Both Jeremiah and Peter are struggling with human nature in our Scripture readings today. Jeremiah is suffering terribly at the hands of others for doing what the Lord wants him to do. Although he complains and finds his suffering almost unbearable, he is willing to accept it as necessary as he sees the good that will result. Peter, praised by Jesus last week in the Gospel for his insight, now is rebuked by Jesus for missing the point that some unpleasant things have to be endured. The message is the same: at times, there is no easy way. Certainly, there is a lot of unnecessary and avoidable pain that we often inflict on ourselves and others, and this is bad. But some pain is unavoidable and simply part of being human.
In some ways we know that, especially as parents and as adults. We take our children, as toddlers, to be innoculated; there is pain and we don't like to see them hurt, but we know that it comes to an end and it produces something good. When they are older we take them to the dentist; sometimes there is pain, but leads to something good. We teach our children self-restraint, moderation, delayed gratification, and there is some type of pain in most of this. The process of growing and maturing, at times, is unavoidably painful. Even as adults, there are times when we struggle with human nature, which wants to avoid pain and responsibility and get right to the pleasure, but we know that that is seldom, if ever, possible.
We may also go through this struggle with our faith. We may unconsciously think that, if we are faithful we will be free from pain and sadness, and when we run into them we may think – what's wrong? What did I do wrong? Well, nothing's wrong and that's the message Jesus was trying to give to Peter. "This is humanity, Peter. There is pleasure in being human, but there is also pain." We can’t expect to avoid what Jesus himself couldn’t – and wouldn’t – avoid. We can't have one without the other. We can't skip human to get to God; we just have to go through it.
It is so hard at times to give up control and to trust the One who loves us. Perhaps we can pray for the vision and wisdom and insight of Jeremiah, who couldn’t help but see God, even through his discomfort. Jesus never promised that he would save us from pain; but he did promise that he would get us through it.
|
|
|
Recorded Mass for 8/29 and 30 (available at 4PM 8/29): https://youtu.be/-evdABvVBFs
Email: bscoffice@bscstvsyr.org
|
|
 |
Make Disciples of All Nations
In the Bible, Jesus is recorded as instructing the apostles to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20, Mark 16:15–18). This verse is referred to by Christian missionaries as the Great Commission and inspires missionary work.
Because modern Catholics have intermittent knowledge of the ongoing work of the missions, I have developed a Facebook page intended to increase awareness of missionary activity. If you are a Facebook user, please "like": the page in order to widen the span of reach: https://www.facebook.com/Pontifical-Mission-Societies-Diocese-of-Syracuse-102193214846410
Dc. Dan Stevens
|
|
|
|
Peter Daino, Missionary in Niger, Kenya, and Malawi for 42 years will speak in all the Masses this weekend (August 29/30). He visits us as part of our diocesan wide Mission Coop Plan. He will speak on Kesho Kongo project located in Bukavu, Eastern Congo. Peter Daino writes:
At Kesho Kongo (Future Congo) in Bukavu, a city of one million people, we witnessed the baking of Enhanced Protein Biscuits made from the leaves of cowpeas. We distributed these biscuits at several nutrition centers for malnourished children. The project which serves 25,000 underweight children was born of the deep faith of Doctor Adolphe and his wife Dr. Lydia Nyakasane. They run their own little protein biscuit bakery and with your help they want to triple the number of children who get these free biscuits to 75,000 children. I understand why so many folks are fleeing Eastern Congo, at the same time, that can’t be the solution for the vast majority in that troubled land.
I thank the diocesan mission office and I Thank You for this opportunity. Peter Daino, Missionary in Niger, Kenya, Malawi for a total of 42 years.
|
|
|
|
Blessed Sacrament Prayer Requests
Please pray for:
Missy DiPaulo Angotti
Roslyn Antonacci
Carolyn Armstrong
Patrick Brewer
Rita Bross
Marlene Brush
Susan Moro Campbell
Terri Close
Ann Cook
Jill Danial
Mary Extale
John Fortino
Mary Anne Garrett
Mary Gersbacher
John Gersbacher
Elizabeth Gilbert
Mary Griffin
Mary Ingalls
Yang Juan
John Laura
Mary Linehan
Cole Malone
Grace McNamara
Lynne Recore
Giavanna Regulbuto
Eileen Sheehan
Jean Suits
Elizabeth Walrath
|
|
St. Vincent Prayer Requests
We ask your prayers for the spiritual comfort and restoration of health for:
Sandra Betts
Desiree Landers
Nate Wagner
Madeline Duda
Marilynn Bause, sister of
Lauren Brooks
Suzanne Thompson (sister of Bill Winchell)
Judy D’Amore
Martin Griffin
Anne Marie Drury
Tony Caruso
Mike Lavelle
Brigid Griffen
|
|
Saturday, August 29
5:00 p.m. – People of the Parish
Sunday, August 30
7:30 a.m.– Jacqueline Price – Husband and Sons
11:30 a.m. – Joseph Fillip – Peg and Jim Kimberling
Monday, August 31
8:00 a.m. – Rose Marie LaBella – Husband Larry LaBella
Tuesday, September 1
8:00 a.m. – Josephine Sorbello - Estate
Wednesday, September 2
8:00 a.m. – James Carmella and Nick DiBello – West Family
Thursday, September 3
8:00 a.m. – Barbara and Jack McCormick - Family
Friday, September 4
8:00 a.m. – Tom White – Engelbrecht Family
Saturday, September 5
5:00 p.m. – Mary Brigandi - Family
Sunday, September 6
7:30 a.m.– People of the Parish
11:30 a.m. – Albert Cutri and Frank Albino – Wife and Daughters
|
|
Saturday, 4:00pm
Virginia Aloi, req. by Jane Caltabiano
Sunday, 9:30am
Mary Colosimo, req. by Donna Kassman
Monday, 12:00pm
Claire Crawford, req. by Adamitis family
Tuesday, 12:00pm
Rose Caltabiano, anniversary, req. by her daughter, Jane
Wednesday, 12:00pm
Fred Scharoun, req. by Lauren & Marian Brooks
Saturday, 4:00pm
Mark Conti, req. by Cathy Adamitis
Sunday, 9:30am
James Marsella, req. by the Marsella family
|
|
RCIA
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) begins in September. Please contact the rectory (315-437-3394) or Dc. Dan at (315-436-5550). Jesus promised, “Whoever believes in Me...rivers of living water will flow from within him,” (John 7:37-38). The RCIA process begins the journey of faith that leads to the fulfillment of our Lord’s promises and is for all adults who:
1. Have never received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, or Jesus in the Eucharist and desire to, or;
2. Have been baptized in a non-Catholic faith tradition but desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church upon receiving Confirmation and Jesus in the Eucharist, or;
3. Are already baptized Catholic and still need to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist, or;
4. Are already Catholic or non-Catholic Christians and simply desire to learn more about the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ.
|
|
- ADA-PEP Counselor, Immaculate Conception School, Syracuse, NY: Immaculate Conception is seeking a Part-time, 2 day/week ADA-PEP Counselor. The focus of this program is to provide substance abuse prevention to schools. ADA-PEP counselors also provide prevention counseling, EBP counseling (Evidence based programs), and early Intervention to individual students. Interested applicants should email Meg Birardi at mbirardi@syrdio.org.
- Pope John XXIII Church in Liverpool is seeking a fun and energetic individual to lead and continue to design and develop the faith formation program at Pope John XXIII. Candidates will build collaboration within the linkage with Christ the King and to develop a relationship in the Liverpool PCA community. This position is a 20 hours/week position based on 11 months. Positions may develop or change as the pastoral needs of the linkage and PCA develop. Please see Pope John’s website for more information: www.popejohnchurch.org
|
|
Guidelines from the Diocese of Syracuse:
Mass Protocols
As a reminder, there have been no changes in protocols, so please continue to follow the protocols and guidelines found in the Instructions for the Celebration of the Sacraments when Opening found on the Diocese of Syracuse website:
- All the faithful of the Diocese of Syracuse remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation until further notice.
- If you are sick or symptomatic, please do not attend Mass.
- Those who are vulnerable (i.e. sixty-five years of age or older, with underlying health conditions, with immune deficiencies) should stay home and continue to watch virtual Masses.
- Contact information for every person attending is required. Register at parish offices to attend Mass.
If you are planning to attend Mass
- Please ensure that everyone attending has a mask and hand sanitizer available for your use. You will keep your face mask on during the whole Mass.
- There will be an usher at the door when you enter the church. They will check your name, your temperature and will show you (and your group) where to sit.
- The greeter will hand you the bulletin (or any other literature) for you to have. Please take them home. Do not leave in church.
- Drop your collection into the collection basket/box with the ushers.
- Before and/or after Mass, crowding and socializing are discouraged.
- No shaking hands or hugging during the sign of peace. Holy Communion
- All those who receive Holy Communion will walk into the central aisle to receive it. Please be aware of the six feet mark on the floor to keep social distance.
- All who walk to receive Holy Communion need to keep their face mask on. When receiving communion; hand sanitize, step aside to lower mask to consume Eucharist, replace mask to return to your pew.
- After receiving, return to your pew using side aisle.
At the End of the Mass
- Exit using any door of the church and avoid gatherings in the church or in the parking lot.
|
|
Evidence-Based Guidelines to Celebrate Mass Safely Are Working
Catholic churches across the country have been open for up to four months since shelter-in-place orders were lifted. With approximately 17,000 parishes in America typically holding three or more weekend Masses - and a greater number of daily Masses - for the last 14 or more weeks - over one million public Masses have been celebrated following guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
Follow the three W’s - Watch your distance, Wear your mask, and Wash your hands.
Even a simple paper surgical mask (easily purchased in many stores) can protect the wearer. Such a mask protected all 35 health care workers who wore one and were exposed for over ten minutes within six feet of a COVID-patient coughing and generating aerosols in their faces.
This encouraging news should inspire confidence that the guidelines in place - based on CDC recommendations - are working to decrease COVID-19 transmission. While nothing during a pandemic is risk-free, these guidelines mean that Catholics (and public officials) may be confident that it’s reasonably safe to come to Church for Mass and the sacraments. The Mass and above all the Eucharist are central to the Christian life. In a time like this, it is even more important that the faithful be able to come to Church and receive Holy Communion.
|
|
Blessed Sacrament News
Mass Book
The Mass Book for 2021 will open up on Friday, September 11 at 9am. Both walk-ins and telephone requests will be accepted on that day.
Ushers Needed
Please contact the rectory at 315.437.3394 to sign up to be an usher – we need you! Ushers serve in this vital ministry of hospitality, offering a warm welcome to all who enter the Church, especially during these trying times.
Bulletin Entries
Please note that beginning September 1st, bulletin entry submissions must be received before noon on Tuesdays (for example, entries for the September 5/6 bulletin must be received by noon on Tuesday, September 1st). Thank you.
Mass Schedule
There will be no changes in our Mass schedule in our twin parishes at this time. Our Mass schedule will just remain the same as it was in the pre COVID-19 time. As of weekend after Labor Day (September 12/13), the 9.30A Mass will resume at Blessed Sacrament.
Sign up for Mass!
We want to invite everyone to join us and sign up for Mass on our new joint website http://bscstvsyr.org and go to the MASS SIGN UP tab. If you have any questions please email the Rectory at bscoffice@bscstvsyr.org or call us at 315-437-3394. We look forward to seeing you at Mass!
|
|
St. Vincent's News
Monetary donations for the Food Pantry at the Northeast Community Center are accepted at any time and may be placed in the collection basket. Food for the pantry is planned for the 3rd weekend of the month to consolidate the collection for the person who delivers it to the pantry.
Remember for just $5.00 you could be the next winner. The 50/50 tickets may be mailed to the Rectory. Contact Bob James at 315- 471-0818 with any questions. Thanks to all who continue to support our Youth Programs.
08/23/20 ATTENDANCE 88
Offertory $ 1,781.00
Received from 47 Envelopes $ 1,566.00
Loose: $ 215.00
Bldg. Fund: $ 55.00
CONFESSIONS BY APPOINTMENT
The local 2020 CROP walk will be held virtually as we seek to raise funds for the hungry both in Onondaga County and throughout the world. our county. St. Vincent’s and Blessed Sacrament churches will have a team whose captain is Dc.Tom Murphy. We encourage you to join us this year in raising funds. In addition, if you would like to receive more information for members of your
parish, you can contact Dc. Tom Murphy at 315-663-5278. This virtual walk is something new for us all, but we are very aware that the needs during this pandemic remain great and look forward to your participation and support.
|
|
Restore Rekindle Renew
Join Worldwide Marriage Encounter via Zoom for 8 evening sessions: Presented on Mondays and Thursdays from August 31st to September 24th. Due to Labor Day, one session will be on Tuesday, September 8th (8/31, 9/3, 9/8, 9/10, 9/14, 9/17, 9/21 & 9/24th). Sessions run from 7:00-9:00pm. A computer or tablet with access to the internet is necessary. Call Leonora & Ed Rivera with questions or to register at 585-223-1121 or LeoandEd@aol.com.
From the Office of Family Life Ministry
Branch Out and Grow for Separated and Divorced – Zoom meeting schedule: September 2 - Forgiveness; September 16 – Reconciliation; October 7 - Moving on, Growing Closer to God. Meetings are 1 hour long and start at 7pm. All are welcome. Contact Deacon Dean Brainard for more information at: dbrainard@syrdio.org or 315-472-6754 ext.5
|
|
The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Second Reading: Romans 12:1-2
Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:21-27
Reflection: Prophet Jeremiah in the First Reading today speaks of his prophetic ministry. He has been called to proclaim God’s word to his people Israel to let them know of their sinful way and invite them to repentance. This ministry brings into uneasiness and even rejection from his people. He becomes “an object of laughter.” He finds himself a prisoner of the Word of God. Jesus in today’s Gospel Reading tells his disciples that, “he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the thirds day be raised.” Jesus tells his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Both of these readings inform us that building our relationship with God does not translate into having a trouble-free kind of life. My relationship with God will lead me into rough and crooked terrains in worldly estimation. I am called to remain faithful to God and carry on my vocation to know, to love, and serve Him even in times of great turbulences. Jeremiah did, Jesus did, the apostles did, so do we. Yes! Amen!
Fr. Severine
|
|
When we put our problems in God's hands, He puts peace in our hearts. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
