Saint Peter and Saint Paul

 

Dear Parishioners,

St. Peter the Apostle (a.k.a. Simon) was personally chosen by Christ to head what would become known as the Catholic Church. “ . . . You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church.” (Mt. 16:18) Peter was a weak, imperfect man. He denied Christ three times. He fled the crucifixion scene. Peter fell asleep when Christ asked him (and others) to pray with Him in the garden of Gethsemane. Christ strongly rebuked Peter when he tried to contradict Christ’s prediction of His future suffering and cross. “[Jesus] turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.’” (Mt. 16: 23) Nevertheless, Peter became the leader that Christ wanted for His Church.

St. Paul (a.k.a. Saul) initially persecuted the early Church:

“Now Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains.” (Acts 9: 1-2)

He had some culpability for the death of St. Stephen. “Now Saul was consenting to [Stephen’s] execution.” (Acts 8: 1) Yet, Christ had other plans for him. Eventually he become known as the Apostle to the Gentiles willing to go far and wide to proclaim Jesus is Lord. (See Phil. 2:11)

What lessons can we learn from Christ’s choice of these two men? First, Christ does not necessarily choose only the perfect, the holy, the best or the brightest. He chooses sinners, the weak, the lowly, and the seemingly insignificant. He chooses whomever He wills in spite of what others may think. After all, He is God.

Next, Christ has the power to transform even the worst possible situation into something holy and salvific. Peter and Paul were sinners who became saints. They did not initially act in accordance with what Christ intended for His Church. However, with the grace of God’s transformative love, they became holy. They learned to love Christ. They suffered and died for Him. They are officially recognized as saints. The Church’s history is filled with many such scenarios.

Additionally, we see how it is the power of Christ that works through these men and sometimes in spite of them. Peter could only walk on water when he kept his eyes focused on Christ. Otherwise he sank. (See Mt. 14: 22-33) Paul’s zeal for his religion was initially misdirected to destroy Christianity until Christ turned him around and allowed him to see clearly. He then became one of Christianity’s greatest proponents and missionaries.

Tradition has it that Peter was eventually crucified like Jesus. However, he requested to die upside down because he was not worthy to die in the manner his Lord had died. Paul, after a time of imprisonment, was beheaded. Peter is symbolized by keys illustrating his binding and loosing power as head of the Church. Paul is symbolized by the sword indicating the power Sacred Scripture has to pierce one’s being (See Heb. 4: 12) as well as the manner of his death.

As we honor these two great Church leaders on this solemnity, may we aspire to be transformed in like manner by Jesus into zealous disciples.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for Trinity Sunday "C" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

An Eternal Exchange of Love

Dear Parishioners,

On this Trinity Sunday, I share some reflections on the Holy Trinity—a most profound mystery of our faith.

First, we should realize that Jesus opened up for us the inner life of God. He revealed that God was a Trinity of Persons. Recall, the Jewish people are strict monotheists—Hear O Israel!  The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! (Dt. 6: 4)—and they held on to this belief despite being surrounded, invaded and conquered by various polytheistic cultures (e.g., Rome). However, Jesus began to teach his disciples God is Father—His Father—and this must have caused significant concern for those around Him. He equated Himself with God, His Father:  The Father and I are one. (Jn. 10:30) What exactly does He mean? He also promised to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples once He was gone: But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you (Jn. 16: 7). There is no natural way that we could figure out on our own that God was a Trinity of Persons without Jesus revealing this mystery to us.

Next, we are told that God is love (1 Jn. 4:8) Therefore, the experience of love itself seems to indicate that there should be a lover and a beloved. Within the Trinity, the Father loves the Son from all eternity and the Son loves the Father from all eternity. The love between the two is also a Person: the Holy Spirit. 

God's very being is love. By sending his only Son and the Spirit of Love in the fullness of time, God has revealed his innermost secret: God himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and he has destined us to share in that exchange.  (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC # 221)

I contend that things in this world reflect and model for us certain eternal truths—albeit imperfectly—and help us to understand some mysteries of our faith better. Take the example of a family. A husband loves his wife and the wife loves her husband. Their love for each other can be manifest in a child who is the result of their love for each other. In essence, there is a type of a Trinitarian love involved here: the love between husband, wife and child. Again, the example is not perfect as God is uncreated, but it does shed some light on an otherwise complicated topic.

Another example from our life experience helps us with our understanding the Trinity. Take H₂O which can appear in nature as water, steam or ice. All three have the same chemical composition but can appear in different forms depending on temperature. This helps us to see how something can be three and one at the very same time. Our belief in the Holy Trinity teaches that there are Three Divine Persons in the One True God.

Every time you make the Sign of the Cross, think about how we acknowledge our belief in the Holy Trinity. By God’s immense love for us, we are invited to share in the life of the Trinity and to dwell one day within that eternal exchange of love. 

The whole idea can indeed be mind-boggling.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for Pentecost Sunday 2025 - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I Place my Trust in Thee

Dear Parishioners,

In the Catholic Church, the month of June is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I think it is no mere coincidence that the secular world puts an emphasis on something contrary to Christ and the teaching of His Church. Rebellious human beings would rather act defiant to God’s design and try to tell God how they should be allowed to live and act. The first deadly sin—pride—once again rears its ugly head.   

For fourteen years of my life I had worked at a high school named for Our Lord’s Sacred Heart. The motto of the school was: Fac Cor Nostrum Secundum Cor Tuum. (The translation of the Latin:  Make our hearts like unto Thine or Make our hearts like Your Heart.)

The image of the Sacred Heart centers on a devotion to Jesus’ physical heart as representing His Divine Love for all humanity. The Sacred Heart is often depicted in Christian art as a flaming heart shining with divine light. It is bleeding, pierced by the lance-wound, surrounded by a crown of thorns, and surmounted by a cross. The wounds and crown of thorns allude to the manner of Jesus' death, while the fire represents the transformative power of Christ’s love.

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque is associated with the devotion to the Sacred Heart. She entered the Visitation Convent in 1671 and six years later Christ appeared to her in a vision in which she said: "I could plainly see His heart, pierced and bleeding, yet there were flames, too, coming from it and a crown of thorns around it. He told me to behold His heart which so loved humanity. Then He seemed to take my very heart from me and place it there in His heart. In return He gave me back part of His flaming heart."

In all, there were four revelations, during which the now-familiar Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart were made:

1.       I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

2.       I will establish peace in their homes.

3.       I will comfort them in all their afflictions.

4.       I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.

5.       I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.

6.       Sinners will find in my Heart the source and an infinite ocean of mercy.

7.       Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.

8.       Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.

9.       I will bless every place in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored.

10.   I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

11.   Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart.

12.   I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment. 

The last of these promises is responsible for the nine First Fridays’ devotion. Also requested by Jesus was the establishment of a feast in honor of His Sacred Heart. We now celebrate this Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on the first Friday after the octave of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. This year it falls on June 27, 2025. Additionally, we honor the Sacred Heart every first Friday of the month. It is also a Catholic tradition to have an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus enthroned in the family home.

Now that you have a brief history, what truly matters is whether or not we are becoming more Christ-like and whether our hearts reflect Christ’s love for us.

The simple prayer said — Make my heart like Your Heart — should remind us of the task in front of each of us.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the Ascension of Our Lord "C" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter "C" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

40 Hours Devotion and Corpus Christi

Dear Parishioners,

Beginning Thursday night (6/19/25) with a 7 PM Mass in St. Thomas More Church, we will offer the opportunity for prayer and adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament around the clock, commonly known as the Forty Hours Devotion. We will have two Masses on Friday (6/20/25) at 9 AM and 7 PM and conclude on Saturday evening (6/21/25) at the 4:30 PM Vigil Mass for Corpus Christi with a Eucharistic Procession at the conclusion of Mass. I have asked Fr. Joseph Szolack, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Blackwood, to be the guest preacher. All Masses and Eucharistic Adoration will be in the church, not the chapel. 

This Forty Hours Devotion, which can be traced to Milan, Italy around the year 1530, is a formalized period of prayer and adoration centering on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Prior to this period in the Catholic Church’s history, there were times of exposition and benediction, Eucharistic processions and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle. However, both Saints Philip Neri and Ignatius of Loyola instituted the Forty Hours Devotion (with reference to Jesus’ 40 hours in the tomb and recalling other biblical citations in which the symbolic number 40 was specified) in reparation for sin.

Fr. William Saunders, whom I knew from my college seminary days, wrote a rather thorough article, “40 Hours with Jesus Christ,” originally for his diocesan paper (Arlington Catholic Herald) describing this devotion. I quote from a part of it here:

While the Mass is the central act of worship for us Catholics, an act which participates in the eternal reality of our Lord's passion, death, and resurrection, Vatican Council II upheld and encouraged the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass. Of course such devotion derives from the sacrifice of the Mass and moves the faithful to both sacramental and spiritual communion with our Lord (Eucharisticum Mysterium, #50). . . . Pope John Paul II has repeatedly "highly recommended" public and private devotion of the Blessed Sacrament, including processions on the Feast of Corpus Christi and the 40 Hours Devotion (cf. Dominicae Cenae, #3, and Inaestimabile Donum, #20-22).

It was the 4th Bishop of Philadelphia, St. John Neumann who was a strong promoter of this devotion in his diocese. The practice would also spread to our area of New Jersey and beyond.

After considering this brief history lesson and the official encouragement by saints, popes and church documents, I really think that the essence of this devotion comes down to our belief—our deep faith—in Jesus’ Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. If Jesus is really there, why wouldn’t we want to spend time with Him in prayer?

I can simply relate to you from my own personal experience that spending time with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist has been for me my most fruitful times of prayer beyond comparison. I love the Holy Eucharist in all of its dimensions—from offering the Mass to the reception of Holy Communion to adoring and worshiping Jesus’ Real Presence in the tabernacle / monstrance. Jesus is present throughout—Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.

Those that I know (and have known) who have prayed in the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament have overwhelmingly come to appreciate what a most precious gift we have. The Mass is so much more meaningful. The reading of the Sacred Scriptures becomes alive and motivating. The inspiration and wisdom that comes from sitting at the feet of the Master is beyond price!

I invite you to come to Mass and to spend some time during these days—June 19th to June 21st—with our Eucharistic Lord. Please sign up so that all the time slots are filled! Our Lord deserves nothing less.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter "C" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

2025: A Jubilee Year of Hope

 

Dear Parishioners,

Let me begin my writing by expressing my total surprise at the election of Pope Leo XIV. Something I thought absolutely certain was that there would never be an American-born pope in my lifetime. Like so many others, I was completely wrong. With his missionary experience, worldwide perspective, Augustinian spirit, devotion to the Blessed Mother, love of the poor, proven intellect, leadership skills, grasp of languages and gentle, humble demeanor, he appears to be a great choice by the cardinals. The passing of time will truly tell the whole story.

Additionally, our relatively new Bishop Joseph A. Williams is guiding the Camden diocese with an emphasis on prayer as the center of all things, including the search for a Vicar for Prayer. This newly established position shows the priority our bishop has on prayer in the lives of the clergy and the faithful. I am proud to say that we, at St. Thomas More Parish, have a solid group of daily Mass attendees who also pray the rosary afterward and regularly spend time in Eucharistic adoration. I think this is an important step in the right direction and a core group upon which we can certainly build. Moreover, the bishop's concern for vocations to the priesthood and religious life needs to grounded in prayer to the master of the harvest to send out workers (Mt. 9:38) as Jesus taught.

A few weeks ago I mentioned that we are currently in a Jubilee Year of Hope in the Catholic Church. Such a Jubilee Year has its origin in Sacred Scripture, specifically the Book of Leviticus, chapter 25. The ram's horn would sound announcing the Day of Atonement beginning a sacred 50th year of Jubilee for the Jewish people. Characteristic of the year, according to jubilee and biblical scholar Dr. John Bergsma, is the forgiveness of sin, freedom from debt (and slavery), reunion and restoration of family lands leading to the fullness of all prophetic expectations. What is emphasized at this time of jubilee is redemption by God, release from bondage, restoration of family and rest form work.

Think of what Jesus says when He begins his public ministry according to the Gospel of St. Luke:

[Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4: 16-21)

Ultimately, Jesus fulfilled all ancient Jewish jubilee and prophetic expectations  by redeeming us on the cross, releasing us from our slavery to sin and death, restoring our spiritual family relationship through the Catholic Church and providing eternal rest for body and soul.

To benefit from the special graces offered us during this Jubilee Year of Hope we should, first of all, participate in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation frequently. We should become aware and partake in the various recommended actions granting an indulgence to alleviate the temporal punishment for sin—both for ourselves and our deceased loved ones. We can make a spiritual pilgrimage to a designated church or shrine (holy sites). We should engage more fully in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Active participation rather than passive observation should be our goal for this extraordinary year of hope.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter "C" (with 1st Holy Communion) - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

You're Invited!

Dear Parishioners,

On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, after the 11 AM Mass you are invited to attend our Meet the Ministries Luncheon.

Primarily, we want to bring our parishioners together for a social opportunity in which we can meet one another and be introduced to the various groups, ministries and organizations currently active in the parish. In our parish hall (and the adjacent courtyard, weather permitting), we will have tables of representatives from the various parish organizations and ministries explaining who they are, what they do, when they meet, etc. We encourage our parishioners to find out more about the various ministry opportunities currently available in our parish.

Pentecost is seen as the birthday of the Church when the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church came alive and began to spread from those tongues of fire which the early Church received from God (see Acts 2 ff.) It is my hope and prayer that the same Holy Spirit will help our parish to grow and flourish in various ways as we join together, first in prayer and worship, then in fellowship leading to ongoing Christian service.

You are invited to hear more about our catechists, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers, choir/music ministry, and ushers. You can see what is involved with Faith and Justice, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul, Small Christian Communities, Spanish Ministry, etc. Maybe you would like to be part of bereavement/consolation, volunteer to work in the parish office, consider preparing the altar linens, be a member of the pastoral/parish council, go on a retreat, help plan a parish picnic, assist decorating the church or see where you might find your particular niche within our parish.

In my various assignments as pastor, people would sometimes say they were “never invited” or that only a “select group of people” did everything. Well, you are hereby invited to come and see. You are invited to join us for lunch. You are invited to meet other parishioners. You are invited to consider getting involved in whatever capacity you may see yourself being drawn.

We all should realize that the Church is considered Catholic or universal for a reason. The Gospel message goes out to all the world and people are invited to respond to the invitation of the Lord. God never forces us to do anything. He freely invites us to “Come and See” (Jn. 1:39) to “Follow Me” (Jn. 1:43) and to “Make Disciples” (Mt. 28:19). As your current shepherd, I should follow Christ’s example. I extend my personal invitation to all my parishioners to help build and grow this parish for the greater honor and glory of God. I cannot do this alone!

If you plan to attend our luncheon, please notify the parish office before June 1 indicating your name and the number of people coming so that we can adequately plan for lunch. We want this to be a memorable time for all. However, I do not have the ability to multiply loaves and fish on the spot as Jesus did, so please let us know you are coming!

May the Holy Spirit continue to build, strengthen and guide the Church and our parish! Please do your part to make this happen!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Mother's Day!

Dear Parishioners,

I wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers this weekend.

Having lost my mother over a year ago at the age of 90, I still miss seeing her and hearing her voice. She and I became very close over the years as I was her oldest and only unmarried child. I had time to visit her at home (usually weekly), to vacation with her and to act as her "social director" during the many years she was able to travel. We would go out to dinner, go to the movies, go to the beach, and attend various theater performances, etc. for the many years after my dad passed (in 1995).   

For most people there is a special bond between mother and child. Our mothers carry us in their wombs for nine months. They endure the pangs of birth. They feed us, bathe us, clean up after us, teach us, comfort us, caress us and, most importantly, love us.

How often they are willing to sacrifice for us!

Thanks moms for your strength, patience and ability to make things better by your calming and reassuring presence. Whenever we take you for granted or forget what you have done for us over the years, we apologize. You deserve better from us.

We love you!

For those who have lost their earthly mothers like me, please remember to pray for them and have Masses offered for them. Our faith teaches us, whether they are in purgatory or in heaven, they can pray for us! Let’s aid them in getting to heaven by offering our prayers, Masses and sacrifices for them. 

In addition to our biological (or adoptive) mothers, I think that it is also important to remember to honor our Spiritual Mother as well. Our Blessed Lady should play an essential role in the lives of Catholics and indeed all Christians. She was given to us as our mother through St. John at the foot of the cross: 

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.  (John 19: 26-27)

We honor Our Lady as our Queen and Mother. After First Holy Communion last week, we crowned her at the 11 AM Mass. We pray that she will continue to intercede for her children here on earth and we place our confident hope and trust in her.

We need to ask her continually to pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Pray her Rosary and meditate upon the mysteries of our faith. You can also choose to wear a Miraculous Medal, Brown Scapular or some other outward sign of commitment/consecration to her care and protection. We desire to share eternity with her and her Son Jesus in His Heavenly reign.

Whether biological, adoptive or spiritual, Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers! 

Thanks for loving us!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Deep in the Heart of Texas

 

Dear Parishioners,

As I write, I am currently near Austin, Texas attending some days of continuing education courtesy of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. This is my fourth year participating in various conferences and workshops led by Catholic scholars including Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. John Bergsma, Dr. Jeff Morrow, Dr. Shane Owens and others. About 170 priests are in attendance from various parts of the United States and some other countries. The topic for this year is Jubilee, referencing the Jubilee Year of Hope that the Catholic Church has declared for the year 2025.

Being blunt, I would bet that many Catholics (and others) do not understand the concept of a Jubilee Year. I know I did not fully realize or appreciate its significance for the Church and its people. This week I am learning much about the biblical origin and history of a jubilee year and the connection that it has to the Jewish Sabbath and the Christian Lord's Day (Sunday). Jubilee is also associated with making a spiritual pilgrimage to a holy place, such as Rome.

A major premise made during the conferences was that we have to understand and re-establish the importance of the Lord's Day in our parishes in conjunction with any appreciation of a Jubilee Year for the Church. Sundays should be primarily set aside for Christian worship of God (going to Mass), for prayer, for works of charity, and for rest from unnecessary labor and other servile work (such as shopping and those various tasks that I did not have time to do during the rest of the week). This is a proper interpretation of Keeping the Lord's Day holy—the Third Commandment. Contemporary culture primarily sees Sunday as part of the weekend, often with little or no recognition of God, worship or some rejuvenating rest for body and soul.

In my opinion, various sports at all levels of competition have reigned as a false god for generations. I enjoy most sports as much as the next person, both to watch and as a participant. However, too often excuses are made that the kids have soccer or baseball on Sunday, that the weather is nice so dad went golfing or fishing (instead of attending Mass), that there's a playoff game on TV, etc., which allots an inordinate amount of time, money and/or energy to the sport. Much more time, money and energy can be invested in sports than is ever given to God in prayer or worship. An entire half-year of Sundays can be given to the NFL in "worship," just to reference one particular instance.

Then there are those who go to Saturday evening Mass to get it over with, to have more time for what I want to do on Sunday, so I can sleep in, etc. Sunday is nothing special or set apart for God. The obligation is fulfilled to attend Mass. Period.

How can we ever understand or recognize an entire jubilee year in a spiritual manner when we, as a culture, do not see the spiritual importance of Sunday as the Day of Resurrection where we weekly renew our covenant with the Lord and set the day apart from the activity of other days?

I will have more to say specifically on the Jubilee Year of Hope in future weeks. However, let me challenge everyone who calls himself or herself Catholic to examine the ways we may be ignoring or minimizing the commandment to Keep the Lord's Day Holy. It would make a good examination of conscience.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

   

Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Divine Mercy Sunday, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

The Sunday after Easter has been designated in the Catholic Church as Divine Mercy Sunday.

On April 30, 2000 (Divine Mercy Sunday of that year), Pope John Paul II canonized St. Maria Faustina of the Blessed Sacrament and designated the Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday.

According to the notebooks of Saint Faustina, Jesus made the following statements about this day:

On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. (Diary of Saint Faustina, # 699)

Devotion to Divine Mercy is also associated with an image painted as Jesus wished, based on descriptions by Saint Faustina. The words that accompany the image are "Jesus, I trust in Thee" ("Jezu, Ufam Tobie" in Polish). The rays coming from Jesus' body represent the Blood (red) and water (white) that poured forth from the wound He suffered when pierced by the lance. They are interpreted as representing the Holy Eucharist and Baptism.

The devotion is practiced by praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena to the Divine Mercy—both of which may be prayed at any time, but especially at "The Hour of Great Mercy"—3:00 PM, the hour our Lord died, and in conjunction with Divine Mercy Sunday.

I find it particularly interesting that after working to promote devotion to the Divine Mercy and even writing an encyclical about God’s Mercy—Dives in Misericordia or Rich in Mercy (1980)—Pope (now Saint) John Paul II died during the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday in 2005.

Is this just mere coincidence or another indication of the hand of God continually at work in our world?

Incidentally, Pope Francis’ funeral Mass is scheduled to be celebrated on the vigil of Divine Mercy (Saturday, April 26) this year.

May God show His Divine Mercy to Pope Francis and may the Holy Spirit guide the College of Cardinals to choose the person God wills to head the Holy Catholic Church as the next successor of St. Peter.

Jesus I trust in Thee!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Sr. Faustina

Homily for Easter Sunday 2025 - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Homily for Good Friday 2025 - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Homily for Holy Thursday 2025 - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Homily for Palm Sunday "C" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Easter: Christ is Risen!

Dear Parishioners,

An ancient Christian Easter (Paschal) greeting is the following: Christ is Risen! The other person would respond: He is Risen indeed!

What is your reaction to this statement?

When St. Paul went to Athens and spoke to the people there, the following occurred: “When they heard about resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, ‘We should like to hear you on this some other time.’” (Acts 17:32)

What happened on Easter Sunday is the most significant event for all humanity but especially for us as believing Christians. Christ rose from the dead demonstrating for all his divinity and giving us, His followers, the promise and hope of eternal life. Christ conquered sin and death. He now offers us a share in His Resurrection (eternal life).

So again I ask: What is your reaction?

Is it one that takes this event for granted? Is it one of intellectual curiosity like some of the Athenians? Is it one of doubt and confusion? Do we scoff with unbelief like some of the Athenians? (I would then have to question the very fact of your coming to church today, if that is the case.)

Or is your reaction one of belief, gratitude and hope? And if we do believe, does our belief express itself in the way we live our lives?

When we get to that point in our earthly journey when we realize our own mortality—we are all going to die—it is our belief in the Resurrection of Christ that turns despair and grief into life and hope.

I again refer to the words of St. Paul: “. . . If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” (1 Cor. 15:17-18)

I can only imagine the inexplicable joy that the apostles had when they saw Jesus alive again. I am sure that it surpassed their greatest expectations and gave them a faith in Christ that they would subsequently take to the ends of the earth. They would live and die for Christ, trying to spread His message of Good News—the Gospel. They would speak about resurrection and eternal life. They had their hope restored and they attempted to give others hope in Jesus.

This Easter I pray that you experience the joy of the Risen Christ. May your faith in Him and love for Him increase and radiate from your entire being. He is not dead but very much alive!

Today as a Church we boldly proclaim our belief in the Risen Lord. Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!  

Happy Easter!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Holy Week 2025

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we begin the most sacred week of the year for Christians. We recall Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. We are reminded of all that God has done for us in sending us His Only Begotten Son.

Palm Sunday recalls Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem. His royal reception sees Him being lauded by the crowd: Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.  (Mt. 21:9)  However, entering Jerusalem meant that Jesus was now ready to begin His bitter passion and to face death on a cross. The crowd quickly turned on Him as they chanted: Let him be crucified! . . . Let him be crucified!  (Mt. 27:  22-23)  We can see how quickly any glory and honor that the world may have for any of us can change to ridicule, scorn and even hatred. Sic transit gloria mundi.

On Holy Thursday (7:00 PM Mass) we recall the Last Supper where Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist and the Ministerial Priesthood. Priesthood and the Holy Eucharist are intimately connected: without the Priesthood, there would be no Holy Eucharist. Jesus’ actions also remind us of the call to service displayed by the mandatum or washing of the apostles’ feet.  Do you realize what I have done for you?  You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.   If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.  I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. (Jn. 13: 12-15)  The Blessed Sacrament will remain in the repository in our chapel until 10 PM, where there is time for silent prayer and adoration.

The liturgy of the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday (3 PM Service) has 3 main components: a reading of the passion account from St. John’s gospel followed by various intercessions, veneration of the cross and Holy Communion. Masses are not offered on Good Friday. In addition, the Stations of the Cross will be observed in the chapel at 7 PM. (This day remains a day of fast—one full meal—and abstinence from meat.)

The Easter Vigil (8 PM Mass) is not intended as a Mass to be rushed through quickly. (Please note: Mass usually lasts minimally about 2 hours.) There are so many beautiful parts that, if done reverently and properly, should not be hurried or omitted. We begin with a lighting of the Easter fire and a candlelight ceremony. Then follows the singing of the Exultet or Easter Proclamation. Salvation history is traced through a series of readings as the congregation is reminded of how God has continued to work in and through every age. After the readings comes the time to bring new members into the Catholic Church through Baptism and the reception of other Sacraments of Initiation—Confirmation & Holy Communion. (Unfortunately, there are no candidates or catechumens in our parish for the vigil Mass this year. We certainly need to encourage others among our family and friends who are not Catholic to consider becoming Catholic.) The Easter water is blessed at this time and sprinkled on the congregation as we renew our baptismal promises. Finally, Mass continues in normal fashion with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Please consider participation in these liturgies of the Easter Triduum. All of us need to be reminded of the saving events Christ undertook out of love for us, sinners. Any extra time we might choose to spend in Church pales in comparison to His many hours of suffering when He was mocked, tortured and died for us on the cross. 

The Masses for Easter Sunday are at the usual times: 8:30 AM and 11 AM.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent "C" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

“What Are You Giving Up for Lent?”

Dear Parishioners,

“What are you giving up for Lent?”

I have been asked this question many times in my life. I think very carefully before I respond. An easy answer would be to say something like chocolate, desserts or soda. Case closed. Many would be satisfied with this response. In my opinion, however, it seems that we need to look beyond this question to something deeper and more profound: How can I be changed for the better by my observance of Lent?

The Gospel reading of Ash Wednesday (Mt. 6:1-6, 16-18) reminds us of three traditional practices of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Lent should be a time for increased prayer. When I first began seeking his direction and guidance, my spiritual director at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary asked me to describe for him how I pray. For most people, including me, this is a very personal request. That’s between God and me! You are now invading my personal space!

How do I pray? (I will reluctantly let you have a glimpse at my inner sanctuary. Please keep this between you and me!)

It depends. Some elements are part of my daily routine. My most important prayer each day is the Mass. I deliberately try to pray the Mass. Over time Mass can sometimes become very routine for priests (and laity alike). Priests (and laity) can consciously or unconsciously just go through the motions and simply read the words that are printed in the Roman Missal. To pray the Mass is deliberate and intentional. It involves an act of the will and a conscious effort. It requires concentration.

I also pray my Liturgy of the Hours—a series of psalms, Scripture readings, intercessions and formal prayers—intended to sanctify the various hours of the day. Additionally, my personal goal is to include a rosary, some spiritual reading, and time (usually a holy hour) before the Blessed Sacrament each day. At various times in my life I have been drawn to centering prayer (a doorway to contemplation), charismatic prayer, devotional prayer (novenas, Stations of the Cross, rosary, etc.), intercessory prayer, meditation, and to whatever else the Holy Spirit leads me at any given time. Frequently I talk to God from the heart. Prayer is the means by which I hope to seek out God’s will, to know Him better and to be united with Him one day. Increasingly, it has become for me a time to be quiet and simply to listen to God. Despite all of the busyness of life, Lent should include time for increased prayer.

Fasting involves some self-denial—food or otherwise. In addition to not eating certain items that we may enjoy, we can “give up” watching TV, frivolous time on the computer, tablet or phone, unnecessary shopping, music in the car, and various other things that not only teach us some discipline and self-sacrifice but may free us up for more time for God and prayer. Two official fast days (from food) during Lent are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Almsgiving is a reminder for all of us to be charitable—with our money, of course—but also with our talents and with our time. What we do not spend frivolously on shopping, we can give to a personal charity. What we save by eating a simple meal, we can use to send a gift or flowers to an elderly homebound person to let him or her know that he or she is still loved. We can also volunteer our time on behalf of our church, in some civic organization, with a youth group or for some charitable cause. We can use the skills of our profession or trade pro bono.

What am I giving up for Lent this year?

This question is much too simplistic.  (And you might be sorry that you asked me!)

Fr. Ed Namiotka

 Pastor