ABVM Magazine
"ABVM Magazine's mission is to help our parish family tell their stories of knowing, loving and serving Jesus."
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This Edition Includes Two Special Features:
Fr. Scott's Silver Jubilee
and the Ordination of Fr. Mark Tobin!
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SPECIAL FEATURE: FATHER SCOTT PROFILE
BY JOHN LYNCH
On May 18, Father Scott Brockson will celebrate the Silver Jubilee of his ordination in 1996 to the priesthood. To celebrate Father Scott’s service to the people of the archdiocese and Assumption BVM in particular, John spoke with Father Scott about his faith journey and God’s call to the priesthood.
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Father Scott Brockson was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Prospect Park, where he lived with his parents and three siblings. As a child, he enjoyed playing baseball and following the Philadelphia sports teams as well as studying the organ.
His parents sent him to Prospect Park Methodist Church where he attended Sunday school and where Father says, “I learned about Jesus.” When he was a teenager, he decided to join the Tinicum Lutheran Church because he was drawn to the liturgy and music there, and the “beliefs were more explicit” than in the Methodist Church. While at Tinicum Lutheran he played the organ for services and eventually became the full-time organist.
After graduating from Interboro High School, Father Scott went on to attend Villanova University. When I asked Father why he chose Villanova he said, “I wanted to attend a university with a Christian affiliation. When my father drove me there for a campus visit, I knew right away I wanted to go there. I didn’t apply to any other schools.” While at Villanova he joined University Christian Outreach, a campus ministry that hosted Bible studies and prayer meetings. “I always loved reading scripture. After joining this group, I realized that I could have a dynamic personal relationship with Jesus.” The example of friends he made in the group (many of whom were Catholic) also fostered his growing faith.
After graduating from Villanova, Father Scott joined the Vanguard Investment Group, and he continued to attend the Tinicum Lutheran Church. One day after services, a parishioner named Selma asked him, “Are you going to become a pastor? I can see it written all over your face.” This comment “hit me like a ton of bricks,” said Father.
Following a period of prayer and reflection, he made the decision to study to become a pastor and was admitted to the Lutheran seminary in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia. In the seminary, Father concentrated on increasing his knowledge and understanding of Scripture so he could bring the Word of God to others. While at the seminary he was also immersed in church history, which included studying the Church Fathers. Over a period of time, as he learned more about the early Church, he reached the conclusion that it “looks like the Catholic Church.” At the same time, he also became involved in the pro-life movement where he met many Catholics.
During this period, the leaders of his church’s Lutheran denomination voted to change the denomination’s teaching on moral opposition to abortion. This development presented a dilemma. Father wondered how the church’s moral teaching on abortion could be changed by a vote. It appeared to Father that there was no firm foundation to serve as the ultimate moral authority in his church.
In the midst of these developments, Father continued to work part-time at Vanguard in order to support himself and his seminary studies. One day while leaving work he was speaking with a security guard who commented that he hadn’t seen him in a while. Father explained that he was attending seminary. As Father turned to leave, the guard shouted after him, “Good luck with your vocation!” Father stopped in his tracks. No one but a Catholic would refer to seminary studies as a “vocation.” All of the concerns Father had about his current path came to a head. “I had to become a Catholic,” Father Scott remembered thinking.
Father decided to leave the seminary and went about sharing his decision with some of his professors and fellow students; it was not easy. Although it was unclear whether they understood his decision, they seemed to respect it and one professor admitted that he had once considered becoming Catholic himself but “was talked out of it.”
After leaving the seminary, Father returned to full-time work at Vanguard and began RCIA classes at St. John Bosco Parish in Hatboro. As his instruction in the Catholic faith progressed, Father’s sense of being called to become a priest became deeper. He applied and was admitted to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in September 1990.
When I asked Father Scott what made his years at St. Charles memorable, he told me that he loved the 40 hours devotion every year around St. Charles Borromeo’s feast day on November 4. He also mentioned the excellent professors and the beautiful liturgies. During the Spiritual Year—a year in which seminarians are offered the gift of time, space, and direction to develop a rich, interior prayer life—his class studied at a Catholic seminary in Allentown, where the focus was on spirituality and prayer. “It was a plunge into Catholic Spirituality. This helped ground me,” remarked Father.
I asked Father if being a priest was different than what he had expected. He answered that there weren’t any great surprises for him after ordination because seminarians had the opportunity to live and work in parishes during their summer internships and learned from the priests of those parishes what priestly life was like.
I asked Father Scott to reflect on his greatest joys and challenges as a priest. “The greatest joys are receiving people into the Church, First Communion, and Confirmation,” he said. “The greatest challenge is living alone. When I first became a priest, I lived with 4 priests in a rectory. Now priests have to make sure that they keep up their relationships with other priests, so they don’t become isolated.” He and neighboring pastors get together 2-3 times a month to prepare and take meals together.
Father Scott has been pastor of ABVM since June 2015. I asked him to share the greatest blessing he has experienced during this time. Without hesitation he said, “The greatest blessing is the staff, the volunteers, and the many people who are involved in and committed to the parish.” He mentioned in particular how well the school is being run and praised the principal.
At the close of the interview, I asked Father if he had anything he would like to say to the parish. “If someone is thinking about a vocation to the priesthood or religious life and that it could be challenging, if you’re doing what God is calling you to do, it’s going to be a happy, full, satisfying life.”
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COLUMN: SPOTLIGHT ON MINISTRIES
Family Promise
Southern Chester County Family Promise is part of a non-profit national organization for families with children under 18 years of age that are experiencing homelessness. The organization provides help for families in the Oxford Area, Avon Grove, Kennett Consolidated, and Unionville-Chadds Ford School Districts.
Because of the pandemic, Family Promise has looked different in 2020–2021. Prior to the restrictions necessitated by COVID-19, families experiencing homelessness stayed overnight for a week at partner congregations; they spent the day at work, school, or the Family Promise Resource Center in Kennett Square. Currently, Family Promise has 8 families in the program “doubling up” with family or friends.
Family Promise not only arranges for shelter and meals but also works to find the root of homelessness. The Family Promise staff of volunteers and a licensed caseworker continue to provide childcare, financial education, GED preparation, and wellness care to address a few of the many needs.
Would you like to donate to assist families in the program?
Donations of Giant or Walmart gift cards are suggested.
Drop-off days at the Resource Center are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Resource Center is located at
1156 W. Baltimore Pike,
Kennett Square, PA 19348
The phone number is 610-444-0400.
Under Fulfill items on our Amazon Wishlist, click on the word “wishlist” to go to Amazon Smile to see the items.
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Laity Local
In the "before times," we felt we should reach out to parishioners who no longer attend Mass. I created Laity Local to provide an "off-campus" place for discussion and sharing, hoping that someone would accept the invitation.
The first meeting was in March 2020, and unfortunately, pandemic restrictions came into force shortly afterward. Laity Local has met on Zoom periodically since then but is currently in suspension.
My intention for meetings was to listen to the stories of those who have left. I wasn't prepared to argue, preach, or persuade. I wanted to hear what happened and where people went.
I've spoken to several former parishioners and a couple of people from other parishes. In broad terms, some have left because the church is becoming too liberal. Others because the church is becoming too conservative.
I have heard the lament that our parish wasn't satisfying their needs, whether for preaching content, charitable work opportunities, or liturgical comfort. Some have found other denominations. Some pray alone. I haven't yet spoken to anyone who has lost their faith.
I think it is too soon to reach any conclusions. The number of people involved is too small, the time spent, so far, is too short. I know, for any parish, it is an impossible job to please everyone. Pope Francis wants to see parishes become "field hospitals," which perhaps means a drastic change in how we do things. Would this attract back some who have left? Probably. Would it cause others to leave? Probably.
These are deep questions. Pray about them.
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Lectors
BY JOHN LYNCH
"The lector assumes the responsibility to prepare for the proclamation of the Word of God in advance of the liturgical celebration. This preparation includes a correct knowledge of the biblical reading to be proclaimed, a review and oral practice of the reading beforehand, clarification on the pronunciation of unfamiliar words, and praying with the Word of God. This preparation also includes arrival for Mass in due time, a review of the Lectionary for Mass and its placement at the ambo [aka the pulpit] beforehand, and insuring a familiarity with the sound system, if necessary. The lector, as a baptized member of the liturgical assembly, is expected to participate fully in the Mass both for the benefit of himself or herself and also as an example to others." - Guidelines for Lectors Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Divine Worship
Lectors proclaim the Word of God. To proclaim means to announce publicly, and with due emphasis, something that is important. I asked two lectors to share their experiences with this ministry and to talk about their reasons for joining.
I asked Lector Mary Ann Schill why she became a lector almost 25 years ago. "I always loved reading stories to kids, so I thought I would enjoy being a lector." One of her goals is to bring the readings to life for the congregation. "You have to engage people in the reading. You put emphasis on certain words, your diction is clear, and you maintain eye contact. Hopefully, people can visualize the events unfolding, and they are reliving what happened in the Lord's day. I feel honored and grateful to be a lector!"
I also asked her if she was ever nervous speaking in front of a large group of people. "Every now and then, there is a little bit of anxiety. I worry about saying the wrong word or losing my place." But this worry is eclipsed by her love of the ministry. "I just love the ministry and am so thankful to be a part of it!"
Charles Foy has been a lector since April 2021. When I asked Charlie how he came to be a lector, he told me the following story. Charlie asked a friend if he was interested in joining the Knights of Columbus. His friend replied that he was too busy due to other commitments. Their conversation turned to the Lector Ministry, and Charlie asked, "Do they need more lectors? I'm used to talking in front of crowds!" His friend put Charlie in touch with Ministry Coordinator Tom Finley, and Charlie met with Tom to learn more. "I took a lot of notes," said Charlie.
As his mentor, Tom was present at the first 3 Masses that Charlie was a lector. Also helpful to Charlie is the Workbook for Lectors, Gospel Readers, and Proclaimers of the Word that ABVM lectors receive each year. "It gives you the context of the reading, helps you understand which words to emphasize, and shows pronunciations."
I asked Charlie what has he learned so far and what are the benefits of being a lector. "You gain a better understanding of the Mass readings and how they are connected. Being a lector has also made me more aware of the structure and pacing of the Mass itself and how the music, the cantor, sacristan, lector, altar servers, eucharistic ministers all work together; I've come to see so many ways to volunteer for Mass."
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Surviving Divorce
The goal of the Surviving Divorce Ministry is to bring hope and healing to those who are experiencing the pain and loss of a broken marriage. Parish Coordinator Adriana Pfaff has personally experienced the pain of divorce. When her marriage ended several years ago, she reached out to Father Scott Brockson. "What can we do?" This was the question both Father Brockson and Adriana were asking themselves. At the time, there was little help for Catholics who were suddenly confronted with Adriana's situation other than marriage counseling. Together, they found the only divorce group sponsored by a Catholic church in Chester County. Adriana enrolled in the program and made the commute each week.
The Surviving Divorce program, which was developed by Rose Sweet, offers help to Catholics and Christians who have separated, or divorced, and offers a way to remain true to their faith and Catholic church's teachings. Surviving Divorce revolves around biweekly meetings. These meetings focus on the practical challenges people face in divorce, like shock and grief, anger and forgiveness, money issues, dealing with children and a former spouse, annulment, and remarriage. The program was developed based on input from therapists, priests, psychiatrists, and other professionals.
Surviving Divorce was a lifesaver for Adriana. "It helps get you back on your feet," she says. It helped bring her peace and a direction to her life. Adriana adds, "It's about being able to put it all in the hands of God and freeing yourself." Divorce is an ongoing journey; Adriana has been through the program twice.
For those interested, Surviving Divorce is now being offered at ABVM, with meetings hosted by Adriana. The current session began in January and will end in June. Meetings are on-site every other week for a total of 12 sessions. Please contact Adriana if you would like more information. Adriana says, "This group may answer some of your questions, restore hope, and help you to begin authentic healing." A new group hopes to start in the late summer/early fall if there is interest.
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Do you know how many people have joined our parish during the pandemic?
The total number joining ABVM between January 2020 and March 2021 was 194.
In the 56 families that joined, there were 87 children ranging in age from 4 to 17: 37 children aged birth to 4 years old, 44 children aged 5 to 13 years old, and 6 teens aged 14 to 17 years old. Demographics that are exciting for the parish!
Look for more info on the Welcome Committee Ministry and new parishioners in the Fall Edition.
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COLUMN: FAMILY IN THE CHURCH
This edition of ABVM Magazine introduces
a regular column by a parishioner.
We hope you enjoy it!
Looking For Holy Moments
BY LISA GOLDSTEIN
This picture was taken a little more than 5 years ago when my sons were only 7 and 5 years old. Teaching them about our Catholic faith meant little things—like lighting the Advent candles—and bigger things—like taking them to Mass. But teaching children also includes challenging things, such as helping them understand why we do what we do and what it all means. My boys look holy in this picture, don’t they? A secret—I don’t remember it as a holy moment, but they do.
On a beautiful fall day in 2015, we were visiting the Grotto of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, nestled in the mountain behind Mt. St. Mary’s College (now University), where I once spent afternoons as a young college student, walking and hiking. It is a special place, holy ground where St. Elizabeth Ann Seton began teaching young girls about our faith and where college founder St. John DuBois lived. We were there that day because I wanted to see the newly restored original chapel that had been recently unearthed during a dormitory renovation project. The chapel had lain undiscovered and unremembered for over a hundred years.
Hearing about this was big news in my alumni circles. Generations, we and others, had lived and studied on campus, not knowing what beauty lay buried beneath the ground. My boys were young, so they were less amazed and interested in that part of our visit, but they loved rolling down the huge hill onto Echo Field and playing in the fall leaves around the Seminary building. They were energetic and happy. I took them all around campus, showing them where Mommy lived and pointing out all my favorite places, including where the water trickled down the mountain into St. John’s Well.
By the time we made the long ascent to the Grotto, they were tired but still very mobile. When I took this picture, I don’t remember a holy moment. I remember them opening the door to the Grotto chapel and running inside, talking loudly. I was stressed about disturbing those in prayer, so I tried to gather my sons and walk back out. They didn’t listen. They ran up to the front and hopped up the little steps right onto the altar platform. I followed, carrying the heavy mom-bag with their jackets, snacks, and all the other we-might-need kind of stuff that we moms lug around. After reaching them, I told them in a loud whisper that what they were doing is wrong and to kneel in front and say a prayer to Jesus. They did, looking sweet and cuddly and cute, so I took this picture.
I want parents of toddlers and preschoolers and young children to know that you are creating holy moments. You create them when you pray with your children, when you bring them to Mass, when you point out the baptismal font at church, or when you show them the rosary you had when you were a child. It might not feel holy for you; after all, it only takes a few seconds to say a prayer before meals or to exclaim “look at this beautiful baptismal font” in the vestibule before they run out the door toward our playground. Those times didn’t always feel holy to me either; that’s why I want to assure you that you are creating holy moments. It matters.
How do I know? I know because my sons are now 12 and 10 years old, and when they look at this picture, they have no recollection of running through the chapel while their embarrassed mom tried to catch up. They see this picture and say “Remember this? That’s when we were praying in that mountain church. When can we go there again, Mom?”
Lisa Goldstein is a mom trying to juggle a million different things while raising her kids in the Church, just like many other parents at ABVM are trying to do.
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SPECIAL FEATURE: TALKING WITH REV. MARK TOBIN, ABVM’s NEWLY ORDAINED PRIEST
MARK TOBIN WITH JOHN LYNCH
Mark Tobin grew up in the West Grove area, where he and his family are members of ABVM parish. Mark graduated from Avon Grove High School and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving two tours of duty in Iraq. Upon leaving the Navy, he attended and graduated from West Chester University and, then, entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. Mark was ordained a priest for the Philadelphia Archdiocese on May 15, 2021.
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John: Who inspired you to consider a vocation to the Catholic priesthood?
Mark: I was inspired by Father John Nordeman at the Catholic Newman Center at West Chester University. He helped me come back to the faith and helped me discern what I needed to do. It was during my time at the Newman Center that I had my “St. Paul” experience. I also found a good group of people who I could be open with about my faith.
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John: You served your country in the armed forces and now you will be serving our Church as a priest. Is there a connection between your military service and your religious vocation? What do you think this is?
Mark: In the military, I was looking for adventure. It was something I wanted to do. Answering God’s call is taking service to a whole new level. In the military, I wanted to serve my country. My vocation is more of a demand. I struggled to answer the call because I knew what it would require.
John: How has your vocation impacted your life and the lives of those around you?
Mark: I have been called to be a leader in the faith; that means bringing the Lord to other people. The Lord is using all of the experiences and challenges in my life to bring others to Him. I am building friendships around my faith.
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John: What did you learn from your time at St. Charles?
Mark: I learned that faith is expressed in many different ways and personalities. I learned that God is calling me with all my own particular strengths and weaknesses. I have learned how to pray better, and my prayer life has deepened. I have new eyes to see God’s work.
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John: How have you changed?
Mark: Walking with the Lord has given me a purpose. This is different than a mere occupation; it’s a call. I have a deep sense that the Lord is calling me. When I first heard the Lord, I didn’t know where he was leading me or I might have run the other way, but I want to do His will. He is my happiness. There is no true happiness apart from Him.
John: What advice do you have for lay people?
Mark: Be aware of what God has done for us. We have a God who is not indifferent. We have a God who has taken on human suffering; we ought to see the Lord who suffers with us. Embrace your suffering and crosses; we don’t need to turn to other things. We carry our cross with our Lord. We are united in Christ.
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When I was in college my mom gave me a relic of Padre Pio with an inscription that read: “Blessed is he who knows how to profit from his suffering.” I had no idea what that meant. Then, by God’s grace, these words came alive. I was the lost sheep outside of the faith. I wasn’t seeking the Lord, but He was seeking me.
John: We live in a crazy time. There is civil unrest and bitter political and social divisions in our nation and scandals and dissent in our own Church. Why become a priest now?
Mark: The Lord is still calling. The Church needs good men the most. This is going to be a great time to serve the Church. There are so many joys and reasons to follow the Lord.
I pray the heart to love Him and love His people. It’s His call; He will have to provide.
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Click on the button to hear Mark talk about his faith journey: |
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The 2020–2021 School Year
Spring is in the air and Assumption BVM School is about a month away from celebrating yet another wonderful school year. Last summer, we embraced what we once thought was the impossible, and with a solid opening Onward Plan and with the support of parents and parishioners, we opened our doors in September with 95% of the student body attending in person.
At the beginning of February, we moved all students to a virtual platform for two weeks out of an abundance of caution. These weeks on the virtual platform reminded all of us of how valuable the in-person learning environment is for students—spiritually, academically, and emotionally. But God's plan prevailed, as it always does. We are thrilled that for over 2 months now, 100% of our student body is learning in person. The virtual platform still exists for students that need to quarantine, but fortunately, it remains empty many days. Teachers continue to do a fabulous job of teaching on both platforms when needed; however, we are hopeful these days will soon be behind us all!
When asked about accomplishments, third-grade teacher Mrs. Schultz perfectly captured this school year: "I can honestly say it's impossible to identify all of our accomplishments in detail because, in many ways, just being able to adjust daily to whatever the reality was, was an accomplishment. Not knowing what each day would bring but being able to handle the changes was definitely by the grace of God and with a lot of humor. For this, I'd say my biggest accomplishment was keeping it all in perspective and trusting God's plan."
The positive disposition of teachers, students, and parents truly made each challenging moment an opportunity for us to grow, learn, and support each other through these uncharted waters. It may sound clichéd, but we are all "in this together." Mrs. Neuser, our eighth-grade teacher, shared, "Living through the pandemic has definitely been a challenge, but with lots of prayers and working together, we proved that anything is possible in what we all thought was impossible! I'm so blessed to work with such supportive and dedicated teachers at Assumption BVM School."
The school day may look a little different, but the rigor of our curriculum and the sounds of children playing at recess are present daily. Our commitment to the children and parents of ABVM School has never wavered. First-grade students recently presented the Passion play for all, and the eighth grade is preparing for our annual May Procession and Mass. This year, we are happy to have our recent communicants dress in their Communion attire for this Mass. What a beautiful honor to our school's namesake—the Blessed Mother!
We have been blessed in many ways. We opened our door for the 2020–2021 school year with 238 students, and for the 2021–2022 school year, we have 253 students currently registered. This is a humbling testimony to the value of a Catholic education and the number of families choosing Assumption BVM School. Over $252,000 was given in financial aid scholarships, and we are on target to exceed that scholarship amount next year due, in part, to the generosity of new scholarship funds.
Our students have achieved many successes even in an unprecedented year in education. Congratulations to Gabrielle and Alex Serafin, who earned first and second chairs respectively in the Archdiocesan Honor Band, and to our eighth-grade students who have all been accepted into their high schools of choice!
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In accepting a new position as DRE at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the middle of a pandemic, I had some trepidation. But immediately upon my arrival to ABVM, I was greeted with such a warm reception by the entire Church community! This warm reception strengthened my faith that God would guide us through exceptional challenges not ever experienced. One of these challenges was how to continue religious instruction and preparation for the sacraments when in-person learning was not possible. We were able to create an at-home program based on class material from Loyola Press along with weekly assessments that we made available to the children’s parents. Thanks to our wonderful parents who assumed responsibility for instructing their children, the teaching of our faith continued.
Now in May of 2021, it is refreshing to look back at a year of formation that has brought many rewarding events.
Our Lord had been waiting for our precious children whose First Holy Communion had unfortunately been postponed. In September and October, ABVM celebrated with our children around the Table of the Lord.
November of 2020 brought the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, as we welcomed Bishop Deliman to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation upon 68 confirmandi.
During the Christmas season, we had the unique opportunity to share with each other a collection of personal family Nativity scenes—something we may have never experienced if it were not for an alternative need to bring us together. In this special way, we were welcomed into each other's homes!
For the Easter season, students were invited to explore nature and share a photo of a sign of new life. Yet the apex came when Father Scott baptized several of our young children, which was the most perfect sign of new life!
And more recently, we celebrated the joy of 78 of our young children who now share in the graces of Reconciliation and the Bread of New Life in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist!
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Personal Testimonies from Our CYFF Catechists
This year's home-based CYFF program is well designed as a shared learning experience, which also renews my Catholic faith. It is truly inspiring to see how children and parents progressed through various units of the new curriculum. It is always a privilege and so rewarding to fully prepare each child in receiving First Reconciliation and Holy Communion at ABVM parish.
Ms. Therese O'Connor - Level 2
As a home-based catechist this year, I have enjoyed corresponding with parents to keep everyone on track with our Loyola Press program. The schedule has been flexible enough so I could highlight Catholic treasures within the program, such as the prayers of the Holy Rosary and the Stations of the Cross. It has been an added blessing to connect with other catechists. Despite COVID restrictions, our program and fellowship have flourished!
Caroline
I have been teaching Religious Ed for 18 years and I must say this has been the most challenging year. As a home-based catechist, I miss seeing the students and sharing our faith with them. But it has been so enjoyable to hear the feedback from the parents who have been teaching their children and have found it so rewarding.
Mrs. M.- Level 5
I have enjoyed being a catechist. I am grateful to God for the little blessings I received in communicating with the home-based parents, and the fellowship with other catechists, even during a pandemic, has been a highlight this year. Being a catechist helps guide our ABVM children on their spiritual journeys. We have so many treasures within our Catholic faith, and I enjoy uncovering and pointing them out to the children. The prayers of the Rosary come to mind when I think of an example of a beautiful Catholic treasure.
ABVM Catechist
Have you been thinking about joining the CYFF Catechists team at ABVM? What an amazing faith journey I experienced this school year catechizing to the 5th level of Religious Education! Since sessions were in the Parish Life Center, we had access to the church which provided a gateway for the parish children to experience Adoration and Stations of the Cross. The Christ Our Life resource book and teacher's guide were user-friendly without watering down the Catholic faith.
Sharon Hannan - Level 5, On-site Wednesday
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To keep current on what’s happening in the parish and view the current and past bulletins, please consult our parish website
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