From the Pastor - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 15, 2024

Today’s First Reading from the First Book of Kings, as well as the Gospel are in stark contrast to the joy of the holiday season that is fast approaching, warning us instead of dark times ahead and our inevitable judgment day.

The first reading from the prophet Daniel describes a time “unsurpassed in distress since nations began” and warns that “many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, and others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace.” The second reading, from Hebrews, speaks of Christ who “waits until his enemies are made his footstool.”




However, when we firmly establish for ourselves as individuals — as a family and as a parish that we will give to God the first and best portion of our Time, Talent, and Treasure — the warnings we read in the Scriptures today should be no cause for alarm. In fact, we can view these words as encouragement — “Keep Calm and Steward On,” no matter what comes our way.


One of the blessings of a stewardship way of life is that in challenging times, whether in our homes or workplaces or even our beloved Church itself, we can take great comfort in knowing we have a concrete plan to keep our priorities in proper order. And, when we put God first in all aspects of our lives, we will experience the peace that He gives that surpasses all understanding. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2024

 

Pastoral Pondering

Next week we will be celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King, the final Sunday in the Liturgical year. We will also have our Growing Home commitment weekend. Hopefully, by now you have been able to review the case for our campaign. We need everyone’s support, no matter how small or large, to help us grow our parish home. 


I thought that it might be helpful to speak about the case rationale for what we are planning. The process started prior to COVID but the pandemic put everything on hold. When the parishes were notified that any campaigns needed to take place prior to the end of 2024 due to the planned Cathedral project, we decided to move forward. There are three components to the campaign: a new Family Life Center in memory of Monsignor Richard Bellow, a larger Adoration Chapel, and a new rectory back on our property here.

All of the surveys that we have completed over the past several years have indicated that we need more space, especially for adult activities, e.g. receptions, retreats, small group meetings, etc. The thought was to design a building that would provide a nicer venue for such gatherings as well as being able to divide the larger space into smaller rooms for smaller gatherings. Additionally, there are three classrooms planned along with a catering kitchen.


The present Adoration Chapel comfortably accommodates about twenty adorers. This, especially during the day at higher volume times, is limiting. The new chapel is planned to accommodate 75 adorers and designed in a way that secure access is available, especially during times outside of normal office hours.


Finally, several years ago when we began talking about expanding the former rectory (14630 Stumptown Road), it fell at the same time that all of the building supplies spiked in cost. Hence, the project was prohibitive so, with the approval of the Diocese, we were able to purchase a home off site that provided a bedroom and bathroom for each priest. Diocesan requirement for rectories is that each priest living in a rectory is to have his own sitting room, bedroom and bathroom. Again, based on surveys, many people expressed a desire for the priests to be back on campus. Hence, the Diocese encouraged us to move forward with planning for that eventuality. At present we have four priests and one seminarian living at the rectory full time. In addition, we often have visiting priests and/or seminarians who need accommodations. Designing a rectory that meets the Diocesan specifications, and our local needs will allow us to provide a home close by that will allow the residents to get to the church quickly and provide hospitality when necessary.


These three components share a common theme, a larger home for parish activities, a larger home for Eucharistic adoration, and a home that will accommodate our growing parish and the priests and seminarians who live here.


Thank you for helping us make the new homes a reality.

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - Solemnity of Christ the King

By John Putnam • November 21, 2025
On this Feast of Christ the King, our readings show us that we serve the greatest of Kings, who is at the same time the humblest of Kings. Christ is the perfect model of servant leadership. And what an indescribable privilege that He has called us to be servant leaders — stewards in the work of advancing His Kingdom. In our second reading, from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, Paul describes the great power and dignity that characterize Christ the King. “All things were created through him and for him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together.” It makes you want to stand up and cheer. That’s our King! Yet, what a contrasting description of the same King we find in our Gospel passage, from Luke. Now we see our King nailed to the Cross. Everyone from rulers to soldiers, to the criminals on either side of Christ is mocking, sneering, and reviling him. They tauntingly urge him to prove His kingship by coming down from the Cross to end his suffering with a great show of power. “if you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” But He does not. Amazingly, it is in this moment of seeming-weakness and humiliation, when all appears hopeless and lost, that the full breadth of his greatness as king is displayed. Though all things were created through and for Him — Christ chooses to live entirely for others, for us! What does this mean for us as his followers and stewards of His kingdom? It is precisely that our lives are not about us. They are about Christ and others. And we will advance his kingdom to the extent that we embrace this mindset: my life is not about me; it is about serving the King of kings. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025

From the Pastor - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • November 14, 2025
As we approach the end of the liturgical year, our readings offer a sober reminder that this life is not our aim and that God’s justice will triumph in the end. Now is the time to get our priorities in order, putting God above all else as his faithful stewards. Our Lord brings home the urgency of right priorities in our Gospel passage from Luke, reminding the people around him who were looking at the temple nearby, “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Our Lord reminds us that all in this world is passing. We must keep our focus on eternity. Yet before the eternal bliss of heaven, we should expect to be tried and tested. “Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.” Sounds scary. But if you are living a stewardship way of life, there is nothing to fear. You have a plan in place. All you need to do is stick with it. Put our Lord first in your time, with your talents, and through your use of treasure. This way of life is not easy. But Jesus promises it will lead to eternal salvation and the joy of union with Him. “You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance, you will secure your lives.” Onward, Christian stewards, the struggle is worth the joy that awaits! Pastoral Pondering On November 4th the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released Mater Populi Fidelis, a 20-page doctrinal note which was approved by the Holy Father. The Document addresses longstanding requests for clarification on Marian titles related to Mary’s cooperation in salvation. It emphasizes Mary’s unique role as Mother of believers while safeguarding Christ’s sole mediatorship, aiming to foster authentic devotion, Catholic fidelity, and ecumenical dialogue. The Note responds to decades of proposals, including petitions for new Marian dogmas, often amplified via social media and private revelations. It draws on Scripture, Tradition (e.g., St. Augustine), and prior papal reflections, including Joseph Ratzinger's 1996 and 2002 critiques of certain titles as unclear or prone to misunderstanding. The document appreciates popular piety but cautions against expressions that could confuse the faithful or obscure Christ's centrality. It promotes "participated mediation"—Mary's supportive role in union with Christ—without equating her to the Redeemer. The document goes on to underscore “approved titles/expressions” and “discouraged titles/expressions.” Those that are encouraged include: Mother of God (Theotokos), Mother of Believers, Spiritual Mother, Mother of the Faithful People of God, and Mediatrix (in a general sense of intercession). It notes that these underscore Mary's maternal bond with Christ and the Church, directing devotion to the Son. They are biblically rooted (e.g., John 19:26-27) and foster hope, tenderness, and unity. Those titles discouraged are Co-redemptrix and Mediatrix of All Graces. It notes that these risk eclipsing Christ's unique mediation (1 Tim 2:5) and redemption; not explicitly in Scripture or early Tradition; potential for confusion or imbalance in faith, especially ecumenically. I know in my own discussions over the years; it is very easy (especially for my non-Catholic relatives) to get confused over certain Marian titles. They can certainly be explained, but as the DDF points out, those titles that require greater explanation for common understanding should be discouraged. To be sure, you can find both titles used in various Catholic resources, and the document certainly does not forbid their use. Nonetheless, it approaches the topic in a balanced and pastorally sensitive way that recognizes the importance of Marian devotion and piety while, at the same time, reminding us all of the importance supporting and encouraging doctrinal harmony.