ABVM PARISH COMMUNITY

  THE CONSTITUTION ON THE SACRED LITURGY OF THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL “ Sacrosanctum Concilium ” was the first teaching issued by the Second Vatican Council, promulgated by Pope St. Paul VI on December 4, 1963.  This excerpt provides an excellent summary of the essence of the Mass in language that should be accessible to most Catholics.  As a pastoral constitution of an ecumenical council it represents the highest level of doctrinal teaching in the Church.  It is fit content for meditation.       – Fr. Scott To accomplish so great a work, Christ is always present in His Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations. He is present in the sacrifice of the Mass, not only in the person of His minister, the same now offering, through the ministry of priests, who formerly offered himself on the cross, but especially under the Eucharistic species. By His power He is present in the sacraments, so that when a man baptizes it is really Christ Himself who baptizes. He is present in His

LESSONS FROM A NATIONAL HERO I came across these quotes as I was preparing for the Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice which we celebrated on the public holiday in memory of Martin Luther King, Jr.  All of us who are concerned for the advancement of truth and justice in our society can learn from him.       "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today." The formation of children ought to be centered on forming their character, not in helping them to decide who they are.  A person of good character puts others before himself or herself.  Such a person is kind, gentle, grateful, and generous.  Such a person does not collapse and surrender in the face of adversity.  Someone of good character is more interested in justice than in self-aggrandizement.  May we teach this to our young people by our word and example.   

  WHY WE NEED THE NATURAL LAW The Church has always believed that human beings can come to know certain truths about God and about themselves by reason, apart from faith.  This is taught in the Epistle to the Romans: “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made” (1:19-20).  The same is affirmed in the Old Testament, for example, in the Book of Wisdom: “Foolish by nature were all who were in ignorance of God, and who from the good things seen did not succeed in knowing the one who is, and from studying the works did not discern the artisan” (13:1).   Considering all that we see and experience in the world, it is reasonable for us to conclude that all things have an origin which itself had no beginning.  In other words, you cannot get something from nothing.  There had to be something that

  RESIST THE DEVIL Bishop Joseph Bonnemain of the Diocese of Chur, Switzerland recently made the decision to eliminate the position of exorcist in his diocese.  He explained that he felt that it was not necessary, and that those who suffer should seek a remedy in medical, psychological, and psychotherapeutic treatments.  No matter what a particular bishop might decide for his diocese, the Catholic Church unhesitatingly affirms the ongoing need for the rite of exorcism and for exorcists to perform it.  They must be personally approved by the bishop (also known as the “ordinary”) of the place where the ceremony takes place.  Before an exorcism is approved there must be an examination by medical and psychological experts.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that one is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness” (Catechism #1673).  Moreover, a distinction needs to be made between oppression

  Dear Parishioners,             On this New Year’s Day I am dedicating this space to express my deep sense of gratitude to all of you.  I would like to begin by thanking you for your Christmas cards, prayers, and greetings to me and also to Deacon Ron and Deacon Tom.  We are blessed to serve you as your clergy, and you make our experience joyful by your friendliness and help.  Thank you also for your Christmas donations to the parish!             I must acknowledge our many volunteers who do so much throughout the year.  The bulletin could not contain all the names.  You have stepped up, again, in this holiday season to make it more cheerful for so many.  Thank you to all who served in and donated to the Seniors Dinner.  Thank you to our extraordinary ministers who brought cookies and flowers to parishioners who receive Communion at home.  Thank you to everyone involved in the Children’s Nativity Program and who organize and donate to the Giving Tree.  A special thanks to the lead