Father Bill says...the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

A popular mosaic of the Holy Trinity

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

The Holy Trinity

A quiet, warm week – actually not much excitement at all – this weekend will be the Memorial Day Celebration – this is a good celebration – the remembrance of our deceased loved ones – and also of those who died in war – so sad that so many lives were cut short by war – I pray for them – but I also weep for them – but there will be lots of celebrating here in town – my own parishioners will be off visiting somewhere – but there will be many of our summer parishioners – coming up to begin getting things ready for moving in during the summer months – it is enjoyable to renew these summer friendships again – they do become an active part of the parish during the summer.
The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

So – the Feast of the Holy Trinity – a Feast in honor of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus promises the apostles, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of Truth, he will guide you to all truth.

The central religious truth for us – God is – God exists. My life is different because God is a part of all I am and do. Today, let us take the time to consider our own image of God – who do you – personally – understand about God.

As followers of Jesus, we believe in Jesus’ image of God. Jesus saw all reality very differently from the way we see it – for him reality is gracious and compassionate. For Jesus, nature is filled with God’s glory – a God whose basis for dealing with us is unbelievable, compassionate love.

Misconceptions about God – many have such bad ideas about God – like these – the God out there – the watchmaker God who couldn’t care less about his creation – a God who slides into the Big Bully, the Torturer God, vengeful, primitive – the God who-didn’t-give-what-I-asked – the God who is out to get me.

We must find the truth – from the Spirit of truth – promised us by Jesus.

Each of us is blessed by special moments of grace – moments of intense experience – graced moments – to recognize and feel God’s presence.

The greatest sin of our life is probably our stunning insensibility or constant inattention to the million proofs of God’s kindness and love which reach us through persons or circumstances and special signs of care and love – like the many time we were protected from harm.

Real content of Jesus’ message for us – consists in his image of God – God loves every human being with unconditional love – God constantly forgives.

Our God is about life – our spirituality is life-affirming –
God of life – created everything out of love and wants all things to be fully alive.

Our spirituality is an option for God – because God is the ultimate source of life – our God is a God of the living and wants all creatures to live and enjoy life.
Jesus’ message portrays the same zest for life

What image of God do I communicate through my actions, attitudes and behavior? Is it a God to be aware of, to be feared or a God of compassion and love?

LET US PRAY

Let me close with this prayer from St. Augustine

“Late have I loved you, O beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you. You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lonely things you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you, they would have no being at all. Why do I ask you to come to me when, unless you were with me, I would nave no being either.”

Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer

Father Bill says...for Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost Sunday

My week began with the annual Spring meeting for the priests of my diocese, the Diocese of Ogdensburg – a rather unique one this year – since the meeting was led by our new Bishop, who is one of own, a priest of our diocese, Bishop LaValley. Each year, we have the opportunity to spend time together – and have one evening dedicated to celebrating our Jubilarians, with a Mass and a banquet. Besides this, there is a program – a priest who is on the staff of the Episcopal Council for the United States, spoke to us of the coming reworking of the prayers and rituals of our liturgies and Mass. It involves mostly the various prayers of the Mass – but many of you will find it rather different – but don’t worry for a while - it will not be put into use for another year.

Then I went with the Eighth Grade class at our St. Mary’s School and their teachers and parents on a Whale Watch to Glouchester, Massachusetts – it was quite an adventure – we did see many whales – but I received a rather extensive education watching these youngsters interact for two days. Actually, I was rather impressed with these young people – and how they got along with each other. I also enjoyed the trip, the food and the sighting of so many whales. Truly I had fun – lots of sun and some lobster - but I must admit I was happy to get back to my quiet home.


Pentecost Sunday

The Gospel reading for Pentecost Sunday again comes from Jesus’ Discourse at the Last Supper - John 14. Jesus promises his apostles that he will send the Holy Spirit – “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

The Holy Spirit is to be an Advocate – “one called alongside” – one called alongside to help in a legal situation – an attorney – Jesus is going to be crucified and die – in the eyes of the world he will be judged, found guilty, and convicted – after his death – the Advocate will come and reverse the sentence by convicting the world and proving Jesus’ innocence. The Advocate will show that Jesus did not sin; rather the world sinned by not believing in him. The proof – he is not in the grave but lives – has risen – and is now with the Father – the judgment that put him to death did not defeat him.

Another role for the Advocate – sometimes those who suffer or are lonely need to call in someone to console and comfort them. Jesus’ disciples are sorrowful because he is departing – so Jesus promises the Spirit – someone just like Jesus is coming to take his place.

Jesus then adds – “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him – and he will come and make our dwelling with him.”

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles at the Pentecost Mass tells us what happened – the frightened apostles receive the Holy Spirit – in wind and fire – and become bold and courageous to begin preaching and teaching and bringing people to the Lord.

Each of us has received the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation – and each time we come to the Eucharist – the Holy Spirit comes to us – with the Father and the Son – to live within our hearts – to be with us always – to guide and show us the way to making our lives better and our world more filled with the Spirit.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – send the Spirit into my heart – as the apostles received the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost – transform me in courage and boldness that I may truly bring your love and peace – your message to all those that I meet. This is my prayer. Amen.

Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer.

Father Bill says...the Seventh Sunday of Easter

Consecration at the celebration of my 50th

First Communion

This Sunday is First Communion time here at St. Mary’s – another group of eight year olds will receive the Blessed Eucharist in Holy Communion for the First Time. It is always such a wonderful day – as they come all dressed up – families all sitting together – after several years of coming up the aisle at Communion time – and being blessed – they are now welcomed to receive Holy Communion. I am reminded of one of my favorite stories – of a father carrying up his young daughter – too young for Holy Communion – and as they reached the front of the aisle – this little girl shouted – “I want the Body of Christ.” It certainly reminded everyone in the Communion line of just what they were about to receive.

First Communion Sunday is a great opportunity for me to remind everyone of just what a gift we have in this wonderful sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. At the Last Supper, after giving the apostles His Body and Blood in that first Eucharist – Jesus commanded, “Do this in memory of me.” The Church has obediently followed that command ever since.

Each Eucharist is a miraculous moment in my life – as I consecrate the bread and wine, through my ordination as a priest – and I give thanks to my God for my priesthood – Eucharist does mean thanksgiving – a thanksgiving moment for me – that Jesus remains with us Body and Blood in this magnificent sacrament – and that I am allowed to celebrate this sacrament – and bring this Eucharist to the people of my parish. Thank you, God, for the Holy Eucharist – may these young people as well as all the people of this parish recognize your presence and welcome you into their lives to help, support, nourish and enliven their faith.
Seventh Sunday of Easter

Just a quick note concerning the Gospel reading for this Sunday, the Seventh Sunday of Easter – this reading is a part of the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus at the Last Supper – written in the 17th Chapter of John’s Gospel. Jesus prays for us – he prays to the Father – “for those who will believe in me through their word.” We are united with that first group of people who heard the teaching of the apostles – as well as all those throughout the centuries who have listened and believed – and now it is us, you and I, for whom Jesus prays – that we may believe and live in the message and Spirit of Our Savior.

In this prayer, Jesus prays especially for unity, “So, that they may all be one, as you, Father are in me and I in you – that the world may believe that you sent me.” Our unity as Catholics and Christians in the Church is a proclamation of our faith in Jesus for all peoples to see – by our lives we demonstrate our faith that Jesus was sent by the Father as Savior and Lord. By the way we live our lives we proclaim that Jesus is Our Savior.

Unity does not mean uniformity – true unity cannot be achieved in a community which denies difference – unity is achieved when each member – though very different – contributes their gifts – their different gifts – all being united around the same goal by mutual love. We must welcome each others gifts. May we be truly united that we may bring the love and peace of Jesus to this world – to our part of the world.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I pray this day that I may be a leader who brings unity to my parish and to your Church – give me the wisdom and fortitude to bring the presence of Jesus and the life of the Spirit to all those who come to me – may my celebration of the Eucharist truly change the world by changing the hearts of those who celebrate Eucharist with me. This is my prayer. Amen.

Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer

Father Bill says...the Sixth Sunday of Easter

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

May is the month of Our Lady, Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Mother’s Day – we like to do something special here at St. Mary’s on Mother’s Day to honor the mothers of the parish – so I bring them up to the front for a blessing and a little gift. I find it interesting that some of the mothers are a bit shy – but I drag them up – it is important for me to honor them – it gives me an opportunity to honor the memory of my own mother. So Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mothers out there – you are special – and the world is a better place because of all of you caring mothers.

This Sunday here in the parish is also Confirmation Sunday – our new Bishop, Bishop LaValley, will be here to confer the Sacrament on young people from all of the parishes of the deanery. Confirmation is such an important Sacrament – a unique opportunity to touch the lives of our young people – and truly to honor them – and also to impress on them how important they are to the Church – it is our hope that Confirmation is the beginning of their active participation in the life of the Church.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Controversy in the early Church – right a the very beginning. This Sunday’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles – describes this controversy – the question – did Jesus come to bring salvation to all people – or – only to his own people, the Jews. Paul and Barnabas convince the leaders of the Jerusalem Church that many Gentiles have accepted the message of Jesus and want to follow in that movement – and they should not be required to become Jews and follow the Jewish Law as some would demand. So the Catholic Church becomes something unique and special – and such it remains.

Peace – this Sunday Gospel reading from John’s Discourse at the Last Supper – Jesus teaches his apostles and us as he prepares the apostles for the time that they would soon be without his presence – and his message is peace – be a people of peace and realize that God’s greatest gift to those who follow in the path set by the Savior is peace. Jesus reminds us that his peace – is not like the world gives – for peace is much more than an absence of war, more than some feeling of tranquility – rather a peace that brings an inner calm – a peace that is founded on a right relationship with God and with others – a true gift from God that helps us to make our part of the world a place of joy and love as all live in peace. Jesus tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” As we draw near to the celebration of the Pentecost – we pray to the Holy Spirit that the peace of God will transform our lives – that we may be a people of peace.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – touch my life with your love that I may find your peace – and live in your peace – stay close to me, my Lord – that I will not be afraid – but may bring your peace to all those who are part of my life. This is my prayer. Amen.

Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer.

Father Bill says...the Fifth Sunday of Easter

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench




I want to share with you the picture of our new Bishop, Bishop Terry R. LaValley. The ceremony on Friday of this past week was truly memorable – the Cathedral in Ogdensburg was filled – the sanctuary was filled with Bishops – I dare say all of the priests of the diocese filled the front pews of our magnificent Cathedral – and the ceremony was exceptional – Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, was the principal ordaining Bishop – and three of the past Bishops of our diocese – Bishop LoVerde, Bishop Cunningham, Bishop Barbarito – were also in attendance.

The real significance of the ceremony was that Bishop LaValley was chosen from the priests of our own diocese – and made our Bishop – we know him and he knows us – he truly knows the territory and the parishes as well as the priests of this diocese. The transition to a new chapter in the history of this diocese will be smooth and, yet, historic.

There are many challenges for Bishops in this time – I am certain that you have seen the many criticisms of Bishops in many places – so it will be a real challenge for our new Bishop – however, his excellent talk at the conclusion of the ordination Mass indicated that he is ready to meet the challenges – and hopes to do all that he can to make our diocese strong and alive. Please continue to pray for our new Bishop.

Fifth Sunday of Easter


The Gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday of Easter takes us back to Jesus’ Discourse at the Last Supper – as he presents his teaching on his new commandment – “Love one another” – “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

So, Jesus’ message of love – love makes us instruments of God’s providence in the lives of others. Our prayer is that our love becomes the channel through which others will experience the love of God.

Love demands the best of us, and bring out the best in us. Being loved gives a surprising courage and energy. So also does love. Where there is great love, there are always miracles.

Jesus challenge – not only does he give the disciples the gift of his love; he commands them to do as he has done. He has shown what love is by doing something – pouring himself out in service. This was so graphically demonstrated when at the Last Supper he washed the apostles’ feet – he took over this menial service of a servant – to show them that being a loving leader a disciple must become a servant – service is where it is at for a Christian.

Biblical love – is not a warm, fuzzy feeling toward one another – rather it must be demonstrated in visible acts toward others.

To love as Jesus loves – it is not necessary to like or even feel kindly toward others – but it is necessary to act toward the other in the way Jesus treated his disciples – like washing their feet – after washing their feet, he instructed them – and us – that we must wash each others feet – may we demonstrate God’s love for us as we show our love for each other by all that we do for our Catholic Christian community.

This Sunday’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles – tells us of the St. Paul and St. Barnabas as they energetically traversed Asia Minor – offering the Good News – so – we are challenged by Jesus’ commandment to love to continue to bring the message of Jesus to others as we live it out in our lives and reach out in love to those in need.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – guide me and lead me to be a loving person – and help me to put that love into action in service of those who need me – I need your wisdom to show me and guide me to discover those who need me today. Give me the boldness and courage of St. Paul and St. Barnabas – to bring Christ’s love to my world. This is my prayer. Amen.

Please join me as we pray together the Lord’s Prayer.