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May 22, 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Walking the trails along the ocean and marshes in Atlantic Beach is very rewarding. A symphony of natural sound: ocean’s waves, chirping birds, frolicking rabbits accompanied by a soft breeze between trees, bushes and dunes, added by the scent of flowers and marine vegetation soothes the soul. If you haven’t done it yet, try it. You will like it.

The first reading, chosen for the 6th Sunday of Easter, comes from the Acts of the Apostles. The Jerusalem Council makes the decision that the Gentiles do not have to follow the Mosaic law in order to be admitted to the church. Circumcision and dietary laws are not required of them.

Paul and Barnabas, who strongly advocated for this policy, are now being sent together with Judas and Silas as a dual embassy to inform the Gentile followers of Jesus of the elders’ resolution. In addition, the letter written in Hellenistic historians’ convention, serves as a reminder that Jesus’ movement is guided by the Holy Spirit.

The second reading, with a vision of the holy city of Jerusalem, coming down from heaven, comes from the Book of Revelation. Its imagery is taken from Ezekiel’s vision of New Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40-48). The twelve tribes and the twelve apostles symbolize people of God. The gates of the city, open in all directions and never closed, inform that everyone is welcome. The twelve foundations adorned with twelve precious stones refer to the twelve stones on the breastplate of the high priest. This new Jerusalem, shaped like a tube and illuminated by God’s glory, invokes perfection. The city has no temple because it is no longer needed. From now on, the people experience God directly.

The second reading reminds us that we should not be preoccupied if we get to heaven or not. Instead, we are to concentrate on the fact to what extent we are allowing God to be a part of our lives right now.

Good parents let their children spread their wings and fly without any attempt to possess them. God does the same thing. Jesus has to leave, ascend to heaven, so we can reach a mature faith. In order to do that, a listening heart is needed and not a defensive one. The Holy Spirit will guide us if we let her. In Hebrew and Greek, the Spirit is feminine.
                                                                         ….

Thank you Phuoc-Huu and Khen-Thi Nguyen for inviting me to your home on Mother’s Day. What a festive meal you provided to honor Khen-Thi and all mothers in your family. You know how to throw a party and enjoy it as a close knit family.

Thank you Joseph Salinger for inviting me to dinner. I also enjoyed our time together. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know you better.

People ask me about my hobbies. Besides reading, walking (I used to run), attending performances at opera houses, I also love visiting art museums. Paul Klee’s definition of drawing as “taking a line for walking” speaks to my heart.

With prayers,

Fr. Ryszard

Queridos hermanos y hermanas,

Caminar por los senderos a lo largo del océano y los pantanos en Atlantic Beach es muy gratificante. Una sinfonía de sonidos naturales: olas del mar, canto de pájaros, conejos retozando acompañados de una suave brisa entre árboles, arbustos y dunas, sumado al aroma de las flores y la vegetación marina alivia el alma. Si aún no lo has hecho, prueba eso, te gustará.

La primera lectura, elegida para el VI domingo de Pascua, procede de los Hechos de los Apóstoles. El Concilio de Jerusalén toma la decisión de que los gentiles no tienen que seguir la ley mosaica para ser admitidos en el
iglesia. No se les exige la circuncisión ni las leyes dietéticas.

Pablo y Bernabé, quienes defendieron fuertemente esta política, ahora están siendo enviados junto con Judas y Silas como una doble embajada para informar a los seguidores gentiles de Jesús de la resolución de los ancianos. Además, la carta escrita en Convención de historiadores Helenísticos, sirve como un recordatorio de que el movimiento de Jesús es guiado por el Espíritu Santo.

La segunda lectura, con una visión de la ciudad santa de Jerusalén, descendiendo del cielo, viene del Libro de Revelación. Su imaginería está tomada de la visión de Ezequiel de la Nueva Jerusalén (Ezequiel 40-48). Las doce tribus y los doce apóstoles simbolizan el pueblo de Dios. Las puertas de la ciudad, abiertas en todas direcciones y nunca cerradas, informar que todos son bienvenidos. Los doce Cimientos adornados con doce piedras preciosas se refieren a las doce piedras del Pectoral del sumo Sacerdote. Esta nueva Jerusalén, con forma de tubo e iluminada por la gloria de Dios, invoca la perfección. La ciudad no tiene templo porque ya no se necesita. A partir de ahora, la gente experimenta a Dios directamente.

La segunda lectura nos recuerda que no debemos preocuparnos si llegamos al cielo o no. En cambio, debemos concentrarse en el hecho de hasta qué punto estamos permitiendo que Dios sea parte de nuestras vidas en este momento.

Los buenos padres dejan que sus hijos extiendan sus alas y vuelen sin ningún intento de poseerlos. Dios hace la misma cosa. Jesús tiene que partir, subir al cielo, para que podamos alcanzar una fe madura. Para hacer eso, se necesita un corazón que escuche y no que esté a la defensiva. El Espíritu Santo nos guiará si se lo permitimos. En Hebreo y Griego, el Espíritu es femenino

….

Gracias Phuoc-Huu y Khen-Thi Nguyen por invitarme a su casa el Día de las Madres. Que comida festiva brindaste para honrar a Khen-Thi y a todas las madres de tu familia. Sabes cómo hacer una fiesta y disfrutarla como un familia unida.

Gracias Joseph Salinger por invitarme a cenar. También disfruté nuestro tiempo juntos. fue maravillosa la oportunidad de conocerte mejor.

La gente me pregunta sobre mis aficiones. Además de leer, caminar (solía correr), asistir a funciones en la casa de Opera, también me encanta visitar museos de arte. La definición de dibujo de Paul Klee como “tomar una línea para caminar” habla a mi corazón.

Con oraciones,

P. Ryszard

• UNTIL FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS ARE RECEIVED FROM THE DIOCESE, HOLY COMMUNION WILL NOT BE ADMINISTERED ON THE TONGUE!!!

• During Ordinary Time, Altar Flowers may be given in honor or memory of a loved one.  Please contact Cherie Amedy at the Parish Office, 252-726-3559, for more information.

Faith Formation (Sunday School) 2022-23

(Grades Pre K through High School to include Sacramental Preparations)

Registration for the 2022-23, Faith Formation (Sunday School) Ministry Program will begin on the weekend of August 13-14, 2022, and continue the following weekend, August 20-21, 2022, after all Masses in the Agape Room. 

We are in the process of updating our parish census. We are asking all member families to click on the link below which will take them to a census form where you can make changes in your family listing in our parish directory, ie, address, emails, phone changes, additional children (or removing children who no longer live here, etc. Please do this as soon as possible.

Parish Census Form

Please take a moment to complete the parish registration form by clicking on the link below:

Parish Registration Form

The New Bern Regional Office of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh is offering NEW programs to service our communities:

Senior Pharmacy -- For qualified seniors -- Assistance paying for: Medications related to Chronic Health Conditions; Limited Medical Supplies; and Health Topic Information.

Emergency Assistance -- Emergency Rent or Utility Assistance; Case Management; Job Search and Budgeting

Disaster Assistance -- When Available: Emergency Rent or Utility Assistance; Home Repair; Case Management

502 Middle Street, New Bern 28560

252-638-2188

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM -12 Noon; 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Donate Now at http://www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/donate and Select ``Direct Your Gift: New Bern Deanery

www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/locations/new-bern

Providing Help -- Creating Hope -- Serving All

You can now make your offertory donations online by using the link below.

Access Online Giving