There was a beautiful “Prayer at The Foot of The Altar” at the beginning of mass some years ago. Translated from Latin it says, “I will go to the altar of God.” And the response of the altar server was, “To God, who restores the joy of my youth.”

I love that phrase . . . “the joy of my youth.” Some questions arise however: 1. What is that joy like? 2. What happened to it that it has to be restored? And 3. Why do I have to go to God to get it back?

1. Think back. What were the times that best captured the unique happiness you had as a kid? I think of Christmas morning (just before the presents were opened). Something new always got us, like the first snow, a new ball glove, a doll, new shoes, a bike or a sled (wow!). Maybe it was a trip to a far away place. (The Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls totally amazed me at age ten!)

But what defines “the joy of youth”? How is it different from middle age joy? I think it has something to do with the fact that there is nothing to temper it. A child has no accumulation of disappointing moments or fears of being tricked or laughed at. Happiness (like tears) comes quickly and sharply with no filters.

And one other thing (the best thing actually) . . . joy (in a young person’s head) will last forever. There’s been little experience of life’s eventual hurts and disappointments. There has yet to develop that callus we all acquire to deaden feelings and expectations of happiness. Remember summer as a kid? It’s going to last forever!

2. So what happened to this joy? Well, life happened. Tricks were played, lies told, promises broken, bicycles stolen, plans abandoned. You know, life here on earth. Welcome to the world kids. This is life after that mysterious fall of Adam and Eve.

We cover up, we hide our feelings, sarcasm becomes the adult form of humor. Being “on guard” is how we live now because, as “The Who” sings, “we won’t get fooled again”. And on guard we should be . . . there’s tough things out there.

3. So how does God, and only God, restore the joy of our youth? Quite simply God has provided the remedy for the dashed hopes of the human heart. The remedy does not turn us back into children hoping for a new pony. It points us to the original plan, the one lost so long ago.

God redirects our faulty longing . . . toward Him. All the false joys and counterfeit happiness fade away in the intense light of what God has given us in His Son Jesus Christ. Hear what St. Paul (the former cynic known as Saul) says of this new thing that God has done.

“We have peace now with God through our Lord Jesus Christ . . . and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we boast of our afflictions, knowing that they produce endurance, and endurance proven character, and character proven, hope.”

Paul goes on . . . “And this hope does not disappoint, be- cause the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5:5

It is this Hope that restores the joy of our youth. It made Paul say elsewhere, “there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rm 8:38

So the joy of our youth is restored. That’s right children; we’re going to be with God in His Kingdom . . . forever and ever. Yay!!!

Spread the good news.

Pictures, as the saying goes, are worth a thousand words. Whether it’s about “a feeling” or “an idea” or “something we believe in”, it helps to get a picture in our mind that captures the essence of what we’re thinking about.

So, I was thinking the other day of what the faith teaches about “the effects of Original Sin”. You remember Original Sin, right? In the mythic story, Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command to refrain from eating the fruit of that tree. It’s the God inspired picture of an event no one was there to record. It is a great mystery.

The catechism tells us that one of the effects of Original Sin has been the wounding of our human nature. That means the creature, man, made in God’s image, has forfeited his original holiness and justice and “is wounded in the natural powers proper to it.” (reason and will) (Catholic Catechesis #405). In short, we suffer ignorance about who we are, and in this ignorance we are inclined to sin. This leaning toward sin is called “concupiscence”.

So, here’s MY picture. See if this makes any sense. . . . I had an old VW “bug” way back in college. Great little vehicle – started up every time. One problem, it was out of alignment. Driving down the road, if you let go of the wheel, before long it would pull left and take you into the oncoming lane. It wouldn’t happen all at once, but you could feel a leaning. Like the car had a mind of its own, it pulled you into the other lane. To counteract this you had to drive with the wheel pegged to the right. This would keep the car in the proper lane heading straight.

It is the same with us humans. If we let go of the wheel, if we don’t take control over the direction of our lives, we eventually “pull into the wrong lane”.

Each of us experience this pull in our own way. (The classic “pulls” are called the Capital Sins – pride, envy, anger, gluttony, lust, jealousy and sloth). What’s yours?!! The church’s teaching about the effects of Original Sin makes great sense. It’s a pull, an inclination. Going our own way, without God’s will to guide us, sooner or later we fall. Everyone sins.

Don’t be shocked that you have this tendency to sin – – – everybody has it (except Jesus and Mary – but that’s another story!) We’re in a battle. Be ready to fight. Some battles we win; some we lose. But, we don’t give up the fight.

The good news is that we’ve got the power to overcome this misalignment. Be aware of the pull “and keep our hands on the wheel”!!

Pray and recognize your tendency, and ask God to help correct your alignment. Ask for the strength and avoid the places and things that approach you with the familiar enticements that sin brings with it.

Don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to keep in the proper lane. A priest might be able to help you here. Certainly the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation (Confession) is a great source of strength and realignment.

Lastly, do really fun things. The devil hates it when people can laugh at themselves and share friendship with others who are keeping their hands on the wheel.

Please enjoy this summer. God will be pleased if we celebrate this wonderful gift.

Fr. Tim

I’m sure you know people (good people) who have opted to leave organized religion or see the teachings of the Church as irrelevant. “I believe in God, just not all the things we read in the Bible or gets taught in church. Science is my guide to what’s real in the universe. God is a spiritual feeling no one can explain.”

Reflecting on God and science, it seems they describe two different worlds. The world of science and nature is the one that roots us in our daily lives. Religion on the other hand, is about a world we cannot see.

When discussing religion we often feel our knowledge of this world (astronomy for example) gets placed on the shelf. Religion describes a different world. For example, the Creed says Jesus “came down from heaven”, “he suffered death and was buried . . . and rose again”, then he “ascended into heaven”, and “is seated at the right hand of the Father.”

The words seem to indicate a heaven situated a few miles above us, from which he “came down” and then “ascended” back. It’s like a palace in the air with two chairs set side by side. One chair is for God the Father (he’s the older looking one with the silver hair); the other for the Son (who’s a youngish man (33) wearing sandals and a beard. This is Heaven.

Add to this Jesus saying, “in my Father’s house there are many mansions. . . I am going to prepare a place for you.” Jn. 14:2 and one can imagine a place not unlike Candyland. There’s the Candy Castle and there on his throne is King Candy.

I’m not trying to be a smart aleck here. This is what the words of the Bible can cause us to imagine about God and Jesus and heaven. And these imaginings can seem childish next to the hard and scary facts about the limitless cosmos. Many rightfully reject the Candy Castle Religion, see religion as irrelevant and trust their own instincts to show them the way.

What can we say to help here? I think the first thing to remember is the difference between believing and imagining. “I believe in God the Father Almighty maker of heaven and earth.” This is a statement of faith . . . there is one God, and all that is, comes from God.

But then we imagine. “What did making the earth look like?” Michelangelo tried his brilliant best in the Sistine Chapel. Remember that painting of God the Father on the cloud reaching out with his divine finger to touch the finger of the sleeping Adam? Did it really look like that? No. But does it convey a truth? Of course. God created us.

Or the story of Adam and Eve, the Serpent and the Apple. Did the “Fall of humanity” look like that? No. But is it true? Was there a moment, when, by the actions of the first human couple, we have become strangers to God and to ourselves? Absolutely true!! (Read St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans Ch. 7). Think about it the next time you feel life is some huge accident or you are anxious to lock your door at night.

*** The WHAT? . . . God the Eternal has come into our world from outside time and space to become one with the human race in the man Jesus.

*** The IMAGINING? . . . the Nativity scene or most any Christmas card.

The church wants us to know what is true; then artists and poets imagine the visuals. Some are helpful and inspiring. Some are silly and wrong.

There’s lots more to talk about here. Another time perhaps.

Bless your summer days.

Fr. Tim

My Mother was second born of ten children (5 girls and 5 boys). Their father died when the youngest (Ruthie) was only 2. My mother and her siblings quickly learned that life was a serious matter of finding work and putting food on their large dining room table.

The Depression added to the difficulty that all families were facing. Personal plans for marriage and children were put on hold so one could remain close to home and help pay the bills.

Mom was quite satisfied living her single life. She had found a good job as a secretary in a paper company, she had friends and all those siblings for fun and company . . . until Phil showed up. Phil is my dad. He took young Rosemary “away from her family.”

In fact all nine married . . . all except Margaret. She never married, (why I don’t know . . . that’s none of my business). But I can tell you she was my favorite among all my aunts and uncles. “Aunt Peggy” had a special way about her. She remembered you in a way that made you feel like she really cared – – not just on your birthday.

She was light hearted and fun, and laughed at her brothers and sister’s sometimes too serious approach to life. Peggy would light up a room with her happy ways.

And this is the point . . . happiness comes in many different ways. Sometimes we think “I’ll never be happy until I . . . get married, have children/grandchildren, get the job/promotion, find the dream house, retire etc.”

No, the single life can be a special calling to a lived freedom that most others, because of family obligations, can- not maintain. Properly lived, it is a freedom “for others”.

The single Christian can:

• Be a dear friend to many (beyond the friendship hus- bands and wives can offer).
• Keep our deepest worries and fears . . . secret.
• Be a voice of guidance and encouragement to children/grandchildren in a way parents can’t.
• Be a source of fun (and sometimes money!) for friends that have grown weary of life.
• Come at a moments notice when needed.
• Be a sign of Christ (He was single).
• Totally devote yourself to whatever is your passion.
• Travel.
• Not pulled by a 1000 interruptions, you can really listen to others.
• Go on retreat. Learn to pray. Find out “Who am I?”
• Give your gift of time to those who need someone to be with them.
• Read. Learn something.
• Spend the gift of time and freedom for some “cause” that will make this a better world.

Please know how much we love and need our single brothers and sisters. You bring friendship, joy and fun to your family and friends.

God bless and keep us all.

Fr. Tim

I hope by now you know how happy Fr. John and I are being priests. I’ve told many young men that, were I given the opportunity to choose my life over again, I’d be a priest. I just like it. It fits me.

Perhaps the biggest reason it feels right is that I think God wanted me to be a priest. It was His idea first . . . and then ever respectful of my freedom, God found ways to get me thinking about this way of life. It makes me happy to think God has an opinion about what we should do with our lives.

He never forced me with fear or guilt. God used natural, human things to get my attention . . . comments of people who knew me well, watching some priests who I liked a lot (seeing their happiness and humor), feeling a desire to help people, realizing that we’re only here in this world for a while . . . all contributed to a growing feeling that God was calling me to live my life as a priest.

It wasn’t easy to hear God’s voice calling. It requires listening in prayer, a careful examination of your heart and its feelings, and hardest of all was trying to find “my heart’s desire.” In the end it came down to the Lord asking, “Tim, who will you give it all to?” And the answer – – though it took a while – – was “I want to give it all to you, Jesus. I want to be so filled up with you that all I want is to “be yours”. (I’m guessing this is how brides feel on their wedding day.) “And then, I want to share you with people, Jesus, and do the things that will help people get to heaven.” For me that said “be a priest.”

That’s my story in three paragraphs! It certainly wasn’t my mother and father’s story. It’s probably not your story either. Most people don’t have that odd appeal toward a celibate life lived for the purpose of spreading Christ’s Kingdom. I mean really, let’s face it, it’s pretty different.

But . . . . your story and my story have that most important aspect in common, “Who will you die for?” Or, to put it in a slightly milder way, what is there in your life that you would be willing to sacrifice it all for? That’s God’s invitation to you. That’s your vocation.

For my father it was a beautiful woman named Rosemary. For mom it was her husband and her children. And they did. They laid it down, for each other and for us children.

And do you know who in the end we all lay it down for? Teacher, parent, spouse, priest, musician, poet, carpenter, farmer, soldier, cop, nurse, bus driver . . . we are all called to lay it down for Christ.

Yes that’s right! You have a vocation to give your life to Christ, to be at His service each day of your life. The only problem is we don’t see Him. Know why we don’t see Him? Because He’s hiding!

He’s hiding in the face of your spouse, your students, customers, friends, enemies, your children, your parents, your neighbor, your check out person, and yes, even the cable guy! Yes, all human kind is united to Christ in the moment of the Incarnation and now in the Resurrection.

You get it, right? “Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.” Mk. 8:35. We are the only creature made by God that comes to understand their life by giving it away. That’s all of our vocations — to lay it down in love.

Because Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Happy summer days!

Fr. Tim

Deacon John Juneau at the Cathedral Parish told me this story. I think it’s a great example of a modern day parable. After reading this, see if you can summarize its meaning in a single sentence.

A famous professor, known for her ability to engage her students, began the lecture one day by holding up a crisp new $20 bill. “Anyone who would like this piece of paper raise your hand.” All hands went up.

Next she crinkled the twenty into a little ball. “Who wants this piece of paper now?” Again all hands were raised. Unfolding the wadded twenty, she wiped it across the chalk board. “Still want this?” All hands raised.

On she went, grinding it with her shoe, slamming the door on it, finally dunking it into her morning coffee. “Who wants this now?” Everyone raised their hands wanting to get this filthy, soaking, ragged $20 bill.

Two questions:

So what’s the meaning? Try saying it in one sentence.
Do you see any lesson it might have for human beings? (Think about yours. Then see mine (upside down!)

My Answers:

Video Ministry

Holy Trinity Livestream

It was with great excitement that Holy Trinity broadcast our Sunday Mass to the internet (Livestream) this past weekend! You can view Mass live at the time of streaming, (Sunday’s at 10:30 am. and throughout the following week.

Livestream is a great option for those who are unable to come to Mass on a given Sunday or who would like to review Sunday’s Mass later in the week for the purposes of prayer.

If you are not someone who uses the internet on a regular basis, it can be intimidating.

So how do YOU get to enjoy this new feature at Holy Trinity?

Watching Livestream 101:

• You will need to have internet access via computer, tablet, smart phone or smart TV.
• Go to Holy Trinity’s website holytrinityweb.com.
• On the left side of the home page, click on the link that says “Watch Sunday Mass LIVE”. This will take you to the Livestream website.
• To start the video, simply press the “play arrow” in the center of the video.

If you have any questions, please contact Helen Sleeman hsleeman@dor.org / 265-1616 ext. 337.

There are many answers to this question. A couple simple ones come to mind:
–It’s a place that has a church building and a parking lot.
–It’s where I go to mass on Sunday.
–It’s where you belong, so when the time comes, you can get married or buried.

Canon Law (rules for church governance) says a parish is a geographical area in which baptized Catholics reside and are offered spiritual aid (religious education and the sacraments).

But this description is rather dry and formal. What is your description? . . . not just any parish but your parish . . . what describes the parish you want to belong to? Here’s mine.

I want my parish to be:

• A place where I can find peace in times of trouble.
• A people who try to do what Christ did.
• A place where I am welcomed just as I am.
• A place where I can learn and grow in my faith.
• A people who are humble and quick to know where we need to do better.
• A people who welcome and learn from the “newcomer”.
• Where I experience God in the liturgy.
• Where I see and hear about opportunities to help others.
• Where our children learn about Christ in a formative and compelling way.
• Where my faith finds practical and creative ways to aid the complex problems of the world.
• Where I can grow in my faith and knowledge of God.
• Where I can learn how to pray.
• Where I meet fun, happy, kind and gentle people.
• Where hope is renewed.
• Where I am continually invited and connected to effective social ministry.
• Where I learn how to bring Christ to others . . .

I could list about 50 more, but it would only bore you. Anyway these are my hopes for this parish . . . Holy Trinity. We are not perfect by any means . . . but we’re trying. I hope you find something of interest in the weekly bulletin/web site. Won’t you join us in trying to make a difference in this world for Jesus Christ?

If you are new to the parish and feel as if none of the things I’ve listed above have happened to you – – – call me. Or write to me . . fhoran@dor.org. Tell me how you’ve found things so far at Holy Trinity. I, or someone on the staff, will be in touch with you (if you wish) to further the conversation.

In the meantime . . . God bless your week.

Fr. Tim

Christianity is the single most important event in human history. It has given us an understanding of who we are as human beings and the gift of freedom that is the essence of our nature.

Think of it. First, through its older sister, Judaism, Christianity has come to know that there is one God. This one God has created the world as a reflection of his goodness. The man and the woman are the Crown of that creation and bear a resemblance to the Creator like no other creature in the universe.

In Jesus Christ we come to know our purpose in life here on earth (to love God and our neighbor as ourselves). And by his Resurrection we know that in Christ we are called to be with God forever.

This astounding fact has set us FREE. The chains of the primeval world are broken. Previous powers such as idolatry, superstition (no more rabbit’s foots!), and magic have been shown for what they are – – shadows.

The accomplishments of Christianity have changed the world, giving birth to such things as democracy, universities, science and scientific methods, medicine, modern art, farming, and charity toward the poor.

All these human developments come from two pillars of Christian faith: 1. The world is good and dependable in its existence and 2. It all finds its meaning in love.

So full of this awareness was St. Augustine that he told his students, “love . . . . then do as you want.” Jesus tells us, “Obey my teaching and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Jn. 8:31

Freedom becomes like the air we breathe. In God’s plan freedom has a purpose – – to serve goodness and truth. It is responsible to its creator.

And here is the problem. All is not yet well. You see, this world, in spite of over 2000 yrs. of Christianity, is still in process.

The wound dealt to God’s creation by the free disobedience of the human race continues to affect every one of us.

And the wound? A hunger for autonomy from God, a desire to be free from any norm that requires my obedience. We all have this. Call it what you want, “my bad self”, “selfishness”, “the rebel in me”. Faith calls it “sin” . . . in you and me and the world.

Anyone over six years of age has experienced this strange and intoxicating desire. Most of us learn the hard way; we follow these impulses toward pleasure, excitement, and self-gratification till we discover that their promise of happiness was a lie.

So how do we get it right? The first thing we need to do (and if this doesn’t happen we’re lost!) is realize we have this rebel in us. (Please tell me you’ve met this part of yourself, right? That rebel . . . you!) We need to realize our love for “bread and circuses” is real, and in the end, if left unimpeded, will take us to our spiritual death. St. Paul says we “become slaves/addicts of sin”.

So what about this freedom that we have in Christ? It is to freely follow his way. Loving God and his commands and loving our neighbor as self. Simple. Not easy. We’re going to need some help here. We can’t heal our wounded spirit.

Here’s where the Holy Spirit comes in. “The Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God’s children . . . and since we are his children we will possess with Christ what God has kept for him.” “For there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:17, 39.

Is this life of Christian Faith amazing or what?!! So be free . . . and behave yourselves.

Fr. Tim

I would like to share with you a bit of unfailing advice that was given to me some years ago by a holy and beloved priest friend. Like any helpful bit of wisdom it’s short and simple . . . God’s will for me is straight ahead.

Let me explain.

It is in our human nature to want to organize our lives in such a way that our choices would lead to happiness. Part of this “happiness” is to experience a freedom to choose, to direct, to pilot our own lives. Critical to this is having “options”. We don’t like it when we have no choice in what we do.

The problem comes when we start to see ourselves as “independent” operators. The temptation to want TOTAL freedom in directing our lives gives rise to some unhappy results. It creates an appetite that expects no restrictions; inconveniences or frustrations are the cause of anger and resentment. There’s no Co-pilot. I’m in charge, so things better obey me.

No. Our freedom is best exercised when it is done in “partnership” with the One who gave us our freedom in the first place . . . God of course. What does this partnership look and feel like?

It’s called THE PRESENT MOMENT. The right here, right now of our life. And here’s the trick (don’t miss this). Don’t go looking for God’s will “over there” or “later this year” or “when I graduate, get the job, get married, move out”.

No, God’s will is right NOW, in this moment. Do you want to know what you should do next to find the peace that comes in living in union with God? Look straight ahead. Here are some pointers:

• What promises have you made to people? Keep them.
• What obligation or duty do you carry as spouse, parent, employee, student, friend? Do your duty.
• What does your conscience tell you about the good to do or evil to avoid in this moment? Do that.
• What you wish people would do/be for you? . . . do that for them.
• Common sense is a great pointer to God’s will. Big test tomorrow? God’s will? Study!

Friends this is a recipe for happiness. A happiness different than the one offered by the world. This is one that comes with being right with God.

When we say “straight ahead” we mean no unnecessary delay (let’s wait until . . .). Also, no adding needless “what ifs?” or fears about failure; these only serve to keep us from giving ourselves wholeheartedly to the moment.

I remember getting to the point where if I didn’t call the Rector of the seminary now, I NEVER will. Too many other things were calling out to me from various side roads. What about this? What about that? Thank God I made the call. Straight ahead.

Surprisingly God’s will when we are younger is “to move”, “to go”, “to try out”. When we are older “straight ahead” more often means to stay where you are. To persevere in one’s duty. To embrace the daily grind. To finish the job.

And what are the signs that happen in us when we’ve done God’s will? St. Paul tells us in Galatians. “But the Spirit (God’s will for us) produces, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, humility, and self-control.” Gal. 5:22

So straight ahead. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you to see and feel what is right in front of you in this holy moment.

Bless your summer days.

Fr. Tim

I write this Monday, June 20, the first day of summer. I’ve just come back from a weekend of golf with some old college friends. We go back over forty years together.

We played a course about ten miles south of Jamestown in the beautiful hills looking into Pennsylvania. Guess what? We saw a bear! A big black bear. It was running across a fairway. It was very beautiful.

Later I wondered what the bear was thinking as he looked at all the orange and red shirted golfers . . . “hmmm. Hunters in shorts . . . no guns. Yummy!”

All this to say I intend to enjoy these brief summer weeks. I hope you will do the same. I hope to get back to Ohio a couple times midweek to see my sisters. Toward the end of the summer I’ll be celebrating mass at our fiftieth high school reunion (Class of ’66).

I want to read a couple books I’ve had on my desk for some months. I’m starting to carve out time at night to enjoy an old pleasure — reading. And golf, of course, will be a weekly occurrence.

So what are you doing these summer days? Please take time to savor this beautiful season. God was so kind and brilliant when he made us in such a way that we could enjoy stuff. When he gave us the ability to stand outside the moment to observe what is happening. Every time you say, “Wow, that was fun!”, you are experiencing God’s gift to the human being.

Think of it. Every other creature . . . just is. There are no weekends or vacations or road trips for that black bear. He just lives in the forest paying no mind to the golf balls that land in woods from time to time.

No, we’re the creature that can look around and see the wonder that is all around us. Read Psalm 8 for a great description of this moment of wonder.

“O Lord, your greatness is seen in all the world! Your praise reaches up to the heavens; it is sung by children and babes.

What is man, O Lord, that you think of him . . . that you care for him?

Yet you have made him little less than a god. You have given him rule over the works of your hands, put all things at his feet. O Lord your greatness is seen in all the world.”

The work continues, of course. The Facilities Committee is looking into re-lamping the nave of the church with LED lighting. These lights were designed and arranged by Rambusch Inc. in 1968. Much has changed since then in the move from incandescent light to the cooler, longer lasting LED light. A part of the job will be to connect a dimmer system to the new lights which will do away with the breaker panel we’ve been using since 217 BC!

It’s going to cost a few dollars, but energy savings over three years will pay us back. I’ll keep you informed.

Lastly . . . watch this space . . . it’s gone. At least for the summertime. Horan’s front page article will go away. In it’s place will be day old bread. (Things we’ve read be- fore but are so important, I want you to read them again!!)

Have a wonderful Summer.

See you in church.

Fr. Tim