Monday, August 30, 2010

First Day of School

A Poem, for the first day of school today (the author is Howard Nemerov:)

I


My child and I hold hands on the way to school,
And when I leave him at the first-grade door
He cries a little but is brave; he does
Let go. My selfish tears remind me how
I cried before that door a life ago.
I may have had a hard time letting go.

Each fall the children must endure together
What every child also endures alone:
Learning the alphabet, the integers,
Three dozen bits and pieces of a stuff
So arbitrary, so peremptory,
That worlds invisible and visible

Bow down before it, as in Joseph's dream
The sheaves bowed down and then the stars bowed down
Before the dreaming of a little boy.
That dream got him such hatred of his brothers
As cost the greater part of life to mend,
And yet great kindness came of it in the end.

II


A school is where they grind the grain of thought,
And grind the children who must mind the thought.
It may be those two grindings are but one,
As from the alphabet come Shakespeare's Plays,
As from the integers comes Euler's Law,
As from the whole, inseperably, the lives,

The shrunken lives that have not been set free
By law or by poetic phantasy.
But may they be. My child has disappeared
Behind the schoolroom door. And should I live
To see his coming forth, a life away,
I know my hope, but do not know its form

Nor hope to know it. May the fathers he finds
Among his teachers have a care of him
More than his father could. How that will look
I do not know, I do not need to know.
Even our tears belong to ritual.
But may great kindness come of it in the end.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Pope Speaks of Saint Augustine

The Pope focused his catechesis on the example of Saint Augustine, whose feast is celebrated on August 28th. He emphasized the Saint's "constant" search for the one Truth.

Although at times Augustine looked to prestige, material possessions or immediate happiness, he learned to reflect more deeply and look within himself. In this way, the Pope explained, the Saint discovered that the God for whom he was search never had abandoned him and was waiting to become part of his life.

Benedict XVI: “I would say to everyone - including those going through difficult times in their journey of faith, those involved little in the life of the Church, or those living “as if God did not exist” - do not be afraid of Truth and never break off your journey towards it.” 

Benedict XVI noted that the search for truth is a current issue, especially at a time now where relativism often guides thinking and decision making.

In his last general audience of August, the Pope said that all people should choose a saint who can become a "traveling companion” and guide them towards authentic truth – to God.

Friday, August 27, 2010

32 years ago, first words of Pope John Paul I

August 27, 2010. On August 26, 1978 italian cardinal Albino Luciani was elected Pope.  His first words were: “Yesterday morning I went to the Sistine Chapel to vote tranquilly. Never could I have imagined what was about to happen.” He died 33 days later, on September 28. 

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Centenary Begins

Today there is so much suffering - and I feel that the passion of Christ is being relived all over again - are we there to share that passion, to share that suffering of people?

Around the world, not only in the poor countries, but I found the poverty of the West so much more difficult to remove. When I pick up a person from the street, hungry, I give him a plate of rice, a piece of bread, I have satisfied. I have removed that hunger. But a person that is shut out, that feels unwanted, unloved, terrified, the person that has been thrown out from society - that poverty is so hurtable and so much, and I find that very difficult....

You must come to know the poor, maybe our people here have material things, everything, but I think that if we all look into our own homes, how difficult we find it sometimes to smile at each, other, and that the smile is the beginning of love. And so let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love, and once we begin to love each other naturally we want to do something....

This is something that you and I - it is a gift of God to us to be able to share our love with others. And let it be as it was for Jesus. Let us love one another as he loved us. Let us love Him with undivided love. And the joy of loving Him and each other - let us give now... Let us keep that joy of loving Jesus in our hearts. And share that joy with all that we come in touch with. And that radiating joy is real, for we have no reason not to be happy because we have Christ with us. Christ in our hearts, Christ in the poor that we meet, Christ in the smile that we give and the smile that we receive. Let us make that one point: That no child will be unwanted, and also that we meet each other always with a smile, especially when it is difficult to smile.
--Mother Teresa, MC
Lecture for the Nobel Peace Prize
Oslo, Norway
11 December 1979

Beginning this hour with a Mass in Calcutta, and going on from there across the globe, today sees the start of a yearlong centenary celebration marking the life of Blessed Teresa -- Mother Teresa -- born a hundred years ago today.

While the worldwide roster of liturgies includes high-profile rites everywhere from the "Saint of the Gutters'" native Albania to New York and beyond, the principal Stateside celebration comes instead on Bl Teresa's 5th September feast at Washington's Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with an afternoon Mass, followed by the formal presentation and first-issue of a US Postal Service first-class stamp (which is already available for pre-order).

Of course, the Foundress' feast-day novena coincidentally begins today... lest anyone else's up to join in, here are the prayers; and here, her liturgical collect -- which, given the restriction of the beatified to a localized cult -- technically isn't supposed to be used outside India... but still:

O God,
who called blessed Teresa, virgin

to respond to the love of your Son thirsting on the cross
with outstanding charity to the poorest of the poor,
grant us, we beseech you, by her intercession,
to minister to Christ in his suffering brothers.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

New Knights of the Holy Temple

The Knights of the Holy Temple celebrate Mass in the woods
With all the activities surrounding Bishop McFadden's installation, some other parish news just got pushed to the back burner.  Now, I have a chance to catch you up on what's been going on.

Back in early August, the Knights of the Holy Temple, our high school boys group, took a 3-day retreat/camping trip for some R & R, some "guy time" and in preparation for an initiation ceremony.  We spend several days tent camping at Cowan's Gap State Park where we were kayaking, swimming, and enjoying sitting around the campfire.  We also reflected on our responsibilities and role as young, Catholic gentlemen. Fr. Collin Poston, of Saint Mary's in Hagerstown, MD, and 4 of his Knights joined us for the camping trip/retreat.

(L to R - Row 1) James Clement, Joey Barvir, Austin Maurer, Philip Bautista, John (of St. Mary's), Robert Lison.  (Row 2) Fr. Bateman, Nate Wunderlich (of St. Mary's), Ben Hartung, Andrew Hartung, Alex Bowman, Fr. Poston
After returning to the parish, and getting cleaned up from several days out in the wilderness, we held an initiation ceremony for 3 young men from Waynesboro and 2 from Hagerstown. 

Monday, August 23, 2010

New Eagle Scout - James Clement

Eagle Scout James Clement with Father Bateman
On Sunday, August 15, James Clement, a member of our parish, became the newest Eagle Scout from our parish.  A few weeks before Andrew Hartung held his court of honor before leaving the area with his family.  James held his court of honor at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waynesboro, who sponsoring organization for his troop.  As his Eagle Scout Project he assisted in the renovation of the troop's cabin up in the woods.  

James pins the "mother's pin" on his mom, Judy, as dad, Dave,  watches proudly.
The Rank of Eagle is a major achievement for any young man and the requirements are difficult.  In addition to the completion of his scout project, he must demonstrate that he lives the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life - receiving recommendations from people who know him; also he must exercise leadership positions in the troop and achieve certain criteria with merit badges and activities.

Congratulations, James!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Parish Picnic a GREAT success

What a BEAUTIFUL day it was for our annual parish picnic.  Hundreds of parishioners gathered on a pleasant, cool afternoon to celebrate together - with food, and fun and games - and, of course, a bingo game!  Here are some photos and even a couple of videos from the day!  This first video is the children of our parish who attended our Summer VBS (Vacation Bible School) on Saint Patrick - singing some of the songs they learning (along with the hand motions) during VBS.  The 2nd video is just a fun video of some of the very little ones of our parish having a good time, dancing!


Then there are some pictures of various moments during the picnic...  Enjoy!
Tug - a - war.  Pull!  Pull!

This jello tastes GREAT!

The Jello eating contest... "I may not have won, but it was GOOD!"
Fun with Bingo!
Calling Bingo - with our picnic shirts - the emblem of the Diocesan Marian Year and 1/2 of bishop McFadden's episcopal motto: "Mary the Model."


Full Video of Bishop Joseph McFadden's Installation

Many have asked about the Mass of Installation for Bishop McFadden.  Thanks to Catholic TV, the ENTIRE Mass of installation is available online for everyone - just click here!    Fortunately, two members of our parish were able to attend, representing our Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Council.   On Tuesday evening there was a Vespers Service - there our parish was represented by five different organizations: the School Board of Education, the Knights of Columbus, the Council of Catholic Women and our CCD program.  For those who were not able to attend, I hope you enjoy this video of the event!
Thanks to Catholic TV, the entire Mass of Installation of Bishop Joseph McFadden is available online! Check it out here!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Bishop McFadden's Installation

Here is a wonderful, short YouTube that was put together giving snippets of the Installation Mass yesterday.  Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Installation of Bishop McFadden on TV / What a Bishop Wears

The Installation of the Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden as the Tenth Bishop of Harrisburg will be televised live on the Eternal Word Television Network at 2 pm on Wednesday, August 18.  It will be repeated at Midnight.

A live web simulcast will be available at www.hbgdiocese.org.  To find your local EWTN channel visit www.EWTN.com/ChannelFinder.  The Installation will also be shown that evening at 8 pm on the Catholic TV channel available via Sky Angel Faith & Family TV service. Information is available at www.catholictv.com.

What a Bishop Wears: During the Installation, you may see many of the following items in use.  This is what a Bishop Wears:

ALB: Long, white linen tunic-like robe worn by liturgical ministers. It is worn under the chasuble.
STOLE: Long thin band of material worn around the neck of ordained ministers.  For priests and bishops,
the stole hangs down three or four feet in front.  The deacon wears the stole over his left shoulder and fastened at his waist on the right side.
CHASUBLE : Outer liturgical vestment worn when celebrating Mass.  Color changes with the liturgical year and on special feasts.
EPISCOPAL RING: The symbol of the bishop’s espousal to the Church.
CASSOCK: Floor-length garment worn by clergy.  The Roman style has 33 buttons (representing Christ’s 33 years on Earth).  It is black for priests, purple for bishops, red for cardinals, white for the pope. The
purple cassock for bishops has red cuffs on the sleeves.  It is known as the “choir cassock” and may
be worn under the alb and on its own for special ceremonies when the bishop is not celebrating mass.
Cardinals and bishops also have a “house cassock” that is black with red or purple piping. The house
cassock is worn for non-liturgical occasions. 
COLLARE (Rabat): White collar and short bib-like material worn around the neck under the cassock.  The color of the material matches the color of the cassock.
FASCIA (Sash): Wide belt worn around the waist with the cassock with two longer bands hemmed with
fringe that hang from the waist.  Priests wear black, bishops wear purple, cardinals wear red, and the pope
wears white.
SIMAR: Short black shoulder cape worn over the house cassock.
MOZZETTA: Longer purple cape that comes to just above the waist and buttoned in front and worn over
the “choir cassock” for special ceremonies.
FERRAIOLO: Long purple cape worn by the bishop over the house cassock for solemn non-liturgical
events and ceremonies.
ZUCCHETTO: Small, round silk skullcap worn by Catholic bishops.  It is white for the pope, red for a cardinal and purple for a bishop.
MITER: A bishop’s liturgical headdress.  The miter features two fringed lappets or “infulae” (Latin for band)
that hang from the back.
CROSIER: A bishop’s pastoral staff.  It symbolizes a bishop’s role as caretaker of the flock and shows his authority and jurisdiction.
PECTORAL CROSS: Worn over the mozzetta when in choir dress.  When in choir dress, the cross is worn
on a green and gold cord.  When the bishop is dressed in a suit, it is usually placed in the breast pocket with
the chain showing.
ROCHET: A white linen knee-high garment resembling a surplice.  Worn under the mozzetta in choir dress.
BIRETTA: Square purple cap with three points and a tuft (pompon) used in special ceremonies.
VIMP: Veil or scarf worn around the shoulders of the servers who hold the miter and crosier when the bishop is not using them during liturgical services.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Bishop McFadden Instalation Ceremonies

The Installation of the Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden as the Tenth Bishop of Harrisburg will be televised live at 2 pm on Wednesday, August 18.  It will be carried live on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and by the Pennsylvania Cable Network, (PCN).  It will be repeated at Midnight on EWTN.   

A live web simulcast along with a worship aid will be available at www.hbgdiocese.org

To find your local EWTN channel visit www.EWTN.com/ChannelFinder .
 
The Installation will also be shown that evening at 8 pm and on Thursday Aug. 19 at noon on the Catholic TV channel available via Sky Angel Faith & Family TV service. Information on that service is available at www.catholictv.com. Information on PCN can be found at www.PCNTV.com.

The worship aids being used at the two ceremonies (the Vespers on Tuesday evening and the Mass on Wednesday) are also available on the Diocesan website.

Novena to the Holy Spirit for our New Shepherd - Bishop Joseph McFadden

Day 9: August 17, 2010
 
Christ Jesus, you sent the Holy Spirit to Your apostles. Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our new Bishop’s life the work of Your grace and love. Grant him the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that he may be filled with a loving reverence toward You; the Spirit of Piety that he may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others; the Spirit of Fortitude that he may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome all obstacles; the Spirit of Knowledge that he may know You and grow in holiness; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten his mind with the light of Your truth; the Spirit of Counsel that he may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom. Grant him the Spirit of Wisdom that he may aspire to the things that last for-ever. Teach him to be Your faithful disciple and guide him in every way with Your Spirit.

Father, through Jesus, Your Son, You sent the Paraclete to be at our new Bishop’s side, to reconcile all creation to you. Grant that he may be forever open to Jesus' invitation to "Receive the Holy Spirit!" Father, open his hearts to accept Your forgiveness for sins and to offer that same forgiveness to Your people. For merciful forgiveness is the essence of Your love revealed in Your Son. Come, O Divine Spirit, fill his heart with Your Heavenly Fruits - Your charity, joy, peace patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, mildness and temperance, that he may, by faithful submission to Your Inspiration, merit to be united eternally with You in the love of the Father and the Son.  Amen.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...

Monday, August 16, 2010

Novena to the Holy Spirit for our New Shepherd - Bishop Joseph McFadden

Day 8: August 16, 2010
 
Christ Jesus, you sent the Holy Spirit to Your apostles. Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our new Bishop’s life the work of Your grace and love. Grant him the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that he may be filled with a loving reverence toward You; the Spirit of Piety that he may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others; the Spirit of Fortitude that he may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome all obstacles; the Spirit of Knowledge that he may know You and grow in holiness; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten his mind with the light of Your truth; the Spirit of Counsel that he may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom. Grant him the Spirit of Wisdom that he may aspire to the things that last for-ever. Teach him to be Your faithful disciple and guide him in every way with Your Spirit.

Come, 0 Blessed Spirit of Wisdom, strengthen our new Bishop’s faith, increase his hope, perfect his charity. Father, enlighten him each day, in the silence of his heart, to discern the voice of Your Spirit, to do what You ask of him and to understand the gifts You freely give. We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Article on Bishop McFadden

The Daily Item, a newspaper in our Diocese, published a great article about our new bishop today.  Read the details here!

Novena to the Holy Spirit for our New Shepherd - Bishop Joseph McFadden

Day 7: August 15, 2010
 
Christ Jesus, you sent the Holy Spirit to Your apostles. Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our new Bishop’s life the work of Your grace and love. Grant him the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that he may be filled with a loving reverence toward You; the Spirit of Piety that he may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others; the Spirit of Fortitude that he may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome all obstacles; the Spirit of Knowledge that he may know You and grow in holiness; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten his mind with the light of Your truth; the Spirit of Counsel that he may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom. Grant him the Spirit of Wisdom that he may aspire to the things that last for-ever. Teach him to be Your faithful disciple and guide him in every way with Your Spirit.

Come, 0 Blessed Spirit of Counsel. Make our new Bishop’s thoughts holy, his love pure, and his works pleasing to God. Father, guided by Your Spirit, may he strive to make loving choices and respect all life. May he be aware of the dignity of Your sons and daughters, re-deemed with the Blood of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - meaning and history

"By contemplating Mary in heavenly glory, we understand that the earth is not the definitive homeland for us either, and that if we live with our gaze fixed on eternal goods we will one day share in this same glory and the earth will become more beautiful. Consequently, we must not lose our serenity and peace even amid the thousands of daily difficulties. The luminous sign of Our Lady taken up into Heaven shines out even more brightly when sad shadows of suffering and violence seem to loom on the horizon.

"We may be sure of it: from on high, Mary follows our footsteps with gentle concern, dispels the gloom in moments of darkness and distress, reassures us with her motherly hand. Supported by awareness of this, let us continue confidently on our path of Christian commitment wherever Providence may lead us. Let us forge ahead in our lives under Mary's guidance".
— Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience at Castel Gandolfo Aug. 16, 2006.

For hundreds of years, Catholics observed the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 -- celebrating Mary's being taken bodily to Heaven after her death -- but it was not until 1950 that the Church proclaimed this teaching a dogma of the Church -- one of the essential beliefs of the Catholic faith.  The Celebration has been called the Dormition (falling asleep) or Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Assumption celebrates both the happy departure of Mary from this life by her natural death, and her assumption bodily into heaven.

Along with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) the Assumption is a principal feast of the Blessed Virgin and a Holy Day of Obligation -- one of the most important feasts of the Church year.  Now at the end of the summer season, the Church celebrates the most glorious "harvest festival" in the Communion of Saints -- Mary, the supremely blessed one among women, Mary, the most precious fruit which has ripened in the fields of God's kingdom, is today taken into heaven.

The idea of the assumption of Mary into heaven after her death is first expressed in narratives of the fifth and sixth centuries.  Even though these were never official, they bear witness to the very early belief in a teaching of the Catholic Church which was not formally defined as a dogma (a teaching essential to the Catholic faith) until 60 years ago in November of 1950.

Though it was almost universally believed for more than a thousand years, the Bible contains no mention of the assumption of Mary into heaven.  The first Church writer to speak of Mary's being taken up into heaven by God is Saint Gregory of Tours (594).  On May 1, 1946, Pope Pius XII, asked all bishops in the world whether they thought this belief in the assumption of Mary into heaven should be defined as a proposition of faith, and whether they with their clergy and people desired the definition. Almost all the bishops replied in the affirmative.

On November 1, 1950, the Feast of All Saints, Pope Pius XII declared as a dogma revealed by God that "Mary, the immaculate perpetually Virgin Mother of God, after the completion of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into the glory of Heaven".

We have no real knowledge of the day, year, and manner of Our Lady's death. The dates which have been assigned to her death vary between three and fifteen years after Christ's Ascension.  Both Jerusalem and Ephesus claim to be the place where she died.  (By tradition, Mary lived at Ephesus after the death of Jesus.)  Mary's tomb was presumably found in Jerusalem.  It is believed that Mary died in the presence of all the Apostles, but that after her burial, her tomb, when opened, was found empty.  Therefore, they concluded that her body had been taken up (assumed) into heaven.

Saint Gregory of Tours provided a rationale for the tradition, which is related to her having been preserved from original sin.  He said that it is inconceivable to think Mary's sinless body, likened to the Ark of the Covenant which was made of incorruptible wood, should decay in the grave.  The text, "Rise thou and the ark of thy strength" (Ps 132/1:8) was understood to mean that it was God's will that, as Christ had ascended, so too Mary would be received into heaven.

There is an important difference, of course, between the ascension of Jesus into Heaven after His Resurrection, and the assumption of Mary.  To ascend is to rise up under one's own power; while to be assumed means something that is done to you.  Jesus, being the Second Person of the Trinity, had no need of assistance; whereas Mary did not have this power.  (A pastor once demonstrated this difference in an unusual way.  He asked two children to come to the front of the church. He told one child to walk from one side of the sanctuary to the other; and the other child he carried across.)
 
According to one tradition, Mary was warned of her approaching end by Saint Michael the Archangel, who conducts souls to Heaven, and was surrounded on her death-bed by the apostles, who were miraculously transported to her bedside from their various mission-fields.  It was said that Jesus appeared, bore away her soul, and returned three days after her burial, when angels carried her body to Paradise where it was reunited with her soul under the Tree of Life. 
Observance of the Assumption
In Catholic countries the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most popular festivals of the year.  The increased number and splendor of paintings of Mary's assumption into heaven from the late sixteenth century onwards, in which Mary appears as "a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with twelve stars on her head for a crown" (from the description in the Book of Revelation 12:1), attests the depth of popular devotion to this manifestation of divine grace bestowed on the Mother of God.  The theme of the heavenly coronation of the Blessed Virgin as Queen of Heaven, often represented paintings and sculpture, is related to her being assumed into Heaven where she reigns next to her Divine Son.

The title "Mother of God" (in Greek, Theotokos), was officially conferred upon Mary at the Council of Ephesus, in 431.  (As an Anglican bishop once responded to Protestant objections to this title for Mary, "If she was not the mother of God, who was she the mother of?")

The Feast of the Assumption has always been loved dearly by the faithful who are children of Mary.  It is a sign to us that someday, through God's grace and our efforts, we too may join the Blessed Mother in giving glory to God.  The Assumption is a source of great hope for us, too, for it points the way for all followers of Christ who imitate her fidelity and obedience to God's will.  Where she now is, we are meant eventually to be, and may hope to be through Divine grace.  Mary's being taken to heaven after her life on earth was ended is the logical outcome of her immaculate nature, uniquely protected -- also by God's grace -- from personal sin.  We seek to imitate her self-sacrificing love, her indestructible faith and her perfect obedience.

"Blessed is she who trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled."

For Christians, death is not extinction, though, unlike Mary, all ordinary mortals, even the most faithful Christians, the saints, must await the Second Coming of Christ and the general Resurrection to receive our "glorified bodies".

'May we see heaven as our goal and come to share her glory'.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Novena to the Holy Spirit for our New Shepherd - Bishop Joseph McFadden

Day 6: August 14, 2010
 
Christ Jesus, you sent the Holy Spirit to Your apostles. Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our new Bishop’s life the work of Your grace and love. Grant him the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that he may be filled with a loving reverence toward You; the Spirit of Piety that he may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others; the Spirit of Fortitude that he may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome all obstacles; the Spirit of Knowledge that he may know You and grow in holiness; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten his mind with the light of Your truth; the Spirit of Counsel that he may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom. Grant him the Spirit of Wisdom that he may aspire to the things that last for-ever. Teach him to be Your faithful disciple and guide him in every way with Your Spirit.

Come, 0 Blessed Spirit of Understanding, enlighten our new Bishop’s mind that he may appreciate and see more fully what we know by faith. Come to him in his weakness and give voice to his petitions, for the prayers that the Spirit makes for God's holy people are always in accordance with the mind of God.  Amen.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...

Friday, August 13, 2010

Novena to the Holy Spirit for our New Shepherd - Bishop Joseph McFadden

Day 5: August 13, 2010
 
Christ Jesus, you sent the Holy Spirit to Your apostles. Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our new Bishop’s life the work of Your grace and love. Grant him the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that he may be filled with a loving reverence toward You; the Spirit of Piety that he may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others; the Spirit of Fortitude that he may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome all obstacles; the Spirit of Knowledge that he may know You and grow in holiness; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten his mind with the light of Your truth; the Spirit of Counsel that he may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom. Grant him the Spirit of Wisdom that he may aspire to the things that last for-ever. Teach him to be Your faithful disciple and guide him in every way with Your Spirit.

Come, 0 Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that our new Bishop may perceive the will of the Father. Father, through Your Spirit, You invite us to participate in the fullness of Creation. Help him to see that all gifts are from You and intended for Your Glory. For there are many different gifts, but always the same Spirit, many ways of serving, but always the same Lord. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Novena to the Holy Spirit for our New Shepherd - Bishop Joseph McFadden

Day 4: August 12, 2010
 
Christ Jesus, you sent the Holy Spirit to Your apostles. Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our new Bishop’s life the work of Your grace and love. Grant him the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that he may be filled with a loving reverence toward You; the Spirit of Piety that he may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others; the Spirit of Fortitude that he may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome all obstacles; the Spirit of Knowledge that he may know You and grow in holiness; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten his mind with the light of Your truth; the Spirit of Counsel that he may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom. Grant him the Spirit of Wisdom that he may aspire to the things that last for-ever. Teach him to be Your faithful disciple and guide him in every way with Your Spirit.

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold our new Bishop’s soul in time of trouble and adversity. O, Divine Trinity, grant that he may be strengthened to see in himself and his flock the dignity that is ours as temples of Your Holy Spirit, to be loved by one another as each of us is loved by Jesus. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Novena to the Holy Spirit for our New Shepherd - Bishop Joseph McFadden

Day 3: August 11, 2010
 
Christ Jesus, you sent the Holy Spirit to Your apostles. Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our new Bishop’s life the work of Your grace and love. Grant him the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that he may be filled with a loving reverence toward You; the Spirit of Piety that he may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others; the Spirit of Fortitude that he may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome all obstacles; the Spirit of Knowledge that he may know You and grow in holiness; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten his mind with the light of Your truth; the Spirit of Counsel that he may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom. Grant him the Spirit of Wisdom that he may aspire to the things that last for-ever. Teach him to be Your faithful disciple and guide him in every way with Your Spirit.

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess our new Bishop’s heart. God, our Father, may he, through the grace of Your Spirit, be forever filled with love for You. Grant that he may be inspired to love and respect all members of Your family as brothers and sisters of Jesus, who, together with him, call you Father. Amen.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Novena to the Holy Spirit for our New Shepherd - Bishop Joseph McFadden

Day 2: August 10, 2010

Christ Jesus, you sent the Holy Spirit to Your apostles. Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our new Bishop’s life the work of Your grace and love. Grant him the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that he may be filled with a loving reverence toward You; the Spirit of Piety that he may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others; the Spirit of Fortitude that he may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome all obstacles; the Spirit of Knowledge that he may know You and grow in holiness; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten his mind with the light of Your truth; the Spirit of Counsel that he may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom. Grant him the Spirit of Wisdom that he may aspire to the things that last for-ever. Teach him to be Your faithful disciple and guide him in every way with Your Spirit. 
 
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, fill our new Bishop with devotion to God alone. In the Risen Christ, may he welcome You, O Spirit of truth, whom the Father sends in Jesus' name. Rain down Your grace upon him that we may be one with the Church in fidelity to our Lord Jesus, Christ. Amen.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...

Monday, August 9, 2010

Novena to the Holy Spirit for our New Shepherd - Bishop Joseph McFadden

Day 1: August 9, 2010


Christ Jesus, you sent the Holy Spirit to Your apostles. Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our new Bishop’s life the work of Your grace and love. Grant him the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that he may be filled with a loving reverence toward You; the Spirit of Piety that he may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others; the Spirit of Fortitude that he may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome all obstacles; the Spirit of Knowledge that he may know You and grow in holiness; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten his mind with the light of Your truth; the Spirit of Counsel that he may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom. Grant him the Spirit of Wisdom that he may aspire to the things that last for-ever. Teach him to be Your faithful disciple and guide him in every way with Your Spirit.

Almighty God, send forth Your Spirit, who brought order from chaos at the beginning of the universe, and peace to the Lord's disciples. Grant that our new Bishop, as Your creation, may be filled with the seven gifts so that he may forever do Your will and renew the face of the earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...

Andrew Hartung named Eagle Scout

On Friday, August 6, Andrew Hartung celebrated his Court of Honor at Saint Andrew the Apostle Church.  The Rank of Eagle is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America.  Introduced in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men.  The title of Eagle Scout is held for life, thus giving rise to the phrase "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle."

Requirements to earn the rank of Eagle include at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service and leadership.  This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads and manages.  Andrew assisted with planting 100's of trees.  Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout.

Congratulations Andrew!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Mervin Bream Funeral

Mr. Mervin E. "Merv" Bream, 64, of 5724 Iron Bridge Road, Waynesboro, PA, entered into eternal rest at 12:30 P.M. Wednesday, August 4, 2010 in the Select Specialty Hospital of Polyclinic Hospital in Harrisburg, PA. He became critically ill in June 2010.  He was born on April 8, 1946 in Waynesboro; he was the son of the late Raymond G. "Boyd" and Margaret Elizabeth (Brown) Bream. He was a life long resident of the Waynesboro area.

Mr. Bream graduated from Waynesboro Senior High School with the class of 1965.  Following high school, he served in the United States Army, during the Vietnam War. He served from 1965 through December 1967.  He and his wife, Mrs. Sandra M. "Sandy" (Weishaar) Bream, were married January 13, 1968 in St. Andrew Catholic Church in Waynesboro. They moved to the present residence in 1972.

Prior to the military, he worked at Frick Company in Waynesboro and following his discharge from the Army, he returned to Frick as an assembler. Prior to retiring on disability in June 2008, he worked in the electrical department. While at Frick he was the chairperson for the Rely for Life Team until this year.

Mr. Bream was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Waynesboro and the Joe Stickell American Legion Post #15 of Waynesboro.  Mr. Bream enjoyed working with wood.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Christina L. Wagaman, husband Edwin of Waynesboro, Charles M. Bream, wife Jennifer of Waynesboro, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, three sisters, Ella J. Caraway of Louisville, AL; Margaret R. Bowman of Quincy, PA; Katrine E. Izer of Waynesboro, four brothers, James H.E. Bream of Hamlet, NC; Raymond L. Bream, Donald M. Bream and his twin brother Marvin F. Bream all of Waynesboro, and a number of nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Delores Jean Martin and brother, Boyd G. Bream.

Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 9, 2010 in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad Street, Waynesboro with Rev. John B. Bateman, Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery, Waynesboro.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: American Lung Association, 3001 Old Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Saint John Vianney - Patron of Priests

Today the Church celebrates the memorial of Saint John Marie Baptiste Vianney.  In English he is called Saint John Vianney. He was born on May 8, 1786 in the village of Dardilly in France. After serving a time in the army during the Napoleonic period he entered seminary formation to become a priest. He had a very difficult time. He struggled mightily with all of his studies and he had a particularly difficult time with Latin. Many, including his formation directors and instructors in the seminary and his own bishop, had very serious doubts that this man who did not have strong intellectual gifts, would be suitable for the priesthood. However, John Vianney persevered and finally was ordained a priest in 1815. His bishop, acting on his estimation of this new priest as a man of few gifts, sent him to the remotest backwater village of his diocese, the village of Ars. There Fr. John Vianney spent the rest of his life except for one brief period when he tried to flee the duties and pressures of parish life and to find a quiet place where he could pray in peace and solitude. That was not in God's plan for him and he soon returned to Ars.

He was a man of great dedication to his call to be a priest and to serve his people. He preached in a very simple manner, had a great love of the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Mother and he had a special devotion to St. Philomena. Through his work as a confessor he brought about a spiritual renewal that touched not only the people of his parish but all of France. He regularly spent 14 to 18 hours a day in the confessional surviving on only a few hour sleep and a diet of boiled potatoes. As the word spread his extraordinary abilities as a confessor, thousands, including bishops and aristocracy made the journey to Ars in order to receive his spiritual counsel. Thus a man who started his life as one who very few thought would ever amount to anything became, by the time of his death in 1859, the vehicle for thousands of conversions. He is, for us today, an example of how God works wonderfully through those who dedicate their lives to him and who seek to do his will. John Vianney, a humble parish priest is regarded by the Church as one of its great figures simply because he was faithful.

John Vianney was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1925. He is the only diocesan priest ever to be canonized.  At the conclusion of the Year for Priests in June of this year, Pope Benedict XVI declared him the patron saint of not only parish priests, of of all priests throughout the world.

The miracles recorded by his biographers are of three classes:

* first, the obtaining of money for his charities and food for his orphans;
* secondly, supernatural knowledge of the past and future;
* thirdly, healing the sick, especially children.

The greatest miracle of all was his life. He practised mortification from his early youth. and for forty years his food and sleep were insufficient, humanly speaking, to sustain life. And yet he laboured incessantly, with unfailing humility, gentleness, patience, and cheerfulness, until he was more than seventy-three years old.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Barbara Menges Funeral

Barbara E. (Pittenturf) Menges, 62, of 107 N. Church St., Waynesboro, Pa., was taken home at 8:35 a.m. Saturday, July 31, 2010, in Falling Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Chambersburg.

Born Sept. 26, 1947, in Hanover, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Reid C. and Elizabeth L. (Wintrode) Pittenturf. She lived her early life in the Littlestown, Pa., area.

She graduated from Littlestown High School with the Class of 1965.

Mrs. Menges has lived in the Waynesboro area for more than 42 years. She has worked in the cafeteria for the Waynesboro Area School District for many years, Linda’s Hallmark, JCPenney’s in Waynesboro and Lowe’s of Chambersburg and Waynesboro. She was currently employed as the head cashier of the Lowe’s of Waynesboro.

She was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Waynesboro.

Mrs. Menges was loved by her family and enjoyed Pittsburgh Steelers football, reading, her beloved Chihuahua Angel, the music of Alabama, traveling and her grandmother’s waffles.

She is survived by three children, Richard Menges and his wife Nan of Waynesboro, Timothy Menges and his wife Jo of Waynesboro and Jennifer Stockslager and her husband John of Fairfield, Pa.; five grandchildren, Lyle, MacKayla, Craig, Johnny, and Sarah; two sisters, Beverly Clark of Iva, S.C., and Brenda Kuhn of Hanover, Pa.; one brother, Charles Pittenturf of Germany; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010, in St. Andrew Catholic Church, 12 N. Broad St., Waynesboro, with the Rev. John Bateman officiating. Burial will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery, Waynesboro.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, Aug. 3, 2010, in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, Pa. 19002.