Save the Date: February 5th

Bishop Salvatore Matano is joining us for mass in one week!

He will be celebrant and homilist at the 10:30 mass, February 5. Coffee hour will follow. Come say “hello” to the bishop.

This may seem simple and obvious, and it is. But it’s the simple things that often hold a mystery which points to God. It’s the fact that God directly wills (or at least permits) – – WHAT IS.

Let’s look at a few things that ARE, to see what God may be up to.

• The universe exists. (God wills)
• It’s winter. (God wills)
• How old are you? (God wills that)
• There’s a Democrat in the Oval Office and a Republican held Congress. (God permits).
• The Bills are in the play offs. (God permits)
• War is raging in Ukraine. (God permits)
• The ice caps are melting and global temperatures are rising. (Ice melts at 32 — God wills. Man’s use of carbon fuels creates an atmosphere that traps heat – God permits our carbon footprint.)
• Science has Covid on the run. (God wills and permits)
• You were born. (God wills)
• God became flesh 2000 yrs. ago (God wills).
• Jesus is risen from the dead. (God wills).
• All will be well. (God wills)

From these few examples it becomes clear that WHAT IS comes either from God’s hand, or, by God accepting free human action and its consequence (both good and bad).

Now we have to be clear about something. God, who is Light and Truth . . . God, who’s essence is ultimately Love . . . can only directly will what is good. “God looked at everything He had made and saw all he had created and found it very good.” Genesis 1:31

But God’s will must deal with the free choices He allows humans to make. And God knows that some of those choices will be sinful and contrary to his loving plan. What does a loving God do to remedy the mess we humans create?

First off, God accepts WHAT IS. He embraces the results of our choices and begins to find a way for His Love to heal, forgive and renew.

Have you watched, or perhaps participated, in effecting God’s loving will? Have you helped the poor? Instructed a child? Forgiven some offense? Educated yourself about some social injustice? Worked for: Habitat for Humanity? Birthright? St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality? Have you supported the Missions? Your parish?

You see God’s “Permissive Will” is asking us to be part of the solution to the problems we created. None of us can do this on our own. These things are overwhelming to any one person. But together we can plant a new seed of hope. Together we can pass on to our children a vision of a better world and encourage them to find a life that helps others.

All this, of course, is empowered by the greatest WHAT IS in human history – – – Jesus Christ. Remember, whatever IS is God’s will. And God’s will is His Love. His Love will not fail.

Bless you.

Fr. Tim

Save the Date: February 5th

Bishop Salvatore Matano is joining us for mass in two weeks!

He will be celebrant and homilist at the 10:30 mass, February 5. Coffee hour will follow. Come say “hello” to the bishop.

Back to Ordinary Time we go this week (the wear’n of the green!). But I still have the Christmas liturgies fondly in mind. I think back on all the preparations that went into the celebration of the Lord’s birth. By Christmas Eve the choirs (classic, contemporary and children’s choirs) were practiced and ready to go.

The sanctuary was adorned with poinsettias, candles, and trees. Extra chairs were set in the Gathering Space. Altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, ushers and greeters were all assigned and ready to serve. Everything was ready. But what about . . . the priest?

I hate thinking about this, but what if Fr. Tim or Fr. John had gotten Covid? Who would say mass? All the preparations for Christmas would stand silent. There is no one to proclaim the Gospel and pray the prayers that change bread and wine into the Body of Christ. What do we do; sing Silent night and go home?

I describe this unhappy scenario to make a simple point. We need the priest to activate the worship of the community in the celebration of The Mass. Only in the Catholic Church is there the absolute dependence on someone acting in the Person of Christ. This person, the priest, is the instrument by which the people (united with Christ in Spirit) offer themselves to the Father in the Sacrifice of the Cross and, in return receive the Resurrected Christ in the Eucharist.

Someone needs to be Jesus. And as you can imagine, no one takes this upon themself. Because that person, the priest, is just a man. A human being. He must be given that authority by the Church. And the Church too must be given that power by God. And God did. At the first Eucharist (the Last Supper) Jesus told the apostles “Do this in memory of me.”

Friends we need priests. Current statistics should cause concern about the future availability of the Eucharist for those who hunger for it.

There are currently 91 priests in active full-time ministry. The median age of a priest in the Diocese of Rochester is 73. With the retirement age for priests set at 75, 27 priests will reach retirement in the next 5 years. In that same time we currently hope to ordain 3 men to the priesthood. Are you getting the picture? For over ten years parishes have had to cluster together to share the ministry of a single priest.

Yet the People of God seem oblivious to the upcoming challenge. “As long as we have “our priest,” we’re ok. Good luck to the rest of you.” It doesn’t work that way. The priest serves in a parish at the discretion of the bishop. He goes where he is assigned. That way no parish “owns” a priest. He is a gift from the diocese. Declining numbers of worshippers and a growing lack of priests sometimes requires a bishop to ask a parish to share a priest. Some of my closest priest friends find themselves shepherding two and three churches.

So what do we do? A couple things. First, pray. Jesus said, “The harvest is rich but laborers are few. Ask the Harvest Master to send laborers to the Vineyard.” (Mt. 9:37)

Next, talk to young men. (I start to mention this to boys who’ve reached the fifth grade. Something like, “You have good faith. I’ve seen it in the way you treat others. The way you pray at mass, etc. Have you ever thought you could serve God as a priest? Think about it.”

We Catholics are so shy about this, aren’t we? Why? Several reasons, but I think they all boil down to the feeling that vocations to the priesthood “just happen.” They don’t. We have to plant the seed in the hearts of these young men.

And . . . we have to share with these young ones the beauty of a life that says Christmas Mass, baptizes my children, marries us, hears our confession, visits us in the hospital, and sends us off to God in our burial.

We will continue to pray for priests and religious women at every Sunday mass at Holy Trinity. Let’s get to work.

Fr. Tim

It’s strange. Something that gives me comfort in the midst of our current world and national turmoil is the realization that some things are just out of my control. I’m not off the hook by any means. I must do my part. But how this all turns out – – – that’s in God’s hands.

So what are those issues that cause you to wonder just where this world is headed? You know them: our polarized society, Covid 19, a broken political system, climate change, racism, church clergy abuse, etc.

Each one of these problems and more, taunt us with their seeming insolvability.

So what are we to do? Trust that this is all covered (in a way we can’t see) by God who loves us. It’s that simple yet profound. Jesus tells us, “In the world you will have trouble. But take courage. I have overcome the world.” Jn. 16:33

It doesn’t mean the Lord will suddenly wipe away the damage we’ve done by our own willful unkindness. God chooses to accept our free sinful choices and their consequences.

To heal the social wound requires a new desire within our own hearts. God will not bring a healing of our wounds without our cooperation. It requires (especially of Christians), faith, good will, sacrifice, forgiveness and courage.

That’s it in a nutshell, really. God’s plan for the world has already been secured. He has overcome the world by Christ’s death and Resurrection. There is no power on earth that can overcome the will of God to save the human race. Period.

There will be suffering along the way. Things may not fit the “happily ever after” we vision in fairy tales. (God’s way is not our way). But for all we may have to go through, the future has been won.

Think of it. All the forces of darkness and sin gathered in one horrible day and killed the King of Love. To this day, the enemy of Christ is still at work in the world (see the list above). But it’s a losing battle . . . the love of God is the supreme and final reality. Death is overcome by a Love that is God Eternal. This is what the Resurrection means for us.

The final end of history will not happen without our imperfect cooperation. God wants us to share in the story He’s already completed! “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.” Mt. 6:33, 34.

This is a real act of Faith, isn’t it? To trust in a victory that’s already happened; but one I cannot yet see. This Faith brings about the second great virtue   Hope. (Read the beautiful passage of St. Paul in Romans 8:18-25) “And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory . . . and this hope does not disappoint (in spite of life’s sorrows) for God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.” Romans 5:5.

We never give up hope. Never! Why? Because Christ has won the victory. Human history will complete itself in God’s good time. And when it does, you, who have longed for its coming, you scarred and wounded faithful, you will shout for joy.

Let us each do our part.

Fr. Tim

As I sit at my desk and begin to write memories of the past 35 years at Holy Trinity, I find myself going back to the telephone call that I received in December of 1988 from Fr. William Hart asking if I would like to work part-time as a bookkeeper. I had three children who needed my attention but old enough to be on their own until I came home from work three days a week. So, after discussing it with my husband Denny, and with prayer, I decided to try it.

Part-time became full time and bookkeeper became Parish Secretary. The basement of the rectory was my office and eventually I moved to the office I have now. The folks that I have met along the
way were amazing. Webster is a small community and everyone knows everyone.
Most are related to each other, including our family. As I look back, with mostly warm thoughts, I find myself hoping that I made a difference to someone along the way.

I would like to thank many people whom without them I couldn’t have done my job. I will begin with Mary Ann Spinelli who taught me compassion, grace, and kindness. I tried to emulate the same kind of gentleness and warmth that Mary Ann brought to Holy Trinity for the 25 plus years when she was an employee.

To my volunteers, oh, you were my lifesavers. (You are the best!!) My past and present. Theresa Graff, Darlene Krenzer, Lisa Dunn, Nora Doser, Joan Warren, Sharon Gavens, Emily Brunner, and Barbara White. You all became so special to me and ended up becoming my dearest friends. And of course, Joanne Mix, my receptionist and friend. What would I have done without you all these years. You all brought joy and delight to the main office.

The past and especially the current staff, it’s been a pleasure to work with you all.
Fr. Tim and Fr. John, it was an honor to work for you both. I can retire with no regrets.

To God, for giving me patience and understanding toward those who walk through our office door. For my family, Aimee, Jeff, Jack and Cameron, Nikki, Jeff, Maggie, Teddy, Moira, and Ben, and Scott and Ashley. You have encouraged me through thick and thin. To my husband Denny, my rock, and who has listened to my joys, sadness, woes and rewards. As I enter a new chapter in my life, thank you to the parishioners who brought joy and delight upon entering the parish office – never a dull moment at 1460 Ridge Road. I will still be around until January 6th and then on speed dial if necessary. Change can be very scary, but change can be good. Everyone is replaceable, so whoever takes my place please welcome them with warmth and openness.

The best is yet to come,

With much love and blessings and a Happy New Year to all!

Pam Schultz

Dear Friends,

That old Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, has a special meaning this year for it’s been 12 years of Christmases for me here at Holy Trinity Parish. I look back on all the events you and I have celebrated, worked on, suffered with, put up with, and laughed and cried through.

Perhaps some numbers will illustrate what this past decade has brought to this parish. Starting July 1, 2011 and going to this Christmas Day, Holy Trinity Parish has:

• Baptized 533 children and adults.
• Confirmed 331 teens
• Married 114 couples
• Buried 509 parishioners
• Welcomed 66 adults into the Catholic Faith
• Renewed the interior of the church.
• Replaced the church roof and many other unseen projects.

All this, while enduring a worldwide pandemic, 2 years of social distancing and masking, the at- tempted over throw of a presidential election, a war in Ukraine causing food shortages and millions of refugees.

So here we are, Christmas 2022. Have you changed over these years? Of course you have! Our children have become young men and women (no longer cuddling on the couch).

Parents, you’ve had to develop different skills to help these young adults. Spouses, your love for each other has had to dig deep to find the fountain of love that still flows but in a quieter, more powerful way.

Perhaps you’ve lost a parent, spouse, child, friend or mentor. Your love misses them. What will life be without them? Of course we’ve changed. The stream of life carries us on.

But some things don’t change. You are the same person your parents held in their arms. You have the name they gave you at birth. You still look for love and give it to others. You are and always will be a Child of God.

God had a great idea one day. He made you. He knows your joys and sorrows. He made you with a hunger to love and be loved. This hunger was given for the purpose of drawing you to Himself who is the source of love itself.

And just so we don’t get lost wondering through all life’s changes, God revealed His plan to bring us to the Kingdom of Love. It has already begun here on earth. It’s tiny. It’s a baby. He’s sleeping in a manger. It’s Jesus Christ, God’s love for us in human flesh.

A Blessed Christmas to you and all who hunger for this love.

Fr. Tim

Let’s get ready. Let’s make this place shine. You see there’s going to be a great celebration. Everyone in Webster and beyond is invited. Let’s celebrate Christmas here in our house at Holy Trinity. Let’s make it a total GIFT to everyone. We’re going to need everyone’s help to make this a proper celebration

So how shall we get ready?

• Music. The choirs have been practicing.
• Church decoration. Poinsettias everywhere.
• Lectors, Eucharistic ministers, greeters, ushers . . . ready.
• The homily? Ready Father Tim/John?

How about you? Are you ready to welcome 2,000 people to the Christmas masses? This is your home. Those who join us are our welcomed and honored guests. Holy Trinity needs you to be ready to host this great Feast. What’s your role? You are the voice and smile and handshake of our parish. Sooooooo…

What NOT to do:

• Glare at people who’s children are fussing and cranky. We’ve all been there.
• “You’re sitting in my pew.” Is not the way we want to welcome people.
• Make people climb over you so you can keep the aisle seat (No, move in! It’s a gracious way of saying “glad you are here.”)
• Roll your eyes when people’s talking bothers you.
• Feel superior when something happens that lets you know “these people never come to mass”. Give them a look that tells them “I’m here every week and you’re NOT!”
• Leave church right after you receive Holy Communion. Chew the host in the parking lot. (No, stay with us.)
• Be in a hurry to get out of the parking lot. It’s Christmas! Take your time. Enjoy even the inconveniences of the day

What to do:

• “Merry Christmas!” is totally appropriate before mass begins. Say it to everyone, not just your family.
• Expect total strangers to be sitting all around you. Think of them as your cousins whom you’ve not seen for a while. Let them know somehow how glad you are for their being there. Compliments before and after mass . . . “Oh your children look wonderful. What a nice family you have.” Or more general, “That hat! Christmas come early?” . . . you’ll think of something.
• Give up on sitting for mass. That’s right, let someone take your seat . . . a Christmas gift to a total stranger. It’s what we do.
• Expect things to be a little different than a usual Sunday at Holy Trinity. More people (yea!), more congestion, more standing, more of everything. It’s Christmas!!
• As was said, be the face of Holy Trinity for those around you. Your smile, your handshake, your readiness to give up your pew, your singing, are all part of the gift this parish wants to be for those who join us that day. Who knows what your kindness might begin in them.
• We want people to experience Christ. Chances are it may be through you.

Ready, set, here we go.

God bless you very much this week.

Fr. Tim

“Keen, delicately skillful, penetrating . . .”

That’s how Webster defines “subtle”. I love that word, that concept. It’s a way of communicating a meaning, an emotion, a truth. But it merely points, it doesn’t shout. It can come with a spoken word, a gesture, a look. Often times a subtle look can speak much more than dozens of words.

Let’s mention a few moments of subtle to see if you can recognize this lovely way of communicating.

• You take a child’s hand (or they take yours) as you walk through the mall. It says, “I’m with you; you and me together.”
• A smile. A genuine smile, with eyes full of friendship can literally change someone’s day for the better.
• A kiss. A subtle kiss says what? “Not just a friend . . . you’re a good friend.”
• Look for sadness in people you see. Say a secret prayer for them.
• Words too can be subtle. Things like, “How nice”, “Take care”, “Well done” or cautionary words like, “Be careful”, or “Please don’t” are brief and to the point. Subtle words are few.
• Music, theatre, novels, so many things, convey a quiet secret meaning.

The point is, are we alert to the subtle messages all around us? Unfortunately; our culture favors the laud and frenetic. (Have you noticed the television commercials are louder than the program you’re watching?) The squeaky wheel gets all the attention, right?

The season of Advent is all about the “subtle”. It applies (if we let it) long forgotten practices our grand- parents knew so well . . . waiting, expecting, helping others, remembering. It avoids the loud and noisy. Why? Because God speaks in a whisper. Quickly and subtly the Spirit touches our minds and hearts.

Let this holy season teach you to see and hear God’s gentle promptings. Listen to the music . . . Oh Come Oh Come Emanuel. See the need of the total stranger in the checkout line. Watch the children. See their innocence. Protect their young hearts.

God will show you.

Fr. Tim

A few years back I was having coffee with a friend in a family restaurant in town. In the back ground was the, oh so familiar tune of Jingle Bells, playing slightly louder than was comfortable. “Oh what fun it is to ride . . . “ This was followed by that new classic of recent years, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. . . “Oh Rock’n around the Christmas tree at the Christmas Party Hop . . .”

Somehow my ”holiday spirit” sank pretty low. Why do they do that to us? Why do they start the Christmas music five weeks too early. Because it’s beautiful; one of a kind music and fresh every year . . . for awhile.

Did you know the Church encourages us to avoid flagrant displays of Christmas prior to Christmas? Rather, she encourages us to enter into that beautiful and subtle season we know as Advent. Ask any expectant mother . . . we can’t hurry the birth of the child.

Advent gets us ready for Christmas. It builds expectation and longing. It makes us hungry for the Feast Day, increases our anxiousness to celebrate its power and beauty. The world would rather have Christmas without the wait. Sort of like the cake before the potatoes. Ever get sick of Christmas before Christmas?

How can we keep the proper order? Advent first, then Christmas? Here are some suggestions . . . and I mean suggestions. Each family has to make their own decisions here.

• Christmas carols. You’ll hear them everywhere, but fill your home with Advent music. Gregorian Chant has wonderful Advent hymns. (Google “Advent Gregorian Chant”; you’ll find beautiful restful music.
• Greet people with “Happy Advent”, instead of “Merry Christmas” until the feast.
• Let decorations be around the Advent Wreath with Advent colors of Purple and Rose.
• Christmas Parties? Of course. But closer to Christmas please.
• Keep Santa sightings to a minimum.
• Advent is a season for Hope. Christmas is a season for Joy.

I know this sounds “elitist” and out of touch with the world around us. But try it. I think you’ll find this slower pace and softer sounds starts an “Advent Spirit” in you. One that will be ready to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.

By the way, Christmas is celebrated for three weeks!! All the more reason to not be sick of Christmas before Christmas. I hope these beautiful Advent Days help your spirit to appreciate the small humble things that God will send you.

Things like:

• Seeing Christ in the young, the vulnerable, the poor.
• Experiencing a desire to give and help situations that need a gentle touch.
• Remembering times when you were helped by the unexpected kindness of others.
• Moments of sadness and compassion for others (even strangers) in your daily travels.

Bless you.

Fr. Tim

This “Thank You” was written a couple years ago; but in this week where we celebrate our national holiday of Thanksgiving I think it bears repeating. (All the ministries you see here are in full operation to this day. God bless you all!)

You need to know how this parish runs and the people needed to make it happen. What follows is a shout out to all who make it Holy Trinity a special parish. (No names. You know who you are.)

Thank you for:

• Whoever puts the morning paper outside the rectory door!
• For sacristans setting up the wine and water, chalice and candles for mass. Lectors, Cantors, Altar Servers.
• For our Choirs and Choir Directors who help us pray at mass.
• For our Ushers who help us find seats (and take our money every week!)
• For the Greeters who smile and welcome us to mass.
• For all who sit on the committees that do such critical advising and stepping up. Parish Council, Finance, Facilities, Liturgy, and Cemetery Committees, Senior Advisory Board, Legion of Mary, and the Maplewood Ministries, Men’s Spirituality Group, the Shawl and Knitting Ministries.
• For the meals that parishioners drop off each week to keep Fr.’s John and Tim alive.
• For our Catechists teaching the children, our Pre-Cana Team for soon to be marrieds, The RCIA and RCIC journeys of faith.
• For the Parish Staff that does such a fine job ensuring the day to day care of the parish: The religious education of children, parent baptismal preparation, the office management, ministry co-ordination, the Parish Office that processes hundreds of calls each week, our maintenance co-ordinator and assistant who keep our campus beautiful, for our regional and diocesan finance connection.
• For Webster Hope that feeds and comforts hundreds and hundreds.
• Had enough? Wait, there’s more.
• Sanctuary Care (linens and flowers), Office Volunteers, Videographers, Money Counters, Bereavement Ministry, Martha Committee, Corpus Christi Ministry, Cursillo, CYO Coaches, Parish Picnic.
• Vacation Bible School, Children’s Liturgy of the Word,

Whew!!! Thank you all. You make this place hum. (I’ve tried to include everyone but I bet I missed someone. Sorry.) And you know the best part of all of this? It’s a joy. “My yoke is easy. My burden is light.”

Happy Thanksgiving.

Fr. Tim