My dear young people,
The summer is over and it’s “back to school time”. I’m sure all of you had a very wonderful and a great time with your family wherever you were. It’s always wonderful to take a break from school, work and whatever we have been doing. The break always provides a time for rest and renewal. Even though we were supposed to rest, I do believe many of you got busy by securing yourself a job to earn a few dollars and also to help some people in some way. That was great indeed! Let me say congratulations to all of you who volunteered in one way or the other.
Another school year is here with us, another year of great opportunities and promise. Many of you are moving on to a new school to continue your pursuit of higher education; others are moving on to a new class in the same environment. Whatever the change may be we are all moving forward somehow. Let’s make use of this great and wonderful time to be in school. Promise yourself that you will work harder than you did last year, that you will endeavor to improve upon your performance in class and wherever you find yourself. Many people have trust in you especially your loving and wonderful parents, so don’t let them down.
I had the opportunity to join students from our school, St. Mark, for a day’s recollection to usher in the new school year. We had a wonderful speaker, Deacon Ron to lead us. It was really a day well spent. Thank you to all who were part of that great day. My friends, let’s work very hard and all our efforts would be crowned with success. Let’s remember that a new school year is like planting a seed; you need to water it to grow and bear fruit. Be resourceful and unleash all your intelligence than God has given you to make your stay in school this year a very successful one.
I wish each and every one of you a very wonderful and successful school year. Welcome back to school; let’s enjoy our school family and help each other to be better. You are all in my prayers. Keep in touch.
Father Andrew
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
July 2010
My Dear Young People,
How time flies! So soon the school year is over, and summer is once again here with us. We need to thank God for being so gracious to us through out the year. We recognize his blessings, protection, love, and care for us. We also need to recognize the awesome sacrifice and patience of our teachers this year. They have really done so much for us: teaching and helping us stay focused. To them we are very grateful. Our parents have continued to support us and keep us in school in this difficult year. Our parents have done so much that we must be grateful for. Again there are so many other people who have been supportive through out this school year: our bus drivers and the non- teaching staff, just to name a few. These people have been at our service and contributed to make the school year fun and full of success. We express our gratitude to all of them.
The end of the school year has seen many of our good friends graduating on different levels of their educational pursuit. We congratulate all of you Graduates on your accomplishments; we are really proud of you. CONGRATULATIONS! But wait a minute; that is not the end of the road. There is so much ahead of you as you continue with your education. Let the sky be the limit, and do not allow anything to stop you in your tracks. Remember hard work always makes you better and better. To my good friends from Saint Mark's School, I say you have made all of us proud. We will certainly miss you as you will miss each other. But it is time to move on and I know all of you would endeavor to get connected in some way somehow.
As you take a deserved break from school to enjoy the summer, make a solemn pledge to take care of your self and try to stay out of any trouble. Be as helpful at home as you can and enjoy every single minute with the family and friends. Yes, it's summer, but find some time also to read, refresh yourselves, and be abreast with events around you. I will keep in touch, and do not forget to stay in touch as well. Have a great summer and stay healthy. God bless you!
How time flies! So soon the school year is over, and summer is once again here with us. We need to thank God for being so gracious to us through out the year. We recognize his blessings, protection, love, and care for us. We also need to recognize the awesome sacrifice and patience of our teachers this year. They have really done so much for us: teaching and helping us stay focused. To them we are very grateful. Our parents have continued to support us and keep us in school in this difficult year. Our parents have done so much that we must be grateful for. Again there are so many other people who have been supportive through out this school year: our bus drivers and the non- teaching staff, just to name a few. These people have been at our service and contributed to make the school year fun and full of success. We express our gratitude to all of them.
The end of the school year has seen many of our good friends graduating on different levels of their educational pursuit. We congratulate all of you Graduates on your accomplishments; we are really proud of you. CONGRATULATIONS! But wait a minute; that is not the end of the road. There is so much ahead of you as you continue with your education. Let the sky be the limit, and do not allow anything to stop you in your tracks. Remember hard work always makes you better and better. To my good friends from Saint Mark's School, I say you have made all of us proud. We will certainly miss you as you will miss each other. But it is time to move on and I know all of you would endeavor to get connected in some way somehow.
As you take a deserved break from school to enjoy the summer, make a solemn pledge to take care of your self and try to stay out of any trouble. Be as helpful at home as you can and enjoy every single minute with the family and friends. Yes, it's summer, but find some time also to read, refresh yourselves, and be abreast with events around you. I will keep in touch, and do not forget to stay in touch as well. Have a great summer and stay healthy. God bless you!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
150 Years of Faith and Service
Good Evening (Morning)!
On this fourth Sunday of Easter, our parish community is also beginning the observance of the jubilee year of St. Mark Parish. Yes, our parish was founded in the year 1861 and in the year 2011 we will mark 150 years of faith and service as a community.
Together this (evening(morning), we join at our Lord's table to begin a year of prayer and preparation for our Jubilee Year. The jubilee theme is reflected in banners which now line our church: "Prepare, Share, and Prosper!"
Gathered together, here on the feast day of our parish patron St. Mark, may we ask for blessings upon our parish and community this special anniversary year. May the activities of this year, celebrating our past, present, and future, renew our parish and deepen our relationship with our Lord and each other.
(For the Sunday, April 25th Masses Only)
Our year will be marked by both prayer and celebration. Directly after our liturgy this morning, please come across the street for a pancake breakfast in the school cafeteria. Sharing the Eucharist at the Lord's table and sharing breakfast thereafter id s special beginning to the year we will celebrate together these next months.
Even if you can only come across for a few minutes, please do so as a sign of parish life and community.
Thank you
On this fourth Sunday of Easter, our parish community is also beginning the observance of the jubilee year of St. Mark Parish. Yes, our parish was founded in the year 1861 and in the year 2011 we will mark 150 years of faith and service as a community.
Together this (evening(morning), we join at our Lord's table to begin a year of prayer and preparation for our Jubilee Year. The jubilee theme is reflected in banners which now line our church: "Prepare, Share, and Prosper!"
Gathered together, here on the feast day of our parish patron St. Mark, may we ask for blessings upon our parish and community this special anniversary year. May the activities of this year, celebrating our past, present, and future, renew our parish and deepen our relationship with our Lord and each other.
(For the Sunday, April 25th Masses Only)
Our year will be marked by both prayer and celebration. Directly after our liturgy this morning, please come across the street for a pancake breakfast in the school cafeteria. Sharing the Eucharist at the Lord's table and sharing breakfast thereafter id s special beginning to the year we will celebrate together these next months.
Even if you can only come across for a few minutes, please do so as a sign of parish life and community.
Thank you
Friday, April 23, 2010
April 18, 2010
My dear young people, Happy Easter to all of you, belated though! I believe each one of you had a reason to celebrate Easter. Certainly you did enjoy your Easter egg, bread and all the goodies that come along with this great feast. I should say I enjoyed Easter celebrations especially the opportunity to celebrate Mass on Easter Sunday and preach about the risen Christ to many families, some of whom I have not met before. It was a great joy for me and my heart really overflowed with great joy. It is my prayer that we continue to keep communion with God.
Dear young people, Easter is what we still celebrate at this time of year. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We celebrate new life over death, victory over defeat, hope over despair and courage over fear. Easter is about a new beginning, a new hope, a life that has meaning and is worth living. Jesus Christ died and rose to life to assure us of our own resurrection and eternal life. As we celebrate and continue to rejoice in this Easter season let us be mindful of the new hope Christ gives us. It is a hope which never dies, hope which overcomes despair, hope which keeps us going in the face of the challenges of our youth, society and environment, hope which endures to the end. The world around us often creates despair, fear, and hopelessness. Nevertheless the resurrection of Christ revives our hope because God is in control of the world. And because Jesus lives again today and forever we can pull through the challenges of the present time.
Dear friend, never give up on yourself even if things do not go the way you would like. In Christ Jesus you are victorious so look ahead and move forward. Do not be distracted by your challenges and difficulties-they are temporal. Let Easter remind you that with God in your camp you can turn things around, you will surely overcome and you will have a new beginning, a new hope and anew life you can be proud of.
You know, we inch closer to the end of another school year so do not give up on your studies. Work hard and it will make you better. Take good care of yourself and always remember that hard work does not kill but makes you better.
Do not be afraid to open your heart to Christ. I will catch you again. Peace and blessing to you.
Father Andrew
Dear young people, Easter is what we still celebrate at this time of year. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We celebrate new life over death, victory over defeat, hope over despair and courage over fear. Easter is about a new beginning, a new hope, a life that has meaning and is worth living. Jesus Christ died and rose to life to assure us of our own resurrection and eternal life. As we celebrate and continue to rejoice in this Easter season let us be mindful of the new hope Christ gives us. It is a hope which never dies, hope which overcomes despair, hope which keeps us going in the face of the challenges of our youth, society and environment, hope which endures to the end. The world around us often creates despair, fear, and hopelessness. Nevertheless the resurrection of Christ revives our hope because God is in control of the world. And because Jesus lives again today and forever we can pull through the challenges of the present time.
Dear friend, never give up on yourself even if things do not go the way you would like. In Christ Jesus you are victorious so look ahead and move forward. Do not be distracted by your challenges and difficulties-they are temporal. Let Easter remind you that with God in your camp you can turn things around, you will surely overcome and you will have a new beginning, a new hope and anew life you can be proud of.
You know, we inch closer to the end of another school year so do not give up on your studies. Work hard and it will make you better. Take good care of yourself and always remember that hard work does not kill but makes you better.
Do not be afraid to open your heart to Christ. I will catch you again. Peace and blessing to you.
Father Andrew
Saturday, March 13, 2010
THE TIME IS NOW...
My dear young people I'm very sure you are all fimiliar with the acronym "MYOB" (MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS). Sometimes we find ourselves telling people we perceive to be meddling in our affairs to stay away. I guess it is something that we have been brought up with. We have been told several times to mind our own business, don't be nosy we have been told. It think it is good to really not poke our nose into anyone else's. Nevertheless we must also guard against being indifferent to our brothers and sisters. This past Sunday's Gospel from Luke 13.1-9 seems to bring a similiar idea for our reflection. Jesus is told about some people who suffered terrible tragedies as a result of their sins. Jesus takes a different approach. He tells us that we should look into our own life and see what is going on there. What kinds of fruits are we in our lives bearing? We should not assume that others suffer tragedies because they might have done terrible things in their life. Jesus wants us to understand that our brothers and sisters who experience tragedies are not worse sinners then any one else. There is always a tendency to have a sense of false security in our lives and think that we are doing alright. St. Paul cautions us in these words: "whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall" 1Cor 10-12). We all need repentance, a change in the way we live relative with other people. This is what the season of Lent is about; a time for conversion, a time for turning toward God and away from anything that would seperate us from God. This converstion is not something that is achieved once and for all, but involves a process of growth and development. It is an ongoing process.
Young people we may want to look at the way we relate with our friends, family; we may want to take another look at the way we preceive other people in our lives. Is there anything we need to work on to improve? I believe the call to repentance and change in attitude was the basic message that Jesus preached about 2000 years ago. This message has not changed and is very relevant for us today. Many have heard it but not all have reponded. We must carry this message to our peers, and let it resound in our world once again. That message you carry is the way you conduct yourself each day; it's the way you relate to others, it is the way you perceive them. Take advantage of each new day and strive to be a better person, strive to change what is not good in your life and you will experience real peace and happiness. God loves you and He gives you a chance each new day, don't let it go to waste; live in His grace and live fully. I will catch you again in the coming week. Till then stay blessed and be good.
Father Andrew
My dear young people I'm very sure you are all fimiliar with the acronym "MYOB" (MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS). Sometimes we find ourselves telling people we perceive to be meddling in our affairs to stay away. I guess it is something that we have been brought up with. We have been told several times to mind our own business, don't be nosy we have been told. It think it is good to really not poke our nose into anyone else's. Nevertheless we must also guard against being indifferent to our brothers and sisters. This past Sunday's Gospel from Luke 13.1-9 seems to bring a similiar idea for our reflection. Jesus is told about some people who suffered terrible tragedies as a result of their sins. Jesus takes a different approach. He tells us that we should look into our own life and see what is going on there. What kinds of fruits are we in our lives bearing? We should not assume that others suffer tragedies because they might have done terrible things in their life. Jesus wants us to understand that our brothers and sisters who experience tragedies are not worse sinners then any one else. There is always a tendency to have a sense of false security in our lives and think that we are doing alright. St. Paul cautions us in these words: "whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall" 1Cor 10-12). We all need repentance, a change in the way we live relative with other people. This is what the season of Lent is about; a time for conversion, a time for turning toward God and away from anything that would seperate us from God. This converstion is not something that is achieved once and for all, but involves a process of growth and development. It is an ongoing process.
Young people we may want to look at the way we relate with our friends, family; we may want to take another look at the way we preceive other people in our lives. Is there anything we need to work on to improve? I believe the call to repentance and change in attitude was the basic message that Jesus preached about 2000 years ago. This message has not changed and is very relevant for us today. Many have heard it but not all have reponded. We must carry this message to our peers, and let it resound in our world once again. That message you carry is the way you conduct yourself each day; it's the way you relate to others, it is the way you perceive them. Take advantage of each new day and strive to be a better person, strive to change what is not good in your life and you will experience real peace and happiness. God loves you and He gives you a chance each new day, don't let it go to waste; live in His grace and live fully. I will catch you again in the coming week. Till then stay blessed and be good.
Father Andrew
Saturday, February 27, 2010
The Holy Season of Lent
Hello my dear young people, Peace and love to all of you!
All too soon the season of Lent is here with us. Lent as we all know is a great time in the life of the Church as we prepare to celebrate the passion, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. It is a journey which begins on Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, I believe many of you had the opportunity to attend Holy Mass with your families to receive ashes on your foreheads. The ashes remind us of our weakness, frailty, and our human condition which is prone to sin. But again this season of Lent brings awareness tot he fact that in spite of our weakness and sin, God's love abounds for each of us. This is great news! It is His love for us which makes it possible for us to receive His mercy and foregiveness. Lent is thus a time to receive God's grace not in vain.
Lent is a time to combat our weaknesses; a time to fast from our desires so we can feed our spirits and join ourselves in Christ. Lent is dying to our own self-centeredness in order to bring life to others. Lent is about sharing life, and the good things of life with others. Many of us will recall the Gospel of Ash Wednesday about prayer, fasting and alms giving. Prayer enables us to draw more closer to God and listen to Him speak to us about the way we should follow His way this great season; fasting enables us to die to our desires and live for others; alms giving enables us to share with others.
All of us want to have a very fruitful Lenten season which is a wonderful idea. But I think we can accomplish that when we allow the agenda of God to take first place in our lives. What is it that God wants from me this season of Lent? This is a question we should reflect on as we journey with Jesus through Lent. As I said earlier, let us not take the grace of God in vain, but rather make use of the graces of the sacrament of reconciliation and the holy Eucharist. Let us spend time reading and meditating on the World of God, a weapon to overcome our weakness. Pray more than you have before and God will surely hear and answer you. Let us journey together in faith with Jesus as we contemplate His Love for each one of us. God Bless and keep you throughout this wonderful season of Lent. Have a very fruitful Lent. I hope to catch up to you again next week.
Father Andrew
All too soon the season of Lent is here with us. Lent as we all know is a great time in the life of the Church as we prepare to celebrate the passion, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. It is a journey which begins on Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, I believe many of you had the opportunity to attend Holy Mass with your families to receive ashes on your foreheads. The ashes remind us of our weakness, frailty, and our human condition which is prone to sin. But again this season of Lent brings awareness tot he fact that in spite of our weakness and sin, God's love abounds for each of us. This is great news! It is His love for us which makes it possible for us to receive His mercy and foregiveness. Lent is thus a time to receive God's grace not in vain.
Lent is a time to combat our weaknesses; a time to fast from our desires so we can feed our spirits and join ourselves in Christ. Lent is dying to our own self-centeredness in order to bring life to others. Lent is about sharing life, and the good things of life with others. Many of us will recall the Gospel of Ash Wednesday about prayer, fasting and alms giving. Prayer enables us to draw more closer to God and listen to Him speak to us about the way we should follow His way this great season; fasting enables us to die to our desires and live for others; alms giving enables us to share with others.
All of us want to have a very fruitful Lenten season which is a wonderful idea. But I think we can accomplish that when we allow the agenda of God to take first place in our lives. What is it that God wants from me this season of Lent? This is a question we should reflect on as we journey with Jesus through Lent. As I said earlier, let us not take the grace of God in vain, but rather make use of the graces of the sacrament of reconciliation and the holy Eucharist. Let us spend time reading and meditating on the World of God, a weapon to overcome our weakness. Pray more than you have before and God will surely hear and answer you. Let us journey together in faith with Jesus as we contemplate His Love for each one of us. God Bless and keep you throughout this wonderful season of Lent. Have a very fruitful Lent. I hope to catch up to you again next week.
Father Andrew
Friday, December 18, 2009
Our Advent Preparation
Dear Young People,
Already we are in the fourth week of Advent, a time set aside to prepare to celebrate Christmas. One may wonder what kind of prearations are needed for Christmas. I'm sure since "Black Friday" many people have been shopping, buying new stuff as presents for family, friends and also for themselves. Many of us still have been moving stuff from the closet, basement or attic to make way for decorations. When ever I drive in our neighborhood I see beautiful decorations of light and other symbols pointing to Christmas. Christmas is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God born to save us. So what we are preparing ourselves and our homes for is to celebrate the birth day of Jesus Christ. His birth changed the world because he came to teach us love of God and love for one another. I think it is certainly an event we must celebrate with pop and pagentry. But, wait a minute, were are we in our lives to prepare for Christ. We have heard in church in the past weeks how John the Baptizer preached and invited his country men and woman to prepare them selves in readiness for Jesus Christ the one who comes to save the world. They responded with eagerness to the call. They repented and submitted themselves to baptism. They asked John the Baptizer what they should do as a way to prepare themselves to see the Savior. John told them in simple terms to share, to care and be kind with one another.
My young people we can also make a good preparation for Christmas; we can decorate and give gifts to other people. But more importantly, we can leave a space in our hearts for Jesus Christ. A space that he will fill with his love, humility, kindness, caring and happiness for us and the world. I invite you from now until Christmas day to care about other people. Be kind to others and try as much as possible to share your life with others. We can make a good preparation for Christmas. It is not to late, you have a week to go. Step up your preparations and be truly ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Take care and stay tuned for next week's posting. God Bless You.
Already we are in the fourth week of Advent, a time set aside to prepare to celebrate Christmas. One may wonder what kind of prearations are needed for Christmas. I'm sure since "Black Friday" many people have been shopping, buying new stuff as presents for family, friends and also for themselves. Many of us still have been moving stuff from the closet, basement or attic to make way for decorations. When ever I drive in our neighborhood I see beautiful decorations of light and other symbols pointing to Christmas. Christmas is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God born to save us. So what we are preparing ourselves and our homes for is to celebrate the birth day of Jesus Christ. His birth changed the world because he came to teach us love of God and love for one another. I think it is certainly an event we must celebrate with pop and pagentry. But, wait a minute, were are we in our lives to prepare for Christ. We have heard in church in the past weeks how John the Baptizer preached and invited his country men and woman to prepare them selves in readiness for Jesus Christ the one who comes to save the world. They responded with eagerness to the call. They repented and submitted themselves to baptism. They asked John the Baptizer what they should do as a way to prepare themselves to see the Savior. John told them in simple terms to share, to care and be kind with one another.
My young people we can also make a good preparation for Christmas; we can decorate and give gifts to other people. But more importantly, we can leave a space in our hearts for Jesus Christ. A space that he will fill with his love, humility, kindness, caring and happiness for us and the world. I invite you from now until Christmas day to care about other people. Be kind to others and try as much as possible to share your life with others. We can make a good preparation for Christmas. It is not to late, you have a week to go. Step up your preparations and be truly ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Take care and stay tuned for next week's posting. God Bless You.
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