Monday, February 10th, at 9:00 am. Mass is cancelled, as Fr. Mariusz will be attending a funeral out of town.
The office will be closed Monday, February 10th, as Nancy will be at the Diocese for a workshop. Regular office hours will resume Tuesday, February 11th, at 9:00 am; however, Nancy will be at the Diocese again for a Workshop.
I invite all of you to a meeting dedicated to the important topic of euthanasia. In light of the increasing number of euthanasia cases and the controversies surrounding MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying), which often appear in the media, it is essential for us as a Catholic community to understand what the Church's teaching says on this matter.
Euthanasia has become a subject of broad public debate, and its presence in the media often leads to misunderstandings and ambiguities. Many people may be confused about the moral, ethical and medical implications of this issue. Therefore, it is important for us to come together to discuss these matters in the context of our faith and the Church's teaching.
The Catholic Church clearly teaches that euthanasia is morally unacceptable. As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Intentional euthanasia, whatever its forms or motives, is murder." Regardless of the circumstances, "direct euthanasia consists in ending the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons" and is "morally unacceptable". The Church also emphasizes that "even if death is considered inevitable, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted." This teaching reminds us of the dignity of every person, created in the image and likeness of God.
From a medical perspective, doctors have a duty to care for the life and health of their patients. In the context of terminal stages of illness, their role is to provide appropriate palliative care that alleviates suffering without hastening death. A meeting with a physician from our parish will allow for a discussion on how medicine can support patients in difficult times, as well as how to understand and implement the Church's teaching in medical practice.
Everyone is encouraged to actively participate in the discussion. This meeting aims not only to impart knowledge but also to create a space for asking questions and sharing doubts. Together, we can delve into this important topic and better understand how our faith relates to contemporary challenges.
Additionally, we would like to invite all parishioners to a meeting with a physician from our parish, who will share his knowledge about euthanasia and answer questions regarding this controversial topic. This meeting will be an excellent opportunity for open discussion and understanding of how the Church's teaching relates to contemporary challenges in medicine. We encourage everyone to attend and actively participate in this important conversation.
Fr. Marius
On February 10 (Monday), the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Scholastica, a virgin whose life exemplifies pure love and service to God. As we honor her, we ask for the grace to follow her example, "that, following her example, we may serve you with pure love and happily receive what comes from loving you" . St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict, is a guiding light for Benedictine nuns and a powerful intercessor for all who seek a deeper relationship with God.
St. Scholastica's life was marked by a profound dedication to God from her earliest years. The historical records reveal that "she had been dedicated from her infancy to Our Lord" . Her close bond with her twin brother, St. Benedict, further shaped her spiritual journey. They shared not only a familial connection but also a deep commitment to seeking God's will in their lives. Scholastica would visit Benedict once a year, meeting "not far from the gate to a place that did belong to the abbey, there to give her entertainment" .
St. Scholastica's most significant contribution to the Church was her role in establishing the first Benedictine community for women. Because she "was the twin sister of St. Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine monastic tradition, and dedicated her life to following the same spiritual ideals of prayer, community, and hospitality," she is the patron saint of Benedictine nuns. She embraced the Benedictine rule, mirroring her brother's dedication to a life of prayer, contemplation, and service. Her leadership and spiritual insight provided a foundation for female monastic life that continues to inspire women today.
One of the most memorable stories of St. Scholastica's life is her last visit with St. Benedict. As the narrative goes, "The sister begged her brother to stay the night, but by no persuasion would he agree unto that, saying that he might not by any means tarry all night out of his abbey"]. Scholastica, filled with a desire to continue their spiritual conversation, knelt in prayer. In response, "there fell suddenly such a tempest of lightening and thundering, and such abundance of rain, that neither venerable Bennet, nor the monks that were with him, could put their head out of door". This miraculous event demonstrated the power of her prayer and her deep connection with God, compelling Benedict to remain and continue their sacred dialogue.
St. Scholastica's death was as remarkable as her life. Three days after their final meeting, "Benedict beheld the soul of his sister, which was departed from her body, in the likeness of a dove, to ascend into heaven". Overjoyed at the sight of her glory, Benedict informed his monks and arranged for her body to be brought to his abbey. She was buried in the tomb he had prepared for himself, symbolizing their inseparable bond and shared devotion to God.
St. Scholastica holds a special place in the Catholic Church as the patron saint of Benedictine nuns. "Her deep devotion to God, combined with her close relationship with her brother, symbolized a shared spiritual mission and a commitment to the contemplative, disciplined life that defines the Benedictine order. Her role as a spiritual leader for women makes her a fitting patron for Benedictine nuns". Her life exemplifies the virtues of prayer, obedience, and a relentless pursuit of God, making her an inspiring figure for all believers.
St. Scholastica's life offers a powerful model for all Catholics striving for holiness. Blessed Nemesia Valle's words remind us that "Holiness does not consist in doing many things or great things.... Those who entirely spend themselves each day, wherever they are, for the Lord, are holy". St. Scholastica teaches us the importance of dedicating our lives to God through prayer, service, and a deep commitment to His will. Like Saints Benedict and Scholastica, each community is called to create a “God-enlightened space in which to experience the hidden presence of the risen Lord”.
In conclusion, St. Scholastica's life is a testament to the transformative power of faith and dedication. "In her passionate love for Jesus, who led her on a path of intense prayer and torment and to identify herself increasingly with the mystery of the Cross, she offers us an attractive witness and a perfect example of a life totally dedicated to God and to her brothers and sisters". As we celebrate her memorial, let us strive to emulate her virtues, seeking a deeper relationship with God through prayer, service, and a commitment to living out His will in our daily lives.
O Mary, Queen of All Saints, pray for us that we may follow the example of St. Scholastica and grow in love and service to your Son.
_small.png)
On February 11, 2025, the global Catholic community will once again observe the World Day of the Sick, a day dedicated to prayer, reflection, and acts of compassion for those who are ill and for the caregivers who accompany them in their suffering. Established by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1992, this day coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a fitting tribute to the healing and hope associated with the Marian shrine in Lourdes, France.
The Vatican’s theme for this year, "Caring for the Whole Person," emphasizes the need to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of illness. This theme reminds us that true healing goes beyond medical intervention and extends into the realm of human connection and spiritual nourishment.
In his message for the occasion, Pope Francis highlights the importance of seeing each sick person as an individual with dignity and worth, deserving of attentive care and love. He calls on healthcare professionals, families, and faith communities to prioritize compassionate service and holistic care, inspired by the example of Jesus Christ, who tended to the sick with mercy and tenderness.
The connection to Our Lady of Lourdes is profound. Since 1858, Lourdes has been a place of healing and miracles, where millions of pilgrims seek physical and spiritual restoration. The Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous, bringing messages of prayer and repentance, and today the shrine remains a symbol of hope for the suffering.
For this reason, many parishes and dioceses mark the day with special Masses, anointing of the sick, and prayers for healing.
In our parish, we will have a special Mass dedicated to those who are sick and those who care for them. This Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 11, at 7:00 PM. We invite everyone to join us in prayer and solidarity. Please come if you can!
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Parish Pastoral Care Team for the tremendous work they do in being present for those who are sick, homebound, or alone. They are truly the angels of hope for our parish, offering comfort, companionship, and love to those in need. Their dedication reflects the heart of Christ’s mission, and we are deeply grateful for their service.
World Day of the Sick serves as a reminder of the Gospel mandate to care for the least among us. It calls us to:
This year, many Catholic hospitals, charities, and parishes worldwide will hold events such as health fairs, free medical check-ups, and seminars on pastoral care for the sick. In addition, Pope Francis will preside over a special Mass at the Vatican, offering prayers for those suffering in body, mind, and spirit.
The World Day of the Sick invites all of us, whether or not we are directly affected by illness, to deepen our commitment to love and serve one another. It challenges us to bring hope, comfort, and healing into the lives of those who suffer, following the example of Christ, who is the divine physician of both body and soul.
As we reflect on this day, may we renew our resolve to become instruments of God’s mercy, working together to build a world where every person receives the care, respect, and compassion they deserve.
The presentation of the infant Jesus is the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophesy about the Lord entering the Temple – but he comes not in power and might, but as an infant in the arms of his mother. The passage shows the poverty of the little family (the offering of turtledoves for the mother’s purification sacrifice after childbirth is described in Leviticus 12: 6 as being appropriate for those who cannot afford a lamb). It also shows their piety: Jesus is being raised in a faithful Jewish family, consecrated to the Lord according to the Law. In this beautiful passage, Luke introduces us to two people who represent all those who have longed for the Lord for many, countless, long generations – all those who have been waiting for the Messiah to bring salvation to the People of God. Simeon and Anna place all their hope in God: this elderly man and this elderly woman are both people of prayer, full of faith. Both are given knowledge of the true identity of Jesus. Simeon is also given insight into the passion and suffering that lies ahead, and the sorrow that will pierce the heart of Mary.
The blessing of throats is a tradition in the Catholic Church, usually celebrated on February 3, the feast of St. Blaise. For those interested, a blessing of throats will take place during Mass on Monday morning.