Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Lent is a spiritual journey to grow more into the likeness of Jesus Christ. We want to let go of those things that hinder our life in Jesus. When we “fast” from these things, we make room in our hearts for the presence of Jesus. If we only do the physical fasting and denial of certain things and attitudes, but do not grow and “feast” in Christ’s love, than empty and vain is our fasting. I offer the following “fast” and “feast” reflections:

Fast from judging others and feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from ill thoughts and feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute and feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent and feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger and feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism and feast on optimism.
Fast from worry and feast on divine order.
Fast from complaining and feast on appreciation.

Fast from bitterness and feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern and feast on compassion for others.
Fast from hostility and feast on gentleness.
Fast from discouragement and feast on hope.

Fast from idle gossip and feast on silence.
Fast from fear and feast on trust and faith.
Fast from resentment and feast on contentment.
Fast from jealousy and feast on love.

Fast from pride and feast on humility.
Fast from selfishness and feast on service.

Fast from feelings of unworthiness and feast on the gracious love of God!

May our fasting this Lent 2012 lead us to the cross of Jesus who died for our sins. May we feast on His love for us in the glory of the Resurrection.

Prayerful Lent!
Fr. Pat, CSSR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Now that I have been here for almost six months, I am feeling more at home in good old St. Al’s.  Of course this is my home town and home parish, but as one saying goes, “You can never go back to the way it was.”  I believe that is true as we are constantly changing in our awareness of life and expanding our minds and hearts.  Life is always about change, whether we like it or not.  And I have seen many changes here at St. Al’s.

Some of these changes are evident as we look at the physical and external improvements around the church entrances, the painting and redecorating of the interior of the church, the handicap ramp to the Parish Center with the elevator inside, the circular drive in front of the rectory, and the new floor and renovations in the cafeteria kitchen.  When I first saw all of these, I was amazed at what had been accomplished and realized that it was all paid for and that we had no debt.  How proud you all must be for what you have achieved!

And now we can turn our energy to dreaming and creating new ministries and opportunities for us to use all this great space!  Let’s dream about how we want St. Al’s to come alive with activities, programs, and ministries and use our parish facilities every day and night of the week.  We have a new Parish Health/Nurse Ministry started.  We have a Youth Ministry program expanding.

I would like to start a Seniors Group for social and spiritual enrichment.  I would like to see an Adult Education program that enlivens the minds and hearts of us all.  I would like to see Greeters at all the Masses on the weekend.  I would like to have a CANA Dinner for our married parishioners where we have the renewal of marriage vows, a delicious dinner and banquet, spiritual enrichment and a dance.  I would like to see more prayer groups, bible studies, books clubs, speakers forum, recreational and fun activities here at St. Al’s.

I believe we can make it happen!  Will you dream with me!  Together we can build on the great heritage that has been entrusted to us and move forward into the future with hope and joy.  Next year will be the 125 anniversary of St. Alphonsus Parish!  Let’s have a homecoming and invite everyone back and open the doors of St. Al’s!  What a celebration we can have! Call or write me if you are interested in being part of the DREAM TEAM!

Pray for your fellow parishioners every day.

Joyfully, Fr. Pat, C.Ss.R.

Dear St. Alphonsus Community:

What a wonderful kick off for the St Alphonsus Parish Health ministry.  There were 20 nurses that showed up full of ideas on how this ministry can benefit our parish.  We were able to identify several things that initially could be accomplished to promote health awareness.

First the Parish has purchased 2 AEDs (automated external defibrillators); one for the Church and one for the Parish Center.  Classes will be offered to parishioners and staff on proper use of the AED and certify them for CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation).  We have one parishioner who is certified to teach CPR, is there anyone else in the parish that is certified and would like to assist in this vast undertaking?

Secondly, once a month after Sunday Masses nurses will be available for Blood Pressure screening. 

Lastly, we will begin a Nursing Corner in the weekly bulletin to offer a Health tip or teaching, as well as you being able to “Ask a Nurse” a health question.  Several nurses were interested in going into homes to offer care.  We have two nurses who are interested in teaching parishioners about Advance Directives and one who can offer advice or resources for Diabetes.  Hopefully in the future we will be able to offer Health Seminars.  More information will be shared as programs develop.

Thanks for all the prayers and support.  Over all there was a great excitement over this new ministry.  God has blessed us with so many Health Care Workers! Remember the tool we can all use if an emergency happens “CALL 911.”

Fr. Lamar Partin, C.Ss.R.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This week is  “Catholic Schools’ Week” throughout the country. It is a good time to reflect upon the value of a Catholic School education. Students are  taught about their Catholic faith and learn in a Christ-centered environment in which they can openly practice their faith. Of course the school can only reinforce what should be happening in the home by their parents who are  the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith.

Thanks to all the parishioners who help support our Catholic Schools: All Saints Academy, Catholic Central and West Catholic. Many people make it possible by their donations to enable  families to send their children to our Catholic Schools. The families who send their children to our Catholic Schools are making great sacrifices to provide this quality education.  God bless all of you for your investment in our children’s education and faith development.

On Wednesday, February 1st at 10:00 am all the students from All Saints Academy will be here for a special Mass. Come and celebrate Catholic Schools Week with our children and their families. It will be a great liturgy!

The Parish Auction 2012 “A Night at the Oscars” is Saturday, February 18. The proceeds of the auction go to our parish Education Endowment. The Education Endowment supports our Catholic Schools and our parish Faith Formation Programs. Please come to the Auction, buy raffle tickets, donate items for the auction. This is our only big fund raising event of the year for the parish and we need everyone to make it a success. I know that this year’s “A Night at the Oscars” will be a memorable evening. Thanks to all who are working so hard to make it happen. I am sure that if anyone wants to volunteer in some capacity that you would be welcome!  Go to stalphonsusauction@gmail.com for more information.

Friday February 3rd is the feast of St. Blaise. We will have individual  blessing of throats at the 7:00 and 9:00 am Masses.

Pray for your fellow parishioners everyday.

Gratefully,

Fr. Pat, CSSR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Monday, January 23 is the infamous day of the Supreme Court vs. Wade decision legalizing abortions in the United States.  In the new Roman Missal the heading for the Mass to be said on this day is now called “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” We are asked to do penance for violations to the dignity of all human persons, from the beginning of life in the womb to the natural end of life.

Respect for human life flows from the dignity that each of us has because we are made in the image and likeness of God. To respect life in all its forms is to honor ands respect the Creator of life! And thus we as Catholic Christians must abhor all forms of physical, emotional, and spiritual violence. If we abhor abortion for the sin against an unborn child, then we must also abhor the death penalty. We must protest the  terrible acts of violence against women and children throughout the world in many struggling nations and the sexual exploitation of any person.

Respect for Life honors the presence of God in every human being, from beginning to end of life. We cannot pick and choose which part of that continuum we abhor. And we are called to respect and honor life in ways that bestow  dignity  to all people. We can never be violent in our opposition to a crime or action or judge another person and condemn them. Ours is to bring the mercy and gentleness and love of a gracious God who loves all His creatures. Let our love  overcome the violence. Let our respect for life overcome the deaths of abortion. Let our compassion overcome the failings and misguided actions. Evil cannot triumph in the  face of overwhelming love.

May we honor God’s beautiful presence in each other and respect life from its conception in the womb to its natural death. Be so grateful for the precious gift of life!

Gratefully,

Fr. Pat., CSSR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

People have inquired about the Stations of the Cross…where are they? The Stations are being restored and refurbished with new frames. We had hoped that this could be accomplished by Lent but it seems that it will take longer. Rest assured that we will have some images on a temporary basis placed on the walls for those who wish to make the Way of the Cross privately.

Please notice that in two of the shrine areas we have beautiful pictures of our Redemptorist saints and blesseds. On the west side are images of St. Alphonsus, St. Gerard Majella, St. John Neumann, and St. Clement Hofbauer. On the east side are images of several Redemptorist martyrs from the Communist rule in the Eastern block countries. These Redemptorists were of the Ukrainian Rite. We will share more information about these brave men who gave their lives during very difficult times.

On the weekend of January 14-15 Fr. Allan Weinert will preach at all the Masses about our Co-Redemptorist program. Many of you know that this wonderful program helps with the formation of our Redemptorist seminarians. We Redemptorists are very grateful for your generosity in supporting this program.

Also on January 15 we will have our Parish Breakfast which has become a tasty treat on Sunday mornings. Thanks to all the volunteers who make this possible!

Don’t forget the Parish Blood Drive taking place on Sunday January 15 as well. This is such a worthy cause to help those undergoing surgery or in accidents.

The Auction Gift Party will be on Saturday January 28 after the 5:15 Mass. (It had been previously scheduled for January 14.)

THANKS to all the fantastic volunteers in the parish who make possible so many ministries, activities, and fund raisers. St. Al’s is blessed to have such generous parishioners who in turn are supported by their fellow parishioners. God bless you all!

Pray for your fellow parishioners and for yourself too!

Gratefully,

Fr. Pat, CSSR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With the beginning of  a new year many people make resolutions about what they want to change about their lives. Some say they will eat healthier, loose weight, exercise more, spend less time watching TV and spend  more time with family and friends. These are all good resolutions. We all seem to want to move forward is some fashion and make decisions that will better our own lives and the lives of those we love and cherish.

It seems to me that the question to ask is “Where is  my life moving?” And I would match that question with “Is my life moving toward God or away from God?” If we do not consciously and willingly move toward God then we will move in the opposite direction. Spending a few quiet moments in prayer with the Lord each day will shed some light on where we want to go and how to get there.

May I suggest that we do something good for ourselves and treat ourselves to some old fashioned prayer time each day: pray the rosary, take 5 minutes of silence, read the Bible for 5 minutes.  Whatever we decide, just  DO IT! Start small and grow with it. The Lord will lead the way, trust Him.

I want to THANK so many parishioners who gave of their time and talents during these Christmas days: 

            There were those who cleaned and decorated the church.

            There were the many musicians and choir members and cantors.

            There were the lectors, the eucharistic ministers, the servers, the ushers and the sacristans.

THANK YOU all for your countless hours of practice and volunteering to make our church look so beautiful and our liturgies so uplifting.  I cannot name all of you, but you know who you are and I thank you in the name of your fellow parishioners for your gracious serving and giving! God  bless you!

May we all be grateful for the precious gift of life each day in this new year. And may we continue to pray for each other that this year 2012 will be a year of deep peace and hope for all!

Gratefully,

Fr. Pat, CSSR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Christmas is only a week away and these moments can be quite busy and hectic for many of us. Some will be shopping for gifts; others will be baking cookies and preparing delicious meals. Some will be packing bags and heading out of town. Others will be welcoming families and friends home for long awaited visits.

Whatever we find ourselves doing, may we not forget the reason for this season: Jesus Christ being born into our humanity and sharing our hopes and dreams, tears and fears, sorrows and disappointments, our joys and sorrows. Jesus is God with us. No matter where we go and whom we welcome, let us be Christ for each other and allow His gentle love to be born anew in us.

This would be a wonderful time to invite someone to come home to St. Al’s this Christmas. Invite a neighbor or co-worker or family member to come and experience God’s love for them. We all know folks who do not practice their Catholic faith anymore, who may have been hurt in the past or have just slowly drifted away. Gently invite them to come and pray with you and our St. Al’s community this Christmas. Sometimes people say, “No one invited me. No one asked me.” Do the simple thing of inviting someone this Christmas…..a little nudge or a warm smile may be all someone needs to come home to St. Al’s and know they are loved and accepted!

If you have been gone for a while…..we have missed you. Welcome home!

            If you are always around…….thank you!

                        If you are new to our parish…….we embrace you!

            You all belong to St. Al’s and are blessings to each other.

On behalf of all the Redemptorists and the lay staff who serve you here at St. Al’s:

 May your travels be safe and delightful.

May your generosity and kindness be returned to you in abundance.

May God surround you and your loved ones with

His deep peace and love.

May you have a blessed and joy-filled Christmas.

Joyfully,

Fr. Pat, CSSR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As the years go by I find that the quest   to shop for the perfect “gift” has waned. It seems to me that there are many gifts that don’t cost a cent that we can give to one another. May I suggest the following:

            The gift of listening. You must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just be still and listen. 

            The gift of affection. Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and  friends.

            The gift of laughter. Clip cartoons. Share article and funny stories. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”

            The gift of a written note. It can be a  simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet. A brief handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime and may even change a life.

            The gift of a compliment. A simple and sincere “You look great in red.” “You did a great job,” or , “That was a wonderful meal” can make someone’s day.

            The gift of a favor. Every day go out of your way to do something kind.

            The gift of solitude. There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

            The gift of a cheerful disposition. The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. Really, it’s not that hard to say “Hello” or “Thank you.”

            The gift of your love. How hard it seems to say “I love you” to those closest to us and whom we cherish the most. Say “I love you” from your heart and watch faces glow.

God gave us the greatest gift of His Son Jesus to each and everyone one of us. Our “Thank You” is our gift to Him. Live life fully everyday.

Gratefully, Fr. Pat, CSSR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Well, we made it through the first weekend of praying the new Roman Missal.  It will take us all some time to adjust to the different responses and we will probably have to keep our eyes fixed in the worship aids until we get more familiar with the text.  The majority of the changes affect us priests in the prayers we pray and read during the Mass.  So I find that I must study the wording carefully to be able to pray them reverently.

Changes as we all know are part of life,  Nothing stays the same, locally or globally.  Just think how our world has changed here in the United States since 9/11, and how we all have been affected by the economic crisis throughout the world.  We are not the same people we were a year ago or perhaps even a few months ago as our experiences and relationships change, mature, and end.

And so that brings me to another change regarding the Prayers of the Faithful with regard to our weekday Masses.  Currently some people write the names of people they want to pray for and have remembered at the daily Mass. This list has grown quite lengthy on some days.  If every person there at the Mass wrote the names of all the people they would like to remember, we would have a book to read.  This frustrated the very purpose of the Prayers of the Faithful.     The Prayers of the Faithful are for the whole people assembled to express their prayers.  These petitions reflect general concerns for which the Church always prays: a) for the needs of the Church; b) for public authorities and the salvation of the whole world; c) for those burdened by any kind of difficulty; d) for the local community.  In particular celebrations such as Marriage or at a Funeral, the series of intentions may be concerned with that particular occasion.  (These instructions are from the “General Instruction of the Roman Missal, #69-70.)

Thus we will no longer read the list of names that are written in what we have come to call “The Memorial Mass Book.”  People may continue to write the names of people they wish to remember.  The priest will include them by saying “Let us remember all those we have promised to pray for  and especially for those names that are here in our Memorial Mass Book, and the prayers that are deep in our hearts.”      

People may have a particular Mass intention made by contacting the Rectory and requesting a specific date and time and this would be published in the parish bulletin.  In the past these Mass intentions were for anniversaries of a loved one’s death or marriage anniversary or some other specific intention.  Only one intention was given for a mass and usually some type of stipend accompanied this request.

May we all be spiritually blessed as we better pray theses new translations and understand that the Mass is truly thanksgiving to God!

Hopefully, Fr. Pat Grile, C.Ss.R.