January 17, 2023January 17, 2023
by in Communications, Uncategorized
16

The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

From the Pastor’s Desk

January 22, 2023

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 4:17b

Greetings! As we read through the Gospel according to St. Matthew in this liturgical year, you’ll notice that Jesus begins proclaiming that the light has come to those in darkness, rendering his Father’s kingdom within grasp. Making our Lord’s intention abundantly clear, since the dawn of creation, God wants to be in complete union with us. Think about that; your Creator desires to unite with you for time and eternity.

In Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Catechism in the Year (now available on the HALLOW AP), the host emphasizes this quote from St. Augustine, “But I would not believe in the Gospel, had not the authority of the Catholic Church already moved me.” (CCC §119). His focus is entirely worthy, considering our Church is the treasury responsible for continuing the proclamation of God’s Word. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the magisterium, and the faithful, we have the assurance that the faith is taught and practiced from generation to generation. We maintain access to the Scriptures in which God reveals himself and his longing to have a covenant or relationship with us because Jesus left us the Church —a teaching Church. Making each of us a catechist, or simply put, a sharer of the faith. So take some time today and in the week ahead to ask yourself, how are you following through on that challenge? Do you or how can you better teach the faith? To your family? To the broader community? Then take your answers to prayer and when you do, ask our Lord that we might all joyfully embrace our mission to continue Jesus’ proclamation of God’s kingdom!

This week, I will be following the wisdom of the birds (and seeking warmer weather down south). Be assured, though, that I am not waiting until the birds return to come back to OLPH. With Fr. Anthony and I being away, I ask for your patience as our schedule adapts to our absence. Please note that reconciliation will be available on Fridays from 4 to 6 pm. However, our regular Wednesday times of 11 am to 12 Noon and 6 pm to 7 pm are canceled until I return. Daily Mass will remain at 8:15 am (Monday to Saturday), as various priests will visit to celebrate for us. Thanks in advance for making them welcome – I’ll be back for the weekend of February 4-5.

Next Sunday, Fr. Frank Iacona, with Cross Catholic Outreach, will celebrate and preach to all our masses. Cross Catholic missionaries work in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, embracing their mission to mobilize the global Catholic Church to transform the poor and their communities materially and spiritually for the glory of Jesus Christ; learn more at CrossCatholic.org.

In the Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett

Other Considerations in and around our community:

  • CATHOLIC MEN’S FELLOWSHIP OF MARYLAND 2023 CONFERENCE! – Early-bird registration is underway for the 2023 Conference of the Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Maryland, scheduled for March 25 at Saint Louis Parish in Clarksville/Howard County. The conference will feature Curtis Martin of FOCUS Ministries, Nathan Crankfield of Seeking Excellence Ministries, and Neal Lozano of Heart of the Father Ministries. Archbishop William Lori will open the conference with the celebration of Mass beginning at 8:00 a.m.For more information, contact Ed Roberts at 443-858-7504 or edw.roberts.28@gmail.com.
  • THEOLOGICAL STUDIES – ST. MARY’S ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE – invites people of all denominations to explore theological studies in a serious, open-minded, and supportive environment, offering graduate certificates and master’s and doctoral degrees to part-time students with full-time lives. If “seeking wisdom, nourishing faith, engaging community” describes your journey of heart and mind, we invite you to join our vibrant learning community. Contact Galen Zook at gzook@stmarys.edu for more information.
  • INDIVIDUAL UNBOUND MINISTRY PRAYER – Many of us are fighting invisible battles with anxieties, negative thoughts, sins, unhealthy relationships, destructive habits, resentments, and bitter wounds that never seem to heal. You can experience God’s merciful love, healing, and freedom! Unbound Ministry Prayer releases the power of Jesus into wounded lives. On Saturday, February 4th, trained teams will be available to provide individual prayer using the Unbound Model of prayer, based on five scriptural keys that help you unlock those areas of your life where you want greater freedom, healing & spiritual growth. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please contact Dan or Peggy Gahagan by Monday, January 30th, 2023, at unboundministrymaryland@gmail.com.
  • MARYLAND MARCH FOR LIFE – The 44th Annual Maryland March for Life is set for Monday, February 27, 2023. The Maryland March for Life Board of Directors and Steering Committee are ecstatic to invite the pro-life community of Maryland to our annual March and Rally for Life! Join us at St. Mary’s Church and School in Annapolis to march for the protection of vulnerable life. Visit https://www.mdmarchforlife.com/march
  • MINI RETREATS FOR WOMEN – Evening: Jan 25, 6:00-9:00 pm, Morning: Jan 26, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm Ladies, join us for the next Mini-Retreat! Each Mini-Retreat (evening or morning) includes Mass, adoration, a directed meditation, a practical talk, confession, time for personal prayer, and a delicious meal. The cost is $25 per person. Advance Registration is required. Babysitting will be available during the morning retreat and must be reserved in advance. Visit our website to register at www.ourladyofbethesda.org. Hosted by the Women of Regnum Christi. Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center, 7007 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817
  • MEN’S EVENING OF REFLECTIONS – Feb 2nd, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Each month, Evenings of Reflection for Men, which includes: Mass, dinner, directed meditation, a practical talk, and time for personal reflection plus the opportunity for Confession. The cost is $25 per person. Advance Registration is required. Visit our website for more details and to register at www.ourladyofbethesda.org. Hosted by the Men of Regnum Christi. Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center, 7007 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817
  • CATHOLIC WOMEN’S PROGRAM — Are you looking for a way to draw closer to Jesus and learn more about your Faith? Between now and February 2nd, you can attend from home as the TASTE Program offers virtual Zoom sessions with speakers on fire for the Faith on Thursdays at 10:30 am. Additionally, from February 9th through the end of April, these sessions will be held in person, along with small group sharing. For further information and details or to register, please visit: www.TasteProgram.com.