I’m not surprised there’s so much arguing about proper Covid protocols. (Why do we wear masks? Why no large family reunions? 25% capacity for church services! Why am I encouraged to stay home? “Outrageous”, some say.)

It’s because we’ve never faced a pandemic before. This is the first time for all of us. It’s going to take some time for all this to sink in. (In fact . . . there are some who still think the Covid is a hoax). This resistance is all so human. To stop a way of living, and all the daily habits we take for granted takes time. The changes are huge. Remember how long it takes to turn an aircraft carrier around? Two miles of open ocean! (I’m still forgetting my mask at times and it’s been months!)

Certainly by now you’ve made your own decisions about how you and your family will conduct yourselves with the recommended restrictions. Feelings can range from anger to compliance – – I get it. But bottom line, we have to make a decision whether we do this together or we go it alone. I’d like to suggest we do it together. Here’s why.

• I’m not smart enough to figure this out by myself. Sooner or later we have to trust someone who knows more than we do about what we’re facing. Medical science certainly does not know everything. Some directives they provide may not be the perfect answer. But I believe God has given us this knowledge as part of His solution to guide us through the virus. (And heaven knows Fr. Tim will wait patiently in line to get his vaccine shot when it arrives.
• We’re all in the same boat. We all have the same worries and concerns for ourselves and our families.
• If certain protocols make it safer (even a little bit) for you and me, I’m going to do it. In fact, as uncomfortable as it can be, “I’m glad to do my part”.
• Something quite nice happened recently. I was in a pharmacy the other day, surrounded by total strangers and we’re all wearing masks. I felt a certain comfort in knowing that I was not alone. We were all carrying the same burden. We were all showing that we care. I liked that.
• Remember Ash Wednesday? We all walk around with ashes on our foreheads. All through the town people wear a sign of what they believe – – we belong to Christ. Well this is like Ash Wednesday for the whole world! Join us!
• Some day this will pass us by. What will we look back on? “I stood my ground against an unjust curtailment of my rights.” Or, “I tried to help in whatever small ways I could.”
• We’ve never done this before. There’s no script for “How to Handle a Pandemic”. There will be mistakes made. Can’t we give a little slack to those who are trying to lead us through these days?

Bishop Matano, along with the bishops of New York State, will guide us in the days leading up to the Christmas Holyday. They will of course be following NYS guidelines for worship services. Be assured Holy Trinity will keep you informed about our masses and numbers permitted.

In the meantime . . . the quiet, slower pace of life we now experience is a perfect way to prepare our hearts during the beautiful season of Advent.

Don’t be afraid. The Lord is with us.

Fr. Tim

I think I was around 12 yrs. old when mom and dad took our family on one of our rare family vacations. We went to Monmouth Cave in southern Kentucky. It is a magnificent cavern deep deep in the ground filled with stalactites and stalagmites with beautiful crystalline gems flashing brilliant colors.

There are many memories I have of this trip. One which sticks out the most, and one that still speaks to me fifty years later, is the sight of a school of brown trout swimming in an underground stream that flowed through the cave. Generations of these fish had lived on the floor of this darkened cave – – – dark as in pitch black.

The park service had installed lights along a portion of the underground stream allowing visitors a brief glimpse of the fish who otherwise lived in total darkness. Over time something very strange had happened; with absolutely no light penetrating the cave, these fish had lost their eyes.

How strange it was to see that milky white membrane over what should have been a dark round fish eye. Over the generations of darkness, nature had seen the futility of sight and basically closed up shop. Use ‘em or lose ‘em!

You see of course the analogy to faith here, right? Faith is a way of seeing how God is present and acting in the world and my life. When we were children it was easy to see God’s handiwork.

Remember?. . . snow flakes, (not one of them the same), the stars at night, the ocean, thunderstorms, babies, kittens, flowers, ice cream, clean sheets, stories at bedtime, Christmas Eve, strong parental arms around them . . . all these wonderful experiences lead a child to know there is a God (most times through you, but sometimes from the Holy Spirit himself.) A child is a lover of God by nature. It’s what they do. (“Unless you receive the Kingdom of Heaven like a little child you shall not enter.”) Lk 18:17.

But then . . . well, you know. We grow up; get “real”. We see and hear things that shake us, changing the way we view the world. Along with this we discover a part of our- selves that can do bad things. We look around and see a world that doesn’t pause when we stumble and fall. Good people we’ve known have fallen prey to lies and tricks and been changed in the process . . . they’ve “toughened up”.

And God sort of disappears. We can’t see him for the darkness around us. In fact, like the fish we can lose the eyes to see. The sentiment of faith becomes a distant childhood memory of our First Communion or setting up the Nativity Scene. We’ve let darkness put a membrane over our eyes.

So what do we do? Why not do what the blind man did in Luke’s gospel. “He called out, ‘Jesus, have pity on me!’” Lk. 18:35ff. And Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man answered, “Lord I want to see again.” To which Jesus replied, ”See again! Your faith has saved you.”

It’s really that simple. Acknowledge the fact that you’re blind to the things of God. You can’t see anything but the world and its cynical message—“Good Luck Pal.”

The next step can sometimes feel like falling off a cliff. When, from the center of your being, you gag forth the words, “Lord I want to see again.” Lord help me see you in my life and in my wife and in my work and in my child and in my trials and . . and . . and.”

God cannot resist this prayer. In time – – – persist! You will hear the Lord, “See Again.”

Let this Advent open your eyes to see God’s presence in your life.

Fr. Tim

Hello Friends.

I thought it was time to talk to you about our plans (and possible plans) going forward in the days leading up to the holidays and winter to follow.

As you know we’re facing an increase of “positivity” of the Covid virus in our region, state and across the nation. Recent protocols are using a color code that signals the number and manner by which people can safely gather.

For Houses of Worship RED signifies 25% of building capacity OR 10 people. ORANGE allows for 33% capacity OR 25 persons. YELLOW permits 50% capacity. Holy Trinity has been operating the last 6 weeks at the yellow level and we’ve had 450 to 500 attend our 3 weekend masses.

I so hope we can continue at the YELLOW level for Christmas and beyond. However . . . the color level may change in the weeks ahead severely limiting the number of people at each mass. IF we go to RED or ORANGE the staff and liturgy committee have decided we will return to “Livestream Mass attendance” only. (You’ll remember we were locked down like that once before from March to early June).

WHAT ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS MASSES?

We’ve been working on that. The parish staff and I will publish procedures for Christmas mass attendance in a couple weeks. IF WE ARE STILL AT 50% CAPACITY (YELLOW), THERE WILL BE A SIGN-UP PRIOR TO THE HOLYDAY. (Details as to how to sign up will be published the weekend of December 6. We’ll make it simple to do!)

We’ve never had to do this before have we? But when you consider the usual Christmas mass attendance is between 2,100 to 2,500 we have to find away to limit the size of the gatherings. The Livestream will, of course, televise all the Christmas masses.

Stay tuned.

In the meantime . . . how are you? Fr. John and I are weathering things fairly well. What could a couple old men need but a pot of chili (faithfully supplied by you wonderful parishioners), some books and some beer?

I can only imagine what some of you are going through with infants, homeschooling, day care, two jobs, vulnerable parents, etc. You are heroes.

I’ve been trying to find ways in these extraordinary days to, not just “cope”, but to find in them opportunities to grow as Christians. See what you think.

• I can’t think of a better time to learn how to pray. Daily recited prayers are wonderful. Keep them up. But mental prayer and meditation can take you deeper into the mystery of God’s love for you. Suggested reading: Opening to God , Thomas H. Green SJ.
• Be determined to “go out of yourself” in reaching out to someone (not just family) to see how they are. There are people struggling out there. I bet you know one of them.
• Know your own tempo. Every day has peaks of busyness and some quieter times. Each carry a different emotional level. Sadness can happen at some point in your day (perhaps with evening fall). Accept it. Offer it up. It will pass.
• Have a little ritual to renew yourself each day. The British have “afternoon tea”. It’s a pause that calms and regenerates. Fr. John and I sit together in the kitchen each day @ noon. (I pretend that I’m listening to him!)
• Finish your day with prayers for your loved ones living and deceased.

So here we go……the holidays are coming ……. let’s be our best selves.

Fr. Tim

It’s strange. Something that gives me comfort in the midst of all the serious issues we face in our current world 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? You know them: our polarized society, Covid 19, a broken political system, climate change, racism, etc. Each one of these problems (and more), taunt us with their seeming insolvability.

So what are we to do? You may scoff at the answer to follow. It can seem so naïve and childlike. And it is child- like . . . it’s called Trust.

But trust in what? To people of Faith the answer is simple. We trust in God who revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us, “In the world you will have trouble. But take courage. I have overcome the world.” Jn. 16:33.

It’s that simple. We were created by God. We are privileged to bear God’s image and now we are God’s children (1 John 3). That means He will help us. This is the rock of Faith. God will win in human history. Can you be a child and accept this?

It doesn’t mean the Lord will suddenly wipe away the damage we’ve done by our sinful behavior. God has chosen to accept our 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 co-operation.) 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 fairly tales. (God’s way is not our way). But for all we may have to go through, the future has been won. This is what the Resurrection reveals.

The final end of history will not happen without our imperfect co-operation. 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: trust in God and do good.

Fr. Tim

What do you get when you cross COVID-19 and our Christmas Star Program? Santa with no reindeer! Well, not on Holy Trinity’s watch, thank you very much! Like so many other things this year in relation to COVID, we have reinvented the wheel AND we need your help!

Usually, at this time of year Holy Trinity is beginning the six-week collection of groceries items, coordinators are preparing 600 + gift stars for YOU, our faithful givers, to lovingly shop for Christmas gifts for our brothers and sisters in need. We are usually enlisting 100’s of volunteers to sort, organize, donate turkeys and hams and deliver all of these wonderful things to four different groups. Anyone that has participated in Star in the past will tell you just how enriching the entire experience is!

Well now, here we are amid COVID and the need for help is still present and indeed, in many cases, it is greater. We still want to help, but don’t want to put recipients or volunteers at a greater risk of getting sick. What to do? To minimize risk and guarantee help to our families, we will be collecting only monetary gifts this year.

Who are we helping?

Holy Trinity assists families at Nativity Preparatory Academy, St. Monica’s Church, St. Michael’s Church, and Our Lady of the Americas Church. That is approximately 60 families or 300 individuals. We have also been able to provide some extra food to Sr. Regis Food Ministry and HOPE Ministry. Those numbers don’t even speak to the 100+ Webster families supported by HOPE Ministry.

What is being asked of me?

We are asking everyone to take some time to consider all the ways you have helped Star in the past. Did you bring in a bag of groceries each week? Maybe each one of your family members chose a star gift. Was your contribution a plump Christmas turkey or ham? Can you add that all up this year and put it in the form of a monetary gift to help bring Christmas to so many?

How do I help?

There are three ways to donate: Mail a check to Holy Trinity with “Star 2020” in the memo line on or before Sunday, November 22.

If you already donate online, log-in to your account and select the option for Star 2020.

In-person donations can be dropped in STAR collection baskets the weekend of November 14-15 & 21-22.

I have questions!

If your questions are regarding support of city families, please contact Helen Sleeman at 265-1616 ext: 337 or Helen.sleeman@dor.org. If your questions are regarding support of Webster families, please contact Margery Morgan at 265-6694 or Margery.morgan@dor.org.

Political commentators are saying that with the election but a few days away, most people have made up their mind about who they will vote for. In fact, many of us have already voted in some form. My words here are not intended to announce a “proper Catholic vote”. It is not my place to encourage a vote for any particular candidate. (Some clergy have done this. I think they’ve over-stepped their religious role in doing so.)

However . . . as pastor of this Catholic parish I can encourage that you strive for a “proper spirit” in registering your vote. What I mean by that is for us to cast our ballot with Christian purpose and attitude in mind. It’s so easy to be moved by the heat- ed debate; our vote can be cast in anger or spite or revenge – – – in this case my vote primarily serves to assuage my feelings.

Our vote should be about issues and solutions to problems, not my animosity. Here’s my check list as I vote on Tuesday:

• Presidents come and go . . . there’ll be another one in four years and another one after that . . . in the meantime, who has a plan to help our nation through these trying times?
• Any election is about the future. Think of your children and grandchildren. What vote would serve them the best?
• Neither the Devil nor the Messiah is on the ballot. We’re voting for human beings . . . imperfect, inconsistent, prone to mistakes. There is no perfect candidate. There are choices we must make in an imperfect world.
• Whoever is chosen for office needs the support of the whole electorate. That’s the point of a Democracy. The voice of the people, expressed in free election, must hold our allegiance for the sake of the union.
• When we do our best. When our desire is for the common good. When basic principles of justice, truth and brothership are intended by our vote . . . . God will bless it.

So friends, let’s be Christ in the voting booth on Tuesday. And what did he say to his frightened apostles in the Upper Room the night of His Resurrection? “Do not be afraid. I am with you.”

Lord, please bless our country as we choose our civil leaders.

Fr. Tim

One of the common human habits we all share to some degree is curiosity. At first glance it can seem a harmless practice, in fact good things can come from it. For example, a student is curious about what causes thunderstorms or hail. It moves them to pursue a deeper knowledge of weather. Your doctor is curious about your blood pressure and why it’s so high. This is good curiosity.

Bad curiosity (or what we call nosiness) is something else. It’s a habit of inquiring about people – – concerning matters that are none of our business. “I wonder what he makes at that job.” “Where do they stay when they go on vacation?” “Who is she dating?” “Why are those two friends?” “I wonder what their marriage is really like.”

Why do we do that? Because it brings us pleasure. Such knowledge about others brings a certain power; now we know something that unlocks a side of them they choose not to reveal to us. On the surface it can seem a harmless habit, “I just want to know more about this person.” (So why not just ask them?).

But let’s be honest. Underneath most of this inquisitiveness is a desire to find some “dirt”. Much of the grocery tabloids and the internet play on our hunger for seamy details about celebrities. Paparazzi make their living de- livering photos to feed our curiosity. There’s a certain pleasure in seeing someone weak or out of control (the German’s call it Shadenfreuda – – pleasure derived from other’s problems).

Why can curiosity be sinful? Because it violates two virtues we owe to others. The first is Justice. People have a right to privacy about personal matters. Prying eyes and ears serve to “steal” something that doesn’t belong to them. Thou shalt not steal.

Secondly Charity. Scripture tells us we are to do to others what we would want done to ourselves. How do we like it when someone wants to know our thoughts and feelings about matters we deem to be private? It’s not theirs to have. So that same respect must be shown to others.

But there is another matter sinful curiosity can cause. Sadness.

Think about it. “Love does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.” 1Cor. 13:6. There’s a certain darkness that happens when we wander into people’s lives in search of private things. We become less a good friend to that person (or at least a less respectful fellow citizen).

When we carry matters obtained through curiosity it can affect the way we interact with that person. We become less transparent because “we know something”. Over time cynicism and suspicion can grow about anyone and “what they’re REALLY like.”

So what can we do to curb our curiosity appetite? These might help.

• Recognize what you’re doing. Am I genuinely concerned about this person or am I just curious?
• Would I like someone else to be inquisitive about me as I am doing to them?
• When prying thoughts about others occurs . . . change them to a quick prayer for the person.
• Treasure the people the Lord gives you as true friends and with whom “confidences” are shared and freely given.
• Avoid conversations that deal in private matters about others not present. Gossip.
• Be glad you don’t know stuff!! It frees you up.

Bless you.
Fr. Tim

Growing up idolizing Rocky Colavito of the Cleveland Indians and inspired by the greatest rock and roll ever written (Beatles forever!), like any young person, I hoped to make my mark on the world in a memorable way.

I would be a journalist, a writer, a teacher, a lawyer (if not a judge!), and later in life maybe I’d go into politics and make laws and stuff. Something big.

Well as you know that’s all changed. I’m a priest who says your morning mass, hears your confession, and visits you in the hospital. Simple but there’s a life there. (I smile at the headlines on People Magazine as I wait to check out at the grocery . . . “Be Your Passion”, “Don’t Let Anyone Stand in the Way”, “You Can be Anything You Dream”.)

Well dreams are good. They can light a fire in us. But most often we have to settle for less than we hoped for. Life comes in and best laid plans get put on hold – – – elderly parents need special care, money just isn’t there to support the dream, or . . . we find we just don’t have what it takes to do it right.

So what do we do? It’s a critical moment really. Some people can be embittered at life not turning out how they had imagined. Some people think that Plan B (or C or D!) for their life is second or third best. Sadness or disillusion can follow. We’ve all experienced it.

But there’s some help here from the Gospel. Jesus tells the story of The Ten Gold Coins. (Lk 19: 11-19. Read it!) In it, three servants are charged with different amounts of money to watch over during the master’s absence. When he returns he calls them one by one to see what they’ve done with the money.

Two of them had increased their master’s holdings and were equally praised for what they’d done. The third did nothing. He buried the little money he’d been given and handed it back to the master.

The point is God doesn’t care how big the return on his investment is. What He wants is that we try. “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones.” Lk 16:10. God will increase our own faithfulness in the “small things”.

Let me give you an example. I stopped into a store to get a piece of foam rubber (I’m making rubber duckies
for Fr. John’s Christmas present).

The young salesperson was there to help me find just the right piece. He crawled over shelf after shelf to find what we were looking for. Finally we got it – – but it needed cutting. “I can do that. No problem.” He said.

Cutting the foam rubber required a band saw which he carefully lined up. As the cut was almost through, the band jumped forward and nicked his hand drawing a little blood. I was mortified. “I’m sooo sorry”, I said. Washing his hand and putting a band-aid on his hand he said, “Don’t worry it’s just a little nick.” He smiled as he wrote up the order and handed me my foam rubber.

Simple eh? No big woop. But something was visible in that young man that touched me. It was his simple kindness and desire to help. He wanted no praise and my going on about his great service only embarrassed him. I wrote his manager to tell him what a prince he had in the Foam Department.

That’s how it is with the “little things” – – – they mean a lot.

Let’s do the little things just right. God will help us when the big things come around.

Bless you.
Fr. Tim

One of the most critical tasks of a parent in raising a child is to ensure a proper understanding of what makes us most human – – our conscience. (Take a moment right now. How would you explain to a child what their conscience is?) Maybe this article can help.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has a mini-class about conscience and its proper formation. (Article 6. Moral Conscience.) There you read, “Conscience is a judgement of the reason whereby the human person recognizes . . what he knows to be just and right. . . . When he listens to his conscience, the prudent man can hear God speaking.” #1777.

In short, our conscience comes from the way we think about things. It doesn’t really kick in when we observe the sensate world. (“What time is it?” is not a matter of conscience). But something changes when we consider the presence of good and evil. Math and science can’t reach these matters. We have to use a different measuring stick- – – our sense of right and wrong.

Here’s where things can get confusing if you don’t have a strong conscience. You see our mind can be a tricky thing. It is prey to many impulses that influence what it thinks is “right reason” or thinking correctly. The passions (God given feelings that accompany certain actions): hunger, love, anger, jealousy, pleasure, etc. can affect our reasoning. (How many times did “having one for the road” seem like a great idea?!) The problem is we don’t think right.

So where does right thinking come from? Where do principles of justice, truthfulness, fair play, kindness come from? They come from a source beyond ourselves – – – the source of meaning and being itself . . . they come from God.

There is a beautiful description of the voice of conscience as it comes to the human intellect. Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope) written at the Second Vatican Council states, “Deep within his conscience man discovers a law which he has not laid upon himself, but which he must obey. Its voice ever calling him to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil sounds in his heart at the right moment . . . for man has in his heart a law inscribed by God . . . his conscience is man’s most secret core and his sanctuary. There he is alone with God whose voice echoes in his depths.” Conscience carries the voice of God.

But can’t there be different ways of seeing things? How can we be sure its God’s voice and not our own leanings and passions talking to us?

Like your child, consciences must be properly formed. It takes a lifetime. A big part of conscience formation comes in knowing the sources of moral guidance: the Ten Commandments, Jesus’s teaching, natural order, traditional wisdom, seeking reliable information and finally prayer. But above all, conscience is formed by knowing and believing that we were created to be with God and the goal and happiness of our life depends on doing God’s will. Trusting then that the Lord will echo His will in your heart, be in peace.

So parents, sit with your children. Tell them about their conscience. Let them know they can feel it in the happiness that comes when they do the right thing. Also they must listen to the voice of their conscience when they feel the heaviness when they’ve done wrong. It is the loving correction of Our Lord.

A clean conscience is our steady rock in the midst of life’s storms.

God thought of you and you came to be!

Fr. Tim

One of the great privileges in being a priest is to be invited into the watershed moments in people’s lives. The priest was there when you were baptized. He saw the gleam in your parent’s eye. He gave you your First Holy Communion, heard your confessions, watched you profess your wedding vows and, to bring things full circle, he baptized your children.

Then . . . he visited you in the hospital, he anointed you when you were sick, and finally . . . he buried you as your children and grandchildren shed tears.

So what’s your point Fr. Tim? It’s simple – we priests know you. We’ve watched you your whole life and (you need to know this), you are amazing. You have done the most difficult of life’s tasks and for the most part you’ve done them with grace and selflessness.

Priests have their own set of challenges in living their life but I don’t think they compare to what God asks of you as spouses and parents. You are heroes.

So here’s to you – – husbands and wives, moms and dads. Thank you for:

• Saying “let’s have a baby.” That baby was “us”. Mom, you gave your body over to nature that we might have life. Dad, you held your breath and discovered the treasure you have in your wife.
• Spending sleepless nights wondering how your child was growing and whether you were doing everything right to help them.
• Exhausting yourselves at work and at home to make your family happy and safe.
• Carefully watching your children’s habits and friends to make sure they find the right path.
• Carrying that huge sadness the day your child has their first day in school.
• Feeling your child’s tears more deeply that they do.
• Feeling a distance from your husband/wife because at that moment your children need you more than your spouse.
• Waiting patiently and selflessly to rekindle your marriage.
• Never giving up on your children no matter how they have failed.
• Spending more money than you have so the children’s education can happen.
• Watching your children marry and move away . . . “Thanks mom. Thanks dad. Bye.”
• Rediscovering your life’s partner in an empty nest.

These are just a few of the countless moments of self-sacrifice you have made to be that loving spouse and parent. I’m limited to what I have personally seen in you. I can’t imagine some of the sacrifices life has asked of you.

And you did it all without fanfare, no applause or cameras rolling. It’s all a secret really, between you and your spouse . . . and God.

And what does Jesus have to say about all this (and you too I bet)? It’s no big deal.

“The servant does not deserve thanks for what his station demands. When you have done all these things say “we are but unprofitable servants. We have done no more that is our duty.” Luke 17:10

This certainly goes against the voices in the world that tell us to grab for all the gusto we can. Rather, Jesus tells us “No. Whoever tries to gain his own life will lose it; but whoever loses themselves for my sake will gain it.” Mt. 10:39

So dear spouses and parents . . . congratulations . . . you have found the key to life’s meaning.

“Well done my good and faithful servant.” Mt. 25:21

Bless every mother’s child.

Fr. Tim