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ST MARY STAR OF THE SEAPARISHSIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTERMay 17, 2020MASS SCHEDULEST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA CHURCH—208 BALTIMORE AVE.(CLOSED FOR THE RENOVATIONS)HOLY SAVIOR CHURCH—1705 PHILADELPHIA AVE.FOLLOWING MASSES ARE STREAMED LIVE ON FACEBOOKMONDAY THRU THURSDAY: 8:30AMSATURDAY: 5:15PMSUNDAY: 10AMPARISH OFFICE — HOURSParish office is closed until further notice. Please email orleave a phone message and we will respond as soon aspossible.Phone: 410-289-0652Fax: 410-289-1026Address: 1705 Philadelphia Ave. Ocean City, MD 21842Parish Administrator: Rev. John tive Assistant: Mrs. Donna [email protected] Formation: Mrs. Rita [email protected] 410-289-7038Music Director: Mr. Jordan [email protected] Manager: Mr. Tony e: Stmarystaroftheseaocmd.comFacebook: st mary star of the sea/holy savior parish in oceancity, mdConfessions / Sacrament of ReconciliationSaturday: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and anytime by appointment.BaptismBaptisms are held on Saturdays by appointment or the 2nd& 4th Sundays of the month. Please contact Rita Danhardtfor additional information.MatrimonyPlease contact the Parish Office at least one year in advance of desired date and prior to making any arrangements for the wedding reception.ConfirmationPlease contact Rita Danhardt for information. Confirmationis conferred in the Tenth Grade.R.C.I.A.If you feel you are being called to join the Catholic Church,please contact Rita Danhardt.Anointing of the SickPlease inform the Parish Office about parishioners whoneed this sacrament as soon as their illness becomes serious or before surgery.Holy OrdersIf you believe you are being called by God to serve theChurch as a priest, deacon or religious brother or sister,contact Fr. Solomon.
From theAdministrator’s Desk .As we continue in lockdown the world is slowly changing.There are physical changes (there is grass growing in St.Peter’s Square!) and there are spiritual ones as well. Belowis an article from Bishop Barron on what might seem like atechnical point, but I think the distinction he makes is helpful. This article isn’t an attempt to pick political sides norslander anyone, but merely to point out that subtleties inlanguage do speak to an underlying philosophy. BishopBarron shows that even everyday good is connected toGod. That doesn’t mean that everyday evil is, that’s whatGod allows, not what He desires, but that’s for another article. Know of my prayers as we continue through this andhopefully we’ll be able to open church soon, even if it’s justfor visits initially.“Guard the good treasure entrusted to you,with the help of the Holy Spirit living inus.” (2 Tim 1:14)“Guard the good treasure entrusted to you,with the help of the Holy Spirit living inus.” (2 Tim 1:14)Governor Cuomo and God’s NoncompetitiveTranscendenceBishop Robert Barron22 April 2020Last week, Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York,made a rather interesting theological observation. Commenting on the progress that his state has made in fightingthe coronavirus, and praising the concrete efforts of medicalpersonnel and ordinary citizens, he said, “The number isdown because we brought the number down. God did notdo that. Faith did not do that.” I won’t waste a lot of timeexploring the hubris of that remark, which should be obvious to anyone. I might recommend, out of pastoral concern,that the governor read the first part of Genesis chaptereleven.What I will do instead is explain the basic intellectual confusion that undergirds Cuomo’s assertion, one that, I fear, isshared even by many believers. The condition for the possibility of the governor’s declaration is the assumption thatGod is one competitive cause among many, one actor jostling for position and time upon the stage with a coterie ofother actors. On this reading, God does certain things—usually of a rather spectacular nature—and creaturelycauses do other things, usually more mundane. Thus, wecan clearly parcel out responsibility and credit—some toGod and some to finite agents. But this account is deeplyunbiblical and alien to the Catholic theological tradition.To understand the scriptural sense of the play between divine and human causality, it is helpful to consult the cycle ofstories dealing with King David in first and second Samuel.What strikes the attentive reader is that nothing obviously“supernatural” takes place in these accounts. Practicallyeverything that happens to David could be adequately accounted for on psychological, historical, military, or politicalgrounds. However, throughout the narrative, God’s activityand involvement are assumed, for the author takes forgranted the principle that the true God works not typically inan interruptive way but precisely through a congeries ofsecondary causes.Mind you, it is not the case that some explanations ofDavid’s story are political or psychological and some properly theological; rather, everything is, at once, natural andsupernatural—precisely because God’s causality is operating noncompetitively, on a qualitatively different level thancreaturely causality. If you want a one-liner summary of thisdistinctively biblical perspective, you could not do betterthan this, from the prophet Isaiah: “O Lord, it is you whohave accomplished all that we have done” (Isa. 26:12).Now, why should this be true? Here it would be helpful toturn to the Church’s greatest theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas. For Thomas, God is not the supreme being (ens summum in his Latin), but rather ipsum esse subsistens, whichmeans “the sheer act of to be itself.” In a word, God is notone more instance of the genus “being,” one thing, howeverexalted, among others; instead, he is the self-explainingsource of existence as such, that great font of being in andthrough which all finite things subsist and act. Therefore,God does not compete for space, so to speak, on the sameontological grid as creatures; a zero-sum game does notobtain in regard to God’s activity and creaturely activity—the more we ascribe to one, the less we have to ascribe tothe other.Allow me to ground this rather abstract rhetoric with a veryhomely example. If one were to ask what is necessary tomake a bicycle, the response would be something like this:“tires, brake pads, a chain, a metal frame, the skill of thebuilder, perhaps a schematic to guide the building process,etc.” No one would ever be tempted to respond as follows:“tires, brake pads, a chain, God, a metal frame, the skill ofthe builder, etc.” And yet, a smart religious person, uponfinishing the project of constructing that bike, would quitelegitimately say, “Thank God!” The prayer would be a humble acknowledgement, not that God in a fussily invasiveway interfered with the building process, but that God isresponsible for the entire nexus of causes and behaviorsthat made up the process. The upshot is that the two dimensions of causality—one finite and the other transcendent—operate simultaneously and noncompetitively: “Youhave accomplished all that we have done.”All of which brings me back to Governor Cuomo. To claimthat “God did not do that” because we did it is simply acategory mistake. What brought the coronavirus numbersdown? It is perfectly accurate to say, “The skill of doctorsand nurses, the availability of hospital beds, the willingnessof so many to shelter in place, etc.” But it is also perfectlyvalid to say that God brought those numbers down, precisely by grounding the entire complex of creaturely causality just referenced. This relationship holds at the metaphysical level, but it is perhaps even clearer when it comes to thepsychological motivation of those dedicated physicians andnurses. Why ultimately were they willing to do what theydid? I would be willing to bet a large percentage of themwould say that it was a desire to serve others and to bepleasing to God.So we should thank all of the good people involved in bettering our current situation, and we shouldn’t hesitate, evenfor a moment, to thank God as well. There is absolutely noneed to play the zero-sum game proposed by the governorof New York.
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTERReadings for the week of May 17, 2020Sunday:Acts 8:5-8, 14-17/Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16,20 [1]/1 Pt 3:15-18/Jn 14:15-21Monday:Acts 16:11-15/Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and9b [cf. 4a]/Jn 15:26—16:4aTuesday:Acts 16:22-34/Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c8 [7c]/Jn 16:5-11Wednesday: Acts 17:15, 22—18:1/Ps 148:1-2, 11-12,13, 14/Jn 16:12-15Thursday:Acts 18:1-8/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 [cf.2b]/Jn 16:16-20Ascension: Acts 1:1-11/Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 [6]/Eph 1:1723/Mt 28:16-20Friday: Acts 18:9-18/Ps 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 [8a]/Jn 16:20-23Saturday:Acts 18:23-28/Ps 47:2-3, 8-9, 10 [8a]/Jn16:23b-28Next Sunday: Ascension: Acts 1:1-11/Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 89 [6]/Eph 1:17-23/Mt 28:16-207th Sunday of Easter: Acts 1:12-14/Ps 27:1, 4, 7-8 [13]/1Pt 4:13-16/Jn 17:1-11a2020 Annual Catholic Appeal – Seeing Christin the Faces of OthersIn today’s Gospel, Jesus says to His disciples,“If you love me, you will keep my commandments”.Scripture teaches us that serving Christ is afundamental part of our Catholic faith and thatserving the Lord means serving others. Whenwe give of ourselves on behalf of others, theHoly Spirit works through us and Jesus is served.In these continuing difficult times, it becomes clearer thatour role as Church is more critical than ever in helpingthose in need. Bearing witness to poverty, illness and injustice and responding in the spirit of Christ are the hallmarksof the many ministries supported by the Annual CatholicAppeal.For those of you who have given to this year’s Appeal,thank you for your generosity. For those who have not,please prayerfully consider supporting this important effort.To learn more about the Annual Catholic Appeal, visitwww.cdow.org/annualcatholicappeal. Be sure to view thebrief video offering moving testimony from recipients of featured Appeal supported ministries. A direct link to video canbefoundathttps://www. youtube.c om /watch?v 80gz5V5VaH8&t 2s.Our friends at the Grace Center who helpexpectant mothers and their newborns ishaving their annual Bottles of Blessingscampaign starting on Mother’s Daythrough Father’s Day.Unfortunately,nothing is normal this year so instead ofhanding out bottles after Mass, we are asking that, if youstill would like to do something for the Grace Center youforward a donation to the Grace Center 10226 OldOcean City Blvd. #2, Berlin, MD 21811. Thank you foryour generosity!Keep an eye out for your Raffle Envelopes. They wwere mailed out lastweek. This year we continue withthe 50/50 Raffle for our ChristmasBazaar, however, this year, the tickets are 5 each and 5 for 20. If youdo not receive a packet and want to participate, pleasecall Donna at the office 410-289-0652 X10 and let usknow and we will get them out to you. Thank you somuch for your support of your parish.A MISCONCEPTION AMONG some Catholics isthat the priest has an ideal job: he works oneday each week, Sunday. They forget that theother six days a week, the priest works longand hard behind the scenes: bringing communion to the sick and elderly, counselingtroubled families, visiting school classes, preparing individuals for sacraments. Often the job is frustrating, exhaustingand thankless, but always of vital importance. Take sometime this week and express appreciation to your priests forthe difficult work they do If you think God is calling you tobe a priest, religious or deacon, contact Fr. Norm @cdow.orgIt’s Safe,It’s Simple,It’s Convenient!Support our parish today using your debit orcredit card or checking or savings account.1. Visit www.stmarystaroftheseaocmd.com,choose donate section and press “Click hereto donate online”.2. Select the collection or event of your choice.3. Set up donation payment.That’s It!!
MASS INTENTIONSMay 16Holy Savior5:15pmMay 17Holy Savior10:00a.m.May 188:30amMay 198:30amMay 208:30amMay 218:30amMay 22SaturdayCarlo DiFilippoSundayParishionersMondayMary RossoTuesdayJoe ElmoWednesdayRose Marie RobetsThursdayHelen PironeFridayNo MassMay 23Holy Savior5:15pmMay 24Holy Savior10:00a.m.SaturdayCarlo DiFilippoSundayParishionersAlthough Masses are not open to the public at thistime, Fr. Solomon will celebrate Mass each day for theintentions stated above. Mass is streamed live on ourFacebook page and can be viewed later as well. Theintentions from the 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Masses will becelebrated by Fr. Solomon privately as time allows. Ifhe cannot celebrate them all in a reasonable timeframe, other priests will celebrate the Masses for thoseintentions.If you would like a Sanctuary Candle lit for theweek for a special intention or in memory of aloved one, please contact the parish office. Adonation of 10.00 is appreciated. The candlethis week is in loving memory of Rose Robertsfrom Kay BiondiDon’t forget this easy opportunity to help your parish while youare shopping on line. All youneed to do is click on AmazonSmile and choose St. Mary Star of the Sea in Ocean City,MD and we will get a percentage of the money that you arespending. With so many stores closed this is a great opportunity to help yourself and help us.Sharing the GospelIf you love Jesus, you will do what he asks. If someonehurts your feelings, Jesus asks you to forgive. If someone is hard to get along with, Jesus asks you to showlove. If someone is sick, Jesus asks you to pray. Learnfrom Jesus. Follow his example. Love all people like Goddoes.PrayerJesus, help me to love you enough to do all that you ask.Something to DrawDraw a picture of yourself forgiving someone who hurtyour feelings.Mission for the WeekMake cards for the sick. Remind them how much Jesusloves them. 2007 - PO Box 510817, New Berlin, WI 53151-0817 - 1-800-9509952 x2469 - LPiResourceCenter.com
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTERDivineMercyArt.orgE RESOURCEFrom the desk of Kathy Manns, Principal As I sit in on interactive and remote learning instruction, I am thankful to our MBS teachers.Most Blessed Sacrament School is truly blessedfor having the hardest working teachers, dedicated to academic excellence, teachers whomodel the virtues of faith and integrity while developing life-long learners and leaders. I am impressed with the instruction that is being given,the hard work the students are putting in and thecontinual presence of their faith.We had a beautiful visit this week with our first Communicants! Father Solomon spent some time speaking witheach child, socially distanced of course, and then gavethem each a beautiful blessing! In this confusing time, itwas so awesome to get to see their beautiful faces and tohear about how their days are being filled with time withtheir parents and brothers and sisters! It was also a joy toremind them how much they mean to us and how much welove them! We left them with a basket filled few small trinkets and the materials to make the banners we will usewhen we get to celebrate with them! As of today’s writing,we still have three more children to visit I will share theirpictures next week! So, as you continue to prayer remember our young ones who are waiting so patiently and joyfullyto join us at the table! We are anxiously waiting with you!Praying for Teaghan, Alessia, Nicolas, Beau, Nate,Lorenzo, Ellie, Kylee, Lilly, Adam, Brooks and Yaretzi!We are currently accepting enrollment applications for the 2020-2021 school year for studentsentering pre-K 3 through eighth grade. There arelimited openings throughout our grades and wewant to first extend this information to our supporting parishes. Mrs. Amanda Evans, our Director of Admissions and Advancement, would loveto walk you through the enrollment process andhelp you make a Catholic school education a viable reality. Mrs. Evans can be reached at 302236-6703 or at [email protected]. It is a greattime to be an MBS Dolphin!Please join us on Facebook every morning at9:00 am for our MBS Morning Announcementsand Prayers, Tuesday evenings at 7:15 pm forTuesday Tales, a story and prayer before bed,and Friday evening at 7:00 pm to pray the Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary. All are welcome!Have a wonderful week, stay safeGod Bless our families!Kathy Manns
SSUNDAYASTER IN ORDINARY TIMETIXTHHIRTYTHIRDOFSEUNDAYFINANCE COUNCIL NEWSMonthly Budget Update7/1/19 – 3/31/20Total Actual RevenueTotal Budgeted RevenueRevenue Surplus 532,212 529,411 2,801Total Actual ExpensesTotal Budgeted ExpensesExpense Deficit 598,080 578,495 -19,585Actual Net LossBudgeted Net LossNet Income Deficit -65,868 -49,084 -16,784Thank you for your continuing support!Weekly Collections (Incl Electronic)First CollectionMay:2nd SundayMay:1st SundayApr: 4th Sunday2020 6,770 7,848 5,2432019 12,614 8,854 6,741Second CollectionMay:2nd SundayMay 1st SundayApr: 4th Sunday 498 166 185 2,363 1,873 2,531Special CollectionsMay:2nd SundayMay 1st SundayApr: 4th Sunday 995 1,273 595 2,301 1,770 946Total CollectionsMay:2nd SundayMay 1st SundayApr: 4th SundayTotal 8,263 17,278 9,287 12,444 6,023 10,218 23,573 39,94041% DecreaseElectronic GivingElectronic giving (called WeShare) is the preferred way to make your weekly offertory. By giving electronically, it relievesthe need for about 6 parishioners to count money every Sunday (about 10 hours total). Furthermore, the parish couldeventually save money on envelope printing and mailing and you would not have to write checks. The Finance Councilwould also be able to budget more efficiently. Please consider making the switch; it is safe and secure. Cards are available in the back of church with instructions to join WeShare and have your offering sent electronically. If you need assistance setting this up, please don’t hesitate to call the parish office (410-289-0652). Thank you for your continuing support.Tax Free Charitable DistributionNeed a tax break? Congress has permanently enactedqualified charitable distributions from your traditional IRAaccounts. These distributions can be used to satisfy allor a portion of your Required Minimum Distribution andare free of federal and state income tax. Also, these giftshelp you avoid the Medicare high income surcharge andcan help reduce your income taxes on your social security benefits.Distributions must be made directly from your IRA account to St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Forquestions, contact the parish office at 410-289-0652“GO FUND ME”Capital Campaign SitePlease tell your family, friends, and neighbors and/orpost on social media that St. Mary’s Star of the Seahas a Go Fund Me page to help us finance the Expanding Our Home capital campaign. This project notonly expands and renovates historic St. Mary’sChurch, but also improves Ocean City’s downtown.Please post this link on your social media e
st mary star of the sea parish mass schedule st.mary star of the sea church—208 baltimore ave. (closed for the renovations) holy savior church—1705 philadelphia ave. following masses are streamed live on facebook monday thru thursday: 8:30am saturday: 5:15pm sunday: 10am matrimony parish office — hours parish o
