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Congregation of the
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Publisher: Very Reverend Norman B. Pelletier, SSS: (440) 442-6311
Editor: Mrs. Jill Mayock (440) 442-6311
The month of November is really kind of special. It starts with the liturgical
feasts of All Saints and All Souls. These liturgical observances set the stage
for the end of the liturgical year which occurs at the end of the month with
Thanksgiving and the feast of Christ the King. For those of us who live in the
northern part of the country, November is also a time when nature arranges its
finishing touches on the earlier splash of arboreal color and prepares the land
for winter's snowy blanket.
This entire process, whether lived in the liturgical context or in the atmosphere
of nature's autumnal changes, offers us a rich set of images for our meditation
and reflection. The feast of All Saints and All Souls invite us to remember
the many wonderful people who preceded us in the faith and in our personal lives.
The saints remain a towering testimony of a faith lived in a heroic manner.
Our holy souls, though not publicly stamped with sainthood, are more
often than not ordinary people who have not attracted much attention but have
somehow managed to live their lives humbly and courageously. Both of them merit
our gratitude for reminding us of what is truly important in life's journey.
Christ the King celebrates our acknowledgment of the reign of God in our lives
just as it was in the lives of our ancestors in the faith.
The images of a changing nature during the Fall season mirrors the changes we
ourselves undergo and stands as a reminder that we, too, are on a faith journey
with seasons of its own. In this context, the celebration of Thanksgiving then
becomes the perfect festival to end the liturgical season and prepare us for
the new liturgical year. Our hearts are thus filled with gratitude for all that
we have received, for everyone who has touched our lives - past and present,
for the grace to journey with companions in faith. It is appropriate to recall
the words from the Book of Sirach which begins the Thanksgiving Day liturgy:
So now, bless the God of all,
Who has done wondrous things on earth;
Who foster's people's growth from
their mother's womb,
and fashions them according to his will!
May he grant you joy of heart
and may peace abide among you;
May his goodness toward us endure.
Amen! Amen! Thanks be to God!
The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament recently buried two of its members: Fr. Frederick Roberge, S.S.S., who passed away on October 27, and Fr. Lionel Lavigne, S.S.S., who passed away on October 31. The funeral Masses were held at Regina Health Center where both priests had been lovingly cared for during their last days on this earth. Fr. Provincial Norman Pelletier celebrated both Masses and gave the homily, a brief eulogy about Fr. Roberge, on Thursday, October 30, while Fr. Jette presented a homily (eulogy) about Fr. Lavigne during the Mass on Thursday, November 6. Both homilies took us down memory lane, reminding those present about the various responsibilities of each religious, fantastic in their retrospective consideration. We were left with the challenging and most moving thought -the consideration of their legacy. How are our lives different because of these religious? What effect have they left on those who knew them, either remotely or very personally? It all comes down to their great love for Christ in the Eucharist. The Most Blessed Sacrament is what drove them, inspired them, humbled them and guided them. That is their legacy for us.
We share with you now a brief history of their lives. Reading between the lines, we can easily see their love for the Blessed Sacrament woven into the very fabric of who they were.
Fr. Frederick Roberge, S.S.S.
Fr. Roberge, son of Walter Roberge and Virginia Simoneau, was born on October
11, 1908 in Arthabaska, Quebec Province, Canada. He entered the Blessed Sacrament
Novitiate in Quebec City in 1927. Two years later, on November 8, he made his
first vows in the Congregation. After doing some seminary studies in Montreal,
he was sent to continue them at the Angelicum in Rome, where he made his final
profession as a religious on November 8, 1932. He was ordained a priest on April
6, 1935 in Rome.
He came to the U.S. in 1937 as did many other Canadians before him. Stationed
in Cleveland, Ohio, he was assigned to teach Theology there in the S.S.S. seminary
and also to assist the Novice Master. He was not there long before being sent
to Melbourne, Australia where he continued to teach. One of his principal ministries
at St. Francis Church was convert instruction for a large part of the ten years
that he lived down under.
Returning to the U. S., Fr. Roberge spent perhaps a year at the Congregation's minor seminary in Suffern, NY before leaving the country again for Caracas and Maracaibo, Venezuela to help found the Congregation's houses there and minister to the Hispanic population. Back in Chicago in 1950, he began a new form of ministry over the Archdiocesan radio station, WFJL. Father has also spent time in Cleveland, Albuquerque, and New York where he spent time teaching and assisting in the local communities. In Waterville, Maine, Fr. Roberge assumed the role of Chaplain for the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament before being transferred to Dublin, Ireland and London, England to assist in the local communities. He traveled to Los Angeles to be Assistant Superior and participate in the Spanish ministry there, before announcing his semi-retirement and going to Albuquerque to continue his care for the Hispanics.
Always active, even in his retirement, Father relocated to Albuquerque, NM, again involved in the Hispanic Ministry. He was then transferred to Old Town, NY, then to Broadalbin, Cleveland, and to Waterville, serving within the local communities. Father moved to Cleveland in 1995 to the Bethany Center, and continued serving the local community by keeping the Congregation's archives systematized. Since 2002, Fr. Roberge lived at Regina Health Center in Richfield, Ohio, receiving assistance as needed. Walking past his room, however, the staccato rhythm from his typewriter was often heard as he corresponded with friends and family, sharing his ever-present warmth and humor.
Fr. Lionel Lavigne, S.S.S.
Born on August 3, 1912, in Gardner, Massachusetts, Father Lionel Lavigne, son
of Albert and Anna Lavigne, was one of five siblings. He attended high school
in Suffern, New York, before beginning his religious training in 1931 in Quebec
City, Canada, and continuing in 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was then ordained
on May 31, 1941 by Bishop James McFadden.
Fr. Lavigne is best remembered for his many years of work as Novice Master. Beginning first as a teacher in 1942 at Eymard Seminary in New York while also serving as chaplain at the local hospital, he was quickly promoted to Assistant Director of Novices in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1944 before moving to the Blessed Sacrament Novitiate in Barre, Massachusetts, in 1946 where he served as the Director of Novices. In 1961 he was assigned to Leicester, England, where he continued to serve as Director of Novices.
Returning to the United States in 1968, Fr. Lavigne was assigned as the Spiritual Director of Scholastics. Typical of Fr. Lavigne's commitment to his vows, he once wrote in a letter to then Fr. Provincial Normand Falardeau, "Faithful to my principle since Profession, of trying not to refuse anything, I willingly accept to do what I can . . ." Two years later, his next assignment in this capacity took him back to Hyde Park before he was sent in 1977 to minister as Chaplain at the University of New Mexico Hospital, where he remained for ten years.
Father's final assignment was to serve as Vocation Counselor at St. Andrew's in New York City. He fully retired and moved to the Bethany Center in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2000 before his health required him to relocate to Regina Health Center.
Fr. Lionel, very quiet and soft-spoken, enjoyed reading and visits from his family, and was always ready to share his great love for our Eucharistic Lord, Fr. Eymard and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, especially the Province of St. Ann.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness,
you are more blessed than the million who won't survive the week.
If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture,
or death,
you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back,
a roof over your head and a place to sleep,
you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful,
you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder,
you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.
If you can read this message,
you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read
anything at all.
You are so blessed in ways you may never know.
Author Unknown
NOVEMBER
No anniversaries of ordination this month
DECEMBER
10 1977 Rev. James Hayes
15 1973 Rev. Michael Arkins
19 1964 Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald
20 1969 Rev. John Keenan
22 1956 Rev. Joseph Roy
JANUARY
24 1998 Rev. Scott Haig
DECEMBER
21 1980 Rev. Joseph Thai Tran
JANUARY
No anniversaries of profession this month
NOVEMBER
05 1935 Rev. Ralph Roberts
06 1938 Rev. Bernard Camiré
14 1923 Rev. Normand Falardeau
14 1928 Rev. Ernest Falardeau
23 1937 Rev. Paul Bernier
29 1926 Rev. Roger Pageot
DECEMBER
25 1935 Rev. Joachim Viet-Chau
27 1921 Br. Edmund Hardy
29 1937 Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald
JANUARY
04 1931 Rev. Joseph Roy
08 1933 Rev. Timothy Mangan
12 1921 Br. Thomas Flanagan
13 1932 Rev. Dennis Ruane
18 1930 Rev. Robert Lussier
26 1950 Rev. Robert Rousseau
31 1950 Rev. Anthony Schueller
NOVEMBER
03 1955 Rev. William Fox
05 1991 Rev. Emile Hebert
07 1924 Br. Alphonse Charest
11 1979 Rev. Dositnee Bérard
22 1963 Rev. Albert Décelles
23 1903 Rev. Josephus Landry
25 1980 Rev. Lionel Tourigny
25 1993 Rev. Hérve Thibault
26 1962 Br. William Vallaster
29 1969 Rev. Edgar Bédard
30 1951 Rev. Joseph Legacé
DECEMBER
01 1920 Rev. François Jean
01 1982 Rev. Joseph Lamontagne
02 1999 Rev. Patrick Fenton
04 1981 Rev. Adolphe Bilodeau
06 1981 Br. Joseph Morin
16 1986 Rev. Raymond Robitaille
17 1963 Rev. Henri Lachance
17 1981 Rev. Raymond Fleurant
20 1960 Br. Placide Morel
21 1989 Rev. Arthur Godin
22 1949 Br. Alphonse Bonneau
22 1953 Rev. George Légère
22 1995 Rev. John Paul Choquette
23 1992 Rev. Lionel Vashon
24 1995 Br. Victor Coté
26 1912 Rev. Louis Estevenon
28 1993 Rev. Charles Charest
JANUARY
04 1990 Rev. James Feeley
06 1975 Rev. Raymond Tartre
08 1988 Rev. Clarence Loch
08 2003 Rev. William Dahms
10 1917 Br. Télèsphore Roy
10 2000 Br. Fernand Duquette
11 1991 Rev. Joseph Ouellette
13 1961 Rev. Hervé Huot
13 1990 Rev. Gerald Dorais
16 1991 Rev. Hector Lemieux
18 1970 Br. Marie-Louis Girard
23 1955 Rev. Alphonse Pelletier
On Sunday, September 21, 2003, the Parish of St. Paschal Baylon celebrated its 50 year anniversaryat the 2:00 p.m. Mass. They also celebrated the blessing of the 50 year anniversary of the ordination of Fr. Donald Jette. The following is the homily given at that Mass by Most Reverend A. Edward Pevec, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland.
We may not remember much about the uyear 1953, but it was quite a year in the
history of both our nation and our diocese.
But that year had added significance because of what happened on September 19th
of 1953. In the cathedral of Ss. Peter and Paul in Providence, Rhode Island,
Bishop Russell McVinney extended his hands over the head of a young deacon as
he lay prostrate on the sanctuary floor, and the bishop prayed, "Da, Quaesumus,
Omnipotens Pater . . . (We beseech you, almighty Father, invest thsi servant
of yours with the dignity of the priesthood. Renew in his heart the spirit of
holiness that he may hold the office he has received from you, O Lord. By the
example of his life, point out a norm of conduct . . .)
Donald Jette, the twenty-seven year old son of Lionel and Juliette Jette, was now a priest of the Congregation of the Most Blessed Sacrament for all eternity. This new priest now shared a priestly identity with the likes of an evangelist named John, a mystic named Padre Pio, a martyr named Maximilian Kolbe, a religious named Peter Julian, a pope named Pius, and a Savior named Jesus. The Lord whose call he answered and whom he vowed to serve would lead him into situations he could not imagine: he served as a professor in the seminary, as a pastor in the Philippines, New York, Texas, and Highland Heights, and as the Provincial of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. But in spite of being in so many places and serving so many people in so many ways, Fr. Donald Jette was always our priest here at St. Paschal Baylon, and he has magnificently enriched us because of what happened on that nineteenth day of September 1953.
Most of us, if not all of us here at this Mass have been uniquely touched by the life and ministry of Fr. Donald Jette and today we come with grateful hearts to offer thanks to our Lord for the fifty years of this gentle man's priesthood. We are bonded to him for various reasons. Is he the priest who officiated at the funeral of your Mom and Dad and offered your grieving family so much consolation? Perhaps he is the priest who blessed your marriage and prayed a young couple into a new future. Maybe he is the priest who baptized you or from whose hands you received your Eucharistic Lord for the first time. Or is the priest who humbly offered such sound and practical advice at a critical time in your life? Or perhaps he is the priest who so powerfully reflected a merciful Jesus as he absolved you from your sins. But to all, he is the priest whose gentle and caring presence made the Catholic Church so attractive to believers and non-believers alike in this area. He is the priest who showed so well what it meant to be a good shepherd of the Lord's flock. He is the priest who was such a loyal friend to all who met him. He is quite a man and quite a priest, this Father JetteCso evidently another Christ. We are so grateful to be with him today to thank God for the fifty years of his dedicated priesthood. How blessed we have been by his presence and by his ministry!
It isn't easy to serve in the name of Jesus. After all, discipleship comes with a price. Our Lord said that if we are to follow in his footsteps, we must first take up our cross. In our first reading today we hear the wicked concocting plots to "beset the just one because he is obnoxious to us: he sets himself against our doings, reproaches us for transgressions of the law . . ." To be counter-cultural is what the Lord often calls his followers to be. It was true in Old Testament times. It was true in the times of Jesus. It is true today. We find ourselves living in an age when culture seems to be determining our religion, when just the opposite is true. What we believe should be fashioning our behavior. How often Fr. Jette reminded us of that!
What a wonderful example of true Jesus-like discipleship we have in the person of Fr. Jette. To him, everyone is important. He gives of himself, of his time, of his talents to all who need him,, and if they don't approach him, he approaches them in the name of Jesus.
How blessed we have been by his priesthood! By his life, he has shown us what
it means to be a follower of Jesus. By his advice, he has pointed out the way
to our Savior. By his prayer, he has channeled God's precious love into our
hearts.
Don, I'm sure these have been a quick fifty years for you and I'm just as sure
that you've relished every moment of those years. Thank you for responding so
totally to our Lord's call to follow him. Your priesthood has really made a
big difference in our lives. You are Jesus to us. Your own commitment to our
Lord has impressed us more that you know.
Continue to help us to be present to each other in the name of Jesus so that
we may love more deeply, believe more strongly, serve more devotedly, laugh
more heartily, weep more compassionately, pray more fervently, and live more
fully the life with which our Lord has blessed us. We pray that our Lord may
bless you with many many more years of rewarding service in His name.
Fr. Anthony Schueller, former Provincial of the Province of St. Anne (1995-2002) was installed as the seventeenth pastor of St. Jean Baptiste Parish in Upper East Side Manhattan on Sunday, September 14, 2003, by the Episcopal Vicar of the East Side Vicariate, Msgr. Thomas A. Modugno, pastor of St. Monica parish in Manhattan.
The ceremony of installation took place at the 12:00 noon Mass and was concelebrated by members of the SSS Community. Also concelebrating were Abbot Leo Ryska, OSB and Fr. Robert Araujo, SJ, who regularly assist with ministry at St. Jean's. Members of the Parish Council, the Trustees of the Parish and the clergy were introduced to the new pastor and he was presented to the congregation.
Fr. Schueller underscored in his homily that the installation was delayed so that greater participation might be possible at the beginning of the pastoral year. Msgr. Modugno read a letter of greetings and appointment from Cardinal Archbishop Edward Egan in which his Eminence emphasized his confidence in the leadership and pastoral experience of Fr. Schueller, and his hope that he would work with other parishes in Upper East Side Manhattan in the ministry of the Church and Archdiocese.
The Installation inaugurated the new pastoral year and a fresh beginning for the parish of St. Jean Baptiste. The music was especially chosen for the occasion and the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. Michael Joncas' Lauda Sion as a communion hymn was especially appropriate.
A reception in St. Jean's high school auditorium followed, and at 3:00 p.m. a dinner for invited guests including the parish council, the SSS Community, the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame who administer the school, and clergy. Fr. Ernest Falardeau, SSS said grace, and Fr. John Kamas, SSS fifteenth pastor of St. Jean's (1988-2000) gave the closing benediction. The DiCapo Opera Company provided entertainment including arias from Johnnie Schichi and My Fair Lady, as well as a special treat for Fr. Schueller, New York, New York.
Now that Fr. Schueller has been officially installed, he looks forward to continuing the pastoral work that will facilitate the participation of the laity in the mission of the parish to the neighborhood, the city and the church. A number of programs will be initiated and others continued as the parish resumes its very active life in the Upper East Side of New York City.
From October 7-11, Br. Joe Patrick, SSS, and I attended the national annual meeting of liturgists in San Antonio, Texas. The meeting commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy [CSL], having a variety of speakers, most notably the cardinal prefect of the Congregation for the Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments [CDW], His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze. (Cardinal Arinze's talk was mailed out to the various SSS USA communities in the middle of October. If you would like a copy, please let me know.) Below is a summary of all the speakers, their common points of discussion (spoken often!) and the reflection on CSL in light of the past, present and future realities. Each of the speakers highlighted that there have been forty years of grace since the implementation of CSL.
The participation of the People of God is extraordinary, when compared with fifty years ago. We have had an opening of the treasures of the Bible with the modern day Lectionary. We have expanded and renewed rituals for all the sacraments, the Book of Blessings and other sacramentals and rituals that help people worship, heal, forgive or give praise and thanks to God. The Gospel and liturgy have been translated into more languages and cultures and continue to have an important impact on culture. Lay ministries have expanded and developed, especially with the baptized taking their place in the order or ministries. Lastly, the rediscovery of the catechumenate and the Rites of Christian Initiation have made us more aware of who we are as Christians and have added vitality to the church through welcoming, accepting and adding new Catholic Christians through faith sharing and ritual.Every document is a culmination of thought and events that precede it. CSL took stock of the 100-year liturgical study and renewal in the church and codified it. CSL also challenged a vision for the future, one that is still in the process of being implemented.
There are several challenges that still need to be met and developed, based on the solid principles of CSL. First, we should continue to develop scripture studies and bible groups. The homily cannot cover all the bases or the basics. CSL envisioned study groups before and after the liturgy. Secondly, homilies need to be drawn from the scriptures and developed on how they fit in every day life. (Of prime importance in our week is developing our homilies and liturgies.) Thirdly, active participation should include moments of silence. We should stop or resist the urge of trying to fill all our liturgies with music or sounds to "keep it going." Fourth, we have to help people make the connections with liturgy and devotions. The recent document from CDW greatly assists with this and is a helpful instruction to remind people of the importance of devotions and how they lead us back to (official) liturgy. Fifth, the paschal mystery needs to be preached and identified with our people. They live it, but they do not know it! How can our eucharist be also a pledge or our self-gift? How can we continue to let people know that they receive what they are, the Body of Christ? Six, the symbols, especially of bread and wine, are part of a process that we do not share or acknowledge. Seven, singing makes demands on us, but our breathing with one another is a symbol and sign of communion: we practice unity and self-surrender when we do have singing and music. Eight, processions help us remember the life long procession we are on and need to be encouraged and developed. Nine, the Eucharistic Prayer needs to be prayed and not rambled. Ten, intercessions need to reflect the community and world we live in. Do we have a team of members from our parish who are taking the opportunity to write them? Eleven, what are we doing to building our church in relationship with other Christian churches? Many Christian churches are worshiping together, hearing the same scriptures (Lectionary). We have an opportunity to share the Word with other Christian ministers and collaborate in preparation and social outreach. Lastly, the Liturgy of the Hours needs to be fully implemented in the church. It is not the priest's or religious' prayer! It is the prayer of the entire church and needs to more fully implemented in every parish.
We, as Blessed Sacrament religious, have implemented the Hours. How could we better encourage lay participation and leadership, collaborating with our parishes and its life?
Joe and I are grateful to the Province for sending us to this convention. We are very appreciative of the hospitality of the local San Antonio community. It was a wonderful opportunity to promote our SSS vision of liturgy, remind people of the resources of Emmanuel Publications, and learn of the important work still necessary to implement CSL. May we all take the opportunity to remind ourselves of the important vision of CSL and read, celebrate and implement it within our community. Happy 40th Birthday CSL, December 4, 1963!
On November 2, 2003, under sunny Florida skies, the Rev. Robert Chabot, SSS,
was placed "in canonical possession of the parish of St. Vincent de Paul,
located in Holiday, Florida." It's official! Fr. Bob is "the duly
appointed pastor" -and much to the approval and applause of the parishioners.
This occasion was momentous, considering it's a new SSS House and that the
Congregation is entrusted with another very fine parish. Present were: Norman
Pelletier, SSS, Provincial; Ed Stapleton, SSS, Superior-Treasurer; Julian Rousseau,
SSS, Associate; Mario Marzocchi, SSS, Parochial Vicar; and Andy Beaudoin, SSS.
Also, assisting the Bishop, were the two Deacons of the Parish: Rev. Mr. Jerry
White and Rev. Mr. Frank Longo. The Liturgy was well attended and Bishop Lynch
gave the SSS Community a warm welcome. The Parishioners responded to that "welcome"
with more generous applause.
Fr. Norman spoke toward the end of the celebration of the Eucharist, thanking
Bp. Lynch and the SSS Community and parishioners. He stated concisely the gift
that the Blessed Sacrament Community brings to share with all, but especially
with the parishioners of St. Vincent de Paul.
Mr. Tom Carey, Director of Music Ministries, led the Choir and the faithful throughout the event with a well rendered variety of chants and hymns.
The Parish was established on May 19, 1969, and rests on a 10 acre tract of land with a large pond surrounded by the church's parking lot. The church building was dedicated on September 4, 1972.
On the same grounds is the Fr. Edward Farrell Memorial Hall. This is a social
hall and the center of parish activities. The Fr. Joseph Beaumont wing is attached
to the hall and it contains eight classrooms for PSR students and a library.
There are approximately 200 young people that attend catechetical programs on
Sunday after the celebration of the nine o'clock Eucharist. The Ladies' Guild,
the Knights of Columbus and the Parish Council, were the first organizations
of St. Vincent de Paul and are still very active. There are approximately 1200
households that belong to the Parish.
The parish rectory was dedicated in 1978.
Fr. Bob is the fifth pastor of St. Vincent de Paul.
On September 21, Fr. Roger Prefontaine celebrated his 50th anniversary of Ordination.
Roger was the principal celebrant and preached at the 12:30 Mass at St. Joseph's
Downtown in San Antonio, Texas.
After the Mass, about 30 people joined us for dinner at the Marriott. Most of
the guests were members of the Eucharistic Associates. The following Sunday,
Roger went to Corpus Christi Parish in Houston to celebrate with the people
where he had served for nine years. In October, Fr. Roger went to Rome with
several members of his family.
Fr. Prefontaine's ministry has taken him from being a teacher at Eymard Preparatory Seminary in the 1940s, to Novice Director in Barre, MA, and to Cleveland, OH, as a teacher at St. Joseph Seminary in the early 1950s. He continued enlightening students at Eymard Seminary in Hyde Park, NY, until he was made Treasurer General in 1962 and served in this capacity in Rome.
Returning to the United States in 1975, Fr. Roger took on pastoral duties first as an Associate Pastor, then as Pastor in Broadalbin, NY, then as Associate at Notre Dame in Chicago and St. Charles Borromeo in Albuquerque. His next assignment took him to Corpus Christi in Houston as Pastor, where he remained from 1990 to 1999. He now resides in San Antonio, semi-retired, and assisting the Pastor, Fr. Tom Fitzgerald, S.S.S., in a variety of ways.
The blessings of God on you, Roger. We wish you many more years and good health!
Fr. Roger Pageot, S.S.S., recently celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination.
Father was ordained to the priesthood on September 19, 1953 and has served the
Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Cleveland, Barre, Albuquerque, New
York, Masaka (Uganda), Hyde Park, Davao City and Quezon City (Philippines),
and in Houston. At one time or another, Fr. Pageot has been regional superior,
local superior, and pastor. In 1972, he earned a Master's Degree in African
History from St. John's University.
During his early retirement years, Fr. Roger served as the spiritual director of the Legion of Mary at St. Paschal Baylon Parish, and continues to share his warmth and kindness with others at Regina Health Center in Richfield, Ohio.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful season for expressing gratitude! The Corpus Christi
Community embraces this time of year with numerous opportunities to express
our appreciation for God's blessings in our lives. As members of this faith
community, we gather in prayer and celebration to end the current liturgical
year and welcome the Advent and Christmas seasons.
The Parish Ministry Fair kicked off the season as 80 plus parish organizations
and ministries gathered in Prefontaine Hall to tell their stories and recruit
new members. Organized by the Stewardship Council, this annual event provides
the parish with the opportunity to celebrate the work of each organization while
inviting members of the parish to make a stewardship commitment of time and
talent.
Fiesta! was the theme of this year's school auction celebrated on Saturday, November 7. An army of enthusiastic volunteers, generous donors, and fun-loving party-goers contributed to a festive evening in celebration of 44 years of Catholic education at Corpus Christi School. The live auction featured a beautifully hand-stitched, cross-stitched quilt made by Mary Powell, the mother of our First Grade teacher. The promise of a Maine lobster dinner prepared by our pastor, Fr. Dana, generated the most competitive bidding at a price of $3,400. This item was so popular that Fr. Dana generously agreed to prepare a second dinner when the second highest bidder matched the dollar amount. Early indications are that the auction generated a profit of $57,000 for the school's operating budget.
Our spirit of social justice through community service is multi-pronged, particularly during the holiday season. This year's Advent Angel Project allows us to focus on fulfilling the needs of the poor in our parish and neighborhood by providing gifts for children and adults at Christmas. A number of parishioners regularly volunteer at our local food pantry, Braes Interfaith Ministries, and worked their annual garage sale. The Council of Catholic Women are prepared to provide gift boxes to the Seamen's Center, while our elementary students become a traveling variety show, bringing the sights and sounds of Christmas to the hospitalized and homebound.
Five of our high school youth had the awesome opportunity to participate in
the River of Life National Catholic Youth Conference at Reliant Stadium in mid-November.
Spearheaded by Br. Joe Patrick, SSS, these young people invested their energy
in car washes and other fund-raisers to help defray conference expenses. Joining
25,000 Catholic youth from around the country, they were immersed in catechetical
sessions, story telling, witnessing, music, prayer and social events B all designed
to help our young people deepen their relationship with God through evangelization
and service. Their response to this profound experience has been one of immense
gratitude and a call to action - the mark of a true Christian!
Our spirit of gratitude lingers as we embark upon the revered liturgical celebrations
of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and the Feast of Our Lady of
Guadalupe. We also eagerly anticipate the visit of Bishop Joe Vasquez on the
Fourth Sunday of Advent as he celebrates the 1:30 Spanish Mass with us. The
rich, ethnic and cultural diversity of our parish family is evident in these
celebrations. Through the language of prayer and song, we gather at the Eucharistic
table as one family sharing one faith!
In closing, our prayer for all of our SSS family and friends, is that faith, hope and love be yours!
The first weekend in October saw a very important meeting taking place at Corpus Christi Parish. It was a gathering of Blessed Sacrament Fathers Bob Rousseau, Bill Fickel, and Scott Haig; Br. Joe Patrick; and Nancy MacRoberts. The purpose was to begin work on the design of a LITE Seminar for youth and young adults. After two intensive days of planning, the group felt there had been a good first step taken toward their objective. Each person left with particular assigned duties that would address the desire to bring the message of the Eucharist to young Church members.
"The Best of Italy and Sicily" was the title of the excursion sponsored by the CEE during October. Twenty-eight excited people left on Oct. 12th to experience the wonders of a country new to most of them. With Fr. Tom Wiese, SSS, and a professional guide, the tourists saw the sights, observed the wonderful people and enjoyed many delicious meals in Italy and Sicily. The very first day was full of the hustle and bustle of being in St. Peter's Square and being present for Pope John Paul's Sunday noon talk and blessing. Preparations were underway for the next weekend's blessing of Mother Theresa and the reception of the new Cardinals. The tourists settled in and prepared for the experiences that they had looked forward to for some months. The Sistine Chapel proved to be the marvelous wonder that everyone talks about. The ruins of ancient Rome stirred the imagination of everyone envisioning the people who lived there and the activities that took place in the Coliseum and the Pantheon. The trip continued from Rome to Pisa with her famous leaning tower, and then on to Florence to view the magnificent statue of David and other famous art treasures. Venice came alive as the crowds of people moved about the many streets and bridges of this famous Afloating city". The drive across the Apennines Mountains to Assisi and on to Pompeii was beautiful. Again history came alive as the travelers walked through the ancient city of Pompeii once covered by ash from Mount Etna. A fun time was had by all on a night crossing aboard an English ship to Palermo, the capital city of Sicily. Agrigento was amazing with its old Greek temples built in the 6th century B.C. The tour continued on to Taormina and then back to Italy and to Sorrento, a bustling, cliff-top city on the Amalfi coast from where the group traveled to the Isle of Capri. The tour ended with the final day spent in Rome saying goodbye to the sights, sounds and foods of a wonderful city and country. Everyone agreed it had been a spectacular trip and many expressions of thanks were given to Father Tom, the guide and driver. There is a wonderful Italian phrase that means, Awe'll meet again" - Ari vederci, Roma - Awe'll see you again!"
The St. Paschal Baylon Life in the Eucharist Team has really been busy this
fall. On Saturday, September 27, they sponsored a half-day of Eucharistic reflection,
entitled The Unfinished Eucharist. Team member, Frank Zalar, was the principal
presenter. The program was based upon an address given by Rev. Donald Pelotte,
SSS, at the 1998 LITE Eucharistic Congress held in Cleveland. Thirty-seven people
from seven different parishes came together to pray and learn. The final results
of the teaching presentation and group discussions lead the group to consider
the ways in which the church has endeavored to continue the mission of the Lord
through works of mercy and justice. The last half of the afternoon was spent
viewing and discussing the video In the Footsteps of Jesus which presented the
seven themes of social justice that the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops have identified as the mission of the church.
In mid-October, the LITE team hosted a reception as part of the parish's 50th
Anniversary. On October 26, the team prepared a delicious meal for a Dorothy
Dinner at St. Paschal's inner-city sister parish, Christ the King, to feed the
less advantaged people who live in that area. About 75 people enjoyed homemade
meatloaf, potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls & butter, along with a variety
of desserts prepared by the team. While Christ the King Parish has received
donated funds to pay for these meals, the LITE team provided the meat and ingredients
for the entree. "It is a way of practicing what we preach in Liberation,"
commented team administrator Louise Borgione. "The team really put themselves
forward and worked hard to cheerfully make it an enjoyable time for the people
who attended, as well as reaping the benefits of grace that come with self-giving.
They are to be commended for doing the work of Jesus, and I was proud of their
participation."
The team is now planning to present a Life in the Eucharist Retreat at St. Angela Parish the weekend of Nov. 22-23 at St. Angela Parish, Fairview Park.
Last August, the St. Paschal LITE team invited Fr. Tom Smithson to join their team. Fr. Tom graciously accepted with enthusiasm. He declared that he wants to be involved and desires to learn everything there is to know about the program. With Fr. Donald Jette's retirement, Fr. Tom will be taking on more parish responsibilities. However, he will do his best to give as much time as he can. The team welcomes Fr. Tom on board! Fr. Tom replaces Fr. Anthony Schueller, who departed from Cleveland about a year ago. Fr. Tony is greatly missed and the Team appreciates the time and talents that he provided during the six years he was with them.
Fr. Ernest Falardeau, S.S.S., received the First Annual Turquoise Chalice Award at a benefit (sold out!) dinner held on Friday, October 3, 2003. The chalice is a real silver chalice made by Nambe Pueblo Native Americans and has a turquois medallion and is removable from the stand on which it rests.
The award was given in recognition of the long-time contributions to the are of ecumenism that Fr. Ernest has made during his time in New Mexico. Father Provincial, as well as members of the St. Charles Borromeo community, attended the benefit dinner honoring Fr. Ernest. The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament is proud of Father's dedication and hard work over many years in ecumenism. The guest speaker for the dinner and award ceremony was Tony Hillerman, a noted New Mexico author of fiction.
The traveling Fr. Robert Pittman, S.S.S., continues to travel
to do mission appeals to raise funds to help support the Body of Christ Farm
and Community. He has recently been to Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Michigan,
where he visited with friends that he had made during his last mission appeal
there.
Under the guidance of Fr. Tom Smithson, S.S.S., the Lay Associates
talked about studying and deepening their appreciation of the Eucharist to help
them center and connect with Peter Julian Eymard's vision of the Eucharist.
They also discussed how the group can share the charism of the Congregaton of
the Blessed Sacrament with SSS religious.
They have gone in the direction of focusing their attention on the different
parts of the Mass; the basic premise is that all must learn and understand in
greater depth what the liturgy contains and how we can make our presence and
participation meaningful and relevant.
They began by focusing their awareness on the sacredness of the mass as they
prepare at home, followed by a discourse on some of the visible sacred symbols
such as the meaning of the Sign of the Cross, and the symbolism of the priests'
vestments. In the following months, they explored the Penetential Rite, the
Gloria, the Opening Prayer, and the Scripture Readings. At their October meeting,
they analyzed the Nicene Creed.
To foster camaraderie and community fellowship, they also have social events
and in September, enjoyed a delicious barbecue and will have a Christmas social
in December. They have 23 members on their roster and they meet the fourth Thursday
evening of the month.
Many thanks to Frs. Anthony Schueller and Ed Stapleton for their leadership
in getting this Lay group started three years ago.
ALL RELIGIOUS, especially those who are ill and suffering that God would bring
healing and strength to them.
FRS. FREDERICK ROBERGE AND LIONEL LAVIGNE, S.S.S., and the souls of all the
faithful departed, that they may rest in the peace of God and that their families
would be comforted during this time of loss.
The "fourth calling" comes at the time of retirement and slowing down. This includes often: changing ways, place of living, adapting and learning to adjust to a new environment and a different schedule. This is not easy. I need to be patient with myself and others, forget the past and the negative aspects of my life. Take a more positive and joyful outlook on life. I follow this rule for myself, realizing that everyone is affected by inevitable change. Now I allow myself to be more concerned about sports: Are the Cleveland Indians hitting? How effective is the Browns' offense? Will the Cavaliers have a winning season?
I am grateful for the beautiful sunrise. I admire its brightness and the birds
singing. These are among the blessings of life at Regina Health Center. For
myself, this is a genuine form of religious life, drawing me close to Jesus
and prompting me to ask Mary his Mother for help. I am mindful of the need to
be sensitive to the staff and to the other religious around me. I suppose this
is really a contemplative way of life, allowing Jesus and his blessings to guide
my thoughts. He is ever so kind to me. In the Blessed Sacrament, he listens
to me. When I have a difficult time praying, I become silent and thoughts of
thanksgiving fill my mind. I give thanks for this moment in my life, a new phase
through which to grow. I think o all the people around meCnurses, aides, kitchen
staff, maintenance personsCall attentive and caring persons. I consider the
other members of the Blessed Sacrament community who share life with me here.
And I pray for the poor and the homeless.
The fourth calling gives me time to read, to pay attention to the other residents,
and to enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of Regina. Compassion, fun times, laughter,
group activitiesCso much to be grateful for! Thank you, Lord!
PROVINCES
Argentina-Chile: 18 priests and deacons, 1 brother, 1 scholastic : 20 religious
(median age of 57), 5 communities (4 in Argentina and 1 in Chile)
Australia: 32 priests and deacons, 11 brothers, 1 scholastic, 1 novice ' 46 religious (median age of 68), 5 communities
Belgium: 32 priests and deacons, 3 brothers ' 35 religious (median age of 71), 4 communities
Brazil: 2 bishops, 36 priests and deacons, 4 brothers, 6 scholastics, 1 novice : 49 religious (median age of 56), 11 communities
Canada: 45 priests and deacons, 19 brothers, 2 scholastics ' 66 religious (median age of 74), 4 communities
France-Switzerland: 43 priests and deacons, 10 brothers ' 53 religious (median age of 70), 8 communities (6 in France and 2 in Switzerland)
Brazzaville (Rep. of Congo): 13 priests and deacons, 6 scholastics ' 19 religious (median age of 36), 1 community
Great Britain-Ireland: 15 priests and deacons, 13 brothers ' 28 religious (median age of 65), 3 communities (2 in Great Britain and 1 in Ireland)
Italy: 128 priests and deacons, 13 brothers ' 141 religious (median age of 61), 20 communities
Holland-Germany: 1 bishop, 49 priests and deacons, 10 brothers, 2 scholastics ' 62 religious (median age of 68), 7 communities (4 in Holland and 3 in Germany)
Maputo (Mozambique): 1 bishop, 7 priests and deacons, 3 brothers, 3 scholastics ' 13 religious (median age of 51), 2 communities
Philippines: 1 bishop, 34 priests and deacons, 8 brothers, 19 scholastics, 6 novices ' 66 religious (median age of 41), 8 communities
Masaka (Uganda): 3 priests and deacons, 1 brother, 1 scholastic, 3 novices ' 8 religious (median age of 51), 1 community
South Tyrol: 16 priests and deacons, 2 brothers, 2 scholastics ' 20 religious (median age of 68), 3 communities (2 in South Tyrol and 1 in Austria)
Spain: 40 priests and deacons, 3 brothers ' 43 religious (median age of 71), 7 communities
United States: 1 bishop, 57 priests and deacons, 17 brothers, 1 scholastic ' 76 religious (median age of 67), 10 communities
REGIONS
Colombia-Puerto Rico: 22 priests and deacons, 1 brother, 1 scholastic, 7 novices
' 31 religious (median age of 51), 7 communities (4 in Colombia, 2 in Peru and
1 in Puerto Rico)
India: 22 priests and deacons, 3 brothers, 11 scholastics, 2 novices ' 38 religious (median age of 40), 7 communities
Dem. Republic of Congo: 1 bishop, 15 priests and deacons, 4 brothers, 2 scholastics, 2 novices ' 24 religious (median age of 49), 5 communities
Senegal: 13 priests and deacons, 4 scholastics ' 17 religious (median age of 39), 4 communities
Sri Lanka: 1 bishop, 21 priests and deacons, 5 brothers, 5 scholastics, 2 novices ' 34 religious (median age of 43), 5 communities
Vietnam: 15 priests and deacons, 4 brothers, 25 scholastics, 8 novices ' 52 religious (median age of 39), 4 communities
SUMMARY OF DATA
Totals: 8 bishops, 676 priests and deacons, 136 brothers, 92 scholastics, 32
novices ' 940 religiousSince the last General Chapter, 69 religious entered
the Congregation and 41 left. There are 131 communities. Since the last General
Chapter, 9 new communities were opened and 22 closed.
*As of April 2003. Courtesy of the June 7, 2003 issue of Notiziario 2 of
the Italian Province of the Congregation.
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