Josh Perry Talk, March 22:  https://youtube.com/live/bubMCb0MwPA?feature=share

Dcn. Josh McDonald Talk, March 23: https://youtube.com/live/Iz6LP0oIIGc?feature=share 

Dcn. Phil Lawson Holy Hour Message, March27: https://youtube.com/live/h6siLw6lGtE?feature=share 

As Part of Our Mission Theme, the following Eucharistic Testimonies were printed to share on the weekend of March 26th.

These are homily notes from the summer of 2008, which I used when I gave a homily as a deacon at St. Joseph's Burlington. Hand-written, I still have them, tucked into my Bible. 

An immense blessing in my life was that I grew up in a devout, practicing Catholic family, my parents teaching my brothers and me the real riches of the Catholic faith. I was always open to the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood in my life. And when I was in college, I seriously considered only two possibilities for after graduation; go to graduate school to try to get a PhD in chemistry, or enter seminary. I decided not to go to graduate school, and instead, after I graduated in 2003, I came to Vermont to work for the Diocese of Burlington at Camp Holy Cross in Colchester. There were three dioceses that I had considered for applying to for seminary, the Diocese of Albany in which I had lived, Syracuse, the next Diocese west (in which I was confirmed), and Burlington, the “next” Diocese to the east.
It was during that summer at Camp Holy Cross (CHC) that I decided “I’m going to stay in VT, the Diocese is in need of priests, they’re willing to accept me, I’ll apply to enter seminary here.” And the rest is history. After five years of seminary, three more summers at CHC, and a summer and then-some at St. John Vianney’s in South Burlington, I am now a transitional deacon for the diocese, transitioning into, God willing, ordination as a priest 11 months from now.
In thinking of what else I could share that would be appropriate for Mass, I wanted to go back, to before I entered seminary, to something I knew and experienced intuitively, but couldn’t really describe until more recently.
When I was in college, and trying to discern my way through those years in life, a real source of spiritual nourishment for me was actually to go to daily Mass, a habit I picked up from my mother. But it was also strengthened in college when I read a certain book which explained how the Mass “makes present” Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. (This book was the Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn.)
And I remember at Mass, and especially praying after Mass for a few minutes in thanksgiving, I would tell our Lord, “Lord, All I’ve got is ultimately yours. I’ll do whatever you tell me to.” That’s a memory of daily Mass I have from before I entered seminary. But when I was in seminary, I acquired a piece of vocabulary that at first I never would have associated with that memory.
The words “Active Participation in the Liturgy” come from Vatican II, and it took a while before I learned what this was referring to. Did it mean just showing up at Mass? Receiving communion? Singing louder? Just saying all the prayers? Trying to pay more attention to the homily? It did mean all those things, but at the root was something greater! Yes we should pray, sit, kneel, cross or foreheads, lips, hearts, bow, etc. But all that should culminate in a spiritual offering where we take all that we’ve got, and we spiritually place it on the altar of the Eucharist.
At the root of “active Participation” in the liturgy is this great mystery, that Christ was continually worshiping the Father! And that worship culminated in his sacrifice on Calvary, and that perfect worship happens here in the Eucharist on the altar at each Mass, and we participate in that worship! We take part in that worship. When we receive communion it’s an act of worship, to receive communion is to say that: “All I’ve got is yours.”
To get back to what I was sharing before though, I never would have thought of it this way. Looking back I would say my disposition, my attitude in going to Mass back then (in college), was one of active participation. And I really think that was a great contribution to my journey to this vocation. A great grace. Then, now, trying to, as a deacon... how to participate, but also, how to live that same prayer. “All I’ve got is yours.” But I pray everyone can receive that grace, because it has been such a blessing for me.

• Father Tim Naples, Pastor  (written in 2008)

• Dave Carmichael, Office Manager

Growing up Catholic, I was taught that the Eucharist was Jesus. For years I taught children in the Sacrament program that the Eucharist was Jesus. Looking back on it now, I feel like I was simply going through the motion not fully accepting or embracing this magnificent Truth until years later. 
During a rather difficult time in my life, I was asked to sit in for a Holy Hour at St. Mark’s Parish in Burlington. I had never attended Adoration and was unclear on how it worked. That day I had so much going on, I was stressed out, my head was pounding, and I was in a bad mood. After much coaxing, I begrudgingly agreed to go.
As I entered the chapel, I could feel a palpable shift in the air from the flurry of activity outside to the quietness on the inside.  I felt peace from within; my body felt lighter, and the air was easier to breathe. I knew at that moment that I was in the presence of something extraordinary. 
At first, I knelt in prayer as I normally did when I first come to Mass. Then I sat and simply had a conversation with God in my thoughts. I took deep breaths and allowed myself to surrender to the stillness of the room. Surprisingly, my inexperience did not make me feel inept or awkward. I can only describe it as I felt like I was home. 
While looking at the monstrance, I offered thanksgiving for my family, friends, home, and life. I offered up my worries about my children, my husband, and those who were suffering. I asked for reassurance that I was doing the right thing and for guidance to do better. I sat and let my thoughts lead wherever they may go. Being still in His Presence allowed God to speak to my heart. I felt a warmth that embraced and comforted me. There was a sense of intimacy at that moment. It was as though I was gazing adoringly at Jesus and He at me. 
I stayed for over two hours that first day yet I left wanting even more. I started to go back daily and eventually took a regular weekly timeslot. I very much looked forward to my time with Jesus.  If there was a reason that I could not attend Mass or Adoration, I felt a significant void from within. I found myself needing to be with Jesus and to be in His presence because He fulfilled me. Little did I know that each day in prayer in front of the monstrance I was cultivating a new way of connecting with Jesus. My spiritual life was transforming and come to find out, I was as well.  
About a month after my first visit, I woke up one morning feeling something had changed inside of me. I had inner peace and clarity for the first time in a long time. The only thing that I had been doing differently was my frequent trips to Adoration. Was this dark cloud being lifted the fruit of my hours spent with Jesus? 
I couldn’t help but think this was true. Because the Eucharist is not simply a piece of unleavened bread! If that were the case, when people began to leave Jesus because of His hard teachings, He would have corrected them. But He never did. Why? Because it was essential that His followers understood what He revealed to them when He boldly proclaimed, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (John 6:51) and “I tell you the truth unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”  (John 6:53) Following His Resurrection and Ascension, His disciples never swayed from proclaiming this overwhelming Truth. Rather, they gave their lives to preserve and defend it! 
This Truth of our faith needs to be conveyed to our children at home, in schools, and in our parishes. This is an important practice for adults and children to take time in front of the Blessed Sacrament before Mass to be still in His Presence. This shows them how we can rely on God to lead us in all aspects of our life. I have encouraged my children to do this practice as they grow and continue to discern their life.
Spend time with Jesus. Give Him your worries, thanks, and struggles. Then sit in silence and pay close attention to what He says in your heart. When we are still and listen, we can hear what had previously been unheard due to static in our life. It is in this stillness that God will reveal Himself to you and transform you! 
We as Catholics are privileged to experience the Real Presence. Whether it is in the silence in front of the tabernacle, monstrance, or resting on our tongue as we make our way back to the pew at Communion. Christ is present and is here with us!  I can attest that I was forever transformed years ago simply because I approached Our Lord and surrendered to His grace. To this day, as I ponder a dilemma or need inspiration (as I am writing this article), I make time to spend with Jesus. This has never failed me. Let us never take for granted the wonderful gift God has bestowed upon us. Jesus is present and is waiting for a meaningful conversation with you; all you need to do is show up! 
— Valerie Parzyck, Parish Catechetical Leader
 

Weds 3/22 - 7:00PM
Offering Our Sacrifice of Praise & Thanksgiving: Why Your Participation in Mass Matters
Josh Perry, Director of the Office of Worship, Diocese of Burlington
Josh is an engaging and dynamic speaker.  You won't want to miss this one!

Thurs 3/23 - 6:30PM
The Sacrament of Charity, a Eucharistic Testimony
Deacon Josh McDonald, IHM Williston and OLHR Richmond parishes
Deacon Josh, a recently ordained parishioner, has a special place in his heart for Servant of God Dorothy Day and the works of mercy.

Fri 3/24 - 9:00AM
Holy Hour with Scriptural Rosary and other devotions
              - 6:00PM
Soup Supper
Haitian Partnership, free will donation for our sister parish in Boc Banic
Sacrament of Confession available
              - 7:00PM
Stations of the Cross

Sat 3/25 - 10:00AM
Solemnity Mass in celebration of the Annunciation of the Lord

Sun 3/26 - (Sat) 4:30PM, Sun 9:00 and 11:00AM
Reflections at Masses from parishioners, on the theme of National Eucharistic Revival
                - 6:30PM
Night of Mercy - Eucharistic Holy Hour with readings, songs & hymns, time for silent prayer, and confessions offered by visiting priests
                - 7:20PM
Sunday Vespers followed by Sunday Desserts in the church hall

Mon 3/27 - 6:30PM
Preached Holy Hour - Exposition & Adoration, a preached reflection, the opportunity for confession, time for silent prayer, and a concluding Benediction
Deacon Phil Lawson, Executive Director of Pastoral Ministries, Diocese of Burlington
Deacon Phil often shares from personal experience when witnessing to the Gospel, and always preaches from the heart.