Christian Unity

Dear parish family,

This past week, January 18-25, was the week of prayer for Christian unity. Jesus Himself prayed for the unity of His Church: “that all may be one, as you, Father are in me, and I in you; I pray that they may be one is us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (Jn 17:21). This unity, although not yet fully achieved, is still the prayer of Jesus and His Church. In the Documents of Vatican II, “The Decree on Ecumenism” the Church reiterates the hope and work necessary for Christian unity. This is based in Scripture and calls for no judgments and open honest dialogue, and cooperation in carrying out the Christian ministry for the common good of humanity and calls for common prayer (where permitted). As Christians, we share one Baptism by water and the invocation of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In Marcellus, we have an Ecumenical committee, made up of members from the four Churches in our community: the United Methodist Church, The Presbyterian Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. In addition to our joint prayer activities: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, we have a Thanksgiving Celebration and work together on social issues such as the Ecumenical Food bank. The pastors of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Catholic Churches meet regularly to assist one another in our ministries and promote open dialogue and Christian action. We, the pastors, are preparing a joint statement of the necessity of peace to promote the inherent dignity of human life. We continue to echo the Lord’s prayer that we may all be one and work together to achieve His goal. Please consider supporting the Ecumenical actives of the Marcellus community
God Bless, Fr. Dan

New Year’s Resolutions

Dear Parish Family,
Do you want to be a Saint?
It has been less than one week and people are taking time to consider their New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps they are to be more healthy, lose weight, exercise more, get one’s financial house in order, work on relationships; whatever they may be. I would like to suggest that we all consider a New Year’s resolution to re-kindle, intensify or even begin a spiritual relationship with God and the Church. Consider setting aside a specific time each day for prayer, praying at the beginning of your day and/or at the end, praying the Rosary daily, using one of the many resources available of FORMED, saying grace each day as a family before meals, celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation (going to confession) on a regular basis (if you can’t remember that last time you went to confession it might be to long). Going to Mass on a regular basis, not just on Sunday but why not try one more day during the week. As our relationship with God strengthens, then we will see more opportunities to put our faith into practice, opportunities to share our faith, opportunities to help others. God wants you to be one, in fact that is why each of us was created; to be holy and live our lives according to the plan of God and the graces He gives us to enter into Eternal Life.
Happy New Year.
God Bless,
Fr. Dan