Fr. Mike’s Communication for Feb 20 2022

Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time | February 20, 2022

“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep.
Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
~ Luke 6:24-26

Brothers and Sisters,

During this year of the Eucharist, let’s take a moment to reflect upon the wonder of this Sacrament. Receiving the Eucharist (from the Greek eucharistia for “thanksgiving”) is an actual vertical encounter with God, in which He descends so we can be raised up. Consuming the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ unites us as the Body of Christ, drawing us closer in charity and peace, inspired to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters.

Next weekend you are invited to pledge or contribute to the 2022 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries to that effort. The Appeal offers us an opportunity to give thanks to God while celebrating the great works of ongoing Church ministries like Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Hispanic and Black Catholic Ministries, Apostleship of the Seas, Prison Ministry, Catholic Schools, Respect Life, Family Ministry, Vocations, and many more.

One such benefactor is the Msgr. O’Dwyer Retreat House, where I serve on the Board of Directors. The retreat house, dedicated to the faith formation of area youth and young adults, is in the midst of a capital project, which includes the installation of an outdoor prayer garden and an amazing high ropes and zipline course. As many retreat houses close their doors, Baltimore area Catholics are blessed to have this space to form disciples.

While this year’s Appeal’s rebate structure for parish beneficiaries is adjusted, I am confident in the support you have offered through Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal that our internal goal to support Our sister parishes, St Veronica’s, Our Lady of the Nativity, Haiti, ChristLife and our school financial assistance program will not be affected. Our sister parishes, St. Veronica’s in Cherry Hill and Our Lady of the Nativity in Haiti, receive 40% respectively, while 10% is provided to the evangelization efforts of Christ Life and Catholic School tuition assistance at our own Parish School, respectively. I realize that many among us are stretching personal budgets, so let’s commit to lightening each other’s efforts by increasing the number of overall givers. Please remember that we utilize our Appeal rebate to extend generosity to others.

While next weekend provides a chance to pledge in the Church, all are welcome to make a gift or pledge at www.archbalt.org/ministries22.

Thank you for your continued generosity, you all continue to fill me with gratitude and hope!

Some considerations:

  • The Immaculate Heart of Mary Concert Series presents: “The Choirs of Calvert Hall College High School” on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 4:00 pm. This concert features The Hallmen and solo performances as they present: “Psalms, Hymns, and Spirituals” under the direction of Mr. George Wilkerson, director of vocal music. The concert is free and open to the public; tickets are not required. The church is located at 8501 Loch Raven Boulevard, Towson, MD 21286. For more information: www.ihmchurchmd.org or 410-668-7935. Come and support our Catholic students.

  • Workshop Series: Understanding Anxiety & Stress in a Post-Pandemic World | Starts Mar 3, 2022: Learn how to feel stronger and healthier in a post-pandemic world by attending this series of workshops presented by Dr. Kathleen Musslewhite, Executive Director of the Alpha Omega Clinic. The series will run on Thursday afternoons: Mar 3, Mar 17, Mar 31, Apr 14, Apr 28, May 12; each session duration: 12:00-2:30 pm and includes Mass and a light lunch. The cost for each session is $50 per person, or sign up for the entire series for $250 per person. Find more information and links to register on our website: www.ourladyofbethesda.org

  • The Obligation to Attend Mass – “This obligation does not apply to those who are ill; those who have reason to believe that they were recently exposed to the coronavirus, another serious or contagious illness; those who are confined to their home, a hospital, or nursing facility; or those with serious underlying health conditions. One should consult his or her local pastor if questions arise about the obligation to attend Mass (Canon 1245 and the Catechism of the Catholic Church n. 2181).
  • Individual Unbound Ministry Prayer | Saturday, February 26 | Church of the Resurrection, Ellicott City – Join the trained teams to provide individual prayer using the Unbound Model of prayer at The Church of the Resurrection’s School in Ellicott City. Unbound Prayer is based on five scriptural keys that help you unlock those areas of your life where you want to receive greater freedom, healing & spiritual growth. If you would like to schedule an appointment or more information, contact Dan or Peggy Gahagan by Monday, February 21 at unboundministrymaryland@gmail.com. We ask that you read at least the first seven chapters of the book Unbound by Neal Lozano to receive Unbound prayer (available at www.Amazon.com OR www.heartofthefather.com).

  • 2021 Annual Report-OLPH Outreach Ministry (St Vincent Society)Through the wonderful generosity of the OLPH Parishioners, our Parish was able to provide help for the needy and homeless in Howard County and Baltimore. The support of the Parish Family provided a special blessing to the underprivileged people in our area who faced many difficulties in the past year. The OLPH Outreach Ministry members would like to thank the OLPH Parish for their amazing help, especially the Knights, the Boy Scouts, and those who assisted with collections and deliveries.The following activities of the OLPH Outreach Ministry group assisted many needy people this past year:Giving Tree Program-301 gifts of Christmas toys and clothing, 211 Christmas gift cards, and 60 Sarahs Hope welcome bags were given to needy adults and children through Howard County and Baltimore charitable groups.School Supply Collection & Distribution-Disadvantaged children at Howard County and Baltimore schools were provided 155 backpacks and 1634 items necessary for their education, including notebooks, paper, pencils, and other supplies. Additionally, numerous teachers’ supplies were donated.Camp St Vincent-A tent, snacks, craft supplies, bathing suits, and sports equipment filling an SUV were delivered to the camp that provides activities for homeless Baltimore children during the summer school closure. Also, one child’s attendance for the whole summer was provided.Families Helping Families-242 Thanksgiving Dinners were distributed to needy families in Howard County and Baltimore.Food Pantry-126 disadvantaged families received food and household necessities.
    Our Daily Bread-669 casseroles and 55 desserts were collected for needy people in Baltimore.
    Angel Tree-4 children in 2 local families received Christmas gifts of clothing and toys.
    Blessings in Backpack-10 needy children in Howard County received food for every weekend of the school year.
    Sunscreen Distribution-214 sunscreen products were collected for albino people in Nigeria who suffer from a high rate of skin cancer and blindness.
    Howard County CAC-Provided funding for the Community Action Council’s help to needy families with rent, utilities, and medical expenses.Donations to Charities

    Baltimore St Vincent de Paul
    Sarahs Hope
    Franciscan Center
    Afghanistan Refugee Families in the U.S.
    Grassroots
    Beans and Bread
    Columbia Pregnancy Center
    Womens Center West
    Samaritan Women
    Columbia Community Care
    St Wenceslaus(Food Pantry)
    St Benedict(Food Pantry)

St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Rev. Michael S. Triplett