Weeds and wheat: “
let both of them grow together until the harvest.”
(Matt 13:20)
We all at times divide the world into opposites: male and female, clergy and laity, Democrats and Republicans, haves and have nots, winners and losers, heterosexual and homosexual, believers and atheists, good and bad, weak and strong, progressives and conservatives, artists and artisans, peacemakers and warriors, learned and unlearned, wealthy and poor, free and imprisoned, wheat and weeds.
When these “opposites” become polarized, we can end up with sexism, ageism, racism, homophobia, genetic cleansing, etc. What do we “weed out?” What do we “accept?”
Weeds and wheat . . . them and us . . . us and them.
We see in today’s Gospel God’s generosity for all of us. Just as the farmer was willing to wait for the harvest to separate the weeds from the wheat, God allows us time to grow, to be changed by His grace, to become who we truly are. Yes, God is able to see the whole picture with a wide-angle lens and finds and appreciates our talents and potential, whatever they may be. He alone knows our “
buried treasures
.”
Do we prevent others from growing and realizing their full potential? This would include the elderly as their aging and feeble bodies may make them useless and their ravaged memories may render them difficult to care for and become “bothersome.” This would include the unborn whose chance to realize their potential is denied because another is exercising the “freedom of choice.” This would also include the ill and disabled, even when they are considered “useless.” This would include sinners (and are we not all!) who repeat their wrongdoings.
Who will pluck the weed? The final harvester is God Himself, loving and forgiving. When the time comes for that final harvest to which someday we will all be summoned, what surprises may wait for us! We never will know who counts as the “wheat” or the “weeds,” but only a loving and compassionate God. His love surrounds us all. He waits to welcome us all and to share that love with us.
Submitted by John Macko, Blessed Sacrament
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First Reading: Wisdom 13:13, 16-19
Responsorial Psalm: 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16
Second Reading: Romans 8:26-27
Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:24-43 or 13:24-30
Reflection: In the Responsorial Psalm we responded: “Lord you are good and forgiving.” God continues to forgive us even when we continue to sin against him. In the First Reading we read, “But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency and with much lenience you govern us.” Jesus in the Gospel Reading likens the kingdom of God with the farmer who sowed good field in his field. Later, the enemy came and sowed weeds in his farm. As the slaves approached him to pull out the weeds, the farmer responded to them, “No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.” Our God is lenient in his judgment. He is not rushing into judging to condemn us. Rather, he provides with time so that we can stand up from our fall and return to him in repentance. God has always sent us prophets, teachers, and priests to remind us of our failures and sinfulness. He has even sent us his only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to invite us back to him. When we acknowledge our own sinfulness and have sincere repentance, God forgives us. The blood of his son is already shed on the cross to wash our sins. We are called to come at the foot of the cross and tell God, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.” Lk 15:18-19. We are called to true repentance of our sins, since God has loved us the most. Amen. Fr. Severine
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Ordinations to the Diaconate
Bishop Douglas J. Lucia is pleased to announce the ordinations of fourteen men of our diocese to the Permanent Diaconate. The Sacrament of Holy Orders to the Order of Deacon will take place this Monday evening, July 20 through Thursday evening, July 23 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The liturgies will be livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel,
www.youtube.com/syrdio
.
Three of the fourteen are from our linked parishes. These are Peter Lual, Thomas Murphy, Jr. and Aleu Tong. Please keep these men, their families in your prayers. Peter, Thomas and Aleu will be ordained on Monday evening July 20. Congratulations to Peter, Tom and Aleu for saying YES to God and serve as permanent deacons in our parishes and diocese.
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St Vincent’s Annual 126th St Anne’s Novena will be held in a modified version for 2020. Dates: July 24 @ 7:00pm; July 25@ 4:00pm; July 26 @ 7:00pm. Each day includes Mass, special prayers, and the Rosary will be recited on Sunday evening. No healing mass this year due to Covid restrictions. CDC restrictions will be enforced. Bring a mask to wear. Church is air conditioned. Call Ann (315) 478-7664 to make a reservation. Let’s pray for peace , those we’ve lost, and an end to this pandemic in our world!
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This year's St. Vincent/Blessed Sacrament Tournament is Sunday, August 23rd at Westvale Golf Course. The cost is $50.00 for 18 holes of golf, a cart and lunch at the Turn. There will be no dinner because of the Covit 19. Come enjoy an afternoon out on the golf course. Proceeds to benefit St. V's Youth Programs and Blessed Sacrament's School Eagle Fund. Sponsor a Hole for $100 or Tee Box $25. For more information contact Bob James 315 471-0818 or Jerry Ball 315 463-8410.
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Saturday, July 18
Steve Angelaro – Karen Moro
Sunday, July 19
People of the Parish
Molly Corsello – Terri and Marissa Yackel
Kathryn M. Scaife – Chris Weidman
Monday, July 20
Donald Murray – Steve and Angela Sharp
Tuesday, July 21
Stella Amarn–Cousins Stella and Vincent Cugini
Wednesday, July 22
Joan Scharoun - Siblings
Thursday, July 23
Sam Sorbello - Estate
Friday, July 24
Irene Steigerwald – Hildegard Schulze
Saturday, July 25
Robert Rafka – Julia Taddeo
Sunday, July 26
Nick Piccolo – Pearl Piccolo and Family
Francesa Spuches – Salvatore and Annmarie Spuches
People of the Parish
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Prayer Requests
We pray for Sr. Natalie Slake, Ann Cook, Lynne Recore, John Fortino, Elizabeth Walrath, Jean Suits, Patrick Brewer, Yang Juan, Terri Close, Jill Danial, Mary Griffin, Cole Malone, Elizabeth Gilbert, John Laura, Susan Moro Campbell, Missy DiPaulo Angotti, Carolyn Armstrong, Mary Linehan, Mary Extale, Mary Gersbacher, Mary Ingalls, Rita Bross, Marlene Brush, Roslyn Antonacci, John Gersbacher, and Grace McNamara.
Pastoral Visits
Are you, or do you know of a family member, friend, or neighbor who may be in a nursing home, a short-term facility for rehab, hospital or homebound, who would like a pastoral visit and bring Communion and the Sacrament of Anointing? Because of federal HIPPA regulations, we have no means of knowing if you are in any of the above situations UNLESS you notify us. Contact the rectory at 315.437.3394 and we will be pleased to make a visit.
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Parish Secretary
St. Margaret’s Church is seeking applicants for this part-time 25 hours a week position. Responsibilities of the job include providing administrative support, secretarial, clerical and related office services for members of the parish and parish/school staff and various other committees and boards. The secretary should ensure that the office runs efficiently, and presents a professional, compassionate demeanor to all parishioners, visitors, clergy, as well as other parish/school staff. Applicants should contact St. Margaret’s Church at 315-455-5534. Applications due by August 4, 2020.
Housekeeper/Cook
St. Margaret’s Church, and school, Mattydale, NY seek applicants for a part-time 8 hours a week position. The job includes housekeeping duties to keep the parish rectory clean and presentable for parishioners, visitors, as well as parish and school staff. The job also includes cooking one meal a day for later consumption by parish pastor. Applicants should contact St. Margaret’s Church at 315-455-5534. Applications due by August 4, 2020.
Maintenance/Janitorial
St. Margaret’s Church, and school, Mattydale, NY seek applicants for a full time 40 hours a week position. The job includes cleaning, light maintenance and repair for the school building, church, rectory, convent and grounds, seasonal snow removal and mowing also necessary. The position includes health insurance and other benefits. Applicants should contact St. Margaret’s Church at 315-455-5534. Applications due by August 4, 2020.
Hospital Chaplain
Looking for a hospital chaplain to work 20 hours a week to support the Wilson and Binghamton General Hospitals. Hospital chaplain will provide spiritual and pastoral support to facility residents, families and staff, acknowledging and respecting their beliefs, culture and values. Interested candidates should apply directly on Diocese of Syracuse website or send a resume to
mbirardi@syrdio.org
.
Catechetical Coordinator
Pope John church is seeking a fun and energetic individual to lead and continue to design and develop the faith formation program at Pope John XXIII. Candidate will build collaboration within the linkage with Christ the King and to develop a relationship in the Liverpool PCA community. This position is a 20 hours/week position based on 11 months. Please see Pope John’s website for more information. www.popejohnchurch.org
Family Minister
We are seeking to grow our relationship with family needs, especially with younger and growing youth. We understand that the needs of families can change at a moment’s notice. This position is to be a liaison for families of Christ the King and Pope John XXIII; to assist, provide vision and development for programs related to youth and families, support the youth ministry, faith formation and Sacramental preparation teams and to help develop a growing spirituality among our families. This is a 10 hours/week position based on 12 months. Please see Pope John’s website :www.popejohnchurch.org.
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An economic relief bill is currently under discussion in Congress. It is important to make sure that hard-hit Catholic school families receive emergency relief. Please join the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the New York State Catholic Conference in asking Congress to include additional relief for Catholic schools in the next emergency relief package. Go to
https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/Campaigns/75795/Respond
to add your own personal story about your Catholic school experience and support Catholic schools.
Another economic relief bill is currently under discussion in Congress. Persons who are poor and vulnerable continue to face immediate hardships such as rising food prices, layoffs, and access to healthcare. Please join the USCCB in asking Senators to act now to support those who are poor and vulnerable during this pandemic by: providing resources for those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. Visit USCCB website for more information.
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From 55 Plus Magazine
An article of well-known congregation cooks and the recipes for which they are most known is being created for 55 Plus magazine. Contact
marilynp@gmail.com
for more information. The article would most likely appear in the October/November 2020 issue.
From Catholic Christians of the Holy Land
Hope this message finds you well in Christ. Due the current situation and Covid19 all over the world locked, the Catholic Christians of the Holy Land are struggling for living since wood carving is the only source of income. Now pilgrims are banned the visiting until further notice and pandemic measures have affected all the business sectors and everything shut down - they find them self-afraid and lost. We will be stopping at Blessed Sacrament Church in Syracuse to display wood carvings after the Masses on July 25 and 26 and ask for your support by purchase of our items. With sincere wishes that you and church be safe and remain in good health. May we ask to keep us in your prayer. God Bless.
The Tenth Hour
THIS EVENT WILL BE 100% OUTDOORS! Please join Bishop Lucia for his annual vocation picnic on Wednesday, August 5 from 4pm to 8pm at Christ the King Retreat House in Syracuse. The Tenth Hour is an evening of dinner, conversation, prayer, and discernment with our bishops, priests, seminarians, and religious sisters from the Diocese of Syracuse. You must register for this event before Monday, August 3. All pastors and their youth and young adult ministers are welcome to attend with their young people. This event is co-ed and is intended for young people between the ages of 14 and 19 years old. Register by contacting Elizabeth Garn at vocations@syrdio.org or by visiting our official Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/542774699751240/.
From the Diocesan Office of Family Life
Please continue to pray for, learn about, and act on behalf of the gift of life! We are preparing a series entitled
Be Not Afraid
to educate adults about having civil conversations regarding challenging life issues. We plan to begin offering this series during Respect Life month in October. More information to follow. Thank you and God bless!
Fostering the Next Generation of Organists
The Syracuse Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is offering the Greg Keefe Memorial Scholarship, for young pianists who may be interested in becoming organists. If you know of a talented young pianist, or a young fan of the Pipe Organ, please contact Mrs. Deborah Cunningham for more information, or for a scholarship application: cunning@twcny.rr.com
Formation for Ministry
Virtual Information Session, Wednesday, August 5, 6:30-7:30 pm. Are you or is someone you know thinking about Formation for Ministry or the Diaconate? The Offices of Formation for Ministry and Deacon Formation are offering a virtual information session Wednesday, August 5, at 6:30 pm. This session will include an overview of the two-year Formation for Ministry program leading to commissioning as a lay ecclesial minister and an overview of the process for becoming a deacon. Time for questions will also be included. Formation for Ministry is a prerequisite for becoming a deacon. Register at:
https://bit.ly/DFFFMInfo or call 315-470-1491
.
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BuildingFaith@Home issue focuses on the presence of Christ in "community" when gathered together at Mass. As part of the Introductory Rites, this issue includes the Gloria to review and practice as a family. Links for More Ideas and Activities: Catholicnewsagency.com - Pope Francis point to Mary Magdalene, as “An Apostle of Hope” July 22, Feast of St. Mary Magdalene; Blessedisshe.net - The Feast of St. James the Apostle (July 25); TeachingCatholicKids.com - 10 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Feast Day of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26). Visit
BuildingFaith@Home
.
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St. Vincent's
Daily Mass in the Chapel this week will be held on Monday through Wednesday:
Saturday, 4:00pm Mafalda & Joseph D’Amore, req. by family
Sunday, 9:30am Thomas & Leo Regin, req. by friends and family
Monday, 12:00pm Mary Carol Fisher, req. by Rosemary & Peter Carr
Tuesday, 12:00pm Charles Franz, req. by Charles & Miriam Valls
Wednesday, 12:00pm Karen Long, req. by John & Jane Sullivan
Friday, 7:00pm Arlene Rainone, req. by the Adamitis family
Saturday, 4:00pm People of St. Vincents
Sunday, 9:30am Mark Conti, req. by the Altar Rosary Society
Sunday, 7:00pm Patrick & Della Carrig, req. by their family
Prayer Requests
WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS FOR THE SPIRITUAL COMFORT AND RESTORATION OF HEALTH FOR: Kim Harrington (granddaughter of John and Joanne Harrington), Sandra Betts, Desiree Landers, Nate Wagner, Madeline Duda, Marilynn Bause, sister of Lauren Brooks, Suzanne Thompson (sister of Bill Winchell), Judy D’Amore, Martin Griffin, Anne Marie Drury, Fred Sniper, Carm Fitzgerald, Tony Caruso, and Mary Colosimo.
50/50
Remember for just $5.00 you could be the next winner. The 50/50 tickets may be mailed to the Rectory. The next drawing will be Sunday, July 26
th
after 9:30am Mass.
C
ontact Bob James at 315-471-0818 with any questions. Thanks to all who continue to support our Youth Programs.
Finances
7/12/20: Attendance - 50; Offertory - $1,544.25; Received from 43 Envelopes (Envelopes - $1,404.25, Loose - $140.00, Bldg. Fund - $120.00). Fuel Collection: We would appreciate ANY AMOUNT. Our NATIONAL GRID BILLS were: April, $867.71, and May, $626.38 for the church buildings. Thank you!
Catholic Humor
The pastor recalls “After a worship service a mother of a fidgety seven-year-old boy told me how she finally got her son to sit still and be quiet. About halfway through the sermon, she leaned over and whispered, “If you don’t be quiet, the preacher is going to lose his place and will have to start his sermon all over again!” It worked.
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Give God your weakness and He will give you His strength
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Please excuse all errors and omissions, slight mistakes and oversights.
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