• 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 27, 2020

    Readings:

    Ezekiel, 18, 25-28, The Lord's way is not fair!

    Psalm 25, Remember your mercies, O Lord.

    Philippians  2, 1-11, Humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.

    Matthew 21, 28-32, Which of the two sons did his father's will?

     

     

    Worry and anxiety 1

     

    Thanks to the Team

    Music,  Ben & Shonda (on Air Force duty)

    Readers,   Connie & John Bresson & Buddy, the candle blesser

    Gospel,  Deacon Mike 

    Homily,  John Cade 

    Eucharistic Prayer A & B, Stack & John Cade

    The Magic Zoom makers, Mike, Ben & Hue, Richard 

    Final Blessing, Rosemary

    For hosting us at Legacy, Becky

     

     

    Download Readings Week 26

     

     

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    John Cade's Homily  (above, Remembering…)

     

    Homily on Priesthood  First, a little bit of history of the Christian priesthood; and second, a little bit on blessings in my life.

    The Apostle Peter, In Chapter 2 of his first letter, vs 4, wrote, “Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you serve as priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God”.  And he continued in vs 9, “You are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him.”  (As far as I know, among Christian churches today, it is the Morman church that asks all its members to exercise their priestly role.)

            Saint Jerome, around 380 CE, gave his view of the Christian priesthood, derived no doubt from the traditions and practices of the early church. He wrote, “The priestly dignity is the personal possession of the Christian; it does not belong to the Christian because of membership in a church which has a hierarchical priesthood.  Rather, the layman’s priesthood, as all priesthood, is a sharing in the priesthood of Christ.” 

    He continued, “It’s the reality of the Christian’s priesthood which distinguishes members of the ‘royal priesthood’ from the rest of humankind.  No distinction between one member of Christ’s priestly body and another, can be compared to the distinction between those baptized and confirmed and those not—there is a basic unity that underlies the threefold character of baptism, confirmation and priestly orders.”  It is clear that Saint Jerome placed the origin of priesthood in Christian baptism.  

    But jump about 800 years ahead and you are into Medieval Scholasticism, in universities all over Europe.  Scholasticism was a ‘philosophy of learning’ with emphasis on reasoning to extend knowledge.  You take a topic and dispute it in the form of a question, with counter proposals and opposing arguments.  It began as an attempt to harmonize Christian theology with philosophical antiquity such as with the Greek philosopher, Aristotle.  One thing scholasticism was not based on was early Christian tradition and practice. 

    Saint Thomas Aquinas became scholasticism’s most famous member.  One of the founders of scholasticism, Alexander of Hales (in England), obscured participation in the priesthood of Christ by the baptized/confirmed Christian.  For him priesthood no longer has its origin in Baptism, but in the separate sacrament of Orders.  His thinking and conclusion was approved in the Council of Trent, in 1550, and stands today.  

    In our time, most of us who lived as adults during the papacy of John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council, had high hopes for a more collegial understanding of how leadership could be structured and lived out in the church.  Many of us today support a return to greater opportunity for service by all baptized & confirmed Catholics.  Opportunities clearly were there in the early church.  Don’t tell me we can’t figure out how to make it happen now.  Isn’t it time already, for greater inclusion and equality of opportunity in the church?  I can hear RBG, that extraordinary Jewish woman and Supreme Court justice, giving us, her own – Amen.

    Secondly, a little bit on my personal history of blessings.  I experienced the call, in my mid-teens, to greater closeness with God—of course, to ‘save my soul from hell’. After two semesters in college, I entered the seminary, and eight years later was ordained a priest on Sept 30, 1961.  I felt then and feel now the blessing of that day.  I loved living and working as a priest, ‘saying’ Mass, doing homilies, being invited into others’ lives through counseling, visiting the sick, teaching in high school, and leading retreats.  

    Six or seven years later, when I was in the psychology program at Loyola Chicago, I began to experience a deep loneliness…and also disillusionment with the American hierarchy’s negative reaction to calls for reform by Pope John XXIII and the Vatican Council.  Some of you will remember the great number of priests who left in the late 60’s and early 70’s.  I was one of them.  Having a psychology degree was a blessing, as I could continue one of the things I loved as a priest—counseling with people having a difficult emotional time.  I married and helped raise four kids, including two as stepfather.  Some of the big blessings:  my relationship with a marriage partner (twice), being part of a family with kids (and now grandkids), relationships with friends, mentors and colleagues.  My marriage relationship with Lambrini is amazing; we are a couple now for 28 years and counting.  Also, even with diabetes and cardio-vascular disease, I am blessed with overall health. It’s a huge blessing to be able to enjoy the Autuum time of life. 

    An unexpected blessing came 15 years ago when you, this community, welcomed me back as a Catholic priest. Simply being part of this loving community, seeing the way you live your lives, is a blessing that keeps on giving.  Why?  Because every Sunday, and often between Sundays, you help me ‘see’ the blessings in my life, and you help me live with gratitude. 

    My question:  How do you see yourselves as a ‘royal priesthood’, sharing in the priesthood of Christ?  How do you live with acceptance and love for others, and also see your daily blessings?   

                                  

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    The Zoom Wizards at work.

     

    Please Remember these special people:

    For Alan Stryker;  For John Doherty with back pain; For Becky's dad who has moved to the other side;  For Cindy recuperating at home;    For David Dismore's bad shoulder from a biking accident; For Esparzas, Frank & Mary,  For all the medical personnel struggling to treat the tsunami of sick people, in particular, locally, Cindy's staff at Presby, Dallas, and at Frisco Presby, the mother of Harper and Betsy, Kendle, working in labor & delivery;   For Mary & Dave Hall's g-daughter Allison Keller working at St. Lukes, Woodlands,  For Joe Hogan with cancer;  For Loretta's aunt Alicia;    For Sydney;  & For Sir Charlie & Jan;  Shonda's mom & Cody & Ben & all of Shonda's dear family;   for all the students and teachers and coaches returning to school, for Geri's sister with heart & circulation problems, David Dinsmore in a bike crash.


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    Ben bringing his Vitality to our music, alone today because Shonda has Air Force duty.

     

    For Jackie's mom, sister, & friend, Lynn;  For a friend & a doctor, Karen, with brain cancer; For Rick Turner searching for a kidney donor, Type O neg; For Meredith, cancer free;    For Hue;  For John O'Donnell;   For Dee, and for her daughter, Lisa; For John Schanot's continued health;  For Anthony & Sabrina;    For a young man who is suffering from depression;  John Cade's mother in law, Kalliopi Piskiouli and Lambrini, plus John's daughter, Joey, with cancer,  For the students, teachers, and coaches in our public & private schools.

     

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    Mike working on elevating our Zoom quality.

     

    Birthdays:  Judy Carrell (today), Leo (10), Tori & Buddy, (10) 

    Anniversaries: John Cade, 49 years ordained, Fred & Patricia,10th; Erin McClurg & Greg, 3rd; Claire Z & Andrew,9th, Ron & Nancy Kovatis, 48th.

     

     

                                                    

                     

    Community Finances, September 27, 2020

    Expenses: $450.00  

    Outreach   $100.00    (often for Souls Harbor, Legacy, etc.)

    Thanks, Folks, for doing what you can.

     

     

    Rosemary's Blessing:

    Rivers do not drink their own water;

    trees do not eat their own fruit;

    the sun does not shine on itself

    and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.

    Living for others is a rule of nature.

    We are born to help each other.

    No matter how difficult it is.

    Life is good when you are happy

    but much better when others are happy because of you.

    Let us remember that pain is a sign that we are alive,

    problems are a sign that we are strong and

    prayer is a sign that we are not alone.

    If we can acknowledge these truths and

    condition our hearts and minds, our lives will be more meaningful,

    different and

    worthwhile.

     

    Pope Francis

     

     

    New House Address

    Just in case you missed our new address, 7017 Helsem Way  75230.   (notice the same Zip Code as Tulip Lane?)

     

  • Reminder, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 27, 2020

    Readings:

    Ezekiel, 18, 25-28, The Lord's way is not fair!

    Psalm 25, Remember your mercies, O Lord.

    Philippians  2, 1-11, Humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.

    Matthew 21, 28-32, Which of the two sons did his father's will?

     

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    Happy 41st, Tom & Becky.

     

    ROMEOS, Friday, September 25, 1:00,  as usual.    Welcome!

    ROMEOs' Virtual Jason's Deli BYOB lunch
    This is a recurring meeting, Friday, 1:00 pm
    Link :
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798571623?pwd=NmFSTW1ocVMzRGdIc0QzUGxKdHM3dz09

    Meeting ID: 857 9857 1623
    Password: saladbar


     

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    Our new community member

     

    Reminder for 26th Sunday Ordinary Time, September 27, 2020

    Here are the links for Sunday:

    For Zoom   ( the video conference, same as last week )
     
     
     
    For Youtube    
     
     
    1. in your browser, go to   youtube.com
    2. search for "john stack ministries"
     
     

    IMG_1938

     

    White Rock Creek trail heading east along NW Highway along White Rock Lake (north area)  to Buckner Blvd., Monday morning, 7:30.

     

    What's up in Ye Old Catholic Church

    1.  A bishop with lipstick? https://corpus-blog.blogspot.com/2020/09/im-not-quite-sure-how-st-paul-would.html 

    2.  Bishop ordered to repay thousands,  https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/13278/us-bishop-ordered-to-repay-thousands-of-dollars-to-diocese   

     

     

    Tranquility

    Tranquility.

  • 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 20, 2020

    Readings:

    Isaiah, 55, 6-9, As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways.

    Psalm 1,  The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

    Philippians  1, 24, 27,  Conduct yourselves in a way worthy

    Matthew 20, 1-16,   The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner…

     

     

    Have dog  be happy

     

     

    Thanks to the Team

    Music,  Ben & Shonda

    Readers,   Mary Jane (Happy Birthday!) & John & Buddy, the candle blesser

    Gospel,  Deacon Mike 

    Homily,  Stack 

    Eucharistic Prayer A & B, Stack & John Cade

    The Magic Zoom makers, Mike, Ben & Hue, Richard & Tom & David

    Final Blessing, Rosemary

    For hosting us at Legacy, Becky

     

     

    Download Readings Week 25

     

    When did you last see God?

    Next Sunday after our Sunday morning celebration of life I have a baptism.  Remember the Braun family from St. Marks?  It was easy to see them because both Debbie & Don were tall.  In fact, Don must be about 6'10" and they were visible.   They have three grown kids, a boy & two girls.  I've done backyard baptisms for them.  Heather, one of the daughters has a baby daughter.

     

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    Mary Jane reading Isaiah.

     

    For a long time I have always asked the people gathered together for the baptism, when was the last time you saw God.  This can be very touching.  Of course, probably everybody there says they saw God and see God now when they behold the little baby being baptized.

    Reflecting upon this in my own life, I am stunned.  Two events have left me speechless and humbled.  Almost exactly a year ago, October 20 to be exact, Rosemary & I were visited by that tornado.  I cannot say I saw God's presence in the tornado.  No, it was the aftermath and especially the next morning.  Neighbors whose houses were not damaged came in waves to clear downed tree limbs, clean up all the junk dumped in our yard, and to offer us food.  Boys from St. Marks Boys' School brought bottled water & food.  

     

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    John Schanot reading Philippians.

     

    Doug LeBlanc & Grace came with some of their friends, coming with plywood & tools which they used to board up the smashed bay window on our house.  Connie and John Bresson, Mike Moran, Andy, Tom Good, Tom Froelich and others moved tree limbs, cut branches down and generally cleaned up. Just that day was overwhelming itself.  But people continued to come every day, some of which were community members.  One day Loretta Garcia Williams fed a whole group of our community.  I still am humbled and grateful.  I saw God those days.

     

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    Deacon reading the Gospel.

     

    A few days later a tall junior from St. Marks School and a neighbor kid from a big delightful family 4 doors down came to our front door and knocked.  It was a mild & sunny afternoon.   He said he wanted to simply tell us that he admired us and was happy we're his neighbors.  You know me, I was in tears.  

    It was hard to leave the neighborhood, as you can imagine.  So I was not expecting anything special when we moved into our new neighborhood.  Dream on.  We took possession of the keys about 1:00 on Monday, the 31st of August from the delightful couple who had fixed the place all up.  Before long while we were bringing stuff in with Grace LeBlanc's help, neighbors began coming over to welcome us.  With welcome gifts.  We got food & wine.  We got a home made chocolate cake with chocolate chips!  It was so rich!  I saw God in those people, especially in the lady who brought the chocolate chip chocolate cake.

    And you?  When was the last time you saw God?

     

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    The brains of our team, Hue, Richard, and Mike.

     

    Please Remember these special people:

    For Alan Stryker;  For John Doherty with back pain; For Becky's dad who has moved to the other side;  For Cindy recuperating at home;    For Esparzas, Frank & Mary,  For all the medical personnel struggling to treat the tsunami of sick people, in particular, locally, Cindy's staff at Presby, Dallas, and at Frisco Presby, the mother of Harper and Betsy, Kendle, working in labor & delivery;   For Mary & Dave Hall's g-daughter Allison Keller working at St. Lukes, Woodlands,  For Joe Hogan with cancer;  For Loretta's aunt Alicia;    For Sydney;  & For Sir Charlie & Jan;  Shonda's mom & Cody & Ben & all of Shonda's dear family;   for all the students and teachers and coaches returning to school.

     

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    Shonda & Ben making the best music.

     

    For Betty from Helsem; For Jackie's mom, sister, & friend, Lynn;  For a friend & a doctor, Karen, with brain cancer; For Rick Turner searching for a kidney donor, Type O neg; For Meredith, cancer free;    For Hue;  For John O'Donnell;   For Dee, and for her daughter, Lisa; For John Schanot's continued health;  For Anthony & Sabrina;    For a young man who is suffering from depression;  John Cade's mother in law, Kalliopi Piskiouli and Lambrini, plus John's daughter, Joey, with cancer,  For the students, teachers, and coaches in our public & private schools.

     

     

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    Our Anniversary kids, Tom & Becky, 41 years!

     

    Birthdays:  Mary Jane Stevenson, Sophia  (12), Ben's daughter 

    Anniversaries:  Tom & Becky, 41

     

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    David double checking the out put.                                                     

                     

    Community Finances, September 13, 2020

    Expenses: $  580.00

    Outreach   $  200.00  (often for Souls Harbor, Legacy, etc.)

    Thanks, Folks, for doing what you can.

     

    Aviana

     

    A new member of our community?

     

    Rosemary's Blessing:

    … May God bless you with enough foolishness
    to believe that you can make a difference
    in this world, in your neighborhood,
    so that you will courageously try
    what you don't think you can do, but,
    in Jesus Christ you'll have all the strength necessary.

    "Troubadour: A Missionary Magazine," published by the Franciscan Missionary Society

     

  • Reminder, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 20, 2020

    Readings:

    Isaiah, 55, 6-9, As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways.

    Psalm 1,  The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

    Philippians  1, 24, 27,  Conduct yourselves in a way worthy

    Matthew 20, 1-16,   The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner…

     

     

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    Like glass, White Rock Lake looking south from the north bridge, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 7:30 A.M.

     

    ROMEOS, Friday, September 18, 1:00,  as usual.    Welcome!

    ROMEOs' Virtual Jason's Deli BYOB lunch
    This is a recurring meeting, Friday, 1:00 pm
    Link :
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798571623?pwd=NmFSTW1ocVMzRGdIc0QzUGxKdHM3dz09

    Meeting ID: 857 9857 1623
    Password: saladbar

     

    Aviana & Ro
     

    All God's creatures.

     

     

    Reminder for 25th Sunday Ordinary Time, September 20, 2020

    Here are the links for Sunday:

    For Zoom   ( the video conference, same as last week )
     
     
     
    For Youtube    
     
     
    1. in your browser, go to   youtube.com
    2. search for "john stack ministries"
     
     

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    Doggie Park and doggie swimming hole from the north bridge, usually a busy spot.  Must be too early.

     

    What's up in Ye Old Catholic Church

    1.  U. S. bishops should follow the sisters,  https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/editorial-bishops-should-follow-sisters-lead-dismantling-racism

     

    Aviana 2

     

    Sunday Homily from September 13 (Last Sunday.  Just forgot to add it to the blog.)

    The Lord is gracious & merciful, never gets angry and is abounding in love.

    Many people I know have their favorite scripture passage, one that supports feelings of consolation and inner peace.  It is also a resort when times are difficult.  This my verse.

    Please excuse me while I reminisce through three periods of my adult & ordained life, my years in East Africa, my years working as a psycho-therapist and a celebrater of Sunday Masses at St. Marks, and finally the recent years, my blessed marriage with Rosemary and celebrating Masses with our special, marvelous community, each stage lasting 10-20 years.

    I was living in Nairobi, Kenya when I was first struck by the incredible strength and consolation of this line.  I was looking for property on which I was to establish a spiritual center.  I had taken a break of a few days to get in touch with my spirit.  I had already been a Jesuit for about 15 years and had made many a retreat.  I had even guided a bunch of people through 8 to 30 day individual retreats.  Suddenly, sitting in the small chapel of the house of some American brothers it hit me.  How had I missed the strength of this line?

    I went on to find a 38 acre plot with two houses owned by two elderly Brit ladies, mother & daughter.  (probably younger than I am now!).  The center is still active and under the direction of 2-5 East African Jesuits.  I named it Mwangaza House, which is Swahili for a sudden brightness.  I showed it to Rosemary & Mary Ellen some years ago when we were all 3 younger.

    At a meeting of some of us Kenya Jesuits I volunteered to move south to Tanzania, a country more poor than Kenya & Uganda, with dirt roads, more simple living, and the home of The Great, my beloved Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

    We knew that transportation was poor, so we decided to go mobile.  I was able to find 4 convents or centers with guest accommodations, one in each of the 4 corners of the country.  I bought a Honda 250 trail bike and found 3 others to form a team.  They were another young French Canadian Jesuit, a French Canadian White Father, and a delightful Dutch nun named Hanney.  In a cardboard box on the back of my trail bike I had my notes, extra clothing and running shoes.  It was a fascinating adventure.

    The second big move I made was when I returned to the States around ’85-’86, got a degree & training as a psycho therapist, opened an office in the back of the Jesuit residence at the school here in Dallas, and shared time with people needing help.  I was quite busy.  At the same time Claude Smyth took me on at St. Marks where every Sunday I did the 9:00 and the 10:30 Masses.  I loved the people who made up those communities.

    Guess what was the third big move in my life.  Cinco de Mayo, 2005, Rosemary & I got married.  That blessing was more than ever I expected!  But that was not the end of it. 

    I blame Carol Eshelbrenner, Bernadette, and a few other trouble makers.  They said let’s continue to celebrate our Sunday Masses together.   Remember where we started and continued for many years?  Yep, Vines High School.  After a gazillion years at Vines, we were assigned to other schools because of Summer renovation.   Then we arrived in The Promised Land, Legacy Charter, Becky being our most gracious hostess.

    Ever since that day in Nairobi and all through the years I have found peace and strength in The Line, The Lord is gracious and merciful, never gets angry, and is abounding in love.

    What scripture line touches your heart?

     

  • 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 13, 2020

    Readings:

    Sirach, 27, 30-28, 7, Hate not your neighbor.  

    Psalm 103,  The Lord is Gracious and Merciful, never gets angry and is abounding in Love.  (Wow!)

    Romans  13, 7-9,  Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

    Matthew 18, 21-35   If my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?  .. not seven times, but seventy-seven times…

     

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    Tuning in.

     

    Thanks to the Team

    Music,  Ben & Shonda

    Readers,  Patrica & Jackie & Buddy, the candle blesser

    Gospel,  John Cade

    Homily,  Stack 

    Eucharistic Prayer A & B, Stack & John Cade

    The Magic Zoom makers, Mike, Ben & Hue, Richard & Tom & David

    Final Blessing, Rosemary

    For hosting us at Legacy, Becky

     

     

    Dog 1

     

     

    Download Readings Week 24

     

    Please Remember these special people:

    For Alan Stryker;  For John Doherty with back pain; For Becky's dad who has moved to the other side;  For Cindy recuperating at home;    For Esparzas, Frank & Mary,  For all the medical personnel struggling to treat the tsunami of sick people, in particular, locally, Cindy's staff at Presby, Dallas, and at Frisco Presby, the mother of Harper and Betsy, Kendle, working in labor & delivery;   For Mary & Dave Hall's g-daughter Allison Keller working at St. Lukes, Woodlands,  For Joe Hogan with cancer;  For Loretta's aunt Alicia;    For Sydney;  & For Sir Charlie & Jan;  Shonda's mom & Cody & Ben & all of Shonda's dear family;   for all the students and teachers and coaches returning to school.

     

    Mass 1 (12)

    The new house amid the trees.

     

    For Jackie's mom, sister, & friend, Lynn;  For a friend, a neighbor, & a doctor, Karen, with brain cancer; For Rick Turner searching for a kidney donor, Type O neg; For Meredith, cancer free;    For Hue;  For John O'Donnell;   For Dee, and for her daughter, Lisa; For John Schanot's continued health;  For Anthony & Sabrina;    For a young man who is suffering from depression;  John Cade's mother in law, Kalliopi Piskiouli and Lambrini, plus John's daughter, Joey, with cancer.

     

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    The Brain center

     

    Birthdays:    Sandra Pratt, 80;  Claire Zurchin, 35; 

    Anniversaries:  Tom & Lynda, 38th

    Mark & Julie Anderlick, 8th

     

    Helsem

     

    A cool neighborhood on a hot day.

     

    Community Finances, September 13, 2020

    Expenses: $ 2,830.00

    Outreach   $  380.00  (often for Souls Harbor, Legacy, etc.)

    Thanks, Folks, for doing what you can.

     

     

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    Has this broadcast team not arrived at new heights!

     

    Rosemary's Blessing:

    May the Lord grant you

           A tolerance for those who don’t agree with you,

           A refusal to judge others,

           A willingness to forgive,

           A calm and hopeful spirit in the midst of anxieties,

           And a holy anger for injustice in the world.

    From Seven Sacred Pauses by Macrina Wiedwrkehr

     

     

    New House Address

    Our new address,  7017 Helsem Way, Dallas 75230.   This enclave has TREES, unlike our poor, dear, tornado battered Preston Hollow neighborhood.  It is so special.

  • Reminder, 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 13, 2020

    Readings:

    Sirach, 27, 30-28, 7, Hate not your neighbor.  

    Psalm 103,  The Lord is Gracious and Merciful, never gets angry and is abounding in Love.  (Wow!)

    Romans  13, 7-9,  Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

    Matthew 18, 21-35   If my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?  .. not seven times, but seventy-seven times…

     

     

    ROMEOS, Friday, September 11, 1:00,  as usual.    Welcome!

    ROMEOs' Virtual Jason's Deli BYOB lunch
    This is a recurring meeting, Friday, 1:00 pm
    Link :
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798571623?pwd=NmFSTW1ocVMzRGdIc0QzUGxKdHM3dz09

    Meeting ID: 857 9857 1623
    Password: saladbar

     

     

     

    Reminder for 24th Sunday Ordinary Time, September 13, 2020

    Here are the links for Sunday:

    For Zoom   ( the video conference, same as last week )
     
     
     
    For Youtube    
     
     
    1. in your browser, go to   youtube.com
    2. search for "john stack ministries"
     
     

     

    What's up in Ye Old Catholic Church

    1.  U. S. bishops should follow the sisters,  https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/editorial-bishops-should-follow-sisters-lead-dismantling-racism

  • 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 6, 2020

    Readings:

    Ezekiel 33, 7-9,  The wicked shall die for his guilt.

    Psalm 95,  If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

    Romans  13, 8-12,  You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

    Matthew 18, 15-20,   Where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, there am I


    Mass 1 (3)

    The Best, Shonda & Ben (plus Aviana's nose)


     

    Thanks to the Team

    Music,  Ben & Shonda

    Readers,  Mike & Geri, & Buddy, the candle blesser

    Gospel,  Deacon Mike

    Homily,  Deacon Mike 

    Eucharistic Prayer A & B, Stack & John Cade

    The Magic Zoom makers, Mike, Ben & Hue

    Final Blessing, Rosemary

    For hosting us at Legacy, Becky

     

     

    CB 9

     

     

     

    Download Readings Week 23

     

     

    Homily for September 6, Deacon Mike 

    Jesus has made us aware that when two or more of us get together on any decision at all on earth, we are to address it with communal prayer; asking our Father to guide us, with the power of the Holy Spirit. What would be an appropriate example?  We are the Church, called by this name: “Christ in the world.’ Together, its single women, and married women and men, have been called by the Holy Spirit to  ordination.  This is a “yes,” on earth and a “yes in heaven; Our action is this: pray to our Father for our hierarchy to recognize these authentic calls to ordination for men and women.

     

    Today, Matthew’s Good News toward the end of this gospel
    the Church of its responsibility to bring forgiveness even to the tax collector.  This forgiveness is a “yes,” on earth and a “yes,” in heaven, for early in this gospel Jesus had asked Matthew to follow him; which he immediately did; and he had been a tax collector.  Jesus then informed the religious leaders, that granting forgiveness was the reason that he had come into the world. 

     

    Mass 1 (11)

     

    Rosemary's mural from the old house, rescued by Mike the day we left the house.

     

    Please Remember these special people:

    For Alan Stryker;  For Becky's dad who just moved to the other side;  For Cindy recuperating at home;    For Esparzas, Frank & Mary,  For all the medical personnel struggling to treat the tsunami of sick people, in particular, locally, Cindy's staff at Presby, Dallas, and at Frisco Presby, the mother of Harper and Betsy, Kendle, working in labor & delivery;   For Mary & Dave Hall's g-daughter Allison Keller working at St. Lukes, Woodlands,  For Joe Hogan with cancer;  For Loretta's aunt Alicia;    For Sydney;  & For Sir Charlie & Jan;  Shonda's mom & Cody & Ben & all of Shonda's dear family;   for all the students and teachers and coaches returning to school.

     

    Mass 1 (12)

    The new house amid the trees.

     

    For Jackie's mom;  For a friend, a neighbor, & a doctor, Karen, with brain cancer; For Rick Turner searching for a kidney donor, Type O neg; For Meredith, cancer free;    For Hue;  For John O'Donnell;   For Dee, and for her daughter, Lisa; For John Schanot's continued health;  For Anthony & Sabrina;    For a young man who is suffering from depression;  John Cade's mother in law, Kalliopi Piskiouli and Lambrini, plus John's daughter, Joey, with cancer.

     

    Our Fr. 1

    Our Father.

     

    Birthdays:     Aggie, Jean Wright

    Anniversaries: 

    David & Caroline, 35th

    Dee & Mike, 63rd

    Rob & Beth, 46th

    Aggie & Alan 53rd

    Mike & Geri, 45th

     

    Helsem

     

    A cool neighborhood on a hot day.

     

    Community Finances, September 6, 2020

    Expenses: $ 700.00

    Outreach   $   (often for Souls Harbor, Legacy, etc.)

    Thanks, Folks, for doing what you can.

    Rosemary's Blessing:

     

     

    New House Address

     

    Our new address,  7017 Helsem Way, Dallas 75230.   This enclave has TREES, unlike our poor, dear, tornado battered Preston Hollow neighborhood.  It is so special.

  • Reminder, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 6, 2020

    Sorry for the delay with the blog.  Moving from the Tulip Lane house to 7017 Helsem Way 75230, only two miles distance, but amazingly complicated. 

     

    New House

     

    Readings:

    Ezekiel 33, 7-9,  The wicked shall die for his guilt.

    Psalm 95,  If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

    Romans  13, 8-12,  You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

    Matthew 18, 15-20,   Where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, there am I

     

    ROMEOS, Friday, August 28, 1:00,  as usual.    Welcome!

    ROMEOs' Virtual Jason's Deli BYOB lunch
    This is a recurring meeting, Friday, 1:00 pm
    Link :
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798571623?pwd=NmFSTW1ocVMzRGdIc0QzUGxKdHM3dz09

    Meeting ID: 857 9857 1623
    Password: saladbar

     

    IMG_0492

    Greenland

     

    Reminder for 20th Sunday Ordinary Time, September 6, 2020

    Here are the links for Sunday:

    For Zoom   ( the video conference, same as last week )
     
     
     
    For Youtube    
     
     
    1. in your browser, go to   youtube.com
    2. search for "john stack ministries"
     
     
    IMG_0563

    Quebec City

     

    What's up in Ye Old Catholic Church

    1.  U. S. bishop ordered to repay thousands, https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/13278/us-bishop-ordered-to-repay-thousands-of-dollars-to-diocese

    2.  German archbishop & woman priests, https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/08/20/german-archbishop-debate-women-priests-deacons-catholic

     

  • 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 30, 2020

    note: this is the last time we publish the blog from our Tulip Lane home.

     

    Readings:

    Jeremiah, 20, 7-9, You duped me, Oh Lord

    Psalm 63,  My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord, my God

    Romans  12, 1-2,  Do not confirm yourselves to this age.

    Matthew 16, 21-27,   Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

     

    Thanks to the Team

    Music,  Ben & Shonda

    Readers, Beth & Rob (from Pagosa Springs), & Buddy, the candle blesser

    Gospel:  Deacon Mike

    Homily,  Stack 

    Eucharistic Prayer A & B, Stack & John Cade

    The Magic Zoom makers, Mike (home from the mountains) & Richard (back from vacation), Tom, Ben & Hue 

    Final Blessing, Rosemary

     

     

    CB 8

     

     

    Download Readings Week 22

     

     

    The Homily

    A Contemporary addition to the Liturgical Calendar

    I would  like to propose this morning that we add a special feast day to our liturgical calendar.  Don’t know what is the liturgical calendar?  Are you people Catholics?

    The Catholic liturgical calendar is a daily directive on special Catholic events and special deceased Catholics who are now considered officially saints.  For example, the feast of Christmas, Saints Francis and Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits.  In the sacristy of most Catholic churches there would be a little booklet with the name of the saint for the day and as a priest, I would offer the Mass in honor of and for the intercession of the saint. 

     

    Path 4

     

    White Rock Creek Path, 7:00 Friday morning, looking north at the DART bridge branch to Plano.  Can this be Dallas?!!

     

    Therefore, in honor of this special day I would propose that this day be officially established as a holy day of obligation, as they once were called.  The day?  Yesterday. 

    You all must know that the last Saturday of August, usually the hottest day of the Summer, is especially celebrated each year on the campus of Midwestern University where Kevin goes to college in the town of Wichita Falls, northwest of Dallas a couple hours.

    Celebration?  What kind of celebration?  To show that we are not intimidated by 100 degree temps, some thousands of bike riders aim to ride for 100 miles out of Wichita Falls on a clockwise ride around the region. 

     

    Path 3

     

    South bound WRCT heading toward White Rock Lake at the bridge just before the Skillman bridge-tunnel.   At 7:00 it is gorgeous on the path!   Yes, I'm riding again, Monday-Friday this week.

     

    There are rest stops every 10 miles and at ca. mile 75, every five miles or so.  I have my favorite stops and in particular the stop at the 30 mile marker, the edge of the little town of Electra.  The women of Electra bake dozens of homemade cookies and hand them out.  Everything is free at the rest stops, water, of course, but also fruit, bananas, energy bars, and even pickles.

     

    Mass 1-8-30

    Shonda and Ben bringing Life.

     

    One year it was especially hot and hot from the beginning.  I rode up to the Electra rest stop about 9:30, eager to taste a few of my favorites, like chocolate chip.   Turns out the extreme heat had melted some of their cookies, especially the chocolate chips.   No problem.   Usually the cookies are just lying there on the tables under a huge tent.  Take all you want.  Not this time. 

    I look up and see a lady standing on a step with clear plastic bags on her hands and in each hand she has a cookie ball.  “Come and have all the cookie balls you want,” she is saying.  “They are as good as ever.”  And they were. 

     

    Mass 2-8-30

    Hue & Richard cooking.

     

    This is why The Hotter ‘N Hell bike ride should be introduced into the Catholic Liturgical Calendar for the last Saturday of the month of August.  It is feast day.  And I nominate Saint Bill Hammond as the Patron Saint. 

    So what did you do when you did not bike a hundred miles yesterday?

     

    Mass 3-8-30

     

    Welcome home, Mike.  It is really good to have you back.

     

    Please Remember these special people:

    For Alan Stryker;  For Becky's dad discovered with cancer;  For Cindy recuperating at home;    For Esparzas, Frank & Mary,  For all the medical personnel struggling to treat the tsunami of sick people, in particular, locally, Cindy's staff at Presby, Dallas, and at Frisco Presby, the mother of Harper and Betsy, Kendle, working in labor & delivery;   For Mary & Dave Hall's g-daughter Allison Keller working at St. Lukes, Woodlands,  For Joe Hogan with cancer;  For Loretta's aunt Alicia;    For Sydney;  & For Sir Charlie & Jan;  Shonda's mom & Cody & Ben & all of Shonda's dear family;   for Michelle

     

    Mass 4-8-30

     

    On air!

     

    For Jackie's mom;  For a friend, a neighbor, & a doctor, Karen, with brain cancer; For Rick Turner searching for a kidney donor, Type O neg; For Meredith, cancer free;    For Hue;  For John O'Donnell;   For Dee, and for her daughter, Lisa; For John Schanot's continued health;  For Anthony & Sabrina;    For a young man who is suffering from depression;  John Cade's mother in law, Kalliopi Piskiouli and Lambrini, plus John's daughter, Joey, with cancer.

     

     

    Birthdays:     Maureen Macchio, Teresa Quinn

    Anniversaries: 

    Ken & Cindy, 58th

    Richard & Monica Froebe, 33rd

     

    Mass 6-8-30

     

    John Cade doing the Eucharistic Prayer from his living room.

     

    Community Finances, August 30, 2020

    Expenses: $1625.00

    Outreach   $360.00   (often for Souls Harbor, Legacy, etc.)

    Thanks, Folks, for doing what you can.

     

    Rosemary's Blessing:

    Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people,

    A heart that forgives the worst,

    A mind that forgets the bad,

    And a soul that never loses faith in God.

    Unknown

     

     

    New House Address

     

    As of September 1, Rosemary & I will have a new address,   7017 Helsem Way, Dallas 75230.   This enclave has TREES, unlike our poor, dear, tornado battered Preston Hollow neighborhood.

  • Reminder, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 30, 2020

    Readings:

    Jeremiah, 20, 7-9, You duped me, Oh Lord

    Psalm 63,  My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord, my God

    Romans  12, 1-2,  Do not confirm yourselves to this age.

    Matthew 16, 21-27,   Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

     

    IMG_1952

     

    Sez Betsy, "Hi, Everybody. I miss you".

     

    ROMEOS, Friday, August 28, 1:00,  as usual.    Welcome!

    ROMEOs' Virtual Jason's Deli BYOB lunch
    This is a recurring meeting, Friday, 1:00 pm
    Link :
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798571623?pwd=NmFSTW1ocVMzRGdIc0QzUGxKdHM3dz09

    Meeting ID: 857 9857 1623
    Password: saladbar

     

    Path 1

     

    White Rock Creek Path, Wednesday, 8/26, north bound coming up to Greenville Avenue, 7:30 A.M.

     

     

    Reminder for 20th Sunday Ordinary Time, August 30, 2020

    Here are the links for Sunday:

    For Zoom   ( the video conference, same as last week )
     
     
     
    For Youtube    
     
     
    1. in your browser, go to   youtube.com
    2. search for "john stack ministries"
     
     
    Path 2
     
    WRC Trail northbound at Fair Oaks bridge
     

     

    What's up in Ye Old Catholic Church

    1.  5 things Pope Francis should do during the pandemic https://www.ncronline.org/news/vatican/signs-times/five-things-pope-francis-should-do-while-imprisoned-pandemic  

    2.  Catholic colleges follow Notre Dame    https://www.ncronline.org/news/coronavirus/editorial-catholic-colleges-learn-notre-dame-about-pandemic-reality

     

     

    The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those that have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.    Franklin Delano Roosevelt