In observance of Labor Day, the parish office will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2008. The office will open again on Tuesday, September 2nd at 9:00 a.m.

The following Labor Day message is taken from Fr. John Corapi's newsletter. For more information about his newsletter and his apostolate, click here.

As we celebrate the secular holiday of "Labor Day" it's helpful to reflect on the dignity of human labor. The Church holds work, "labor", in great esteem. Those who work for a living exercise an essential element of human existence and in so doing support their families, contribute to society in their own unique way, and show forth the dignity of both the labor and the laborer.

I have seen so many examples in the course of my life of how working can truly make a person feel good about themselves. I would go so far as to say that if we don't work in some productive manner it is more difficult to feel good about ourselves. Even those who are challenged in some way through physical or emotional injuries or disabilities must engage in some form of activity that can benefit others if they are to fully experience their own human dignity. One of the greatest ways to overcome emotional challenges such as depression and anxiety is to work in earnest at some productive enterprise. Feed the hungry, house the homeless, visit the sick, give encouragement to the suffering. In so doing you will begin to feel better, having concentrated on something other than your own problems.

Taking away a human being's incentive to work is one of the most destructive things we can do to a man or woman. It is essential that all individuals that are able to function productively should do so. Children should be shown very early in life the joys and fulfillment of hard work and the benefits it can bring. The elderly should be encouraged to do something productive as well, whether actual labor or labor related to a hobby or craft. Work keeps the mind, the body, and the soul engaged, remembering that prayer is the highest and most productive work of all.

From Fr. John Corapi's Newsletter

Sunday's Readings: Jeremiah 20:7-9 Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9 Romans 12:1-2 Matthew 16:21-27 In Sunday's Gospel reading from St. Matthew's Gospel, our Lord challenges us to change our way of thinking. We are prepared for this idea by the second reading from St. Paul's epistle to the Romans in which he exhorts us to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect." In the Gospel, Jesus is once again trying to help the disciples understand that He must suffer, die, and rise again. Peter, perhaps flush from having been given the keys of the Kingdom, rebukes our Lord, and declares that no such thing should happen to Him. Jesus quickly replies to Peter that he is not thinking as God does, but as a human does. He continues by teaching the disciples and us that we must take up our cross each day, even as He willingly took up His cross in order to save the world. In the divine economy, we save by losing to the Lord. To save our lives, we must lose them to the Lord. By taking up our cross, we are losing our lives for Christ's sake, and, in return, we will find our lives because we will find them in the Author of Life.

Here are a few commentaries on these readings:

• St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)


• For Your Life (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology


• Peter the Rock - Peter, Satan? (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from The Crossroads Initiative

Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, our Lord refers to the Kingdom of Heaven in His teaching, and in particular, in His parables. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus continues to establish His Kingdom by appointing Simon Peter to a special role of authority. The context of our Lord's giving Peter the keys to Kingdom is provided by the first reading from Isaiah. In this reading, Isaiah records the words of the Lord who is removing one man, Shebna, and replacing him with Eliakim, as what would be the equivalent of the position of prime minister. He is given the keys to the kingdom of David. He has the same authority as the king, and his authority is binding. With that background, our Lord gives Peter the keys to His Kingdom and with those keys, he receives the authority to bind and loose. Similar to the prime minister, the keys are given to the trusted servant. Also, similar to a prime minister, the office remains although the person in the office might change. In addition, our Lord also gives Simon the new name of Peter which means rock. As with other figures in the Bible, the change of a name signifies a significant shift in the person's mission. Finally, it should be noted that the kingdom remains our Lord's Kingdom. It is the Kingdom of Heaven which is ruled by God who created Heaven and earth. By establishing Peter as His "prime minister", our Lord continued the office that was mentioned in the first reading. He has provided an earthly authority for His Kingdom. And by granting Peter the authority of the binding and loosing, He has given this office the necessary authority to rule His kingdom in His stead.

Readings:

Isaiah 22:15, 19-23
Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20

Here are a few commentaries on these readings:

• Who Do You Say I Am? - Pontifical Household preacher, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa


• St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)


• 'Oh, the Depths!' (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology


• Peter, the Pope and the Bible (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from The Crossroads Initiative

Tyburn Convent is a monastery situated right in the heart of London. The Convent was originally established in 1910 on the site of Tyburn Tower, where many of the Catholic martyrs were slaughtered during the English Reformation. Tyburn Convent was rebuilt in 1963, but still contains a shrine dedicated to the English Reformation Martyrs of Tyburn.

Tyburn Convent is a cloistered community of Benedictine contemplatives who live by the ancient monastic Rule of St.Benedict and is the Mother House of monasteries world-wide. The Foundress, Marie Adele Garnier made Tyburn Convent the home of the famous shrine of the English Reformation Martyrs of Tyburn.

This site is extremely high tech and aesthetically attractive. Each page features a different aspect of the nuns' daily life, including streaming video clips, interviews with some of the nuns, interactive panoramic photographs, and brief reflections on the charism of cloistered life. It is most encouraging and inspiring to see such a wonderful order of nuns.

From Catholic Culture

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This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

July 25, 2008 marked the fortieth anniversary of the promulgation of the encyclical Humane Vitae which was written by Pope Paul VI. The encyclical addresses issues related to the sanctity of life, but it is best known for its clear enunciation of the Church's teaching against the use of any forms of artificial birth control.
Pope John Paul II, then Archbishop Karol Wojtyla, was involved in the work that was done prior to the writing of Humane Vitae. The following is an excerpt from Chapter 6, Successor to St Stanislaw, which is found in George Weigel's biography of Pope John Paul II, Witness to Hope.

You can read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 by clicking on the links.

The Kraków theologians openly admitted that living marital chastity this way involved real sacrifice, a "great ascetic effort [and] the mastery of self." Education in the virtue of chastity must begin with "respect for others, respect for the body and [for] the realities of sex." Young people had to be taught "the equality of right between man and woman" as the foundation of "mutual responsibility." Pastors who shied away from programs aimed at educating couples in fertility regulation through natural biological rhythms were derelict in their duties, and were complicit in the "grand confusion of ideas" that surrounded sexuality in the modern world. Moreover, the memorandum continued, the pastor did not fulfill his responsibilities as a moral teacher by inveighing against promiscuity. On the contrary, no one could preach or teach persuasively on this subject unless the entire question was put in the humanistic context necessary for the Church's teaching to ring true. It was imperative that pastors work with lay people in this field, for "well-instructed Christian couples" were better positioned to help other couples live chaste lives of sexual love.

Elements of the Kraków commission's memorandum may be found in Humanae Vitae, but Father Bardecki's suggestion that sixty percent of the encyclical reflected the approach devised by the Polish theologians and Cardinal Wojtyla claims too much. Humanae Vitae did make references to Christian personalism, to the good of sexual love, and to the duty of responsibly planning one's family. But the encyclical did not adopt in full the rich personalist context suggested by the Kraków commission. Absent this context, with its emphasis on human dignity and on the equality of spouses in leading Sexually responsible lives, Humanae Vitae's sharp focus on sexual acts opened it to the charge of legalism, "biologism," and pastoral insensitivity, and left the Church vulnerable to the accusation that it had still not freed itself of the shadow of Manichaeism and its deprecation of sexuality.

Although the charge would likely have been made in any case, the encyclical's failure to adopt the full Kraków context made this indictment more difficult to counter. The Kraków proposal came to the same conclusion as the encyclical on the specific question of the legitimate means of fertility regulation. Kraków, however, offered a more compelling explanation of why this position was better fitted to the dignity of the human person, and particularly to the dignity of women.

Next Week: Part 5 from the excerpt

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This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15th. This week's excerpt from the Catechism continues last week's topic on our Lady's complete union with her Son. Part 1 can be read by clicking on the link.

967   By her complete adherence to the Father's will, to his Son's redemptive work, and to every prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church's model of faith and charity. Thus she is a "preeminent and . . . wholly unique member of the Church"; indeed, she is the "exemplary realization" (typus) of the Church.

968   Her role in relation to the Church and to all humanity goes still further. "In a wholly singular way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity in the Savior's work of restoring supernatural life to souls. For this reason she is a mother to us in the order of grace."

969   "This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the cross, until the eternal fulfillment of all the elect. Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation .... Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix."

970   "Mary's function as mother of men in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power. But the Blessed Virgin's salutary influence on men . . . flows forth from the superabundance of the merits of Christ, rests on his mediation, depends entirely on it, and draws all its power from it." "No creature could ever be counted along with the Incarnate Word and Redeemer; but just as the priesthood of Christ is shared in various ways both by his ministers and the faithful, and as the one goodness of God is radiated in different ways among his creatures, so also the unique mediation of the Redeemer does not exclude but rather gives rise to a manifold cooperation which is but a sharing in this one source."

Catechism of the Catholic Church

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This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Daily Offering to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and suffering of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world.

I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sins, the reunion of all Christians;

I offer them for the intentions of our Bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.

Amen.

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This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

This Sunday's Gospel reading from St. Matthew's Gospel shows the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy that those from outside of Israel would come to the Lord's holy mountain. In the first reading, Isaiah prophesies that foreigners will offer burnt offerings and sacrifice at the altar in the Lord's house of prayer. In the Gospel reading, the Canaanite woman's faith compels her to persist in her request for our Lord to heal her daughter despite our Lord's replies that test her faith. Each time, in response to Jesus, she replies with humility and tremendous faith. After testing her faith, our Lord heals her daughter and remarks upon her great faith. As St. Paul explains in the second reading from Romans, the Lord desires that all receive His mercy. The Lord's plan from all eternity was that all may be one with the Lord. This is demonstrated in the call to Abraham who was called to be the father of many nations. In Christ, salvation comes from the Jews, but it is offered to all people. Today we see the further fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy when in the Church at mass, all peoples from many nations come to the Lord's house of prayer in order to offer of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Readings:

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Romans 11:13-15, 29-32
Matthew 15:21-28

Here are a few commentaries on these readings:

• St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)


• A Foreigner's Faith (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

What the Cardinals Believe seeks to give users insight into the Cardinals of the Catholic Church. By providing news articles on an individual cardinal, it helps Catholics track his key pronouncements, decisions and actions in order to understand who he is and what can be expected from him. The site's main resource comes in the form of an article and a picture for over 150 cardinals, both living and deceased.

From Catholic Culture

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This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Solemnity is celebrated on August 15th. Holy Comforter's mass for this day of Holy Obligation will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14th.

Although probably not unknown in the early Church, the earliest references to the Assumption of Mary appear in the 4th (or possibly late 3rd) century in Liber Requiei Mariae (The Book of Mary's Repose), and in the writings of a Bishop Meliton. Some of the Church Fathers believed that the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) was assumed while still alive, others that she was assumed after she had died. Both views are permitted under the infallible definition of Pius XII. St. John of Damascus relates a tradition where, during the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451), the emperor Marcian and his wife wished to find the body of Mary. He tells how all the apostles had seen her death, but her tomb was empty upon inspection.

Festivals commemorating the death of the Blessed Virgin Mary were common from the 5th century onwards, although the exact dates were never universally fixed. In AD 556 the patriarch of Alexandria, Theodosius, attests to two popular Marian feasts in Egypt: Mary's death (January 16) and Assumption (August 9). Theodosius understood Mary to have died before being assumed, and according to the feast dates in Egypt at the time, she was assumed 206 days after her death. In AD 600, the emperor Mauricius decreed that the Assumption was to be celebrated on August 15. Soon, the Church in Ireland adopted this date, and it was later introduced in Rome. As the cult of Mary grew in the West, there was more pressure for the Catholic Church to define the exact nature of the Assumption. Pope Pius did this in 1950, in terms that are still rather general, and can be accepted by Western Catholics, Eastern Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox. (Source: Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church).

The Orthodox Church teaches that the Virgin Mary died a fully human death, and celebrates the feast accordingly. According to various traditions known in the East, St. Thomas was not around when Mary passed away, just as he was absent when Jesus was raised from the dead. Because he was three days late to Mary's funeral, he requested to see Mary's body. However, when her tomb was opened, her body was not found. This is not viewed as a resurrection like her Son's, but rather as the first fruits of our own bodily resurrection. In one of the most complicated of Christian Hymns (utilizing all 8 tones) the Orthodox are shown the story of her journeying to heaven as her funeral procession. The apostles act as her pall-bearers. As she arrives at heaven she is the first given the task of all the glorified saints, that of praying for us to her Son and our Lord. As a part of the interior mysteries of the Orthodox Church, the Assumption is not a point of dogma or debate, yet it is a commonly accepted belief among Orthodox Christians. Even as the faithful bury the Theotokos and see her translated to a life of intercession, we are reminded that it is through her that the Word was made flesh (many thanks to Steven Clark for this information).

Protestants have rejected the Assumption of Mary (except for some, mostly Anglicans, who hold the opinion privately and devotionally), probably because it is not explicitly biblical. It is, however, an ancient belief certainly fitting the honor of the one chosen to bear the Son of God. It is also solidly within the biblical tradition of holy and unique individuals being taken bodily to heaven (like Elijah and Enoch). She who is "Mother of the Lord," "full of grace," and whom "all generations shall call blessed" is certainly worthy of this honor. Many Reformation denominations (like Anglicanism and Lutheranism) have set aside August 15th as a day commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary, although without the explicit context of the Assumption.

From ChurchYear.net

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This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

July 25, 2008 marked the fortieth anniversary of the promulgation of the encyclical Humane Vitae which was written by Pope Paul VI. The encyclical addresses issues related to the sanctity of life, but it is best known for its clear enunciation of the Church's teaching against the use of any forms of artificial birth control.

Pope John Paul II, then Archbishop Karol Wojtyla, was involved in the work that was done prior to the writing of Humane Vitae. The following is an excerpt from Chapter 6, Successor to St Stanislaw, which is found in George Weigel's biography of Pope John Paul II, Witness to Hope.

You can read Part 1 and Part 2 by clicking on the link.

The starting point for moral argument, [the Polish theologians] proposed, was the human person, for human beings were the only creatures capable of "morality." This human person, male or female, was not a disembodied self but a unity of body and spirit. My "self" is not here, and "my body" there. As a free moral actor, I am a unity of body and spirit. Thinking about the moral life has to be thinking within that unity, taking account of both dimensions of the human person.

The Kraków theologians went on to argue that nature had inscribed what might be called a moral language and grammar in the sexual structure of the human body. That moral language and grammar could be discerned by human intelligence and respected by the human will. Morally appropriate acts respected that language and grammar in all its complexity, which included both the unitive and procreative dimensions of human sexuality: sexual intercourse as both an expression of love and the means for transmitting the gift of life. Any act that denied one of these dimensions violated the grammar of the act and necessarily, if unwittingly, reduced one's spouse to an object of one's pleasure. Marital chastity was a matter of mutual self-giving that transcended itself and achieved its truly human character by its openness to the possibility of new life.

This openness had to be lived responsibly. "The number of children called into existence cannot be left to chance," according to the Kraków memorandum, but must be decided "in a dialogue of love between husband and wife." Fertility regulation, in fulfillment of the "duty" to plan one's family, must therefore be done through a method that conformed to human dignity, recognized the "parity between men and women," and involved the "cooperation" of the spouses. By placing the entire burden on the woman, chemical and mechanical means of fertility regulation like the contraceptive pill and the intra-uterine device violated these criteria. Contrary to the claims of the sexual revolution, such artificial means of contraception freed men for hedonistic behavior while violating the biological integrity of women with invasive and potentially harmful tools. Family planning by observing nature's biological rhythms was the only method of fertility regulation that respected the dignity and equality of the spouses as persons.

Next Week: Part 4 from the excerpt

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This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is a Holy Day of Obligation, is celebrated on August 15th. This week's excerpt from the Catechism focuses on our Lady's complete union with her Son that is demonstrated in her life and assumption in to Heaven.

964   Mary's role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it. "This union of the mother with the Son in the work of salvation is made manifest from the time of Christ's virginal conception up to his death"; it is made manifest above all at the hour of his Passion:

Thus the Blessed Virgin advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross. There she stood, in keeping with the divine plan, enduring with her only begotten Son the intensity of his suffering, joining herself with his sacrifice in her mother's heart, and lovingly consenting to the immolation of this victim, born of her: to be given, by the same Christ Jesus dying on the cross, as a mother to his disciple, with these words: "Woman, behold your son."

965   After her Son's Ascension, Mary "aided the beginnings of the Church by her prayers." In her association with the apostles and several women, "we also see Mary by her prayers imploring the gift of the Spirit, who had already overshadowed her in the Annunciation."

966   "Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death." The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians:

In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

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This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Exaltation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, in this tragic hour of the world's history, we entrust and consecrate ourselves to your Immaculate Heart, our only refuge, our hope, our salvation. Have pity on this world, torn by the most terrible conflicts, burning with the fires of hate, victim of its own sins. May your Heart be moved at the sight of so much ruin, pain and sorrow.

We consecrate to your maternal heart our persons, our families, our country--the whole of humanity. Protect and save us!

O Heart of Mary, source of true love, fill our selfish hearts with divine charity and with that true brotherly love without which there can never be peace. Grant that men and nations may understand and fulfill the precept of your Divine Son, LOVE ONE ANOTHER, in order that true peace may be firmly established in the Justice and Truth of Christ.

Amen.

--Venerable Pope Pius XII

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This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

The bulletin for August 10, 2008 is available by clicking here to view it.

Listed below are a few of the items from this week's bulletin. See the bulletin for more details and to read all of the announcements.

NEWS FROM HAITI: While many of us are busy planning and taking vacations, we can still take a minute or two to reflect on the desperate needs of the children and elderly in Saltadère. Remember only 48 cents per day or $5.76 per month will provide three meals a day for a child. You can assist a needy older person for 70 cents or $21.10 per month. Please make your checks payable to Holy Comforter Church with "Haiti Food" on the memo line. Your donations are always welcome, regardless of size. Even if you are unable to assist financially, please help by praying for the people of Saltadère.

PANTRY: It is Reverse Collection time again. If the parish continues to open hearts, grocery bags, and wallets, we will be able to help our neighbors through these tough economic times. Each of us helping just a little makes a big difference.

IMPACT: IMPACT has become a powerful force for justice in this area because the 28 member congregations were able to bring 2,000 people to the Nehemiah Action where we asked people who could make changes for the better to make those changes. There are still unfinished justice issues, and there will be new justice issues. Please plan to become a part of IMPACT.

THE LORD NEEDS YOU: How can you do this? Become a Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. As individuals have left this ministry, the need for new ministers at all masses has become urgent. Training will be provided. PLEASE contact Margaret McElroy at 973-6429 or mdm1909@embarqmail.com.

CATECHISTS UPDATE:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Catechists Orientation will be Saturday, August 16th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served.
• There is STILL a need for additional catechists for Christian Formation classes. Please contact Teresa Ritzert.
• Parents, please register your children for Christian Formation classes!
• Christian Formation classes begin Sunday, August 24th

HOLY COMFORTER 'HELPING HANDS': The Pastoral Care Committee wants to develop a program where our parishioners can demonstrate their giving spirit by ministering to each other. There are times when we can use extra help due to illness, surgery, or birth of a child. If you are able to prepare a meal or provide a ride, you qualify to be part of this giving ministry. What can we do to help our Holy Comforter family? Sign up on the sheet on the table in the Commons to make a meal, provide a ride, or help coordinate this program. Making a few phone calls is all the coordination this program needs. There are no age or gender restrictions--all are welcome to join this giving group. You will truly be spiritually rewarded.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Installation of Father Louis A. Rowen Council 3670 Officers for 2008-09 will be held on Monday, August 18th, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Stone Chapel of the Church of the Incarnation (off Route 29N behind Toys "R" Us.) Dinner will follow. Council 3670 will supply the main dish. Families are encouraged to attend and are asked to bring the following based on the last name: A-L to bring a vegetable, and J-Z to bring a dessert. Reservations are required. Call Bill Phillips at 973-6726, Jim Morrisard at 973-6570, Tom O'Rourke at 244-2852, or Ernie Sardi at 980-4180.

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This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

In this week's Gospel, St. Matthew records an incident that is a clear revelation of our Lord's divinity. As the disciples are being tossed in their boat on the sea, Jesus walks out on the water to them. Jesus identifies Himself to the disciples and encourages them to not be afraid. Peter boldly asks Jesus to command him to come out on the water. Peter, too, walks on the water until he focuses on the storm. Jesus reaches out to save him. After Jesus returns Peter to the boat, the storms ends and the disciples acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus identifies Himself as God by alluding to passages from the Old Testament that are connected with God. First, it is God who can walk on the waters (Job 9:8). Second, it is God who commands the seas (Psalm 89:9-10). Finally, Jesus' words, "It is I" are the same words that God uses to identify Himself to Moses (Exodus 33:18-33).

Readings:

1 Kings 19:9, 11-13
Psalm 85:9-14
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:22-33

Here are a few commentaries on these readings:

• St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)


• Sinking Fear (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology


• The Walking on the Water (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from The Crossroads Initiative

In this Sunday's Gospel, we have St. Matthew's account of the our Lord's feeding of the five thousand. The account is ripe with allusions to the Old Testament in order to show how our Lord fulfilled the prophesies of long ago. For example, Jesus, the Son of David, is the one who fulfills Isaiah's prophesy of all being satisfied by the Lord in both food and drink. All those who come to the waters of baptism will be satisfied even as the five thousand had their hunger and thirst satisfied. The reading also hints at the Eucharist by our Lord's actions which foreshadows the Last Supper. He takes bread, gives a blessing, breaks the bread, and gives the bread to the apostles who actually are the ones who distribute the fish and the bread. The last detail indicates how the Eucharist will be continued at the hands of the apostles who will do this in memory of Jesus. Finally, there are twelve baskets of leftovers which is one for each of the Twelve whom Jesus had earlier asked to give the people something themselves. Through Jesus, they will be able to give the Bread from Heaven which will satisfy all who hunger and thirst for God.

Readings:

Isaiah 55:1-3
Psalm 145:8-9, 15-18
Romans 8:35,37-39
Matthew 14:13-21

Here are a few commentaries on these readings:

• St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)


• Food in Due Season (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology


• The Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from The Crossroads Initiative

One of the other parishes in Charlottesville, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, is a Dominican parish. In honor of St. Dominic, whose feast is celebrated on August 8th, the Link of the Week is featuring the Web site of the Province to which St. Thomas Aquinas parish belongs--St. Joseph Province. The Web site was recently redesigned and reorganized. It includes wonderful pictures and a wealth of information about the Dominican Order including information about vocations, formation, and Dominican life. The site also includes information about the Lay Order of Dominicans and audio and video presentations on various topics of interest.

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This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

July 25, 2008 marked the fortieth anniversary of the promulgation of the encyclical Humane Vitae which was written by Pope Paul VI. The encyclical addresses issues related to the sanctity of life, but it is best known for its clear enunciation of the Church's teaching against the use of any forms of artificial birth control.

Pope John Paul II, then Archbishop Karol Wojtyla, was involved in the work that was done prior to the writing of Humane Vitae. The following is an excerpt from Chapter 6, Successor to St Stanislaw, which is found in George Weigel's biography of Pope John Paul II, Witness to Hope.

You can read Part 1 by clicking on the link.

In 1966, the archbishop of Kraków created his own diocesan commission to study the issues being debated by the Papal Commission. The archbishop, soon to be cardinal, was an active participant in the Kraków commission's deliberations, which also drew on the expertise he had begun to gather in the nascent archdiocesan Institute for Family Studies. The Kraków commission completed its work in February 1968, and a memorandum of conclusions—"The Foundations of the Church's Doctrine on the Principles of Conjugal Life"—was drawn up in French and sent to Paul VI by Cardinal Wojtyla.

According to Father Andrzej Bardecki, one of the participants in the Kraków process, Wojtyla's local commission had seen two drafts of a proposed encyclical on the subject of conjugal morality and fertility regulation. One draft, prepared by the Holy Office, the Vatican's principal doctrinal agency struck some members of the Kraków commission as "stupid conservatism" stringing together various papal pronouncements on the subject while neglecting to mention Pius XII's endorsement of the rhythm method of fertility regulation, or "natural family planning." The alternative draft, which Bardecki remembered as having been sponsored by German Cardinal Julius Döpfner, took the position of the "Majority Report" of the Papal Commission, which involved a serious error in its approach to moral theology, in the judgment of the Kraków theologians. By arguing that conjugal morality should be judged in its totality, and each act of intercourse "proportionally" within that total context, the "Majority Report" and the German draft misread what God had written into the nature of human sexuality, and did so in a way that undermined the structure of moral theology across the board.

Were the only alternatives, therefore, "stupid conservatism" or a deconstruction of the moral theology? The Polish theologians didn't think so. The Kraków commission memorandum, which reflected the thinking of Cardinal Wojtyla and the moral analysis of Love and Responsibility, tried to develop a new framework for the Church's classic position on conjugal morality and fertility regulation: a fully articulated, philosophically well-developed Christian humanism that believers and non-believers alike could engage.

Next Week: Part 3 from the excerpt

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Click on the links to read Part 1 and Part 2.

1380   It is highly fitting that Christ should have wanted to remain present to his Church in this unique way. Since Christ was about to take his departure from his own in his visible form, he wanted to give us his sacramental presence; since he was about to offer himself on the cross to save us, he wanted us to have the memorial of the love with which he loved us "to the end," even to the giving of his life. In his Eucharistic presence he remains mysteriously in our midst as the one who loved us and gave himself up for us, and he remains under signs that express and communicate this love:

The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith, and open to making amends for the serious offenses and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease.

1381   "That in this sacrament are the true Body of Christ and his true Blood is something that 'cannot be apprehended by the senses,' says St. Thomas, 'but only by faith, which relies on divine authority.' For this reason, in a commentary on Luke 22:19 ('This is my body which is given for you.'), St. Cyril says: 'Do not doubt whether this is true, but rather receive the words of the Savior in faith, for since he is the truth, he cannot lie.'"

Godhead here in hiding, whom I do adore
Masked by these bare shadows, shape and nothing more,
See, Lord, at thy service low lies here a heart
Lost, all lost in wonder at the God thou art.

Seeing, touching, tasting are in thee deceived;
How says trusty hearing? that shall be believed;
What God's Son has told me, take for truth I do;
Truth himself speaks truly or there's nothing true.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

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Novena to St. Maximilian Kolbe
Novena Dates August 6 - 14, Feast Day August 14

Lord Jesus Christ, who said, "greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends," through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe whose life illustrated such love, we beseech you to grant us our petitions.

(here mention the requests you have)

Through the Militia Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all men - a love that was inspired by true devotion to Mary.

Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen in order to better love and serve our fellowman in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian.

Amen.

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The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home

Amen.

--Venerable Pope Pius XII

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The bulletin for August 3, 2008 is available by clicking here to view it.

Listed below are a few of the items from this week's bulletin. See the bulletin for more details and to read all of the announcements.

UPCOMING HAITI IMMERSION TRIPS: (1) The Haitian Health Care Foundation (HHCF) is planning a Haiti Medical Professionals trip October 17-25, 2008. The deadline to register is August 15th. For more information, contact Susan Pleasants at vabatt@aol.com. (2) Diocesan Haiti Immersion Retreat Applications are now being taken for the immersion retreat to Haiti, November 29 through December 6, 2008. This trip is to learn about Haiti's history, culture, economics, politics, and religion. Contact Patrice Schwermer at pschwermer@richmonddioces.org or at (804) 622-5129.

PANTRY: The August Reverse Collection will take place next weekend. There are several good reasons to support the Reverse Collection: 1. More of our neighbors are suffering in these difficult economic times. 2. There is still no government food. 3. As Christians, we are required to take care of our neighbors. Thank you for your past and continuing support.

IMPACT: The IMPACT listening sessions will take place later this month. The purpose of the sessions is first to get opinions from parishioners of justice issues in the area that need to be addressed. Second, the sessions help the parish to understand just how important the support of EVERYONE is to the success of the Nehemiah Assembly next spring. It is never too early to plan to do justice.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: NOTE CHANGE IN MEETING: The Knights of Columbus Father Louis A. Rowen Council 3670 will hold its next meeting on Monday, August 4, 2008. Please note the change in meeting night for August only. The Rosary will be at 7:15 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Stone Chapel of the Church of the Incarnation (Route 29N behind Toys "R" Us.) Installation of Council Officers for 2008-09 is scheduled for Monday, August 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the Stone Chapel. Families are encouraged to attend. Details to follow.

CATECHISTS UPDATE:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Catechists Orientation will be Saturday, August 16th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served.
• There is STILL a need for additional catechists for Christian Formation classes. Please contact Teresa Ritzert.
• Parents, please register your children for Christian Formation classes!
• Christian Formation classes begin Sunday, August 24th

THE LORD NEEDS YOU: How can you do this? Become a Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. As individuals have left this ministry, the need for new ministers at all masses has become urgent. Training will be provided. PLEASE contact Margaret McElroy at 973-6429 or mdm1909@embarqmail.com.

HOLY COMFORTER 'HELPING HANDS': The Pastoral Care Committee wants to develop a program where our parishioners can demonstrate their giving spirit by ministering to each other. There are times when we can use extra help due to illness, surgery, or birth of a child. If you are able to prepare a meal or provide a ride, you qualify to be part of this giving ministry. What can we do to help our Holy Comforter family? Sign up on the sheet on the table in the Commons to make a meal, provide a ride, or help coordinate this program. Making a few phone calls is all the coordination this program needs. There are no age or gender restrictions--all are welcome to join this giving group. You will truly be spiritually rewarded.

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In this Sunday's Gospel, we have St. Matthew's account of the our Lord's feeding of the five thousand. The account is ripe with allusions to the Old Testament in order to show how our Lord fulfilled the prophesies of long ago. For example, Jesus, the Son of David, is the one who fulfills Isaiah's prophesy of all being satisfied by the Lord in both food and drink. All those who come to the waters of baptism will be satisfied even as the five thousand had their hunger and thirst satisfied. The reading also hints at the Eucharist by our Lord's actions which foreshadows the Last Supper. He takes bread, gives a blessing, breaks the bread, and gives the bread to the apostles who actually are the ones who distribute the fish and the bread. The last detail indicates how the Eucharist will be continued at the hands of the apostles who will do this in memory of Jesus. Finally, there are twelve baskets of leftovers which is one for each of the Twelve whom Jesus had earlier asked to give the people something themselves. Through Jesus, they will be able to give the Bread from Heaven which will satisfy all who hunger and thirst for God.

Readings:

Isaiah 55:1-3
Psalm 145:8-9, 15-18
Romans 8:35,37-39
Matthew 14:13-21

Here are a few commentaries on these readings:

• St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)


• Food in Due Season (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology


• The Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from The Crossroads Initiative

The Bible Christian Society is a non-profit organization which is committed to providing free, quality apologetics resources for Catholics. The resources emphasize Sacred Scripture to explain the Catholic faith in order to provide materials which can answer common objections against the Catholic faith which are based on various interpretations of scripture.

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For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. - St. Thérèrse of Liseaux

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for August are:

General: That the human family may learn to respect God’s plan for the world and become ever more aware that Creation is God’s great gift.

Mission: That the answer of the entire people of God to the common calling to holiness and mission may be promoted and fostered by means of careful discernment of charisms and constant commitment to spiritual and cultural formation.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

For the healing of fathers of aborted children.