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This link will keep 'parishioners-at-large' in touch with current creative liturgy sources and resources that respect a variety of 'traditions' within the Church.

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A 'lay' Catholic weekly publication with an accent on an intelligent analysis and commentary on curent issues, trends and concerns of interest to Catholics.

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A national Catholic lay newspaper covering events not usually covered or presented with a clerical bias in the local diocesan press or but of concern and interest to Catholics.

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A 'movement' of lay Catholics 'inspired' by the abuse scandal calling for greater accountability of bishops to 'Catholics in the Pew.'

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Daily Scripture

+ 3rd Week in Lent

We are guided by perennial truths and live by perennial values.

Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20 Matthew 5:17-19

Teach them to your children and to your children’s children. [Deuteronomy 4:9]

Do not think I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. [Matthew 5:17]

Indeed, Jesus did not abolish the ancient law and prophets. The ‘rule of law’ remains in effect and contain perennial truths to guide us as we make our way along life’s journey.. It is true that the commandments are summed up in the law of love – love of God and love of neighbor.

Though we begin each day with the firm intention to live that law of love, it is not as simple as it sounds in the midst of confusing realities and conflicting values. Instead of telling the truth, we often slip into prevarication to hide the truth. Some politicians are good at this and not a few churchmen have been guilty of the same. On one hand, few people hold us accountable when we tell someone we love her new hat though in truth we may consider it the most ugly hat we have ever seen. On the other had, integrity makes greater demands on our moral comportment. Respect for the goods, rights, services and property of others, public or private is very demanding and is rooted in the fifth and seventh commandments and the list goes on.

A friend of mine starts his day with a wonderful ritual. Making the sign of the cross on his forehead, his heart and his lips he prays, “Lord, help me to think good thoughts of my neighbor, to speak well of others and to have positive feelings that lead to good deeds.” Amen!

PS At the conclusion of Mass this morning, I acknowledged that women do not wear hats any longer so I suggested replacing it with, “I love your new wig”… then I thought in the interests of gender equality, I should have added “hair piece.”

A bit of humor in the midst of a challenging day can help to make our burden’s lighter.

The Passing of Two Men of Integrity

Wednesday February 7, 2007

A Priest of Integrity

Msgr. Dennis Hayes was definitely of the old school. He grew up in a world and a church that were clearly defined. No guess work for Dennis the man and Dennis the priest/pastor.

Msgr. Hayes died yesterday at the age of 95 at St. Joseph Home in Totowa where the Little Sisters of the Poor care for their residents as if they were members of their own family. Indeed, they are!

I first met ‘Father’ Hayes when I was a freshman at Bayley Ellard Diocesan High School in Madison. At that time, Father Hayes was pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway, Diocesan Superintendent of Schools and Director of the new diocesan high school (Bayley Ellard was the new name given to ‘old’ Bayley High School, the parish high school located in Assumption Parish in Morristown. The Hawe sisters, parishioners of Assumption, had left a bequest to Assumption Parish for the expansion of Bayley with the stipulation that ‘Ellard’ be added to the name. Msgr. Ellard was the well-beloved pastor of Assumption known for circulating around the parish on his white horse during the thirties. The money was transferred to the Diocese with the stipulation that the school be opened with the new name. Property was purchased in Madison where the now defunct school prospered for almost sixty years.)

Dennis was a gentleman who struggled with the changes of Vatican II. He would chastise me ‘gently’ from time to time when I was a member of what he and his peers called the ‘CYO’ at the Chancery. Most members of the bishop’s administrative staff at that time were under 30!

One day Msgr. Hayes called to inquire about a canonical issue that involved his niece. I asked why he called me instead of the chancellor. He said, “Because I was looking for a liberal answer.” He said it was ‘tongue-in-cheek’ but I think he was serious.

Msgr. Hayes was a faithful for over sixty years. A man dedicated to his God and his Church.

St. Francis de Sales wrote, “a gentleman is one who never inflicts a wound.” Dennis was a rare gentleman indeed.

May he rest in peace.

Another Gentleman of Integrity

…also passed away last week, Deacon Alex Buckholtz. Formerly of Saint Michael Parish in Netcong, Alex has resided since his retirement five years ago, with his wife, Marie, and daughter, Sandy, of Eagle Bridge NY. Their son, Mark, lives nearby.

Alex was a member of the permanent diaconate council during the early years of the restoration of the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Paterson. Alex was a member of the second group of candidates ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Casey in 1976. As the first director of the program in 1972, I quickly became aware of the need to invite candidates and their wives to assist the development of the diaconate formation process and in the governance of the diaconate ministry within the diocese.

Alex was the first ‘Vicar for Deacons,’ a position which he retained for several years over and above his ministry at St. Michael’s.

Alex was one of the kindest persons with whom I have ever been associated. He was a humble man of great simplicity who expended his energy and creativity where the need was the greatest. No need was too small or great for Alex and he never blew a horn before him.

He was the inventor of colorful Styrofoam signs used in food stores but he never bragged about his many talents.

His heart belonged first to his family but it was big enough to include one more at his ‘table’ of plenty. Alex treated everyone as a member of his family without regard to social status, political persuasion or religious affiliation. He was particular committed to the poor.

Since his retirement and move to New York State, Alex was challenged with multiple heath problems and in recent months has lost the power of speech and was severely limited physically but consistent with his always patient temperament, Alex never asked why him.

He was deeply respected and loved by family and friends. He was truly a ‘saintly’ man whose good works will endure in the memory of all who loved him.

Alex is now with the angels.