Nativity in Catholic Peekskill

The marvel of Christmas was beautifully celebrated here in Catholic Peekskill. I am so grateful to so many outstanding parishioners of Assumption (and fantastic employees too!) who made it a glorious celebration of the Incarnation. As 2012 has launched, I pray that you and your family will be filled with many blessings.
Parishioner Jim Brooks put together a great little video of the Farolitos outside Assumption Church in the Monsignor Ansbro Rosary Garden. The video features Silent Night with Mary Mancini and Mario Tacca.  The Southwestern Tradition of Farolitos or Luminaries comes to Peekskill this year thanks to Assumption's Parish Council.

Walking For Assumption

Well, it’s been a long time since the last post . . . here we are coming to late Advent and I haven’t blogged! But maybe you heard about the reason why I was delayed.

I took a little walk last month! Actually, it was a rather big walk—a walk from Assumption Church in Peekskill to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Every step in support of Assumption School. And, right at the outset, I need to thank everyone who supported me with their prayers, their love and their donations and pledges. At the time of this writing, we have raised approximately $60,000.00 and the gifts keep coming! We couldn’t be more grateful. I need to thank Will Taylor for walking with me the entire way and, Tom Turner, Jim Brooks (who acted as paparazzo for the event snapping the pictures you see below) and, my brother Priest, Father Vincent, who walked with me from St. Joseph’s Seminary to the steps of the Cathedral.

Here’s a video clip of Day Two – from Jim Brooks:

Now, a few thoughts from along the way…

The inspiration for this walk came when I received an e-mail from a friend requesting support for her young family’s participation in a walk-a-thon for Birthright. I was so moved by this simple request and the love it represented—that the entire family would literally be “walking the walk”—for their love of the unborn, that I just had to make a pledge. And, so I got to thinking, what if I decided to take a walk of my own? What if I took my love of Assumption School to the streets? Would people respond to my simple act of love?

Within seconds of sending out my own e-mail, I started to get my answer. Pledges and donations began pouring in at an overwhelming rate. Messages of kindness, love, inspiration and prayer were almost too numerous to count. And, before my feet ever hit the pavement, I knew this pilgrimage had become something much larger than I ever had the capacity to envision!

Then came the day, the hour, the 5am Mass that would fittingly start the long journey. And, as I laced up my sneakers and began to head off along the pre-dawn road, I couldn’t help but think about Jesus and all the walks He took in his short time here on Earth.

In a world full of cynicism, Jesus walked to bring optimism. In a world devoid of hope, Jesus walked to bring joy. In a world full of suffering, Jesus walked to bring healing. In a world full of hate, Jesus walked to bring love. Jesus walked.

As a Catholic Priest, I am called to act in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), most especially during the Sacraments but, it is important to note that we are all called to be “other Christs” for the people in our lives, to imitate Him as we make our way in the world. We are all called to take our own “walk” toward Christ—our own pilgrimage of love.

Sometimes that journey will be easy, filled with consolation and peace. Other times, that road will be steep and we will need every ounce of strength to get up that hill; we’ll feel alone and unworthy and it won’t be our feet that do the walking but our faith!

But we all must do it; we are a called to do it—to make our own pilgrimage to His heart.

It doesn’t have to look like my pilgrimage or anyone else’s, in fact, it must be yours and yours alone for that is what He asks, that is what He wants.

Last week, Sacred Scripture gave us some clues on how to go about it. We were reminded to be faithful and attentive to small matters, to use all of our talents-even the least of what we have, our smallest steps—to make Him known to others, to glorify Him. St. Therese (to whom our school students prayed for financial assistance) invites us to explore her “Little Way” taking on every task, even the smallest, with great love.

It seems the most difficult part of any journey is often taking the first step. (A young mother once told me, the most challenging part of heading out for a day of errands was literally getting out the door!) But, when we take our first steps toward Him we should do so with assurance, confident that He will be waiting for us with open arms!

So, I invite you to begin your own journey to Him, make your own way to His heart and take those first steps right here with us in Catholic Peekskill!


Note: For more information on the “105K for 105 Years Campaign for Assumption School” and how you can help, please contact Audrey Warn, Director of Advancement at 914-737-0680 ext. 201 or feel free to make checks payable to Assumption School, 920 Monsignor Ansbro Way, Peekskill, NY 10566. All donations are tax-deductible.

Weathering the Storm in Catholic Peekskill

Monsignor Ansbro bundles up in the frigid Assumption Rectory during power outage

“The world will give you trouble,” our Lord assured us, “but take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
As in most places surrounding Catholic Peekskill, the October snowstorm hit us pretty hard—power out for
days meant no heat, no phone lines and all the creature comforts that come from having electricity. We all know how uncomfortable and inconvenient this is, disrupting our daily routines, denying us of the pleasures that often “sweeten” our day.


Being “knocked” down by the storms of life, not merely the temporary and inconvenient ones , but those bigger “storms” like illness, loss of a loved one, a job or a home, can cause some to question God’s very existence or at the very least cause one to ponder the age-old question—“Why does God permit suffering?”


One need only look at Jesus’ life and agonizing death on the cross to know that despite the intense pain that comes with human suffering, it can, in the end, have redemptive value. One man’s death on a cross ultimately meant new life for us all!


And, while we can ponder, as theologians and philosophers have done for centuries, the nature of human suffering—its connection to original sin, a fallen world and, the gift of free will—it still remains a mystery—why won’t a God who loves us swoop down and save a child from a raging illness, stop the tragic car accident, calm the storms?


As Catholic Christians because of our deep connection to Christ’s passion and death, we are called to look at suffering differently. “Offer it up” was what the nuns in our Catholic schools used to tell us when we suffered some little indignity. And, it remains a good and healing practice—to take all our earthy suffering, little and big, to the God that loves us and, to become even more aware of His presence in the midst of our pain. In fact, some have found that in their darkest times, when they had literally been brought to their knees, far from feeling abandoned by God, they felt intimately aware of Him. They were able to lay down all of their pain at the foot of the cross taking every step toward their own personal Calvary with Him.


So, the question really becomes, not “Why do we suffer?” but, “How do we suffer?” How do we come to feel the consolation of Christ amidst the terrible storms of life? How do we work toward total and unwavering trust in God?”


One way is through prayer—true conversation with God. Perhaps even by asking God, when in the midst of a trial, “God, why is this happening? And, how can I go grow closer to you because of it?” Also, we can simply ask for God’s help to give us the strength to weather the storm. Making conversation with God a daily practice connects us to Him in ways we may have never thought possible. We begin to recognize His work at every turn, in the people that come to our aid, in the strength we are able to muster.


Of course, too, staying close to the Sacraments during challenging times is also crucial. The Sacraments have a unique way of connecting us to Christ and reminding us, even when we feel alone, of His abundant love.


We might also do well to remember the words of Sacred Scripture: We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) That means that God, can take every last ounce of our pain and use it for good. We know this to be true.


How many times has it happened that when we have come through some trial, we’ve been able to look back on it and say, “If I had not have gone through that pain, I may never have known this joy.” I have even known parents who have suffered the worst possible tragedy, the loss of their child, who over time have been able to say, “I wouldn’t have traded the years I had with my child, even if I knew I would have to suffer the pain of losing him.”

Suffering is tough. But, we can work to redefine it by making it meaningful and drawing us closer to Him who makes all things new!

Come weather life’s storms and share in its joys with all of us here in Catholic Peekskill!

Walking to Saint Patrick's Cathedral -- Will you sponsor me?

I want to share a letter with you that I'm sending out in an email blast (two email blasts in fact . . . because I don't want to be labeled a spammer!).   Maybe you can help me reach my goal of $10.5K.  Already -- in just a few hours -- family and friends have pledged over $2K!

Dear Family and Friends,
     Peace!
    Everyone who knows me knows that Assumption School in Peekskill is the joy of my heart!  That’s why, I’m taking my joy to the street and walking to St. Patrick’s Cathedral from Peekskill. Not just because Assumption School really, really, needs the financial help, but also in celebration and thanksgiving for the gift of Assumption School!
     On the morning of November 10th, I’ll leave Church of the Assumption for St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers where I will spend the night and, set out for St. Patrick’s on November 11th.  My goal is to offer a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral at 6:30 pm on November 11th.
     My pilgrimage is part of a larger fundraising effort being undertaken by the Assumption School’s Advisory Board-- $105,000 for 105 Years of Assumption School (“105 for 105”). 
I would be most grateful if you would sponsor me as I make this prayerful and celebratory journey.
I ask you, if you can, to sponsor me by making a pledge. I will add your contact information to my sponsor sheet with the amount pledged and Assumption School will send you the invoice. Every little bit can help.
     Your donation will go a long way to helping families hit hard by the economic downturn continue to send their children to Assumption School.
     These are challenging yet grace-filled times and, I know, God can never be outdone in generosity!
Rest assured of my prayers for you every step of my way!
God bless you!
In Christ,
Father John Higgins
PS The walk is 58 miles.
PPS If you’re in the city, maybe you might join me for the Mass in The Lady Chapel?
PPPS Maybe more vigorous types might want to join me for the Friday leg of the walk.
PPPPS As I walk you can follow me on Twitter:   @CatholicPeek

On Becoming Saints

Portion of All Saints,Tapestry from Los Angeles Cathedral

With All Saints’ Day rapidly approaching we might do well to remember that we are all called to sainthood!

Called to sainthood you say?  How could that be?  The saints had beatific visions, they did heroic deeds for the Faith; they emptied themselves of all carnal desires, many even martyred themselves.  How could I ever play in that league?

While it is true that Catholic tradition gives us a whole host of saintly role models for our spiritual journey, it is important to see the saints as just that—companions along the way!  If the true meaning of sainthood is to know God intimately, isn’t that a goal for which we can all strive?

How might we begin?

Well, it all starts with a conversation.  You wouldn’t begin a new friendship without a conversation, why then, would you begin a friendship with God without one?  We accomplish this conversation through prayer, not only talking to God but, listening to Him, being attentive to the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives both in silence—that still, quiet voice inside of us—and also in the midst of our very busy lives.   When we pray, just like when we talk to a friend, we build a relationship—the most important relationship of our lives, the relationship with the One who made us.  Our path to sainthood must start here, for all good things flow from our getting to know Christ better.

Of course, really good friends almost always share a meal at some point!  So, too, with our God.  We are offered the greatest feast known to mankind when we attend Mass.  Frequent reception of the Eucharist strengthens us and gives us a glimpse of the intimate love of our Creator.  It, too, helps us to get to know Him better.  When we are confronted with this mystery that lies at the very heart of our Faith, we can’t possibly help but grow in love for Him just like the saints!

Once we truly know God, we cannot help but be transformed!  All our good works, all our kind words, all our strength to resist the temptation of sin, all our ability to make peace in our hearts, our families and our world—it all flows from this our deepest ,most intimate and crucial relationship.  We can’t do good if we don’t know the goodness that is Christ.  We can’t love fully unless we know the Lover that is Christ!  We simply cannot be saints unless we know Him.

We may not be called to give up our lives to serve the poor like St. Francis or to disappear to the “self” like St. Therese.  We may not cut off all our hair like St. Clare or lay down our life for the Faith like St. Isaac Jogues.  But, we are called to discover our own unique gifts and talents and, find ways to give them over to Christ.  It might be as simple as offering a smile when someone else’s is weak or making a choice to turn the other cheek when we are wronged.  Simple offerings that lead up to big love!  And, ultimately that is what the Saints had to offer…a tremendous love for Christ!

We all have the stuff of sainthood deep within us.  It’s hard wired into our DNA, the footprint of the Creator who is constantly calling us back to Him.  So, why not give it a try?  Begin your journey to sainthood at Catholic Peekskill!  You, and God, will be glad you did.

Mass Schedule for All Saints’ Day: 
Vigil               10/31 at 5:30 pm;
Actual Day:    11/1    at  6:45 am and 10:00 am (with school kids)  and, 7:30 pm (Spanish)

The State of Catholic Peekskill

At all the Sunday Masses on October 15 and 16, 2011, I was grateful to be able to offer a State of the Parish address—grateful because we have a community of Faith that is growing in holiness as evidenced by the record number of people accepting God’s grace through all the Sacraments.  What a gift it is to be able, most especially as Pastor, to have a front-row seat into all the myriad and wonderful ways God is working in the lives or our Parishioners!  But, also, as Pastor, as father and shepherd to the Assumption family, it is important that I make clear the financial picture of our Parish.  It is no secret that these are challenging times; that fact was painfully clear long before folks started to Occupy Wall Street or the many other streets across the country and across the world.   Assumption Church has been feeling the sting of this economy for a few years now.  As you can note from the bulletin reports, our weekly collections are down significantly while our weekly expenses, just like the expenses of every family, have increased. 
  Assumption Parish is a twenty-four seven Parish and, if you have spent even a few moments in our very public Rectory you know that the phone rarely stops ringing.  Thanks be to God!  For we are doing His work, unceasingly and, we are grateful for it!  We want to continue doing it and doing it to the fullest!
Just like any family, we have made significant cutbacks to our budget, requiring staff to take salary cuts and even letting staff members go.  You’ve heard this story time and time again—everyone is cutting back—businesses large and small, local governments and municipalities, everyone.  And, I know, even some of you sitting here have been affected by downsizing companies, losing your own job.   It is hard.
And, yet, I come to you at the same time humbly and boldly to ask that you commit to digging deeper—digging deeper financially to be sure, but digging deeper spiritually as well.  Pray fervently for our parish; God listens and answers prayers; we know that.  And, I ask you to please prayerfully consider carefully my request to participate in our Increased Giving Campaign, Sharing Our Gifts.  To make a real difference, all one family really need do is increase their weekly donation by a small amount.  The Bible speaks of tithing as giving 10% of our gross income to the Church; if all our families were to give 5%, we would be able to meet our expenses and then some.  For our collections to go up 30%, a parishioner who now gives $10 per week would now give $13.  Three dollars more, less than the price of one of those fancy coffees we all enjoy! 
This is our family!  This is our home!  The home where we come to welcome our children into the Christian community, the home where we come to share the Eucharistic feast, the home where we come to wed our beloved and, the home where we tearfully, yet joyfully say good bye to those we love.  We come home to fulfill the greatest desire of our hearts—to know Him better, to serve Him more faithfully, to love Him more deeply!  Our God is worth all we can give.  He cannot be outdone in generosity; what you give to Him will come back to you measure for measure; you can be assured of it!

Happy Feast of St. Francis of Assisi!

Catholic Peekskill celebrated the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi this past Saturday when nearly 50 pets—dogs, cats, birds and even a gecko—gathered along with their owners to receive a special blessing in honor of this patron saint of animals and ecology. 

St. Francis was one of seven children born to a wealthy family in the town of Assisi, Italy in 1182.  His early life was characterized by this privilege but, while serving as a soldier, it is said he had a vision which directed him back to his hometown where he then renounced all his worldliness and went about “emptying” his life, trying in every way possible but, most especially, in his solidarity with the poor, to imitate the life of Christ.
St. Francis founded both the Franciscan Order as well as the Poor Clare Order of religious sisters.  And, we in Catholic Peekskill, have a connection to St. Francis through our friends the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart who helped to found our beloved Assumption School in 1907.
 

Many of the stories that surround the life of St. Francis speak of his love of animals.  He believed that all of nature was a mirror of God and called all creatures his “brothers and sisters.” 
 

And, so, the Church gives us the wonderful tradition of blessing our pets.  Would you believe we can learn a lot from our pets about how to imitate Christ in our own lives?  How about unconditional love?  How about companionship both quiet and playful?  How about service?  How about obedience?  All characteristics of the pet/owner relationship. 

St. Francis taught us so much about peace, forgiveness and the love that transcends all others—the love of Christ!
 

The Blessing of the Animals

Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

Special thanks to Jim Brooks and Audrey Warn for these photos!