Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is very special to Latinos.  We invite you to participate in this celebration on Sunday, December 11 at 2:30 pm at St. Paul's Church in Black River.  After the Mass there will be a reception.  Bring a dish to pass.  Celebramos la Virgen.

Thanksgiving

There is no doubt, but Thanksgiving will soon be upon us.  Thanksgiving can mean so many different things to different people: food, football, preparation for Black Friday, or, for some, loneliness or just another day.  What is Thanksgiving for you?

It is Christ the King Sunday as I am reflecting on Thanksgiving.  These two feasts for the Catholic can be so meaningful.  Perhaps, we could give thanks that Christ can be King of our lives.  Or, maybe, give thanks that I can invite Jesus to be my King.  Or, with even more personal commitment, dedicate myself to be a faithful follower of the King.

Let us give thanks that Christ is our King, we are his faithful members making Him King of our lives.

Bambinelli Sunday

There is a tradition in Rome that during the Advent Season, children bring their Bambinelli (Christ Child) from their family’s Nativity Set or Crèche to be blessed by the Pope.

Following this tradition, you are invited to bring your family’s Christ Child to church on the weekend of December 17/18.  There will be a special blessing for these figures.

At St. Patrick’s 9:30 am Mass and St. Anthony’s 11 am Mass the children will be invited to come forward with the Christ Child for a blessing.

Mystery Players - December 18, 2016 - 6 pm - St. Anthony - Watertown

Prepare spiritually for Christmas.  Come and pray the birth of Christ with the Franciscan Mystery Players on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 6 pm at St. Anthony's.  

“The Birth of Jesus - A Franciscan Christmas” is based on St. Francis’ recreation of the Nativity at Greccio, Italy, over 800 years ago.

      The Christmas mystery play is not a Christmas pageant, but attempts to portray the events surround the Lord’s birth as real as possible, from the birth to the slaughter of the innocent. Because of this, it may not be for small children.

     The Birth of Jesus was written to renew the real meaning of Christmas, and in such a way that it can speak it’s true message to our hearts, the world we live in, and our daily lives
It seems the Lord uses the Christmas Mystery play to bring people to a real sense of peace during the usual busy and hectic holidays.
“The Birth of Jesus - A Franciscan Christmas”

       The Catholic Church of ST. ANTHONY’S is hosting an UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE presented by the FRANCISCAN PLAYERS TENN GROUP of Clayton, NY.

Through the use of special lighting and sound, this moving dramatic meditation on the “Birth of Jesus” promises to be a high point in our Advent Season. We strongly encourage all our ADULTS and TEENS (not for children under 10yrs) to attend this unique Christmas Meditation and prayer service presentation on

Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 6:00 pm 

St. Anthony’s Church 

Watertown, NY

Don’t miss this!!!

See Mystery Players website: www.mysteryplay.org 

Mark Wahlberg Speaks about Catholic Priesthood

This home-brew video expresses Mark Wahlberg's view about priesthood.  It was addressed to the meeting of vocation directors recently held in Boston, MA.

AN INVITATION TO YOUNG CATHOLIC ADULTS

Young Adult Ministry
Are you a Catholic in your late teens, twenties, or thirties;
single, married, divorced, or widowed? If so, you are a
Young Adult Catholic. As a Young Adult Catholic do you
also seek to connect your life with your Catholic faith? If
you are a Young Adult Catholic and you are wondering
what it means to be a Catholic in your everyday life, then
the pastors of Jefferson County would like to talk to YOU!
You are invited to an organizational meeting to discuss
ministry and faith-sharing opportunities for you. Please
join us for pizza and discussion at Pete’s Restaurant on
September 29, 2016 at 6:00 pm. For more information or
to RSVP please call Msgr. Robert Aucoin at 315-782-1190
or msgraucoin@mac.com.

An Invitation

Although the poster below is addressed to a particular audience, I believe that as many people as possible should be able to attend in order to make the message more well-known.  If you wish to attend, please let me know, and I will make arrangements.

PIVOTAL PLAYERS

Click on the above video and get a glimpse at a wonderful opportunity that we will have in the parish.
Pivotal Players is a video-based study series on those who have been leaders, movers, and shakers in the Catholic Church from the early days of the Church up to our present time.  In the fall there will be six sessions following the schedule below.  On each date you can attend either session.  You do not have to commit to attend all the sessions.  You only have to come with the desire to learn about how others lived their Catholic faith and how we can do the same today.  These pivotal players will show all of us the many different ways that we can achieve sanctity.  Not all sanctity is the same!  Give this series a try and you, too, might become a pivotal player!! The sessions are all on Mondays at 9 am and 6 pm.  The 9 am sessions are in St. Patrick's Chapel; the 6 pm sessions are in Msgr. Sechi Hall.

September 26 - St. Francis of Assisi

October 3 - St. Thomas Aquinas

October 10 - St. Catherine of Siena

October 24 - Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman

October 31 - G.K. Chesterton

November 7 - Michelangelo

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

I

In both parishes we are blessed to have many Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.  We often call them Eucharistic Ministers or Lay Ministers of Holy Communion.  No matter the title their ministry is priceless especially to the homebound, those in the hospital, and those in nursing homes.  To be able to receive the body and blood of Christ when not able to go to church is a great blessing.  In fact, the reservation of the Eucharist in tabernacles began in order to bring Holy Communion to those who could not come to the Eucharistic Assembly because of illness.
     I would like to meet with all those who bring Holy Communion to those who are not able to come to Sunday Mass.  The purpose of the meeting would be to:
1)  provide direction on good procedures to follow
2)  provide appropriate prayers and readings that could be used when visiting the sick and homebound
3)  make sure that everyone has a proper pyx in order to carry out this ministry
4)  make sure that in our parish records we have the names, addresses, and phone numbers of those receiving Holy Communion outside of the Sunday celebration.
5)  allow participants the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

The sessions will be held at:
9 am at St. Patrick's Chapel on September 22
6 pm at Msgr. Sechi Hall on September 22

Participants may attend either session.  The contents of the sessions will be the same.
   I look forward to seeing you then to help your with this most treasured ministry.

Embarassed

A whole summer has gone by, at least almost, without my making any entries into this blog.  So, let
me chat about a few things.
   First of all, many have asked if I am going to have surgery on my back.  Some have noticed that I walk differently and seem to limp.  I categorize it as walking like an old man!  When I went to the doctor and said that I am walking like an old man, he asked what is unusual about that.  After all, I am 72.  In any case, about 30 years ago when I was at St. Patrick's I had a ruptured disk, and was operated on at Mercy Hospital.  Since then I have done pretty well.
   However, an MRI and a nerve conduction study have revealed spinal stenosis and the extent of it.  The doctors have spoken about surgery and also about less aggressive measures.  I am trying a medication that, so far, has provided quite a bit of relief and allows me to stand in one place without feeling much pressure.  One of the side effects for some using this medication has been drowsiness.  So far, I have noticed that side effect.  Hopefully, you have not noticed it either!
     We had a very successful Mount Carmel Feast this year.  Great attendance!  Great participation of so many parishioners and the Men's Mount Carmel Society to help make the 100th anniversary so successful.  A full financial report was provided in the parish bulletin a few weeks ago.
     Also, here on the website you can download the 2015-2016 financial statements for both parishes. Under the "new" link there is a link for the financial statements.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
     We had a beautiful parish picnic at the end of July for both parishes on the grounds of St. Anthony's.  Lots of food and entertainment and enjoying one another's company.  We also used this event as an official good-bye to Fr. Christy who has returned to India.  We are all so grateful to him for being with us for almost two years.
     We have recently welcome Fr. Das to our parishes.  Father is learning his way around Watertown and around the two parishes.  I have asked him to focus much of his attention to the sick and homebound of whom there are many in both parishes.  Please make sure that you take a moment to introduce yourself to Fr. Das.
     We also had our annual pilgrimage and picnic to Dablon Point.  It was a perfect day to be there.  We celebrated the Eucharist on the lawn of the camp of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.  Unfortunately, at the last minute our caterer fell ill.  So, we had to disperse to our own locations without a picnic.  We'll try again next year!
     Of course, Immaculate Heart Central has opened its doors again this year.  Over the summer there was a major renovation of the floors at the primary building (the former Holy Family School).  In addition, at the intermediate building (the former St. Patrick's School) the gymnasium floor was removed and replaced with a new hard wood floor.  Also, the bleachers were refurbished and now work properly with the help of an electric mechanism.
     Our Faith Formation programs at the parishes began on September 11.  On September 18 we recognized the work of our catechists with an official commissioning ceremony.
     The month of September brings each year the Bishop's Fund Appeal.  I will write more about that in another blog post.

Our Young Parishioners Celebrate Their First Communion

First Communion - St. Anthony - Watertown, NY

First Communion - St. Patrick - Watertown, NY

What Is Inspire All About?

Click Here for More Information

The Universal Call to Holiness

All of us, because of our Baptisms, are called to holiness, are called to be saints, are called to live the Gospel message.  Our vocation to holiness is lived out differently for each person.  Some are married, some are called to ordained ministry as a priest or deacon, some given their lives as consecrated religious, or the single life.  No matter what the path, the goal is holiness.  As Susanne Pietropaoli recently said in the North Country Catholic: "Because the vitality of the Church depends upon the faithfulness of her members, 'INSPIRE:Called to Love' seeks to remind everyone of the universal call to holiness.

Click here for complete information about this once in a lifetime event.

Mount Carmel Feast 2016 - 100th Anniversary - Better Tan Ever

Mount Carmel Celebrates 100th Edition

St. Anthony's Church, 850 Arsenal Street, will celebrate the annual feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 24, 25 & 26. Notably, Watertown’s Mount Carmel Celebration is one of the longest continuously running parish festivals in the whole Northeast.

The Mount Carmel celebration, first held in July 1916, celebrates and promotes family activities, food, entertainment, and spirituality. The feast proudly provides renowned Italian food as well as rides and games. Ontario Amusements provide the rides and games for the very young and old.  Unlimited rides will be provided on Sunday afternoon for $13.

This 100th Anniversary celebration will provide an enhanced menu of entertainment.  On Friday, Lisa Scrivani-Tidd and her sons will share their musical talent from 5 to 6:30 pm, followed by Lester Gates, a local entertainer well known in the North Country, until 9:30 pm.

 
On Saturday, Michael Beyette (3 to 5 pm) will mystify the young with his magic; Chuck Ruggiero (5 to 6:30 pm) will grace his audience with his beautiful tenor voice; Nick Mulpagano (6:30 pm to 9:30 pm) will present his “Legends of Music Impersonations Show,” impersonating especially Elvis Presley.

On Sunday, the entertainment schedule reaches new heights as La Banda Rossa (redbandutica.com) from Utica will play from 4-5 pm and 6 - 7 pm.  In addition, during the religious procession, La Banda Rossa will change its repertory from popular Italian music to classical religious melodies.  At 7:30 pm the premier dance band, Fred and the Eds will take over the entertainment spotlight from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

The two well-known events are the religious procession and the fireworks. To honor Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the people of the parish and community, organized by the Men’s Mt. Carmel Society, walk in procession through the local streets beginning at 5 pm.  Prayer and an atmosphere of honor and respect permeate this event.  The procession ends with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in church.  The parish and community are honored to have Bishop Terry R. LaValley serve this year as Grand Marshall.

The Feast culminates in a spectacular display of fireworks at 9:30 pm.   To highlight the 100th Anniversary, this year’s fireworks display will be enhanced.  At the end of the fireworks display, the winners of this year’s raffle will be drawn.

  In addition to all of these events, there will availability of homemade Italian specialties such as sausage, pizza, meatballs, shells, eggplant, fritos, famous Italian cookies, and elaborate Italian pastries.  Of course, there will also be hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drink, wine, and beer.  

On Thursday, June 23, a spaghetti supper from 4:30 pm until all are served will introduce the three-days of festivities.  In addition, there will be bingo on Friday at 7 pm in the school building.

Easter Flowers

At both churches we have had beautiful flowers to help celebrate the feast of Easter and the season of Easter.

We are able to have such beautiful flowers because of your many memorial offerings for those flowers.

If you would like to see a list of the memorials, there are several printed copies at the back of the churches.  In addition, you may click below to view the memorials.

St. Patrick's Easter Flowers

St. Anthony's Easter Flowers

St. Anthony's Celebration of St. Joseph Table

The Feast of St. Joseph is March 19.  Our parish celebration will be Sunday, March 20 after the 11 am Mass.  This is a beautiful celebration as described in the previous blog entry.  We hope that many will come to celebrate this event as a parish family.  Just bring yourselves and a traditional meatless dish to pass.  If you are not sure what to bring, click on the link below to find some interesting traditional Italian recipes for the feast of St. Joseph.

Here are some helpful recipes to prepare your dish to pass

St. Joseph Table

St. Joseph’s Table

        

       On March nineteenth. the Church will celebrate the feast of St. Joseph. In Sicily, St. Joseph is honored on this date with a big celebration called The St. Joseph's Table. The custom of the St. Joseph's Table dates back to the fifteenth century. One year there was a terrible drought that affected the whole country of Sicily. The feudal land owners, in desperation turned to St. Joseph, the patron saint of Sicily, and promised him that if the rains would come, they would prepare a feast in his honor and invite all the people of the town. Accordingly, when the rains miraculously came, the landowners set up huge banquet tables in the public square, invited ll the poor, and served them themselves.

         The particulars of the feast and celebration are as follows. An elaborate altar is set up, usually in the dining room of the home. In the place of honor is enthroned a statue of St. Joseph amidst silks, satins, and candles. The parish priest is always asked to come and bless the table and the food. Among the many people who come to the table are twelve special guests. These guests are referred to in Sicilian as "Ie vergineddi."

        

         Now, we come to the part that everyone enjoys - the food. Since St. Joseph's Day falls during Lent, all the foods are meatless. The feast begins customarily with a small plate of macaroni and lentils, followed by a small plate of spaghetti and meatless sauce - topped with a boiled egg. Then come the dozens of egg omelets (frittata) usually containing every green vegetable yon can imagine: cauliflower, spinach, artichokes, fennel, asparagus, burdocks, and mustard seed. Last but not least, are the desserts like cannoli, honeyballs, sfingi, and various kinds of cookies, which are served throughout the meal.

         The dish that is the centerpiece of the table is the special type of bread called St. Joseph's bread. It is sweet bread that is made from dough different from normal bread. It is made into various shapes such as a cane or staff to symbolize St. Joseph, a crown to symbolize Mary the Queen of Heaven, or the form of a baby (bambino) to symbolize the Child Jesus.

         However, even though the food plays an important part in this celebration, it is not the focal point. The feeding and caring for the poor is the focal point of the celebration. That is why each guest receives a bag containing some St. Joseph's bread. These bags are not only for those who attend the table but also for the poor and sick of the community who could not possibly attend the celebration.