St. Vincent de Paul Church

by Pat Ball

 

Once again this week, the Pharisees try to trick Jesus and, once again, he gives them an answer they don’t expect.  They asked what He thought was the greatest of the commandments and he gave them two.  . . .

Read the rest of Pat Ball’s reflection here.

A Reflection on the Day’s Scriptures: The Vineyard Parables

In the Gospel’s vineyard parable, Jesus tells of a man who builds an exemplary vineyard. He leases it out to tenants. The arrangement is that the tenants will give the owner some of their produce as rent. When the owner sends his servants to collect the produce, the tenants abuse them, killing one of them. Then the owner sends his son. The tenants murder his son as well. Jesus asks, “What will the owner do to these wicked tenants?” The chief priests and elders answer that the owner will kill the tenants and find new ones who will give him the produce due to him. Jesus tells them: “the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”

Applying these parables to myself, I imagine my parents saying, “I’m disappointed in you.” That phrase hurt me more than any punishment. “Look at all we have done for you, and this is how you thank us?”

Read the rest of Jim Casey’s reflection here.

From the Pastor

Reflections on our Covid-imposed pilgrimage and journey.

It’s been just over six months since the coronavirus inserted itself so deeply into our lives. From the beginning we have struggled to find ways to sustain our spiritual lives even as we suffered our distancing from one another. Our faith intimated to us that it might even be possible our spiritual lives could find an opportunity to grow while thrusting down deeper roots.

With thoughtfulness we chose the symbol of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage as a guide for our movements in Church. It was a practical choice, i.e. we needed guidance regarding our movements around church as a safeguard against spreading Covid-19. It was also a spiritual choice because we had the sense our journey through this troublesome time might hold an opportunity to be a pilgrimage for each of us as individuals and for us as the parish-community of St. Vincent’s.

If we see and experience this time as a pilgrimage, there are some things to be on the lookout for and be mindful of.

Read the rest of Pastor Ray Chase’s words HERE.

The parishioners of St. Vincent’s share a deep concern over the crises of abuse and lack of accountability in the Church, and the culture that contributed to this terrible situation. Committed to healing, justice, and peace, we call for, and work towards, the ecclesial and social change we so greatly need. Read information and updates on the work of the Parish and St. Vincent’s Committee on Church Reform 2018.

Vision Statement We, the People of God, are birthing a more transparent and collaborative Church. Mission Statement We show up to initiate and grow transformative, reciprocal, and engaged relationships among laity, religious, and clergy.   We hope to create and sustain meaningful change in the power dynamics and the structure of the Church.   We will work toward the restoration and healing necessary due to the sexual abuse of children by priests and its cover-up.

Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter! Weekly issues feature news about St. Vincent, communications from staff, events at the parish, a reflection or prayer from Fr. Ray, and the readings for the upcoming Sunday.  If you wish to receive This Week @ St. Vincent, use this subscription link to sign up. You can see past issues of the newsletter here.