SAINT JOHN OF GOD PARISH 84 Carleton Avenue * Central Islip, New York 11722

Phone: 234-6535 * Fax: 234-7474 * Email: SJOGNO1@AOL.COM Website: www.stjohnofgodparish.org

Rev. Christopher Nowak, Pastor Pastoral Staff

Rev. Humberto Contreras, Associate Pastor Sr. Valerie Scholl, CSJ, Pastoral Associate / Admin. Dcn. Ronald J. Gillette Sr. Claudia Allen, CSJ, Apostolado Hispano Dcn. Frank Gariboldi Mrs. Maggie Martin, Religious Education

Mrs. Patricia Walsh, Cemetery Secretary Mrs. Ana Sullivan, Parish Social Ministry Coordinator Mrs. Eleanor Gould, Music Ministry

October 24, 2010 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Parish Center: 234-6535 Religious Education: 234-4040

Outreach Office: 234-1884 Cemetery Office: 234-6535 x135

Parish Office Hours:

Monday – Friday: 9AM – 4:30 PM

Sunday: 9 AM – 2 PM (Mass Cards)

Emergency Sick Calls Any Time

Sunday Mass Schedule

Saturday Vigil: 5 PM Chapel Sunday: 8 AM Church

9:30 AM Church 11:00 AM Chapel

Weekday Masses

Monday – Saturday: 9 AM Church

Devotions Miraculous Medal Novena: Monday at 9 AM Mass

Sacraments Reconciliation: Saturday at 4:00 PM in the Church

or by appointment. Please call the Parish Center. Baptism: 1st and 3rd Sunday at 2 PM. Parents must register

at the Parish Center at least 1 month before the baptism. Marriage: Those wishing to be married must make arrangements

at least 6 months in advance. Call the Parish Center.

Our Lady of Providence Regional School Pre-K (4 yrs.) through 8th Grade

234-1113 or 234-6324 www.olprov.org

Principal: Mrs. JoAnn DiNardo

Apostolado Hispano 234-6535 x 106

Equipo Pastoral Que Habla Español

Rev. Christopher Nowak, Pastor

Rev. Humberto Contreras, Pastor Asociado

Hna. Claudia Allen, CSJ Sra. Ana Sullivan, Ministerio Social

Misas En Español Sábado: 7:00 PM Capilla

Domingo: 9:30 AM Capilla 12:30 PM Capilla

Martes: 7:30 PM Capilla

Sacramentos

Bautizos en Español:

2ndo y 4tro Domingo de cada mes, 2 PM Los padres de los niños deben ir a la oficina antes de inscribirlos. Llame 234-6535 x 106 para una cita.

Confesiones: Los sábados a las 4:00 PM Primera Comunión y Confirmación:

Niños de 6 hasta los 17años deben asistir a las clases de Educación Religiosa de acuerdo a su edad. Llame: 234-4040

Sacramentos Para Los Adultos: (18 años en adelante) Llame 234-6535 x 106 para más información. Las clases para los adultos son los domingos a las 11 AM.

Matrimonio: Inscribirse 6 meses antes de la fecha de al boda. Llame: 234- 6535 para hablar con un miembro del Equipo Pastoral que habla español.

Nuestra Señora de la Providencia Escuela Católica

Pre-K (4 años) hasta 8vo grado 234-1113 o 234-6324

www.olprov.org Principale: Mrs. JoAnn DiNardo

STEWARDSHIP 2010

FROM THE HEART “God, be merciful to me a sinner” prayed again and again from the heart is the key to our honest relation to the Trinity Just as the tax collector in the Gospel does, we should come to know

our true place. Jesus judges us and freely lifts us from our sins if we seek his help. Because of his work on the cross, we can rise with him and share his life. Say sacramentally with humble straightforwardness, “Be merciful to me, a sinner.” The rest is “easy and light,” for he then takes our burden. Do you trust the Lord enough?

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C. Illustration © 2001 K. Sullivan.

Text, Philip J.Sandstrom, STD © 2001, OCP. All rights reserved.

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CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LORD

2010 Sunday Collection $ 8,616.50 Late Repairs $ 252.00 Late Respect Life $ 20.00

2009 Sunday Collection $ 6,065.50 Late Respect Life $ 6.00

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Mass Attendance Week of October 16th & 17th

5:00PM (English) — 138 7:00PM (Spanish) — 120 8:00AM (English)— 118 9:30AM (English)— 86 9:30AM (Spanish) — 328 11:00AM (English) — 189 12:30PM (Spanish) — 352

Restoring the Glory….

to welcome…to worship… to grow…to serve…

GIFTS OF TREASURE SHARED

Pledge Report: $ 1,287,597.75 Total Paid to Date: $ 1,137,729.75 Balance: $ 149,868.00

Mass Intentions for the Week of October 24th

Monday – 9:00AM – Joseph Coffey Tuesday – 9:00AM – Wednesday – 9:00AM – Thursday – 9:00AM – Joseph Katocin Friday – 9:00AM – Agnes Hugo Saturday – 9:00AM – Mario Camacho – 5:00PM – People of St. John of God Sunday – 8:00AM – Those Enrolled in the Society of Prayer – 9:30AM – Patrick & Lucy Halloran – 11:00AM – Tony and Angela Young

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday, October 25th – Eph. 4:32—5:8; Lk.13:10-17

9:00AM – Daily Mass –

Tuesday, October 26th – Eph. 5:21-33; Lk.13:18-21

9:00AM – Daily Mass 7:30PM – Misa en Español – (Capilla)

Wednesday, October 27th – Eph. 6:1-9; Lk.13:22-30

9:00AM – Daily Mass –

Thursday, October 28th – Saint Simon and Saint Jude, apostles

Eph. 2:19-22; Lk.16:12-16

9:00AM – Daily Mass

Friday, October 29th – Phil. 1-1-11; Lk.14:1-6

9:00 AM – Daily Mass

Saturday, October 30th – Phil. 118b-26; Lk.14:7-11

9:00AM – Daily Mass 5:00PM – Mass – English – (Chapel) 7:00PM – Misa en Español – (Capilla)

Sunday, October 31st – Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wis 11:22—12:2; 2Thes. 111—2:2; Lk.19:1-10

8:00AM – Mass – English – (Church) 9:30AM – Mass – English – (Church) 9:30AM – Misa en Español – (Capilla) 11:00AM – Mass – English – (Chapel) 12:30PM – Misa en Español – (Capilla)

Monday, November 1st—All Saints Day - Not a Holy Day of Obligation with year. There will be 7:00PM Mass in the Chapel.

Joseph Acciarito Jacob Aceiedo Felix Acevedo Mary Alfieri Frances Barnhurt Helen Boeke Maureen Bose Steven Braille William Campbell Suzanne Celery Gerri Eshun Ron Gillette II Virginia Gonzalez Joan Growich Carol Hemmerich Elaine O’Mara Hulbert Alice Hydell Karen Kelly George Kuehne Alfred Lapadula George Liebe Eddie Linz

Joan McCarroll Peggy McNamee Mike Meola, Sr. Liz Mouzakes Gladys Oakley Rocco Palatucci Margaret Petrie Cole Pletman Jean & Joe Pipitone Carmen Ramos Shirley Ramsey Grabiel Riviera George Santiago John Santiago Josephine Seymour Marie Shay Linda Smith William Stottler Stanley Tesoro George Tintugo Joseph Vereline,Jr. Mary Weber Barbara Warfield

Remember in your thoughts and prayers, the Sick of the Parish...

WE ARE SAINT JOHN OF GOD PARISH - COMMITTED TO FAITH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY!

“Memories of Father Jim”

Submitted by: Kathleen Murphy

My sister and I would bring our elderly mother to mass every Sunday. She looked forward to hearing Father Jim’s Homily and speaking to him briefly before and after mass. At times we would be running late and Father Jim would be standing outside the doors to the Chapel seeing us walking up slowly. He would wait that extra minute until we got our mom up the steps and seated in the church before he would begin mass. One Sunday, mass ran late and by the time we walked mom out to descend the stairway, there was a deluge of peo-ple climbing the steps to enter for a Spanish mass. Father Jim saw our dilemma and came and took my mother by the arm, said a few words in Spanish and the crowd parted. That scene from “The Ten Command-ments” popped into my head where Moses parted the seas. Father Jim walked my mom down the stairs and as soon as he and my mom passed, the crowd en-gulfed my sister and I, but he waited at the bottom of the stairs until he could safely pass her off to us. My mom passed away on October 12th. Father Jim made sure he visited her at the hospital. He helped us get through her passing. Who would ever think that shortly after that he would be taken from us. I can hear his voice so clearly in my head saying, “You have to be ready, you never know when your day will come.” I know he was ready. I hope he knows how much we all miss him.

Submitted by: Virginia Daus

I always enjoyed Father Jim’s homilies. They were spiritual, inspiring and interesting. You could tell he loved being a priest. Quite often he had a funny story to share with us—such as—”I often stopped in 7-11 for a cup of coffee when out in the morning. This one morning it was quite crowded including a woman I saw in there often, probably looking for someone to buy her a cup of coffee. All of a sudden, I heard her say “hello sexy” and of course, I knew she was talking to me.” He always made us laugh and I’m sure he is keeping them laughing in Heaven. Their gain is our great loss.

Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed

(All Souls Day)

Cemetery Field Mass

November 2, 2010 (Tuesday)

11:00AM

Queen of All Saints Cemetery

Most Reverend John Dunne Principal Celebrant

Prayer for All Souls Day:

“Father, I bring you my concern

for my loved ones who have

died. Bring us all into the light

of your presence.” From: the WORD among us®

Religious Education Office Mrs. Maggie Martin, Director

Telephone: 631-234-4040—Email: sjogre@verizon.net

Office hours for the week of October 24: Monday, Oct. 25: 9:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday, Oct. 26: 11:00am – 4:00pm Wednesday, Oct. 27: 9:00am – 11:30pm Thursday, Oct. 28: 9:00am – 3:00pm Friday, Oct. 29: CLOSED Saturday, Oct. 30: CLOSED Sunday, Oct. 31: CLOSED

Schedule of Classes for Week of Oct. 24:

Mon., Oct. 25: Levels 9 Confirmation Rehearsal — 7:00pm

Level 8 Regular Session 7:00pm — 8:15pm

Rites of Christian Initiation 7:00-8:00pm in Chapel

Wed., Oct. 27: NO CLASSES

Sat., Oct. 30: Levels 1-7 & Miss Sandy Regular Session 8:30-945am or 10:30-11:45am

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, Oct. 27: Celebration of Sacrament of Confirmation 4:00pm Bishop Paul Walsh

will be the celebrant Chapel doors will open at 2:45pm for photos

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

In this Sunday’s Gospel, the tax collector’s prayer allows God to be God and so allows God to pour

mercy into his heart. When we pray and give alms to the poor, we allow God’s mercy to be poured into their hearts. It was precisely because the Pharisee despised others that he was not accepted by God, nor his prayer either. It is easy to despise others almost without knowing it. Before we enter the “Temple” we should take a moment and ask if we despise anybody. It is acknowledging who we are before God: sinners in need of mercy. When we have answered with a “no”, we too can enter and begin our prayers. Through your gifts to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, you also can give God’s mercy to your neighbor who is hungry, hopeless, frightened, and alone.

IDONTKNOW MOTORCYCLE CLUB 12th Annual Turkey Run &

Blessing of the Bikes & Riders November 21st (Sunday)

Benefit: St. John of God Outreach Center

Come out and welcome this wonderful group of riders. They have done so much for our Outreach Thanksgiving Project. Without their generosity many families would not have Thanksgiving Dinner.

If you own a motorcycle and would like to ride in this benefit, call: 631-585-5200

12th Annual Turkey Run

FREE FREE

FREE

8th Annual Trick or Treat Safe Haven Food, Fun & Games

Knights of Columbus Hall, Carleton Avenue Sunday, October 31 — 3PM to 7PM

All are Welcome!!!

Mrs. Jo Ann DiNardo, Principal

A PIECE OF PROVIDENCE

OPEN REGISTRATION There are still a few seats available at Our Lady of Providence , your regional school. If you are interested, please call us for a visit and check out our website, www.olprov.org for more information.

NEW POLICY — WE WILL NO LONGER HAVE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS WHERE PARENTS SEND IN FOOD FOR THE CLASS! Birthdays may be celebrated with goody bags sent in by the parents. Goody bags may include items such as crayons, coloring books, special pencils, etc. Teachers will celebrate your child’s birthday with special attention.

PEANUT-FREE SCHOOL Many of our students have peanut allergies. This involves very serious reactions and places a child in grave danger.

Therefore, we ask that no peanut products be sent to school for lunch or snacks. Please read your labels. As parents, we are concerned with the welfare of all the children, not just our own.

Confraternity of Christian Mothers

Annual Halloween Bake Sale and 50/50

October 30th & October 31st After All

the Masses

Your support will be greatly appreciated. If you like to bake and would like to help this worthy cause, your donations (cakes, breads, cookies, cupcakes and other delicious desserts) will be graciously accepted. Proceeds go to our Christmas Adopt-a-Family. With your help, Christmas for less fortunate families will be a little brighter.

Confraternity of Christian Mothers Communion Brunch

November 7th

Guest Speaker: Father Francis Pizzarelli

Fr. Pizzarelli will celebrate the 11AM Mass and speak at the Brunch..

Reservation Forms are at the main entrance of the Chapel

Brunch will follow at Knights of Columbus

Cost: $16.00 per person All members of the Parish are invited.

For more information, call: Sandy at 234-6786

FUNDRAISING Please register at Stop and Shop so the store will give us a percentage of the money you spend on groceries. You do not pay any EXTRA money but they will give the school a donation based on sales. You can shop at any Stop and Shop. YOU MUST REGISTER AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SCHOOL YEAR. Just go to their website www.stopandshop.com/aplus put in your information and your Stop and Shop card number. It is so easy! We are also still collecting Boxtops for Education, Campbell Soup, Prego, Franco-American, V-8, Pepperodge Farm.and Spaghettio’s labels .

PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE Telephone: 234-1884

Ana Sullivan, Coordinator

Thank You to all the parishioners that support our efforts to help our community. It is with your support that we are able to help many families in need.

Reminder Our Thrift Store is open on Sundays

10:00 A.M to 2:00 PM Come and browse around!

Announcement Thanksgiving Day is approaching and we are getting ready to serve our community. Any of our clients who would like to receive a Thanksgiving Basket, please stop at our Outreach Center to sign up. We will start signing up on October 12th.

Announcement Our thrift store has a baby stroller in very good condition and at a very good price.

Our Food Pantry is very low or out of the following items:

- Tuna - Jelly - Canned Meat - Baby food - Tomato Sauce - Beans - Peanut butter - Rice

- Canned Vegetables - Mac & Cheese

- Diapers—Size 3, 4 & 5

Thank you and God Bless You for your continued support.

Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors

We need more parishioners to serve in these ministries. Our Lord is calling you to

help serve at his Mass.

Speak to Fr. Chris or Deacon Ron.

RCIA– Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

Need a Sacrament or Two? We Can Help!

* Never Baptized but thinking about it * Baptized in another Christian Faith

but thinking of joining us * Baptized Catholic but missing Communion or Confirmation

WE CAN HELP!

If you or someone you know is 18years or older and needs any sacraments of Initiation, please call Father Chris or Deacon Ron.

“NOW PEACE IS UP TO US” Saturday, Oct 30, 2010 9:30- 3:30

JIM AND SHELLEY DOUGLASS, lifelong peace activists, will share their story and invite us to reflect on our call to work for peace now. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the founders of the Center for Nonviolent Action and Mary’s House, a Catholic Worker House in Birmingham.

Jim’s book on peace. JFK and The Unspeakable, Why He Died and Why It Matters, (Orbis 2008) will be available for purchase. St. Joseph Church, Garden City, Sorry, not handicap accessible. Donation: $20 (includes breakfast snack and lunch) $25 after October 15. Registration required. Please make out check to “Pax Christi Long Island”, include your name and address; mail to 3496 Jerusalem Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793 or email registration to PaxChristiLI@verizon.net and pay at the door.

We offer a special invitation to all who are seeking a nonviolent path.

October 25th – Atlantic City Resorts Casino Bus Trip sponsored by Society of St. Vincent de Paul For information, call: Irene Miller at 234-8593

October 30th-31st – Conf. of Christian Mothers Annual Halloween Bake Sale - Your support will be greatly appreciated. If you wish to donate baked goods, please drop them in the School Lobby before Mass.

November 1st – Confraternity of Christian Mothers will hold their monthly Meeting at 7:30 PM in the Small Cafeteria of the School. All women of the parish are invited.

November 2nd – All Souls Day -Cemetery Field Mass - 11:00AM in Queen of All Saint Cemetery Most Rev. John Dunne will be the principal celebrant.

November 7th – Communion Brunch sponsored by Confraternity of Christian Mothers Father Francis Pizzarelli will celebrate the 11AM Mass. Brunch will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

November 13th – Mass of Remembrance - 2:00PM in the Chapel A Mass for the people whose funerals have been celebrated here since November. 1, 2009. Also a time to remember own family members who died.

November 14th – Holy Name Society – 8:00AM - Members will gather at 8:00AM Mass. Monthly meeting to follow in the Small Cafeteria of School. All are welcome!!!

November 14th – Ministry to Catholics of African Ancestry will hold their monthly Meeting at 12Noon in Room 11 of Our Lady of Providence School. All are invited.

November 25th – Thanksgiving Mass 10:30AM (Bilingual) in the Chapel. All are invited to this very special Mass. What better way to begin your Thanksgiving Day.

December 9th – 7:30 to 9:00PM – Evening of Advent Renewal In the Chapel led by the Cenacle Sisters –

December 18th – Anniversary Mass in Remembrance of Father Jim’s death. Bishop William Murphy will be the principal celebrant. Please send in your “Memories of Father Jim” to share with the parish.

Mark Your Calendar CHOIR SCHEDULES:

Adult Choir Rehearsal Schedule: October 27th -- NO REHEARSAL November 3rd -- 7:30PM in the Chapel November 10th -- 7:30PM in the Chapel November 17th -- 7:30PM in the Chapel November 24th -- NO REHEARSAL December 1 -- 7:30PM in the Chapel December 8 -- NO REHEARSAL December 15th -- 7:30PM in the Chapel December 22nd -- 7:30PM in the Chapel December 29th -- 7:30PM in the Chapel

Children’s Choir Schedule: October 28th -- NO REHEARSAL November 4th -- 7:00PM in the Chapel November 7th…… SING—at Sunday Mass November 11th -- 7:00PM in the Chapel November 18th -- 7:00PM in the Chapel November 25th -- NO REHEARSAL November 25th -- SING—10:00AM Mass December 2 -- 7:00PM in the Chapel December 5 -- SING—at Sunday Mass December 9 -- NO REHEARSAL December 16th -- 7:00PM in the Chapel December 23rd -- 7:00PM in the Chapel December 30th -- 7:00PM in the Chapel

Parking, Parking!!! St. John of God Parishioners are now able to park inside the gate by the school and the Hockey Rink to attend Mass. Lines will be painted to delineate parking spaces. Please know that Hockey games will not begin until 11:00am on Sunday.

Carrabas Luncheon

The Ministry of Catholics of African Ancestry would like to thank all who supported,

attended and donated to the 1st Annual Lunch fundraiser. It was truly a table of fellowship. We had 87 adults and 4 children. All had a great time and the food was “deliciosa” (excellent)!! Thanks again and God Bless!!!

Rev. Rogan / Fr. John P. Halpin Knights of Columbus Council #1816

62 Carleton Av, Central Islip

Hall Rentals For All Occasions Call us at: 348-3507

Rev. Rogan / Fr. John P. Halpin Knights of Columbus Council #1816

62 Carleton Av, Central Islip Telephone: 631-348-3507

Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month At 7:00PM

New Members Always Welcome

Interfaith Conference Video Rev. James V. Rogan-Father Halpin Council #1816 will have an open house on Tuesday, October 26th at 7:00PM to show the Interfaith Conference Video. Conference was held at Saint Joseph’s, Brentwood in May. The discussion is on “Three Traditions, One Root, The Abrahamic Faiths. The speakers are: Rabbi Ronda Nebel(Temple Beth Chai in Hauppauge), Muslim (Dr. Yufef Durgaf (Professor at Queens College) and , Professor Thomas Petriano, Ph.D., Professor of Religious Studies at Saint Joseph’s College in Patchogue. Coffee, tea and cake will be served after the showing.

Trip to: “CHRISTMAS CITY” Bethlehem, Pa.

December 4, 2010

Includes: Admission to Christkindlmart (European style Christmas Market) including: Gobel, Local Wineries, 80 other vendors, Entertainment & Large Food Court Other Activities Available: Christmas Community Putz Carriage Ride through Bethlehem— Cost: $49.00 for four persons Bring your Christmas cards to have special “Christmas City” postmark.

Trip Cost: $44.00 Per Person If only going to Sands Casino—Cost: $37 per person For Information, call: Richard Watkins 761-6015 Profit to: St. John of God Brothers and other Charitable programs.

Somos La Parroquia de San Juan de Dios - comprometidos a La Fe, La Familia, y La Comunidad!

PARA PERSEVERANTES Hay un ligero pero muy real cambio en el enfoque bíblico en las cuatro últimas semanas del año litúrgico. Por muchas semanas hemos venido escuchando sobre lo que significa ser un discípulo fiel. Ahora nos enfocaremos en el premio que aguarda a los que perseveran en el largo camino de la fe. Este domingo escuchamos que la justicia será imparcial en el tribunal del juez eterno. Primero, Eclesiástico nos enseña que “el Señor es un juez… escucha las súplicas de los oprimidos” y a “quien sirve a Dios con todo su corazón” (Eclesiástico 35:12, 13, 16). Luego oímos que Pablo hace eco a lo que proclama el salmista cuando el justo “grita, el Señor lo escucha… salva a los abatidos” (Salmo 34:18, 19). Finalmente, la pará-bola del fariseo y el cobrador de impuestos que fueron al templo a rezar afirman que Dios exaltará al que clama por misericordia.

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes: Ef 4:32 — 5:8; Lc 13:10-17 Martes: Ef 5:21-33 [25-32]; Lc 13:18-21 Miércoles:Ef 6:1-9; Lc 13:22-30 Jueves: Ef 2:19-22; Lc 6:12-19 Viernes: Flp 1:1-11; Lc 14:1-6 Sábado: Flp 1:18b-26; Lc 14:1, 7-11 Domingo:Sab 11:22 — 12:2; Sal 145 (144); 2 Tes 1:11 — 2:2; Lc 19:1-10

RESTAURANDO LA GLORIA Para Acoger….Para Alabar Para Crecer….Para Servir

Cantidad total de los compromisos $1,287,597.75

Cantidad total de los pagos $1,137,729.75

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS 2 DE NOVIEMBRE

MISA EN EL CEMENTERIO ¿Cuándo? A las 12:00 mediodía ¿Idioma? Español ¿Dónde? El Cementerio de Reina de los Santos, localizado a Wheeler Road antes de Motor Parkway. Venga y orar por su ser querido.

¿PUEDE AYUDARNOS? El Día de Acción de Gracias, el 25 de noviembre, todos los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a comer y disfru-tar este día como una familia al Salón de los Caballeros de Colón. El Padre Chris quiere comida hispana—pernil, empanadillas, pu-pusas etc. para que los feligresis hispanos van a sentirse comodos.Si puede comprar y cocinar estas cosas, la parroquía va a pa-garle por los gastos. Hable con Sister Clau-dia si puede ayudarnos. Gracias.

EL DÍA DE HISPANIDAD DOMINGO, 31 DE OCTUBRE

Los que hablan español en nuestra parroquia pueden unirse en la celebración de las culturas hispanas en la Misa a las 12:30 PM Despues de la Misa habrá comida tipico en la cafetería para compartir.

From Fr. Chris N.:

The main theme of today’s gospel is that true humility must be the hallmark of our prayer

life. However, the central focus of today’s parable is not prayer itself, but rather pride, humility and the role of grace in our salvation. In the second reading, Paul celebrates the fact that he is near the finish line of his life, like a runner running a race, and that he has kept the faith right up to this point. He humbly awaits "the crown of righteousness" that only God can give him. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!"

In today’s gospel parable about the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus reminds us that

God hears the prayers those who approach Him in prayer with humility. God did not hear the prayer of the Pharisee because he exalted himself. His prayer was a prayer of thanksgiving, announcing to God his freedom from sin and detailing his fidelity in observing the prescribed fast and in giving tithes. The tax collector’s prayer, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner” was heard because he humbled himself, acknowledging his sins and requesting God’s mercy.

The message from last week was: persevere in prayer even to the point of being a nag to

God. This week’s message is that when we pray, we do so from a posture of humility and not pride. When we are filled with pride and arrogance we can’t open our selves completely to God’s grace and movement in our lives.

God’s Blessings Always, Fr. Chris N

De Padre Chris. N. El tema principal del Evangelio de hoy es que humildad de verdad tiene que ser la distintiva de nuestra vida de oración. Sin embargo, el foco central de nuestra parábola no es la oración en sí mismo, sino orgullo, humildad y el papel de gracia en nuestra salvación. En la segunda lectura, Pablo celebra el hecho que él se acerca la fecha límite de su vida como un corredor corriendo la carrera. Celebra también el hecho que ha perseverado en la fe hasta este punto. Él espera la “corona merecida” que solamente Dios puede darle. “He luchado el bien en el combate, he corrido hasta la meta, he perseverando en la fe.” En el Evangelio de hoy, la parábola sobre el fariseo y el publicano, Jesús nos recuerde que Dios oye las oraciones de los que se acercan a Él en la oración con humildad. Dios no oyó la oración del fariseo porque se exaltó. Su oración fue una oración de acción de gracias, anunciando a Dios su libertad del pecado y detalladamente mencione su fidelidad en observando el ayuno prescrito y en dando limosna. La oración del publicano, ‘Dios mío, apiádate de mi, que soy un pecador’ fue escuchado porque se humilló, reconociendo sus pecados y pidiendo la piedad de Dios. El mensaje de la semana pasada fue: persevere en la oración hasta el punto de ser un molestador a Dios. El mensaje de esta semana es que cuando oremos , hacemos de una actitud de humildad y no de orgullo. Cuando estamos lleno de orgullo y arrogancia, no podemos abrimos nosotros completamente a la gracia de Dios y movimiento en nuestras vidas. Las Bendiciones de Dios Siempre, P. Chris. N.