We are indeed one body in Christ
Fr. David Barnes • May 15, 2024
Dear Friends in Christ,
I have had many experiences in my life as a priest that seem somewhat surreal. As an example, I recall many years ago being in my car on the way to go food shopping. As I came around the bend in the road, I saw people standing in the road. A car and a large truck had only seconds before been involved in a major crash. I pulled over, grabbed my Holy Oil and stole, and went over to the car which was badly damaged. An elderly woman, unconscious and severely injured, was in the driver’s seat. I reached in and anointed her. A few minutes later, the emergency vehicles arrived and used the jaws of life to get her out of the car. As they laid her on the ground, she let out a breath and died.
I remember getting in my car after that and thinking, “Am I really going to leave here now and go do the food shopping?” The juxtaposition between going from a mundane errand to a life and death situation, and then back to a mundane errand seemed quite surreal. This is often my experience here at St. Patrick Parish.
Our life together here often involves moments of intense joy and profound grief, all within the context of “everyday life.” Within a twenty-four hour period, we can experience the joy of babies being baptized, a marriage beginning, our all being together for Sunday Mass, and a First Communion being celebrated. During that very same period of time, one of our parishioners mourns the sudden death of a spouse, another family gathers at the bedside of a seriously ill parishioner, and someone’s child is undergoing testing. And all of this happens at the same time as the parish attends to the “nitty-gritty” of budgets, maintenance, and administration.
It is an amazing reality. St. Paul speaks about the Church as the Body of Christ. He speaks about how when one member mourns, we all mourn and when one member is honored, we all rejoice. It is good to remember that we all belong to one another. We are indeed one body in Christ. And that a whole lot of intense life is happening all the time among us. And, a whole lot of “everyday life” is happening too.
Everything we do for our parish is so that we can share in each other’s joys and share in each other’s sufferings. When we financially support the parish and when we give of our time and talent to the parish, we are loving one another. When we show up for Sunday Mass, we are there not just for ourselves, but for each other. When you come to Sunday Mass, you are there also for the sake of praying for each other and for strengthening one another. When you go to Confession, you go not only for yourself, but in order to strengthen the rest of the Body.
Those of us who are privileged to work and serve the parish in a full-time way perhaps have a greater sense of all the intense life that happens and also all the mundane activities that are required to keep the whole thing running. I hope, however, that in some small way this letter helps you to realize in a deeper way how much you matter to the rest of the Body. The more you intentionally grow in holiness, give yourself generously to the parish, and become actively involved, the more fully alive this parish will be in Christ.
Thank you for all that you do to build up the Body of Christ and to love one another.
Your Brother in Christ,
Fr. David Barnes
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Pastor's Notes
Christ is Risen! The past three weeks' bulletins were all sent off to the publisher several weeks ago because of some vacation time among our office staff. In the days immediately after Holy Week, I just didn’t have it in me to write three columns in a couple of days, so that is why I have not written to you in a couple of weeks. I’m happy to be back in the saddle again and to share a few thoughts with all of you. Fr. Bill Schmidt, the emeritus pastor of St. Patrick Parish, is celebrating Mass here in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination to the Priesthood. He could rightfully be remembered for overseeing the enormous construction project that built the Parish Center and Hall, and enlarged and renovated the Church. Infinitely more important, however, are all of the baptisms, confessions, marriages, anointings, funerals, and Masses he celebrated over these past fifty years. Today, we give thanks for the gift of the priesthood bestowed upon him fifty years ago and for all the ways the Lord has used Fr. Schmidt’s ministry to sanctify, teach, and shepherd the flock entrusted to him. Ad multos annos! Joining Fr. Bill today at the 1:30pm Mass is Deacon Bob Turner who also served St. Patrick Parish for many years and who is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination to the Diaconate. As a parish family, we give thanks for the many years of service that Deacon Bob gave to this parish. His legacy of generous service is still remembered with tremendous gratitude by the people of St. Patrick Parish. Ad multos annos! I extend a word of welcome to the many new faces that I have seen at Masses in recent weeks. One of the drawbacks of being (quite happily) a large parish with many Masses is that sometimes a new face can get lost in the crowd. Even if I have not met you yet in person, I just want to tell you how happy I am that you are here. If you are only recently returning to Sunday Mass or are here because you are thinking about becoming Catholic, welcome! Your presence here–especially at this time of year–is a sign to the rest of us of the power of Christ’s Resurrection at work among us. Many people have asked me either, “How was your trip to the Holy Land” or “Did your trip get cancelled?” The trip is not until next April! I hold out hope that things will all work out. I hope that you will consider joining us for that pilgrimage. I have gone once before and it is an amazing experience! On May 8th, the Church commemorates the one year anniversary of the election of Leo XIV. Perhaps we could all put a reminder in our calendar for that day to offer extra prayers for the Holy Father on that day. Maybe take some time that day to pray the Rosary for him, attend Mass and pray for him, or offer some other prayers for him. Let us also pray for all of the children of our parish who receive their First Holy Communion this week. Let’s pray that they always stay close to Jesus. Although most of us see each other at Mass each Sunday, some of our parishioners–due to illness, age, or other reasons–are unable to be here with us. Let us also remember them in our prayers. They are just as much a part of our parish family as are those who sit in the pews next to us. Some of those parishioners receive the bulletin in the mail each week. If you are homebound and are reading this, please know that we all love you and are praying for you! I am grateful for the many ways that the Lord is blessing us and doing something beautiful among us. Your Brother in Christ, Fr. David Barnes
Christ is Risen! I am writing this to you on Easter Monday and am completely wiped out! It is an absolutely joyful exhaustion, however. What a glorious Holy Week and Sacred Triduum we shared together! I am still in awe about those beautiful days. At the Easter Vigil, I had the privilege to baptize six adults, receive four adults into the Catholic Church, and confirm all of them. In addition, I confirmed one other parishioner who needed to complete his own Christian initiation. What an amazingly joyful outpouring of sacramental graces! The Risen Lord and his victory over sin and death is happening still today, here at St. Patrick Parish. Those newly baptized became new creations in Christ, were set free from all of their sins, and were made temples of the Holy Spirit. Speaking of Christ’s victory over sin and death, my best guess is that the priests at St. Patrick’s heard somewhere in the neighborhood of 1500 confessions since Ash Wednesday! On Good Friday alone, the three of us heard non-stop confessions for 2 ½ hours. Each good confession is another instance of Christ’s victory at work here and now. Another thing that really has struck me during these days is the attendance both at daily Masses during Lent and during the Sacred Triduum. The presence of so many parishioners devoutly participating in these sacred liturgies was a sight to behold. During the Easter Season we often read from the Acts of the Apostles. This book shows us how the explosion of Christ’s resurrection continued through the life of the infant Church. The victory of Christ is extended through time and place through His Mystical Body, the Church. The first disciples of the Lord go and announce the Gospel to the whole world. As we read through Acts, we are struck by how God was doing amazing things through the life of the Church. After witnessing so many beautiful things happening in the life of our parish and parishioners during these days, I have the sense that God is doing something great in our midst. Something is happening here. The power of Christ’s victory is being unleashed in powerful ways in our midst. Some of you have mentioned to me that you have had the same sense. When these things happen, it is a pure gift from the Lord. It’s not like we are the ones doing it. We just happen to be the recipients of the Lord’s gift. What it demands of us in return is that we obey these movements of the Spirit. It demands that we follow where the Lord is leading and that we are faithful to the path that he is marking out for us. It’s not like we need to create something on our own. Instead, we have to remain faithful to the path that he is showing us. I have a sense that the Lord is not only doing something among us as a parish community, but he is doing something great in a lot of individual hearts and lives. The greatness that we are experiencing is not about us being so great. That would be kind of boring. The greatness we are experiencing is the greatness of the Risen Christ. It is the experience of being caught up in His Victory. I find myself looking around and feeling convinced that Jesus is doing something new among us. That newness is the evidence of His Victory and it makes me (and I hope, you) more convinced and more ready to proclaim the Truth that never grows old: He is Risen. He is Risen, indeed. Your Brother in Christ, Fr. David Barnes
Christ is Risen! This proclamation is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. In fact, the very phrase, “Christ is Risen,” became the common way in which Christians greeted one another during the Easter Season. We do not say simply, “Christ rose.” That is because Christ’s resurrection and its power is as new and transformative today as it was on that very first Easter. Yes, we believe that Christ rose on a particular day and hour, but He “is risen” still today. The resurrection is a permanent state. Other past events lose something of their newness and personal impact with the passage of time. It takes effort to maintain the commemoration of other historical events. For example, there are often yearly commemorations of epic battles that changed the course of history. It is good to remember and honor those who fought such battles, but when those with living memory of those events die, the memory of the events also pass away. This is natural. It then takes a certain effort (a noble and good effort) to honor the memory of those events. The resurrection, however, is not like that. It is an event that began on a particular day and time, but the memory of that event did not pass away with the last of the apostles or of those women who went to the tomb. We come to Mass today—and in fact, every Sunday—not merely to try and keep the memory alive. We come to Mass each Sunday—and especially on Easter Sunday—because we are living in the resurrection. Christ is alive here and now. Christ is risen and we are caught up in that new life. Christ’s resurrection changes everything. Through faith, we live in newness of life here and now. The announcement, “Christ is Risen” is as new and as relevant this morning as it was two thousand years ago. The explosion of new life that happened on that day is still happening. That new life of grace—the life of the resurrection—begins in each one of us through baptism. It is the seed of immortality and a share in the new creation. In baptism, we become new creations and already begin to live in newness of life. The sacraments are the privileged instruments through which God communicates the new life that Christ has won for us. More and more, our life as Christians becomes a living proclamation that Christ is, in fact, Risen. More and more, Christ comes to live in us, transform us, and make us into new creations. A whole new way of life is now open to us. We aren’t merely reenacting something that happened two thousand years ago. No, we are living in that event here and now. That event of the resurrection is still happening. Whether you are here with us every week or if you have not been with us in a while, I want you to know that we love you and that you are welcome here. More importantly, I want you to know the most important and life-changing news possible: Christ is Risen! This is truly good news. It is news that has been changing lives for two thousand years. It is not old news. It is the news that never gets old. I hope today that you are able to hear this proclamation and be truly and thoroughly transformed. It is good news precisely for you. Christ is Risen! Your Brother in Christ, Fr. David Barnes
It is Sunday afternoon after a wonderfully long and exhausting week. There is nobody in the parish offices right now, the hall is empty, nothing going on in the church, and no meetings taking place. The crowd from the Mass and reception with the Archbishop has all gone home. The peace and quiet feels pretty amazing! It was a beautiful day today. The Archbishop’s visit, the Mass, and the reception were all a real time of grace. What a real joy it was to all worship at Mass together and to enjoy such a fun reception. I know many of you spoke to me about how beautiful the Mass and the reception were. In your name and in my own name, I thank the people who are actually responsible for that. The Choir and musicians, the servers, readers, ushers, and clergy all did a great job. I also thank those who worked so hard in providing such a wonderful reception. It was such a great time. Holy Week–which we begin today–is always an exhausting time for those who work at a parish, but this year, I realize that we have been running on high gear long before Holy Week began. There has been so much happening that it is hard some days to remember what day it is and what comes next. The parish staff has been absolutely amazing. They are just so good. They really pour themselves out for all of you. I know you all know this, but they really go way above and beyond for the sake of this parish. They never stop. The many good things that we are able to do as a parish are possible because they are selfless. We are very blessed. They are the best. Speaking of Holy Week . . . and so it begins. This week is the high point of the Liturgical Year. These are the most solemn days of our Catholic life. Please see the schedule of Masses and Services this week. Basically we should all do our very best to be here on Holy Thursday evening, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday. The Sacred Triduum is in a league all its own in terms of beauty. Don’t deprive yourself of it. Live it as completely as possible. You won’t regret it! Last Sunday I mentioned at my Mass that when Jesus told them to take away the stone from the tomb, Martha tried to prevent it by quite practically mentioning that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days already (and it was hot) so, “There will be a stench.” That certainly was true. But, Jesus came precisely in order to enter into the stench of people’s lives. I mentioned that perhaps someone at that Mass had something in their life that they have buried away, afraid to ever confess it because they were ashamed of the stench of that sin. But, burying it only increases the rot. In confession, we roll away the stone of the tomb and allow the Lord to call us into new life. Jesus wants us to roll away the stone so that we can be set free. His mercy is for everyone. Lazarus was dead for four days and the stench must have been overwhelming, but Jesus is unafraid. He only shows mercy. He forgives. He sets free. After Mass, numerous people confided to me that they might be the person I was speaking to. Good! We are all tempted to bury our sins out of sight and seal them away in a tomb to rot. So, my reason for sharing this again is simply to say to anyone else who has “that thing” buried away that rots away at you, go to confession before Easter. Jesus is not afraid of the stench of our sins. Jesus loves you and wants you to be free. He only brings mercy. He only brings goodness. He only brings life. I look forward to living these beautiful (and exhausting!) days with all of you. Fraternally in Christ, Fr. David Barnes
On the front of our bulletin each week are the words: “Beauty, Goodness, Truth, and Friendship in Christ.” This past week I have seen so many instances of those words being brought to life in our parish. There has been something so wholesome about all that has taken place in these days. Many times this week I had the sense that the Lord is doing something beautiful among us. Last Saturday morning our weekly Men’s Group was well-attended. During Lent the Men’s Group has been doing a study on the Seven Deadly Sins and the opposing Virtues. We celebrated this week both the Feast of St. Joseph and the Feast of our patron, St. Patrick. Last Saturday evening over two hundred parishioners gathered for dinner, dancing, and singing. It was so beautiful to see parishioners in their eighties, only a few weeks old, and everything in between, all enjoying one another’s company. Many thanks to Fr. Harrington, our parish staff, and the incredible parishioners who put the whole thing together. It felt so wholesome. On Monday, the second graders at St. Patrick School received their First Reconciliation. What a beautiful privilege it was to witness the devotion of those children. On St. Patrick's Day I had the school Mass. I was so impressed by how knowledgeable the students were about St. Patrick! During my homily, at one point I asked, “What is the food that strengthens our friendship with Jesus?” A child said, “The Bread.” I said, “Well, it is correct but it’s more than just ordinary bread. What is it really?” Some pre-k four-year-old yelled out, “It’s the Body of the Lord!” Made my day. Also at that Mass, one of our third-graders received her First Holy Communion. After that Mass, the whole school gathered for a celebration of St. Patrick where they put on a play about St. Patrick’s life, saying hymns to St. Patrick, offered prayers, and had a big parade. I was really moved when they were marching to the words, “For God and for St. Patrick!” Again, I was struck by how wholesome it all was. After the Noon Mass on St. Patrick’s Day, we had Irish Bread and tea in the parish hall for all of those who were at Mass. On March 19th, the Feast of St. Joseph, the Men’s Group hosted parishioners after the 6pm Mass and provided zeppole. This Saturday Fr. Sijo had a morning of retreat to help people live Lent in a deeper way. I have been very moved by the fidelity of so many of you to our two daily Masses during Lent and to the long confession lines! You’re an impressive lot! And today, of course, we welcome Archbishop Richard Henning for the Noon Mass. In a very real sense, us gathered together around the Eucharistic Altar with our Archbishop is the fullest expression of those words, “Beauty, Goodness, Truth, and Friendship in Christ.” It is in the Eucharist that we encounter the One who is Beauty, Goodness, and Truth. It is the Eucharist that binds us together into a communion of friendship with Christ and His Church. It is such a great joy and gift to be together with our Archbishop today. Repeatedly during these (and many other) events this week, I had that peaceful sense that, “This is just how things are supposed to be.” They were beautiful and wholesome moments. They are signs to me that Christ is here at work among us. Beauty, goodness, truth, and friendship in Christ are not merely words. They are a fact that is present and lived among us. Your Brother in Christ, Fr. David Barnes
I know that I use this column quite frequently simply to say, “Thank You,” but saying it is important. I am not going to list every person because I do not have the space, but generally speaking, I want to thank everybody who makes it possible for so many great things to be happening in this parish. Just this month alone there are so many things happening. All of which require the generosity and effort of many people. Each thing that happens in our parish happens because of the generosity and dedication of many people. Eighty young people were confirmed last week, six people will be baptized at the Easter Vigil, four others will be received into the Church, and a total of eleven will be confirmed. Our second graders at our parish school and in our religious education program will make their first confessions this month. There is the St. Patrick’s Day Party, various bible studies, Fr. Sijo’s Lenten day of retreat, the Saturday morning Men’s Group, the Tuesday Evening Holy Hours, two Lenten reflection groups, Irish Bread and Tea after the Noon Mass on St. Patrick’s Day, and next week the visit of Archbishop Henning for our Sunday Noon Mass with a reception following. And during the month of March, there will be approximately forty hours worth of Confessions heard. And, let’s not forget all of the everyday stuff like those who visit the hospital, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and the homebound. There are those who dedicate themselves to prayer, those who offer their musical gifts to the parish, and those who assist us in various capacities for our Liturgical life, mentor our youth, and serve the poor. I’m sure there are others. It is a lot. And all of that happens because so many people pour themselves out for the sake of everyone else. We can do a lot because we have parishioners and staff who are selfless. Thank you for that! I hope that many of you will be able to join us next Sunday for Mass with the Archbishop and the reception afterwards. It would be great for you to meet the Archbishop and for him to meet all of you. Please keep in your prayers those who will receive the Sacraments of Initiation–Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist–this Easter. I think it is so encouraging to have so many folks coming into the Church at our parish this year. So beautiful. In a parish our size sometimes certain things can slip through the cracks. One thing that we cannot let slip through the cracks is our duty to safeguard the Most Blessed Sacrament. We have many persons who bring the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. In order to make certain that the Eucharist is being properly cared for, there will be a mandatory meeting on April 13th. If you are someone who brings communion to the sick and homebound, you must attend one of these two sessions. I have an obligation to make certain that the greatest care is given to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Thank you for your understanding. Thank you to all who have contributed to the Catholic Appeal thus far. If you have not yet donated, please make a pledge and be sure to put St. Patrick Parish Stoneham as your parish on the pledge form. This is how the Archdiocese will know to credit it towards our parish goal. Again, thank you! Your Brother in Christ, Fr. David Barnes
