Temptations

06-26-2022The Pastor's PenFr. Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L.

Dear Friend,

Think how many temptations we might face in an ordinary day.

Growling at the breakfast table - the temptation to unkindness.

Arguing over who should change the baby this time - the temptation to selfishness.

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“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather serve one another through love.” (Galatians 5:13)

06-26-2022Everyday Stewardship - Recognize God in Your Ordinary Moments

We like to celebrate that we are free to “live the good life.” We can do what we want, anytime we want, with no regard for laws. But, Jesus calls us to Stewardship. St. Paul reminds us that by imitating Jesus we are freed from becoming a slave to our own self-interests and desires, so that we can serve one another. We are free to share our gifts and promote God’s work on earth to glorify His name and not honor ourselves.

Worldliness

06-19-2022The Pastor's PenFr. Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L.

Dear Friend,

The Bible defines worldliness by centering morality where we intuitively know it should be. Worldliness is the lust of the flesh (a passion for sensual satisfaction), the lust of the eyes (an inordinate desire for the finer things of life), and the pride of life (self-satisfaction in who we are, what we have, and what we have done). Worldliness, then, is a preoccupation with ease and affluence. It elevates creature comfort to the point of idolatry; large salaries and comfortable life-styles become necessities of life.

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“They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.” (Luke 9:17)

06-19-2022Everyday Stewardship - Recognize God in Your Ordinary Moments

The story of the Loaves and Fishes shows us that when you share what you have, even if it doesn’t seem like that much, miracles can happen! Do not think that your Stewardship gift is too small or insignificant! Each of us has a role in God’s plan; you just need to place your trust in the Lord. Nothing is impossible with God. You may be the answer to someone else’s prayer.

“But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth...” (John 16:13)

06-12-2022Everyday Stewardship - Recognize God in Your Ordinary Moments

Stewardship teaches that the best gift we can give someone is to teach them how to pray. If you don’t talk and more importantly, listen, to God every day, how else will you know what He is calling you to do? Just as you talk to family and friends every day, get in the habit of talking with God every day. Develop a daily prayer routine. Keep your prayers simple and sincere. This is best done in silence, when you can hear His response.

A Penitential Spirit

06-12-2022The Pastor's PenFr. Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L.

Dear Friend,

Saint Theresa of Avila once said, "A growing Christian must have at his or her roots the life-giving waters of penitence.

The cultivation of a penitential spirit is absolutely essential to spiritual progress.

The lives of great saints teach us that self-distrust is vital to godliness.

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“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14:26)

06-05-2022Everyday Stewardship - Recognize God in Your Ordinary Moments

The materialism of our society lures us to concentrate more on what we want than on what God wants for us. The relativism of our world tells us that we should be tolerant of all things, that there is no absolute truth. As Stewards we should pray to the Holy Spirit to transform our lives and to guide our thoughts, words and actions. What you put in your head, heart and mind affects your actions. Put good things in and good things will come out.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

06-05-2022The Pastor's PenFr. Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L.

Dear Friend,

Let me suggest a few "Definitions" that flow from the Gifts of The Holy Spirit:

Prophecy: setting before people the Word and wisdom of God persuasively.

Encouragement: drawing alongside to comfort, encourage, and lead someone into insight toward action.

Teaching: laying down in a systematic order the complete truth of a Catholic Doctrine and applying it incisively to life.

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St. Teresa Of Avila Gods Troublemaker by Song-I Yoon

06-01-2022Book Recommendations

St. Teresa of Avila's amazing life is vibrantly depicted in this full-color, illustrated biography for children ages 9-12.

The Shoujo-Manga style graphic novel opens with a young Teresa running away from her home in Spain to convert the Moors and be a martyr for God. As she gets older, Teresa continues to be a troublemaker for her family, this time placing social life and status before her relationship with God. Her father and older sister send her to study with the Carmelite nuns in the hope that she will learn obedience and discipline. When Teresa comes home from the convent, they realize that they have received more than they had bargained for: Teresa had heard Jesus' call to follow him. She was ready to leave home so that she could do his work as a Carmelite sister.

Teresa causes trouble now in Spain, but in the name of Jesus' mission. She creates a reformed Carmelite Order that spreads all over the country. Young readers will be captivated by St. Teresa's conversion to the heart of Jesus and her bravery in the face of great adversity.