25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
We celebrate the Lord’s Day on this 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Pauline lection for this Sunday comes from the Apostle Paul’s correspondence to the Philippians. In this periscope we find the words, “ For to me life is Christ.” These words were taken by Bishop Serratelli for his episcopal coat of arms and have had special meaning within the Diocese of Paterson since his appointment as our bishop in 2004. The Latin translation for this is “ Vivere Christus Est.”
 
Each year Bishop Serratelli presents the VIVERE CHRISTUS EST AWARD to a deserving parishioner(s) who has shown exemplary service to the local parish. This year’s award was presented on September 10th at the cathedral in Paterson with almost all 110 parishes receiving this special recognition by a deserving parishioner. This year’s award went to Charles and Erin Killeen in recognition for their generosity to the parish. The recipients of this award receive our gratitude as well as our encouragement to live for Christ. Indeed we encourage one another to live for Christ so that on the Day of Judgment the Lord of Hosts will reward us with the gift of eternal life.
 
LIFE IS CHRIST and that means living our lives differently from others. Our values and standards are in many times in opposition to the secular culture in which we live. There are to be found contradictions in the way we conduct ourselves as to the manner in which our neighbors and friends may live. In today’s Gospel we find the Lord Jesus outlining another way for His disciples to implement the mystery of the kingdom of God which has been rejected by some.
 
Yes, we are called to live a noble life, a virtuous life. This life is lofty and raises us up into the very presence of God. Therefore, we cannot allow ourselves to be reduced to the standards of this world. We must not permit our families, our children to succumb to the lowly and sinful expectations of this world but must remind one another that LIFE IS CHRIST.
 
Our CCD classes begin this week. I am so happy that our young people will once again come together to be instructed in the faith. I remind mom and dad, once again, that YOU ARE THE FIRST TEACHERS OF RELIGION TO YOUR CHILDREN. The priests and catechists are here to help you in this important task so please call upon us to assist you in the handing down of the faith which comes to us from the Apostles. I extend an invitation to all adults to participate in the various adult religious education opportunities we have here at Saint Cecilia and Sacred Heart of Jesus.
 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO FATHER PAWEL. His birthday is Monday, September 25th. STO LAT!!
 
God bless you!
Father Zig