• 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

      

  • 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 23, 2020

    Readings:

    Isaiah, 22, 19-23, On that day I will summon my servant, Eliakim

    Psalm 138,  Lord, your love is eternal.  I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart X 3 times.

    Romans  11, 33-36,  Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. 

    Matthew 16, 13-20,   You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church.

     

     

    Thanks to the Team

    Music,  Ben & Shonda

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

    Gospel:  Deacon Mike

    Homily,  Stack 

    Eucharistic Prayer A & B, Stack & John Cade

    The Magic Zoom makers, Mike (on vacation) & Richard (on vacation), Tom, Ben & Hue 

    Final Blessing, Rosemary

     

     

    CB 7

     

     

     

    Download Readings Week 21

     

    Coming up in the readings is the psalm of the day, i.e., Psalm 138, one of my long time favorites.  There are two translations, the more modern and the more traditional.  Because I have spent so many hours meditating on the more traditional form, I offer both translations.  For me thanks is the key to my relationship with God, as well with others.  See what you think about the italicized parts.

    1.  I will give thanks to you, Oh, Lord, with all my heart for you have heard the words of  my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise.

    2.  I will give thanks to your name, because of your kindness and your truth.

    3  Your kindness, O Lord, endures forever.

     

    IMG_1862

     

    Aviana watching over the stove and over us.

     

    Reflections of a Tornado Refugee Family

    Somewhere in the distant past when I was a Boy Scout at Christ the King I was trained to always leave my campsite better than I found it.  I probably drove my fellow campers crazy when I went camping with my Jesuit buddies and especially when I went with Bill & Mike, Ray & Rose, and a dozen or so others.  I would aim to be the last camper to leave the site, with the exception of Mike. 

    Exactly a week from tomorrow I will be cleaning a campsite.   Rosemary & I will be departing the house we have lived in for 15 years and the house that my parents bought in ’75.   I will take one last look around, probably with Rosemary, to make sure this campsite is better than I found it.  Even though a bulldozer will demolish it.

     

    IMG_1782

     

    Looking out our front window, 4 houses used to be there.

     

    This is already proving to be emotionally quite difficult for me.  The problem is that there are numerous tender memories in that house, like the portrait of Aviana that Rosemary painted on the ceramic tiles behind the stove in the kitchen, painted one summer while I was out camping with the gang.  For her I had put in the tiles and the parquet flooring in that kitchen.  Every room in the house I have painted and decorated with decals.  I painted the outside more than once and even the sturdy tool shed.  This campsite has been a home. 

    The neighborhood, too, has touched my heart.  This is where the 16 year old St. Marks boy who lives three doors down rang our bell one spring afternoon and told me ‘Thanks for being delightful neighbors.”  I am still touched.  We also have handled all the free refreshments for our neighborhood July 4 party.  Rosemary, the lady who walks the little white dog, is known everywhere.  She is also the Tulip Lane block captain.  She expects me to salute her.

     

     

    IMG_1854

     

    There used to be a 50 year old beautiful Live Oak on this corner.  Gone, along with whole bunches of other trees.

     

    The one reason I am happy to move on: the destruction of the trees, many of which I planted.  It used to be delightfully shady at our corner, Tulip Lane & Camellia.  Now, it is a desert, with all 8 of the houses around us destroyed.  It must also have been 20 degrees hotter those 100 degree days recently. 

    The house itself has a number of cracks in the ceilings and walls, which is why we easily decided we had to move.   It has been a comfortable campsite.  Despite the presence of the bulldozer just across the street, I will leave this campsite as neat as I found it.

    As Psalm 138 says, I will give thanks to you Oh Lord, with all my heart, eventually.

     

     

    IMG_1859

     

    There are three lots on this corner.  

     

    Please Remember these special people:

    For Becky's dad discovered with the virus;  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;  for Bill Ekes' longtime buddy, Bobby Duncan, who just passed to the other side.


    IMG_1690

    To stay in our house we had to replace the roofing.   A good move.  It has taken us 5 months to find and get into our new place, September 1.
     

    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.

     

    IMG_1695

     

    The house of the professional hockey player, Tyler Sagan.  It is now gone.

     

    Birthdays:     Marsha Farmer & Marilyn Ackerman

    Anniversaries: 

    Rose & Wally Banzhaf, 49th 

     

    IMG_1866

     

    Brain Trust??

     

    Community Finances, August 23, 2020

    Expenses: $600.00

    Outreach   $500.00    (often for Souls Harbor, Legacy, etc.)

    Thanks, Folks, for doing what you can.

     

    IMG_1869

    The Best Music, Ben & Shonda.

     

    Rosemary's Blessing:

     

    May you learn to see your self

    With the same delight,

    Pride and expectation

    With which God sees you in every moment.

     

    To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue

     

    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, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 23, 2020

    Readings:

    Isaiah, 22, 19-23, On that day I will summon my servant, Eliakim

    Psalm 138,  Lord, your love is eternal.  I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart X 3 times.  (Beautiful!)

    Romans  11, 33-36,  Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. 

    Matthew 16, 13-20,   You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church.

     

    Geri

     

    Hi Geri.  Where's that Mike?  Beautiful scene!

     

     

    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_1952


     

    Sez Betsy, "I miss everybody!"

     

    Reminder for 20th Sunday Ordinary Time, August 23, 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"
     

     
    Dali Lama

     

     

     

    What's up in Ye Old Catholic Church

    1.  Priest excommunicated for preaching against Pope Francis,  https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/13245/us-priest-excommunicated-for-preaching-against-pope-francis

    2.  Fear about returning to Mass in churches,  https://corpus-blog.blogspot.com/2020/07/fears-persist-about-attending-mass.html

      

     

    12 Rules

  • 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 16, 2020

    Readings:

    Isaiah, 56, 1, 6-7,  My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples

    Psalm 67,  Oh, God let all the nations praise you.

    Romans  11, 13-15, 29-32,  The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. 

    Matthew 15, 21-28,   Woman, great is our faith!  Let it be done for you as you wish.

     

    IMG_1201

    The Netherlands

     

    Thanks to the Team

    Music,  Ben & Shonda

    Readers,  Hue & Georgie , & Buddy, the candle blesser

    Gospel & Homily,  John Cade 

    Eucharistic Prayer A & B, Stack & John Cade

    The Magic Zoom makers, Mike (on vacation) & Richard, Tom, Ben & Hue 

    Final Blessing, Rosemary

     

     

    CB 6

     

    Please Remember these special people:

    For our Bill & his family,   For Becky's dad discovered with the virus;  For Cindy recuperating at home, finally!;    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;  for Bill Ekes' longtime buddy, Bobby Duncan, who just passed to the other side.



     

    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

     

     

    Mike 1

     

    Look carefully, you may see Mike.  Buena Vista, Cascade Falls

     

     

    Download Readings Week 8-16

     

     

    Homily 08/16/20,    20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Two things:

    First, Readings 1 and 2 speak the same truth, that, whether you are an insider or an outsider, you are welcome as God’s people.                  Second, in the Gospel story, even if you are an outsider, you and your sorrow, your pain, are fully understood.  

    The first two readings speak about insiders and outsiders.  First reading is from Isaiah Ch 56.  [Recall what

    John Stack has said about the 3 authors of Isaiah Ch 1-39, 40-55, 56-64.]  Here Isaiah says, whether you are one of the chosen Jewish people (an insider), or a non-Jewish foreigner (an outsider), is not the point; it’s what you do, how you live your life, that identifies you as God’s people, “for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”

     

     

    IMG_1930

     

     

    In Romans, Paul says: Neither the non-Jewish Gentiles converting to Christianity (outsiders), nor the Jewish people, including Jewish followers of Jesus (insiders)—neither had an advantage over the other.  God welcomes all.  It’s not where you come from but what you do, how you live your life, that identifies you as God’s people.

    The second amazing Good News is in Matthew’s story of Jesus and the Canaanite woman (Canaanite, yep, that would make her an outsider).   It wasn’t so much what Matthew said about the disciples being such unhelpful dorks…is Matthew using sarcasm here? (See Gospel language).  This story is embedded in a whole string of stories about Jesus caring for people in need, in pain.  E.g. in the same Chapter Matthew says Jesus “was very deeply moved by the sick among them”, that he saw the hungry and fed them, that he saw the disciples’ fear in a storm and calmed them.

     

    IMG_1932

     

    And immediately after today’s story of the Canaanite woman, Matthew tells how the crowds brought the lame, the blind, the mute; and Jesus said, “My heart goes out to them.”  Matthew strings all these stories together as one, to say God gets it, God gets you and me, understands our needs and pain. God’s Spirit is with us in our fear, our sorrow, our pain. 

    Recently, I experienced some of what the Canaanite woman was going through.  We have a daughter, Joey (age 46), who gave her consent to speak about it.  She told us this past week that she has breast cancer and the initial treatment will be major surgery.  My family and I are in shock and pain.  I know from today’s readings that my part is not to be strong or aloof, but to be accepting, understanding and caring; most of all, to be present. 

     

    IMG_1946

     

    Remember ……

     

    All three Bible stories today have similar messages:  First, whoever we are and wherever we come from, we are God’s people—totally accepted, come-on-in accepted. 

    And second, whoever we are and wherever we come from, we are understood, cared for and loved unconditionally.  God is present with us.  Every one of us.

     

    My question: When did you last see and know that you are accepted, understood, loved unconditionally?  And when did you last accept, understand, love another unconditionally?                                       

     

    IMG_0190
     

     

    A note from John Cade:

    In the summer of 1956, when still in the seminary, I spent a week at the Trappist monastery north of Atlanta, outside Conyers Georgia.  I got to experience how Trappist monks end every single day, expressing their devotion to Mary, Jesus’ mother—a hundred men standing together and chanting in Latin, Salve Regina, Hail Holy Queen.  August 15th is one of the days we have traditionally honored Mary.  I will chant this hymn in her honor at the end of Sunday Mass.

     

     

    Birthdays:    Last Week,  Carrie Bieda, 62;   Stephen Farmer, 30; Marlene; Richard has a new grandbaby, Madeline, & Mom is Cary

    This Week. Haya from the JCC , 6:00 A.M. Spin Class, 82, Rose Banzhaf

     

    Anniversaries: 

    Last Week.  Mary Hall & Dave, 60 years;   John & Jean O'Donnell, 62nd;  Ryan McClurg & Grace, 7th, 

    This Week:  Bernadette & Gilbert  

     

     

    Mike 2

    From mountain stream to desert rock.

     

     

    Community Finances, August 16, 2020

    Expenses: $600.00  

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

    Thanks, Folks, for doing what you can.

     

     

    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.

     

     

     

    Cindy Cramer is home!  Hooray!

    On Thursday, August 13, 2020, 12:52:06 PM CDT, Cathy Cramer <catcramer@gmail.com> wrote:

    Great news, everyone — my mom is home!

    She's tired and still has some recovery ahead of her. She asked that you hold phone calls for a few days until she gets back into some semblance of a routine.

    This will be my last email to y'all. Thanks again so much for all your love, support, and prayers!

    Love,

    Cathy

     

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    Rosemary's Blessing:

    To laugh often and much;

    To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

    To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

    To appreciate beauty;

    To find the best in others;

    To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

    To know even one life has breathed easier because you lived.

    This is to have succeeded.

     

    Success – Ralph Waldo Emerson

     

  • 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 16, 2020–Special info on this Sunday’s Celebration

     

     

    A note from John Cade:

    In the summer of 1956, when still in the seminary, I spent a week at the Trappist monastery north of Atlanta, outside Conyers, Georgia.  I got to experience how Trappist monks end every single day, expressing their devotion to Mary, Jesus’ mother—a hundred men standing together and chanting in Latin, Salve Regina, Hail Holy Queen.  August 15th is one of the days we have traditionally honored Mary.  I will chant this hymn in her honor at the end of Sunday Mass.

     

    SALVE REGINA.                                                   HAIL HOLY QUEEN.                                           

    Salve Regina, mater misericordiae:  vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.

    Hail holy queen, mother of mercy; Our life, our sweetness and our hope.

     

    Ad te clamamus, exsules, filii Hevae.  Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle.

     To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.  To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

     

    Eia ergo, Advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte.

    Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us;

     

    Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium, ostende.

    And after this exile, show us the blessed fruit of you womb, Jesus.

     

    O Clemens.   O pia.      O dulcis Virgo Maria.

    O clement,   O loving,   O sweet Virgin Mary.

  • Reminder, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 16, 2020

     

     

     

    Readings:

    Isaiah, 56, 1, 6-7,  My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples

    Psalm 67,  Oh, God let all the nations praise you.

    Romans  11, 13-15, 29-32,  The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. 

    Matthew 15, 21-28,   Woman, great is our faith!  Let it be done for you as you wish.

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    ROMEOS, Friday, August 21, 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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    Reminder for 20th Sunday Ordinary Time, August 16, 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"
     

     
     

    Mike 3

     

    Can you believe, Rose & Wally gave up all they had in Dallas to buy this.  Probably just finished shoveling off the snow.

     

     

    What's up in Ye Old Catholic Church

    1.  Those German bishops are angry!  https://corpus-blog.blogspot.com/2020/07/fury-in-german-church-over-vatican.html

    2.  The German Catholic Church during the 3rd Reich     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_and_Nazi_Germany

     3.  The Bishop "McCarrick case,  https://www.caller.com/story/news/local/2018/08/10/bishop-mulvey-vows-respond-claims-misconduct-diocese/952389002/ 

     

     

    Mike 4

     

    Feed the deer, but DON'T feed the bears.   You may feed Mikie.

     

  • 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 9, 2020

    Readings:

    1 Kings 19, 9, 11-13, Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord.

    Psalm 85,  Lord, let us see your kindness and grant us your salvation            

    Romans  9, 1-5, They are Israelites.  

    Matthew 14, 22-33,   Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.     

     

     

    Thanks to the Team

    Music,  Ben & Shonda

    Readers,  Jackie & Patricia, & Buddy, the candle blesser

    Gospel & Homily,  Deacon Mike 

    Eucharistic Prayer A & B, Stack & John Cade

    The Magic Zoom makers, Mike (on vacation) & Richard, Ben & Hue 

    Final Blessing, Rosemary

     

     

    CB 5

    Download Readings week 19

     

    1st part of Homily

    Today’s gospel is a continuation of last week’s story from Matthew about the Lord, with his disciples, feeding the Jews with the fish and the loaves, for the fish are a metaphor for the liturgy of the Word, and the loaves and leftovers a metaphor for the liturgy of the Eucharist. 

     

     

    Homily by Mike Carrell

    The Lord be with you.

    A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew

    After Jesus had fed the Jews, he made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the lake. With the crowd dispersed, Jesus climbed the mountain so he could be by himself to pray.

    He stayed there alone, late into the night. Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against the boat, and they were battered by the waves. At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror. 

     

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    Their music just gets better & better.

     

    But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid." Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water." 

    Jesus said, "Come ahead." But when Peter looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!" Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "You of little faith, what got into you?" The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. 

    The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, "This is it! You are God's Son for sure!" 

     

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    Tom, Richard, & Hue working their magic.

     

    2nd part of homily

    It was Jesus intention for his disciples to follow his example of sharing the fish and preparing the gentiles to also receive the loaves and leftovers, so that Jews and gentiles could become brothers and sisters in Christ. This story teaches the Church that its disciples were to have faith in his words even until the end of time.  The gospel of the Lord.

     

    Aaa

     

    There he is, Folks, Mike finally in the wilderness of Colorado, with Rose.

     

    Please Remember these special people:

    For our Bill & his family,   For Becky's dad just discovered with the virus;  For Cindy recuperating from a procedure some weeks ago;    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;

     

    Bbb
     

    Two happy campers, Mike & Rose.

     

    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

     

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    Where is that Mike??!!

     

    Birthdays:   Carrie Bieda, 62; Stephen Farmer, 30; Marlene; Richard has a new grandbaby, Madeline, congratulations, Carrie

    Anniversary:  John & Jean O'Donnell, 62nd;  Ryan McClurg & Grace, 7th  

     

    Rosemary's Blessing:

    Come, O Dancing God,

    Spirit of Life and Love,

    of  Beauty and Diversity,

    stir up my soul,

    bathe me in your light,

    and unleash my own spirit

    that I may dance with you

    and be light for those around me

    and reflect your love to all that I meet this week.

     

    Edited and adapted from a blessing by Fr. Andrew M. Greeley

     

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    A 2020 broadcasting studio??

     

       

    Community Finances, August 9, 2020

    Expenses: $1040.00

    Outreach   $300.00    (often for Souls Harbor, Legacy, etc.)

    Thanks, Folks, for doing what you can.

     

    Here is a link to a survey about access to the Sunday Mass.  Please take the survey and let us know how easy/difficult it is to get to the Mass.  Thanks. 

    (Take this survey and all your life problems will be solved.  That is what Becky & Mike told me.)