Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Mary in Darkness


As did Mary, we ponder the meaning of this Birth. Even in our darkness, our eyes adjust, the Light illuminates, and we see the world anew.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

New Year's Day, the octave of Christmas, marks the feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.



Here is an excerpt of a homily:

Yet in the midst of all of this, Mary and Joseph are the happiest people to walk the face of this earth. Here in Bethlehem they are teaching us the amazing paradox that it is only when we lose ourselves in the love and service of Jesus do we find happiness. Happiness that this world can never give and no one can take from us. But how can we lose ourselves in the love and service of Jesus? Jesus has made it very simple, “Whatever you do for one of these least brethren you do for me.”



The Gospel reading (below) tells how Mary "treasured these things in her heart."

Gospel
Lk 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.


Sunday, December 21, 2008

December Fire


December Fire

four flames
pierce the darkness
hearts of light

four lanterns
burning brightly
in the night

four fires
signal Hope
a Star so bright



Saturday, December 13, 2008

Rejoice!

On Gaudete ("Rejoice") Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, we rejoice in the coming of the Lord. Christmas is just days away. As we prepare our hearts, perhaps we, too, like the baby in Elizabeth's womb, will leap with joy and anticipation at the coming of the Christ Child. (Click the photo to view a presentation of the hymn, Gaudete.)



THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 14, 2008


Gospel: (John 1:6-8)

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him…“Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.”


Reflection:

John knew how to die. He knew how to speak the truth even when it cost dearly. He knew how to engage in an active public ministry to which crowds flocked, but also how to withdraw into the desert for prayer and penance. John the Baptist makes it very clear that we will live genuinely for Christ only if we are willing to die for him. Only the person who is practiced in the art of daily dying will be able to hand himself over to God in an act of final resignation, as John did. Daily dying consists in pouring out one’s energies in the service of the poor, in listening attentively, in praying faithfully, in living harmoniously with others, in seeking reconciliation, in doing penance, in renouncing anything that is an obstacle to the following of Christ. John the Baptist calls us to prepare the way of the Lord by eliminating from our lives whatever impedes his coming. (Maloney, Seasons in Spirituality, p.48)

Words of Father Robert Maloney, C.M.

“Let me suggest that today, for us members of the Vincentian Family, an asceticism like that of John the Baptist might take these forms especially: rising early to praise God and strengthen our brothers and sisters in daily prayer; employing moderation and a critical sense in using television and other media; withholding divisive words and negative criticism; being disciplined and balanced in what we eat and drink; working hard, as servants do, for our “lords and masters,” the poor.” (Maloney, Seasons in Spirituality, p.48)


Discussion: (Share thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence)

What form of John the Baptist’s asceticism do you feel called to practice this Advent?


Closing Prayer:

As our Advent journey continues, we turn in hope to Christ and ask:

-Come, Lord Jesus, and do not delay.

Watch over all children, that they may know your love,

-Come, Lord Jesus, and do not delay.

Protect all who are abused and neglected,

-Come, Lord Jesus, and do not delay.

Strengthen all Vincentians in their efforts to reveal your love to others,

-Come, Lord Jesus, and do not delay. Amen



(Souce: Vincentian Reflections)

Monday, December 8, 2008

Immaculate Heart of Mary


Holy Card: Immaculate Heart of Mary statue at Fatima Shrine in Russia (click image to learn about Our Lady of Fatima)

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Preparing for the Unexpected

Second Sunday of Advent


Gospel: (Luke 3:1-6)

The word of God was spoken to John in the desert. He went about the entire region of the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of repentance which led to the forgiveness of sins, as is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A herald’s voice in the desert, crying, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, clear him a straight path. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be leveled. The windings shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth, and all mankind shall see the salvation of God.

Reflection:

John the Baptist urges us to “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Our culture tells us to prepare for the birth of a Baby, an event that evokes wonderful feelings of warmth and happiness. But John’s message of “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” suggests that we must examine our lives in light of the salvation we seek. It is difficult to orient our lives, anticipation, and preparation with balance and vision toward a glorious Christ who is yet to come. It is far easier to prepare for a Jesus who is a sweet, innocent Babe. The gospel challenges us to take the real events of our everyday lives—all the suffering and pain, all the anxiety and hopelessness, all the joy and peace—and see them as means to recognize the presence of Christ to us. This is what Advent is all about—recognizing the presence of Christ in our lives as salvation already come. (Living Liturgy, p. 10)

Vincentian Meditation:

God speaks to us in all sorts of ways: through Scriptures, through his Church, but also through all the events, great and small, that happen to us. Since most of our lives are made up of very ordinary tasks which we must do each day, it is in these especially that the voice of the Lord is to be heard. We make the mistake so often of expecting God to speak to us through some great event or happening when, in fact, all the time He is speaking to us in all the small events of each day. For all of us, it would be a great grace if, in all the circumstances of our lives, in all that we do, in accepting all that happens to us, pleasant and unpleasant, we could say, “It is the Lord.” St. Vincent recommends that “when something unexpected happens to us in body or mind, good or bad, we are to accept it without fuss as from God’s loving hand.” If we could live that ideal of St. Vincent, we would have great peace in our lives. (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p.175)


Discussion: (Share thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence)


What unexpected happenings have you “accepted without fuss as from God’s loving hand?”


Closing Prayer:


Come Lord Jesus, give us the grace to,

- accept all events as “coming from God’s loving hand.”

Come Lord Jesus, give us the grace to,

- “Make ready the way of the Lord.”

As we eagerly await your coming, come to all people

-especially the poor and the forgotten. Amen



(Source: Vincentian Reflections)

Saturday, December 6, 2008

SVdP Nativity Program


Throughout the United States, the St. Vincent de Paul Society conferences, including OLG Conference, are participating in an effort to bring the true Christmas message to those we visit. (Click photo for more information.)

Feast of St. Nicholas


Prayer to St. Nicholas

Loving God, we thank you for
the example of St Nicholas,
who fed the hungry,
brought hope to the imprisoned,
gave comfort to the lost,
and taught the truth to all.

May we strive to imitate him
by putting you first in all we do.



Give us the courage, love and strength

of St Nicholas, so that, like him,
we may serve you through loving
our brothers and sisters. Amen.

--Amy Welborn


Thursday, December 4, 2008

Feast of the Immaculate Conception December 8

Blessed Frederic Ozanam, founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, had a great devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. He declared Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception the patroness of the Society. We pray that Mary, the Immaculate Conception, will watch over and guide with her loving hand the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in our parish and community. We pray to the Lord.


Monday, December 1, 2008

Advent

In the darkness, there is a Light for the world. Sometimes it's harder to see than others. To see better, it helps to get quiet. To focus. To sit and wonder. Like the stars, the sun and the moon, it's there whether we see it or not. If you don't see it today, perhaps you will later. A long time ago, a very long time ago, the story goes, wise men saw it, and followed.

PHOTO ALBUM (below)

Please scroll down this page to view our photo album or find more pictures on our facebook page.

Walk for the Poor 2013

Walk for the Poor 2013

Homeless Strategies Workshop

Homeless Strategies Workshop

Feeding the Hungry

Feeding the Hungry

Walk for the Poor 2012

Walk for the Poor 2012

Homeless Ministry

Homeless Ministry
Our New Banner

Bundle Sunday Fall 2010

Bundle Sunday Fall 2010
Donations help the poor

Marian Retreat

Marian Retreat
Vincentians gather for a morning relecting on Marian devotion.

Hospitality Sunday 2010

Hospitality Sunday 2010
Vincentians thank the OLG parish for its genorosity.

Parish Festival 2010

Parish Festival 2010

Nat'l Vincentian Family Gathering 2010

Nat'l Vincentian Family Gathering 2010
Conference members attend via internet link up

West Coast Walk for Life 2010

West Coast Walk for Life 2010

Spirit of Giving

Spirit of Giving
A donation coin box symbolizes personal sacrifice

Hospitality Sunday

Hospitality Sunday
Donations support St. Vincent de Paul

Bundle Sunday

Bundle Sunday


Invitation to Service

Invitation to Service

Working in the Food Locker

Working in the Food Locker