Cathedral Family,

This Third Sunday of the Church Year is known as “Word of God Sunday.” Pope Francis wanting to call attention to the primacy and power of God’s Word in the life of the Church, the Liturgy and for daily Christian living instituted this observance in 2018. I’m grateful that he did. The more that I go in my own Christian journey, the more grateful I am for the gift of the Holy Scripture. Of course Catholics have been criticized by perhaps well-meaning Protestants that we Catholics do not know our Scripture---which to some degree may be true---not chapter and verse---however, Catholics are permeated with the Word of God at every Liturgy, at every Sacrament we celebrate and is the basis for every teaching we hold true. We live by the Liturgical Year---where each Advent we begin anew to tell the story of God’s salvation, bringing the Scripture alive in every celebration. However, we always need more...more study, more prayer, more love of the Word of God.

Many people do not realize that the Bible did not drop out of the sky, already written—but rather under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit—was written by human beings---and it was the Church---the Bishops living in ancient times who met together, prayed together and discerned through the power of the Holy Spirit—which sacred writings were “authentic” or met the “rule” of apostolic faith---and therefore was authentic to be included in what became known as the “Canon.” As opposed to those writings which did not meet the criterion. It is interesting that one of the main criteria of accepting the authenticity of an ancient writing for inclusion in the Bible, was if the writing was read publicly by the priests and deacons at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Remember that it was completely rare for people to own any of their own books---or scrolls. Rather, the community held their writings together under the care of the local pastor who brought them out to read at Sunday Mass. The Word of God contained in Sacred Scripture remains the norm above all norms in Christian life. The writings of Sacred Scripture have power to transform, heal, inspire and compel us more deeply into the life of God.

May this coming year find all of us meditating and praying with the Word of God. One sure way to grow with Scripture is to come to daily mass. Each day the Church proclaims God’s Word and preaches and teaches on its power. Then, the Word of God leads us to the “Word made Flesh” in the Holy Eucharist—and we can receive and “commune” with the God who made us to share His Divine Life.

I am so very heartened by the almost 200 people who joined this past Tuesday for the presentation on the Eucharistic Revival. There were many others who watched “live stream.” There will be more follow up as we seek to create a plan for the local renewal of our parish of St. Francis Cathedral---fanning the faith alive in the presence of Jesus Christ, who remains forever present to us in the Holy Eucharist.

We must remember to pray for a continual renewal, and rededication to building a culture of life. Although this past June the Supreme Court overturned the previous decision Roe v. Wade, none the less the tragedy of taking life in the womb is still legal in all 50 states. Building a culture of life means that we partner with all vulnerable women, who for whatever reason find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy and feel isolated and alone—and tempted to the cultural solution of abortion— ending the life in their womb. We are so grateful for all who stand for protecting life in the womb and also those who walk with women in difficult situations---especially right here in Metuchen at Life Choices. May our prayers, witness and love bring healing and help to all who have been badly bruised by the throw away culture that promises and empty solution.

This past Saturday we celebrated Santo Nino. A beautiful celebration honoring devotion to the Infant Christ. A devotion dear to the Filipino people. Bishop Checchio blessed a beautiful statute of Santo Nino this past December---and on January 21---the Feast of Santo Nino---we celebrated a special mass with Filipinos from across the diocese and placed the statue in the Cathedral, near the baptistery where we have a prayer and devotion. I am very grateful to our Filipino Association here at St. Francis who have sponsored and prepared for this important embrace of devotion to the child Jesus.

Currently we are in the process of determining the future needs of technology for the Cathedral. Our current live stream system does not fully correspond with so many things we are being asked to do to archive and make available our Cathedral liturgies and special programs. The professional proposal to upgrade and refine our system to be more accessible, user friendly and will not “crash” as frequently---will include re working the entire system---the estimate is $11,000. I was approached by a faithful parishioner who offered a gift of $1,000 to make it happen. Since it is an added expense to our already strapped budget---I am praying—once the need is known---other generous parishioners may respond with a dedicated gift for technology upgrade to the Cathedral’s live stream.

Please keep the mission of our Cathedral in your prayers---know of my prayers and love, Father Christy