Sunday, June 16, 2013

Funeral Mass - Anton Maydl

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Anton Maydl on Tuesday, June 18 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Homily Thoughts - June 16

Noisy classroom – right near a hospital

Sirens going all day. Teacher would complain about the noise - how can I teach with this racket?
Until – one day - the teacher’s family had an emergency – wife taken by ambulance - they saved her life.
Told students – sorry I always complained about the sirens – I was listening to the noise instead of thinking about the people.

Nathan challenges David – she is married – how could you turn her into an object of your own pleasure? And, even have her husband put to death?!
Jesus asks Simon – do you see this woman? - no – he sees a category, a sinner – someone who is unclean – who has now made Jesus unclean
Do you see this woman? Do you see this child - who needs a dad!!!

Anyone can have a child – but it takes a special man to be a father!

Few days ago, Phil Mickelson left Philadelphia – flew to SD to be home for his daughter’s graduation. He left at 8pm - arrived 3:30 a.m. shot a 67 in US Open.
Woody Allen once said 80% of life is just showing up – and when dad is there, it is
good.

Dad’s are so important – despite what society says!!! It is well documented what happens to many children who don’t live with a dad.

Key Roles of Dad - 5 P’s

1) Provider: a sense of security – everything was going to be OK because dad is here

2) Participator – How are you doing??? How was school, Need help with homework? A nurturer

3) Playmate - Sundays a day to play with dad – would play any sport – brother, sisters & dad: our time together.

4) A Principled Guide: Honesty: treat others with dignity and respect - Put God 1st!

5) Preparer – Getting ready for life’s challenges - want a car? Go to work! Value of money. Failure: Mickey Mantle is a star, yet he failed 3 out of 10 timesyou’re your best & keep trying. Life lessons.

I have been reminded from time to time that, as a spiritual father, I will be accountable to God for what I have done - and what I have failed to do.
Father of family – important spiritual role - God will hold them accountable for how they raise their children.

A father is respected because
He gives his children leadership . . .
Appreciated because he gives his children care . . .
Valued because he gives his children time . . .
Loved because he gives his children the one thing they treasure most – himself.
Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father's Day!

We ask God to bless all of our fathers on their special day! We also offer a prayer for all of our fathers who have gone before us in faith. We await the day when we will see them again.
My own father just finished up one month in Northern Westchester Hospital. He is now at Carbini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry. With some intense rehab, we hope that he will be able to return home soon. Thanks for all of your prayers.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Statement on the Death of Maj. Jaimie Leonard

On behalf of the parishioners of St. Stephen's Parish  and the students, faculty and staff of St. Stephen - St. Edward School, we are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Maj. Jaimie Leonard, a graduate of our parish school. We extend our sympathies and our prayers to her family and friends. Sadly, we have been reminded once again that freedom is not free. Maj. Leonard is a true American hero, and her sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Wake: Wednesday, June 19 at Hogan Funeral Home, Highland Falls, NY
Funeral: Thursday, June 20 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel, West Point, NY

Funeral Mass - Mary M. Lupino

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Mary Lupino on Wednesday, June 12 at 10:30 a.m. Plesae pray for her and for her family.

Homily Notes - June 9

The Widow of Nain

Christ said, ‘Weep Not,’ but still she went on weeping
The mother thus, how will the son obey?
‘Young Man, arise;’ lo! From the bier up-leaping,
The Dead proved quicker than the quick that day

Talked to dad Saturday. Third week in hospital.
Dream – back home in Ireland – up on the mountainside
Picking & eating blueberries.
Sad – will never go home again, never climb a mountain.
But has experienced a change in the last few weeks.
Finally let go.

Msgr. Desmond left gift in my room - Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can
And he wisdom to know the difference.

1) Accept the things I cannot change
Cannot deny reality – her son is dead
“Everything will be OK” no, it is not OK
Who can guarantee that anyway?
“Live in a world of broken hearts.”

2) Courage to change the things I can
What are the alternatives – what I can change – great fear to change.
Robbins Reef Lighthouse near entrance to NY Harbor
Capt John Walker & Kate Walker – their 1st lighthouse was on land.
This one on the reef – I’m not unpacking! But they did settle in.
After a few years, John took sick & died 1886 – buried on hillside across from lighthouse.
What was she to do now? “Katie - Tend the light!” stayed until 1919.
Saved dozens of lives – accepted and changed.

3) Wisdom to know difference.
Wisdom - not alone – amazed at compassion of Jesus
No one asked him for help - It all begins and ends with me!
God is for us, not against us.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

Cardinal's Letter Read At Weekend Masses

June 6, 2013


My dear friends in Christ,

Can I ask your help and your prayers on two important issues.

Both concerns flow from our solid belief in the dignity of the human person and the promotion of a culture of life.

The first is about the reform of our nation’s immigration laws. As Catholics, we gratefully acknowledge that our parents and grandparents came here as immigrants, and were welcomed by this country we love. As Americans, we believe the United States is at her best when she remains true to her heritage of hospitality. All recognize that our current immigration laws are unfair and do not work. The current bill before congress, the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act,” while not perfect, is sure promising, and, we bishops believe, deserves support, as it is consonant with our cherished beliefs as Christians and citizens.

The second is the “Woman’s Equality Act.” Of the ten proposals in this act, we’re supportive of nine. Not bad. Sadly, the tenth is, literally, “a killer,” as it increases access to abortion. In a state where 40% of babies are aborted – - and, in some areas, 60% of babies of Latino or African American blood – - we hardly need to further the abortion license. Can’t we work together to help pregnant women in trouble with more lifegiving alternatives? Would you support our courageous civic leaders in Albany who share our concern about this sad and unnecessary measure? (www.nyscatholic.org).

Thanks for your prayers and support. I’ll keep you posted.

Faithfully in Christ,

Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan

Archbishop of New York