Holy Comforter Parish Blog

The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C)

2010-02-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

Sunday's Readings:

First Reading:  Isaiah 6:1-8
Psalm:  Psalm 138:1-5, 7-8
Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Gospel:  Luke 5:1-11

Here are a couple of commentaries on these readings:

St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)

Into the Deep (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

Adventure or Cautious Mediocrity? from The Crossroads Initiative

All Activities for the Weekend of February 6-7 have been Canceled

2010-02-05T14:00:00.002-05:00

Due to the inclement weather, all activities for the weekend of February 6-7 have been canceled.

This includes Christian Formation, RCIA, and all Sunday masses (Saturday 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m.).

Link of the Week: Institute of Catholic Culture

2010-02-05T07:30:00.001-05:00

The Institute of Catholic Culture is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Catholic adult educational institute dedicated to the re-evenagelization of our society through educational and cultural projects open to the public at no charge.

There are not many resources here but the audio files given by an excellent group of speakers make this site worth visiting.

From Catholic Culture.

This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

Church History: Candlemas

2010-02-04T07:30:00.002-05:00

Candlemas

The Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, or Candlemas, on February 2nd.

Introduction

The Feast of the Presentation, often called Candlemas, commemorates the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the presentation of Christ in the temple, which took place 40 days after his birth as Jewish law required. According to Mosaic law, a mother who had given birth to a boy was considered unclean for seven days. Also, she was to remain 33 days "in the blood of her purification." Luke tells us, quoting Exodus 13:2,12, that Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem because every firstborn child was to be dedicated to the Lord. They also went to sacrifice a pair of doves or two young pigeons, showing that Mary and Joseph were poor. Once in the temple, Jesus was purified by the prayer of Simeon, in the presence of Anna the prophetess. Simeon, upon seeing the Messiah, gave thanks to the Lord, singing a hymn now called the Nunc Dimittis:

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace,
your word has been fulfilled:
My own eyes have seen the salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.

Simeon told Mary, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against, (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." Simeon thus foreshadowed the crucifixion and the sorrows of Mary at seeing the death of her Son.

The name Candlemas comes from the activities associated with the feast. It came to be known as the Candle Mass. In the Western Church, a procession with lighted candles is the distinctive rite. According to post Vatican-II discipline, (if possible) the beeswax candles are to be blessed somewhere other than where the Mass is held. Often your local parish will hand out candles, or you may bring your own, to be blessed before the procession. These may be saved for later use in your home. After an antiphon, during which the candles held by the people are lighted, there is a procession into the church. During the procession to the church, the Nunc Dimittis is sung, with the antiphon "Lumen ad revelationem" (Luke 2:32). This procession into the church for Mass commemorates Christ's entrance into the temple. Since Vatican II, the feast is reckoned a feast of the Lord (as opposed to a feast of Mary), and officially designated "The presentation of the Lord."

History

Egeria, writing around AD 380, attests to a feast of the Presentation in the Jerusalem Church. It was kept on February 14th. The day was kept by a procession to the Constantinian basilica of the Resurrection, with a homily on Luke 2:22-39. However, the feast had no proper name at this point; it was simply called the 40th day after Epiphany. This shows that the Jerusalem church celebrated Jesus' birth on the Epiphany Feast (as is common in some Eastern Churches today).

In regions where Christ's birth was celebrated on December 25th, the feast began to be celebrated on February 2nd, where it is kept in the West today. In 542, the Emperor Justinian introduced the feast to the entire Eastern Roman empire in thanksgiving for the end to a great pestilence afflicting the city of Constantinople. Perhaps this is when Pope Gregory I brought the feast to Rome. Either way, by the 7th century, it is contained in the Gelasianum Sacramentary. Pope Sergius (687-701) introduced the procession to the Candlemas service. The blessing of candles did not come into common use until the 11th century.

While some scholars have asserted that the Candlemas feast was developed in the Middle Ages to counteract the pagan feasts of Imbolc and Lupercalia, many scholars reject this, based on Medieval documents. While the feast does coincide with these two pagan holidays, the origins of the feast are based in Scriptural chronology. Some superstitions developed about Candlemas, including the belief that if one does not take down Christmas decorations by Candlemas, traces of the holly and berries will bring about the death of the person involved. In past times, Candlemas was seen as the end of the Christmas season.

Candlemas Day was also the day when some cultures predicted weather patterns. Farmers believed that the remainder of winter would be the opposite of whatever the weather was like on Candlemas Day. An old English song goes:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas bring clouds and rain,
Go winter, and come not again.

Thus if the sun cast a shadow on Candlemas day, more winter was on the way; if there was no shadow, winter was thought to be ending soon. This practice led to the folklore behind "Groundhog's Day," which falls on Candlemas Day.

Today, the feast is still celebrated on February 14th in some Eastern Churches, including the Armenian Church, where the feast is called, "The Coming of the Son of God into the Temple." Most churches celebrate it on February 2nd.

From ChurchYear.net

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Excerpt from the Catechism: Moral Life and the Magisterium of the Church, Part 2

2010-02-03T07:30:00.001-05:00

Moral Life and the Magisterium of the Church, Part 2

What is the authority of the Church to teach on moral matters? The Catechism takes up this question in its teaching on the moral life and the Magisterium of the Church. This is part two of a two part series. Part one is available here.

2036   The authority of the Magisterium extends also to the specific precepts of the natural law, because their observance, demanded by the Creator, is necessary for salvation. In recalling the prescriptions of the natural law, the Magisterium of the Church exercises an essential part of its prophetic office of proclaiming to men what they truly are and reminding them of what they should be before God.

2037   The law of God entrusted to the Church is taught to the faithful as the way of life and truth. the faithful therefore have the right to be instructed in the divine saving precepts that purify judgment and, with grace, heal wounded human reason. They have the duty of observing the constitutions and decrees conveyed by the legitimate authority of the Church. Even if they concern disciplinary matters, these determinations call for docility in charity.

2038   In the work of teaching and applying Christian morality, the Church needs the dedication of pastors, the knowledge of theologians, and the contribution of all Christians and men of good will. Faith and the practice of the Gospel provide each person with an experience of life "in Christ," who enlightens him and makes him able to evaluate the divine and human realities according to the Spirit of God. Thus the Holy Spirit can use the humblest to enlighten the learned and those in the highest positions.

2039   Ministries should be exercised in a spirit of fraternal service and dedication to the Church, in the name of the Lord. At the same time the conscience of each person should avoid confining itself to individualistic considerations in its moral judgments of the person's own acts. As far as possible conscience should take account of the good of all, as expressed in the moral law, natural and revealed, and consequently in the law of the Church and in the authoritative teaching of the Magisterium on moral questions. Personal conscience and reason should not be set in opposition to the moral law or the Magisterium of the Church.

2040   Thus a true filial spirit toward the Church can develop among Christians. It is the normal flowering of the baptismal grace which has begotten us in the womb of the Church and made us members of the Body of Christ. In her motherly care, the Church grants us the mercy of God which prevails over all our sins and is especially at work in the sacrament of reconciliation. With a mother's foresight, she also lavishes on us day after day in her liturgy the nourishment of the Word and Eucharist of the Lord.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

Free CUA Choral Concert on February 5, 2010

2010-02-02T07:30:00.002-05:00

UPDATE: CONCERT CANCELED BECAUSE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER (posted February 5, 2010)

On Friday, February 5, 2010 at 7:30 p.m., the Catholic University of America (CUA) Chamber Choir and conductor Leo Nestor will perform a free a concert. The concert will take place at St. Paul's Memorial, 1700 University Avenue. (This is across from the Rotunda.)

The concert will include performance of works by Jakob Handl, Monteverdi, Howells, Britten, David Hurd, Gerald Near and other contemporary American composers. The choir is conducted by Dr. Leo Nestor who is the Justine Bayard Ward Professor of Music and Director of the Sacred Music Institute at CUA.

The concert is sponsored by the St. Anselm Institute for Catholic Thought, the UVA McIntire Department of Music, and the Alonzo McDonald Foundation.

For more information, visit the St. Anselm Web site.

Devotion: Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Lourdes

2010-02-01T22:30:00.001-05:00

Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Lourdes
February 2 to 10
Feast: February 11

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfort to the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Deign to cast upon me a look of mercy. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.

I come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the granting of my requests.

Through gratitude for favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues that I may one day share your glory.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.)

This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

Prayer Intentions for February

2010-02-01T07:30:00.002-05:00

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for February are:

General: For all scholars and intellectuals, that by means of sincere search for the truth they may arrive at an understanding of the one true God.

Mission: That the Church, aware of its own missionary identity, may strive to follow Christ faithfully and to proclaim His Gospel to all peoples.

Pro-Life Prayer Intention

For the full conversion of abortion providers who are considering leaving the abortion industry.

The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C)

2010-01-30T08:30:00.001-05:00

Sunday's Readings:

First Reading:  Jeremiah 1:4-5,17-19
Psalm:  Psalm 71: 1-6,15-17
Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
Gospel:  Luke 4:21-30

Here are a couple of commentaries on these readings:

St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)

Prophet to the Nations (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

Why Prophets Aren't Popular from The Crossroads Initiative

Link of the Week: Prayers for Priests

2010-01-29T07:30:00.001-05:00

Prayers for Priests contains a collection of prayers, novenas, holy hours, and a rosary for priests. You can submit priests' names for prayer and you can become a PrayerWarrior for Priests.

This is an appropriate site for the Year for Priests and worth a visit to select prayers to use for this purpose.

From Catholic Culture.

This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

Church History: St. Angela Merici

2010-01-28T07:30:00.000-05:00

St. Angela Merici

The Church celebrates the feast day of St. Angela Merici on January 26th.

Angela Merici was born on March 21st, 1474, at Desenzano on Lake Garda; left an orphan at the age of ten she was brought up by her uncle and on his death went to live with her brothers. She was a devout girl and, having joined the Third Order of St. Francis, devoted herself to teaching children. As her work became known she was asked to go to Brescia where a house was put at her disposal and a number of women came to join her; she was thus enabled to establish a religious association of women, under the patronage of St. Ursula, who, remaining in the world, should devote themselves to every sort of corporal and spiritual work of mercy; but the particular emphasis was on education. Angela's methods were far removed from the modern idea of a convent school; she preferred to send her associates to teach girls in their own families, and one of her favorite sayings was, 'Disorder in society is the result of disorder in the family'. It was by educating children in the milieu in which they lived that she strove to effect an improvement in social conditions.

Angela Merici is known now as the foundress of the Ursuline nuns—and so she was, but despite her own inclinations. In reality she was in advance of her own times. Her plan of religious women without distinctive habit, without solemn vows and enclosure, was directly contrary to prevailing notions at her period, and under the influence of St. Charles Borromeo at Milan and subsequent papal legislation (under St. Pius V) the Ursulines were obliged to adopt the canonical safeguards then required of all nuns.

From EWTN

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Excerpt from the Catechism: Moral Life and the Magisterium of the Church, Part 1

2010-01-27T07:30:00.004-05:00

Moral Life and the Magisterium of the Church, Part 1

What is the authority of the Church to teach on moral matters? The Catechism takes up this question in its teaching on the moral life and the Magisterium of the Church.

2032   "The Church, the "pillar and bulwark of the truth," "has received this solemn command of Christ from the apostles to announce the saving truth." "To the Church belongs the right always and everywhere to announce moral principles, including those pertaining to the social order, and to make judgments on any human affairs to the extent that they are required by the fundamental rights of the human person or the salvation of souls."

2033   The Magisterium of the Pastors of the Church in moral matters is ordinarily exercised in catechesis and preaching, with the help of the works of theologians and spiritual authors. Thus from generation to generation, under the aegis and vigilance of the pastors, the "deposit" of Christian moral teaching has been handed on, a deposit composed of a characteristic body of rules, commandments, and virtues proceeding from faith in Christ and animated by charity. Alongside the Creed and the Our Father, the basis for this catechesis has traditionally been the Decalogue which sets out the principles of moral life valid for all men.

2034   The Roman Pontiff and the bishops are "authentic teachers, that is, teachers endowed with the authority of Christ, who preach the faith to the people entrusted to them, the faith to be believed and put into practice." The ordinary and universal Magisterium of the Pope and the bishops in communion with him teach the faithful the truth to believe, the charity to practice, the beatitude to hope for.

2035   The supreme degree of participation in the authority of Christ is ensured by the charism of infallibility. This infallibility extends as far as does the deposit of divine Revelation; it also extends to all those elements of doctrine, including morals, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, explained, or observed.

2036   The authority of the Magisterium extends also to the specific precepts of the natural law, because their observance, demanded by the Creator, is necessary for salvation. In recalling the prescriptions of the natural law, the Magisterium of the Church exercises an essential part of its prophetic office of proclaiming to men what they truly are and reminding them of what they should be before God.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

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Devotion: The Divine Praises

2010-01-26T07:30:00.001-05:00

The Divine Praises

The month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus.

Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Consoler.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy.
Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her Glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the Name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.

From The Holy Name Society

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This Week's Bulletin: January 24, 2010

2010-01-24T07:30:00.001-05:00

The following are highlights from this Sunday's bulletin. To read the entire parish bulletin for January 24, 2010, click here.

NEED FOR ALTAR SERVERS:  There is an immediate need for Altar Servers for the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass. Individuals should be willing to serve 1-2 times per month. If you are between the ages of 9 to 90, please consider this important ministry. Training will be provided. Please call Jim Morrisard at 973-6570 if you are interested.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: Charlottesville Catholic School is currently accepting applications for the 2010-11 school year. Please visit our website for comprehensive information and for details about our application process. Applications must be received by February 8th to be considered in the first round of enrollment contract offers. If you would like to have a tour of our school, please call Ann Michel, Admissions Coordinator, at 964-0400. Limited seats are also available for this school year.

CAN YOU HELP?:  Holy Comforter has a group of Sacristans that take turns during the week preparing for the upcoming Masses. Each Sacristan signs up for one or two months of the year. During the assigned months, it takes one hour a week at the Church doing some easy, but essential tasks. If you can spare the time to help in the preparation for our Masses, it would be a great help. Training is provided. Another area in which we are in need of a volunteer is in the washing and ironing of the Church linens. If you can help with either of these important ministries or for more information, please contact Barbara Battiston at 244-0185.

BOOK CLUB:  Are you looking for a chance to deepen your understanding of your faith? To share your views with other parishioners? If you are, we invite you to read the book "A Key to The Doctrine of The Eucharist" by Abbot Vonier and to come to the next meeting of the book club on Tuesday, March 2nd from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at 150 Bennington Road. For questions or to get directions, contact Therese Stong at 296-9961 or trstong@embarqmail.com.

FIRST RECONCILIATION CLASS SCHEDULE:  First Reconciliation classes for all parish second grade students will be held on January 24, 31, and February 7. All classes meet in the chapel from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. A parent must attend each class with his/her child. First Reconciliation is Saturday, February 13th at 11:00 a.m.

IMPACT:  During the recent bitterly cold weather much has been said about providing shelter for the homeless. Making sure that everyone has a warm place to stay in the winter is critical. But there are systemic problems that create homelessness in the first place. So while congregations in the area are providing immediate aid through PACEM, the IMPACT congregations, most of whom support PACEM, are working on the justice issues that contribute to homelessness. Learn about what IMPACT is accomplishing at the Rally on February 25th at 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Incarnation.

PANTRY:  LOTION! During the winter dry skin can be a problem for many people. For the elderly, winter-related dry skin can be very painful. For elderly people living on limited incomes, soothing lotions can be an out-of-reach luxury. The next time you're making a purchase for the pantry, think LOTION!

EARTHQUAKE UPDATE:  Many thanks to all who are praying for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Saltadère felt the earthquake but its people and buildings are okay. We have news that other twinning parishes with twins in the capitol have lost Haitian friends there. Our own Pere Blot has lost three nieces who were in Port-au- Prince. All parts of Haiti are feeling the impact however, as relatives move from the capitol back to the country. Shortages of food and fuel in the capital are causing a rise in price of a scarce commodity. Thank you for supporting the diocesan collection for Haiti last weekend and this weekend. Haiti’s needs are many but the Haitian people have resilience as they place their trust in God. Let us pray with them that God will be their refuge and their strength. Updates on the earthquake and Haitian friends are posted on Saltadère.org

BI-PARISH HAITI COMMITTEE:  The committee next meets at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 24th at St. Thomas Aquinas. All are welcome. To learn more, contact Laurie Duncan at Laurie Duncan.

This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

Asking for help for a Parishioner's Sister and her four Children

2010-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Parishioner offers to shave beloved locks to help

The sorrow of the loss of a loved one is always great. However, in many cases that sorrow can be compounded by the circumstances surrounding the loss.

One of our own parishioners, James Halfaday, lost his brother-in-law Randall on the first day of this new year. The loss of Randall has left James' sister, who lives in Ohio, as the single parent of four children under the age of 5.

To help make a financial contribution to his sister, James is asking people to bid for shaving off his hair. Those who know James, know that this is a sacrifice for him because of how much he appreciates and cares for his hair.

Of course, this also shows that this gesture comes from his heart as he helps his sister and her children during this difficult time for them. If you would like to help, you can make a bid by clicking here.

The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C)

2010-01-23T07:30:00.001-05:00

Sunday's Readings:

First Reading:  Nehemiah 8:2-6,10
Psalm:  Psalms 19:8-10,15
Second Reading:  11 Corinthians 12:12-30
Gospel:  Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21

Here are a couple of commentaries on these readings:

St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)

New Day Dawns (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

Catholics and Bible Study (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from The Crossroads Initiative

March for Life Links

2010-01-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

March for Life Links

Today is the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. Thousands upon thousands of men, women, and children will be in our nation's capitol to march as faithful witnesses to the Culture of Life.

Here are some links for the March for Life:

March for Life Web site (Official)

Priests for Life

EWTN (watch live online)

Confraternity of Penitents

2010-01-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Confraternity of Penitents is a private Catholic association of the faithful whose Rule of Life is based on a Rule given by St. Francis of Assisi to the laity in 1221. It differs from Catholic Third Order groups in that it is not directly affiliated with any specific Order. The focus of the Confraternity is "not on the charism of a certain founder but rather on penance as practiced by all the saints and preached by Christ."

From Catholic Culture.

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Church History: March for Life

2010-01-21T07:30:00.001-05:00

March for Life

The annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. will take place on January 22, 2010. Visit the March for Life Web site for more information.

Late in October 1973, grassroots prolife leaders became concerned that January 22, 1974, might come and go without properly memorializing the Supreme Court's infamous abortion decisions and without petitioning Congress for redress.

No established right-to-life organization was prepared to undertake the planning, financial and operational responsibilities for a high impact prolife March on the U.S. Capitol. But, grassroots prolifers wanted to march! About thirty prolife veterans resolved themselves into a committee and began making plans for the first March for Life.

On January 22, 1974, the first March for Life was held on the West Steps of the Capitol. An estimated 20,000 committed prolife Americans rallied that day on behalf of our preborn brothers and sisters.

In 1974, the March for Life was incorporated as a non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian organization.

Our numbers have gradually risen through the years despite reduced numbers from the snow in 2000 and the terrible 9/11 attacks just months before the March 2002. These growing numbers give testimony to the increasing ranks of prolife Americans and to the importance of the March's work.

Today, in addition to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., there is a corresponding West Coast event--the Walk for Life which is held in San Francisco, CA. This year the sixth annual Walk for Life will be held on January 23, 2010. More information about the Walk for Life can be found on the Walk for Life Web site.

From March for Life

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Excerpt from the Catechism: Christian Holiness

2010-01-20T07:30:00.001-05:00

Christian Holiness

Is the call to holiness only for priests and nuns? Or are other people called to live lives of holiness? The Catechism takes up this question in its teaching on Christian holiness.

2012 "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him . . . For those whom he fore knew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. and those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified."

2013 "All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity." All are called to holiness: "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

In order to reach this perfection the faithful should use the strength dealt out to them by Christ's gift, so that . . . doing the will of the Father in everything, they may wholeheartedly devote themselves to the glory of God and to the service of their neighbor. Thus the holiness of the People of God will grow in fruitful abundance, as is clearly shown in the history of the Church through the lives of so many saints.

2014 Spiritual progress tends toward ever more intimate union with Christ. This union is called "mystical" because it participates in the mystery of Christ through the sacraments - "the holy mysteries" - and, in him, in the mystery of the Holy Trinity. God calls us all to this intimate union with him, even if the special graces or extraordinary signs of this mystical life are granted only to some for the sake of manifesting the gratuitous gift given to all.

2015 The way of perfection passes by way of the Cross. There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle. Spiritual progress entails the ascesis and mortification that gradually lead to living in the peace and joy of the Beatitudes:

He who climbs never stops going from beginning to beginning, through beginnings that have no end. He never stops desiring what he already knows.

2016 The children of our holy mother the Church rightly hope for the grace of final perseverance and the recompense of God their Father for the good works accomplished with his grace in communion with Jesus. Keeping the same rule of life, believers share the "blessed hope" of those whom the divine mercy gathers into the "holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Catechism of the Catholic Church

This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

Devotion: The Jesus Prayer

2010-01-19T07:30:00.003-05:00

The Jesus Prayer

The month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus.

Many religious cultures use litanies as a method of praying. The word "litany" literally means, "petition" - or "rogation" in Latin. Litanies are made to be repeated; single or like phrases recited, sometimes chanted over and over again ("re-petition") so that the person praying is caught up in the prayer itself. During the recitation of the Divine Praises, for example, the celebrant says, "Blessed be the name of Jesus," which is echoed by the faithful.

The Orthodox call this "prayer of the heart" - prayer that fills the entire consciousness; spontaneously offered by the whole being and not forced by only the lips or the intellect. If recited continually and with perseverance and recollection, the heart and intellect become one and the prayer in a sense offers itself. The constant repetition of the name Jesus or "Invocation of the Name" is now known as simply, The Jesus Prayer.

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" - this drawn from the publican's prayer from the parable in Luke's gospel (Lk 18:13). The Catechism (CCC 2667) has this to say about the prayer: "By it the heart is opened to human wretchedness and the Savior's mercy."

We could do well by acknowledging our human weakness in imitation of the faith and humility of blind Bartimaeus as he similarly called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" and when asked what he wished, replied simply: "Lord, that I may see." (Mk 10:46-52)

From The Holy Name Society

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March for Life is this Friday, January 22, 2010

2010-01-18T08:00:00.002-05:00

The 2010 March for Life is on Friday, January 22

The annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. is this Friday. This event has taken place annually since 1974 in order to encourage our nation and her political leaders to support a culture of life rather than embracing a culture of death. The march occurs on the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe vs. Wade (1973) which decriminalized abortion throughout the United States.

People from all walks of life, political views, and religious beliefs come together in solidarity in our nation's capitol in order to peacefully promote the protection of human life from conception to natural death. This year, our Bishop will be a concelebrant at the March for Life Youth Mass at 10:00 a.m. on the day of the march. For more information about all of the events surrounding this year's march, visit the March for Life Web site.

Parishioners from Charlottesville are invited to participate in the march. A bus will be traveling from Charlottesville to Washington, D.C. on the morning of January 22nd. The bus will leave at 8:00 a.m. from the Church of the Incarnation, and the bus is scheduled to return at 8:00 p.m. the same day. For more information, contact contact Robbie Gibson (434-963-7952 or robbie_oc_gibson@yahoo.com ).

Benedict XVI: Peter Lombard and why Eve was formed from Adam's Rib

2010-01-18T07:30:00.003-05:00

Why was Eve formed from Adam's Rib?

In a new feature, messages from the Holy Father will be featured on a regular basis. These words of wisdom will include quotes from addresses by the Holy Father along with a link to learn more about the full text and context of the address.

This installment is from the Holy Father's Wednesday Audience on December 30, 2009. His address focused on Peter Lombard and the impact that this Twelfth Century theologian had and continues to have especially through his seminal work known as The Sentences. In this quote, Benedict XVI illustrates the reason that here is still interest today in Peter Lombard's work.

"Inspired by St Augustine's Commentary on the Book of Genesis, Peter wonders why woman was created from man's rib and not from his head or his feet. And Peter explains: 'She was formed neither as a dominator nor a slave of man but rather as his companion' (Sentences 3, 18, 3). Then, still on the basis of the Patristic teaching he adds: 'The mystery of Christ and of the Church is represented in this act. Just as, in fact, woman was formed from Adam's rib while he slept, so the Church was born from the sacraments that began to flow from the side of Christ, asleep on the Cross, that is, from the blood and water with which we are redeemed from sin and cleansed of guilt' (Sentences 3, 18, 4). These are profound reflections that still apply today when the theology and spirituality of Christian marriage have considerably deepened the analogy with the spousal relationship of Christ and his Church."

-- Wednesday Audience, December 30, 2009.

From Zenit.

This Week's Bulletin: January 17, 2010

2010-01-17T07:30:00.001-05:00

The bulletin for January 3, 2010 is available by clicking here to view it.

Listed below are a few of the items from this week's bulletin. See the bulletin for more details and to read all of the announcements.

NEED FOR ALTAR SERVERS:  There is an immediate need for Altar Servers for the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass. Individuals should be willing to serve 1-2 times per month. If you are between the ages of 9 to 90, please consider this important ministry. Training will be provided. Please call Jim Morrisard at 973-6570 if you are interested.

CHARLOTTESVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL (CCS) OPEN HOUSE: Parents of prospective students are invited to attend Charlottesville Catholic School’s Winter Open House on Wednesday, February 3rd from 9:00 –11:00 a.m. Join us to learn more about what CCS has to offer students, from challenging academics to strong community life where faith is integrated in all we do and celebrated every day.

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:  The next meeting of Father Louis A. Rowen Council 3670 will be held on Monday, January 18th at the Church of the Incarnation’s Stone Chapel. The Church of the Incarnation is located on Route 29 North behind Toys’R'US. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 7:15 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Plan to attend and bring a brother Knight.

FIRST RECONCILIATION CLASS SCHEDULE:  First Reconciliation classes for all parish second grade students will be held on January 24, 31, and February 7. All classes meet in the chapel from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. A parent must attend each class with his/her child. First Reconciliation is Saturday, February 13th at 11:00 a.m.

IMPACT:  At the IMPACT Rally to be held at Incarnation Church on February 25th, we will learn what the research committees are planning to seek at the Nehemiah Action Assembly on March 22nd. It is hoped that the enthusiasm generated at the Rally will inspire us to bring ourselves and as many others as possible to the Nehemiah Action. The average weekly worship attendance at Holy Comforter is about 600. Can we bring 100 to Nehemiah?

PANTRY:  During this unusually cold winter there are people in our community who are having a tough time providing shelter and heat for their families. Often the food budget suffers as a result of this. Fortunately the generous people of Holy Comforter parish can help by providing generous pantry bags filled with nourishing food, soap, toilet paper, shampoo, deodorant, tooth paste and tooth brushes. On behalf of these needy people -- Thank You!

BI-PARISH HAITI COMMITTEE:  The committee next meets at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 24th at St. Thomas Aquinas. All are welcome. To learn more, contact Laurie Duncan at Laurie Duncan.

TRAVEL TO HAITI:  Several trips to visit our twin parish of St. Michel are being planned in the coming months. If you are interested in traveling with one of these groups, please contact Paul Harnois at lphmch@embarqmail.com.

For more information about Holy Comforter's twinning work with St. Michel parish, visit Saltadère.org

This post is from the Holy Comforter Catholic Church eNewsletter which is sent out once a week via email. If you would like to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here.

The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C)

2010-01-16T07:30:00.002-05:00

Sunday's Readings:

First Reading:  Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm:  Psalm 96:1-3, 7-10
Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Gospel:  John 2:1-12

Here are a couple of commentaries on these readings:

St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)

In the Wedding (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

Wedding Feast at Cana from The Crossroads Initiative