|
|
With the worldwide outbreak of the Coronavirus, we are confronted once more with the fragility of our lives, and again we are reminded of our common humanity; that the peoples of this world are our brothers and sisters, that we are all one family under God.
God does not abandon us, He goes with us even now in this time of trial and testing. In this moment, it is important for us to anchor our hearts in the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to intensify our prayers and sacrifices for the love of God and the love of our neighbor. Let us draw closer to one another in our love for him, and rediscover the things that truly matter in our lives.
|
|
March 29, 2020 | Blessed Sacrament Church
|
|
The death of Lazarus calls us to focus on life and the subtle and constant presence of the Spirit in our lives.
We all have experienced death in one fashion or another: being present with that individual at the moment of passing into eternal life or hearing that a friend or relative was close to death. In the case of the latter, would we not want to spend those final hours with him/her? So many things to say; memories to share. A time for healing; a time to reconcile; a time to correct our mistakes. Or just to be a presence to the family with support and comfort and love. Unfortunately, the families of the recent horrific plane tragedy where Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others were killed, had no closure of a final presence. It is in grief they suffer and question why.
What was so moving to cause Jesus to weep at the death of his friend? Perhaps it was the sight of Mary and Martha and the other mourners. Why did Jesus allow Lazarus to die? To raise him from the grave reveals the Father's love and compassion. This raising of Lazarus was Jesus' last sign, His greatest miracle.
We should be comforted knowing that whenever we lose a loved one, Jesus is standing along with us, to share our loss and suffering and to hold us in His hands: to assuage our pain and sorrow.
Grieving a loss is not a sign of weak faith, but a sign of how much we love the person whom we have lost. As much as Jesus wants to comfort us when someone close to us dies, He also wants to give us hope in the promise of the Resurrection. Every life is in His hands. As He is with each dying person, He also reaches out to embrace that soul and to offer a place in the Kingdom. We should let Jesus comfort us with the promise that He will never abandon anyone and to give us peace in our hearts.
Lazarus was resuscitated by Jesus, but inevitably, he would have to face death. Jesus, however, is calling us to believe in a resurrection that is lasting and which transforms us into a new and eternal relationship.
The time and manner of our death is one thing; the way we live our lives is another. How is our relationship with others? Do we try in our daily living to be Christ-like with all peoples?
As we draw near to the end of the Lenten season and make our ascent up the hill to Calvary and in the face of the reality of our own death someday, let us, in our sinfulness, seek reconciliation with our God and with one another. By doing so, God's loving kindness can redeem us and lead us to eternal life.
Submitted by John Macko, Blessed Sacrament
|
|
Personal Prayer Visitations at Blessed Sacrament Church
|
|
|
|
|
BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH WILL BE OPENED FOR PERSONAL PRAYER VISITATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.
MONDAYS – FRIDAYS: 6:00A – 2:00P
SATURDAYS: 11:00A – 6:00P
SUNDAYS: 9:00A – 6:00P
NO WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND HOLY MASSES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
ALMIGHTY GOD, OUR HEALER, RESCUE US FROM CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC and ALL PANDEMICS.
AMEN.
|
|
|
|
|
As you know, the bills for the maintenance and upkeep of the church continues while there are no services. Please continue to send your offerings either by mail, dropping them off at the rectory, or via on-line giving (
https://blessedsacramentsyracuse.com/give-online
). Thank you for your support and generosity to the church in these trying times.
|
|
|
|
|
You Tube Televised Masses at 12 noon Monday through Friday. Mass is available on ETWN, channel 44, at 8 a.m., 12 noon, and 7 p.m.
Our local weekend Mass is televised on Saturday, channel 98, at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday morning at 6:30 a.m., channel 9.
|
|
|
WALKING WITH CHRIST
Tuesday, March 31
Day 1 - Adoration
Speaker: Chris Padgett, a popular speaker, musician, and author who has traveled around the world for over two decades, giving concerts, talks, parish missions, and retreats to all ages about the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Jeremy Bobak, Worship Leader
-----
Wednesday, April 1
Day 2 - Penitential Celebration
Speaker: Friar Rick Riccoli, OFM Conv. Pastor of Assumption Church, Syracuse. Jeremy Bobak, Worship Leader
-----
Thursday, April 2
Day 3 - Mass for the Sick
Homilist: Fr. Christopher Celentano, Pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church, North Syracuse. Also, Jeremy Bobak, Worship Leader
|
|
Dear Diocesan Family,
I just wanted to check-in with you and let you know that you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. As I look out into the cathedral nave at Noon Mass during the week, I don’t feel alone because I feel the presence of all of you praying with me before God’s throne of grace and mercy. Despite the hardship of these days, I pray that each day you will find the giftedness of the moment. I know I have discovered that with my own immediate family. It might sound different to hear your bishop say how he has re-connected more with his brothers and sister in the last few days (even with social distancing) and that we have a new sense of caring for each other and our elderly parents. Yet, for me, this is one example of light in the midst of darkness or God opening a window when the door has been closed. I am sure you have your own.
As we continue our Lenten journey and prepare for the Easter feast, let us not forget that “it is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” Our gathering for the Easter Vigil may be in jeopardy, but our kindling of new fire and light is something each of us can do in the days ahead. God’s blessings and the peace of the Lord be with you always!
Bishop Lucia
|
|
Catholic COVID-19 Resources:
|
|
Intentions
All Mass intentions will be offered by the priest privately and are not open to the public.
Saturday, March 28
Urbana and Clementine DelNero – Linda Jaquint
Sunday, March 29
Richard Martin - Family
Samuel and Santina Ragonese – Family
Deceased Members of the Salanger and Beeler Families – Salanger Family
Monday, March 30
Dolores Payne – Chris and Karen Wigler
Tuesday, March 31
Paul B. Sauve – Marie Kukys
Wednesday, April 1
Kenneth Barber – Bob and Kathy Brown
Thursday, April 2
Alyson Scro – Dave and Kathy Campbell
Friday, April 3
Marie Greco – Gloria and Joe Falcone
Saturday, April 4
Ellen and Michael Griffin – Daughters Johanna McNamara and Mary Griffin
-----
For all those who have died, and especially for Carmella Corsello, Nicholas Barricella and Cosmo DeRose, they are now in the hands of God and may they know eternal rest and perpetual life.
|
|
Census 2020
Here are some FAQs to assist in completing the Census 2020 information.
|
|
Q: I have a college aged child who lives on campus at a university Do I count them in my Census questionnaire?
A: No, your college student will be counted at school as that is their residence on April 1, 2020.
Q: My Husband/Wife/Child is in the military and is away at training or overseas. Do I count them?
A: No, They will be counted by the military.
Q: My baby is less than 1 year old; how do I enter their age?
A: All babies under the age of 1 year are entered as “0” years old. No need to put months.
Q: I have a relative/Friend that is living here, but only temporarily, do I count them?
A: Yes. If they spend the majority of their time sleeping at your house and do so on April 1, they count.
Q: Can my Census answers be shared with my Landlord, Employer, ICE, Police, Tax, or Bill collectors?
A: NO! By Law, Your Census Information CAN NOT be shared with any person, organization or other government agency. The only thing this data can be used for is towards the collection of statistical data.
|
|
|
From the Rectory Office
The Rectory will be open our regular business hours – Monday to Friday from 9a-4pm, closed for lunch from 12-1pm. You can drop off your envelopes or mail them to 3127 James St., Syracuse, NY 13206.
Still accepting Easter Flower requests and will decorate the Church when we reopen. You may down off your request during business hours or mail your request with payment.
Palm Sunday weekend is April 4th and 5th. There will be Palms available in the Church over that weekend. Saturday from 11am – 6pm and Sunday 9am – 6pm So come to church and get your Palms and stay for prayer.
|
|
Saturday, May 9, School / Parish Center.
Share the Wealth raffle tickets are $75 each and only 750 tickets will be sold! 1st Prize (1) $10,000 / 2nd Prize (2) $2,500 / 3rd Prize (5) $1,000 / 4th Prize (10) $75 (Dinner Attendees Only). If attending the Spring Fling dinner, the ticket not only covers the dinner but will be included in a separate drawing for the 10 winners of the 4th prize at $75.00. RSVP (for the dinner by 5/4) or to purchase tickets: https://blessedsacramentsyracuse.ejoinme.org/2020raffle or https://blessedsacramentsyracuse.com (select Give then STW Raffle). To purchase tickets at the rectory, call 315.437.3394.
|
|
|
Our Catholic Community in Prayer
UNITED TO END THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
“Our spiritual needs, like our other essential needs, do not abate during a time of crisis. In fact, our spiritual needs become even more prominent. We must pray and worship God and ask His assistance as we heed the responsible declaration of our civic officials and make accommodations to our worship and ministry.” (From the Most Reverend Michael F. Olson, Bishop of Fort Worth - A Pastoral Letter to All Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, Religious Men & Women and Faithful Laity)
Please join the parishioners of the Catholic Community of Bainbridge and Afton, our Chenango County PCA and others in our Diocese of Syracuse as we pray together via Google Hangouts and Google Meet. Use your smart phone, tablet or computer to join. Simply email me at least 1⁄2 hour before our virtual gathering at 7PM. You will be sent the invitation link by 7PM. To join by telephone only, call Deacon Tim’s Church cell phone: (516) 744-1437 on Wednesday between 6:40 and 6:55PM for the Community in Prayer telephone number and access code. I hope that you can join us!
|
|
|
Even if you are not particularly concerned about the risk to yourself or your own family, these tactics will protect others who may be more vulnerable. Many of us will carry the virus before having any symptoms (and may never develop any).
Wash your hands well for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Sing the refrain “On Eagle’s Wings” (“And he will raise you up...”) while you wash.
Avoid touching your face. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Follow the guidance of local officials. Stay home if you become ill.
Don’t take what you don’t need. Hoarding worsens the situation and can lead to more infections and more impacts for the most vulnerable.
Advocate for the vulnerable and targeted. Have compassion for those most at risk. Stand up for those who need the most help and make sure they are being cared for, without judgment.
Proactively love your neighbor! Check in on isolated or vulnerable neighbors and offer to help with specific tasks such as shopping, child or pet care, cleaning, etc.
If you are in a position of power, use that power for the good of all. Allow workers to work from home or take time off, limit large gatherings, follow government guidance, etc.
Thank those on the front lines who are protecting us, such as health care workers, police, firefighters. Be gentle and kind with them. Pray for all those affected by the crisis.
|
|
Easter Flowers
If you wish to make a donation for Easter Flowers in memory of a loved one, please fill out the form below. Donation is $10 (or whatever you would like to donate) due March 29. Checks payable to Blessed Sacrament Rosary and Altar Society. I / We wish to make a donation toward Easter Flowers:
In memory of __________________________________
Remembered by: _______________________________
Amount enclosed: __________________________
Please put this form in an envelope marked Easter Flowers with your donation and drop in the rectory mailbox, or email the rectory at
bsc3127james@gmail.com (Subject Line: EASTER FLOWERS) to coordinate a flower order and payment (provide a name and contact phone number).
Money raised from the Christmas and Easter Flowers will be used to purchase new Altar Cloths for the Chapel and Church for the five different seasons (Easter – White; Ordinary Time – Green; Pentecost and Confirmation – Red; Advent (Christmas) – Purple; Lent – different shade of purple. Thank you!
|
|
“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope.” - Thomas Merton
|
|
Contacts and Resources
Blessed Sacrament Church, Syracuse:
The Catholic Sun:
|
|
Pastor: Rev. Severine Yagaza
Deacons: Michael Colabufo, Daniel Stevens
School Principal: Lisa Coppola
Faith Formation Director: Donna Hurn
Parish Outreach Coordinator: Janice Corcoran
Minister to Sick, Elderly & Homebound: John Macko
Music Director: Mary Lynn Giacobbe
Secretary: Mary Rougeau, Jack-Lynn Corcoran
Bookkeeper: Marie Tassone
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
