Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church

Pause+Pray! 5/19/21 ~Accepting Limitations~ Reflect~ Toward the end of her life, mystic, social activist and founder of the Catholic Worker movement Dorothy Day was sidelined by physical ailments. No doubt her infirmity challenged her patience. ... Dorothy rose above her limitations by discovering that her vocation was to pray for the world and for justice. We can pray for patience, not passivity, discovering what we can do within the limitations of our lives, remembering our limitations are also the womb of possibility. Pray~ God of restlessness and calm, I pray for peace in my heart and in the world. I pray for calm in the stormy seas of pandemic. I pray for patience with what I cannot change and passion and protest for what I can. Let me recognize that within the limitations that the pandemic places on my life, there are still many possibilities to pursue in the quest to be your companion in healing the world. Amen. Act~ For whom am I called to pray today? Where do I feel most impatient? How can I use my feelings of impatience as a catalyst for personal or social change? From my answers to these questions, let me act forthrightly and wisely.

Saint of the Day for May 19 (October 30, 1676 June 17, 1740) Saint Theophilus of Corte’s Story~... If we expect saints to do marvelous things continually and to leave us many memorable quotes, we are bound to be disappointed with Saint Theophilus. The mystery of God’s grace in a person’s life, however, has a beauty all its own. Theophilus was born in Corsica of rich and noble parents. As a young man, he entered the Franciscans and soon showed his love for solitude and prayer. After admirably completing his studies, he was ordained and assigned to a retreat house near Subiaco. Inspired by the austere life of the Franciscans there, he founded other such houses in Corsica and Tuscany. Over the years, he became famous for his preaching as well as his missionary efforts. Though he was always somewhat sickly, Theophilus generously served the needs of God’s people in the confessional, in the sickroom, and at the graveside. Worn out by his labors, he died on June 17, 1740. He was canonized in 1930. Reflection~ There is a certain dynamism in all the saints that prompts them to find ever more selfless ways of responding to God’s grace. As time went on, Theophilus gave more and more single-hearted service to God and to God’s sons and daughters. Honoring the saints will make no sense unless we are thus drawn to live as generously as they did. Their holiness can never substitute for our own. [Image: Statue de Saint Théophile de Corte | photo by Pierre Bona]

FOOD TRUCKS, CRAFTERS, VENDORS... A LIMITED AMOUNT OF SPACES AVAILABLE!!

Pause+Pray! 5/18/21 ~Justice Requires Openness~ Reflect~ To follow Jesus is to commit ourselves to justice. This requires inward change more often than we would like and can be a complicated journey. ... May this prayer help us live the way of Jesus more authentically in our own hearts. Pray~ Jesus, I sometimes resist when my perspective is challenged, when others cry injustice over something I cannot see. Make my heart humble and teachable to witness the experience of others so that I can best discern where the pursuit of justice leads. Amen. Act~ Identify one thing that has been labeled a justice issue but makes you feel uncomfortable. Find at least one thoughtful, clear-headed voice who can share an opposing perspective with you. Resolve to read or listen to that person's words with an open mind.

Saint of the Day for May 18 (c. 470 May 18, 526) Saint John I’s Story~ Pope John I inherited the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Italy had been ruled for 30 years by an emperor who espoused the heresy, though he treated the empire’s Catholics with toleration. His policy changed at about the time the young John was elected pope.... When the eastern emperor began imposing severe measures on the Arians of his area, the western emperor forced John to head a delegation to the East to soften the measures against the heretics. Little is known of the manner or outcome of the negotiationsdesigned to secure continued toleration of Catholics in the West. On his way home, John was imprisoned at Ravenna because the emperor had begun to suspect that John’s friendship with his eastern rival might lead to a conspiracy against his throne. Shortly after his imprisonment, John died, apparently from the treatment he received in prison. John’s body was transported to Rome and he was buried in the Basilica of St. Peter. Reflection~ We cannot choose the issues for which we have to suffer and perhaps die. John I suffered because of a power-conscious emperor. Jesus suffered because of the suspicions of those who were threatened by his freedom, openness, and powerlessness. If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated me before you (John 15:18). [Image: U.S. Archives]

Pause+Pray! 5/17/21 ~Changed, Not Ended~ Reflect~ In the Rite of Christian Burial, there is a powerful reminder for those who grieve: ...life has changed not ended. As Christians we believe physical death does not hold the final answer. ... When someone we love dies, life has only changed; it looks a bit different now. Life has not ended, but really begun in a new and powerful way. Pray~ Dear Jesus, Your life reminds us that pain and death will touch each of our lives at some point. Physical death reminds us that we are created for heaven, the true home. When I grieve the loss of those I love, help my heart find comfort in the promise that life has only temporarily changed and not ended. In my sorrow, may I cling to the hope of this promise made in you. Amen. Act~ Are you experiencing the physical loss of certain people in your life? Set aside time today to pray for their souls.

CELEBRANTS for this week: Saturday 12/19 - 5:30 P.M. - Fr. Shawn Sunday 12/20 - 8:30 A.M. - FR. Shawn // 11:00 A.M. - Fr. Nash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OLMC BULLETIN for the week of:12/13/2020... https://static1.squarespace.com///3rd+Sunday+of+Advent.pdf +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ***PLEASE READ the Updated Information (updated 12/11/20)*** REGISTERING by PHONE: Do not call the Rectory after 3 pm on Friday OR on the weekends, messages will go unanswered until the office is open on Monday. PRE-REGISTER ONLINE - for WEEKEND and HOLIDAYS/Holy Days in advance, up to Jan 31st. ~ ~ Sign-Up does not auto-fill week to week. PLEASE cancel on line or call the office before 3pm Friday so we do not have empty pews in the church, seating remains limited, as we must adhere to CDC and Diocese guidelines. .... Church Seating is 1st come, based on registration and assigned pews will be labeled. ALL others will be seated in the hall. *Special needs seating MUST be noted at sign-up. * You MUST wear a mask when inside the church. {There are masks at the entrance & sanitizer stations throughout the church/hall.} After receiving Communion, you will be escorted to the proper exit, Please, DO NOT return to your pew. We highly recommend pre-registrations, but walk-in's are always welcome. {Anyone wishing to go to Confession must also call the office to set up an appointment.} Thank you for your understanding. We want everyone to stay safe. ________________________________________________________ WEEKDAY MASS: You DO NOT have to pre-register for 'regular' weekday masses, but must follow social distancing & wear a mask. As with weekend mass, we sanitize at the conclusion of mass, please DO NOT return to your pew. Weekday mass is at 8:30 A.M. on Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Thank you. Stay Safe and God Bless.. https://signup.com/go/nPQqduc

MORNING PRAYER 12/14/2020 https://youtu.be/5odnqmh65OA

JUST A REMINDER TO DAILY MASS ATTENDEES - IF there is snow on the road/sidewalks, there will not be weekday mass.JUST A REMINDER TO DAILY MASS ATTENDEES - IF there is snow on the road/sidewalks, there will not be weekday mass.

SAINT OF THE DAY ~ for December 14 SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS (June 24, 1542 December 14, 1591) Saint John of the Cross’ Story~... John is a saint because his life was a heroic effort to live up to his name: of the Cross. The folly of the cross came to full realization in time. Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me (Mark 8:34b) is the story of John’s life. The Paschal Mysterythrough death to lifestrongly marks John as reformer, mystic-poet, and theologian-priest. Ordained a Carmelite priest in 1567 at age 25, John met Teresa of Avila and like her, vowed himself to the primitive Rule of the Carmelites. As partner with Teresa and in his own right, John engaged in the work of reform, and came to experience the price of reform: increasing opposition, misunderstanding, persecution, imprisonment. He came to know the cross acutelyto experience the dying of Jesusas he sat month after month in his dark, damp, narrow cell with only his God. Yet, the paradox! In this dying of imprisonment John came to life, uttering poetry. In the darkness of the dungeon, John’s spirit came into the Light. There are many mystics, many poets; John is unique as mystic-poet, expressing in his prison-cross the ecstasy of mystical union with God in the Spiritual Canticle. But as agony leads to ecstasy, so John had his Ascent to Mt. Carmel, as he named it in his prose masterpiece. As man-Christian-Carmelite, he experienced in himself this purifying ascent; as spiritual director, he sensed it in others; as psychologist-theologian, he described and analyzed it in his prose writings. His prose works are outstanding in underscoring the cost of discipleship, the path of union with God: rigorous discipline, abandonment, purification. Uniquely and strongly John underlines the gospel paradox: The cross leads to resurrection, agony to ecstasy, darkness to light, abandonment to possession, denial to self to union with God. If you want to save your life, you must lose it. John is truly of the Cross. He died at 49a life short, but full. Reflection~ In his life and writings, John of the Cross has a crucial word for us today. We tend to be rich, soft, comfortable. We shrink even from words like self-denial, mortification, purification, asceticism, discipline. We run from the cross. John’s messagelike the gospelis loud and clear: Don’tif you really want to live! Saint John of the Cross is the Patron Saint of: Mystics

ICYMI - 3rd Sunday of Advent 11:00 LIVE Mass (recorded) https://youtu.be/QMdQjWFZ7-Y

Dear Lord, At this time of pandemic, Let us foster respect and solidarity with others, especially those who are weak or poor. Let us remain calm and ignore unsubstantiated rumors. Let us take advantage of living together as a family.... Let us attend to moments of prayer. Let us cultivate responsibility, patience and hope. + Amen + (taken/shared from this week's bulletin) See more

Saint Lucy ~ Saint of the Day for December 13 (283 304) Saint Lucy’s Story~... Every little girl named Lucy must bite her tongue in disappointment when she first tries to find out what there is to know about her patron saint. The older books will have a lengthy paragraph detailing a small number of traditions. Newer books will have a lengthy paragraph showing that there is little basis in history for these traditions. The single fact survives that a disappointed suitor accused Lucy of being a Christian, and she was executed in Syracuse, Sicily, in the year 304. But it is also true that her name is mentioned in the First Eucharistic Prayer, geographical places are named after her, a popular song has her name as its title, and down through the centuries many thousands of little girls have been proud of the name Lucy. One can easily imagine what a young Christian woman had to contend with in pagan Sicily in the year 300. If you have trouble imagining, just glance at today’s pleasure-at-all-costs world and the barriers it presents against leading a good Christian life. Her friends must have wondered aloud about this hero of Lucy’s, an obscure itinerant preacher in a far-off captive nation that had been destroyed more than 200 years before. Once a carpenter, he had been crucified by the Romans after his own people turned him over to their authority. Lucy believed with her whole soul that this man had risen from the dead. Heaven had put a stamp on all he said and did. To give witness to her faith she had made a vow of virginity. What a hubbub this caused among her pagan friends! The kindlier ones just thought her a little strange. To be pure before marriage was an ancient Roman ideal, rarely found, but not to be condemned. To exclude marriage altogether, however, was too much. She must have something sinister to hide, the tongues wagged. Lucy knew of the heroism of earlier virgin martyrs. She remained faithful to their example and to the example of the carpenter, whom she knew to be the Son of God. She is the patroness of eyesight. Reflection~ If you are a little girl named Lucy, you need not bite your tongue in disappointment. Your patron is a genuine authentic heroine, first class, an abiding inspiration for you and for all Christians. The moral courage of the young Sicilian martyr shines forth as a guiding light, just as bright for today’s youth as it was in A.D. 304. Saint Lucy is the Patron Saint of: The Blind Eye Disorders

Pause+Pray! 12/13/2020 ~ Be Like the Baptist Reflect~ Today’s Gospel describes John the Baptist like this: He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. As true as that was for John, the same holds true for us. ... We may not be able to match John the Baptist’s zeal or desert wanderer lifestyle, but in our own sometimes quiet, subtle ways, we are called to make straight the way of the Lord. Pray~ Lord, I want to prepare the way for your humble, holy entrance into the world. But I also know that this is a group effort. As a member of the community of Christian faith, it is my heartfelt desire to spread the hope of Advent and the promise of joy that is Christmas all around me, not only to those who share my beliefs. As I look forward to your birth with earnest anticipation, may I testify to the light in myriad ways. Amen. Act~ Though you may not envision yourself as a prophet or evangelizer, you might not realize the ways you are actually spreading the gospel, whether by example or through a kind word to someone you didn’t know needed it. Thinkand give thanksfor these understated moments of grace, when you shared God’s light, perhaps without even realizing it.

https://static1.squarespace.com//33rd+Sunday+in+Ordinary+T SUNDAY BULLETIN NOVEMBER 15, 2020

Friday November 13, 2020 https://youtu.be/VnJXU_rqvA4

Pause + Pray Dignity of Work Reflect~ Sometimes it is difficult to see the value in our labor. We take much for granted--including our work. ... Caught up in routine, we forget to take satisfaction in what we do, while others struggle to find gainful employment. Let us pray to cherish our hard work. Pray~ Jesus, you came to us as a carpenter’s son. You called fisherman to be your closest disciples. Your Church was built with the hands of laborers. You know the value of labor. Give me today a spirit of gratitude for the fruits of my work. Amen.

SAINT OF THE DAY FOR November 12 - SAINT JOSAPHAT (c. 1580 November 12, 1623) Saint Josaphat’s Story~... In 1964, newspaper photos of Pope Paul VI embracing Athenagoras I, the Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople, marked a significant step toward the healing of a division in Christendom that has spanned more than nine centuries. In 1595, the Orthodox bishop of Brest-Litovsk in present-day Belarus and five other bishops representing millions of Ruthenians, sought reunion with Rome. John Kunsevichwho took the name Josaphat in religious lifewas to dedicate his life, and die for the same cause. Born in what is now Ukraine, he went to work in Wilno and was influenced by clergy adhering to the 1596 Union of Brest. He became a Basilian monk, then a priest, and soon was well known as a preacher and an ascetic. He became bishop of Vitebsk at a relatively young age, and faced a difficult situation. Most monks, fearing interference in liturgy and customs, did not want union with Rome. By synods, catechetical instruction, reform of the clergy, and personal example, however, Josaphat was successful in winning the greater part of the Orthodox in that area to the union. But the next year a dissident hierarchy was set up, and his opposite number spread the accusation that Josaphat had gone Latin and that all his people would have to do the same. He was not enthusiastically supported by the Latin bishops of Poland. Despite warnings, he went to Vitebsk, still a hotbed of trouble. Attempts were made to foment trouble and drive him from the diocese: A priest was sent to shout insults to him from his own courtyard. When Josaphat had him removed and shut up in his house, the opposition rang the town hall bell, and a mob assembled. The priest was released, but members of the mob broke into the bishop’s home. Josaphat was struck with a halberd, then shot, and his body thrown into the river. It was later recovered and is now buried in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. He was the first saint of the Eastern Church to be canonized by Rome. Josaphat’s death brought a movement toward Catholicism and unity, but the controversy continued, and the dissidents, too, had their martyr. After the partition of Poland, the Russians forced most Ruthenians to join the Russian Orthodox Church. Reflection~ The seeds of separation were sown in the fourth century when the Roman Empire was divided into East and West. The actual split came over customs such as using unleavened bread, Saturday fasting, and celibacy. No doubt the political involvement of religious leaders on both sides was a large factor, and doctrinal disagreement was present. But no reason was enough to justify the present tragic division in Christendom, which is 64 percent Roman Catholic, 13 percent Easternmostly OrthodoxChurches, and 23 percent Protestant, and this when the 71 percent of the world that is not Christian should be experiencing unity and Christ-like charity from Christians!

Reflect & Pray Reflect~ Family is at the core of our social structure and given great importance in our Christian faith. But sometimes we take our families for granted or even experience deep rifts with some of our loved ones. Let’s pray for ever-stronger family bonds.... Pray~ Lord, I love my family, but sometimes they drive me crazy! It might be about politics, how I choose to live my life, or old wounds that never seem to heal. Please help me Lord, to repair my relationships with my loved ones and to see the good in them despite our differences. Amen.