Pentecost IV
THE SUMMER NOVENA
TO OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
WITH THE THIRTEEN TUESDAYS OF ST. ANTHONY
JUNE 14 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
Download Prayers
_________________________________________
Congratulations to the children who received their First Holy Communion on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
_________________________________________
Daily Sermons
May 27 – Fr. Lehtoranta – A Father’s Promise
May 31 – Fr. Lehtoranta – St. Petronilla
June 1 – Fr. Lehtoranta – St. Angela Merici
June 2 – Fr. Lehtoranta – Holy Eucharist is a Sign of God’s Love
June 3 – Bp. Dolan – What IS a Sister of Reparation?
_________________________________________
✠ The Bishop’s Corner ✠
Friday was the Octave Day of the Sacred Heart, and with it concluded the last great feasts of spring. Our little pause of welcome rest and quietness coincided with the first week of school vacation and summer schedule, made all the more sweet by a string of perfect June days, high mild sun and dry, with delightful breezes. As we rest we treasure the memory of the last fortnight and more, of graces given and graciously received. Think of it: holy habits of Mt. Carmel and St. Benedict, the character of Confirmation and the seven Holy Ghost Gifts, the mercy of God in His Heart, and in our “meat and drink” in the Holy Eucharist.
But the beginning of this new summer week, the last of spring, summons our devotion. Monday is the day for St. Anthony and his lilies, Our Lady and her roses for peace, the first of our Fatima Rosary processions. Tuesday we begin our Summer Novena, which we are especially dedicating for Fr. Cekada’s health. Pray it at home if you can’t make it to Mass, although Holy Mass adds so much. Try it for your life this summer, as well as joining us in pleading for the life and well being of Fr. Cekada.
Today’s Gospel of Simon Peter points to the next series of feasts, often called the Summer Solemnities. These begin with St. John the Baptist, Sts. Peter and Paul, then concluding with the Precious Blood and the Visitation. Some of them we solemnize on the Sun-day, just so nobody misses out.
Don’t let your girls miss out on Summer Camp, June 22-24. This year’s camp includes the St. John’s Eve bonfire and parish picnic. All are invited, and some suitable entertainment will doubtless be on offer. Fr. Lehtoranta is busily preparing some more fine biblical heroine sermons to inspire our young ladies.
Fr. Cekada made it through his first chemotherapy days with only fatigue and mild nausea. His appetite has returned, and he’s been busy with weekly duties as well as with witty tweets and special projects. He begins his second series of treatments tomorrow. He’s one of those “absent minded” professor types who often forgets to eat when distracted. I’m serving as cook and minder when I can. Thank you for all of the delicious and healthy meals you’ve sent our way. I have a lot to work with. We’re all eating better now.
Fr. Nkamuke just wrote. He is staying busy teaching catechism, especially to engaged couples, baptizing, blessing marriages, and looking after his poor. He is in Lagos at the moment, but still traveling. Nigeria, like Venezuela, is in a terrible state, which must make his apostolate all the more difficult.
Summer’s here, so it’s time to remember to “dress up and kneel down” for the Lord’s Day. Please don’t come “dressed comfortably” for Sunday Mass. We’re not that kind of church. Everybody else is, but not St. Gertrude the Great. Only the best for God. Men and boys always wear a tie on Sunday, with a jacket, sweater or suit coat. Ladies and young ladies should wear their Sunday best, and it should give hon-or to God, but not temptation to man. ’Nuff said?
“Dress up and kneel down.” Parents, please teach your children how to genuflect, how to make the sign of the cross, and how to stay put in the pew during Mass. “Go” before Mass, not during. There should be no constant flow (pun intended) during the most sacred time of the week. But you must take the time and trouble to teach your children these things.
See you tomorrow? Blessed midweek of June, and last of spring. May your home and family be blessed by your image of the Sacred Heart, Jesus reigning as King of Love in your home.
—Bishop Dolan