After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side,while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
Mt 14:22-33
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MARY, A WOMAN IN DARKNESS AND OF FAITH
Mary, whose feast of the Assumption we celebrate this week, lived in darkness and responded in kind with faith.
We, like Mary, have all experienced the pain of not understanding and not fully comprehending why things happen to us when the storms of sorrow and discouragement come: personal tragedies, illnesses, death, the current global pandemic virus. We, nevertheless, continue to plod along, guided by faith and trust.
When the Child Jesus was presumably lost and later found in the temple, Mary and Joseph had trying moments of anguish, only later to be told that they should have known why He stayed behind. Together with Joseph, she endures all the feelings of raising a child: astonishment, anxiety, disappointment, and love. At the wedding feast at Cana, when the wine was running low, an embarrassed Mary told her Son of this, only to be told that His time “had not yet come”.
Mary must have been in the dark, only to go forward in trust and in faith. Her faith was to be tested several years later when some of her Son's disciples fled at the time of His final journey in Jerusalem. Yet, she stood by His Cross. She must have felt severe pain when He was tortured and killed. She remained steadfast in her faith.
How are we attracted to this special woman of grace? How has her life nourished us on our spiritual journey of life? We can respond to her uniqueness as the Mother of God by asking her for her blessings and that of her Son. She freely accepted God's invitation to say yes to many situations: an unplanned pregnancy before marriage; many people thought her Son was quite different from them and considered Him to be a radical of the times and culture; and later, to be found innocent of all charges but yet, condemned to die on a Cross.
Mary is our role model of faith, having lived in darkness and sharing her faith with us. “The Lord is with her, she is full of grace, and she is blessed among women, blessed in her Son.” May we continue to call upon her not only in our darkest moments, especially at this time in our world, but also at our moment of death, but daily as we travel on this earthly pilgrimage, both in darkness and in faith. In the midst of all life's storms, and if we listen to Him, we will hear Him say, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."
Submitted by John Macko, Blessed Sacrament
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Email: bscoffice@bscstvsyr.org
Send Bishop Lucia a message for his One-Year Anniversary: ggleason@syrdio.org
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We need help to make masks for the students at Blessed Sacrament school. Materials will be provided. Contact Lisa Coppola at lcoppola@syrdiocese.org if you can assist.
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Come spend an enjoyable afternoon playing golf in this year's St. Vincent / Blessed Sacrament Tournament Sunday, August 23 at Westvale Golf Course. For $50 you get 18 holes of golf, a cart and lunch at the turn. Proceeds to benefit Blessed Sacrament School Eagles Fund and St. V's Youth Programs. For more information, contact Jerry Ball at 315. 463.8410 or Bob James at 315.471.0818. |
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Prayer for Peace
On August 9, the world will mark the 75th Anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has marked these solemn anniversaries from time to time with events. This year, the Catholic Church in Japan is observing “Ten Days of Prayer for Peace” and the Bishops of the United States are inviting the faithful of our country as well as all people of good will to join in prayer for peace. Review resources provided by the USCCB to assist in this important effort by going to http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/war-and-peace/nuclear-weapons/index.cfm
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This week's issue focuses on the fourth way Christ is Present in the Mass. Christ is Present in the Assembled People, The Proclaimed Word, The Eucharist and this week we see Christ is Present in the Person of the Priest. This leads us to the need for prayer for our priests and those discerning Holy Orders. The baptized members of the Church also share in the threefold office of priest, prophet and king. We share in the common priesthood, bringing our gifts and sacrifices to God as well. This week's Gospel again calls and beckons us to be with Jesus and to have faith in Him, our Savior. |
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Baptismal Preparation Class is scheduled for Monday, August 10 at 7:30 in the Chapel at BSC. In order to have a child baptized, parents must attend the Baptismal class and speak with one of the deacons. Please register by calling 315.437.3394. |
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Ushers serve in this vital ministry of hospitality, offering a warm welcome to all who enter the Church, especially during these trying times. These women and men help to register families in to Mass, collect the offerings, etc. Please contact the rectory at 315.437.3394 to sign up to be an usher. |
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Blessed Sacrament Prayer Requests
Please pray for:
Chad Abbott
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 Gersbacher
John Gersbacher
Elizabeth Gilbert
Mary Griffin
Mary Ingalls
Yang Juan
John Laura
Mary Linehan
Cole Malone
Grace McNamara
Lynne Recore
Eileen Sheehan
Sr. Natalie Slake
Jean Suits
Elizabeth Walrath
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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
Fred Sniper
Tony Caruso
Mike Lavelle
Bridig Lindsley
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Saturday, August 8
5:00 p.m.– Verna Neary and Barbara Judd – Carolyn Armstrong
Sunday, August 9
7:30 a.m. – People of the Parish
11:30 a.m. – Anthony Maurillo by Family
Joseph Filip – Peg and Jim Kimberlin
Monday, August 10
8:00 a.m. – Delores Spadafora - Family
Tuesday, August 11
8:00 a.m. – Harold Thompson - Family
Wednesday, August 12
8:00 a.m. – Corey Stone – Cowan Family
Thursday, August 13
8:00 a.m. – John Vita – Julia Taddeo
Friday, August 14
8:00 a.m. – Michael Snyder – John and Donna Pellenz
Saturday, August 15
5:00 p.m. – Eleanor Rossi and Justine Slusarski – George and Julia Taddeo
Sunday, August 16
7:30 a.m.– Nicholas Barricella – Frank and Helen Impelizzari
11:30 a.m. – Members of the Morina and Stagnitta Families - Family
Note: Due to the current Mass schedule, the rectory needs to adjust the 9:30AM Mass intentions. If you scheduled a 9:30AM Sunday Mass intention, please call the rectory at 315.437.3394 to advise which Mass you would like your intention moved to. Thank you.
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Saturday, 4:00pm Charlotte Leahey, req. by Andy & Diane Pannafino
Sunday, 9:30pm Helen & Stephen Knapp, req. by Tom & Chris Knapp
Monday, 12:00pm Rose Caltabiano, birthday, req. by her daughter, Jane
Tuesday, 12:00pm Kathleen Stone, req. by the Adamitis family
Wednesday, 12:00pm Sandy Mercuri, req. by the Adamitis family
Saturday, 4:00pm Arlene Rainone, req. by her friends
Sunday, 9:30am Mary Colosimo, req. by Tony & Mary Ann Caruso
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Blessed Sacrament Faith Formation
Current families will be contacted regarding upcoming schedule and guidelines for Faith Formation, First Communion and Confirmation. Reach out to the Faith Formation office via the website contact page (https://www.bscstvsyr.org/youth-and-family) if questions. Registration, guidelines and updated information for September for current and new students will be on the website next week! We've missed seeing you at class and hope your summer is going well.
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St. Vincent's Faith Formation
Faith Formation Corner – At this time, Sue will
suspend religious education and sacrament preparation classes until late summer/fall; however, Sue will contact First Communion families regarding summer/fall plans. If you have any questions, contact Sue Spara at 315-200-8027.
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Blessed Sacrament News
Giving Ministry
Blessed Sacrament Giving Ministry is an online giving program for our parish. We are grateful for your constant generosity! Visit our website to sign up for this easy giving program for Blessed Sacrament: www.bscstvsyr.org
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!
Homebound Visits
Because of federal HIPPA regulations, we have no means of knowing if you or someone you know may be in a nursing home, a short-term facility for rehab, hospital or homebound, who would like a pastoral visit and bring Communion and the Sacrament of Anointing. Contact the rectory at 315.437.3394 for visit scheduling information.
Coffee Needed
Unity Acres is a shelter for homeless men in Oswego County and is always in need of canned coffee (any kind, any size). Please drop off your donation to the rectory and arrangements will be made to get it to them.
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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 3 rd 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. The next drawing will be Sunday, August 30th after 9:30am mass. Contact Bob James at 315- 471-0818 with any questions. Thanks to all who continue to support our Youth Programs.
08/02/20 ATTENDANCE 51
Offertory $ 1,449.57
Received from 28 Envelopes $ 1,419.00
Loose: $ 80.57
Bldg. Fund: $ 40.00
A letter received from Debra Harrington Merryweather: I want to thank you and the parish for praying for my niece Kim Harrington, granddaughter of John and Joanne Harrington, long time parishioners. Kim had been very ill since late 2016. She passed away this morning. I wanted to let you know that she passed. Anyway, thank you for your prayers and I will let my mother, Joanne Harrington know that I reached out to you. (John and Joanne Harrington were long time parishioners at St. Vincent’s. Joanne is in residence at Brookdale in Manlius.
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From the Office of Family Life Ministry
Practicing Forgiveness in Marriage: The Way We Start Over - Zoom meeting schedule: August 9 - Practicing Forgiveness: The Way We Start Over; September 13 - Rebuilding Trust: It Can Be Done; September 27 - Two Great Secrets of Happily Married Couples. October 11 - Ending the Blame Game: It Feels Good. For more information or to participate contact Stephanie at sstewart@syrdio.org or 315.472.6728. A Family/Respect Life, Hope Appeal program. Sponsored by The Third Option, an ongoing program to build better marriages.
Branch Out and Grow for Separated and Divorced – Zoom meeting schedule: August 19 - Single Sexuality; 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
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The 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: 19:9a, 11-13a
Responsorial Psalm: 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
Second Reading: Romans 9:1 - 5
Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:22-33
Reflection: Wow! Disciples are in trouble. They are in the boat by themselves and the boat is tossed about by strong winds. As if it is not enough, they see a human figure approaching the boat walking on the sea. They say to themselves, 'this is impossible.' How can a human being walk on the water? They are filled with much fear. In the midst of all these, the disciples are filled with much fear. They cry saying, “It is a ghost.” As Jesus approaches the boat, he tells them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter wants to be assured if it is Jesus who speaks to them as he says, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus gives him permission. Peter walks on the water towards him but when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, begins to sink. At that moment, Peter cries out, “Lord save me!” Jesus saves him, and tells him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” This gospel story speaks volume to our day-to-day life. Though God has fully assured us of his protection, a number of times we find ourselves in storms of life. We allow known and unknown fears to take toll in us and destroy us. God is not far from us. He is in our midst. As we find ourselves sinking, we need to join Peter crying out, “LORD SAVE ME!” Jesus is here and now to save us. Amen. Fr. Severine
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