Category: Archived

STEM CELL ISSUE THROWS COLD WATER ON ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

Posted on by Jenna Violi

By:  Matthew Gambino of CatholicPhilly.com – August 22, 2014

What could be wrong about raising awareness and money for research on Lou Gehrig’s Disease while having a bucket of ice water dumped over your head?  It’s good clean fun and it’s for a good cause, so it’s harmless, right?

Actually, it isn’t, when you realize how the money may be used.  First, donated funds typically go to the ALS Association, the group that does a good job advocating for people suffering from the paralyzing, incurable and ultimately fatal neurological disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which killed New York Yankees great Lou Gehrig and affects an estimated 30,000 Americans. Continue reading “STEM CELL ISSUE THROWS COLD WATER ON ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE” →

In her humility, Mary always points to Jesus – Luke 1:39-56

Posted on by Father Cioppi

Today we commemorate the Assumption of Mary, who was presumed dead yet assumed into heaven. The Eastern Church describes it as awakening from sleep.

The Catechism says: “Mary was preserved free from all stain of original sin, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son.”

And so the Church solemnizes this historical event that recalls for us the power and the glory of the Risen Life. “For the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in the Resurrection and the anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.”

Continue reading “In her humility, Mary always points to Jesus – Luke 1:39-56” →

“Lord, save me!” – Matthew 14:22-23

Posted on by Father Cioppi

There are many homiletic themes in the Gospel of Jesus walking on water. Let us turn our thoughts to just one.

We see Peter, who in his great desire but very weak faith, jumps out of the boat to meet Jesus. He begins to sink into the sea, a symbol of chaos and sin. With confusion in his mind and with fear of the strong wind, Peter begins in his sinking to realize that his confusion and fear are a result of his sins. He cries out, “Lord, save me!” And how does Jesus respond? “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand an caught Peter” and asks him, “why did you doubt?”

Continue reading ““Lord, save me!” – Matthew 14:22-23″ →

Take time to listen..He will never abandon us -Matthew 14:13-21

Posted on by Father Cioppi

What will separate us from the love of Christ? Nothing, because Jesus is the Lord!

My friends, He will never abandon us. The people listening to Jesus, as we are today, were hungry for the presence of God.  Jesus reminds us that hunger cannot be satisfied by earthly bread alone.

What Jesus gave them and what He gives us is the Bread come from heaven. When they ate this Bread as we will, they understood and believed, they had their souls filled with satisfaction.

What must we do to satisfy our hunger? The first reading said, “Come to me heedfully; listen that you may have life.” This means that we need to live our lives more consciously, know what we are doing. So many times, we live unconsciously. For some years, I worked in an office and offices are famous for having candy dishes, and people eat from them all day, oblivious to how unhealthy it is to just graze on sugar. It is the same with life itself. We can do and say things, make decisions or judgments without really understanding the true meaning of life.

Take time this week to listen more carefully, become more conscious of the words you hear, “The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs”(Psalm 145).

 

ATTENTION BAKERS

Posted on by Father Cioppi

It does not seem possible that the carnival will be happening in just three weeks.  This is always a wonderful time in our parish.  We have so many generous people who help make this a great success.  The dates this year are August 19 to 23.  One of the offerings is the Panther Cafe, which is a dessert booth.  We have offered homemade items in the past and this booth has been a great success thanks to all of the bakers we have in our parish.  If you are able to help by baking your specialty, please fill in the insert that was in the Church Bulletin this weekend or pick up a form at the doors of the church.  If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call the office at 610-265-4178 or contact Sister Veronica at vgross@mdpparish.com.     HAPPY BAKING!   Hope to see you at the Carnival.

‘Rediscover the treasure that awaits you.’ – Matthew 13:44-52

Posted on by Father Cioppi

There is a story about Saint Francis of Assisi, that after he died, the brothers were preparing him for his burial, They removed his old habit and in his pocket was his most valued possessions: A small bible, wooden prayer beads and some stones. After finding these treasures the brothers pronounced him the richest man in the world.

Saint Francis died a peaceful man, and a joyful man.

Sometimes we don’t realize how little God needs to love us. We don’t appreciate that God really does hear our prayers and that the treasure we all have is not in monetary notes but rather in the Word of God, which is contained in our bibles.

This week would be a good week to look around for your bible, find your rosary and pick up some really nice rocks from your garden: rediscover the treasure that awaits you.

Saint Augustine wrote once: “Christ is not valued at all unless he is valued above all.”

 

He remembers how we love Him

Posted on by Father Cioppi

Song of Songs 3:1-4        John 20:1-2, 11-18

Saint Mary Magdalene died during the first century. She was the disciple who was healed of possession. She stood with Mary at the foot of the cross and after having encountering the risen Lord, announced to the disciples His resurrection.

Mary is that singular figure in our history who encounters Christ so intimately that, as tradition holds, she went into the desert as a hermit to embrace the life of the wilderness like the Baptist.

Jeremiah says so wondrously, “I remember the devotion of your youth, how you loved me as a bride, following me in the desert,
in a land unsown.”

In her final loneliness, Mary shares with us her communion with God, reminding us of Its vitality not only in our practice of religion but also in the cultural consequences of our belief; that God is not dead, He has been raised.

May we in our own prayer reap just a small consolation from this woman of faith, this woman of hope, this woman of completed joy!

 

 

“Walk humbly before God”

Posted on by Father Cioppi

Micah 6:1-4,6-8          Matthew 12:38-42

Micah reminds us of the wonderful power God shares with His children. He asks only ‘to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

This power is quite awesome and it is why people of little faith lack trust and they desire a ‘sign.’ The Gospel reaffirms our place. It reminds us to be brave.  Even the great saint, Francis De Sales said, “Let the waves roar all around you. Let the mighty winds blow and turn the world upside down. Your angels are around you like sentinels of God. Nothing can hurt you. God is near.”  This is something greater than even Solomon. So believe with all your heart, mind and soul that God loves you. He will never abandon you.

 

Sometimes it’s your fault, face it! Matthew 13:24-43

Posted on by Father Cioppi

People living in the holy land would understand the parable introduced in the Gospel today. They would have been familiar with the weeds that grow up around the wheat and how difficult it is to tell the difference between them until they bloomed.

The wheat of course represents good; the weeds represent evil. As Christians, we need to tell the difference between them especially in a world that makes them seem the same.

My dear friends, the devil’s strongest tool against us is the lie. He uses deception to cloud what is good and evil and convince us that we are not responsible for our actions. Prisons are filled with guilty people who deceive themselves into thinking they are innocent.

Continue reading “Sometimes it’s your fault, face it! Matthew 13:24-43” →

Young Adults at the Carnival

Posted on by Jenna Violi

For those young adults in the Parish wanting to meet our young adults group, please come out during the Community Carnival from August 19th through the 23rd! Catholic Young Adults from all over southeastern Pennsylvania will be joining us on Friday night, August 22nd! The carnival will provide a wonderful backdrop with delicious food, fun rides, live music, and plenty of beer or wine for those interested. We will congregate by the dunk tank so please stop by and say hello! The carnival runs from 6pm to 10pm. Hope to see you there! Please email mdpyoungadults@gmail.com with any questions.