USA – Philadelphia - 27.09.2015 – 09.

15
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Meeting with Bishops taking part in the World Meeting of Families
Dear Brother Bishops,
I am happy to be able to share these moments of pastoral reflection with you, amid the joyful celebrations for the World Meeting of Families.
For the Church, the family is not first and foremost a cause for concern, but rather the joyous confirmation of God’s blessing upon the masterpiece of creation. Every day, all
over the world, the Church can rejoice in the Lord’s gift of so many families who, even amid difficult trials, remain faithful to their promises and keep the faith!
I would say that the foremost pastoral challenge of our changing times is to move decisively towards recognizing this gift. For all the obstacles we see before us, gratitude and
appreciation should prevail over concerns and complaints. The family is the fundamental locus of the covenant between the Church and God’s creation. Without the family,
not even the Church would exist. Nor could she be what she is called to be, namely “a sign and instrument of communion with God and of the unity of the entire human race”
(Lumen Gentium, 1).
Needless to say, our understanding, shaped by the interplay of ecclesial faith and the conjugal experience of sacramental grace, must not lead us to disregard the unprecedented
changes taking place in contemporary society, with their social, cultural – and now juridical – effects on family bonds. These changes affect all of us, believers and
non-believers alike. Christians are not “immune” to the changes of their times. This concrete world, with all its many problems and possibilities, is where we must live, believe
and proclaim.
Until recently, we lived in a social context where the similarities between the civil institution of marriage and the Christian sacrament were considerable and shared. The two
were interrelated and mutually supportive. This is no longer the case. To describe our situation today, I would use two familiar images: our neighborhood stores and our large
supermarkets.
There was a time when one neighborhood store had everything one needed for personal and family life. The products may not have been cleverly displayed, or offered much
choice, but there was a personal bond between the shopkeeper and his customers. Business was done on the basis of trust, people knew one another, they were all neighbors.
They trusted one another. They built up trust. These stores were often simply known as “the local market”.
Then a different kind of store grew up: the supermarket. Huge spaces with a great selection of merchandise. The world seems to have become one of these great supermarkets;
our culture has become more and more competitive. Business is no longer conducted on the basis of trust; others can no longer be trusted. There are no longer close personal
relationships. Today’s culture seems to encourage people not to bond with anything or anyone, not to trust. The most important thing nowadays seems to be follow the latest
Mission Statement
trend or activity. This is even true of religion. Today consumerism determines what is important. Consuming relationships, consuming friendships, consuming religions, 640 Edrie St. NE Called to be a People for Others
consuming, consuming... Whatever the cost or consequences. A consumption which does not favor bonding, a consumption which has little to do with human relationships.
Social bonds are a mere “means” for the satisfaction of “my needs”. The important thing is no longer our neighbor, with his or her familiar face, story and personality. Aiken, SC 29801 Vision Statement
The result is a culture which discards everything that is no longer “useful” or “satisfying” for the tastes of the consumer. We have turned our society into a huge multicultural 803 649-3203
showcase tied only to the tastes of certain “consumers”, while so many others only “eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table” (Mt 15:27).
This causes great harm. I would say that at the root of so many contemporary situations is a kind of impoverishment born of a widespread and radical sense of loneliness. SUNDAY READINGS Anchored by faith hope and love in Jesus Christ,
Running after the latest fad, accumulating “friends” on one of the social networks, we get caught up in what contemporary society has to offer. Loneliness with fear of
First Reading: we strive to be active disciples, serving each
commitment in a limitless effort to feel recognized.
Should we blame our young people for having grown up in this kind of society? Should we condemn them for living in this kind of a world? Should they hear their pastors Genesis 2:18-24(140B) other and all God’s people by welcoming and
saying that “it was all better back then”, “the world is falling apart and if things go on this way, who knows where we will end up?” No, I do not think that this is the way. As
Responsorial: embracing the enriching diversity of our community of faith.
shepherds following in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd, we are asked to seek out, to accompany, to lift up, to bind up the wounds of our time. To look at things realistically,
with the eyes of one who feels called to action, to pastoral conversion. The world today demands this conversion on our part. “It is vitally important for the Church today to Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5,6 Fr. Emmanuel Andinam: Administrator
go forth and preach the Gospel to all: to all places, on all occasions, without hesitation, reluctance or fear. The joy of the Gospel is for all people: no one can be excluded”
(Evangelii Gaudium, 23) Second Reading:
We would be mistaken, however, to see this “culture” of the present world as mere indifference towards marriage and the family, as pure and simple selfishness. Are today’s Hebrews 2:9-11 And they were bringing children
young people hopelessly timid, weak, inconsistent? We must not fall into this trap. Many young people, in the context of this culture of discouragement, have yielded to a
form of unconscious acquiescence. They are paralyzed when they encounter the beautiful, noble and truly necessary challenges which faith sets before them. Many put off Gospel: to him, that he might touch them;
marriage while waiting for ideal conditions, when everything can be perfect. Meanwhile, life goes on, without really being lived to the full. For knowledge of life’s true Mark 10:2-16 and the disciples rebuked them.
pleasures only comes as the fruit of a long-term, generous investment of our intelligence, enthusiasm and passion.
As pastors, we bishops are called to collect our energies and to rebuild enthusiasm for making families correspond ever more fully to the blessing of God which they are! We Lectionary Readings for the But when Jesus saw it he was
need to invest our energies not so much in rehearsing the problems of the world around us and the merits of Christianity, but in extending a sincere invitation to young people
week of October 4th indignant, and said to them,
to be brave and to opt for marriage and the family. Here too, we need a bit of holy parrhesia! A Christianity which “does” little in practice, while incessantly “explaining” its
teachings, is dangerously unbalanced. I would even say that it is stuck in a vicious circle. A pastor must show that the “Gospel of the family” is truly “good news” in a world Monday:Jonah 1:1-2:2,11; "Let the children come to me,
where self-concern seems to reign supreme! We are not speaking about some romantic dream: the perseverance which is called for in having a family and raising it transforms
Luke 10:25-37 do not hinder them; for to such
the world and human history.
A pastor serenely yet passionately proclaims the word of God. He encourages believers to aim high. He will enable his brothers and sisters to hear and experience God’s Tuesday: Jonah 3:1-10; belongs the kingdom of God.
promise, which can expand their experience of motherhood and fatherhood within the horizon of a new “familiarity” with God (Mk 3:31-35).
Luke 10:38-42 Truly, I say to you, whoever
A pastor watches over the dreams, the lives and the growth of his flock. This “watchfulness” is not the result of talking but of shepherding. Only one capable of standing “in
the midst of” the flock can be watchful, not someone who is afraid of questions, contact, accompaniment. A pastor keeps watch first and foremost with prayer, supporting the Wednesday: Jonah 4:1-11; does not receive the kingdom
faith of his people and instilling confidence in the Lord, in his presence. A pastor remains vigilant by helping people to lift their gaze at times of discouragement, frustration
Luke 11:1-4 of God like a child shall not
and failure. We might well ask whether in our pastoral ministry we are ready to “waste” time with families. Whether we are ready to be present to them, sharing their
difficulties and joys. Thursday: Malachi 3:13-20b; enter it." And he took them
Naturally, experiencing the spirit of this joyful familiarity with God, and spreading its powerful evangelical fruitfulness, has to be the primary feature of our lifestyle as
Luke 11:5-13 in his arms and blessed them,
bishops: a lifestyle of prayer and preaching the Gospel (Acts 6:4). By our own humble Christian apprenticeship in the familial virtues of God’s people, we will become more
and more like fathers and mothers (as did Saint Paul: cf. 1 Th 2:7,11), and less like people who have simply learned to live without a family. Our ideal is not to live without Friday: Joel 1:13-15;2:1-2; laying his hands upon them.
love! A good pastor renounces the love of a family precisely in order to focus all his energies, and the grace of his particular vocation, on the evangelical blessing of the love
of men and women who carry forward God’s plan of creation, beginning with those who are lost, abandoned, wounded, broken, downtrodden and deprived of their dignity.
Luke 11:15-26
This total surrender to God’s agape is certainly not a vocation lacking in tenderness and affection! We need but look to Jesus to understand this (cf. Mt 19:12). The mission Today’s Missal
of a good pastor, in the style of God – and only God can authorize this, not our own presumption! – imitates in every way and for all people the Son’s love for the Father. This
is reflected in the tenderness with which a pastor devotes himself to the loving care of the men and women of our human family. Mass Times: Weekdays Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8:15 AM, First Friday Benediction after Mass
For the eyes of faith, this is a most valuable sign. Our ministry needs to deepen the covenant between the Church and the family. Otherwise it becomes arid, and the human Weekend Saturday 4:00 PM, Sunday 7:00 AM and 11:15 AM
family will grow irremediably distant, by our own fault, from God’s joyful good news.
If we prove capable of the demanding task of reflecting God’s love, cultivating infinite patience and serenity as we strive to sow its seeds in the frequently crooked furrows Confessions: after weekday Masses and by Appointment
in which we are called to plant, then even a Samaritan woman with five “non-husbands” will discover that she is capable of giving witness. And for every rich young man
who with sadness feels that he has to calmly keep considering the matter, an older publican will come down from the tree and give fourfold to the poor, to whom, before that
Office Hours: 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Tuesday - Thursday
moment, he had never even given a thought. Bible Study: Fridays 10:00 AM (Insight to the scriptures)
May God grant us this gift of a renewed closeness between the family and the Church. The family is our ally, our window to the world, and the evidence of an irrevocable
blessing of God destined for all the children who in every age are born into this difficult yet beautiful creation which God has asked us to serve!
Baptisms, Confirmations and Marriages: By Appointment, Contact the office.
Rachel's Vineyard weekend retreats offer you a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment; where women and men can Contact Us: Phone 803 649-3203, E-Mail [email protected]
express their post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration and healing. Facebook @stgerardaiken, Emergency number for Father 803 637-2027
Our next retreat in SC is October 9-11, 2015 in Greenville. For more information, please contact Christy at 803 554 6088 or Kathy at
803 546 6010 or [email protected] Now is the time. Just one week away, The Rosary Rally (America Needs Fatima) October the 10th
 Pray for our sick: Pastoral Council: If you know of someone that Black Catholics’ Heritage Celebration,
Stewards appreciate all they have been Volunteer Corner “An Advent Gathering of the Faithful”
Gary Gilbault given. Their response is service. Wayman Johnson, needs The Blessed Sacrament
Leonard Saunders
Thanks to all that volunteer. We brought to their home or
December 12, 2015 Columbia, SC
Their reward is the joy of knowing they Chairman 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Shirley Paige are disciples building the Payson Borst need more parishioners to pitch in hospital please call the office. Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2015
and get involved in church Diocese of Charleston Office of Black
William and Jackie Cobbs kingdom of God as part of God's plan. Jacqueline Brown The next Bazaar Meeting Catholics’ Heritage Celebration. Our guest
Woody Alexander Fredrick Cadek projects. We have great people. homilist and keynote speaker at this year’s
Mass Intentions 10/3-10/4 th
Lena Mickens
4:00 PM For the Soul of Carman J. Demeo From: The Pedley’s,
Nancy Durden We need your help to re energize is October 6 at 6:30 PM celebration will be the Most Reverend Joseph
N. Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of the
Rosa Johnson Marge Glauser this parish. Archdiocese of Chicago. Other highlights of
7:00 AM Mass is said for your own personal intentions.
Brenda Ligons 11:15 For Bill and Jackie Cobbs’ health From: A Lauer Janet Menefee There has been a resignation this special day will include a discussion on
Meg Schaeffer Gregory Wright Legion of Mary and the Rosary Rally Bishop Edward Braxton’s document
from the finance council. We “The Racial Divide in the United States: A
Joe Fulmer Joan Hesik on October 10, 2015 need another member. Please Reflection for the World Day of Peace 2015”
Patricia Bailey Cathy Ciani is the chair of the Legion contact us if you are interested. led by the Honorable Arthur C. McFarland, a
Music Liturgy for October 3 and 4, 2015 panel discussion on the World Meeting of
Finance Council: and the Rosary Rally. Please call her or Help needed to prepare the Families and the papal visit. There will also
Sunday Offering September 27th Our Song of Praise is 486 H Robert Erikson, the office for information on either one rectory for painting. Sweeping, be a separate a youth track. Follow this event
Collection $1,524.00 Let All Things Now Living Chairman of the above. 803 643-9011 or 908 and others on the web
dusting and vacuuming. Call if
Needed $2,612.00 The Offertory Hymn is 420 H Leon Gagnon and 675-1069 or 803 649-3203 (office) at.sccatholic.org/ethnic-ministries
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light you can help. Thanks
Short $1,088.00 The Communion Hymn is CHOIR 488 BB Anna Marie Key, Have you ever contemplated a devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux, The Little Flower,
Attendance 120 Where Charity and Love Prevail Auditors. Patroness of Humility, Doctor of the Church?
The Gathering Hymn 480 H Lisa Solenberger On Nov. 13-15th, 2015 the Charleston Theresians are sponsoring the USA Theresian National Conference "Faith on Fire"
For the Beauty of the Earth here in Charleston at the Charleston Marriott, 170 Lockwood Boulevard, 29403. Hear wonderful speakers who will, with the
Vacant
grace of the Holy Spirit, fill you with joy and love. Enjoy beautiful music and join us in meaningful prayers and Holy Mass on
Lay Ministers Sunday. There will also be a Silent Auction. Registration is $275.Includes Friday Reception, 3 Meals + Banquet
and Registration Fee.
Saturday October 10 Sunday October 11 Sunday October 11 If interested or have any questions, please contact Kathy Dornetto at:Email: [email protected] or call 843-696-4912.
4:00 PM Vigil Mass 7:00 AM Mass 11:15 AM Mass Deadline for Registration is Oct.11th.
Lector: Joan Hesik Mary Kay L’Esperance Sheila Wagner ATTENTION! Voices needed. Once again Joel Scraper, Director of Choral Activities at USC Aiken, will conduct a mass choir
E E Ministers: Barbara Dixon Gerard L’Esperance Jeanette Coleman to benefit ACTS (Area Churches Together Serving). This is the third year for the Harvest Home Concert and rehearsals be-
gan Monday, September 8. The concert will be held on Sunday, November 15 at St. John's United Methodist Church begin-
Saturday October 17 Sunday October 18 Sunday October 18 ning at 4:00 pm. The overall theme will be praise and thanksgiving. We would like to hear as many voices as possible to be
4:00 PM Vigil Mass 7:00 AM Mass 11:15 AM Mass representative of as many churches as possible. Joel will be responsible for preparing the choir and the music. Anyone
Lector: Tami Schaeffer Denise Gelinas Janet Menefee interested is asked to join the Masterworks Chorale in rehearsal on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm in the Etherredge
E E Minister: Jerry Schaeffer Roger Gelinas Marge Glauser Center, Room 125. There will be seven rehearsals, plus the performance. Please consider joining in support of this event and
Refreshments October 11 Counters October 11 if you're not a singer, SAVE THE DATE to come enjoy the performance. Attendees will be asked to bring a non-perishable
Jackie Brown/Rosa DiStefano Nancy Durden/Peter Schwarz food item to be donated to ACTS and a love offering will be taken up during the intermission, also to be given to
ACTS. THANKS! Carla Cloud ACTS Executive Director 649.3800
GOOD NEWS Child Loss Mass on Oct 17 3rd Marian Eucharistic Conference
It’s not too late to come to Bible Study, with Father Emmanuel, Our Featured speakers will focus on seeking to anchor ourselves to the two pillars of the
The Diocese of Charleston is sponsoring a Remembrance Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
this and every Friday at 10 am. Learn and understand the scriptures. Mass for Early Child Loss on Saturday, October 17, 2015, Special Note: The first class relic of Pope St. John Paul ll will be displayed.
at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church in Charles- Featured Speakers: Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life.; Fr. Wade Menezes, CPM,
The Fathers of Mercy; Fr. Joseph Wolfe, MFVA, EWTN; Tim Staples, Catholic Answers
ton, SC. The Mass is open to all who have suffered from General Admission: $50, Youth: $25
Dinner & Dance Fundraiser the death of a child for any reason such as miscarriage, All are required to register by Nov. 7 by mail.
The Knights of Columbus is hosting a steak dinner and dance on November stillbirth, illness, accident or abortion. Mothers, Fathers, Saturday and Sunday lunches are included. No registration at the door.
Where: St. Joseph's Catholic School, Greenville, SC 29607
7/2015, from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus home on siblings, grandparents, and friends who are seeking Schedule:
1003 Spaulding Drive in Aiken. The meal will consist of a ribeye steak, baked God’s healing comfort are encouraged to attend. There Sunday, Nov. 15 Saturday, Nov. 14
potato, salad, bread, and dessert. Music will be provided by a local DJ, and a will be a speaker and reception to follow. For more in- Doors open - 7:50 a.m. Doors open - 7:30 a.m.
Mass - 8:30 a.m. Mass - 8:30 a.m.
silent auction will also be held at the dinner. The dinner and dance will cost formation, email [email protected] or call Conference talks, lunch, Confessions Conference talks, lunch, Confessions
$20 per person. All money raised will go to the Columbus H.O.P.E. Foundation Christy Brown at 803.554 6088. Meet & Greet the Speakers - 3:40 p.m. Meet & Greet the Speakers, Book Signing - 5:40 p.m.
to support the Special Olympics in Aiken. Tickets can be bought from the For more information, call(864)354-7160 or go to www.meconferencesc.net
following Knights: Refreshments
Perpetual Novena in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Randall Brown - 803-292-1353, Steve Graft - 803-640-2178, Every body please look at the schedule. Tuesdays at the 8:15 Mass.
Greg Wright - 803-641-7354, Mark Krajc - 803-507-7521
In Harms’ Way: Please remember in your prayers our Nation and loved ones of our parishioners
Fr. Emmanuel will be out of the country from the 5th through the 25th of
October on a medical mission including a week of vacation. Masses, in currently serving in harms’ way: James Ligon, Robert McHugh, Jacob Hershey, and James Rossini.
his absents will be Fri., Sat. and Sun. at regular times. The only change Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their
Picture was taken by the Acosta's son is no Mass on Tues. and Thurs. St. Mary’s Aiken is providing priests. families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus,
John Riccio Jr. in New York Daily Masses will resume October 27th with the Tuesday Mass. our Lord and Savior. Amen.