19/11 ~ James Thompson

12/22/11 ~ Sr. Elena Henderson and Frances Pope

12/26/11 ~ Lula Lamb

12/29/11 ~ Laila Sharee Miller

12/30/11 ~ Rita Hatchett

~ Image by Webweaver

Watch! Be Alert! And wait on the Lord ~ 1st Sunday of Advent 2011 (B)

2011-11-29T21:20:00.007-05:00

First Sunday of Advent

Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
Ps 80:2-3, 15-16. 18-19
1 Cor 1:3-9
Mark 13:33-37

This Sunday marks the First Sunday of Advent at St. Elizabeth's Parish. Our Advent theme this year is: "Watch! Be Alert! And wait on the Lord!" Again this Advent season, we have placed a Jesse Tree in the sanctuary. The leaves covering the tree contain the names of children and young people we wish to pray for. Some of the children have critical needs; some names have been placed on the tree because of the writer's gratefulness for the lives of those children - the joys and sorrows of our children that we want our Heavenly Father to take notice of as we pray for them.

As we prepare for the birth of the Savior, Mark's Gospel moves us into a future where Jesus talks to his disciples about his "Second Coming" - an event that could come at any moment! Just as we prepare for his birth during this Advent time, we should also be watchful and alert and to be prepared for that time when Jesus will come in glory...

In the first reading, Isaiah acknowledges the Lord as the redeemer and begs for his return so that we will be delivered from all the wrongs we do and the guilt we carry. He places all his trust in the Lord that despite our sinfulness, that the Lord will shape us as a potter does as he creates a beautiful vessel.

"...Lord, you are our father;
we are the clay and you the potter:
we are all the work of your hands." Is 63:7

Paul writes to the Corinthians in the same vein. That as we wait for the coming of the Lord, we must give thanks to the Lord for our gift of faith; that God is faithful and that our faith will sustain us until Jesus returns.

In trust, the psalmist prays along with us, that the Lord "take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted..." Ps 80:15-16

~ Image by Susan Manzello

Homecoming 2011 ~ Feast of Christ the King

2011-11-23T16:09:00.003-05:00

Our Homecoming Celebration this year coincided with the Feast of Christ the King! We always celebrate St. Elizabeth of Hungary, our patron, on the Sunday closest to her feast day. Our guest celebrant and homilist this year was Fr. Jim Arsenault, parochial vicar at St. Michael Parish in Glen Allen. He and Fr. Francois concelebrated this Mass.

We always welcome Fr. Jim when he visits and I believe he also enjoys his times with us. In his homily, Fr. Jim reminded us of our parish history which dates back to the 1920's when the parish was first established. He spoke of the changes we have endured through the years and that we have always, through God's grace and the strength of our parish community, come through and moved on. Fr. Jim emphasized that even though we are a small community, we are well known in the diocese and we need to recognize that our size does not keep us from having an impact there.

At announcement time, Tommy Williams, President of the Men's Group, presented Fr. Francois with a sizable check for the needs of the parish. The money was raised through the various fund-raising activities that the men of the parish sponsor.

After Mass, all were invited to the church hall for a scrumptious feast! We thank all the men and women who worked so hard to prepare this meal and decorate the hall.

It was wonderful!

~ Image of Christ the King from Prayer Flowers

Using your God-given talents wisely ~ by Ronnie Archer

2011-11-14T13:36:00.005-05:00

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
1 Thes 5:1-6
Mt 25:14-30

The first reading from Proverbs, tells us that the man who entrusts his heart to - and marries a woman who fits the scriptural description of an "ideal" wife, has an "unfailing prize." If a husband sincerely loves his wife, with those qualities, as Christ loved the Church, then they would be spiritual "gifts" to each other, and enjoy a marriage ordained by GOD!

St. Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, tells them that they are children of the light, not of the darkness; therefore the day of the Lord should not overtake them. They know they should be prepared for Jesus' return.

Last week, we heard of the virgins who forgot to bring enough oil for their lamps, for when the "bridegroom" would come. Today's Gospel from Matthew continues the message of being prepared. We heard the story about how a man, before going on his journey, called in his three servants and entrusted his possessions to them.

Those to whom he gave two and five talents, multiplied them which pleased the man, but the third servant was afraid to take the "risk" to work with his talent. Instead, he did nothing but hide it; and when the man learned that he did nothing with his talent to increase it, he took it from him, called him lazy and gave his talent to the one who had ten.

As Christians, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to work for the Lord, so we can be fruitful. God expects us to use our talents that HE gives us for the good of our community.

We all have talents, some different from others; no one of us is the same as another. Some of us take life for granted but GOD has the final word - our message is be ready, we don't know the day nor the hour when Jesus will return.

We should ask ourselves, "How have I used my talent?" We will be rewarded and gain entry into the Kingdom of God, if we use the talents that God gave us for the good of others.

~ Image from the Jesus Mafa website

Youth Sunday at St. E's ~ This Little Light of Mine

2011-11-13T22:15:00.000-05:00

Youth Sunday at St. Elizabeth's was held on November 6, 2011. Eleven of our young people participated as introduction and scripture readers, ushers, altar servers, gift bearers and children's choir members. These young people are the future of our parish and we were happy to see how ably they performed each of their tasks.

You can be certain that there were many proud parents, grandparents and other family members in the congregation.

We are grateful to Amy Williford, who took on the responsibility of bringing the children together - Mary Walker, who contacted the parents to encourage them to allow their children to participate - Frances Pope, who instructed the readers and gift bearers - Kim Ford, who directed the children's choir - and Shelton Jones, who instructed the ushers in their duties.

The plan is to dedicate the first Sunday of each month as Youth Sunday. We hope to include other children of the parish in the upcoming months.

Having a Youth Sunday was a suggestion that came out of discussions at our Parish Retreat this year as a way to involve our children and young people in the life of the Church.

Kim is directing the children in singing "This Little Light of Mine"!

~ Photos taken by Amy Williford

Five of them were wise ~ Reflection on the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-11-12T19:40:00.004-05:00

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wis 6:12-16
Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 (2b)
1 Thes 4:13-18
Matt 25:1-13

Haven't you found that often the distractions of life keep you from focusing on the coming of Jesus into your life? This is certainly what five of the ten virgins discovered as they awaited the arrival of the bridegroom.

They were responsible for meeting him at the gate and escorting him to the wedding feast. As they prepared to leave, the five wise virgins took along extra oil, just in case... These young women wanted to be prepared. They did not want the bridegroom to arrive to find the way dark as they escorted him to the wedding feast. The extra oil would be their Plan B.

The foolish virgins never thought for a minute that the bridegroom might arrive late. They simply gathered what lamps they could find and ran off to meet the bridegroom.

We know what happened. The bridegroom was late... the young women fell asleep and awoke when they heard the sounds of his arrival. The foolish virgins' lamps had gone out and they had to go to the merchants to buy more oil. By the time they returned, the doors to the wedding feast had been closed and locked!

Jesus reminds us, "... stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." (Matt 25:13) The foolish virgins had become distracted by the excitement of seeing the bridegroom and the honor of escorting him to the wedding feast. They didn't prepare themselves for the possibility of a late arrival.

On the other hand, the wise virgins had prepared themselves and thus were rewarded by the bridegroom who invited them to the wedding feast. Jesus wishes us to remember that we need to be prepared for when he comes again. We are to live lives of holiness pleasing to God; and to care for our brothers and sisters especially those who are in most need of our help.

Ordinary Time is drawing to a close and soon we will begin a new Church Year. The readings in these final weeks have continued to be reminders of the end of time... when Jesus comes again... and how we are to look forward to that time... whether we will rejoice at his final coming or whether we will find ourselves locked out of the wedding feast.

The psalmist has found the words that express what is in our hearts, as he sings:

"O God, you are my God whom I seek;
for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts...

...Thus will I bless you while I live;
lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name..." (Ps 63:2, 5)

~ Image: Five of them were wise by Walter Rane

November Birthdays at St. E's ~ Ethel Cooley

2011-11-06T20:36:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Everybody!

11/01/11 ~ Frederick Archer and LaVerne Braxton

11/02/11 ~ Althea Williams

11/03/11 ~ Mary Tucker

11/04/11 ~ Karen Carter Brown

11/08/11 ~ Thomas Williams

11/11/11 ~ Keeya Majors

11/12/11 ~ Norma Antomattei

11/21/11 ~ Ronald Timmons, Jr. and Stacy Wright

11/25/11 ~ Christina Davis

11/28/11 ~ Noel Nero

11/29/11 ~ Kevin Teachey

~ Image from Webweaver

Reflections on the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ by Phyllis Booth

2011-10-31T20:54:00.003-04:00

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mal 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10
Ps 131:1, 2, 3
1 Thes 2:7b-9, 13
Mt 23:1-12

Today's first reading invites us to examine our thoughts and behavior regarding who we are. Malachi questioned the priests and Pharisees of Jerusalem, who were abusing their role as leaders; why they were showing partiality and taking advantages of their positions. They were teaching the Laws of God and expecting the people to live according to the law, but their own behavior was scandalous.

Malachi reminded the priests and Pharisees that we are all God's Children and we all have one Father who is God and even the priests and Pharisees are to live according to the Laws of God. If we examine our thoughts and behavior, are we talking the talk and walking the walk as God's children?

First Thessalonians expands on these same points because Paul and the disciples were gentle in their teaching of the Gospel and their behavior was compassionate, joyful and loving. They made no demands on the people, but encouraged them to receive the Word of God and believe that He is the Father of all and He is faithful to the covenant made with Abraham.

In Matthew's Gospel, we find Jesus telling the crowd and his disciples to observe the Scribes and Pharisees but do not follow their example. The Scribes and Pharisees preach but do not practice. They put heavy burdens on their followers but do nothing to help lift the burdens. They seek places of honor.

Jesus encourages the crowd to focus on the spiritual teachings of God's words. To live a life of service. Serve others from your heart, not for honors or status. Families are to be compassionate to one another. Married partners are to live lives that are pleasing to each other. WE are to feed the hungry, visit the sick and clothe the naked. We are to do all these things and more with humility because "whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matt 23:12)

~ Image found at Sabbath Sermons

You Shall Love! ~ 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-10-26T18:43:00.001-04:00

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ex 22:20-26
Ps 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51 (2)
1 Thes 1:5c-10
Matt 22:34-40

Again, in this week's Gospel, we find the Pharisees trying to trap Jesus. The question put to Jesus is which commandment is the greatest among the 613 commandments in the Mosaic Law. Jesus is not to be trapped because he also knows the Law and without hesitation, he sums up the entire 613 commandments and the teaching of the prophets with the words:

"You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matt 22:37-39)

Jesus is saying that to fulfill the Law and the prophets, one must love God with our whole being AND to love other people. All people; not simply people who are like us, but everyone. We must love because we have been created by God in the spirit of love. The kind of love that we must show is an unselfish love where we abandon our own interests so that the other person's needs become more important than our own. This is how Jesus loved. He was willing to sacrifice himself so that we could live.

As we can all recognize, an unselfish and sacrificial love is not easy for us to attain. However, as we grow in our faith and in our love of God, we can appreciate and find comfort in Paul's words to the Christians of Thessalonika when he wrote, "...you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit so that you became a model for all the believers..." (1 Thes 1:6-7)

There is power in our love of God and our love for others. It will affect how we live in relationship to others and will enable us to do everything for the glory of God.

~ "The Pharisees question Jesus" by James Tissot

Who do we belong to? ~ 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-10-18T22:16:00.005-04:00

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 45:1, 4-6
Ps 96:1,3,4-5,7-8,9-10
1 Thes 1:1-5b
Matt 22:15-21

It is interesting to see how slyly the Pharisees and their enemies, the Herodians, worked together to trap Jesus. In today's gospel, we see that this time, the issue was the division between the secular and the religious.

They began their assault by heaping praise on Jesus for his truthfulness in teaching the way of God. They noted that Jesus was not concerned about the opinions of others; or about their status. He simply taught the truth. (Matt 22:15ff)

And then these hypocrites posed the critical question: "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"

As an aside, it is important to note that the Pharisees were against the tax for several reasons; one being that the Roman coins used to pay the tax had the image of Caesar, who claimed to be divine, inscribed on it.

On the other hand, the Herodians, who were pro-Roman, supported paying the tax. Thus these two opposing groups were positive that by asking their question, they would trap Jesus into advocating one side or the other, thereby making him lose credibility and embarrassing him.

Jesus could not be trapped. Holding up the coin, he replied: "...repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." (Matt 22:21)

As we ponder this incident in the ministry of Jesus, we understand that actually everything and everybody belongs to God. Even Caesar and all he stood for. We recognize that God uses even kings and nations for his own purposes. We see this being described in the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, where the Lord calls the pagan king, Cyrus, his "anointed," and uses him for the sake of Israel, his chosen people... even though Cyrus does not know the Lord.

How beautifully the psalmist praises our God. He recognized God as the Doer of wondrous deeds; the just Lord of all the nations. "...great is the Lord and highly to be praised; awesome is he, beyond all gods." (Ps 96:4)

~ Image found at St T akla Haymanot Coptic Orthodox Church

St. Elizabeth's Men's Day 2011 ~ Mary T. Walker, The Roving Reporter

2011-10-13T20:06:00.003-04:00

Sunday, October 9th was a bright, beautiful day. As I entered the church through the basement, my eyes were filled with the beauty of the decorated tables, colorful yellow flowers and the smell of bacon cooking. It let you know that it was indeed a special day of celebration. It was Men's Day!

Even the Kitchen Committee members, Lucy Thompson, Gloria Johnson, Stephonia Owolabi, Carolyn Nash, Peggy Beverly and Barbara Randall were dressed color coordinated in black and yellow as they prepared the morning treats. We are always grateful for each of them.

Entering the Sanctuary, things were buzzing with the rosary being said and preparations were being done for the morning worship. Parishioners, families and friends were gathering with greetings, smiles and the excitement of the day. The choir area was taking on a different look as the newly formed "Men's Choir" members were taking their places. Eugene Ponton, Phil Brew, Tommy Smith, Peter Thompson, Odell Mealy (Pete), Cliff Wright, Sam Walker and Larry Williford under the direction of Kim Ford with Scott Stell on piano. The choir delighted us with their selected songs, moving us to sing with joy and sometimes be moved to tears. Could this possible be the start of a newly formed choir???

Fr. Francois started the Mass with joy and this was to be the theme to permeate throughout the service. It was a time of togetherness to praise God and to celebrate and honor the wonderful men of St. Elizabeth, and to thank God for each of them. We were blessed with reflections from Jay Schwermer and Tommy Williams. Shelton Jones gave a history of the Men's Group that has continued over a 25 year period, starting in the days of Fr. Mike.

Each of us had to be touched as Shelton, on behalf of each man and perhaps, each of us members honored Larry Williford as a "Friend and Big Brother" for his love and devotion to the Men's Group and to St. Elizabeth's. Shelton presented him with a "Fried Chicken Fund." In my personal salute to Larry, I can only say "Nobody does it better!"

We were spiritually fed during the Mass and later, it was a time to celebrate with food cooked and served with love. God must have been smiling and saying, "Well done, my servants of St. Elizabeth's, well done!"

To my beloved church family, we must never lose sight of our purpose on this special corner in Highland Park. We stand in nothing but sheer gratitude for our men and for this Men's Day, 2011!

~ Photos by Amy Williford

The Great Banquet - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ by Ronnie Archer

2011-10-11T17:35:00.003-04:00

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 25:6-10
Ps 23 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Phil 4:12-14, 19-20
Matt 22:1-14

The Isaiah reading tells us that the Lord will provide a feast for all people, not only for the "Chosen People."

The Apostle Paul to the people of Phillipi, in our second reading, said that he knows how to live with abundance, as well as in humble circumstances. He has learned that "he can do all things in HIM who gives strength." (Phil 4:13)

In Matthew's Gospel this week, we hear the parable of the Great Banquet; how the king had invited many guests to the wedding feast of His Son. The servants summoned the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to attend.

So the second time, he sent others to inform those invited that he had prepared the banquet and everything was ready. They still refused to come. The king was angered at this so he told his servants that the feast was ready, but those who were invited were not worthy, so he sent them out onto the main roads to invite whomever they found. The servants brought in all they saw, the good and bad, and the place was filled with guests.

When the king went to greet the guests, he noticed one and asked him why was he not wearing a "wedding garment"... but the guest would not answer. The servants were told to cast him out into the darkness where there would be "wailing and grinding of teeth." (Matt 22:13)

The story of the Royal Banquet is a most beautiful story of God's love for mankind. God is inviting us, as well, to come to the "Feast." Our names are there; everything is ready for us. How do we respond? Do we ignore the invitation as those in the Gospel did?

Sometimes we might find ourselves so busy that we can forget to honor this invitation that is also offered to us.

God had chosen the people of Israel for Himself; but God IS the Creator of all people. He loves and cares for, and wants us all to come to His banquet.

We also hear in the reading that one invited guest "was not dressed in a wedding garment." (Matt 22:11) We know that we have to be righteous to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, we will have to put on OUR garment of righteousness in order to attend that Heavenly Banquet! ...or else we will have to suffer the consequences.

How will we respond to the great invitation? "many are invited, but few are chosen!" (Matt 22:14)

~ Painting: Wedding at Cana by Mattia Preti (1655)

What happened in God's vineyard - A reflection on the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-10-06T20:11:00.004-04:00

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 5:1-7
Ps 80:12-16, 19-20 (Is 5:7a)
Phil 4:6-9
Matt 21:33-43

What happened in the vineyard?

Isaiah tells us of his friend who planted the choicest vines on a fertile hillside that had been spaded and cleared of stones. He did everything right in his planting and expected bountiful harvests for many years to come. But alas, the harvest turned out to be nothing but wild grapes! The landowner was so disappointed at what had happened, that he destroyed all he had built and allowed the land to become overgrown with thorns and briers.

In Matthew's Gospel today, Jesus tells his version of the same story. Again the landowner has built a fine vineyard. His tenants have successfully worked the land and all are expecting a plentiful harvest.

Unfortunately, the tenants are greedy and have decided that they want the vineyard for themselves. Thus, when the landowner sends his servants out several times to collect the harvest, the tenants mistreat and kill them. However, the landowner is a patient man and decides to send his heir to collect the harvest. Surely, the tenants would recognize the son as the rightful heir, respect his wishes and repent what they had done. But alas, the heir was also killed!

We can readily see in this parable, that the landowner is our God. The vineyard was the Kingdom. Jesus wanted his listeners to realize that the people (the tenants) were unfaithful to God... We see this throughout salvation history where the servants of God (the prophets) were mistreated and killed. But because God is a patient God and wishes always the good of his people, he even sent his Son to bring salvation to all. But alas, even the Son was killed!

Jesus meant this story to act as a preview of what would happen to Jesus himself: his own suffering and death. He would be the stone that would be rejected by the builders; and yet, he would become the cornerstone of a religion that would spread beyond time and place to people who would produce good fruit.

The psalmist prayed for this: "...take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted...". (v. 15-16)

~ Image from Christian Computer Art

October Birthdays at St. E's ~ prepared by Ethel Cooley

2011-10-03T17:11:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday to Everyone!

10/01/11 ~ Heather Rapp

10//02/11 ~ Barbara Vaughan and Stanley White

10/05/11 ~ Deshawn Murray

10/11/11 ~ Barbara White and Irene Whitlock

10/15/11 ~ Roscoe Moon

10/19/11 ~ Sabiya Davis

10/21/11 ~ Cassandra Bland

10/22/11 ~ Stephonia Owolabi and Mary Walker

10/31/11 ~ Vivian Sullivan

~ Image at Dream Weaver

The Right Attitude ~ Reflection on the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ by Phyllis Booth

2011-09-26T22:43:00.005-04:00

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ez 18:25-28
Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
Phil 2:1-11
Mt 21:28-32

The Gospel story today illustrates a choice we face every day in our dealings with family, friends or co-workers. We are asked or commanded to do a task or favor. Our response can be either of the choices given by the sons in Matthew 18:28-32.

The first son refused to work in the vineyard as soon as he was told to go. The second son readily said, "yes, I'll go"; but he didn't.

Let's take a moment and examine several possible reasons each son reacted the way they did. The first son may have had a prior engagement, might have been on his phone texting or talking, felt ill, tired, or that the vineyard wasn't the work he wanted in life. The second son gave the answer he thought his father wanted to hear. He had money to spend, a smart phone, an Ipad, a car and felt the hired hands or his brother could take care of the vineyard.

Why did the father ask his sons to go into the vineyard to work? Had the father trained his sons to help with the work? Was he testing the sons to see who deserved the property or could take over running the business? We don't know. The story line doesn't speak to this issue.

Although the father's reason isn't clear, what are the sons doing when they act in this manner? They are straining the relationship with the family members. These actions cause hard feelings, heartaches, distrust and loss of faith in the person.

The first son redeemed himself by changing his mind and going into the vineyard. The second son may have apologized for his actions. We don't know.

When we act this way, we need to mend our relationships by seeking forgiveness, going to Confession, seeking God's grace through prayer or making a novena, remembering we are our brother's / sister's keeper so we can receive the grace Ezekiel related to the Israelites: "by turning from wickedness a wicked person shall preserve his life." (Ez 18:25-28)

~ Image: "Two Sons, Davis Collection"

Our generous God ~ A Reflection ~ 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-09-24T20:44:00.006-04:00

Is 55:6-9
Ps 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18(18a)
Phil 1:20c-24, 27a
Mt 20:1-16a

Our God is a generous God. We see it plainly in the parable of the landowner who hires laborers for his vineyard. In Matthew's Gospel, we learn that the landowner is not satisfied with hiring only during the morning hours. He goes out several times during the day and into the evening, inviting every idle worker he finds, to come to work for him. To each he promises the same wage, despite the later complaints of unfairness by those who have worked the longest and who feel they should receive more.

Our God is like this generous landowner. He offers everyone a place in his Kingdom. All we need do is to leave sin behind and follow in the footsteps of his Son, Jesus. It doesn't matter whether we accept his invitation early in our lives, or late... our reward will be the same. Eternal Life.

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, speaks of his yearning to be united with his Lord... to receive the reward for his faithfulness. However he realizes that in spite of his desire, the Lord still has work for him to do here in this earthly vineyard. Paul's faithfulness is a sign of his total commitment to the Lord and thus he is willing to continue to work among the people he is evangelizing. This is the same commitment the Lord asks of us.

Isaiah reminds us to "Seek the Lord while he may be found, call him while he is near..." We are to forsake sin and to "turn to the Lord for mercy." (55:6ff) The Lord is always there to receive us, to forgive us and to give us the strength to carry on.

The psalmist understood and believed so deeply in God's mercy and love that his words echo down to us today:

"Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever." (Ps 145:2-3)

~ Image from Cacina

Seventy-Seven Times! ~ A Reflection on the Readings of the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-09-16T23:08:00.005-04:00

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sir 27:30-28:7
Ps 103:1-4, 9-12 (8)
Rom 14:7-9
Mt 18:21-35

None of us live for ourselves alone. This is what Paul wrote to the Romans so many years ago. These words speak to us also, especially in light of Matthew's gospel in which Jesus responds when Peter asks the question, how often do I have to forgive. Jesus does not hesitate in saying, EVERY TIME!

Jesus illustrates his response with a parable about a man who owes so much money to his master that he is unable to pay it back. The master orders the servant and his family to be sold to pay the debt. However the servant pleads for patience and promises to pay the debt in full. The master is moved with compassion and forgives the entire debt.

But the story is not yet finished; for soon afterwards this man runs into a fellow servant who happens to owe him a smaller amount. The man insists on immediate payment. When his fellow servant is not able to pay the debt immediately, the unforgiving servant refuses to accept a promise for payment and has the servant put into prison.

What has happened here? The master has shown compassion but the wicked servant has learned nothing from the master's example of mercy and forgiveness. When the master learns of the situation, he summons the wicked servant: "Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?" (Mt 18:33) And he sent him off to the torturers until he should pay back all that the servant owed him.

There is a lesson here. If we expect God to forgive us, we must forgive others. The prophet Sirach reminds us of the same thing: "Forgive your neighbor's injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven." (Sir 28:2) Thus the answer to Peter's question of how often we must forgive, is:
EVERY TIME! AGAIN AND AGAIN! WHATEVER IT TAKES!

~ Image found here

No Time for Indifference ~ Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-09-10T22:52:00.004-04:00

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ez 33:7-9
Ps 95:1-2, 6-9 (8)
Rom 13:8-10
Mt 18:15-20

In Matthew's Gospel this week, we listen to Jesus teaching his disciples how to reconcile with each other and with the community. In order to settle conflicts, Jesus shows us how to resolve them in such a way that there is a concern for everyone involved. The correction is done out of love.

An important aspect needed in reconciling problems is communication. Whether within families or the wider community, one needs to be able to address the issues in such a manner that unity and harmony are preserved. Love and respect for the other is the key.

In the first reading, Ezekiel reminds us that we are responsible for each other. We cannot remain indifferent to the evil done by others. We are to speak out against sin and injustice or we too will be judged guilty.

The Lord called Ezekiel the "watchman for the house of Israel." (Ez 33:7) Just as Ezekiel was to confront the evil he encountered and to warn the person or people involved, so we also are called to assume responsibility to combat the evil that happens around us.

Paul summed it up perfectly in his letter to the Romans. "You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law." (Rom 8:10)

~ "Reconciliation" scupture by Margaret Adams Parker

St. E's Food and Jazz Festival, August 6, 2011 ~ Photos by Ethel Cooley

2011-09-06T15:13:00.010-04:00

~ These great photos were taken by Ethel Cooley at the Food and Jazz Festival, August 6, 2011

Take up your Cross ~ a Reflection on the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-09-03T21:19:00.011-04:00

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jer 20:7-9
Ps 63:2-6, 8-9
Rom 12:1-2
Mt 16:21-27

It was just last week that we heard how Peter recognized Jesus for who He is: the Christ, the Son of the Living God. But in the Gospel reading today, Matthew describes how Peter becomes a stumbling block for Jesus.

Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for his coming arrest; and the suffering and death he will have to endure at the hands of the chief priests who are plotting against him. Peter, who had just confessed his belief in Jesus as the Son of God, cannot believe what he is hearing. No, it can't be true! This cannot happen to God's Son!

But Jesus admonishes Peter: "Get behind me, Satan... You are an obstacle to me!" (Mt 16:23)

You can imagine how Peter felt. Perhaps he still believed that Jesus would reign over an earthly kingdom. How could Jesus be subjected to suffering and death and still be the Son of God?

Jesus then explained to his disciples and to us today what it means to be his follower, to be a Christian. We must deny ourselves and take up our own cross for his sake. To live according to his Word. We must expect to be persecuted and to suffer and perhaps, even to die for our faith.

Are we even willing to make such a sacrifice? Jeremiah faced a similar crisis of faith long ago when he decided he could no longer speak the Lord's Word to the people:

"I say to myself, I will not mention him,
I will speak in his name no more.
But then it becomes like fire
burning in my heart...
I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it." (Jer 20:9)

Even though he was being mocked by the people, Jeremiah realizes that God's Word cannot be restrained and thus he must speak.

Paul also recognized what needed to be done as he taught the Christians of Rome,

"... offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God..." (Rom 12:1)

We are not to conform ourselves to the world but to renew ourselves so that we can desire only to do God's Will.

Doing the Will of God is how we become holy and pleasing to Him. The psalmist understood our yearning for the presence of God in our lives as he prayed:

"...you are my God whom I seek;
For you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts...

...your kindness is a greater good than life;
my lips shall glorify you." (Ps 63:2, 4)

~ Image from Today's Worship

September Birthdays at St. E's ~ provided by Ethel Cooley

2011-09-03T08:11:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday, Everyone!

09/01 ~ Karin Timmons

09/02 ~ Gloria Johnson

09/04 ~ Thelma Neal

09/05 ~ Stanley Glover, III

09/06 ~ George Strother

09/08 ~ Shelton Jones

09/09 ~ Terrence Holland Smith

09/10 ~ Erica Miller

09/11 ~ Arteria Moore

09/18 ~ Veronica Archer, Isaiah Goodwin, Michael Moore

09/21 ~ Duane Brannon, Jr.

09/23 ~ Maria Barrow

09/24 ~ Maria Strother

~ Image by Webweaver.nu

Who do you say I am? ~ by Josephine Fernando

2011-08-25T00:07:00.002-04:00

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 22:19-23
Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8
Rom 11:33-36
Mt 16:13-20

In today's gospel message, the focus is on St. Peter's affirmation of faith, "You are the Messiah." Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Messiah, who left heaven and took the form of a human being to be one with us here on earth.

We are not children of God by chance. We are redeemed by the Blood of Christ. The Mass is the highest form of worship in Roman Catholicism. A representation of the one and only unique sacrifice offered at Calvary, which can equal no other sacrifice of the past, present or in the future to come.

Jesus shed His Blood at Calvary, out of love for the entire human race. Jesus was not an ordinary man. Some said that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. For some, Jesus was John the Baptist and for others, Elijah; and for still others, Jeremiah.

Jesus asks each one of us the same question: Who do you say that I am? It is a personal question that the Lord asks us and we all have our different answers. However, it is good to answer our Lord and to seek Him to the fullest.

Since the birth of Jesus, the course of history has been changed. This all did not happen as a chance event. Yes, indeed, Jesus did build His church on St. Peter, who was our first Pope. Right from St. Peter, we have our popes, the visible Vicar of Christ on Earth.

~ Painting by Pietro Perugino, Sistine Chapel (painting reversed)

JAZZ! A memorable festival at St. E's

2011-08-24T10:54:00.003-04:00

Several local jazz groups made our St. E's Food and Jazz festival a memorable event! We want to thank them for their great music!

1. No Restriction

2. James (Saxmo) Gates

3. Glennroy Bailey & Co.

4. Russell Wilson

5. Carlton Ayles

The sound man and DJ - Mike Smith.

Our thanks to everyone who worked so hard to locate and enlist these groups to enhance our festival.

Photo by Ethel Cooley

2011 St. Elizabeth Jazz and Food Festival Winners

2011-08-24T10:35:00.006-04:00

A good time was had by all! Especially by the winners of the Raffle! Here they are:

1st prize - $500 - Berretta Washington, Ticket # 0670

2nd prize - $250 - Cassandra Jones, Ticket # 0790

3rd prize - $100 - Cassandra Bland, Ticket # 1526

Other winners:

Tastefully Simple Door Prize Winner - Terrie Pendleton

"Most Raffle Tickets Sold" - Rosemary Overton

Bingo 50/50 Winner - Dorothy Williford

Photo by Ethel Cooley

Beyond the lost sheep of Israel ~ 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-08-17T21:57:00.005-04:00

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 56:1, 6-7
Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 (4)
Rom 11:13-15, 29-32
Mt 15:21-28

It appears that wherever Jesus went, people were drawn to him. His teachings and the miracles that occurred as he ministered to the people caused even non-Jewish peoples to recognize that a prophet, a holy man had entered their lives.

And thus it was with the Canaanite woman in Matthew's Gospel who came to Jesus for help. Her daughter was being tormented by a demon. This foreigner had seen what marvels Jesus had accomplished and she had faith that he could release her daughter from the demon.

Strangely, we see Jesus being uncharacteristically unsympathetic to this troubled mother. He claimed he was sent "only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" and that it was not right "to take the food of children and throw it to the dogs." (Mt 15:21ff)

But the woman was persistent. She refused to become discouraged at Jesus' words and instead, she responded with courage to his remarks.

Her persistence paid off! "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." (Mt 15:28) ...and her daughter was healed.

What lesson does this incident that occurred during the public life of Jesus have for us today? For one thing, in order to be effective in our prayer life, we must first be reconciled to others and to conform to God's commands.

We must also have faith and turn to God when we have a need and then, to be persistent in our prayer, just as the Canaanite woman was. We cannot become discouraged if our prayers are not immediately answered. Our response comes in God's time, not ours.

We are assured by today's readings that Jesus came to bring salvation to everyone. His salvation goes beyond race or nation. ALL are included. As the psalmist says as he praises God: "So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation." (Ps 67:3)

~ Image: Christ and the Canaanite Woman by Germain-Jean Drouais
at Free Christ Images

Do Not Be Afraid ~ A Reflection on the Readings of the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-08-11T21:52:00.004-04:00

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a
Ps 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14 (8)
Rom 9:1-5
Mt 14:22-33

The theme of Matthew's Gospel this week is Faith. We find the disciples crossing the lake in the midst of heavy seas and they were frightened. Their boat was being tossed about by the waves and the wind. They became even more terrified when they saw Jesus coming toward them over the water. They believed they were seeing a ghost.

But Jesus reassured them by saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." (Mt 14:27)

Peter was counting on those words when he asked Jesus to command him to walk on the water toward Him. And for those brief moments, Peter did indeed walk on the water toward Jesus.

But something changed. Outside forces undermined Peter's faith. Instead of allowing his faith in Jesus' words guide and sustain him, Peter let fear enter the picture - fear of drowning in the tumultuous waters of the lake. "Lord, save me," he cried. (Mt 14:30) And Jesus reached out to him.

Isn't this so like ourselves? If we are overcome by doubt and fear in everything we do, we become paralyzed and are unable to accomplish anything.

Jesus calls us to keep our faith, hope, convictions and trust in Him. We can always count on the presence of Jesus during every crisis. When we are in need, He is always there for us, reaching out His hand to us and lifting us up. All we need is FAITH.

~ Image on living wide awake blog

Leadership Meeting with Bishop DiLorenzo, July 21, 2011 ~ from Minutes by Ethel Cooley

2011-08-09T23:27:00.009-04:00

Fr. Francois, members of Parish Council, Finance Council and other parish leaders met with Bishop DiLorenzo on July 21, 2011 in our parish hall. We had as our guest, Mr. Enoch Pou, Jr. who represented Chestnut Commons, LLC and spoke to the development of the old St. Elizabeth School. The property has been purchased from 5th Street Baptist Church. The group proposes to gut and renovate the school into 18 apartments, mostly 1 bedroom apartments. The plan is to build 46 additional apartments on the property.

Rezoning has to be completed and then financing obtained. There was a question and answer period with Mr. Pou. He stated that the projected rent would be the market rate of between $600-$900 per month. Section 8 applications would not be denied but those applying would be expected to pay the market rate.

Bishop DiLorenzo inquired as to how the parish of St. Michael and St. Elizabeth were working together. He was informed of the assistance that the Knights of Columbus would be giving us for our annual Food and Jazz Festival. He also learned that parishioners of St. Michael's are assisting in the program at Overby-Sheppard School. The St. Elizabeth Gospel Choir has been invited to sing at an upcoming Mass at St. Michael's.

He considers the "health" of St. Elizabeth to be strong and our parish is considered a "home" parish for our people.

~ The information in this article was taken from the minutes of the meeting with the Bishop, as written by Ethel Cooley, Office Assistant, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church.

~Photos by Ethel Cooley

August Birthdays at St. E's ~ by Ethel Cooley

2011-08-03T15:37:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday, Everyone!

* Please Note: If your name is missing from this list, please contact Ethel Cooley in the parish office to fill out a parish registration form so your name will be placed in the Parish Data System.

08/03/11 ~ Ashanti Williams

08/07/11 ~ Mary Jaquez

08/09/11 ~ Tonya Jones, Peter Thompson and Mieko Timmons

08/10/11 ~ Walker Bland

08/11/11 ~ Christopher Jaquez

08/12/11 ~ Lisa Moore and Daphne Sylvester

08/20/11 ~ Paulette Wright

08/21/11 ~ Vincent Cotman, Jr.

08/23/11 ~ Melvon McMillan

08/25/11 ~ Lyric Weston

08/26/11 ~ Candido Antomattei and Tracey Hall

~ Clipart by Webweaver

Saturday, AUGUST 6th ~ St. Elizabeth Jazz & Food Festival

2011-08-03T13:16:00.003-04:00

Calling all Jazz and Food Lovers!

Don't miss the 2011 St. Elizabeth Jazz & Food Festival, our annual Church Fundraiser! It will be held on the grounds of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church on Second Avenue and Fourquerean Lane.

Food, Music, Vendors, Community Education, Games!

Date: Saturday, August 6th

Time: 12 Noon - 7:00 p.m.

Entry Donation: $2.00 for age 12 and over

Be sure to tell your neighbors, family, and friends to come and enjoy the great music and good food!

Multiplication of the Loaves ~ by Ronnie Archer

2011-08-01T22:41:00.011-04:00

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 55:1-3
Ps 145:8-9, 15-18
Rom 8:35, 37-39
Mt 14:13-21

Before Jesus worked this miracle, John the Baptist had been arrested and beheaded. Jesus was sad and withdrew to Himself, thinking that He would be left alone in His grief; but the people followed Him on foot. They wanted to get close to Him.

When Jesus left the boat, He saw the large crowd and His heart was "moved with pity for them." (Mt 14:13ff)

The disciples preferred Jesus to "dismiss the crowd so they could go to town to buy food for themselves," because all they had were five loaves of bread and two fish. (Mt 14:13ff)

Jesus did not want the people to be sent away; he asked the disciples to bring the bread and fish to Him. Ordering the crowd to sit down on the grass, He took the loaves and fish, looked up to heaven, saying the blessing, He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to give to the crowds.

The crowd ate and were satisfied. After feeding the multitude, there were twelve baskets full left over.

Jesus needed to be alone for awhile to be able to carry out His ministry. In our own lives we also need our time alone to withdraw to ourselves in order to be able to do what is required of us; but sometimes we don't have a choice when we want, or need to be alone. Situations will arise that we do not expect, nor can predict; but we have to handle them when they do come.

Jesus knows that we need physical food to replenish our strength and give us energy to carry out our tasks at hand; BUT He knows that we also need spiritual food for our souls that ONLY He can provide.

One way that we "withdraw" to ourselves to receive the "spiritual food" that is necessary for us, is when we attend Mass, listen to and heed the Word and receive the Body and Blood of Christ that is blessed and broken for us.

Jesus does not want us to turn away from the suffering of others. We need to be fed spiritually to be able to share others' suffering. The strength that we receive from the Word and the Eucharist enables us to go out and share.

The multiplication of the bread and fish was a sign to prepare the people and the disciples for HIS spiritual food for their souls. It was a sign of Jesus' Power!

We should thank GOD and recognize that this food is a gift from God!

~ Image by Erica Middleton at Hermano Leon Clipart

Responding to God's Call to Build the Kingdom ~ by Cathy Woodson

2011-07-26T15:52:00.003-04:00

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wis 12:13, 16-19
Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16
Rom 8:26-27
Mt 13:24-43

Today's reading and the homily reminds us of our baptism; that we are called to build the Kingdom through our behavior and our actions. Today, Jesus lays out a proposal: People must love one another in order to live in Peace and Joy. We are called to love one another.

The Kingdom of God is like a treasure; this is our highest priority, holding the treasure in our hearts that gives us the desire to create a better world of love, leading us to working for justice with peace. We should fully invest in our faith, living spiritual lives, and giving our total selves to God. Our future should always be about loving God and keeping our focus on building our heavenly treasure.

~ Image by Hermano Leon Clipart

Waiting til the Harvest ~ Reflection of the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-07-21T20:13:00.004-04:00

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wis 12:13, 16-19
Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16, (5a)
Rom 8:26-27
Mt 13:24-30

This week in Matthew's Gospel, we are again given an example of a farmer sowing his seed; this time with the intention of growing wheat. However, this time we are told that his enemy comes along during the night and sows weeds all through the wheat. What should the farmer do when he discovers that his wheat field has weeds growing all through it? Should he immediately pull up all the weeds even though some of the wheat will surely be pulled up along with it?

"No," says Jesus. The farmer instructs his workers to wait til the harvest when both wheat and weeds have matured and then pull the weeds first to be burned. Then the wheat can be harvested and placed in the barn.

We can see in this parable how much the Lord cares for even the most insignificant ones of us. Just as the farmer did not want to lose even one grain of wheat, the Lord doesn't want to lose any one of us. After all, we are his adopted sons and daughters. The Lord gives us every grace to grow in his Love. He give us every opportunity to repent of our sins. He wants even the least of us to inherit the Kingdom.

Even the psalmist recognized this as he glorified the Lord:

"You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in kindness and fidelity." (Ps 86:15)

The Book of Wisdom also reminds us of the justice, power and clemency of our God. His actions on our behalf bring us hope that we will be found worthy of a place in the Kingdom. (Wis 12:13 ff)

~ Image from A Capuchin Journey

Yielding a Fruitful Harvest ~ A Reflection on the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-07-12T17:04:00.003-04:00

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 55:10-11
Ps 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14
Rom 8:18-23
Mt 13:1-23

In today's Gospel of Matthew, we hear again the parable of the sower and the seed. The people of Jesus' time could easily have identified with this farmer who scattered his seed everywhere. They would have realized what would happen if the seed landed in the road or between the rocks; even among the thorns... and they would surely have known what a plentiful harvest the farmer would have reaped if the seeds landed in rich soil, where they could sprout and grow and bear fruit.

And yet, regardless of their knowledge of the farmers' lore, they did not appear to understand what this parable meant in terms of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God that Jesus was teaching. They could not grasp that the seeds were the listeners themselves who were hearing the word that Jesus taught. That many of them would accept the word and have joy in it, but because of obstacles in their way, their faith would soon die.

But, in spite of those whose faith would not last, there were countless others who would hear the word and understand it... and would persevere. These were the faith-filled people who were sown in rich soil... who would bear fruit in a bountiful harvest.

These faith-filled ones are the people we strive to be in our own time. The Lord reminds us through the prophet Isaiah, that "my word shall not return to me void." (Is 55:11) Our faith can be nourished through God's word. That word has the power to change us. We need only to open our hearts; to say "Yes"... so that we can bear fruit.

At the harvest, the psalmist responds with joy and thankfulness as he recognizes God's providence and care for us:

"You have crowned the year with your bounty
and your paths overflow with a rich harvest."

Ps 65:12

~ The parable of the Sower by James Tissot

The Sower and His Seeds ~ A parable in pictures

2011-07-11T14:58:00.008-04:00

~ Image by Image and Spirit

Revealed to the Little Ones ~ A Reflection on the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-07-06T23:00:00.004-04:00

Ze 9:9-10
Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14
Rom 8:9, 11/13
Mt 11:25-30

In today's first reading, a prophecy about a Messiah is given to the prophet Zechariah. It is a joyful and hopeful prophecy as God describes the savior to come. He will be a king; but not the kind of king that people will expect.

This future King will forgo the usual trappings of kingship. He will not base his Kingdom on political intrigue or victorious campaigns. Instead, he will be a just and humble savior who will turn away from the weapons of war and proclaim peace to the nations.

In Matthew's Gospel, we see the embodiment of this Savior in the person of Jesus, who invites all who labor and are burdened to come to him and he will give them rest. "Learn from me," Jesus tells us (Mt 11:25 ff); for he is the same meek and humble one that the prophecy of Zechariah describes.

Jesus tells us that the high and mighty of the world will not understand this type of kingship. Instead, God will reveal everything to the "little ones" - those who in their humility are willing to take on the Lord's yoke. These are the ones who live in hope, and trust in their Savior.

They are the ones who open themselves to the life of the Spirit of God that dwells in them, as Paul describes in the Letter to the Romans (Ro 8:9).

We are filled with praise and thankfulness in knowing that our heavenly Father cares so deeply for us. We depend on him because he is our provider and the love we give him, we are to give freely and willingly.

"The Lord is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The Lord lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down."

Ps 145:13-14

Image at St. Andrew Catholic Church

July Birthdays at St. E's ~ by Ethel Cooley

2011-07-01T23:20:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday Everybody!

07/01/11 ~ Diane Neylan

07/04/11 ~ Nicholas Hall

07/06/11 ~ Kenneth Soistman

07/08/11 ~ Treshawn McCall

07/10/11 ~ Mackenzie Jaquez

07/13/11 ~ Woody Kaine

07/15/11 ~ Mary Ann Allen

07/20/11 ~ Mary G. Baker and Roland Smith

07/26/11 ~ Leila Moore and Lucy Thompson

07/27/11 ~ Keon Wilkins Green

07/28/11 ~ Corey Nero

07/31/11 ~ Tyshell Jones

~ Image by Webweaver

A Reflection on The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

2011-06-28T18:42:00.004-04:00

Feast of Corpus Christi

Deu 8:2-3, 14b-16a
Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 (12)
1 Cor 10:16-17
Jn 6:51-58

We all know how we feel when we haven't eaten all day. Our bodies soon alert us to the need for food by the pangs of hunger we feel.

Our soul and spirit can experience hunger also. We recognize this hunger as a deep yearning for union with our God. This feast of Corpus Christi, that we celebrate today, is a reminder for us of the gift of love that Jesus left for us on the night before He died; a gift that allows us to experience a measure of that union... His Body and Blood in the form of the consecrated Bread and Wine that we consume each time we receive Communion.

Through the priest's words of Consecration, we believe this ordinary bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ... that same Body that was sacrificed and Blood that was shed for us on Calvary. The Body and Blood that gives us life.

In today's Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to us of the importance of accepting and receiving His precious gift: "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life within you." (Jn 6:53)

And again, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in Me and I in him." (Jn 6:56)

In the Corinthian reading, Paul beautifully reminds us that we participate in the Body of Christ when we break the bread and bless the cup. And that "...we, though many, are one body..." (1 Cor 10:17)... a wonderful description of the community of believers.

~ Image by Hermano Leon Clipart

Father's Day Surprise

2011-06-22T15:18:00.005-04:00

Thirteen St. Elizabeth's men were honored on Father's Day Sunday, the 19th of June, for their continuing commitment of time and talent for the good of our beloved parish. The awards were a wonderful surprise for the recipients and for our parishioners, as well.

The recipients were the following:

1. Howard Braxton
2. Shelton Jones
3. O'Dell Mealy, Jr.
4. Eugene Ponton
5. Jay Schwermer (will be honored next Sunday)
6. Robert Shannon
7. Thomas Smith
8. Ken Soistman
9. Scott Stell
10. James Strother
11. Thomas Williams
12. Cliff Wright
13. Larry Williford, MAN OF THE YEAR!

Each of the recipients received a standing ovation as their names were called, for without their dedication, we could scarcely continue as a parish. We thank you so very much for all you do for your St. Elizabeth Parish Family. God bless you each...

After Mass, there was a breakfast in the parish hall in honor of Father's Day, which was also observed and celebrated this day.

Our thanks also to Barbara White who coordinated the award event and to all who provided and served the breakfast.

~ Photo by m.a.allen

"God so loved the world, that..." ~ by Ronnie Archer

2011-06-20T20:56:00.004-04:00

Trinity Sunday

Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9
Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
2 Cor 13:11-13
Jn 3: 16-18

This weekend we celebrated the SOLEMNITY of the Most Holy Trinity. To celebrate Trinity is to celebrate the fact that God IS Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the fact that Jesus was true God and true Man!

To be a real Father, you have to have love. It is most important that we know that God IS love! He loved the world so much that He sent His only Son to the world to be the Savior of the world.

Jesus died on the cross because of love. If we love, then we also have to trust... trust in Jesus.

We were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and each time we, as Catholics, make the sign of the cross, we show that we believe in the Trinity: three persons in One Divine God.

Jesus gave up His life by suffering and dying for us, all because of LOVE. We are "connected" to each other by the love that God has for His creation. We are expected to show that same love towards each other and treat each other in a way that we believe that the Triune God lives within them, as well as within us.

We've heard in the past that God loves "community" and that is exactly what family is. Let us rejoice that God IS Family. As Christians, we have to show examples of God's love to others. We are called to strive for His holiness.

...HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON!

~ Image from Turn Back To God

Christmas Eve 2010 pictures ~ Better late than never!

2011-06-18T21:33:00.004-04:00

Christmas Eve at St. Elizabeth's: the Children's Concert and Mass. These lovely photos were taken by Ken Soistman.

Lord, Send Out Your Spirit ~ Pentecost 2011

2011-06-14T19:31:00.003-04:00

Pentecost Sunday

Acts 2:1-11
Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 29, 31, 34
1 Cor 12:3-7, 12-13
John 20:19-23

Jesus has ascended to His Father; the Apostles and the other believers are now truly alone and they are frightened. Even though Jesus has promised that He will not leave them alone; that He will send the Holy Spirit to make everything clear to them, the Apostles needed to be in the company of each other as they waited for an event they still did not grasp.

And thus as they were all gathered in one place, Jesus' promise was fulfilled. All of a sudden, their lives were changed. As the tongues of fire rested on their heads, they became filled with all the gifts the Holy Spirit can give. No longer was there any question in their minds as to what they had been called to do. The fear, that had paralyzed them, disappeared. Their minds were opened and they now understood all that Jesus had tried to teach them.

Filled with this same Holy Spirit, they went out among the people and testified to the mighty acts of God!

What does this event mean for us today? Because the Spirit has entered our lives and guides the entire Church, we know that we will never be abandoned by God. The Holy Spirit unites us; He guards and protects us; for the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of Love. The love that we possess through the Holy Spirit calls us to action. - to do what we can to help others, especially those less fortunate than we are. We give witness to God's love by what we do for others. Actions speak louder than words, we were reminded by our priest.

Working through us and through the love we show toward others, God renews the face of the earth.

~ Image from Spryfield Community Church

Behold, I am with you always ~ by Josephine Fernando

2011-06-08T23:36:00.005-04:00

The Ascension of the Lord

Acts 1:1-11
Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 (6)
Eph 1:17-23
Mt 28:16-20

The triumph of Our Resurrected Lord climaxes on Pentecost. However, before that, we have the Ascension. Forty days from Easter is the Ascension of Our Lord, and the tenth day from then is Pentecost (the fiftieth day after Easter).

After Easter, the Lord appears to His apostles and others by breaking of bread and by giving peace (Shalom). On June 2nd, we celebrated the Ascension, which in our diocese is transferred to the following Sunday. The Lord ascends to the throne of His Father to prepare mansions for us. However, He tells His apostles not to leave Jerusalem for He will send the Holy Spirit. This is the second greatest feast in our Church, next to Easter. However, this year all the feasts are late, for Easter was very late since it followed the Lunar calendar.

The Ascension of Our Lord is the second decade of the Glorious Mysteries when we say the Rosary. This shows the concern of Our Lord to take us home, when we finish with our earthly voyage. Therefore, He is preparing us for a permanent place in heaven.

As Father mentioned during his homily, the four steps in imparting a new skill are as follows:

1. I do, you watch.
2. I do, you help.
3. You do, I help.
4. You do, I watch.

When Our Lord ascends to Heaven, the apostles are confused and they ask the Lord whether He was going to bring back the kingdom of Israel. However, the Lord quiets them by saying, it is not their job to know about that. Then the Lord tells them about His mission of preparing a room for us in Heaven. So Jesus is stepping aside and watching what we will do.

He also told the apostles and He also tells us, that we need to be in prayer for the infilling of the Holy Spirit and moreover, that we are not alone; for He is with us even to the end of the earth. A powerful promise, to bank on the Risen Lord, the Ascended Lord and the Lord who is going to fill us with His Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

So the Lord did train His apostles. We also have the Bible to fall back on and to follow exactly what the apostles did and learned from Our Lord. However, the Lord watches each one of us, because the mission given to Christ by His Father is the mission that Our Lord passed on to His apostles and today, it is to us. Go therefore, and baptize people in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, not only in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, but to the ends of the earth. So let the mission of Our Lord be our mission too as we become filled with the Holy Spirit.

Image by e-watchman

"I will not leave you orphans" ~ The Coming of the Spirit

2011-06-01T22:20:00.003-04:00

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20, (1)
1 Peter 3:15-18
John 14:15-18

As we meditate on the readings each week, we see that they are bringing us ever closer to the feast of Christ's Ascension and to Pentecost. In today's Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that if they love him and keep his commandments, the Father will send the Holy Spirit to teach and guide them after Jesus leaves their earthly presence forever.

The word, IF, places a condition on the followers of Jesus... and on us also. That condition is to love. When we love, we are able to obey the person we love. And Jesus tells us that we must keep his commandments. When we love and obey, we willingly place the needs and desires of the other person before our own. In other words, we are able to renounce self in the interests of the other...we are able to sacrifice.

We cannot live for ourselves alone. The selfishness that living only for ourselves breeds, places us in opposition to what it means to be an adopted child of God and an heir of the Kingdom. Instead, we are to imitate Jesus, whose life is the perfect example of love, obedience and sacrifice.

Love means reaching out to others... just as Jesus did when he told his disciples, "I will not leave you orphans..." (John 14:18)

~ Image by Turn Back To God

June Birthdays at St. E's ~ by Ethel Cooley

2011-06-01T21:40:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday, Everyone!

06-03-11 ~ Joyce Coy

06-04-11 ~ Howard Braxton

06-05-11 ~ Ernest Ponton

06-06-11 ~ Vince Neylan

06-07-11 ~ AndiSymone Nero

06-08-11 ~ Angela Julia Gilbert

06-10-11 ~ Larry Williford

06-11-11 ~ Jonelle Nero and Mary Threadgill

06-13-11 ~ Traven Carter

06-16-11 ~ Barbara Williford

06-17-11 ~ Lord Davis, Jr

06-18-11 ~ Angela Cotman

06-20-11 ~ Keira Beverly

06-21-11 ~ Thomas Brown and Sierra Green

06-22-11 ~ Deborah Moon

06-24-11 ~ Scott Stell

06-29-11 ~ Chanda Kim Ford

~ Clipart by Webweaver

Following the Way ~ by Phyllis Booth

2011-05-24T00:45:00.003-04:00

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts 6:1-7
Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 (22)
1 Peter 2:4-9
John 14:1-12

The first reading depicts the disciples preaching the Word of God and the numbers accepting the Faith increasing greatly. The Hellenists complained about the daily distribution because their widows were being neglected. The twelve apostles met immediately and presented a plan that the community accepted. This plan saved the community because the twelve turned to the Advocate in prayer asking for guidance and wisdom. This same Advocate is with us today, hoping we'll remember that Jesus said that he was sending the Advocate to be with us and that we needed to seek him as we grow spiritually.

The second reading reminds us that we rejected the One God sent as a living stone to open the path to a spiritual life. Our rejection was redeemed by Peter when Jesus designated him to be the Rock. That Rock became the cornerstone of our faith. A cornerstone is the foundation of a building. The Rock Peter accepted became the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church has a firm foundation because the Faith preached twenty centuries ago still stands through persecution, religious storms and all the evils of society. The Catholic Church still exists. It exists because Jesus remains our Spiritual Cornerstone.

The Gospel reading from the 14th chapter of John depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd, preparing the apostles to accept His going to be with the Father. He says: "Do not let your hearts be troubled... I am going to prepare a place for you... I will come back again and take you to myself." These words sparked fear in the hearts of the apostles.

Fear of the unknown is one of our human conditions. The apostles had lived through the sadness of losing Jesus for three days and now the joy of having, loving and knowing Him was being upset. Jesus wanted to alleviate or heal their fear by telling them He was going away for a while. Fear is a great emotion and being human, the apostles' reaction showed they did not comprehend what Jesus meant or wanted.

Jesus wanted the apostles to believe in God and to believe in Him without questions... with blind faith. This blind faith is expected of us today. We haven't seen Jesus or God. Jesus said that those are great who believe and haven't seen Him... "Where I am going there are many mansions... I shall prepare a place for you..." Just trust in His words, the words of His Father. "I am the way and the truth and the life."

If we truly accept Jesus' words, we will not worry, be fearful, angry, sad or unhappy. Jesus' way of life is our destination. Jesus' words are truth, and Jesus is life, mercy and love. We are people of faith and we know where we are going. Our reward is eternal life with Jesus and His Father and the Holy Spirit.

~ Image by Ain Vares

I am the Gate...

2011-05-18T12:32:00.005-04:00

Fourth Sunday of Easter

"Good Shepherd Sunday"

Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
1 Peter 2, 20b-25
John 10:1-10

Not only is today "Good Shepherd Sunday," but this day is also dedicated to prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The readings fit this special theme perfectly.

Leadership is necessary to keep the community of believers united. As we look at the Gospel reading, we can see the roles that the shepherd must assume.

1. The shepherd must know his flock. Jesus knows us and all our needs.

2. The shepherd must feed and nourish his flock. Jesus taught, preached and provided us with the Sacraments for our journey.

3. The shepherd must protect his flock. The Church protects us from false teaching.

4. The shepherd must lead his flock. The Church has provided us with Bishops who lead the dioceses that are made up of various parishes whose members are the People of God.

Without a true shepherd, the sheep go astray and are at the mercy of thieves and robbers... And thus it is with us also. Without a shepherd and guardian of our souls, someone who has given His life for us, we would still be wandering aimlessly in sin and at the mercy of Satan.

But Jesus has told us that not only is He the shepherd that we follow, He is also the gate through which we must go in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He tells us that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We believe... for only Jesus' way is the right way.

~ The Good Shepherd by James Powell

2011 Mothers' Day Honorees at St. E's

2011-05-13T22:11:00.004-04:00

This year, the Women's Group honored nine parishioners who had reached their Eightieth Birthday! Prior to announcing the honored guests, Sr. Cora Marie Billings gave a short talk describing the work that these women had done for the church during their years of service at St. Elizabeth's. After the women had been called forward, they were given corsages and gifts as the congregation applauded in thanking them for all they had contributed to St. Elizabeth by giving of themselves in so many various ways.

The women so honored:

1. Marguerite Branch
2. Mary Hill
3. Jannie Allen
4. Katherine Lamb
5. Phyllis Booth
6. Mary Tucker
7. Perzelia Dandridge
8. Elizabeth Ruffin
9. Gwen Woodruff

~ Clipart by Webweaver

Were not our hearts burning? - A Reflection

2011-05-09T22:18:00.004-04:00

Third Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14, 22-33
Ps 16:1-2,5,7-11
1 Peter 1:17-21
Luke 24:13-35

On this Third Sunday of Easter, we are still experiencing the inexpressible joy over Jesus' victory over death. As Peter proclaimed to the Jews of Jerusalem, Jesus had been delivered up to be crucified and had been put to death by evil men, and yet..."God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it" (Acts 2:24) This was good news!

Our Risen Lord could not keep this joyous miracle a secret either, for we know from Scripture that Christ appeared to many of his followers at different times in order that they might believe he had truly risen and to instruct and prepare them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They would then leave fear behind and begin their public ministry of proclaiming the Good News of the Resurrection.

Today's Gospel relates one of the appearances of the risen Christ. The disciples did not recognize Jesus as he travelled with them on the road to Emmaus. His resurrected body seemed different to them. Even as Jesus explained the Old Testament prophecies pertaining to the Messiah, their understanding of who was speaking to them remained clouded. It was only at the table after they arrived at their destination, were their eyes opened and "...he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread." (Luke 24:35)

These beautiful words have deep meaning for us today, as we gather together for Mass to listen to the Word and to receive Our Lord's Body and Blood. We find him in Scripture and we recognize him in the breaking of the Bread, just as his disciples did so long ago.

We believe that the Blood of Jesus has saved us. Jesus has conquered death; so the fear that death is the end of everything and not the beginning, has been broken.

We realize that our life here on earth is only temporary; that we are actually on a journey that will take us back home... to the place where we will rest in God's Light forever.

~ Image from Hermano Leon

First Communion at St. Elizabeth's ~ May 1, 2011

2011-05-04T15:20:00.004-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS!

to our First Communicants

May 1, 2011

DeShawn
Kelsey
Keon
Lyric
Vincent

~ Photos provided by Angela Cotman ~

The Easter Alleluia ~ by Ronnie Archer

2011-05-02T23:31:00.006-04:00

Second Sunday of Easter
Divine Mercy Sunday

Acts 2:42-47
Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
1 Pt 1:3-9
Jn 20:19-31

Alleluia/Halleluja - the word we use to express the praise and joy of the Easter season.

Some of the disciples were discouraged at Jesus' crucifixion. We know that that loving, sacrificial act changed the course of history over the past two thousand plus years.

All components of life are important, because they are a part of our human life experience. Some of us are frightened of death, but it is a part of life that we cannot escape.

Yes, the crucifixion happened, but then came Easter morning, and the Resurrection of Jesus....so Easter time is a time of joy, because it tells us that death can be conquered. That one act gave us the hope that we too can have eternal life.

Jesus appeared several times after the Resurrection, which increased the faith of His disciples. We must continue to pray for a strengthening of our own faith.

The fact that we, on this Sunday, celebrated the First Eucharist of five of our youngest parishioners is a testimony to our faith in our parish.

This first Sunday after Easter also is Divine Mercy Sunday, which was instituted by Pope John Paul II. We need God's mercy to be saved.

Jesus told His apostles, "Peace Be With You". When we try to do what is right in God's eyes, we can be at peace.

Even though we have to go through darkness at times, we have to have strong faith to be able to "come through."

Let us all pray for continued faith and the peace that only God can give us!

~ Images from Hermano Leon Clipart

May Birthdays at St. E's ~ Ethel Cooley

2011-05-01T18:13:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday, Everybody!

05-01-11 ~ Minnie W. Davis and Sabrina Thompson

05-04-11 ~ Samuel Walker

05-08-11 ~ Chansay and Kenise Ford, and Jerimah Henderson

05-09-11 ~ Betty Alexis

05-11-11 ~ Robert Fitzgerald, Sr. and Annella Kaine

05-17-11 ~ Ya-Sin Miller and Gwendolyn Woodruff

05-18-11 ~ Sr. Maureen Carroll and Tyler Jones

05-19-11 ~ Anitra Green and Jacqueline Hall

05-20-11 ~ Maeola Strother

05-23-11 ~ Danielle Smith

05-26-11 ~ Robert Fitzgerald, Jr.

05-29-11 ~ Timothy Lamb and Robert E. Shannon

~ Image from Webweaver

He is Risen! - The Easter Vigil ~ by Josephine Fernando

2011-04-28T19:18:00.004-04:00

We had a number of readings read at the Easter Vigil. We primarily commemorate the Passover Feast of the Lord. The Israelites were redeemed from bondage, from slavery at the hands of the Egyptians. It was a command from God, that every generation henceforth will tell its generation and will celebrate this great feast.

When they crossed the Reed Sea, they were being baptized and were led into the wilderness. When Our Lord was baptized, He too, was led by the Spirit into the desert.

The Water, Fire and the Easter candle are blessed at the Easter Vigil. They are very symbolic of new life in the Lord. Water and Fire symbolizes our Baptism and Holy Spirit, through which we enter the Church and become the Body of Christ. It symbolizes our new life in the Lord, to forget our old self, behavior, attitude... for we put on the robe of Christ. Baptism is the first Sacrament, which initiates the other sacraments and our Christian walk.

We heard the reading from the Book of Genesis, the Creation story. God created man in His image and likeness. The Lord also wants us to imitate Him. We need to be loving and caring, the very essence of Our Lord's quality, which led to Our Lord's Apostolic ministry. Only when we are loving, will gratitude flow from us; will we be more concerned of our neighbors than ourselves. Thus we can build up our Church together.

If there was no resurrection, there would have been no hope for us Christians. We too believe, that one day, when we die, we will also rise, for the Lord rose from the dead. Death has no power over us, for Our Lord Jesus Christ defeated death.

Easter is one of the greatest feasts in our Church. The tomb is empty. Our Lord is Risen! We need to be joyous. Shalom. May we experience the Peace of Christ, every moment of our lives, for we have risen with Our Lord Jesus Christ.

~ Three Marys at the Tomb by William-Adolphe Bouguereau
~ Image at Free Christ Images

Good Friday - The Lord's Passion ~ by Cathy Woodson

2011-04-25T15:08:00.002-04:00

This day, as well as this entire week, is special - Holy Week. With the death of Jesus, we feel sorrow because he died and we feel joy because his death rescued us from sin. We may ask ourselves was there another way for salvation to come to us; but this was God's plan. Jesus was condemned to die and he was put to death by crucifixion, the method used to deter others from following the acts of criminals. Jesus was not a criminal but he was treated like a criminal, but remember, he suffered and died because of our sins.

In our ordinary lives, we celebrate those who give their lives to protect us, to keep us free. But freedom is not free; someone always pays a price. We make this week special because Jesus is our hero. He worked and gave his life for all nations. We honor him now, today, at this Good Friday service.

Jesus reminds us there is no greater love. We are here to say thank you, thank you Jesus. We must ask ourselves how will we show supreme love? What do we need to do to show and practice true love. We too must be prepared to suffer.

Jesus asked forgiveness for those who persecuted him, demonstrating true love for all. He shows us that we must love those who hurt us; hurt is part of human life. Remember, Jesus was betrayed, but he still asked God to forgive those who stood against him.

We must pray, fast and give alms so that we will be able to feel the strength of our faith in God and love with all our hearts, even those who hurt us. AMEN.

~ The Crucifixion
~ Image at Lost Seed

Holy Thursday ~ Jesus teaches by example II

2011-04-25T14:17:00.004-04:00

"This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

"This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Cor 11:24 and 25

~ The Last Supper by Jacopo Bassano, 1542
~ Free Christ Images

Holy Thursday ~ Jesus teaches by example

2011-04-25T13:42:00.002-04:00

"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." John 13:8

On Holy Thursday night, twelve of our parishioners took the role of the apostles and had their feet washed. Here are the twelve and the Apostle they portrayed:

1. Tommie Williams ~ St. Andrew
2. Roland Smith ~ St. Jude
3. Tyronna Jones ~ St. Thomas
4. Barbara Randall ~ St. John
5. Melvon McMillan ~ St. Phillip
6. Stacey Wright ~ St. Peter
7. Amy Williford ~ St. Simon the Zealot
8. Jennie Green ~ St. Matthew
9. Jackie Hall ~ St. Bartholomew
10. Johnell Nero ~ St. James the Lesser
11. Nancy Freeman ~ St. James the Great
12. Barbara Williford ~ St. Matthias

~ Christ Washing Peter's Feet by Ford Madox Brown
~ Free Christ Images

FOLLOW...

2011-04-24T23:46:00.006-04:00

FOLLOW is an unusual meditation for Holy Week and Easter. And well worth watching...

~ Uploaded to YouTube by Igniter Media ~

Palm Sunday 2011 ~ Ride on, King Jesus!

2011-04-19T21:29:00.007-04:00

Is 50:4-7
Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
Phil 2:6-11
Mt 27:11-54

Our procession this morning commemorated Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem so many centuries ago. From the parking lot to the entrance of the church, we sang and waved our palms! On entering the church, the choir began our entrance song, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, lift up your voice and sing: Hosanna in the highest; Hosanna to our King!"

Jesus arrived like a king to the cheers of the people. But this Jesus was a different kind of king than the one the people expected. He was a humble king who rode into the city on an ass instead of a horse.

His kingship was not political or economic. No, Jesus' mission was spiritual. His agenda was to bring peace of mind and heart to His people; a servant leadership that was expressed as "we", not "I". Jesus led by example and showed us that the way to God was through serving and loving one another.

The crowds that cheered Jesus that triumphant day turned into a mob that mocked and jeered Him a few days later as He was led away to carry His cross. The crowd failed to recognize a king who did not liberate them in the manner they expected. So, instead, they crucified Him.

~ Icon at Crossroads Initiative

The Raising of Lazarus ~ Fifth Sunday of Lent

2011-04-10T23:38:00.004-04:00

Jn 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45

In today's Gospel, we hear what happened when Jesus learned of the serious illness that had befallen his friend, Lazarus. Mary and Martha had sent word to Jesus to come as soon as possible. They were frightened and felt certain that Jesus could cure their brother and that he wanted to cure him. However, Jesus lingered along the way and back in Bethany, Lazarus died and his sisters buried him.

Several days later, Jesus finally arrived in Bethany. Martha went to meet him on the road, saying: "If only you had been here, my brother would not have died." Martha seemed to have lost hope for her brother's life... but she was comforted as she listened to the words of Jesus.

But Jesus was overwhelmed with sorrow, when he saw the grief of the bereaved sisters, their family and friends. He wept with them and asked where Lazarus had been laid. There he had the stone rolled away. After offering a prayer to his Father, we turned to the open tomb and cried out: "Lazarus, come out!"

Can you imagine their joy as Lazarus was united with his family and friends? There could be no question that a true miracle had taken place... Lazarus had been in the tomb so long that his body had begun to decompose; and yet, here he stood, a whole and alive human being! God's plan (not theirs), accomplished through the action of Jesus, tells us that we should never give up! Jesus purposely delayed his arrival in Bethany so that an even greater miracle than a healing could take place.

What does this event mean for us? We must hold out even when our prayers seem to go unanswered. No matter the situation, we must trust that God has something even more wonderful in store for us or for those we pray for.

So during the rest of this Lenten season, we pray: "Father, we do trust you. We ask that you help us to hold out. With your grace, we believe we can hold out... until our change comes. Amen."

~ Image by Hermano Leon Clipart

Reflection on the Gospel Reading for the Fourth Sunday of Lent ~ by Phyllis Booth

2011-04-04T13:09:00.005-04:00

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Jesus Heals the Man Blind from Birth

John 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45

Lent is a season when we stop the business of our life and find a quiet place or space to devote time to really see if we are following the greatest commandment of God - "to love our neighbor as you love yourself."

In today's Gospel, we find four diverse groups that didn't see the joy and gladness the healing by Jesus brought to the man born blind. His neighbors still saw him as a beggar; the Pharisees saw only the fact that the healing took place on the Sabbath; therefore, Jesus broke the law and wasn't from God. The Jews didn't believe he was born blind and gained his sight; and even the disciples saw his blindness as a sin.

The most compassionate and merciful character in this story is the man born blind. He gave his healing to the glory of God and thought Jesus was a prophet. He didn't criticize those who questioned his healing and wouldn't believe him or his parents. The Holy Spirit helped him to hold out under the pressure he received and still believed God had a hand in what had happened.

The commandment to love others as you love yourself is a great challenge. We see so much in ourselves that we just don't love. The desire to look different, our hair, our shape, the desire for wealth, praise, popularity, attachment to possessions and pleasure - the list seems endless. This is the blind spot in our character. Why does this happen? Is it because we don't believe we are made in the image and likeness of God and that God loves us unconditionally? When we have these thoughts we need to talk to God and say, "Lord, help me to hold out and believe that You love me and help me to love others."

~ Image by Turn Back to God

April Birthdays at St. E's ~ by Ethel Cooley

2011-03-30T23:28:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday, Everybody!

04/01 ~ Kenneth Majors, II

04/08 ~ Michelle J. Jordan

04/09 ~ Peggy Beverly

04/17 ~ Margaret Pittman

04/18 ~ Kenneth Ford

04/23 ~ Rosemary Overton

04/27 ~ Jay Schwermer

04/29 ~ Kathleen(Katie) Stell

~ Image by Webweaver

An Evening with Fr. Cyprian Davis, O.S.B.

2011-03-28T23:30:00.004-04:00

Black Catholics, Embracing Our Past To Shape Our Future

The Office for Black Catholics invites you to an evening with Fr. Cyprian Davis, Benedictine priest and professor, April 13, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3300 "R" St., Richmond. Reception begins at 6:00 p.m.

Fr. Cyprian has written many books and articles on the history and spirituality of African American Catholics. He published "The History of Black Catholics in the United States" (New York: Crossroad) in 1990, which received the John Gilmary Shea Award from the American Catholic Historical Association. Fr. Cyprian is a professor of Church history at Saint Meinrad School of Theology.

Please RSVP to obc@richmonddiocese.org or 804-622-5109 no later than Monday, April 4, 2011. Visit www.richmonddiocese.org/obc for more information.

Reflection on the Woman at the Well, the Third Sunday of Lent ~ by Mary Walker

2011-03-27T19:12:00.007-04:00

The Third Sunday of Lent

Jn 4:5-42

We gather on this Third Sunday of Lent to again reflect on our theme of "Lord, help me to hold out" and the Gospel. In today's Gospel reading from John, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well. They met in a simple way - He would say, "Give me a drink." She knew that Jews and Samaritans had nothing in common.

Her dialogue with Him would eventually make her believe in Him and lead her to eternal life in Baptism. She would learn about God's unconditional love for us. His power of forgiveness, our need to have faith and trust in Him. She would believe that Jesus was the prophet and the Messiah. She, too, would go out into her community to evangelize and to bring others to Christ.

When the Liturgy Committee decided on this year's theme and presentation, we did not know that this past week we would be involved in a one-day joint Caritas effort with Fifth Street Baptist Church and that it would be such a blessing and opportunity to reach out to others - to 40 Homeless Men!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son" and on this Wednesday, He brought us 40 sons - a son to represent each day of Lent. These were sons for us to feed and to care about - albeit briefly. Upstairs, the Stations of the Cross and the Mass were being celebrated. Downstairs, we fed those representing fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers, cousins, uncles and friends. It was such a powerful time.

May God bless Lucy Thompson, our coordinator and her small army of helpers and cooks. Several of the men spoke about it being the best home-cooked meal that they have had in a long time.

Let's be reminded on our Lenten journey to keep our 40 brothers and those in need in our prayers and fasting, and continue our Lenten sacrifices. Dig deep as you contribute to our Church and your other almsgiving efforts to the Rice Bowl and to our precious children in Haiti.

St. Elizabeth - who knows what God has in store for us. Like the woman at the well, keep the faith, trust in God and continue to ask: "Lord, help me to hold out!"

~ Image: The Woman at the Well by J. James Tissot ~

~ Gospel Illustrations by James Tissot

Second Sunday of Lent - Reflection on the Transfiguration ~ M.A. Allen

2011-03-20T19:31:00.004-04:00

Our Lenten theme for this year is "Lord, help me to hold out!" Each Sunday after Communion, a member of the Liturgy Committee will give a short reflection on the Gospel for this week and how the reading relates to our theme. This week's Gospel tells the story of the Transfiguration, Matthew 17:1-9.

Lord, help me to hold out...
Until my change comes!

In today's Gospel, we learn that Peter, James and John were chosen to witness a profound change as Jesus was transfigured before them. There on the mountain, His glory, which is the glory of God, was revealed to them.

"Lord, it is good that we are here," they said.

The apostles recognized that something wonderful was happening and they wanted to capture those moments and to hold on to them forever. They responded in such a human way as they planned to set up tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah so that they could remain in that holy place. But they didn't really understand what this transfiguration meant and then were terrified when the Father spoke from the cloud... "This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased... listen to Him." By giving this instruction to the apostles, our Heavenly Father was telling them that if they paid attention to Jesus, their lives would be transformed too...

During this Lenten season, we are asked to change our lives. To listen to what the Beloved Son is telling us through His suffering and death... To have faith that no matter what trials we are facing, God's grace and mercy will carry us through. To forgive others as Jesus did from the cross... To reconcile with others before we bring our gifts to the altar. To recognize that acceptance of God's grace allows us to change.

When our lives are truly lived with the light of Christ within us, we will be transformed also... Our light will shine like the sun.

So we ask God to help us to hold out... To give us patience... until our change comes.

~ Image from Hermano Leon Clipart

Reflection on the First Sunday of Lent, 2011 ~ by Phyllis Booth

2011-03-14T18:19:00.004-04:00

First Sunday of Lent

Gen 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Ps 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17
Rom 5:12, 17-19
Mt 4:1-11

On last Wednesday, we received our ashes and thought of ways to keep a good and holy Lent. Lent is only for forty days. I can do this! It's a piece of cake! Taking time for extra prayer, giving up my favorite sweet tooth and putting a little extra in collection... I know I can do this.

Guess what? Sunday rolls around and it's Daylight Saving Time. What a struggle to get to Mass on time. The first hurdle of Lent. The first temptation of the devil. I was able to meet the challenge after recalling the message from the Gospel for March 13th. Jesus met the devil and calmly rejected him. Will I be able to keep the church's expectations for Lent?

After Mass, I had a serious talk with myself. Since Jesus loves me and He died to give me the privilege to have eternal life with Him in Heaven, I should be able to endure forty days in gratitude for the sacrifice He made. I know that I'll not be alone on this journey. Jesus will walk with me if I listen for His voice. Refusing the desire for new things such as CDs, the latest music videos, going out to eat, or buying new jewelry is not doing what I need but satisfying a desire. Jesus refused the chance to own the whole world. This is an opportunity for me to save a little and give back to my parish or give to the New Jerusalem Orphanage.

I need to test my patience and see if I can keep quiet and listen to hear Jesus speak to me after reading a passage from the daily scripture. The Holy Spirit has given me the power to resist the devil and the ability and knowledge to fight any road block he puts in my way. So I will fight the distractions that come my way when reading the Word. This may mean refusing to answer the phone or doorbell, and informing family, friends and neighbors that I'm not available during my time with the Lord.

Giving up sweets will be a challenge. It's a part of hospitality wherever you go. You may think it is easy to avoid, but think a minute how it invades our life. The commercials, the drugstores, gas stations, markets and even the church seem to make sweets their first choice on the menu. If I avoid them, it will benefit my health. My blood pressure will stay normal; my cholesterol number will come into the normal range and I'll lose a couple of pounds. This will please my doctor and I hope Jesus will smile upon me.

Now I'm wondering if I should restate my sacrifice for Lent. Will going to Mass more often and keeping the obligation of going to Confession be a better choice this Lent?

I will try my best to keep Lent holy. I will worship and praise the Lord each day and avoid being tempted with the help of the Lord. I cannot wear sack cloth or roll in ashes as the Israelites did to show sorrow for their sins, but I'll keep Lent as joyful as possible.

~ Public domain image: "Temptation" by James Tissot

Changes to the Mass! Here is what you want to know!

2011-03-13T23:56:00.005-04:00

Here is what you want to know about the changes to the Mass that will go into effect on the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011. Click on the image above and you will link to the official website for the New Roman Missal. The site will explain all you wish to know about the whys and wherefores of the changes.

For the specific changes in the People's responses and prayers during the Mass, please click HERE... These are the changes that will directly affect YOU!

There have been several Diocesan and local workshops held during the past several months to prepare parish leadership and others to help implement these changes within the parish. There will be other training opportunities in the coming months. There will also be handouts available to help everyone understand the changes so that we can adapt to the changes quickly.

If you have any questions about the changes, Frances Pope or other members of the Liturgy Committee (Phyllis Booth, Mary Walker, Mary Ann Allen) will be happy to respond to them.

Where would you build your house?

2011-03-07T22:28:00.004-05:00

Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deut 11:18, 26-28, 32
Ps 31:2-3b, 3c-4, 17, 25
Rom 3:21-25, 28
Matt 7:21-27

"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock..." (Matt 7:24)

The theme of today's readings is Salvation. We learn from Paul's letter to the Romans, that since "all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God..." (Rom 3:23) only through God's grace freely given, can we come to faith in Christ who has redeemed us by His blood.

That this faith and belief in Christ is apart from the works of the Law. It is a free gift of God; and one that is not based on merit. However, Jesus clearly states that faith without action is like a man who builds his house on sand.

Having received the gift of faith in Christ, we are impelled to try to become like Him in our own lives; to follow the Great Commandment that Jesus taught: love of God and love of neighbor. Our love cannot exist in a vacuum. By its very nature, love is meant to reach out to others, especially to our brothers and sisters in need. This is exactly what Jesus did... and this is what He expects of us.

The Will of the Father is that we place the welfare of others above ourselves. To act beyond ourselves and our own needs and desires. To be selfless and humble. This is really a radical concept in this day and age, and it is definitely not easy when our culture is constantly demanding that we think only of ourselves and what we can buy or do or become.

Fortunately, we have examples of people who were successful in living holy lives; often in spite of difficult conditions. These are the saints of the past and of the present. We are called to be holy too; to build our lives on rock; and not sand. The saints of the future.

~ Image from Hermano Leon Clipart

New Classroom for the Children of New Jerusalem Orphanage

2011-03-05T21:29:00.007-05:00

Our Haiti Ministry took a big step recently when we sent Pastor Kenold funds for constructing a new classroom to replace the one destroyed by the devastating earthquake of January 2010.

This week, we received an email with photographs from Pastor Kenold showing the children eating in their new classroom. You, our parishioners, made this classroom possible by your generous contributions to our monthly Haiti Collection.

~ Photos by Pastor Kenold Chrispin

"I Will Never Forget You." ~ by M. A. Allen

2011-03-01T19:49:00.003-05:00

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is. 49:14-15
Ps 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
1 Cor 4:1-5
Matt 6:24-34

In the beautiful first reading from Isaiah, we hear how much our God loves us:

"Can a mother forget her infant,
be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget,
I will never forget you." (Is 49:14-15)

Never forgetting means that no matter what happens to us, our Heavenly Father is with us through it all. Even the psalmist recognized this. He believed and trusted that God was his safety, his rock, his salvation and his hope. (Ps 62:2 ff)

In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples not to worry about where they would find food or drink; or what they would wear. God knows we need all these things and He would provide. God takes care of all His creation. Just see the birds and the flowers. Their beauty is greater than Solomon in all his splendor. We need only to place our trust in God and have faith, knowing that He will never abandon us. (Matt 6:24 ff)

Remember that we are the tabernacles of His Spirit and also God's ambassadors to others. When we allow God to work through us, others will see Christ in their midst.

~ Jesus Preaching the Sermon on the Mount by Gustave Dore
~ Image from Free Christ Images

March Birthdays at St. E's ~ Ethel Cooley

2011-02-28T15:50:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Everybody!

03-03-11 ~ Sheryl Smith

03-04-11 ~ Jim Allen

03-08-11 ~ Phyllis Booth

03-09-11 ~ Carolyn Nash

03-10-11 ~ Kelmern Tunstall

03-13-11 ~ Gia Terreforte

03-16-11 ~ Mira Davis, Isreal Murray and Clifton Wright

03-19-11 ~ Marguerite Branch and Joseph Smith

03-22-11 ~ Stanley Lamb and Akhira Walters

03-23-11 ~ Ronald Timmons

03-24-11 ~ Lord Davis, Sr.

03-26-11 ~ Quentin Sullivan

03-31-11 ~ Ethel Cooley, Micole Jordan and Marva Williams

~ Clipart by Webweaver

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself ~ by Ronnie Archer

2011-02-21T13:08:00.003-05:00

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lv 19:1-2, 17-18
Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13
1 Cor 3:16-23
Mt 5:38-48

"An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth... when someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other one as well." These verses are Jesus' command from the Gospel of Matthew 5:38-39.

The Lord tells us in the first reading this 7th Sunday, that we are to not bear hatred even though we might feel we have a reason to feel that we have been wronged by someone. Jesus tells us NOT to incur sin because of him/her.

On this Sunday's celebration of Black History Month, we are told how our ancestors knew how to "turn the other cheek"... There were many times that they had to walk through difficulties and persecution. They knew that Jesus prayed for those who persecuted Him; and He challenges us to do the same.

Our ancestors, as well as many others of our own lifetime, have gone before us and they did not come alone, but by faith in God. The Good News of His Son Jesus' love and mercy that we hear about in Matthew's Gospel was what they remembered and kept in mind during those difficult years.

All of us can tell stories of incidents where we know that God has worked on our behalf through our faith journey.

We come from people who believed in the Word of God that worked wonders before, and would do so again. They did not strike back; they knew that God had worked with dry bones before and that He would work with them again. Our ancestors remembered what God spoke to Ezekiel, that he prophesied and breathed life into dry bones. (Ez 37:4-5)

Thanks be to God that we had people who didn't take revenge. They prayed and came this far by FAITH! They knew that God was with them even in the midst of trouble - now our journey is to keep up what our ancestors did.

We are living in an evil world. Satan works all the time. We have to teach our children and pray for, and with them, or we will lose a generation; and if a generation is lost, then the church will be lost, and if the church is lost, then our world is doomed.

Jesus had to deal with all sorts of conditions, but HE knew that God, His Father, was with Him. God did NOT promise life without trials, but He promised us that HE would be with us through them.

Peace is not the absence of trials, but realizing that He is with us through it all.

In this dangerous world, we need to be WHAT God called us to be, for the sake of our children.

We are not only commanded to share the Good News, but to BE the Good News!

Do not hide your light under a bushel basket. We are called to be the LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

We have come this far by Faith, and we cannot turn around now!

* From Deacon Calvin Bailey's homily ~ Black History Celebration Sunday

~ Sermon on the Mount by Fra Angelico, c. 1440

~ Image from Free Christ Images

Various Reflections on the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ by Josephine Fernando

2011-02-20T21:10:00.003-05:00

Josephine attended several Masses during this weekend and kindly sent along these reflections on the homilies she heard:

St. Patrick's Catholic Church ~ Fr. Wayne's sermon...

The first reading speaks about grudges. Matthew's gospel ends with a final instruction, "Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect". How to be perfect? What is the distinction between being in error and committing a sin? Sin is doing wrong; we know it is wrong and still we choose to do it.

We as human beings will definitely make mistakes. Mistakes are not sin. Sin needs choice. Suppose someone is ill, is mentally handicapped; then we know the reason why that individual behaves in that way. However, if we normal human beings behave in some weird way, we need to seek medical advice.

We cannot help someone else's doing but my reaction (response) to his / her doing is my choice, and can help us behave in a decent way. I have to overcome people who provoke me. Let go and let God.

The theme in the first reading is TO BE HOLY. The theme in the second reading is YOU ARE HOLY, BECAUSE GOD DWELLS IN YOU. St. Paul, in the second reading tells us, that we have everything that will make us holy. Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect. Is it easy? No. We need to work on it.

People can provoke us, but we can control what we say. We need to be aware, that God is with us. Stop in between your busy schedule and pray. Let us remind ourselves of the presence of God. We have the freedom to choose the kind of person that we want to be. We are to be like God.

Can we make the responsorial psalm to be our own? "The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in mercy." Replace the Lord with I. Can we act on, or can we say, that I am kind and merciful, I am kind and merciful. Slow to anger and rich in kindness? Yes, we can say it and do it, how? By the Spirit of God which dwells in us, by the sacrament of the Eucharist, by the sacrament of Reconciliation. We make errors, yes. Can we try to live without sin? Oh yes, by being aware of the presence of God in us, when we are constantly making choices.

Cathedral ~ the Deacon's sermon...

This deacon stressed the word, Forgiveness.

It is easy for us to love those who love us; to do good to those who do us good; to be kind to those who are kind to us; to borrow and to lend. It is easy, because this is the current trend in the world. It is a reasonable and a rational behavior. However, the Lord invites us to forgive more; to give more; to offer more, to make enemies our neighbors, to go an extra mile; to be more generous, to pray for our adversaries... for we will become children of God.

To show real love, excessive compassion, to do good for evil... that is sacrificial love. It is a polar opposite. When we forgive, the Lord will restore our dignity, our self-worth. The important prayer which Our Lord taught us: forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. To err is human, to forgive is divine. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we should not retaliate. We should be generous; we should not judge. Thus Jesus overturned the standards of this world; how to honor and nurture relationships with one another.

A Reflection on the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ by Josephine Fernando

2011-02-18T21:22:00.003-05:00

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sir 15:15-20
Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
1 Cor 2:6-10
Mt 5:17-37

In order to avoid temptations, one should have a strong will and should cooperate with God's graces. The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes are guidelines to live a gracious and a fruit filled life in Our Lord Jesus Christ. When we give in to temptations, we get habituated, and slowly addicted. However, if we choose to fight it in the first instance with prayers and confession, then we can make good progress.

The Bible is our road map for life. A very strict gospel message on a Valentine's Day. However, the Lord is very clear in what we need to follow to grow in Him.

The Sacrament of Marriage was given as an example, a marital relationship. One ought to think well, whether the courtship will carry them into a full fledged marriage. There are warning signs shown during the courtship period, to which one has to heed. One has to think with heart, mind and soul. It is very good to take advice of our parents or our relatives, who have a good experience.

Most often we are blind in a relationship and we go into it with our eyes closed. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, so we need to make good decisions. We can for very sure, pray to Our Lord for guidance and directions. He will definitely lead us to make the right choice if we trust in Him. Most often we try to handle it by ourselves, where our heart rules our head and we fumble and make wrong decisions and we fail in our marriage and we end in divorce.

~ Image by Hermano Leon Clipart

St. Edward's Annual Benefit for St. E's - Pancake Dinner!

2011-02-13T19:31:00.003-05:00

St. Edward Church
Annual Mardi Gras
Pancake Dinner

Fun for the whole family!!!

March 8, 2011 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
In the Community Center

All the pancakes and sausages
You can eat!!

Milk, coffee, soft drinks provided

$5.00 per person

Maximum per family $15.00
Age 6 and under eat FREE!

**All proceeds go to help St. Elizabeth's Church**

Cooked by the famous Knights of Columbus Council #6546

For more information, call
Parish Center 272-2948
Al Anonick 794-3234

Photos from St. E's 2010 Jazz and Food Fest

2011-02-12T14:28:00.005-05:00

Take a look at the nice pics that Ethel Cooley took at the St. Elizabeth Jazz and Food Festival last year! You will find them by going to the parish website and clicking on Parish Life in the left column.

Click the link at #16 and you will go to our Picasa Picture Album where you can see the pictures as a slideshow if you so wish.

Enjoy!

~ Photos by Ethel Cooley

Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ by Barbara Williford

2011-02-07T14:13:00.005-05:00

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 58:7-10
Ps 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1 Cor 2:1-5
Mt 5:13-16

Our enthusiastic homily today focused on Jesus' call for us to be LIGHT. A light for the world to see.

Pre-Vatican II, when the Latin language was used to say the Mass, the final prayer words were: "Ite Missa est". This is now translated into "Go, the Mass is ended". And we responded, "Thanks be to God".

Father suggested the Latin could be translated into "Go - Now - is the Mission". He was telling us that we had been fed at the table, heard the words of good news and all of the challenges the readings present to us; so our task is to go out and do the Mission of the Church. Each of us is called to be a missionary.

Like salt, we cannot lose our flavor. We cannot be hidden under a basket. We must be a light to others. Remember, the needy may not need our money; they may need our LOVE - the Love of God in us. God's Love is given to us to share with the world. We have been saved. "Thanks Be To God, Amen!"

~ Image by Hermano Leon Clipart

February Birthdays at St. E's ~ Ethel Cooley

2011-02-03T14:26:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday, Everyone!

02/01/11 - Anne Holton Kaine

02/02/11 - Lauren Cotman and Genelle Frizzelle

02/03/11 - Elizabeth Ruffin and Jennifer Soistman

02/04/11 - Jennie Green

02/06/11 - Cathy Woodson

02/07/11 - Eva Chiles

02/09/11 - Thomas Smith

02/10/11 - Amy Williford

02/11/11 - Sr. Cora Marie Billings

02/15/11 - Kenneth Williams

02/17/11 - Alexandra Williams

02/23/11 - Katrinia Murray

02/24/11 - Naseem McDowell

02/25/11 - Stanley Glover and Tyronna Jones

02/26/11 - Kamryn Beverly, Morgan Jaquez and Tim Kaine

02/28/11 - James L. Strother, Sr.

~ Graphic by Webweaver.nu

A Reflection on the Beatitudes ~ by Phyllis Booth

2011-01-31T15:23:00.004-05:00

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Zep 2:3; 3:12-13
Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
1 Cor 1:26-31
Mt 5:1-12a

Life is a Journey... Enjoy It! The journey of life Jesus revealed in the Sermon on the Mount described the old covenant and the New Life we are to enjoy if we embraced the Holy Spirit and let the old order pass away.

Jesus used life values of the people to help them to imagine or have a vision of how the New Life would be. The poor in spirit, those with a clean heart and the peacemakers would see God and join Him in heaven. The mourners must accept the new order and believe the Word of God to be comforted. Many Christians today are mourning over the economy and have lost faith in self and God. The challenge for them is to accept changes in life, move from the darkness and see the light at the end of the tunnel by trying new things, preparing self to live in the new age and seeking God's love and help.

The same challenge includes the meek, the merciful and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Because we are made in the image of God, we are given grace and certain gifts that will lead us to eternal life. But when we stop seeking, loving and pleasing God, God will use steps to bring us back to him. Sometimes the storms of life are to discipline us in ways that direct us to develop new life habits, skills and understandings of how Faithful God is. God wants to transform us to bring those in most need of His mercy to the Kingdom.

~ Image: Jesus on the Mount by Gerard Hoet

~ Image from: Truth Book

Jesus, the Light of the World ~ by Ronnie Archer

2011-01-25T17:49:00.003-05:00

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 8:23-9:3-1
Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
1 Cor 1:10-13, 17
Mt 4:12-23

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom, a light has shone." (Is 9:1)

"I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, that all of you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose." (1 Cor 1:10)

The first reading of this Sunday, as well as the Gospel, share the theme of "light". Our second reading from St. Paul to the Corinthians, urges unity among the community; for it had been reported that there were rivalries and division among them. Christ went to the cross for all.

Jesus challenges/invites us through our Baptism, to continue His work on earth. First, we have to believe that we are called, and realize that when we "cast our nets"... that from what we gather, we will have to decide which of that is worth keeping or which we need to discard... We have to separate the "wheat from the chaff".

We need to let go of the sins that we have been used to in our life, and trust in something much different from the sin. We will have to pray for strength to not give in to temptation and sin.

Our old ways will pass away when we accept our call and when we truly claim Jesus Christ as our Savior. When we accept our call, Jesus invites us to lift up our voices and to be active. We are called not to be afraid to speak out in truth, to go forth wherever we find ourselves and to stand up for justice when we recognize that something is wrong.

It is easier to just "blend in", and pretend that we don't notice, but we cannot become complacent. We have to step out on faith and speak truth.

We are called to be that light of hope to others. We should open our hearts and arms as Jesus did.

The apostles were going about their routine chores when Jesus saw and called them. Jesus had such an impact on them that they heard and with hope, they stopped the tasks that they were doing and followed Jesus.

Jesus wants His light to shine through to us, through our Baptism, His call is meant for us all.

We pray that we can see what the apostles saw so we too, can live His way and truly follow Him.

Let's pray also, that our parish can continue to be a beacon of light in our community.

~ Art by Free Christ Images

St. E's Advent/Christmas Projects! - A Note of Thanks by Mary Walker

2011-01-24T16:29:00.003-05:00

We are grateful to all who generously gave during the 3 Advent/Christmas Projects sponsored by Social Ministry and other Outreach Programs.

~ With a goal of 300, we received a combination of 350 canned goods and non-perishable items, which were donated to St. Paul's Catholic Church. Their food pantry is an outreach program of the Richmond Food Bank.

~ We collected 195 pairs of socks and 20 assorted bags of candy for the "Socks & Sweets for Soldiers". We collaborated with All Saints School on this project and we thank principal, Ken Soistman, and Barbara Williford for bring this special project to our attention.

~ For several years, St. E's has been involved in a community outreach with Overby-Sheppard Elementary School. Our coordinator with this program is Mieko Timmons. This Christmas ten school families were provided gifts from St. Michael's Catholic Church. St. E's Choir and the Men's and Women's Groups gave three families grocery store gift cards. Several other churches provided gift cards to the other seven families. We had one additional request for help through Social Ministry. That family was helped with monetary donations given by several parish members.

Your generous hearts and spirit of giving made a wonderful difference in the lives of many people that we don't know, yet care about. Thank you so much. May God bless each of you for your generosity to those in need.

Mary Walker, Social Ministry/Outreach Chairperson

Look for more ways to share with others this Lent and early Summer!

~ Free image by Clker.com