Unanswered Prayers

Abraham Lincoln was touring a battlefield during the Civil War when he happened upon a country church. He went inside to pray for a few minutes, and when he came out someone asked him: "Mr. President, what did you say to the Lord when you were in there?" Lincoln answered: "Nothing. I didn't go in there to talk; I went in there to listen."

Lincoln, and Solomon in the first reading today from the First Book of Kings, had the same idea of prayer. They both asked for Wisdom, which is another way of listening. They were not so much interested what they had to say, as much as what God had to say.

If we base our relationship with God on how well God lives up to our expectations, then at best we will have a rocky relationship with God, and we will never really be at peace. Prayer is not so much to inform God of what we need or want or how much we want something; God already knows that. Of course, we should pray to God for whatever we want as many times as we want and be as specific as we want, and God may indeed grant us what we ask for. However, prayer is an act of trust in God and is the way we make the transition from what we can control to what only God can control. The longer we are immersed in God's presence, the more likely we are to absorb from the Lord a certain peacefulness, conviction, assurance, about whatever it is we are concerned.

Augustine of Hippo was born in 354 A.D. in North Africa in what is now Algeria. Despite the prayers of his mother, St. Monica, he rejected Baptism and led a rather dissolute life, involving himself in all kinds of excesses and heresy. He decided he wanted to go to Italy where there were even more of the same and Monica was afraid that if he ever left Africa there would be no hope for his conversion. She followed him to the seacoast and prayed all night in the chapel for him to remain, but he sailed for Italy the next day. However, when he was in Milan, he met St. Ambrose who so impressed him with his love of Christ that he converted and eventually became one of the greatest, if not the greatest theologian in the history of the Church. Monica's prayers for the welfare of her son were answered, but in exactly opposite the way in which she specified. If her prayers had been answered in the way she wanted, St. Augustine probably would have remained a sinner instead of becoming a Saint.

Garth Brooks had a best-selling song 30 years ago titled Unanswered Prayers with the refrain:

"Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."

Let us use our prayers as an act of trust in God and grow to, or continue to, approach prayer as St. Paul sums it up best in the very first line of today's second reading from the Letter to the Romans:

"We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love him . . ."
Sunday, July 26, 2020
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The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
Responsorial Psalm: 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 29-130
Second Reading: Romans 8:28-30
Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:44-52 or 13:44-46

Reflection: When God allowed Solomon to ask for something, Solomon responded, “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” Solomon could have asked anything from God to feed his personal ego but knowing how much he was in his hands as the king of so many people and knowing how much inexperienced he was in leadership and how young he was, Solomon sought refuge in God and request the gift of understanding hear to judge and the power to distinguish right from wrong. Jesus in the Gospel Reading compares the kingdom of heaven with a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Solomon in the First Reading and a merchant in the Gospel Reading surrender themselves to God by putting aside all wants and needs or searching for personal gain but rather centering themselves into God who is everything and all things. Seeking God’s understanding, selling all what we have to acquire the kingdom of God provide us with everything. In the Responsorial Psalm, we responded, “Lord, I love your commands.” Walking with God will always guide to the life, truth, and the way. It will always caste the light in our feet to see the paths and walk safely. May God grant us all the grace we need to know and embrace his wisdom always. Amen. Fr. Severine

(available after 4PM on 7/25)
Saturday, July 25
5:00 p.m. – Robert Rafka – Julia Taddeo

Sunday, July 26
7:30 a.m. – Nick Piccolo – Pearl Piccolo and Family
11:30 a.m. – People of the Parish

Monday, July 27
8:00 a.m. – 29 th Anniversary Paul M. Whelan - Family

Tuesday, July 28
8:00 a.m. – Frances Fedrizzi – Knights of Columbus #5398

Wednesday, July 29
8:00 a.m. – Betty Poggiali – Bob and Kathy Brown

Thursday, July 30
8:00 a.m. – Harriet Guzikowski – Kit and Bruce McDaniel

Friday, July 31
8:00 a.m. – Wanda and Lou Benz - 55 th Wedding Anniversary - Family

Saturday, August 1
5:00 p.m. – People of the Parish

Sunday, August 2
7:30 a.m. – Paula DeStefano - Husband
11:30 a.m. – Deceased Members of St. John Evangelist Class 1964 – Class 1964

Note: Due to the current Mass schedule, the rectory needs to adjust the 9:30AM Mass intentions. If you scheduled a 9:30AM Sunday Mass intention, please call the rectory at 315.437.3394 to advise which Mass you would like your intention moved to. Thank you.  
Saturday, 4:00pm
People of St. Vincents

Sunday, 9:30am
Mark Conti, req. by the Altar Rosary Society

Sunday, 7:00pm
Patrick & Della Carrig, req. by their family

Monday, 12:00pm
Marie Suatoni, req. by Lena & Angelo Caltabiano

Tuesday, 12:00pm
Janet Stone, req. by the Adamitis family

Wednesday, 12:00pm
Virginia Aloi, req. by Marge Leonardo

Saturday, 4:00pm
Mary Ann Hines, req. by Adamitis family

Sunday, 9:30am
People of St. Vincent’s
This year's St. Vincent / Blessed Sacrament Tournament is Sunday, August 23rd at Westvale Golf Course. The cost is $50.00 for 18 holes of golf, a cart and lunch at the Turn. There will be no dinner because of the Covid 19. Come enjoy an afternoon out on the golf course. Proceeds to benefit St. V's Youth Programs and Blessed Sacrament's School Eagle Fund. Interested in sponsoring a Hole for $100 or Tee Box $25. For more information contact Bob James 315 471-0818 or Jerry Ball 315 463-8410.
We pray for Missy DiPaulo Angotti, Roslyn Antonacci, Carolyn Armstrong, Patrick Brewer, Rita Bross, Marlene Brush, Susan Moro Campbell, Terri Close, Ann Cook, Jill Danial, Mary Extale, John Fortino, Mary Gersbacher, John Gersbacher, Elizabeth Gilbert, Mary Griffin, Mary Ingalls, Yang Juan, John Laura, Mary Linehan, Cole Malone, Grace McNamara, Lynne Recore, Sr. Natalie Slake, Jean Suits, Elizabeth Walrath
Building Faith at Home

BuildingFaith@Home focuses on the presence of Christ in "community" when gathered together at Mass. Links for More Ideas and Activities: Catholicnewsagency.com. The Feast of St. James the Apostle (July 25); TeachingCatholicKids.com - 10 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Feast Day of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26).
Confessions and Mass at Destiny USA

The Franciscan Place is now open Monday through Thursday from Noon until 4:00PM and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available from 2:00-4:00 PM. The Liturgy of the Eucharist will resume on Monday, July 27th and will be celebrated Monday - Thursday at 12:15PM. Masks are mandatory and social distancing required. Further hours may be added as the recovery progresses.

The Franciscan Northside Ministries' Legal Clinic offers free legal assistance, advice, and referrals to those in need at no charge. Please help us spread the word about our services to those in need.  
For those who have died, e specially our family members and in particular, Frances Galluzzo, Norma Safin, Patrick Brady and Janet Stone, may they look upon the face of God for all time.
We are grateful for your offertory for the month of June of $7,086.00 per week. Thank you and God Bless! 
Job Opportunities

Hospital Chaplain needed to work 20 hours a week to support the Wilson and Binghamton General Hospitals, provide spiritual and pastoral support to facility residents, families and staff, acknowledging and respecting their beliefs, culture and values. Interested candidates should apply directly on Diocese of Syracuse website or send a resume to mbirardi@syrdio.org .

Pope John Church XXIII is seeking a fun and energetic individual to lead, design and develop the faith formation program. Candidate will build collaboration within the linkage with Christ the King and to develop a relationship in the Liverpool PCA community. This position is a 20 hours/week position based on 11 months.  Please see Pope John’s website for more information: www.popejohnchurch.org

Pope John Church XXIII is seeking a Family Minister to grow our relationship with your family’s needs, especially with younger and growing youth. We understand that the needs of families can change at a moment’s notice.  This position is to be a liaison for families of Christ the King and Pope John XXIII; to assist, provide vision and development for programs related to youth and families, support the youth ministry, faith formation and Sacramental preparation teams and to help develop a growing spirituality among our families. This is a 10 hours/week position based on 12 months. Please see Pope John’s website for more information :www.popejohnchurch.org.

St. Margaret’s Church is seeking applicants for a part-time / 25 hours a week Parish Secretary position.  Responsibilities of the job include providing administrative support, secretarial, clerical and related office services for members of the parish and parish/school staff and various other committees and boards. The secretary should ensure that the office runs efficiently, and presents a professional, compassionate demeanor to all parishioners, visitors, clergy, as well as other parish/school staff. Applicants should contact St. Margaret’s Church at 315-455-5534. Applications due by August 4.

St. Margaret’s Church and School in Mattydale seeks applicants for a Housekeeper / Cook in a part-time / 8 hours a week position. The job includes housekeeping duties to keep the parish rectory clean and presentable for parishioners, visitors, as well as parish and school staff. The job also includes cooking one meal a day. Applicants should contact St. Margaret’s Church at 315-455-5534. Applications due by August 4.

St. Margaret’s Church and School in Mattydale seek applicants for a Maintenance/Janitorial employee - full time / 40 hours a week position. The job includes cleaning, light maintenance and repair for the school building, church, rectory, convent and grounds, seasonal snow removal and mowing also necessary. The position includes health insurance and other benefits. Applicants should contact St. Margaret’s Church at 315-455-5534 due by August 4. 
Bishop's Vocation Picnic - The Tenth Hour

Please join Bishop Lucia for his annual vocation picnic on Wednesday, August 5 from 4pm to 8pm at Christ the King Retreat House in Syracuse. The Tenth Hour is an evening of dinner, conversation, prayer, and discernment with our bishops, priests, seminarians, and religious sisters from the Diocese of Syracuse. You must register for this event before Monday, August 3. This event is co-ed and is intended for young people between the ages of 14 and 19 years old. To register: email vocations@syrdio.org or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/542774699751240/. 
Information on Marriage Preparation courses:
  Catholic Marriage Prep  -  https://catholicmarriageprep.com/course-info/courses

 
From Fr. Jason Hage: Suggestions for easy ways to incorporate God into our daily routines. Feel free to download at:   https://www.syracusediocese.org//assets/Uploads/Suggested-Daily-Routine-for-Catholic-Families.pdf


Formation for Ministry/Deacon Formation Virtual Information Session, Wednesday, August 5, 6:30-7:30 pm.    Are you or is someone you know thinking about Formation for Ministry or the Diaconate?   The Offices of Formation for Ministry and Deacon Formation are offering virtual information session Wednesday, August 5, at 6:30 pm.  Each session will include an overview of the two-year Formation for Ministry program leading to commissioning as a lay ecclesial minister and an overview of the process for becoming a deacon. Time for questions will also be included.  Formation for Ministry is a prerequisite for becoming a deacon . Register at:  https://bit.ly/DFFFMInfo  or call 315-470-1491.

Seven Resources to Bring the Faith Home:
St. Vincent's

WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS FOR THE SPIRITUAL COMFORT AND RESTORATION OF HEALTH FOR: Kim Harrington (granddaughter of John and Joanne Harrington), Sandra Betts, Desiree Landers, Nate Wagner, Madeline Duda, Marilynn Bause, sister of Lauren Brooks, Suzanne Thompson (sister of Bill Winchell), Judy D’Amore, Martin Griffin, Anne Marie Drury, Fred Sniper, Carm Fitzgerald, Tony Caruso, Mary Colosimo, and Mike Lavelle.

07/12/20: Offertory $ 2,036.00; Received from 29 Envelopes - $ 1,918.00; Loose: $ 118.00; Bldg. Fund: $ 30.00

Remember for just $5.00 you could be the next winner. The 50/50 tickets may be mailed to the Rectory. The next drawing will be today, Sunday, July 26th after 9:30am mass. Contact Bob James at 315-471-0818 with any questions. Thanks to all who continue to support our Youth Programs.
Take Action – Economic Relief Bills

Please join the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the New York State Catholic Conference in asking Congress to include additional relief for Catholic schools in the next emergency relief package.   https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/Campaigns/75795/Respond to add your own personal story about your Catholic school experience and support Catholic schools.
Please join the USCCB in asking Senators to act now to support those who are poor and vulnerable during this pandemic by: providing resources for those who are homeless, increasing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit amounts, ensuring affordable healthcare during this crisis, and safeguarding those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.  Visit USCCB website.
Prayer for Peace

On August 6 and 9, the world will mark the 75th Anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has marked these solemn anniversaries from time to time with statements and events. This year, the Catholic Church in Japan is observing “Ten Days of Prayer for Peace” from August 6-15 and the Bishops of the United States are inviting the faithful of our country as well as all people of good will to join in prayer for peace. Review resources provided by the USCCB to assist in this important effort by going to http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/war-and-peace/nuclear-weapons/index.cfm  
"You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream."