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Reflection for Trinity Sunday 2025

Christian Witness

Reflection for Trinity Sunday 2025

Christian Witness

Reflection for Trinity Sunday 2025

Christian Witness, Homilies, , ,

Reflection for the Solemnity of the Presentation

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Let’s use
those candles

“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.”

Candles are blessed in the Holy Church on February 2nd, the Solemnity of the Presentation of the Lord. These blessed candles remind us of Simeon’s prayer in which he glories in the Lord’s promise. Jesus came to be the light of the world and Simeon recognized this immediately.

Today we bless these candles, those to be used in church over the coming year, and those for each of us to take home.

We keep these blessed candles (Gromnica) in our homes and light them during storms or other danger. We light them when the clergy come to bring Holy Communion to the sick or when the sick are anointed. We light them when someone is dying to light their way to eternity and to recall the fact that they are on their way to the Jesus who will be their eternal light.

A painting by Piotr Stachiewicz shows snow-covered homes in dim light. The people inside their homes are afraid of the hungry wolves on rampage outside their poor village. Mary, the Mother of God, watches over the people on those cold nights with her candle. She wards off the ravenous pack of wolves and protects the people from all harm.

There is much we might fear. It is not only the cold, and it is rarely a pack of wolves, but the wolves of the world, the greed, the anger, the prejudice, the culture of death, and other immorality surrounds our homes. It attacks our children.

The funny thing is that we likely have a lifetime supply of these candles we get in church in our homes. We pick them up; solemnly take them home, and put them in a drawer – just in case.

Since the wolves of the world surround us, since these represent true danger to our eternal souls, let us resolve to use these blessed candles this year. Let us use the blessed candle we receive today, and use up those blessed candles that reside in the drawers in our homes. Put them in a candleholder. Let us gather those we live with and light our blessed candle each day. Let us reflect on the protection the Lord offers, the prayers our Blessed Mother offers for us, and pray in the words of Simeon: mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation. Let us pray that Jesus, the light of the world, would continue to dwell with us, watch over us, and protect us.

Homilies, , ,

Reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

chase the light

What does it mean
to recognize the light?

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing

St. John the Baptist was now in prison. Jesus, fulfilling the prophesy of Isaiah, withdraws to Capernaum by the Sea – the land of the gentiles. Isaiah says of the people there, symbolizing all the gentiles: the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light.

St. John Chrysostom points out two important facts – these facts of light and darkness are not the physical properties of light and darkness – but rather spiritual light and darkness. Further, the gentiles “sat in darkness.” In other words they didn’t “walk in darkness,” but sat – they were resigned to the fact that they had no hope of being saved. They had given up. They couldn’t even put a step forward to walk because they did not know the way to go. They sat, overtaken by the darkness.

Jesus came to them to show them the light. He was the Light come into the world. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

When Jesus began teaching in Capernaum, the crowds immediately recognized that there was something different about Him. It was the way He spoke. They were amazed because He taught them as one who had authority. They recognized the fact that He could open their eyes and their hearts to all God wanted of them. He was the one who could pull them out of darkness and into the light. He was the One who could pull them up from their sitting in darkness. Now they could walk in the light. And walk they did, the crowds grew and grew as they followed Him. They were filled with joy for being saved.

In the waters of regeneration we received the Light of the world. We were pulled up into the light so that we would never have to sit in darkness despairing that there is nothing for us but death. We accepted Him and were received into life everlasting. As we grew and studied we learned more about Him. While we may have fallen at times, we have listened to His call, have repented, and have come back to Him. We have, as we look at the trajectory of our lives, remained faithful to the Light we recognized and received into ourselves.

Recognizing the Light is exactly that – seeing that there is more to life than the place we sit. We acknowledge that there is only one way to go, one way to walk. That way is to grasp the hand of the One who speaks with authority, to stand and walk with Jesus, God who came to earth to pull us up on our feet and who shows us the way we must go each day.

Events, , , , , , ,

Taking Action for Mont Pleasant Middle School

Good things happen when the community gets together! Come join in a Community Meeting and Discussion focused on Taking Action for Mont Pleasant Middle School on Sunday, February 9th at 2:30pm. This meeting will be focus on community action to encourage our youth, promote success, stop violence, and get the resources our children deserve!

This meeting is for Parents, Families, and Community Members. All are invited to come and hear from educational experts and ask questions. Coffee, Soda, and Desserts will be served.

Join fellow community members and educators on Sunday, February 9th at 2:30pm at Holy Name of Jesus Church Hall, 1040 Pearl Street (between Crane Street and Chrisler Avenue in Mount Pleasant), CDTA Route 353, Pearl Street Stop.

School Meeting Feb 2014

Christian Witness, Homilies,

Reflection for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

ravenna_5thc

Recognize your
call and live it

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

St. John the Evangelist uses the figure of the lamb in his expression “Lamb of God” in his Holy Gospel twice. The Church fathers taught that this expression is in reference to the lamb offered at Passover. This expression, “Lamb of God,” is only found in St. John’s Gospel and signifies that the Lord Jesus Christ would be the true sacrifice, the Lamb that would atone for and take away the sins of the world.

It is important to reflect on how we know the Lamb of God. We need to recognize the fact that if it were not for people who listened, recognized their vocation, and took action we would not know Him.

John the Baptist points to Jesus and says: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John’s naming Jesus publicly as the Lamb of God is a remarkable act of recognition that tells us about the workings of the Holy Spirit and God’s grace in the world as well as our necessity to respond.

John’s testimony continues when he refers to himself saying: “He who sent me to baptize with water said to me ‘On Whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, He is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’”

John stands as a superior example of recognizing God’s grace, following the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and doing God’s will.

St. John the Baptist sees and understands that God chose him for a specific purpose and he sets out to fulfill that mission. He works every day to fulfill the mission he was given. He prays, fasts, and lives a life in accordance with the vocation he was given. He stays awake and aware and when the key moment of his ministry, his calling arrives – he recognizes it and proclaims it publically: “Behold, the Lamb of God.”

All that happens in the kingdom of God depends on people, depends on us. Our testimony and witness depend on whether we, like the Baptist, allow grace to have its affect on us, and whether we choose to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. If we listen, pray, and live regularly in accord with our calling we will be ready to give testimony. In fact, our entire lives will be witness to the Lamb of God.

Our God is a remarkable God. He came in the humblest of ways, as a lamb. He lived His human life with complete trust in the Father’s will. As He began His public ministry He did not just stand up and say, ‘here I am.’ Jesus did not announce Himself. He needed to be recognized. It is now up to us. We must be His recognizers – announcing Him by our lives.

Christian Witness, Homilies, ,

Reflection for the Solemnity of the Baptism of our Lord

Baptism-of-Christ

Reveal what
has been revealed to you

After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

We know that John preached a baptism of repentance. He was calling all of Israel to repent, starting with washing in the waters of the Jordan in preparation for the coming of the Messiah who was “at hand.”

Jesus obviously had no need for a baptism of repentance. He is God and is without any sin or error. John immediately recognized this as Jesus approached him: John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?”

Yet Jesus came and insisted.

Jesus was baptized because He wished to cleanse the waters. We are baptized in the waters He cleansed, waters imbued with His grace of regeneration. In being baptized Jesus set an example for everyone who would follow him. After all, if the sinless Son of God would willingly enter the waters of baptism, how much more urgent is it that we be washed in the waters of regeneration.

While these reasons are of great importance to us, and are essential to our salvation, the key reason for Jesus’ baptism is that it was His anointing as King, High Priest, Prophet, and Messiah before all of Israel. In Acts we hear Peter telling Cornelius and his household that at the baptism of Jesus: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.

Jesus, sent by the Father to inaugurate the Kingdom definitively was anointed by the Holy Spirit and presented before all as fulfilling His office.

The beauty of our Epiphany-tide is that in it we celebrate the moments of Jesus’ revelation. He became known to the poor and lowly through the humble shepherds. The gentiles and the wider world knew Him through the Magi. He became known to all of Israel and took His rightful place through the fullness of revelation at His baptism where the Father called Him “my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” and where all heard it and saw the Holy Spirit descend upon Him in the form of a dove.

In the waters of regeneration we became one with Jesus. He is revealed to us in His word. Through the Church and our family we learn all about Him. We must bring the Epiphany to others; making them aware of what has been revealed to us. Invite and welcome them to the waters of regeneration, to oneness with Jesus, and to a share in His kingdom with us.

Christian Witness, Homilies, , ,

Reflection for the Feast of the Holy Family

LK017

We are
family!

“Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

In 1979 Sister Sledge recorded and released the dance song “We Are Family” The song eventually reached number one on the disco charts. It was also the theme song for the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates. The song’s authors, Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards composed it based on how a record executive described Sister Sledge (who are actually four sisters). The song is an expression of family and general solidarity. It is also the anthem of the We Are Family Foundation, which is named after the song. The foundation, established after the 9/11 attacks, works to educate people about mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation of cultural diversity.

The model of the Holy Family is a model for the entire Church as the family of Christ. This concept of family solidarity did not just start in 1979 – it starts with God from the beginning of time.

Paul wrote of life in the family of faith. Paul cared deeply for the Churches he established, but not only. His care was for the entire Church. He knew that the Church is the body of Christ and we are all joined together as one family. When the Church at Jerusalem was in need, Paul went to his people to encourage their charity toward their family in the faith. Paul’s focus on life in the family of faith is summarized in his letter to the Galatians where he says: “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.”

Doing good to all sows the seeds of faith among those who do not know Jesus. They can only come to know Him and enter His family if we offer love and welcome. We need to do this in this time of opportunity. Our family of faith, both at home and in the Church must model true life in Christ. What we live as the Christian family sends the strongest message.

Let our life at home and in Church be holy – holy and loving as one true family – and thus a shining light to all.

Events, PNCC, , , , , , , , , , ,

Outrageous Valentine’s Raffle Supports Youth Programs

Make February 2014 – the month of love – a month to win in more ways than one!

The Outrageous Valentine’s Raffle

2014, will be a big year for the youth of our Church and our parish. This summer we will once again be sending our young people to the annual KURS summer encampment and to CONVO 2014 at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio from July 21st through 25th. The 2014 CONVO theme is “In the beginning….”

We need your support to give our young people a great beginning in 2014. To start them off right we are holding a month long Outrageous Valentine’s Raffle this coming February to support our youth. Each raffle ticket gives the purchaser a chance to win up to $1,180. The Outrageous Valentine’s Raffle will include drawings for $40 daily prizes and a $100 daily prize on Valentine’s Day. The raffle is drawn each day of the month, giving the ticket holder 28 chances to win! Winners are returned to the raffle bucket, making them eligible to win again and again. Your support will help cover our young people’s summer expenses with the ultimate goal of paying their way completely.

Tickets cost only $10 each. Feel free to contact Deacon Jim at 518-372-1992, Stephanie Dominy at 518-369-1346, or any parish member to purchase a ticket.

We thank you for your support of Youth Ministry and the School of Christian Living at Holy Name of Jesus parish in Schenectady and wish you good luck!

February 2014 raffle calendar

Events, PNCC, , , , , , ,

New Year’s Resolution – Financial Security?

The Polish National Union of America (PNUA) and Spójnia Credit Union (SCU) are effective tools in your financial management portfolio. If you are considering getting your financial house in order for the new year, contract the PNUA and SCU which are able to provide insurance, savings, loan, and other financial products. These products are secure and helpful on a personal basis. Membership also benefits your parish and our Holy Church.

PNUA policies for youth are a great way to start your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews on the road to a lifetime of savings. Giving them the gift of an endowment or life insurance policy not only provides financial security but makes them eligible for PNUA benefits like college stipends, membership in the Spojnia Credit Union, as well as branch and district activities.

Money Money Money_final

The PNU has been providing numerous benefits to the PNCC for 105 years now and with your help we will be able to do so long into the future. Contact your parish, local PNUA representative, or the PNUA office at 1‐800‐724‐6352 or by E-mail.

Art, Events, , ,

Arts Opportunities for Students, Educators, and Artists

The New York State Alliance for Arts Education announces the following opportunities:

For Students

New York State Summer School for the Arts: The Summer of 2014 will mark the 45th year of operation for the schools that form the New York State Summer School of the Arts. This program, with its seven component summer residential programs in Ballet, Choral Studies, Dance, Media Arts, Orchestral Studies, Theatre, and Visual Arts is administered by the New York State Education Department. Recognized as one of the finest programs of its kind in the nation, over 15,000 high school age students have become part of this unique summer experience. Alumni of the program will attest to the success of the schools in helping high school students with special talents identify and pursue career choices in all fields of the fine arts and performing arts at an early age. The Schools provide opportunities for all New York State students who qualify through auditions, to receive the highest level of training and instruction. Application information is available here. 

2014 VSA International Young Soloists – Call for Entries: VSA International Young Soloists Competition is now accepting entries. The VSA International Young Soloists Competition annually selects up to four outstanding musicians from the United States and the international arena, and supports and encourages them in their pursuit of a career. These emerging musicians receive $2,500, professional development opportunities, and a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. All applications must be submitted for review by Monday, January 27, 2014.

For Professionals

Arts Connect All New York: One-on-One Mentorships for Arts Educators: Arts Connect All New York (ACANY) provides educators with a uniquely tailored mentorship for the Spring 2014 semester, with the goal to improve the quality of arts education provided to students with special needs. The mentorship includes three phone consultations, three on-site visits and self-reflective writing assignments. Participating educators receive a $125 stipend, intended as a partial reimbursement for their out-of-school time spent participating in ACANY. Through ACANY, participating educators will receive deep and meaningful professional development that will ultimate benefit hundreds of students across New York State. The application deadline has been extend, but please don’t delay! See NYSAAE’s Webpage for details.

ARTS@theCORE – Vital Training in Standards & Curriculum: Filling a critical gap in professional development for arts educators, ARTS@the CORE symposia, offered from January – March in select regions across the state, will expand participants’ knowledge & improve their arts teaching practice. With a faculty of nationally-recognized experts on arts education and the Common Core — Bruce Taylor, Scott Schuler and Susan Riley– each symposium establishes a context of the arts within the Common Core State Standards, explores the CCSS in both studio arts & integration classes, and provides opportunities for hands-on curriculum planning & collaborative group work. The symposia will provide 5.5 hours of PD credits for teachers. See NYSAAE’s webpage for details and registration information..

Residency

Call for Entries Saltonstall Arts Colony, Ithaca, NY: Time for inspiration, a quiet studio, a beautiful setting, and a stimulating community of artists working in diverse disciplines. Two-week and four-week residencies are offered between late-April and mid-September for New York State artists and writers looking for quiet, supportive environment in which to focus on their craft. See the Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts webpage for more information.

Art, Events, Poland - Polish - Polonia, , , ,

Applications available for the Kosciuszko Foundation’s Marcella Sembrich Voice Scholarship Competition

The Kosciuszko Foundation’s Sembrich Voice Competition will take place on March 29th and 30th. Applications will be accepted through February 20, 2014.

The Sembrich Voice Competition honors the great Polish soprano Marcella Kochanska Sembrich, who made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1883. After an enormously successful career, the popular singer founded the vocal programs at both the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute. Previous winners of the competition include Barbara Hendricks and Jan Opalach.

Those who are accepted as contestants will be notified in early March 2014. They will then be required to submit a program for the preliminaries.

Application

To enroll, complete an application [pdf] and return to the Kosciuszko Foundation:

Marcella Sembrich Voice Scholarship Competition 2014
The Kosciuszko Foundation
15 East 65th Street
New York, New York 10065

Fax (212) 628-4552

Requirements

The Competition is open to singers 18 to 35 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and full-time students with international visas. Applicants must include:

1. Resume and short bio – you may (but are not required to) include any other pertinent information you might like to share.
2. A copy of proof of age and citizenship or residency status.
3. One CD approx. 10 minutes in length. This can be any repertoire that you are comfortable with. Print your name and selection on the CD box. If you wish your CD returned to you, Include a stamped, addressed mailer.
4. One black and white photo of yourself suitable for reproduction, no smaller than 3 x 5 inches.
5. A non-refundable application fee of $35 payable by check or money-order to The Kosciuszko Foundation.

You need not submit suggested repertoire for the audition until you are notified that you are accepted as a contestant.

Required Repertoire

Those who are accepted as contestants will be notified in early March 2014. They will then be required to submit a program for the preliminaries to be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014:

Preliminary:

1 18th century aria (Bach/Handel to Mozart) 1 operatic aria of your choice
1 song by Stanislaw Moniuszko*
1 19th century romantic selection

The required repertoire for the Finals to be held Sunday, March 30, 2014 are:

1 19th century operatic aria
1 20th century operatic aria
1 20th century Polish song*
1 one additional song from any 20th century repertoire

You can find suggested repertoire and sources for the Polish songs and Moniuszko arias in foreign languages at the Marcella Sembrich Voice Competition website.

If an unusual or rare work is selected, copies should be provided to the Foundation competition for the pianist and the judges.

Polish works can be sung in any language (with a minimum of two verses). All works should be sung from memory, in whichever order the contestant chooses.

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