NEW
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This weekend, as a community of faith that is united in our love of God and our commitment to one another, we come together and celebrate this faith, this community, and our mission.
During Announcement Weekend, we will reflect on our journey of faith, share stories of hope and transformation, and commit ourselves to living as faithful stewards of God's gifts. We will also plan for the future of our parish community so that it can continue to be a guiding light in the world. I have asked three parishioners to share the blessings of their being members of St. Gabriel with us at each Mass this weekend.
This special opportunity for us to come together as a community and reaffirm our faith in God presents us with time to reflect on our commitment to one another and to our mission in the world. In the next week, we invite you to take some time to pray and reflect on how you can increase your Offertory giving.
We hope you will join us for Commitment Weekend! It will be a time of great joy and celebration as we come together to reaffirm our faith in God and our commitment to one another.
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners of St. Gabriel,
Greetings in the abundant love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! Thank you all so very much for taking time last Sunday to register as a member of St. Gabriel parish or update your contact information with us here at the parish. This will enable us to serve you better. If you didn’t have the chance of doing so, I kindly ask that you register or update your information. Cards are available in the narthex. Registration is not just a form, it's a beautiful commitment.
As we enter into a new season of stewardship at our parish community, I write to you with great anticipation and excitement for the journey ahead. It is my pleasure to announce that this coming weekend, during Mass, we will have the privilege of hearing a heartfelt personal testimonial from one of our dedicated parishioners.
In this testimonial, we will witness firsthand the transformative power of faith, service, stewardship, and mission. Our fellow parishioner's personal journey serves as a reminder of the profound impact these pillars of evangelization can have on our lives and the lives of others. It is my hope that the testimonial we are about to hear will inspire and encourage each one of us to deepen our commitment to and embrace our role as active participants in our community's journey of faith here at St. Gabriel.
At the core of our community, we are united in faith, service, stewardship, and mission. With great anticipation, we invite you to mark your calendars for Commitment Weekend, which will take place on the weekend of December 2/3. This significant event serves as a catalyst for our faith community to join together and make our new commitments to Offertory giving. This is an occasion for deep reflection and heartfelt prayer as we consider how we can personally enhance our sacrificial giving, thereby empowering our faith community, expanding our service to those in need, and amplifying our stewardship initiatives. Together, we can extend the reach of our transformative mission work, both within and beyond the boundaries of our parish.
I warmly invite you to join us this weekend as we come together in worship and celebration. Let us assemble once more as a community united to build a brighter future for ourselves and those we serve.
God bless you.
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The days seem to be going by so fast. I have been blessed to be among you for almost five months now as your pastor. Lots of good things are happening here at St. Gabriel, and I would like you all to be involved. As I have said before, today parishioners are expected to have a true sense of ownership in their parish. This means looking at your parish as more than just a place where you go to Mass. We all have to think of ourselves as part of the parish family and truly belong!
The first step to doing so is registering at the parish. By registering at St. Gabriel, you are declaring your desire to be part of a Catholic faith community. If you have been coming to St. Gabriel for years and have never officially registered, I invite you to do so! If you have recently moved to the area or if you are a long-time resident, please consider registering at the parish where you participate. There is information in our parish bulletin, website, or in the office about how to register.
I will be asking you all this weekend at all Masses to register and/or update your contact information. When in doubt, ask a priest after Mass. In most cases, you will need to visit the Parish Office and fill out a simple form or register online. I would like to see you all visit or come to the Parish Office.
We are delighted to have you join our parish family! Registration is not just a form; it's a beautiful commitment. As followers of Jesus and registered parishioners of St. Gabriel Church, we commit to:
After you register, you'll receive:
Let us have a sense of belonging and identity in a parish community. It is a commitment to practice your faith. Registration enables the parish pastor and staff to get to know you better, to welcome you, and to minister to you.
Thank you for being an active member of our parish family. Have a blessed week!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Although Mass is our central focus, other parish ministries, activities, and events help to increase spirituality and build community as well. Whether it's a mission, a prayer group, a spiritual talk, gathering for our annual crab feast or the Miracle Player shows, our Diversity Sunday celebration and fellowship. As parishioners, we take advantage of these opportunities to meet new people, feel more connected, and affirm fellow parishioners and all who work hard to plan and execute these events. Because we are a family of the Body of Christ, we also gather for all these events outside of Mass. Take a look at all that goes on here at St. Gabriel and see how you can more readily be a part of the journey. Invite family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to join us.
I also encourage each one of you to support the parish financially. You know how expensive it is to run your own home. Parishes face even higher costs and depend on parishioners to help meet them. The daily operations and running of the parish come from the Sunday weekly collection. These operations include salaries and benefits for staff, maintenance, buildings, equipment, materials, liturgical supplies, and programs and services that benefit all members of the parish and those in need of support.
And so, brothers and sisters, your gifts given in thanksgiving for the many gifts God has given you will make a difference in the life of your parish. Take a serious look at the money you give to the parish each week. Mark your calendars for our Stewardship Commitment Weekend on December 2/3. It's a time when we, as a community united in faith, service, stewardship, and mission, come together to reflect on our blessings and commit to living as faithful stewards of God's gifts. Join us as we explore ways to grow together, support one another, and make a difference in our parish community and the world. Stay tuned for more details!
We are already a month into our Religious Education classes for our children. The classes are running smoothly! I thank the many parents who registered their children this year to learn and grow in our Catholic faith.
This weekend, our sister parish St. Charles Borromeo begins a year-long celebration of 175 years. You are all invited to the many events that will take place throughout the year. Let us continue to work together, recognizing that we are one in Christ. As a pastorate, we are given a unique opportunity to forge a new understanding of ourselves in communion with others.
God be with you this week!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
The weeks seem to be going by so fast as we get ever closer to the end of the liturgical year. This Sunday is the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time already! It means we are just four weeks away from the beginning of the season of Advent.
Last week, I shared with you some ways in which we can participate fully in the life of our parish. This is your spiritual home! I invite you to use your gifts and talents for the good of the parish. God has given each person unique gifts and talents that are intended to be shared. Like public speaking? You might get involved as a lector. If you are friendly and outgoing, you could be an usher or greeter. You can share your deep devotion to the Eucharist by becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion or an adult altar server. If you play an instrument or sing, the music ministry might be the place for you. Maybe you have an interest in technology; you can help with our livestream and screen projections during Mass. Maybe you’re a teacher and could help with religious education. Any expertise in business, finance, public relations, photography, grant writing, engineering, carpentry, building maintenance, or even such skills as cooking, baking, cleaning, or gardening can find a place in the parish.
Maybe your greatest gift is time; if you’re already an Extraordinary Minister, you can take Communion to the sick and homebound. Or you can help with our parish outreach ministry to the poor.
You might even have an idea for a new ministry, support group, organization, or event, and your enthusiasm and energy can help other people get excited and involved. What are you passionate about? Bring that passion to parish life!
We can use only the gifts we have been given, but if we use them as God intends, he will multiply them. If, on the other hand, we sit idle or hide them away, their benefits will be taken from us. The ultimate benefit, the final payout for a life of good and faithful service, is eternal joy with God.
Have a blessed week!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
In the journey of faith and as a parish family, our lives and our ministries are God’s grace at work around us. By our baptism into Christ, we are ministers and stewards of his purpose. Blessed are we, the psalmist says, the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. We accomplish this through the varied gifts of the life of the Church. In our own individual lives, regardless of our roles or stations in life – we each, in our own unique way, participate in the ministry of Jesus, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
What are the ways in which we can participate fully in the life of our parish? Today, more than ever, parishioners are expected to feel a sense of ownership in their parish. That means looking at your parish here at St. Gabriel as more than just a place where you go to Mass. We all have to think of ourselves as part of the parish of St. Gabriel. It is not just a select few. We all have a role to play. Family members share a common heritage and history. They are grounded in the same beliefs, values, and traditions. They embrace new members of the family with a spirit of love and acceptance. Family members don’t always agree, but they do feel a strong commitment to one another and to the family as a whole. This is your parish home.
Let us all be welcoming. When we come together on the weekend for Mass or any other church event, think of it as a large family reunion, with people you know well, know slightly, and don’t know at all. As we receive the Eucharist today, let’s remember that we are receiving the love of God. It is an authentic love that strengthens us and empowers us, so that we are drawn out of ourselves and into union with God and his Church. Above all, we have the Eucharist which transforms us in grace in order to do that which we are asked to do.
God be with you in the week ahead!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
Every month, I make time to go see my spiritual director. Since my seminary days, I have found it helpful to meet my spiritual director regularly. In spiritual direction, the goal is to seek discernment of how the Holy Spirit is leading in one's own particular life. I speak with him about everything going on with me. One of the topics for our conversation in the last months has been about my transition to a new assignment here at St. Gabriel with the understanding of a pastorate. I have shared with him the many good things happening here at St. Gabriel.
An interesting question that came out of my conversation with my spiritual director a couple of weeks ago was: “as the new pastor of St. Gabriel, what will you do and how will you proceed in leading and guiding Saint Gabriel's?” We had many discussions around it, and having been a pastor for long, he gave me many points for consideration.
This past week I thought about the question again. Like any priest in a new assignment, I thought that was a legitimate question deserving of an answer. Every parish is individual and unique. There is not one exactly the same anywhere. Each has its own personality, its own history, its own character, its own life, its own being. Spiritually speaking, a new pastor has to sit back for a bit and watch and learn about the new parish. That is what I have done the past four months!
Every parish has good things going on within. It is important for me that I have become familiar with all the good that is happening here, and there is much good! This will take some time, perhaps months. Only then can a pastor begin to build upon the good foundation already in place through the work of previous pastors. Also realizing that there are things in any parish that we could look at differently and discern what direction we should take as a parish. This may stretch and challenge us.
Likewise, each pastor is equipped with and brings with him the gifts and talents that are his by the Lord’s doing. Administratively, I can begin to adjust more quickly to the way things are done in a manner comfortable to me. So, we will see how all of this begins to play out in the course of time. Thank you for your patience and presence here at St. Gabriel.
In the next few weeks, I will write on ways in which we can make our parish better as we grow and journey together in faith.
I am starting to learn names at this point. This is one of the most difficult pieces of the puzzle, but it is getting better.
God be with you in the week ahead!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
Thank you all so very much for the beautiful celebration last Sunday in thanksgiving for the ordination of Orlando as a deacon. It was good to see many of you too at the ordination ceremony at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. What joy and a blessing for our parish family! The Lord calls each and every one of us to ministry in his Church; some as ordained and we all participate in the life of the church in different ways. That is what parish life is all about! That we respond to the call of God and give of ourselves entirely to His service. What is the Lord calling you to do in our parish? What special ministry can you bring to parish life? How can I put my gifts and talents at the service and good of the parish? Belonging to a parish community is meant to provide a place where we find a true family centered in Christ Jesus Our Lord. We support and encourage one another no matter what is going on.
I am pleased to announce that the Archbishop has assigned Manuel Aliaga, one of the newly ordained deacons, to our pastorate. He is a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist in Columbia and has worked with the Church in various parts of the country. We welcome him to our community! Our own deacon Orlando is going the opposite direction to St. John in Columbia. I am sure they all will bring many gifts and blessings to where the Lord leads them.
I am grateful to the parents who have already registered the children for our Religious Education and Confirmation programs. Classes started last Sunday. It was such a joy to see the excitement and enthusiasm in the eyes of the children. Classes are held according to grade levels. Religious education is for all children, and not just for those preparing for First Eucharist. Give your child the gift of growing in faith!
Let us attend to where our faith is. Wherever we would place it, we know that God can strengthen it. His powerful presence is always in our lives, and we can always place our trust in his great love for us. The Eucharist we gather to celebrate and to receive gives us the strength and grace to continue to build up the body of Christ that is the Church. May the shining presence of Christ always be seen and shared here at St. Gabriel.
If you are a group leader of a prayer or social group that meets here at the parish, please call the office to set up an appointment to speak with me about your group.
May God be with you this week!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parish Family,
Congratulations to Deacon Orlando Beltran! After years of discernment and preparation, what a joy it is to finally celebrate his ordination. He now serves with us through the ministry and vocation of the diaconate along with Deacon Vito.
Every member of the Church is called to holiness (Lumen Gentium, Ch V), and God creates each of us with a purpose — a mission. That mission is known as vocation: a call from God to a distinctive state of life in which we can reach holiness. We might be called to holiness through marriage, the religious life, ordained priesthood, the diaconate, or serving the Church in the freedom of the single life. Each vocation requires some sacrifice in the service of others.
God calls us in HIS time — not ours. It is never too soon or too late. Fr. Rodney and I were very young when we heard our Lord’s call to serve Him in the priesthood. It was similar for Seminarian Bienvenu, who has been giving reflections during weekday Masses in the Chapel. Deacon Orlando was married with children when he discerned a call to the diaconate. And listen to the vocation story of our parish bookkeeper, Sister Janet:
As a child, I always wanted to be a nun. I loved praying in Church, and I found such peace just being in the presence of our Lord. But as I became a teenager, I gave up on the idea and entered the business world. Thirty years later, after a surgery that kept me from receiving the Eucharist for six weeks, I thought back to my love of the Church and how much I missed it. With the guidance of a priest and others in my parish, I contacted a community that accepted older vocations. After 6 years of study, I took final vows in 2004.
We often hear the words of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. (Mt 9:37-38)” This is true more than ever in our world today. But what are we doing about it? Most young people have never been asked about the possibility of an exciting, joy-filled life as a priest or a religious sister or brother. Do we encourage them? It takes courage to ask! They could laugh or think we are crazy, but you might be surprised by their positive responses, and most feel complimented when asked.
Many Catholics have no idea about what the priesthood or the consecrated life really is. Let’s learn what it means to be involved in one of these ministries, and then let’s invite and encourage our children, grandchildren, students, and friends to be open if God calls them to the priesthood or religious life. I would be happy to speak with them any time if they have questions or interest!
And are we really praying – “asking the master of the harvest” – for vocations? On this First Friday, October 6th, why not devote one Holy Hour in the Annex Chapel in earnest prayer to Our Lord... that young men and women will hear and respond generously to His call? It is the responsibility of all of us. At St. Gabriel, let’s “plant the seeds” and become a parish that fosters and nourishes vocations. Beautiful things will grow!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Feast of St. Gabriel this week!
We continue to journey together as our faith formation programs prepare to kick off. We welcome Ana Trujillo, who will coordinate our religious education program this year. Ana has worked in the formation of children in parishes for many years. She will share with us her many gifts and blessings. Thank you, parents, children, catechists, and all who attended the parent/child orientation last Sunday. What a great joy to the heart to see the excitement on the faces of our children! Let us support and encourage them as they grow in understanding of our Catholic faith.
Christ knows who we are even before we walk through the doors of our church. He knows the struggles of our lives and welcomes each one of us as we are. So, the focus is always on Jesus Christ and not on us. He is the one who gathers us here! The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is our treasured gift as Catholics. The Church believes and proclaims the true nature of the Most Blessed Sacrament – it is the Body and Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. At the Last Supper, Jesus intended to give to His Apostles, and through them given to us, His Precious Body and Blood! How can this be so?Our Lord and God has power and authority over all things. It is not at all beyond Him to change what a thing is without changing its basic characteristics. He can and does change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus without changing its look or its taste. How magnificent!
Each time we attend the Mass, the mystery unfolds before our very eyes! The music, the prayers, the environment filled with sacred character and with the presence of the Holy and Divine. The altar, kissed by the priest at the beginning and at the end of the Mass, is the place where the sacrifice is revealed. The altar of sacrifice itself is a place of holiness – privileged in its own right. How glorious is the Mass where we receive not only the Word of God, but the Holy Eucharist making us one with Jesus Christ and one with each other. Let us rejoice and be glad in Him!
And so, we are called to participate fully in the celebration of the Eucharist in a variety of ministries and roles. One of those roles is that of the deacon. As a parish family, we rejoice with Orlando Beltran who will be ordained a permanent deacon next weekend. The ordination ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 30th at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. There will be a parish reception after the 12:30 PM Spanish Mass on Sunday, October 1st to celebrate with him as we as continue our parish feast day celebration.
May God be with you this week!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
I am pleased to announce that this past Tuesday, the Tabernacle was installed in the Annex Chapel. It was such a joy to bless the Tabernacle and we can now reserve the Blessed Sacrament in the Annex Chapel. The chapel will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm for personal prayer. Come spend some time in the presence of the Lord! Christ is the center of all we do as a parish. He is the center of our lives.
Jesus is calling us deeper. He promises to restore and renew his people. Our world is hurting. We all need healing, yet many of us are separated from the very source of our strength. Jesus Christ invites us to return to the source and summit of our faith in the celebration of the Eucharist. The National Eucharistic Revival is a movement to restore understanding and devotion to this great mystery here in the United States by helping us renew our worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
The Revival is now reaching the pews and must reach the pews of our parishes of St. Gabriel and St. Charles! This year is about fostering Eucharistic devotion at the parish level, strengthening our liturgical life through the faithful celebration of the Mass, Eucharistic adoration, missions, resources, preaching, and organic movements of the Holy Spirit. How are you answering the call? Invite someone to Christ. This food for our journey helps us to act on the word that we break open in the Scriptures. May we listen with our whole heart and have the courage to respond.
May God be with you this week!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
Be careful on the roads as things get hectic with the end of summer and the return from vacation. Schools are now open for most of our young people. There will be more children out and about, more traffic headed for schools, school buses on the road and making stops, active crosswalks in our neighborhoods, and excitement and anticipation among the children. Teachers and staff have been engaged in various meetings in preparation for the days ahead! Watershed school on our campus has been busy as well. I am sure that the homeschoolers are gearing up, too! I have to figure out a different route between St. Charles and St. Gabriel that does not have school bus stops.
Along with the sadness of the coming of summer’s end, there is the renewal of friendships, the anxiousness of new challenges ahead, and the joy of being back together again. Our school building is ready, and our Parish Religious Education program is ready to welcome the children once again. As I have said over and over, I kindly ask parents to register the children now. This will help us plan appropriately in terms of the number of materials to order.
We have been assigned Deacon Julian Cuervo-Lozada who will be joining us on weekends during the school year from Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg. If you didn’t get a chance to meet him last week, make sure you say hello to him this weekend. I know that you will receive him with enthusiasm and heartfelt support in his discernment and final steps to being ordained a priest.
Have a blessed week!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parish Family,
We all have family! We are born into one, and sometimes we even adopt one. Family is the most important building block of every culture throughout all of human history. No family is perfect, darn it, but it is the essential place where our desire to be loved is most earnestly met and our desire to offer love is most readily accepted. Our home, our family is the very foundation of our individual lives. It is there that we can most freely be ourselves and find a sense of security and peace in a busy world.
Our family offers to each of us complete acceptance. Knowing our faults and failings, our insecurities and our own personal quirks, our family loves us all the same. On our part, we love and have genuine concern for the members of our family even though these things are true of them as they are of us. Within the bonds of family life, we find that our own personal gifts and talents are appreciated even as we appreciate the uniqueness of each other. We find encouragement when life is hard or challenging, and we find support in meeting the responsibilities that are ours. We are together when life brings blessings and great joy and when there is sadness and difficulty.
I bring these things to mind because it is important for us to recognize the beauty and the wonder and awe of the parish family. We are much more than a collection of individuals that just happens to wander in off the street each Sunday for Mass. Belonging to a parish community is meant to provide a place where we find a true family centered in Christ Jesus Our Lord. We support and encourage one another no matter what is going on.
The sacrifice of the Mass is the heart and soul of that relationship. It is in this unique setting and celebration that you bond with me as pastor. It is the Mass where I bond with you as parishioner and as a member of the parish family of Saint Gabriel Church. Most importantly, it is in the Mass where together all of us as a parish family bond with Christ Jesus Our Lord in an unbreakable friendship with Him, most profoundly in the reception of Holy Communion, His precious Body and Blood!
Our parish has been accepted by Mount Saint Mary's Seminary to be a place of learning for the young men enrolled there for priestly studies. We have been assigned Deacon Julian Cuervo-Lozada who will be joining us on weekends during the school year.
Let us rejoice in the gifts and blessings that are ours! God be with you in the week ahead.
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
Christ is the center of everything we do as a parish! The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The Eucharist is the focal point of the Catholic Faith because it is Jesus present with us here on earth today. And so, those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. We should be spending all of our lives drawing closer and closer to, and falling in love with, the Eucharist, which is Jesus Himself, "body and blood, soul and divinity."
In the spirit of the National Eucharist Revival phase in our parish, we will foster Eucharistic devotion. Beginning in September, we will have the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every First Friday of the month following the 9:00 AM Mass until 7:00 PM. The day will end with evening prayer and benediction. Parishioners will have the opportunity to stop by or come to spend some time with the Lord. There will be a sign-up sheet for an hour of prayer each First Friday. I kindly ask that you consider an hour that works for you so we know there will always be someone with the Lord. Since my arrival here, I have been touched by the many people who come to the parish looking for a place to pray. We hope the people of St. Gabriel parish will take advantage of this opportunity to grow in faith.
Thank you all for being a part of our journey together here at St. Gabriel. Invite someone to come worship with us. God is always urging us to come to him where he anxiously waits to embrace us in his all-encompassing love.
God be with you in the week ahead!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
The summer is beginning to wind down at this point. I hope you have all found some time to be relaxed and refreshed with family and friends. The parish religious education program is receiving applicants already on a daily basis. I kindly encourage all parents to register their children.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of transition. Transitions can be difficult. Even the most thought-out and well-designed transitions can be stressful.
In the past few weeks, people have been asking, "How is your summer?" "How are you doing?" I can certainly say that it has been a hectic last couple of weeks juggling between St. Gabriel and St. Charles. I am glad our Associate Pastor, Fr. Rodney is here with us. I can also confidently say that it has been a good summer. I have been filled with joy at the graciousness of this parish family to me and the many opportunities afforded to a parish priest. We will continue to discern how we can make our parish fully alive and longing for God! Each Holy Mass here is a testament to the fact that this parish family longs to place God at the center of their lives. Each spiritual direction meeting has been an encounter with a soul wanting to know and love God more. Each dinner at a home or house blessing has been a testament that this community is seeking true happiness in Christ.
That is what we celebrate at every Mass: Love that does not end. God gives Himself to us. This is what our hearts truly long for: Love that does not end and mercy that is boundless. This is our divine patrimony. God invites us into that life. We do not need, nor will we be fulfilled by spending our lives fishing for that which passes away. God invites us: "Come and I will give you love without end."
God shares his mercy with us in an unlimited way so that we can always have a way to turn back to God and heal our relationship with him. We must do the same for one another so that our communities can become places of healing and peace.
Blessings for the week ahead!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
As I noted in last week's column, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is sponsoring a three-year initiative to increase the belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Prior to the 1950s we had to fast from all food and beverage (except water) from midnight until we received Holy Communion. In the 1950s the Church changed the period of fasting to 3 hours prior to Communion. Following the Second Vatican Council the fast was only to be 1 hour prior to Communion. The purpose was to make the reception of the Eucharist more accessible to people. Our fasting should not only be one from food and beverage, but also a fasting from sin. If one is in the state of mortal sin, then it is imperative to abstain from receiving the Eucharist until confessing the sin in the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Deacon Dennis Lambert reminds us in his great little book, For Real, Christ's Presence in the Eucharist (page 112),
"Since Catholics believe in the literal teaching of Christ regarding his complete, total, Real Presence in the Eucharist, we believe we must be free from serious sin (in a state of grace) in order to worthily receive Christ in the Eucharist. Thus, before the celebration of the Eucharist at Mass, we take time to examine our conscience. Through thoughtful introspection, we determine if there is any serious sin that we have committed that requires reconciliation. If there is, we cannot receive holy Communion until that reconciliation with God, through the sacrament of reconciliation, occurs. In fact, to knowingly receive the Eucharist while in a serious state of sin is a grave sin itself."
In this year of Eucharistic Revival, let's do our best to ensure we are worthy to partake of this great gift by taking advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When was the last time you came to the sacrament of Confession? Jesus seeks that we are reconciled with one another and with him. Who are the people in our lives with whom we need to seek reconciliation? How can Jesus be present in those moments to allow for forgiveness and healing?
Have a blessed week!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is sponsoring a three-year initiative to increase the belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Our world is hurting. We all need healing, yet many of us are separated from the very source of our strength. Jesus Christ invites us to return to the source and summit of our faith in the celebration of the Eucharist. The National Eucharistic Revival is a movement to restore understanding and devotion to this great mystery here in the United States by helping us renew our worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist (www.eucharisticrevival.org).
This revival is taking place on three levels. First at the diocesan level which ran from June 19, 2022 until June 11, 2023. We are already at the parish phase which runs from June 11, 2023 – July 17, 2024. The second phase will foster Eucharistic devotion at the parish level, strengthening our liturgical life through faithful celebration of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, missions, resources, preaching, and organic movements of the Holy Spirit. This second year will be emphasized within the parish level. The third phase July 21, 2024 – Pentecost 2025 which is the year of going out on mission.
And so, as a parish community, we will foster Eucharistic devotion. Christ is the center of everything we do as a parish. Since my arrival here, I have been touched by the many people who come to the parish looking for a place to pray. I am looking for helpers to fix our Parish Annex Chapel for this purpose to be open for extended hours. The Blessed Sacrament will be reserved there as well. We hope the people of St. Gabriel parish will take advantage of this opportunity to grow in faith. Be looking for special prayer opportunities during the coming year centered on the Eucharist.
I continue to be delighted at the gradual increase in the number of parishioners and others who come to daily Mass. It is really quite a joy to have prayerful people who are faithful to daily Mass or even a couple of days a week. It is such an honor and a priestly privilege to offer Mass here at Saint Gabriel, weekdays and Sundays!
I am looking for someone interested in volunteering to work with Jeff Ment to continue to build and take care of the new parish website, keeping it current and up to date with parish information. I know that the younger generation is really good at this kind of work…and although I have a 'smart phone', it is stuck with a 'dumb owner' when it comes to technical ingenuity! If you think you might be interested, you can give me a call to chat without a commitment. Thanks for considering this project.
Don't forget to give a warm welcome to our associate pastor Fr. Rodney as he joins us this weekend.
God be with you in the week ahead!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
A splendid and joyful celebration took place here at Saint Gabriel last weekend with my installation as pastor. It was a joy to see many parishioners gather with our Archbishop as one Body in Christ. Thank you for making St. Gabriel your parish home! We never walk the journey of faith alone. The Lord Himself journeys with us in whatever moment of life we find ourselves or wherever we are in our faith journey. Know always of the support of the parish and your fellow parishioners. Again, thank you for your kindness to me as I become more and more familiar with the daily life of the parish; witnessing the various ways our parish seeks to grow closer to Christ. In the next couple of months, we will focus on what it means to say that we are members of a particular parish — in our case, parishioners of St. Gabriel Church.
Fr. Rodney Eugene will be joining our parish staff on August 1, 2023, as well. He is coming from Immaculate Conception Parish Towson, where he has resided while serving as hospital chaplain at GBMC. I will let him tell you about himself on his arrival. Together we will acquaint him with the life of the pastorate of St. Charles Borromeo and St. Gabriel. I am especially looking forward to his arrival! I know he will bring many gifts to parish life.
In last week’s in column, I spoke about Faith Formation and Religious Education as one key aspect of the life of the parish. I kindly ask that you register your children for these programs. In the wors of St. John Paul II: "The mission to educate demands that Christian parents should [...] take care to show their children the depths of significance to which the faith and love of Jesus Christ can lead." (Familiaris Consortio, P.39).
It is our desire in our Religious Education Program to assist parents in this holy task. Preparation for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation will be a one-year program. However, the children must be attending Religious Education classes. Our Religious Education classes will be arranged according to the grade level of each child this year.
God loves you!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear Parishioners,
We are glad to have the Archbishop visit our parish this weekend. We welcome him to our community. He will celebrate a bilingual Mass at 10:30 AM.
As we enjoy the summer months, I wanted to bring to your attention a key aspect of parish life as we plan ahead. Faith Formation is a very important aspect of the life of any parish. Over the last several months, I have held many meetings and conversations with all those involved with various aspects of Faith Formation at St. Gabriel as well as St. Charles. We have listened to each other, re-evaluating the whole Faith Formation Program and assessing our current efforts. Sr. Sonia’s responsibility will be to focus on this key aspect of parish life. In fact, that is her staff title: Director of Faith Formation.
After an initial meeting on February 27 with the Faith Formation teams from St. Charles Borromeo and St. Gabriel, feedback was requested on hopes and recommendations for a joint Faith Formation program within the pastorate to be held on the campus of St. Gabriel. Several options were presented by the Office of Parish Renewal and the Office of Family, Youth & Young Adult Ministry from the Archdiocese based on the current programs, feedback received, and what is offered in other parishes. The group met again on March 28 and reviewed these models, identifying challenges and preferences.
Our mission in religious education is to collaborate with parents to form a new generation of Catholics who know and love Jesus Christ and live as his disciples in the community of the Catholic Church. Toward that end, we strive to offer a unified, solid, and engaging religious education program.
Per the new Sacramental Guidelines, we also discussed how to disentangle sacramental preparation from Faith Formation so that sacramental preparation is less tied to a grade/age, and Faith Formation is understood to be a lifelong pursuit that runs parallel with sacramental preparation. Preparation for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation will be a one-year program. Our Religious Education classes will be arranged according to the grade level of each child this year.
There was also discussion about how to strengthen and enliven Youth Ministry in the pastorate with an initial goal of building a strong team. I can assure you that we have an exciting year of Faith Formation ahead! So, I kindly ask you all to be on the lookout for registration information for these programs.
Summer always seems to pick up speed and move along more quickly. Let's enjoy each and every day. Let's enjoy our family and friends. Enjoy your children while you have them home with you for the summer! By the way, someone did tell me this week about a nearby bike trail. Let me know if you can join us bike riding.
God be with you in the week ahead!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear brothers and sisters,
Hope you all had a fruitful and productive week. I was able to meet many fine parishioners last weekend after all the parish Masses. Again, thank you for your kindness to me as the new face on the block.
This past week I have enjoyed offering daily Mass with a few parishioners and the Missionary Sisters of Divine Providence in attendance. Daily Mass is celebrated at 9:00 AM in the Parish Annex Chapel. I kindly ask to join us for Mass if you are able. Invite a friend!
I also spent some time with our office staff and volunteers in the day-to-day functioning of our parish office. I am still in the process of setting up my office and that of Fr. Rodney. I also went off to check out a few eating places. Not that I am always thinking about food, but I was able to point out some of the things I enjoy. I also pop into stores here and there to pick up this and that from time to time. If you see me be sure to say hello!
The summertime offers a unique time to relax. Most of us look forward to vacation time somewhere along the way during these months. The long days and warm weather are inviting times. If vacation time is coming your way, enjoy being together with family and friends. God's blessing to you while you are away. Please remember St. Gabriel and continue your contributions to the parish during these summer months.
Remember Archbishop William Lori will be visiting our parish next Sunday. He will celebrate a bilingual Mass at 10:30 AM. Come and join us for Mass on this very special occasion! There will be NO 12:30 PM Spanish Mass on July 23.
By the way, if you know of any bike trails nearby, please pass the word. My now 'stationary' bike is looking for some outdoor exercise, and I guess a bike ride is good for me now and again, too.
God be with you this week!
- Fr. Canisius Tah
I arrived at St. Gabriel Saturday July 1, 2023. I am glad to have spent my first weekend with you all. This past week, I have spent some time getting acquainted with the property and the various buildings and figuring out the common things like keys and locks, light switches, and where things are for the celebration of the Mass. It is going to take some time as you might suspect.
Over the last several months, I have held various meetings with our staff to understand what they each do for the smooth running of our parish and office. These discussions will continue in the next several weeks as we mark out clear responsibilities for each person as they work with our wonderful volunteers. Know that we are here to serve you. Come to the parish office or call during regular office hours if we can be of any help to you. I will keep you informed of the re-organization we have determined for our parish staff responsibilities and duties in the weeks ahead. Staff members are the face of any parish!
I am glad to inform you that we have hired Jeff Ment as our Pastorate Operations Manager. The Pastorate Operations Manager serves as a staff resource in support of the Pastor, fulfilling parish administrative needs in finance, buildings, and grounds, personnel, and communications. He directs these efforts with relevant expertise within a framework of shared ministry and Catholic values. And so, I welcome Jeff to our parish. You will get to meet him. His office will be here at St. Gabriel.
I look forward to meeting you! It will take me some time to learn names and faces. I trust that you will be patient with me! Thank you for being part of our parish!
May God bless you.
- Fr. Canisius Tah
Dear brothers and sisters,
I am humbled to come to you as your new parish pastor with a heart filled with joy and gratitude. Together, we will continue to journey in faith and hope. I want to get to know each one of you individually, and to bring the parish closer to each other and closer to Christ in the fullness of the church and the faith. God has a plan for each one of us and he leads and guides us along life's journey in unexpected ways. His grace has brought us here at this time!
I thank Fr. Tom for his spiritual and pastoral leadership of St. Gabriel for many years. We wish him a full and rich retirement. You may be feeling a bit upset or sad that Fr. Tom is retiring, and understandably so. He has journeyed with you for more than a decade.
As a community of faith, we will continue to journey together, realizing that the Lord calls each and every one of us to be faithful. With God's grace, we can be faith-filled even in, and especially during difficult times, in times of transition. A change in leadership at a parish is a significant time in the life of the parish, and requires openness, patience, and some adjustment for all of us.
I have been blessed by your friendship, support and encouragement as conversations developed in our understanding of a pastorate with St. Charles Borromeo which began more than two years ago. These conversations will continue with our staff, parish lay leadership and all of you about creative ways that our parishes can work together. There is an opportunity here for us to see beyond our parish boundaries and to recognize that we share a faith in Jesus Christ with our neighbors at St. Charles. As we work together, recognizing that we are one in Christ, we are given a unique opportunity to forge a new understanding of ourselves in communion with others.
Please know that you are in my prayers, and I ask you to hold me in yours as we begin this journey of faith together. Finally, I ask for your prayers for the staff and parishioners at St. Gabriel and St. Charles Borromeo. Let's pray that we may benefit from an open and ongoing commitment to be a people who grow and are ever renewed by the life-giving love of the Risen Lord!
I look forward to meeting you in the coming months. I will be writing regular columns like this in the bulletin hoping that it will be a helpful way to focus us on scripture and to keep abreast with what is happening in the parish and pastorate.
Please come by the parish office and say hello and if you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call. Thank you for your faith and for being part of our parish family.
May God bless you.
- Fr. Canisius Tah